http://www.quakertowntipclub.org/

Quakertown Tip Club, 50 South West End Boulevard, Quakertown, PA (2026)

09/01/2026

✨ Member Spotlight: Chris Scheetz of Mortgage America ✨

In a recent Quakertown Tip Club meeting, Chris Scheetz of Mortgage America shared his 15 years of mortgage experience with us and explained why working with an experienced local lender can make such a difference when buying a home.

Mortgage America has been in business for 45 years, and their team specializes in one thing — mortgages — and many of their employees have been with the company for years.

Chris explained that working with a local mortgage lender can offer some important advantages:

🏠 Local expertise – Using a trusted local lender can help strengthen an offer and give sellers confidence that the financing will get to the closing table.

⏱️ Quick turnaround – In some situations, Mortgage America can get everything completed in as little as eight days — something larger institutions may have difficulty doing.

💰 More loan options – Mortgage America works extensively with PHFA programs, which can be especially beneficial for first-time homebuyers. Depending on eligibility, buyers may qualify for below-market rates and grants of up to 5% of the purchase price to help with down payment and closing costs.

🔑 Low- and no-down-payment programs – USDA and VA loans can offer 0% down for qualified buyers, and many areas of Pennsylvania are eligible for USDA financing.

Chris also reminded everyone that it pays to compare lenders. A quoted interest rate doesn't tell the whole story — fees, loan programs, experience and the lender's ability to get everything done on time matter, too.

And for a little mortgage trivia, Chris asked the group if they knew when mortgage rates reached their historic highs. The answer? 1981, when rates climbed to around 18–20%! Today's rates in the mid-to-high 6% range certainly look a little different with that perspective.

Chris is known for being thorough and genuinely caring about his clients. His presentation was a great reminder that you don't have to be the "perfect" homebuyer to explore your options — an experienced mortgage professional can help you understand what programs may be available to you.

Thank you, Chris, for an informative presentation and for being part of the Quakertown Tip Club!

Chris Scheetz – Mortgage America
610-533-2581
mymortgageamerica.com
[email protected]
Facebook: Mortgage America, Inc.

08/27/2026

🌟 Tip Club Member Spotlight: Penny Power 🌟

Thank you to Tim Ambrose of Penny Power for sharing an update on the publication at a recent Quakertown Tip Club meeting.

Tim has been with Penny Power for 23 years and handles the Quakertown area. He shared that Penny Power is now entering its third year under its current ownership, with a renewed focus on keeping the publication local, engaging and connected to the community.

One of the ways they’re doing that is by continually introducing new ideas. Readers can look forward to:

🔍 Weekly contests with different prizes and hidden-icon searches throughout the paper
🍽️ A new local Food & Dining section
🤝 Community-focused features
🐾 A Pet of the Week feature highlighting animals available for adoption
📱 Contests and additional engagement through Facebook

The weekly contests also give sponsoring businesses additional exposure, including prominent placement and an opportunity for readers to learn more about the business as part of the contest entry. (🌻Can you find all the sunflowers in this week's edition for a chance to win the Snacks & Cash Back-To-School prize?!)

Tim shared that the response from both readers and advertisers has been very positive. In fact, one advertiser told him, "Of all the advertising I’ve ever done, I’ve gotten the most response out of Penny Power."

After 23 years, Tim continues to help local businesses reach customers throughout the Quakertown area while Penny Power finds new ways to keep its readers engaged.

Thank you, Tim, for another great presentation and for being part of the Quakertown Tip Club! And if you didn’t already know, Tim is a man of many talents — he’s also a magician! 🪄🃏

As he’s done in years past, Tim closed out his presentation with a few magic tricks, including some impressive card illusions. It’s always a favorite with our members, and once again, he left us all wondering, “How did he do that?!”

Tim Ambrose - Penny Power
484-538-1133
pennypowerads.com
[email protected]
Facebook - Penny Power Ads
This weeks paper: https://pennypowerads.com/thisweekspaper/

08/26/2026

🌟 Tip Club Member Spotlight: TCB Home Improvements 🌟

Thank you to Brian Oliver of TCB Home Improvements for sharing more about his business at a recent Quakertown Tip Club meeting.

Brian has been a member of the Tip Club for an impressive 19 years, after originally being introduced to the group by fellow longtime member Tom Scherer.

🛠️ TCB Home Improvements handles both residential and commercial projects. On the residential side, Brian and his team take on a wide variety of work, including:

• Windows & doors
• Roofing
• Drywall
• Remodeling
• General home repairs & improvements

Brian also shared some of the interesting commercial work TCB Home Improvements performs for a local pet store. While customers see the finished retail space and animals on display, there is a tremendous amount of maintenance and specialized work that happens behind the scenes. Brian and his team handle everything from ongoing maintenance and repairs to larger projects, including storage modifications and specially constructed quarantine areas for incoming rescue animals. These spaces require durable, easy-to-clean materials rather than traditional wood trim.

