Like all great things of the past, our Meet the Team series is making a comeback.
Last week, we welcomed Margaret and Autumne. Day after day, these two awesome people have been working hard to learn the ropes. It's a lot to learn, we know, but you'll be pros in no time!

What’s one of your proudest accomplishments? Becoming a mother. Never once did I think something out of my selfish lifestyle could make such a huge impact on me. It changed everything for the better, even on those “bad” days. My son has shown me so much more in his short little life than I could have ever imagined. Seeing and caring for him has made me open my eyes and realize that it’s no longer just about me.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? I completely believe that everything happens for a reason. When I met my soon-to-be father-in-law (after the cordial hellos), he stated without hesitation that once you find someone you'd give up everything for — including dying for them — you know you’ve found true love. That's stuck in my mind for over seven years.

What are your favorite things to do around Roanoke? I’ve been in the area all my life, and I love being here. I love that most of my family is within an hour's drive of me. I love that all of our friends are just a phone call away, and if we want to walk downtown or hit up a few festivals, we always have something going on.

If you could give one piece of advice to a large group of people, what would it be? Coolness fades. Looks fade. Be who you are at this very moment — and love it. Things change quickly, and you never really know what tomorrow will have in store for you.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Everything is temporary. You will not always be fighting with someone you love. You will not always be in a place you loathe. It’s all temporary. Eventually, you'll move up and move out. You’re growing up, not down.

What's one of your biggest passions? Being vegan. There are so many great benefits: It's a clean and healthy diet. It makes you more aware of environmental issues and how to better them. It saves animals' lives.

What are your favorite things to do around Roanoke? I'm from Lynchburg, and just recently moved here. But my favorite things to do around town are visiting all the beautiful hikes and trails, like Dragon’s Tooth, or to going up to Rainbow Tower to see the mountain ranges.

What’s the greatest adventure you’ve ever been on? Last summer, my best friend took me on a three-day trip through D.C., Maryland, Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York for my birthday. I got to experience many places for the first time and fell in love with each city.

Five days have passed since our Grand Opening, and we're still in awe.

The turnout was amazing. The weather was unseasonably beautiful. The energy and excitement were undeniable.

Our Magnets USA family is humbled by the support we've received from our community and trusted business partners. With representatives present from Vinton, Roanoke County and Roanoke City, last week's event solidified our relationship with the entire Roanoke Valley. We wouldn't want to live and work anywhere else!

If you couldn't make it, no worries! The event was covered by WSLS, WDBJ7 and WFIR. Plus, we've got the full photo recap.

Giving LifeLong Cutlery as your next closing gift? While our knives are great on their own, you can go the extra mile with some perfect, indulgent pairings! Your new homeowners will appreciate the added thoughtfulness, and your business will benefit from the memorable referral.

So if you're ready to become the master of gift-giving, we've put together some quick and simple ideas for you:

1. Cheese knife — pair with a selection of locally produced cheeses and a complementary wine. Not a connoisseur? You can still look like one with this helpful cheese and wine pairing guide.

2. Sandwich knife (center) — gift with bagels and cream cheese from your go-to bagel shop. If your clients are new to the area, they'll appreciate you introducing them to a favorite local business.

3. Bread knife — pair with homemade bread from your community farmers market and a bottle of flavored olive oil. You can also gift it with an Amish Friendship Bread starter bag. Designed to be shared, friendship bread is a great way for your homeowners to meet their new neighbors!

4. Chef knives — Complement these culinary workhorses with a beautiful cookbook or a subscription to a cooking magazine, like Bon Appétit or Food & Wine. Your clients will be eager to show off new creations — and their LifeLong Cutlery — to friends and family.

Magnets USA celebrates 25th anniversary with move to Vinton

VINTON - Jan. 30, 2015 - Well-versed in the needs of real estate agents, one Roanoke-based company has had its own share of property dealings recently.

Earlier this month, Magnets USA, producer of more than 20 million magnetized marketing products annually, made the move from Connecticut Avenue in Roanoke to a new home in Vinton.

The transition, which required an exhaustive, six-month renovation of the old Grumman Fire Truck building, means 70 percent more space for production.

“We have been bursting at the seams,” said President Alan Turner, who joined his brother’s company in 1995. “We now have room to reorganize our processes, improve quality, speed delivery times and improve employee and customer satisfaction.”

Turner, along with the company’s 60 full-time employees, is eager to see what the extra breathing room will yield.

“It opens up a huge door to possibilities we could only dream of before,” Turner said. “I believe the creativity and ingenuity of our employees will be unleashed in our new facility. It’s like we are breaking out of a box.”

Jennifer Beishir, programs manager and Vinton resident, sees the move as an asset to the town and the local economy.

“With so many companies moving out of the Roanoke Valley,” Beishir said, “how could you not be excited that not only are we growing, but we have decided to stay in the Valley and add growth to an amazing corner of it?”

Though its client base comes primarily from the real estate industry, Magnets USA services the Chicago Bears, the Salem Red Sox, Kid Rock Enterprises, Burning Man, FloydFest, the American Quilter’s Association and many local schools. In November, Magnets USA donated 500 commemorative fundraiser magnets to the Roanoke Rescue Mission’s Drumstick Dash.

“In the early days, we really just needed warehouse space and room for our customer service team,” said Dale Turner, who founded the company in 1990 and serves as president of marketing and sales. “Now we produce everything. Our new facility gives us all that, plus room to expand our product lines.”

Products range from magnetic calendars and sports schedules to custom magnets and business cards. Last year marked the launch of their premium closing and corporate gift, LifeLong Cutlery.

In 2010, Magnets USA was named Small Business of the Year by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.

A grand opening is slated for March.

Our new contact center.

When you're stressed or just too busy, mailing 500 marketing pieces is the last thing you want to do, right?

So we do it for you.

From stuffing and sealing to addressing and shipping your envelopes, we’re dedicated to making your life easier — all for about $1 per contact!

We can even help you create a targeted mailing list, so you can reach more people and generate stronger leads. So do yourself a favor, and choose our comprehensive mailing services today. Your busy schedule will thank you — and so will we!

What our customers are saying about our full mailing services:

My magnets arrived yesterday, and they are perfect! A co-agent received hers as well, and I must admit that I am envious of the outstanding job Magnets USA did with addressing and stuffing her magnets. I will surely use that service with my next order. Thank you for your help in expediting our orders. We are thrilled!
Lovelle Blitch, RE/MAX

I recommend your mailing services to other agents, because it's hassle-free and saves me a ton of time and money.
John Pate, RealtySouth