Month: September 2025

Luxury Furniture Store in Richmond: Elevating Home Style in RVALuxury Furniture Store in Richmond: Elevating Home Style in RVA

Richmond, Virginia has a robust furniture scene that blends Southern charm with modern textures, craftsmanship, and refined elegance. For those seeking pieces that go beyond the ordinary, furniture store Richmond offers an elevated shopping experience—think thoughtfully designed collections, superior materials, and curated showrooms that invite exploration.

What Makes a Luxury Furniture Store Richmond

A true luxury furniture store Richmond excels in:

Craftsmanship: Quality construction, premium woods, leathers, fabrics, and finishes set the difference. Pieces are built not only to look beautiful but also to last.

Design Excellence: Whether it’s modern minimalism, classic traditional, or transitional mixtures, luxury stores often collaborate with designers or house their own design teams to ensure each collection is cohesive and stylish.

Customer Experience: Elevated service is key—personalized design consultations, customization options, premium delivery services, and careful attention to detail in the showroom environment.

Exclusive Collections: Many luxury furniture store Richmond types carry lines you’ll rarely see elsewhere. Limited editions, artisan pieces, or furniture from international makers that deliver unique flair.

Shopping Tips at a Luxury Furniture Store Richmond

Try Before You Buy: Sit on the sofa, open the cabinet doors, inspect the stitching. Luxury furniture should feel as good as it looks.

Ask About Materials & Origin: Hardwood type, joinery, fabric content, finish protection—these affect longevity and value.

Consider Proportions & Scale: Luxury doesn’t always mean large; the right size for your room—balanced height, depth, and width—is critical.

Warranty & Aftercare: Higher-end furniture often comes with better warranties. Also check how easy replacement parts or fabric are to obtain.

Customization Possibilities: Many luxury furniture store Richmond offerings let you select fabrics, finishes, sizes, or specify custom requirements. If the store offers that, it’s a great way to make the piece uniquely yours.

If you’re ready to explore exquisite furnishings, refined design, and luxurious comfort—whether for indoor spaces or elegantly designed outdoors—there’s no better destination than Gabby. Check out their collections here: https://gabby.com/

The Hidden Costs of Waiting to Buy Your First HomeThe Hidden Costs of Waiting to Buy Your First Home

The dream of homeownership continues to motivate millions of Americans, yet many potential buyers find themselves stuck in analysis paralysis, constantly waiting for the “perfect time” to make their move. Whether it’s concerns about market conditions, mortgage rates, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the process, delaying your home purchase often comes with unexpected costs that compound over time. Navigating today’s real estate market successfully requires working with experienced local professionals who understand both market dynamics and your personal needs, which is why partnering with trusted experts at https://hansoncapital.co/ can help you avoid these costly delays and secure your dream home.

The Rent vs. Own Mathematics

Consider this real-world scenario: A couple paying $1,800 monthly rent decides to wait two years before buying, hoping for better market conditions. During those 24 months, they’ll spend $43,200 on rent with zero equity building. Meanwhile, if they had purchased a $300,000 home with a 20% down payment, their monthly mortgage payment might be $1,900 – just $100 more than rent – but they’d be building equity with every payment.

Over those same two years, assuming modest 3% annual appreciation, their home would likely increase in value by approximately $18,000, while their mortgage balance decreases by roughly $8,000. That’s $26,000 in wealth building compared to the $43,200 they spent on rent with nothing to show for it.

Rising Costs: A Moving Target

Home prices don’t stand still while you’re making up your mind. According to historical data, real estate values tend to appreciate over time, meaning the home you can afford today might be out of reach tomorrow. Additionally, construction costs, labor shortages, and material expenses continue pushing new home prices higher, making existing inventory increasingly valuable.

Interest rates add another layer of complexity. While many buyers wait for rates to drop, even a 1% increase in mortgage rates can significantly impact your purchasing power. On a $300,000 mortgage, a rate increase from 6% to 7% means an additional $200 monthly payment – $72,000 over the loan’s lifetime.

The Psychological Toll of Indecision

Beyond financial implications, prolonged house hunting creates emotional stress. Constantly monitoring market conditions, second-guessing decisions, and experiencing FOMO (fear of missing out) on properties can be mentally exhausting. Many delayed buyers eventually make rushed decisions or settle for less desirable properties due to frustration.

Market Timing Myths

Attempting to time the real estate market perfectly is nearly impossible. Markets vary significantly by location, property type, and local economic conditions. What matters more than timing the market is finding the right home for your situation and having the financial stability to support homeownership long-term.

