Ripe Pick Properties, LLC

Finally. Building permit in hand and land prep can begin. We started clearing this week. Next is to do some leveling and then the real fun begins.

Opportunities abound if you are open to innovation and the unknown. Look for ugly spaces in crowded areas. When most look at something as an eyesore to be overlooked, investigate. That eyesore may be an opportunity that just needs a little investment of innovation.

It’s an amazing sight to finally begin seeing light at the end of the tunnel after what many could refer to as almost a year and a half of darkness. The economic twister that is still floating around did a number on many of my peer small businesses. Some are rebuilding and some will never recover. Those of us that were able to withstand the hit, pivot or switch gears are now looking out at the New landscape of what it is to be a small business and looking to learn from the... upheaval. We are asking what worked and how can we learn from the experience and better prepare and grow our businesses in the future? These are some of the many burning questions. Ripe Pick was in the middle of a re-brand and re-launch during the beginning of the shutdowns. Hence, all time lines were pushed back. Now that the economic climate is taking a breather and although things still seem challenging for many, there is a glimpse of light ahead. There are new opportunities on the horizon for those who are present to it. We are present to it. As we complete our restructuring we are preparing ourselves for these new opportunities in the REI market and beyond. One of the avenues we will traverse is the coaching/educational path. Ripe Pick started at the very bottom and through the years worked our way to where we are now. When we started all members had full-time jobs in other disciplines. Like many who start small businesses, for us REI was a side gig to be done early in the mornings, late at night and on the weekends. Scraping money together from relatives and friends was the order of the hobby. Yes, back at the beginning it was considered a hobby by those who knew we were doing it. These are the experiences that I think new comers need to hear. It’s work, it’s not overnight for most, but it is possible to effect a profound difference in your own and the lives of those around you if done correctly. And what better way to do it correctly than to have someone who came from where you are and who is now where you want you be walk you through it? This is the way we propose to present it... Now that’s only a glimmer into what is to come. What we have learned is that the methods and systems we have developed are not unique and although universal, would take years to learn on your own. We can help compress that time frame into months. But more on that at a later date. Right now we only wanted to let you know we are still here and almost ready to come out of the darkness with all engines firing. Best to you and yours in the world of the New Normal. Step into the light.

Early morning check in. Property hunters are always on the hunt. Wrapping up a visit down south as we begin the process once again. The Ripe Pick revamp is almost complete.

Starting up again and doing it a bit later than I like. Usually, the morning run for supplies is earlier. But had to spend that time planning it out. The parking lot is still pretty empty though. Hopefully it will be a quick in and out. This is just part of the daily grind.

Happy New Years. May this year bring continued health, happiness and success. Over the past 9 months we have seen the world turned inside out and upside down. But yet, some have fared better and some worse than others. The magic is in the differences. What made the difference? Why did some advance and some fall behind? The same can be said when looking at properties. Why do some properties do well and others not so well? Stay tuned for the answers to this and many other ques...tions. This year, Ripe Pick Properties will unveil our new upgraded self. We will reveal our partnerships and add massive value to our market. We may even create a new one. So stay tuned.

In this new emerging economy, we have found that thinking outside the box is an asset in of itself. Our investment in real property has been the back bone of our business and will always remain so. But now we see that there is also great value in investing in the means to facilitate those deals. Any industry that supports your main industry has potential as a means to diversify your asset class and be an add-value source. Creative thinking in this manner can facilitate deals ...that you never saw coming or possible. Not to mention it widens your network which in of itself is a massive value add. Simply put, by helping others get unstuck, you too can benefit. Over the last few months we have switched gears a little and have operated as a support arm to a few of our partners. As a result, here’s a new addition to the Ripe Pick Family that we didn’t see coming. It’s a little rusty, could use a paint job, but don’t let looks fool you. It’s fully operational and like us, ready to go to work. Are you having trouble thinking outside the box? Maybe you need to talk to someone who has some insight? Maybe you need a guide to lead you through the morass? Stop missing out. Contact us. It could make the difference in your entrepreneurial survival. See more

The last few months have been eye opening. I have seen many of my peers (true small businesses) close shop for good and still many more are simply holding on for dear life. The hope is in the belief that the uncertainty of the future offers some semblance of a return to normalcy. I for one believe that when it comes to action there is only the present, there is only now. So the question is what can we do now? What can we do in this current situation to add value to ourselves..., our peers, and to those we serve? How can we best engage those looking in? Here is our answer to those questions as it relates to Ripe Pick Properties, LLC. Starting this winter we will begin with a video series to be unveiled here, on YouTube and on our website. As this post is produced we are working through content, renovating our web presence and doing a revamp of our business model (minor tweaks). All this, as a pivot to respond to the current social and economic climate. We see these times as a nudge to get stronger, wiser - to evolve. Nature is the ultimate equalizer and we’d be foolish not to listen. We listened. P.S.: The image is the site to our soon to be traditional crafts R & D workshop. More to come on that project soon.