With years of experience working in both homes and commercial spaces, Brian has built TCB Home Improvements around being able to tackle a wide range of projects and repairs.

Thank you, Brian, for 19 years of membership and referrals with the Quakertown Tip Club!

And, oh yea - Go Phils! ⚾

Brian Oliver – TCB Home Improvements LLC
215-651-5885
www.tcbhi.com
[email protected]
Facebook - TCB Home Improvements LLC

08/18/2026

🌟 Tip Club Member Spotlight: Backyard Food & Fun (BFF) Party Rentals 🌟

Thank you to Stephanie and Maci of Backyard Food & Fun (BFF) Party Rentals for sharing the story behind their growing local business at a recent Quakertown Tip Club meeting!

This mother-and-daughter duo combined their skills and love of events to create a family business right here in Quakertown. Their goal was to offer local families and businesses a convenient, affordable option for party rentals.

BFF Party Rentals started with backyard games and has continued to grow as customers asked for more options. Steph and Maci are always expanding their inventory to help make parties and gatherings a little more fun!

BFF Party Rentals offers:

• Tables & chairs
• Concession Machines (Popcorn, Hot Dog, Cotton Candy, Snow Cone)
• Backyard & lawn games (Giant Connect 4, Jumbo Jenga, Giant Guess Who? & more)
• Party and event rentals
• And a growing selection of new items

Whether you're planning a birthday party, graduation celebration, backyard get-together, corporate event or other gathering, BFF Party Rentals offers plenty of options to help bring it all together.

They also encourage customer pickup as a convenient way to help keep rental costs affordable.

If you have an upcoming event, check out this local, family-owned business and see what BFF Party Rentals can add to the fun!

Stephanie & Maci Weachter – Backyard Food & Fun (BFF) Party Rentals
267-424-9810
[email protected]
Facebook: Backyard Food & Fun Rentals, LLC

07/13/2026

🌟 Tip Club Member Spotlight: Camerlengo Septic Services 🌟

Thank you to Vince Camerlengo of Camerlengo Septic Services for an informative presentation at a recent Quakertown Tip Club meeting.

Vince shared the importance of regular septic maintenance and explained how proper care of the entire system—not just the tank—can help homeowners avoid costly backups and repairs. He discussed how sludge buildup in septic field laterals can clog drainage holes over time, and how hydro jetting can help restore proper flow.

Camerlengo Septic Services offers:
• Septic tank pumping
• Septic repairs & maintenance
• Full septic system installations
• Hydro jetting septic fields and laterals
• Sewer camera inspections
• Real estate septic inspections
• Sewer tie-ins
• Septic locating services

Helpful homeowner tips Vince shared:
• Pump systems regularly based on household usage
• Avoid harsh chemicals down drains
• Limit garbage disposal use
• Use products like Rid-X to help break down waste
• When buying a home, inspect and clean the full septic system—not just the tank

With approximately 80% of Pennsylvania homes still relying on septic systems, proper maintenance is essential to protecting your home and avoiding expensive repairs.

If you're due for a pump-out, buying a home, or need repairs or a new septic system, give Camerlengo Septic Services a call for a professional inspection or estimate. Their experienced team serves homeowners throughout the Quakertown area and beyond.

Vince Camerlengo - Camerlengo Septic Services
267-424-9478
camerlengosepticservices.com
[email protected]
Facebook - Camerlengo Septic Services

07/09/2026

✨ Quakertown Tip Club Member Spotlight: Tom Merrick, Tom’s Help Desk ✨

Tom Merrick recently shared the story behind Tom’s Help Desk and how it grew from a basement startup into a trusted small business IT support service for companies throughout the region.

Tom began his career in electrical engineering before shifting into Management Information Systems. After time in a large corporate environment, he made the decision to build something different—something rooted in local service rather than outsourcing. That idea became the foundation of Tom’s Help Desk.

What started with early advertising in local print and Yellow Pages evolved into a full storefront on Allentown Road in 2008, which became a major turning point for the business. Even during changes in the industry and shifts in location decisions, the focus has remained the same: supporting small businesses directly and personally.

Today, Tom’s Help Desk serves both residential and business customers, from individuals needing help with a home computer to companies relying on multiple computers, users, and networked systems. He emphasized staying proactive with backups over expensive data recovery, and the importance of strong cybersecurity practices as a first line of defense.

Tom also shared practical insights on hardware choices, employee onboarding and training, and helping businesses choose the right systems for their needs—whether laptops, desktops, or mixed environments.

If your business needs a reliable IT partner to support your computers, employees, network, and day-to-day technology needs, Tom's Help Desk would welcome the opportunity to become your personal help desk!

Thank you, Tom, for sharing your experience and practical business insight with Quakertown Tip Club!

