Women | thesofiamagazine

Sofia Style–The Savvy Satchel

by JeanAnn Taylor | Feb 28, 2020 | Asheville, Fashion, Style, Women

By JeanAnn Taylor

I have too many satchels. Why? For some reason, they are irresistible to me. And I’m not alone. Many, many of us have a stash of tote bags. With the variety of sizes, designs, and styles available, you can find one to accommodate just about any purpose. Tote bags are versatile, functional, cute, and they have appealing organizational features. Handy pockets can be found on the inside as well as the outside of many designs.

Satchels, or tote bags, are an all-purpose, sturdy-handled bag with hundreds of potential uses. They can be used as gym bags, shopping bags, gift bags, or beach bags. They can hold everything from yarn and crochet hooks to laptops to dance shoes. One of the biggest problems with totes is—where to store your collection. The trunk of your car? Your closet? Underneath your bed? I know of people who need large totes to store their small totes! Totes bags are definitely a must-have accessory.

One enticing feature of satchels is that they come in every material imaginable: canvas, cotton, leather, and even lace. Of course the heavier the fabric, the more durable your tote will be. This “bag of bags” is also notable because of it’s reusable quality. We can avoid using plastic shopping bags by simply carrying a tote with us.

One tip for totes is to clean them regularly. They can become quite dirty when used often. To keep them free of bacteria and other nasty germs, machine wash if possible. If washing is not an option, wipe off with antibacterial wipes.

With such a fashionable as well as functional item, the question is; can you really have too many totes?

Meet local Jazz Singer Julie McConnell

by Peggy Ratusz | Feb 28, 2020 | Asheville, Music, Musician, Women

By Peggy Ratusz

For this sensual, intentional and emotive Jazzebelle singer and pianist, Julie McConnell, the music gene dates far back and on both sides of her family tree. Her older brother Jack was a successful classical singer by the time he was 15. Her father played piano and her mom sang in choirs most of her life. Her paternal grandfather played double bass in big bands here in Asheville during the 1930’s and 40’s, and her maternal grandfather was a crooner and played mountain music with his six brothers in Bent Mountain, VA.

How/when did you discover you had the music gene?

“I knew I was meant to be creative and when I was five, it looked like I was to be a dancer. I was quite good. But I longed to learn to play the music I danced to. We had a beat-up, painted-green piano with no bench. I would stand at that piano and pick out melodies. Though I desperately wanted piano lessons, my parents wanted me to stay focused on dance. So, I decided to learn on my own. I found an erasable marker and labeled the keys with numbers one through eight over and over until every key was labeled. After dance class, I’d hit the piano and try to figure out the melody I had heard that day. This led me to writing songs. When my parents realized what I was doing, they had me play some of my pieces, and within two weeks I was taking piano lessons. By ninth grade, I was a musician.”

Talk about your mentors

“Kathy Coe, my piano teacher, the choral and theater director at our church, Marvin Williams, were my early years’ mentors. My brother was in the choir which made me want to be a part of the choir too, but I was only ten years old. So I learned the alto arias from The Messiah and sang them for anyone who would listen. Within a month, Marvin invited me to join the adult choir. I sang with them until I left for college.

By the time I got to high school, following in my brother’s footsteps became very difficult. I realized I wanted to be recognized more for playing the piano. Maggie Hawks, the Junior High and High School Choral & Drama teacher believed in me. I had a freakish ability to learn difficult pieces without being able to “read” that well, and I was a wonderful harmony singer. I might not have been in every choral group in high school without her confidence in my abilities.

Four colleges offered me vocal scholarships, including my Alma Mater Appalachian State University. I was singing professionally by the time I was 17, and I won Vocal Student of the year at my high school. Convinced that voice and singing was my destiny, I’ve never looked back.”

What led you to Jazz music?

