PROMOTION
adlib MARIN ADVERTISERS SPEAK UP
David Kasten,
general manager
at Creative
Energy
Approaching our 40th
anniversary serving Marin
County, Creative Energy
is a retailer, installer and
service provider for both
spas and fireplaces. The
bulk of our business is with
HotSpring Spas and Travis
Industries Fireplaces. We
started building wooden hot tubs with thermal solar packages and heat
exchangers in Novato in 1976. Now we have four locations and continue to
provide the best service possible to our customers.
Briefly describe your business philosophy.
Take care of both your customers and your employees, and they will take
care of you. Hire great people and find a spot for them — even if you
don’t have one.
What is your competitive edge?
First off we believe our products are superior. Having a contractor’s license
allows us to do most everything in-house. We have more experience in our
fields than our competition does.
Describe your dream client/customer.
The best customers are advocates of Creative Energy. Those that we have
served well and tell their neighbors.
Your thoughts regarding working with a spouse, family or partner?
I commute most days with my father to work. He is both my mentor and
tormentor. I would not have it any other way. His ethics are so inspiring to
me. (Pictured left to right: David, John and John Kasten)
Which product or service (that you offer) is your favorite?
I love gas fireplace inserts. All of our customers who have one installed say
the only regret is they did not do it sooner.
What makes your work worthwhile?
Knowing we are making a difference in our customers’ and employees’
lives and to provide a living for 40-plus people.
CREATIVE ENERGY SPAS AND FIREPLACES, 3815 REDWOOD HW Y, SAN
RAFAEL, 415.472.7727, INFO@CREATIVEENERGY.COM, CREATIVEENERGY.COM
Chris Michna, owner of California Sofa
California Sofa specializes in custom sofas, sectionals, headboards and
chairs, with modern, transitional and classic styles. First choose the style,
then a configuration (to the inch if needed), and then the fabric or choice
of leather. Production is typically two to three weeks, with some jobs
needing four to five weeks. Everything is made in California.
Is a custom sofa expensive?
The cost of a custom California Sofa is very affordable. People typically
associate custom with a high price tag. When customers come to
California Sofa they are pleasantly surprised by the affordability.
Can someone create their own style?
We do this all the time. Customers will come to the showroom with images
of different styles and we will create something that will incorporate
certain features from different styles. The process is fun and creative and
not cost prohibitive.
What is the fabric and leather selection like?
California Sofa offers more than 2,500 fabrics and several hundred leathers.
There are several grades of fabric. Depending on which grade is selected
this will determine final
cost. Customers are
also welcome to bring
in their own fabric
for orders.
Can sleepers be added
to a sofa?
Sleepers can be added
to almost all of our
models for a nominal
charge. We can also
add a sleeper to
a sectional.
Why purchase from California Sofa?
Basically, we offer a quality product at an affordable price with great
attention to detail. All pieces are made in California with a quick
production time.
CALIFORNIA SOFA, 993 EAST FRANCISCO BLVD, SAN RAFAEL, 415.454.7632,
INFO@CALSOFA.COM, CALSOFA.COM
