Friday, December 12, 2025

Around Town ~ Jay Hodge Chevrolet

 



        For the past ten years Jay Hodge has been a pillar in the Sulphur Springs community.  Staff members have been active in local community organizations such as the North East Texas Symphony League, Kiwanis or as an event signature sponsor.  This winter they are celebrating their success of ten wonderful years in the industry and community with the “Deal of the Decade Event.”  Afterall, their success comes from having wonderful customers who have supported them over the years.




Jay Hodge is located at 478 Wildcat Way, right here in Sulphur Springs.  Their sales hours are Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The parts and service department is open Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Over the years, Jay Hodge has been recognized locally and industry wise with awards.  The GM Mark of Excellence has been earned nine years in a row.  Which means that they have excelled in sales, satisfaction, as well as parts and service, as a dealership in the GM family.  





Locally they have been voted on the News Telegram Awards as the “Best Dealership” for the past Nine Years.  The local recognition and company recognition come from a great sales and service team and of course wonderful customers.  Without their customers none of these awards would be possible, so they give a heartfelt thank you to each one who trusts in them for all their automotive needs.




Jay Hodge is taking their customer satisfaction a step further by providing a mobile service van for anyone to utilize.  Schedule your minor service repair and the van will come to you.  If you do not have time to visit the dealership for your oil change, or other service needs, they can visit you onsite where you are located.  They offer a subscription service for anyone to purchase and receive this specialized care.  They will also service any make or model, just give them a call.  No need to have purchased a vehicle from them, their goal is to make getting your car serviced and operating at prime capacity, easy and convenient. 



    The convenience of purchasing a new car during their “Deal of a Decade Event” has just gotten easier.  Interest rates have lowered, and there are rebates offered by the manufacturer and dealer for discounts up to $10,000.  Now is a great time to stop by and see one of their sales people to test drive a new car and walk away with an amazing deal.  The holidays are a great reason to put that big red bow on a new car for someone you love. 





The Oaks Bed and Breakfast had the pleasure of serving the Jay Hodge customers and employees for their 10 year anniversary this past Thursday. We enjoyed visiting with everyone that stopped by, and enjoyed celebrating this milestone with them.  We hope that you will visit the dealership and discover your next dream vehicle.




Tuesday, December 9, 2025

B2B ~ Beyond the Boardroom: How Boutique stays are Transforming Client Meetings

 



        When traveling for business sales professionals aim to maximize time and engagement when meeting with

clients.  Often a change of venue when meeting can lead to stronger rapport and accelerated lead cycles. 

By leveraging your accommodations to a high value meeting venue, you can facilitate a meeting and provide a

more intimate and functional work space, than a local coffee shop or restaurant.   This dedicated space not only

ensures one-on-one client attention, but also delivers functionality far exceeding a place to rest.   


Each client is important and you want to make them feel as though they are the most important person in

the room.  A smaller, more intimate venue means a more focused, personalized and exclusive location.  Many

boutique stays have private rooms or a functional downstairs space to hold meetings while you are in town for

business travel.  Not only can you find a great place to reset and recharge before meeting clients, but they might

also provide a space for undivided client attention.


A change of venue can facilitate a stronger, more meaningful relationship in the long run, by providing a

location that focuses solely on the client.  A restaurant, coffee shop or even their office can lead to distractions. 

A busy restaurant or coffee shop has you talking over the noise, which can lead to missed details.  All of which

can derail your conversation from the start.  The distractions in their office and the interruptions from employees

entering, can be eliminated by moving facilities.  Everyone’s time is valuable. A local boutique stay can

contribute to the meeting experience, and allow you to be better focused on the goal, without the distractions

of a public or personal work space.


Many boutique stays would be more than happy to host client meetings, and they may also offer a selection

of food so that your meeting location becomes a one stop shop.  Which in turn will create a seamless environment

for networking and meeting times, with overall client growth in mind.  Not only will you have a wonderful place

to sleep but also have the opportunity to wow your clients with a thoughtful and private local for meetings.


Not only can a boutique stay provide a meeting space for a more business focused meeting, but they can

possibly also provide a location for an event for multiple clients.  A customer appreciation event, Executive

dinner or a private workshop.  Ultimately, a boutique stay is more than just an overnight stay, it is a strategic

asset for superior client relations and accelerated business growth. 


Thursday, December 4, 2025

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Spiced Herbed Margarita

 



    The holiday season is fully upon us and we have a special holiday drink for you to share with your friends and family.  This can be made as a mocktail as well, so everyone can enjoy this holiday drink.  Do not let the spices pull you away from this one, they can be strained out completely but also offer rich flavor if they sit within the liquid for a bit after mixing.  I have made this as a batch or individual drinks, so it has flexibility for your holiday party.  



    What could be  more festive than a drink with cinnamon and cranberry to enjoy around the dinner table, fire pit or just while visiting at your next holiday party.  We have made it our own special way and so can you.  Do not be afraid to mix it up and test out different variations to discover the flavor combination that you love the best.  



Spiced Herbed Margarita (makes 2)

2 ounces Cranberry Juice

2.5 ounces Pomegranate Juice

2 ounces Tequila 

3/4 ounce Triple Sec

Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper

1-4 dashes of Orange bitters

First run an orange slice around the rim of your glass and then roll your glass in coarse sugar combined with the spices above.  Fill your rocks glass with ice.  Add all the other ingredients into your shaker cup filled with ice.  Shake it really well, to help the spices spread throughout the drink. Once done, strain over your rocks glass.  


    You can leave your drink just like that and enjoy throughout the evening.  Or here are a few additions to add for a little extra pop.  Top your glass off with some ginger beer or sparkling water for a little bit of a bubbles.



    To make this into a mocktail, remove the tequila and triple sec, top your drink off with sparkling water, and add in a bit of simple syrup or honey to add a little sweet to the bitterness of the fruit.  



    This is a fun and simple cocktail that can be your signature holiday drink for the season.  Mix up the juice options with orange juice or sprite to change it just a bit to make your own unique drink.  This is sure to be a crowd pleaser, so be sure to make it as a batch. 



    Please be sure to drink responsibly and have a designated driver.  Happy Holiday's from all of us at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast.  We hope your holiday season is festive and full of laughter and joy.  Cheers!