“At most colleges in the late 70’s and early 80’s you couldn’t major in any other genre but classical. So after struggling to survive financially being a professional classical singer, I delved into musical theater again with big bands and combo groups, and this soon expanded and changed almost exclusively into Jazz.”

What do you ultimately hope to achieve as an artist?

“It’s important for me to stay relative in the local music scene. My destiny is to sing and help others reach their vocal and musical goals. As long as those two things are my compass, I’m happy. I taught music and choral privately and in public schools, and I found it as rewarding as it was for me to perform. Since moving back to WNC, I teach at Haywood Community college, and my husband and I have a private music studio: McConnell’s Music, in Pisgah Forest.”

Who are your current band members?

“I’m fortunate to have a smokin’ hot four-piece band! They speak my language and can create the space I need to deliver. Bill Gerhardt, piano, Chris Beyt, guitar, Bryan McConnell, my very talented husband is on bass and Justin Watt, drums.”

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.

“I’m down to earth and accessible, but also a private person. I’ve learned how to save some for myself. Everyone likes praise but I’m not driven by the need for “followers.” If what I sing resonates with someone, then I’m happy to hear it. I tell the audience stories about my life and I risk being vulnerable because that’s what makes a song mean something and allows it to be felt by all.”

What advice would you give a female Jazz musician starting out?

“It’s work. You have to know you HAVE to do it. The more honest you are about your strengths and shortcomings, the sooner neither will hold power over you. People attend concerts to feel and to relate. Keep this front and center and your ego in check. Give from your heart, be generous, and you’ll be successful and fulfilled.”

The Julie McConnell Quintet has a show on Saturday, March 7th at the DFR Room in Brevard starting at 8pm. For details, visit her website. And for voice and piano lessons, as well as learning about and registering for the vocal workshops Julie facilitates, visit the website or email her at [email protected]

Website link: mcconnellsmusic.com

Facebook link: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100030654901658

Peggy Ratusz – Living the life doing what she loves most

by admin | Feb 28, 2020 | Asheville, Music, Musician, Women

A well established presence in the Asheville music scene since 2002, Jazz and Blues Chanteuse Peggy Ratusz performs an infectious, sultry, multi-layered brand of original, traditional and modern Blues, Soul and Jazz. While influences such as Ray Charles, Connie Evingson, Joan Osborne and Bonnie Raitt are evident, it can’t be denied that her unique style and voice are one of a kind. She and her backing bands are particularly impressive during live performances where audiences are warmed by the glow of her shine. Inspired by the rhythm, the melodies and content of the stories she tells, every drop of emotion is authentic and shows all who are present, that she’s a willing servant to the music she writes and covers.

For over forty years, opportunities have come her way that have landed her on television shows, radio, festival line ups, theaters, bars, restaurants, benefits, private events and showcases. She spent seven years based in Tucson, Arizona where she toured the West in a folk rock trio from 1979 to 1985. Audiences began to experience the richness, power and emotion of her voice evoking positive reviews and acclaim. In 1985 she moved to “the live music capital of the world ” a.k.a. Austin, Texas and stepped into the Blues pool fronting a 4-pc Chicago Blues style band called The Bootleggers. She performed at popular clubs in Austin such as The Steam Boat, The Black Cat Lounge, 311 Club, Babe’s and Maggie Mae’s. Throughout the 1990’s she was also a featured entertainer in show bands such as Hot Wax, Apollo Soul and The Copy Cats, covering Motown and Soul music from the 60’s and 70’s and 80’s.

In November of 2002, she moved to Western North Carolina and now makes her home in Fletcher. “Listening is the most important aspect about creating music people need to hear. It enables us to lift each other up as musicians on stage together, which in turn gives us the opportunity to fearlessly stretch ourselves beyond what we thought we were capable of doing.” The talented musicians, who share the stage with her, agree.

