Anthony Snape Concert

August 30, 2012 by  
Filed under Crimson Life

On Saturday August 25th Aussie native Anthony Snape performed a private show at Neil’s home and the entire Crimson team was in attendance!

Joel and Jen enjoying the show

Neil and his wife, Jennine, advocated for Anthony to travel from Nashville to Illinois to perform a tent show in their backyard. They met Anthony late last year when he performed as Tommy Emmanuel’s opening act at a show they attended. Read Experiencing Artist Anthony Snape here.

Neil and Jennine were excited to share Anthony’s talent with their family and friends. Jennine said, “Music is a major part of our lives and we are thrilled when we stumble upon someone like Anthony who is this talented and kind-hearted. It would be a shame to not share him with our family and friends.”

Neil and Jennine with Anthony Snape

Crimson employee Carolyn Bell agreed, “Anthony is extremely talented yet so down to earth. He shared the stories behind all of his songs, which really draws in the crowd. His passion for music was so evident.”

Anthony performed in Neil’s backyard under a large tent. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, warm and breezy. The crowd was energized by Anthony’s music; even Striker enjoyed the show!

Striker and Anthony Snape

Afterwards, Anthony signed autographs, took pictures and engaged with the guests – including Crimson employee, Jen Bodoh, who was eager to get a photo with Anthony.

Beth and Jen with Anthony Snape

Jen’s favorite song is, “The Instagram song! [actual title: Pictures] It makes me want to sign up for Instagram and share photos with Anthony!”

In addition to an afternoon of music, food and fun, Neil and Jennine used the opportunity to raise $150 for the Kendall County Food Pantry by collecting donations from guests.

If you’re interested in learning more about Anthony Snape visit his website. You can also follow him on Twitter @anthonysnape and on Instagram @snapeshots. Anthony is on Facebook, too. “Like” his page here and while you’re at it “Like” Crimson, too.

And be sure to check back – Jennine is “working her magic” again with hopes of bringing Anthony back for an even bigger show!

Experiencing Artist Anthony Snape

August 3, 2012 by  
Filed under Crimson Life

Aussie native Anthony Snape will be performing a private invitation-only show at Neil’s home on August 25th. Snape is a pop-rock performer whose songs have been played on shows including General Hospital, ABC News and The Biggest Loser.

Neil and his wife, Jennine, became involved with Snape when they met him as Tommy Emmanuel’s opening act late last year. Since then Jennine has remained in touch with Snape via Twitter. Jennine “worked her magic” according to Neil to get Snape to travel from Nashville to Illinois to perform a tent show in their backyard.

Are you impressed? We at the office are!

Neil and Jennine have used this opportunity to raise funds for the Kendall County Food Pantry. Neil said, “For every dollar we raise on the 25th, the Kendall County Food Pantry can purchase six dollars worth of food! They really are amazing at what they do and we would love to present them with a $500 check (or more) from our ‘little party’!”

Jennine also worked with Oswego Community Relations Coordinator Michele Bergeron to have the award-winning musician play at Oswego Concert In The Park in August.

Snape will take the stage at noon Sunday, August 26th in Hudson Crossing Park, 65 N. Harrison, located on the north corner of Washington and Harrison streets in downtown Oswego.

Bergeron said, “We were excited for the opportunity to bring an international recording artist to downtown Oswego. We also felt that our residents would truly enjoy his music and this experience.”

At age 17, Snape moved from his small town to Sydney to pursue his musical career. There he played the club and bar scene and recorded his first CD, Disappearing Day. During that time he also received many awards from the Australian press, including Acoustic Artist of the Year and Best Pop Artist.

Since then Snape has moved to Nashville and performed hundreds of shows in the United States as Tommy Emmanuel’s opening act.

Snape is currently working on his fifth album. He draws inspiration from artists such as Crowded House, Matchbox 20’s Rob Thomas, and Coldplay.

Form your own opinion of Anthony Snape by listening to his music and reading about him on his website. You can also follow him on Twitter @anthonysnape. For more information about the Oswego Concert in the Park Series click here.

And if you’re on Twitter but not following Crimson you can follow us, too, @CrimsonDC!

Neil & Joel Visit Daniels Design & Remodeling

March 29, 2009 by  
Filed under Continuing Remodeling Education


We recently got back from Fairfax Station, Virginia where we visitedDaniels Design & Remodeling. Here we are with the owner, Ted Daniels. We have known Ted for about five years since we both joined Remodelers Advantage.

Remodelers Advantage is a peer review group we are members of. Every six months we get together with ten other remodeling companies from around the country and evaluate their business. This month we all descended on Ted’s company outside of Washington, DC. We spent two days getting to know his employees, his systems and his family. On our third day we gave Ted advice on how to improve his operations. For our part we take home valuable knowledge not only from Ted, but from the other companies in attendance. We do nothing but eat, drink and sleep remodeling for three days.
We found some great new ideas on marketing as well as a fresh new energy to get back to work. We also learned about some new products being used in other parts of the country. The West coast always seems to lead the way on new technology. In the Midwest we tend to let them be the guinea pigs and learn from their mistakes. There are definitely some new and exciting ideas making their way here soon.
Even though we where in our nation’s capital we didn’t get to see the sites. Unless you count this view from Reagan International Airport!

The tall skinny white object in the background is the Washington Monument. Underneath is the barely discernible Lincoln Memorial. So much for sightseeing! We need to get back home to Illinois and building things.

Fox Valley Wildlife Center Dinner Auction

February 10, 2009 by  
Filed under Crimson Life

OwlSaturday, February 7th, Jennine & Neil attended the Fox Valley Wildlife Center’s Fundraising dinner and silent auction. The dinner was in Geneva and was held to raise funds for the center in Elburn. The center takes care of injured and orphaned wildlife in and around the Fox Valley area.

The Great Horned Owl pictured here was found injured and brought to the center where they cared for it and returned it to the wild.

Jennine is actively involved with the center (she is a past president of the organization) and we attend the dinner each year. This year Crimson donated a Chimenea outdoor fireplace that was auctioned Saturday night. It’s a great organization of dedicated volunteers that care for more than 1300 animals each year.


Learn more about the Fox Valley Wildlife Center.

Neil & Joel Reach the Summit

November 3, 2008 by  
Filed under Continuing Remodeling Education

Joel & I just returned from Park City, Utah where we attended a meeting of Remodeler’s Advantage. RA is group of like-minded remodeling companies from all over the country that come together twice a year to learn, share ideas and improve their businesses.

While in Park City, Joel & I were determined to reach the summit of Bald Mountain (9,400 feet). Each evening after our meetings where over for the day we spent an hour or so before dark attempting to hike up to the top. Finally on the last day we got the timing right and we made it to the top before the sun set! Our friend Mike DuKate, ofDuKate Fine Remodeling in Indiana, came with and took this picture.

Being completely out of shape I didn’t think I would make it. There were a couple of times I thought Joel and Mike would have to carry me. But I eventually made it and got to share in the spectacular view from the top. Then I had to get back down. Thankfully, that part is much easier!