No gym necessary. Today’s work involved loading and unloading pavers. Upcoming projects include a block and concrete construction stair and the installation of a paver patio. What project are you working on?

Pay attention to all that is important to you as much as possible. One of the pitfalls of leaving machinery to fend for itself for an extended period of time. Where you don’t place your attention - it happens.

To all my business owners, how is business where you are? Yes, things are not business as usual for many right now. I see that as an opportunity. Here at Ripe Pick, we see this down time as an opportunity to catch up on what’s been left to the side and also prep for what’s coming. The choice to thrive or survive is ours - it’s not just a lucky happening. What others see as happenstance takes preparation and action. Continuously look for ways to stay viable and massively add value to an environment that seems challenging to others and you will come through this shutdown as one of the lucky ones. What are you doing? Let us know.

Even among the current COVID madness, I had an opportunity to visit the NYS capital this morning and couldn’t resist dropping into one of my favorite NY towns.

So now many of us are home thinking that we are going to go crazy with all the time that is now available. This is a perfect example that we should be careful what we wish for. Enough about that. One technique I learned when I was at home with a broken leg is to work off a schedule. Plan your days ahead of time and follow through with your plan as much as possible. Our brains are wired to be more calm when we can anticipate what’s coming. Working off a schedule (keep it rea...listic) helps keep your mind at ease and the expectation of the upcoming task gives your subconscious something real, and that you can seemingly readily control, to think about in the background. With that said here are a few tasks that you can plan to do around the home. With spring in the air, now is a good time to catch up on all those home projects that we put off because we had no time to do them. For the apartment renters. Organize, strategize and prepare for your next activities. Look at your space and make decisions on how to best organize what’s inside. Ask yourself, am I using this space the best way that I can? Move some furniture around. Throw out that stack of old invoices that were paid. Go through your closet and clear out what is no longer used or fits. Same with the tool chest and any other area that is cluttered and make it right. For you house owners it’s time to get with the spring prep. Check your gutters and clean if necessary. Also ensure that the down spouts are sending the rain water away from your foundation. Spring rains are about to begin. That means looking at where the down spouts are aimed and that the grade of the soil around your home is pitched away from the walls. I would also recommend that any bushes, flowers etc. that are closer than 2 feet to your walls be removed and/or relocated to an area further away. These few checks will greatly help to keep your ground floor and basement dry. Next, if you have trees near your home check to see if any branches have grown too close to the walls or roof. Left unchecked, this can lead to animals easily getting onto your roof and/or winds/storms bending those branches which can both result in damage. This damage can be costly to repair and getting unwanted guests out of your home can be a pain in the neck and pocket. For those who have time now available - use it wisely. Look at this calamity as an opportunity. These and other scheduled tasks will not only keep you occupied, but can also help you keep your sanity during these challenging times.

As we all try to stay sane during this newest health scare, take time to remember those in your circle that may not be as fortunate as you and yours. Even something as simple as a call, which costs you relatively nothing, may make a huge difference in someone else’s life. It’s times like these that are perfect to share your experiences. Here’s mine. I recently caught some of my neighbors sun-bathing...... Stay safe and practice healthy habits.

On the hunt once again.

Getting our training on in Concrete and epoxy flooring finish systems.

As winter moves along in the Northeast, it’s a good time to take a look at a few household tasks. 1. If you are in the market for a landscaper, now is the time to start contact them for spring work 2. Take a look at your floors and refresh, clean and repair as needed. This is especially true for hardwood flooring. 3. Take some time to thoroughly clean your overlooked appliances. ... 4. Let your bathroom exhaust fans run a little longer. 5. Look to do hire tradesmen (painters, plasterers, etc.) that are off season during this time. Taking some time to address these tasks could show dividends in the near future.

Late lunch stop after an afternoon of property analysis in northern NJ. As we cap off the tail end of our reorganization, stay tuned as we begin to ramp up from only offering consulting services back to real property investing. This year will prove to be pivotal in our growth. I’ve finally decided to go full-time into REI. The countdown has started and we are down to just months to the relaunch. We have some surprises in the form of new services to unveil so stay tuned. Needless to say the markets are ripe for the picking, the cause is real and the excitement is electric.

As we enter upon this New Year, my wish for us all is gace, generosity, peace, health and wisdom. May these be at your side during this holiday season and throughout the coming New Year. Stay well and safe. Try to remember all of the events of the past year as they were either blessings or lessons. Peace and blessings to you and yours.

It’s our differences that potentially make us strong. Whatever you celebrate, may you receive grace, generosity and wisdom during this holiday season and throughout the coming New Year. Peace and blessings to you and yours. Stay well.