The 2000’s have been banner years for this still very young 62 year old singer and musician. An original track from her freshman CD, “Sexual High” was picked by Jomar Records and is featured on the compilation CD, National Women in Blues. Her live version of Memphis Slim’s I’m Lost Without You featuring Duane Simpson on acoustic guitar is on the 12th Volume of WNCW’s Crowd Around the Mic CD. She and her bands have been voted Best in Blues for 10 years, the last 4 in a row (2016-2019) and in 2008, 2010 and 2016, Peggy was a semi-finalist in the most prestigious Blues competition in the world, The International Blues Challenge held for the past 36 years in Memphis, TN.

In early 2010, Peggy officially released her sophomore album, Infused with the Blues which features 23 of Asheville’s best instrumentalists and vocalists. Kellin Watson, Paula Hanke, Ron Clearfield, Mike Barnes, River Guerguerian, Jonathan Scales, Rhoda Weaver, Duane Simpson, Joey Katkowski, Rob Geisler and more. All gifted musicians and singers, she calls friends. In 2011 she opened for the Tedeschi Trucks Band at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. Ratusz has also shared the stage with or opened for The Beach Boys, Taj Mahal, Bernard Allison, Denise LaSalle, Candye Kane, Bob Margolin, Geff Achison, Kellin Watson and Shannon Whitworth.

She’s performed at The Bull Durham Blues Festival, Chattanooga’s Riverbend Festival, Carolina Blues Festival, Women In Blues Festival, End of Summer Blues Festival, The Green Swan Festival, Bele Chere and area venues such as The Orange Peel, Isis Restaurant & Music Hall, The Grey Eagle Music Hall, Ambrose West, Jack of the Wood, 5 Walnut and Tressa’s Downtown Jazz & Blues.

Women Who Made Music History Concerts, LLC is her latest endeavor, co-producing and co-starring with local vocalist, Paula Hanke. Since 2016, the pair has successfully aligned themselves within the Performing Arts circuit, garnered a booking agent out of NYC and are currently touring one of their shows, Love is a Rose, that celebrates super star, Linda Ronstadt. www.loveisaroselive.com

An advocate for area and touring musicians, she’s booked bands and singer-songwriters at area bars and restaurants including Jack of the Wood, The Block off Biltmore and Tressa’s Downtown Jazz & Blues. For two years, she hosted a bi-monthly Female Artist Spotlight Night at Tressa’s Jazz & Blues which were paid showcases for women artists of all genres from novice to professional. For several years, she was a teen band music mentor for several area youth bands and is now a volunteer at Girls Rock Asheville. For the past 15 years, Peggy has been a sought after vocal coach,
and her monthly feature, Women Making Music has graced the pages of SOFIA.

Playin’ it forward is the philosophy by which she lives. To be lucky enough to make a living doing what she loves the most and does the best is not something this ruby throated Blues Mama, ever takes for granted.

Peggy Ratusz is a vocal coach,
song interpreter, and songwriter.
For vocal coaching email her at
[email protected]

Love Stories: Couples make sweet music together

by Peggy Ratusz | Jan 31, 2020 | Asheville, Love Stories, Musician, Women

By Peggy Ratusz

Since its Valentine’s month, I reached out to several area twosomes who make beautiful music together, both on and off stage.

Where and how they met

Nicole and Spiro Nicolopoulos (The Paper Crowns) met at a music store in California. Both instructors there, their relationship developed into a secret office romance. Multi-instrumentalist/songwriter, Eleanor Underhill’s (Underhill Rose) initial crush came and went, by the time she actually started dating guitarist/singer/songwriter Silas Durocher (Get Right Band). Drummer/percussionist Nancy Asch and pianist Beth Heinberg met in Boston 28 years ago. Their first encounter happened at an audition they both attended for a spot in a queer cabaret band. Nancy questioned Beth: ‘Can you commit?’ and that’s all she wrote. “We’re not entirely sure when we first met,” acknowledges cellist, singer-songwriter Melissa Hyman of The Moon & You, a duo she shares with husband, guitarist singer-songwriter, Ryan Furstenberg. Jazz musicians, Wendy Jones (vocals) and Rick Dilling (drums) met in 1991 but opposite trajectories prevented any true connection until 2010. Like Leigh Glass and Corey Bullman (guitarists/singer songwriters) of Devils in Dust, Wendy hired Rick to play drums for a recording and Leigh hired Corey to fill in on guitar for a show. Scintillating serendipity eventually ensued. Sometimes it’s musician friends who bring couples together. It was bassist Dave Mac that set romance in motion for parents of three boys, Marisa and Josh Blake. A drummer friend stoked the flame for two-year-old Eva’s mommy and daddy, who happen to be Nikki Talley and Jason Sharp.

