News
The EAOC Weekly
July 15, 2026
UPCOMING SPEAKER SCHEDULE:
July 22, 2026: Off-Site Meeting at Karyn Hadley's Rite-loom Design Studio
July 29, 2026: Dr. Lauren Artaserse, DC and Dr. Luke Krebs, DC of One Spine Chiropractic
EAOC Members Share Money-Saving Tax Credits & Rebates for 2026
This week's EAOC meeting delivered exceptional value as four of our trusted members shared practical ways business owners and homeowners can take advantage of tax credits, rebates, and incentive programs available in 2026. Their presentations demonstrated that with the right planning, members can reduce expenses, improve their properties, and keep more of their hard-earned money.
EAOC Members Share Money-Saving Tax Credits & Rebates for 2026
This week's EAOC meeting was packed with timely information as four of our members presented valuable tax-saving opportunities that can benefit both businesses and homeowners in 2026. From IRS tax credits and retirement strategies to energy-efficient home improvements, attendees walked away with actionable ideas that could translate into significant savings.
Justin Hess – Tax & Financial Group
Justin Hess of Tax & Financial Group reminded members that the IRS may owe them more than they realize. He highlighted several often-overlooked tax strategies that business owners should consider before year-end.
One of the biggest opportunities is the tax credit available for starting a new 401(k) retirement plan. Business owners may qualify for up to $16,500 in tax credits over three years for implementing a retirement plan that benefits both themselves and their employees.
Justin also explained how charitable giving rules have changed, making it more important than ever to be strategic. Donating appreciated stock instead of cash, utilizing Qualified Charitable Distributions from an IRA for those over age 70½, and taking advantage of the new deduction available to standard deduction filers can all maximize tax benefits.
He also discussed the unique advantages of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)—the only account offering tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. Used strategically, an HSA can become a powerful long-term retirement planning tool.
Dan Herman – Solar Energy Partners
Dan Herman of Solar Energy Partners shared how California's continued push toward renewable energy creates opportunities for homeowners to reduce utility costs while increasing property value.
As California works toward its goal of 100% clean electricity by 2045, more homeowners are turning to solar energy. Dan explained how Solar Energy Partners provides customized solar solutions by partnering with leading manufacturers and installers. Benefits include lower monthly electric bills, little to no upfront equipment costs for qualifying programs, and increased home value.
Dan also walked members through the straightforward process—from reviewing a utility bill and designing a customized system to permitting, installation, and receiving permission to operate.
Ron Dymek – Dymek's Freedom Plumbing
Ron Dymek highlighted valuable rebate programs available for homeowners replacing older water heaters with high-efficiency equipment.
Members learned that qualifying ENERGY STAR® tankless water heaters replacing traditional tank systems may be eligible for rebates ranging from approximately $80 to $1,500, depending on the program and equipment installed. Ron also shared that additional rebates may be available through Southern California Gas Company, helping homeowners offset the cost of upgrading to more energy-efficient systems while lowering future utility bills.
Ann Schaefer concluded the presentations by discussing rebates available for high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.
She explained that homeowners may qualify for Southern California Gas rebates ranging from $200 to $1,000 on eligible high-efficiency heat pump systems. In addition, Carrier's popular "Cool Cash" promotion can provide rebates of up to $2,000 on qualifying equipment, making energy-efficient HVAC upgrades even more affordable.
Combined with lower operating costs and improved home comfort, these rebates make replacing aging heating and air conditioning systems an attractive investment.
Planning Today Pays Tomorrow
The common theme throughout all four presentations was simple: planning ahead can produce meaningful financial rewards. Whether through business tax credits, retirement planning, charitable giving strategies, renewable energy, plumbing upgrades, or high-efficiency HVAC systems, 2026 offers numerous opportunities to reduce costs while investing in the future.
EAOC continues to demonstrate the value of having trusted experts across a wide range of industries. This week's presenters not only shared their professional expertise but also equipped fellow members with practical knowledge that can help save thousands of dollars through available tax incentives and rebate programs.
VICE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Happy Friday, EAOC!
This week’s EAOC meeting was packed with money-saving ideas and practical takeaways! Four of our members shared valuable tax credits, rebates, and incentive programs that could help both business owners and homeowners keep more money in their pockets in 2026.
Justin Hess of Tax & Financial Group highlighted opportunities such as new 401(k) tax credits, smarter charitable giving strategies, and the powerful benefits of Health Savings Accounts. Dan Herman of Solar Energy Partners showed how solar can reduce utility bills and add long-term value to a home. Ron Dymek of Dymek’s Freedom Plumbing explained rebates available for high-efficiency water heater upgrades, and Ann Schaefer of Schaef-Air shared additional savings opportunities for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.
