In 1998 when Gina Pizzini was ready to expand UpClose from Richmond/Rosenberg into the Sugar Land area, she called on Sharon Ballint. Sharon says, “Back then Gina would take one side of Highway 6 and I would take the other, calling on local businesses and explaining the UpClose concept. In 2005 I took a break to spend more time with my daughter and husband (who had been working out of state)…and 10 years went by. Late last year, Gina called and asked if I would come back. I was thrilled to help with our expansion into Katy. UpClose itself is a small business built from the ground up…so we can really relate to the needs of our local business community.”
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“Gina started UpClose over eighteen years ago as a way for the community to really get an inside look at area businesses, the owners and their services. A community needs a voice, something that reflects the broad opinions, lifestyles and the way we live. But more importantly, a community is made up of people. And people, naturally, have stories. Where is a stress-free place to purchase a new car? Do you know a good dentist? Who’s been to that new restaurant off the Grand Parkway? Our aim is for you to pick up this magazine and have answers to all of those questions!”
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“I am canvassing the area every day to find preferred providers for you, our reader. These are the resident experts I’d recommend to my own friends and family. If our angle seems a little feel-good or touchy-feely, it’s only because we’re being honest. Our aim is for you to get to know the people in these pages and what sets them apart from other like businesses. They are our friends, neighbors and co-workers who could have picked anywhere to live and do business. They chose to do it here. That speaks volumes for them already!”
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“At my first meeting with a new business, we’ll discuss how and why you got started, the market you want to reach, and if UpClose is a good vehicle for you. I want to be your marketing consultant and to help you grow your business to the next level. Each article we feature is a human interest story. We offer people an inside peek, before they pick up the phone or step through your front door. Our readers love to make a connection with the business owner before ever doing business with them.”
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Every day is a networking opportunity for Sharon. Active with the Fulshear Chamber of Commerce, the Katy Chamber of Commerce, and BNI Fort Bend Business Builders, she also helps UpClose promote local benefits like Hope for Three’s Strike Out Autism and Couture for the Cause for the American Cancer Society. She says, “Making our community stronger helps everyone. I love connecting with people, their businesses and the community we represent. I’m excited about going to work every day!”
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To schedule a consultation, contact Sharon at
281-235-0600 office or 281-413-3658 cell