Inspirations

The Nicolopoulos’s bonded over Jimi Hendrix. Both Strat players, they are drawn to his psychedelic sound and out of the box rhythm guitar artistry. “We constantly find ourselves inspired by the same artists,” says Dilling about him and Jones. They listen to recordings together and discuss what the other appreciates: vocal technique, feel, comping patterns or “the elusive sound of Tony Williams’ dang cymbals.” Wendy adds with a chuckle.” For Nancy and Beth? Joni Mitchell is their cat’s name, if that tells you anything. “We both dig her poetry, obviously, and Nancy has been obsessed with her since summer camp as a kid.”

Collaborations and Co-Writing

Eleanor and Silas collaborate together and with others. She says, “Anytime I’m collaborating, I’m more open and communicative and cautious of others feelings.” He says, “Collaborating brings certain things to the table: ideas or predilections, strengths and weaknesses that inspire me in different ways. It’s helpful to know what the final vision is, who’s in charge of steering the ship toward it. We are passionate about each other’s projects; but ultimately we respect the choice each one makes for their own art.” When Corey and Leigh co-write, “One of us has an idea for a song worked out. Then we work it together.” Leigh tends to be driven by lyrics and Corey pays attention to the arrangement. But for Melissa and Ryan, “It’s common for us to work out arrangements through experimentation onstage.” It’s important to them “to keep levity in our creative collaborations.” “I am the songwriter by default,” says Nikki Talley. “We arrange together so we know what each is hearing. Once we figure out the song skeleton we go to our separate corners and work out details appropriate for each tune.” Beth and Nancy “like to work with musicians who are good listeners, flexible and fun to be with.” Their co-creation with Beth’s sister Sarah Kim called The Honey Music Collective teams up talented female players and singers for showcases and dance party nights. Nicole and Spiro lift up the community indeed and in 2019 alone, hired 35 area musicians for their groups, Grateful Asheville Music Experience and the Very Jerry Band. Spiro says, “It keeps things fun and fresh to play with different people, oftentimes on the fly. Nicole looks “for people who appreciate working together and share a mutual respect.”

Touring and Delegating

Marisa Blake says, “I keep our family on schedule and Josh can fold some mean laundry. Our kids are lucky to have him as a father. He cares and he’s present.” Talley and Sharp say they don’t have time for burnout. “Being partners in all aspects of our lives 24/7 is tough. We unwind from the road when we come home to the mountains.” They split parenting duties, “Giving the other time to work on a song.” Seeing it through their daughter’s eyes has been a sweet, new perspective. Glass and Bullman admit, “We don’t always agree musically, but there is baseline trust in the other person’s vision. We make all decisions together (even though Corey says Leigh’s the boss and Leigh says Corey’s the boss.) For Wendy and Rick, “We check in with each other once a week over Sunday breakfast to confirm schedules. We’re a good fit.”