The energy in the room was fantastic because every presentation offered actionable ideas members could start exploring right away. The big takeaway? A little planning today can create substantial savings tomorrow. Meetings like this are a great reminder that EAOC is more than a networking group—it’s a community of trusted professionals helping one another succeed, save, and grow.
Remember, next week is an off-site meeting at Karyn Hadley's TS Design Center studio in Anaheim! Details to follow by email.
See you next week!
- Gary
Gary Gregg
CREATING WITH GLASS
EAOC 2026-2027 Vice President
MEMBERSHIP NEWS:
The following firms have been proposed for membership in EAOC:
FIRST PRINTING
Susan Lam
Crest Shield Insurance
7755 Center Ave., Ste. 1100
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Phone: 714-908-3870
Classification: Insurance (Personal Property & Casualty)
Proposed by Shawn Jin
Evan Baker
Even Better Insurance
6851 Via Angelina Dr.
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Phone: 888-208-0862
Classification: Insurance (Medicare / Individual Health Insurance)
Proposed by Justin Hess
JULY CELEBRATIONS
HAPPY EAOC ANNIVERSARY
9 Yrs - Javier Gonzalez - Confetti Events & Catering
BIRTHDAY BONANZA
7/20 - Pete Sloan - Emeritus Member
7/28 - Shaun Dymek - Dymek's Freedom Plumbing
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
7/18 - Ruben & Wendy Mota - Mota Handyman Services
7/30 - Ron & Shaun Dymek - Dymek’s Freedom Plumbing
Please Note: If the ‘Celebration Information’ above is incorrect or missing, please email the correct information to the EAOC office immediately.
EAOC Summer Duffy Boat Cruise
The EAOC Duffy Boat / Gayle’s Birthday Cruise has been confirmed for August 15th from 3:00pm-5:00pm through Newport Harbor Rentals, located at 400 Main St. in Newport Beach.
Date & Time:
Friday, August 15
3:00pm-5:00pm (please arrive early!)
Location:
Newport Harbor Rentals
400 Main St.
Newport Beach
Price:
$40/each (includes delicious charcuterie boards and snacks! Water will be provided, but you may also BYO drinks!)
To Book:
Please email Katie to RSVP
IEA INSIDE STORY
The International Executives Association wants to know what’s happening amongst its chapters! Do you have news that you would like to share with EAOC’s parent Association? Have you won an award or written a book? Do you have a big event coming up? Simply email the details to Executive Director Lisa Jordan at director@ieaweb.com, and she’ll share with all IEA chapters, made up of over 2,000 international members!
INTERNATIONAL MEMBER PROFILES
Is your International Executives’ Association member profile accurate? Every EAOC member is featured on the IEA website’s 3000+ member directory, which makes it easy to find somebody if you have a vacation home, are traveling and need a recommendation, or know friends and family who live out of town. Please sign in and update your member profile as soon as possible. Contact Katie for any assistance.
NEW MEMBER RECRUITMENT BONUS
Reminder: EAOC proudly encourages its members in expanding and empowering their fellow prestigious Orange County execs! More quality members means more quality referrals. An EAOC sponsor receives a $150 bonus for recruiting a new EAOC team member, after three months of successful membership. Please contact Katie for more information!
Target Classification of the Month: Landscape / Hardscape Installation
Calling all Landscape / Hardscape Installation experts! EAOC members are actively seeking a qualified, trusted, tried and true Landscape / Hardscape Installation expert to fill our Target Classification of the Month. Please consider your entire network, and invite your favorite Landscaper to breakfast next week! Email Katie to get them on our guest list. Thank you!
TRUSTED EAOC MEMBERS
ACCOUNTING AND BOOKKEEPING:
MK Patel
ProPartners Accounting and Bookkeeping
714-886-9646
propartnersacct@gmail.com
ADVERTISING SPECIALTY:
Carlos Salazar
Salazar Associates
714-990-9214
carlos@promotownusa.com
AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING:
David Schaefer
Schaef Air Inc.
