September is always a month of transition. The pace of summer slows, routines settle back in, and for me, this year, it has also meant focusing more on home. My husband and I celebrated our first year of marriage in April, and while owning a house is a joy, it is also a constant reminder that upkeep never really stops. Over the past several weeks, we’ve been working on improvements around the house and gearing up for bigger renovations — and I’ve been reminded again how lucky we are to live in a community with so many reliable, honest people who help keep our homes in shape.
Finding the right person for the job can make all the difference. It’s not just about getting something fixed or replaced. It’s about working with people who care about the outcome, not just the sale. That experience has been a breath of fresh air for us, and it’s what inspired me to dedicate this month’s letter to a few local businesses that truly stand out. Some are advertisers with this magazine, but what I share here is not a paid endorsement — it’s simply my personal experience as both a customer and a neighbor.
RELIABLE ROOFING SOLUTIONS FROM AWS ROOFING
One of the first major projects on our list was replacing our roof. After receiving funds from an insurance claim from Hurricane Ian, we decided to work with AWS Roofing. Their reputation speaks for itself, but I was still impressed by the process. From the estimate to the installation, everything was seamless. Their crew showed up and had our entire roof completed in just one day. Watching it come together so quickly and efficiently while I worked from home was remarkable.
STAY COOL WITH CUBB-COOLING’S EXPERT SERVICE
Another company that has become a go-to for us is Cubb-Cooling. If you live in Florida, you know how stressful it is when the AC goes out, and of course, it never happens at a convenient time. I met Ben Cubbedge a few years ago when our kids played on the same soccer team, and since then I’ve seen firsthand how dedicated he is to his family business. When our unit stopped working on a weekend, he not only answered my call, he came out the same day, got us back up and running, and even explained how to avoid the issue in the future. That kind of service sticks with you.
TREE MAINTENANCE SERVICES YOU CAN TRUST
Trees are another part of homeownership we’ve had to stay on top of. In Edgewater, we have more than a few on our property, including a large oak that two different salespeople told me needed to come down due to ants. The thought of losing such a beautiful old tree, not to mention the cost, was alarming. Thankfully, we turned to someone we trust, Ricky Hatcher with Massey Tree and Land Solutions, who then referred us to Ray, AKA The Tree & Palm Doctor, a leading arborist in the area. Ray came out within days, gave the tree a thorough evaluation, and assured us it was healthy. He offered guidance on trimming to Ricky and his team and suggested treatments to keep it strong for years to come. His expertise, honesty, and care for the work were invaluable, and we are excited to see our amazing oak thrive.
LIVING WELL, THANKS TO LOCAL CARE
These are big purchases, and it means a lot to feel confident about the people handling them.
This month’s letter is less about me and more about them — the people and businesses who keep our homes safe, comfortable, and beautiful. They represent what makes living here special: a community built not only on skill but also on trust.
Here’s to a season of fresh starts and the people who help us along the way.
XO,
Editor and co-owner of East Coast Current magazine. In 2014 she was recognized by Editor & Publisher Magazine as one of the “25 Under 35” innovators in the newspaper industry.