Special project

IamAvl is the brainchild of Josh Blake and is a platform that integrates video production, in-studio recording sessions (Echo Sessions) and live performances into one seamless channel for the creation of high-quality content. Established in 2012 (Marisa was pregnant with their youngest) with the intention to preserve, promote the growing music culture in WNC, which Josh noticed starting to take shape as a modern day cultural renaissance. Marisa joined the team a few years later. “My role revolves around Echo Sessions. I am the host, camera operator and facilitate hospitality. Josh manages daily operations, works with bands and venues getting live-streams and productions setup, and dreaming the endeavor into the future. IamAvl would be nothing without the crew that has been working for years to put the local scene
on the map.”

How it feels to perform together on stage

Hyman and Furstenberg say, “Our onstage partnership is a microcosm of the larger relationship; we get an intensive in communication, helping each shine even if it means getting out of the way.” Nicole proclaims, “There’s nothing more satisfying then playing together in an organic way where we’re both aware of our dynamic and can take the music to nuanced spaces.” Beth and Nancy gush, “It’s the best feeling in the world when the audience is right there with you. Sometimes that’s a crowd of nursing home residents; other times dancing fools in a crazy loud bar.” “We’ve been playing so long together that if feels completely natural,” explains Leigh Glass. “However, there are times when it gets mushy, particularly during an autobiographical tune we wrote together about falling in love.” Rick feels pride when he performs with Wendy. “I like observing the reaction of the audience when Wendy sings a ballad.” For Wendy, “He knows how to challenge me and make me sound good. What’s not to love?” Mrs. Blake comes clean, “If we are being honest with the lovers out there, it’s not always perfect. Josh and I butt heads sometimes when we are recording or if I am writing a tune and he makes a suggestion I don’t like. But in general, we both feel lucky to make art together.” Eleanor’s wise words, “One of the challenges about being in a relationship with another musician is that you’re always talking about your work. One of the best things about being in a relationship with another musician is that you’re always talking about your work.” Talley’s poignant perspective, “There are moments when I shut my eyes and let the music wash over me. It becomes more than a gig. It’s religion; knowing the sounds enchanting you are being made by your love, is beyond words.”

marisablake.com

iamavl.com

joshblakemusic.com

devilsindust.com

themoonandyou.com

wendyljonesmusic.com

nikkitalley.com

facebook.com/pg/honeymusiccollective/posts

thepapercrowns.com

Spotlight on Christine Breininger

by Peggy Ratusz | Dec 31, 2019 | Asheville, Musician, Vocal Coach, Women

By Peggy Ratusz

Where would we be without our local, live music lovers? Live music fans are cultural catalysts, for sure. Research says that those who attend concerts are generally happier and healthier people. In Asheville, there are a plethora of rosy-cheeked devotees who spread the word and plan their weekends around who is playing where. But, there is a queen among these enthusiasts, and I feel it’s time to shine a spotlight on the one and only, crazy and fabulous, mega advocate, Christine OntheScene!

You’re probably familiar, acquainted, or friends with the red-headed firecracker whose given name is Christine Breininger. If you haven’t met her, then be delightfully forewarned: sparks from her vivacious and exuberant personality will surely fly when you do.

That’s what happened to me 15 years ago when I first met Chris at a local pub in Hendersonville. A friend brought her in for dinner on a night that my blues band, The Daddy Longlegs was playing in the lounge. On our first break she approached me with urgency, calling out to me, “Hey! You are fabulous! Where did you come from? I’m so glad I came here tonight! I think we could be great friends!” With her infectious laugh and unabashed overture, I knew I’d just met a friend for life.

Christine deserves this recognition because she’s the type of super-fan that helps make livelihoods thrive. She epitomizes community cultural and arts patronage; namely, the live, local, music scene.

Hendersonville singer-songwriter, Eric Congdon christened her “Christine Onthe Scene” a few years back, inspired by her tireless and thoughtful, colorful posts on Facebook and Instagram that to this day consist of high praise for, and video snippets of bands and solo artist’s shows and gigs she attends as well as creative, grassroots marketing strategies she implements to promote upcoming events. Today she’s revered as the champion for musicians, bands and vocalists. Practically anyone who plays regularly in town knows they can count on Christine to cultivate a crowd. We shared a lovely conversation, and the gist of it consisted of the following questions:

Your championing of musicians, bands and singers from every genre and generation started how and why? “Eight years ago, my path began to shift. With the end of my marriage and an abrupt change in my fifteen year career as a math and science teacher, I simultaneously realized I needed a new start. After I moved here from Florida, I went into semi-retirement but knew I had to try new things to figure out what was next for me.