Tom Merrick - Tom's Help Desk
215-536-0831
www.TomsHelpDesk.net
[email protected]
Facebook – Tom's Help Desk

07/07/2026

✨ Quakertown Tip Club Member Spotlight: Tom Horner, Tom’s Lawn Maintenance & Landscaping ✨

Tom Horner recently shared his journey from growing up around the landscaping and outdoor maintenance world to building a full-service lawn care and property maintenance business serving the local area.

Tom grew up helping in the family business, which had roots going back decades, and was exposed to the trade from a young age. Although he explored other career paths—including accounting and manufacturing—he ultimately found his way back to what he enjoyed most: working outdoors and building something of his own.

Today, Tom’s Lawn Maintenance & Landscaping provides year-round services including lawn care, landscaping, snow and ice removal, and seasonal pressure washing. He shared how diversifying services helps balance the seasonal nature of the business.

His long-term experience in the field also comes with plenty of practical insight, including plant selection tips and lessons learned from decades of hands-on work in residential and commercial landscapes.

If you know a homeowner, business, or property manager looking for reliable lawn maintenance, snow removal, or exterior cleaning services, Tom would be a great connection.

Thank you, Tom, for sharing your story and experience with Quakertown Tip Club!

Tom Horner – Tom's Lawn Maintenance & Landscaping
267-255-7562
https://toms-landscaping.com/
Facebook - Tom’s Landscaping

06/30/2026

✨ Quakertown Tip Club Member Spotlight: Scherer's Exterminating ✨

Tom Scherer of Scherer's Exterminating recently shared his expertise on pest control and prevention, drawing from nearly five decades of experience since Scherer's Exterminating was founded in 1976. The company serves residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout the region.

Tom's presentation focused on a simple principle: pests need food, water, and shelter. By eliminating those resources around your property, you can often prevent problems before they begin.

He offered several practical tips, including keeping the area around your home dry, avoiding mulch directly against foundations, maintaining good airflow around the structure, and reducing clutter that can create hiding places for insects and rodents. He also noted that mosquitoes can hatch in as little as seven days, making moisture control especially important.

Tom explained how Integrated Pest Management combines knowledge of pest behavior, environmental conditions, and targeted treatments to control pests effectively while minimizing chemical use.

If you know a homeowner, property manager, facility manager, or business owner dealing with pest issues—or looking to prevent them before they start—Tom would appreciate an introduction.

Thank you, Tom, for sharing your knowledge with Quakertown Tip Club!

Tom Scherer - Scherer’s Exterminating
Phone: 215-538-0688
Mobile: 215-990-8389

06/26/2026

✨ Tip Club Member Spotlight: Bella Creations Hair Salon ✨

Thank you to Marie Hillegas of Bella Creations Hair Salon for sharing her experience and expertise with us at a recent Quakertown Tip Club meeting.

Marie brings a refreshingly personal approach to the salon experience, centered on one-on-one attention where clients receive her full focus. At her salon, it’s about your time, your needs, and making sure every appointment feels personal, unrushed, and free from distraction.

Marie also discussed how every client's hair is different, and that the best results come from creating a personalized plan based on individual hair goals and needs. Whether it's color, thinning hair concerns, or overall hair health, she works with clients to find the right products and treatments for their specific situation. She emphasized that consistency is key—whatever regimen you choose, making it part of your regular routine is essential for achieving and maintaining results.

Her services include hair cutting, color, highlights, hairstyling, updos, perms and more.

Above all, Marie expressed her passion for her work, helping people feel good about themselves, building confidence, and creating a calm, personal salon environment rooted in real connection and care.

Ready for a more personal salon experience? Call Marie at 215-529-0100 to schedule an appointment and see for yourself why her clients appreciate the one-on-one attention and care she brings to every visit.

Marie Hillegas - Bella Creations Hair Salon
Phone: 215-529-0100
https://www.bellacreationshairsalon.com/

06/08/2026

✨ Quakertown Tip Club Member Spotlight: Robert James Investments ✨

Thank you to Bob Podraza of Robert James Investments for speaking at a recent Quakertown Tip Club meeting and sharing his story and perspective on the financial industry.

Bob walked us through an interesting career journey—from growing up in upstate New York, to working in the restaurant industry on both coasts, to spending many years in advertising and sales, to ultimately pivoting into financial services, where he’s spent the last several years helping clients think through long-term planning and investment strategy.

He also shared a simple framework for understanding investing, including the difference between stocks (ownership) and bonds (lending), along with broader insights on inflation, long-term planning, and the importance of staying engaged rather than sitting on the sidelines financially.

Bob highlighted how different sectors of the economy continue to evolve—especially technology, energy, and infrastructure—and how innovation and long-term trends continue to shape opportunities over time.

A key takeaway from Bob’s presentation: knowledge is power, and making informed, consistent decisions over time is an important part of financial planning.

Thank you, Bob, for an engaging and informative presentation!

Bod Podraza - Robert James Investments
215-583-5013
robertjamesinvestments.com
[email protected]
Facebook - Robert James Investments

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