Article as appeared in the Fountain Hills Times 8/15/2007.

Two local valuation firms are becoming environmentally friendly and encouraging others to do so.  CK Appraisal Service and the local Hopkins Appraisal Services branch both have the same managing partner Brian Coup. CK Appraisal Services is a Fountain Hills based residential appraisal firm servicing the entire valley with an impeccable knowledge in the Fountain Hills market.  Hopkins is a nationwide firm specializing in Petroleum and Restaurants. “With the increasing cost of fuel and the impact we are having on the environment, even small businesses can do something to make a difference”, Mr. Coup stated.  “Our firms have decreased the amount of paper dramatically over the last three years with the implementation of on-line ordering, EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) delivery of reports, etc have helped us curb our appetite for paper.”  The firm is currently working on having all electronic files in order to save even more resources. Brian also drives his scooter to work when he is in town in an effort to save fuel.

Not only has the managing partner become involved with the green movement.  Erik Keniston who works with Brian in the Hopkins business and is a partner in CK Appraisals has been riding his bike to work for years.  Although it is a passion that includes daily rides, weekend rides and even racing, it is a concerted effort to help.  Jim Vodak another CK Appraisal partner is also involved in the green movement.  “When I travel around the valley for appraisals I use a Hybrid car that averages 45 miles to the gallon, and for Fountain Hills I use my Vespa (scooter) which has been known to get 70-75 miles to the gallon”, Vodak informed us. 

Malinda Tuttle a contractor for Hopkins recently purchased a Vespa to also help in the commute to and from the office.

Locally based CK Appraisal Services has made an effort to have appraisers around the Valley and make working from home a manageable task. Appraiser Nathan Schreck works out of his home in Peoria and covers the West Side.  “With very little travel to the East Valley and the ability to work from home, I am able to be more efficient with my time and fuel consumption”, stated Nathan.  Eric Kohler is in North Phoenix enabling CK to have another contractor near clients and with less travel time.  Eric is also an experienced pilot and has been known to fly Brian and Erik Keniston to out of the way clients in an effort to make the driving and jobs more efficient. Appraiser Julie Polito lives in Fountain Hills and handles the Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and East side to make sure all aspects of the Valley are covered.

For many of the partners and contractors it doesn’t stop at work.  Many of them have purchased scooters for their spouses for evening and weekend rides.

For more information regarding the services CK Appraisal offers see their website at www.ckappraisal.com or call Jim Vodak at 480-836-0580.