909-944-5111
schaefair@gmail.com
ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT:
Katie Quinn
Quinn Association Management
949-525-8412
kquinn@quinnassociations.com
ATTORNEY/ESTATE PLANNING:
Tracy J. Roberts
Law Office of Tracy J. Roberts
562-340-6277
tracy.roberts@tjr-law.com
ATTORNEY/EMPLOYMENT LAW:
Jonathan Judge
Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
562-653-3200
jjudge@aalrr.com
AUTO/TRUCKS/DOMESTIC/COMMERCIAL:
Mike Hughes
Simpson Chevrolet
714-534-2700
mhughes@simpsongm.com
AUTO BODY SHOP:
Francisco Bonilla
Long Beach Collision Center
562-591-6600
francisco@lbcollision.com
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR:
Dan Tatum
Eberhardt’s Tire & Automotive
714-871-9810
eberhardtstire@gmail.com
BANK:
Donny Delfin
Banc of California
714-450-4683
ddelfin@pacwest.com
CHIROPRACTOR:
Dr. Lauren Artaserse, DC
Dr. Luke Krebs, DC
One Spine Chiropractic & Sports Rehab
657-626-2528
Lauren.DC@onespinechiro.com
DENTIST
Dr. Robert Go · Go Family Dental
714-638-0018
gofamilydental@yahoo.com
EMERITUS MEMBER:
Pete Sloan ∙ 714-633-3906
posloan@yahoo.com
EMERITUS MEMBER:
Andy Ross ∙ 714-749-7677
adross1942@gmail.com
EMERITUS MEMBER:
Gayle Stewart ∙ 714-342-5848
gstewart@gsecorp.org
EMERITUS MEMBER:
Mel Smith · 714-496-2709
melsmith3205@yahoo.com
ENERGY CONSULTANT:
Dan Herman
Solar Energy Partners
949-573-3259
dherman60@gmail.com
FINANCIAL PLANNING/WEALTH MANAGEMENT:
Dustin Slinkard
Tax & Financial Group
949-233-8415
dustin.slinkard@tfgroup.com
FLOORING/HARD GOODS/INTERIOR DESIGN:
Karyn Hadley
Riteloom
714-764-1122
karyn@riteloom.com
FLORIST:
Diana Diaz
Deelux Florista & Events
949-491-5660
deeluxflorista@gmail.com
GENERAL CONTRACTOR:
Clark D. Brooks
Innovative Craftsmanship
949-903-4378
ClarkBrooks@icraftsmanship.com
GLASS/STAINED & BEVELED:
Gary Gregg
Creating with Glass
714-970-9359
geggregg@sbcglobal.net
HANDYMAN:
Ruben Mota
Mota Handyman Services
714-785-5576
motaruben76@gmail.com
INSURANCE / LIFE:
Justin Hess
Tax & Financial Group
949-223-8415
justin.hess@tfgroup.com
INSURANCE / COMMERCIAL:
Shawn Jin
Kingdom Global Insurance Solutions
562-275-3155
sjin@kgisus.com
MORTGAGE BANKER:
Susan Klaren
CMG Financial
714-264-0876
klarenteam@gmail.com
PARTY RENTALS & CATERING:
Manny Gonzalez
Confetti Events & Catering
714-542-7775
Confettievents@att.net
PAVING-ASPHALT:
Danny Baker
PAV-KOTE, Inc.
714-871-4905
danny@pavkote.com
PEST CONTROL:
Tyler Douthit
Divert Pest Control
714-299-9118
tyler@divertpest.com
PLUMBING/SEWAGE SANITATION
CONTRACTOR:
Ronald J. Dymek
Dymek’s Freedom Plumbing, Inc.
714-632-8989
info@freedomplumbing.com
REAL ESTATE/RESIDENTIAL:
Gizi Clemmer, REALTOR, SRES
Allstars Realty
562-688-8275
GiziClemmer@gmail.com
RESTAURANT-MEXICAN:
Sammy Montoya
Green Parrot Villa
La Chiquita Restaurant
714-543-8787
lachiquitarest@yahoo.com
ROOFING/COMMERCIAL:
Greg Peterson
Sadler Roofing, Inc.
949-675-5095
greg@sadlerroofing.com
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING:
Niyah Rosen
Future Foundry
386-847-2831
niyahrosen@thefuturefoundry.net
LUXURY TRAVEL:
Stefanie Bushore
Explore by Bushore
714-476-2726
stefanie@explorebybushore.com
WEBSITE DESIGN:
Lydia Pooler
Kenneth King
Jub Jub Interactive
714-586-8500
lydia@jubjub.com
kenneth@jubjub.com
WEBSITE HOSTING:
Lee Pooler
Jub Jub Interactive
714-586-8500
lee@jubjub.com