When I was a kid, all I liked to listen to was rock music. The night I met you at Cypress Cellar was the catalyst, reigniting a passion for music that lay dormant and lost in me since my teen years. I heard your style of music and it touched my soul. You introduced me to dozens of other musicians and it moved that something inside me that had long been put away. What with being in academia, a teacher, wife, and stepmother, I thought that was the path I’d always be on.

And yes, now I promote, support, and share my joy for many genres. My motivation to continue comes from a yearning to inspire more people to get up and get out so they can experience what I experience. If I can get one person to go to one show to hear one band, then I’ve done the community and my heart a good turn.”

Your reputation has garnered requests for collaborating. In particular, a new business called Asheville Explore Tours employs you as a part time music blogger. How did that happened?

“Former 98.1 radio Disc Jockey, Heather Hogsed mentioned me to the owner and operator of Asheville Explore Tours, Kristin Shelly. Heather graciously described me as ‘The Music Guru of Asheville’ and felt our alignment would enhance AET’s structure. The model for Kristin’s business is guided van tours where clients customize their trips to popular locations and events that interest them. When Kristin and I met, it was a passion for entertainment promotion that inspired the inclusion of my music blog on her website. The blog informs potential customers who together with Kristin, plan an evening’s music-related tour. Chauffeuring riders to concerts and music events within the city is an element to her business called, Music After Dark.”

Seems to me, it all began when you started taking tip jars around to collect gratuity for whatever act at whatever venue you were there to hear. You’re still doing it. What’s your secret when soliciting tips?

“For one thing, if a venue doesn’t allow a tip jar or someone to take a tip jar around, I respect it though I totally disagree with the practice of not allowing a band to have a tip jar. People can be shy or apprehensive about getting up and putting money in a tip jar. Those instances where it’s appropriate, I approach patrons with authentic spirit and my intention is not to intrude, but to share with them how a particular act is helping me feel right then, that night. “What a band, right? Gosh I admire their expertise, don’t you? Can you believe this show is free (or can you believe you only paid $5) to hear this incredible music?” When the person drops money in the jar, I offer a hug or a kiss on the cheek and these days, if I forget a hug or a kiss on the cheek, they let me know it!” Like I always say, it’s all about love.”

facebook.com/christine.breininger.96?ref=br_rs

ashevilleexploretours.com/asheville
musicblog

Peggy Ratusz is a vocal coach, song interpreter, and songwriter. For vocal coaching email her at [email protected]

Jennifer Bullman Jones–Bullman Heating & Air, Inc.–One Big Family!

by Sandi Tomlin-Sutker | Dec 3, 2019 | Asheville, Leadership, Women

Since growing up in her parents’ business and living her youth in Asheville, Jennifer didn’t want or expect to move back here after college. But life, as it often does, arranged things in a different way.

Her parents started Bullman Heating & Air in 1993; Dad worked at it full time, and Mom worked a regular job during the day and helped him at night. They started out in a tiny trailer with one truck. When Jennifer was only 12 years old, she began working in the business every day after school; her main job was typing—on an actual typewriter—job proposals her dad created. She also answered phones and made appointments. A focus on work and success was something she saw in her parents and something she emulated herself from that early age.

In 1999 she graduated from North Buncombe High School and went off to college at UNC-Charlotte. “Back then Asheville wasn’t like it is now (I love it now) and it was not where I thought I’d get married and raise my family.” But in her first year in Charlotte, she met her future husband, Chris Jones, a first-round draft pick right out of high school who played for the Giants in the minor leagues. “I was one of those who said I wasn’t getting married till I was 30 . . . I think my dad even had me sign a contract about that! Two months after we met, Chris proposed, and we married a year later.”

