It fell to project manager, Matt Skinner, to implement the homeowners' wish to give their semi-tract kitchen in Calabasas a streak of flare, something special, and definitely something different.

The design phase took three months to complete, and the construction phase used the better part of the summer. The homeowners first worked with designers from McHugh Perkins Designs to create just the right combinations that gave their kitchen the look and feel they wanted. The designers, known for their creative use of stone, combined limestone counter tops, hand-painted mosaic tiles behind the cook top, marble floors with black granite inlays, with a custom sink made from soapstone mined and carved in Connecticut. The soapstone sink was then hand rubbed with mineral oils to bring out its rich dark luster and sheen.

"Essentially, we took a vanilla, polyester kitchen and transformed it into an elegant, contemporary and inviting center of the home," Matt Skinner said. "The richness of the stonework coupled with the unique design has created a gathering place for all members of this family. These transformations are what makes the extra effort all worthwhile."

Plaskoff Construction Publishing Referral Directory

Matt Plaskoff is expanding his personal experience with referrals to a new level.

"Over the years, our clients have been incredible about referring business to us," Matt said. "That sparked an idea: I'd like to reciprocate more than I've been able to in past years. I try to refer clients to one another, but often I am not certain exactly what their field of medicine, law or other business is. By the same token, I bet not all our clients know that we take on small projects, or provide design/build from concept to construction, as well as complete custom home construction."

To address this, Plaskoff Construction is compiling a directory of all its clients who would like to participate. Once published, copies will be mailed to Plaskoff's clients and associates.

"This is a pre-qualified list of professionals," Matt said. "I have personal knowledge of either their professional abilities, or of their personal character and I do not hesitate to recommend them to my clients and vendors."

If you are a past client and perhaps misplaced your invitational letter, please contact Matt to be included in the summer referral directory. The current directory will be printed by April.

Vendor Roundtable Group Formed

Matt Plaskoff and his vendors are forming a group with the purpose of mentoring and learning from one another.

"I've had my share of successes and made my share of mistakes in business," said Matt Plaskoff, whose idea it was to meet. "I know others have made mistakes, and have had successes. By sharing our business expertise with one another, we'll all grow professionally."

• Topics in upcoming meetings will include:
• Hiring: How to hire effectively
• Customer Service: How to better serve customers
• Finance: How to read your bottom line correctly
• Marketing: What works, and what doesn't
• Strategic Planning: Why a plan is so important

Just one more way Plaskoff Construction improves its operations and efficiency for its clients...

• Thank you to Tom Mankiewicz for his continued repeat business.
• Thank you to Patricia Herskovic, Jack Freedman and Neal and Ann Eiflen who referred Karen Krasney and Dennis McCarthy of Los Angeles, CA.
• Thank you to Don and Linda Kaplan who referred Bob and Harlene Horowitz of Pacific Palisades, CA.
• Thank you to Bob and Laura Audell for their repeat business.
• Thank you to Gary Kress for his repeat business.

Thanks to all of you who have referred others with whom we are currently discussing projects. We'll keep you posted and acknowledge you in our newsletter when contracts are signed.