They traveled together for a couple of years after college, living in several places—like Louisiana, Maryland—every few months until in 2003 he was traded to the Rockies which brought him to Asheville to play for the Tourists. Back home, Jennifer thought it was great to be near her family again. It had been hard for her to get a job since they moved about every six months, so she went back to work for her family business, which included her brother, Branson. At the end of that baseball season, she was pregnant and decided not to go back to Charlotte where they usually spent the off season. Her husband left for spring training, but she stayed behind in Asheville, not wanting to travel while pregnant. Then he decided to retire right before their first daughter, Mckenzie, was born; he got a job locally while she continued to work for Bullman, where she’s been ever since.

During that time a lot of changes happened: her parents got divorced and her mom left the business. Jennifer moved into the role of office manager with a lot more on her plate, including a second daughter, Madelyn. Dad was still in the role of owner/president and her brother was in sales. But in 2012 their dad decided to retire and hand the business over to his daughter and son. From then until about two months ago, Jennifer was Vice President and Branson was President. “Then he decided to go a different route and pursue his music career. I am now owner/president and it’s been great. My biggest worry was that the employees might not like a woman boss. I was a woman running a heating and air business within the construction industry. I had been in a management role but not a full owner.”

Partly because she has an “open door” policy with her 50 employees and partly because many of them had seen her grow up and grow with the business: “Everyone has been very receptive of me running things. They feel they can come in and talk with me about their lives. A lot of people who are managers now have been with the business for 20-25 years. We also have customers who have been with us for years and also watched me grow up. We are one big family!”

And speaking of family, Jennifer and her husband have raised two daughters, now 15 and 12 who have also grown up seeing a successful mom and dad. “I want them to be proud of me. I tell them: You make your own money, make your own way. Don’t marry a doctor, BE a doctor!”

When each of them was born Jennifer didn’t take them to daycare right away. “They came to work with me every day, and my 15-year-old now comes in after school when she is available to help out. When our 12-year-old needs money, I tell her to come to work and earn some.”

Bringing babies to work, especially in a male-dominated business, might seem difficult to carry off. But, “Employees were happy to see the girls. We had a huge office with a playpen. My service manager at the time actually helped me change diapers! I would sometimes put the babies in file cabinets while I was filing. I have videos and photos of them running around the office; everyone loved it.” And
that contributed even more to the “One Big Family” feeling.

And surely that has contributed to Jennifer’s full life: she’s been married 18 years this coming January; her girls are active in sports: travel volleyball and they play for Biltmore Volleyball Academy. Her oldest also plays softball and they both are straight A students. “We normally go to a game or practice after work. We’re very proud of them. Our oldest, now a sophomore, is preparing to go to Chapel Hill for college when the time comes. She’s always thinking about building her college credits.”

Meanwhile Bullman Heating & Air continues to build and maintain its strong reputation for quality and service. “We’re very picky in our installation. Look at our duct work and it looks like art. I’ll only hire people who do it our way: right the first time. There are lots of ways to pass code, but that’s not our way, the Bullman way. It’s got to be perfect. My dad taught us that.”

Meanwhile, they have been voted best in WNC for the last six years. They have three departments: new construction, change outs, and service. They cover all of WNC and are also licensed in TN and SC. Jennifer says that while they could grow more, add more employees, she wants to keep the business about the size it is now to maintain that family feeling.

“My dad was hard on me growing up; he pushed me and told me, one day you’re going to take over the business and I want you to be able to do it well. I had no plans to be here, but now I can’t imagine life anywhere else.”

Jennifer Bullman Jones
[email protected]
Bullman Heating & Air, Inc.
bullmanheating.com
828-658-2468

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