Building Wealth Through Real Estate

Real estate has historically been one of the most reliable wealth-building vehicles for middle-class families. Unlike rent payments that disappear forever, mortgage payments build equity while providing tax benefits. The forced savings aspect of mortgage payments helps many families accumulate wealth they might not otherwise save.

Taking Action in Today’s Market

Rather than waiting for perfect conditions that may never arrive, focus on what you can control: your financial readiness, realistic expectations, and working with knowledgeable professionals. Today’s market offers opportunities for prepared buyers, especially those willing to explore different neighborhoods or consider properties with renovation potential.

The key to successful homebuying isn’t timing the market perfectly – it’s being prepared when the right opportunity presents itself and having experienced guides to help navigate the process smoothly.

Why Your Garage Door Might Be Costing You More Than You ThinkWhy Your Garage Door Might Be Costing You More Than You Think

Your garage door works harder than almost any other part of your home, yet it’s often the most overlooked when it comes to maintenance and upgrades. Most homeowners don’t realise that an inefficient or poorly maintained garage door can significantly impact their energy bills, home security, and property value. If you’re experiencing unusual noises, slow operation, or drafts around your garage area, it might be time to consult with a professional garage door specialist who can assess whether repairs or replacement would be most cost-effective: https://abacusgaragedoorsolutions.co.uk/

The Hidden Energy Drain

An old or poorly sealed garage door can be a massive energy drain, particularly if your garage is attached to your home. According to recent studies, garages can account for up to 30% of heat loss in some properties. When your garage door doesn’t seal properly, cold air infiltrates the space, forcing your heating system to work overtime. This is especially problematic during Sheffield’s chilly winters, where temperatures can plummet unexpectedly.

Modern garage doors feature advanced insulation materials and weather sealing that can dramatically reduce heat transfer. Sectional doors, for instance, often include polyurethane foam cores that provide excellent thermal efficiency whilst maintaining structural integrity. Even upgrading the seals around an existing door can yield noticeable improvements in your energy consumption.

Security Vulnerabilities You Can’t Ignore

Beyond energy efficiency, your garage door serves as a crucial security barrier. Older manual doors with basic locking mechanisms are increasingly vulnerable to modern break-in techniques. Burglars often target garages because they provide access to valuable items like cars, tools, and bicycles, plus potential entry points into the main house.

Contemporary automatic garage doors incorporate sophisticated security features, including rolling code technology that prevents remote control cloning and automatic locking systems that engage when the door closes. Some models even offer smartphone integration, allowing you to monitor and control access remotely.

When Maintenance Becomes More Expensive Than Replacement

Many homeowners fall into the trap of repeatedly repairing an ageing garage door rather than considering replacement. Whilst it’s natural to want to extend your current door’s lifespan, there comes a point where ongoing maintenance costs exceed the investment in a new, reliable system.

Warning signs include frequent spring replacements, motor failures, track misalignments, and panels that show significant wear or damage. If you’re calling for repairs more than twice yearly, or if your door is over 15 years old, replacement might offer better long-term value.

The Property Value Factor

A new garage door can provide one of the highest returns on investment among home improvement projects. Estate agents consistently report that properties with modern, well-maintained garage doors command higher prices and sell more quickly than those with outdated or damaged doors.

The visual impact is immediate – a sleek roller shutter or contemporary sectional door can transform your property’s kerb appeal. With various colours and styles available, you can easily find options that complement your home’s architecture whilst adding that finishing touch that makes all the difference.

Making the Right Choice

Whether you’re dealing with emergency repairs or planning a proactive upgrade, professional assessment is invaluable. Experienced technicians can evaluate your current setup, identify efficiency improvements, and recommend solutions that align with your budget and requirements.

8 Essential Year-End Financial Tasks8 Essential Year-End Financial Tasks

The end of the year is a conventional time of joy, planning, reflection and excitement– not withstanding the stressful holiday shopping of course. The end of the year also holds another, lesser-known however more substantial, significance – the optimum time of the year to finish year-end financial tasks. A new pamphlet in the Financial Booklets Series from Marshall Rand Publishing exposes the most important of these tasks. Managing your personal financial resources always begins with you. By not finishing certain vital jobs, you run the risk of making costly mistakes and placing your monetary independence, control and security threatened. The advantages of finishing these monetary tasks typically include safeguarding and growing your financial investments, cutting your tax costs, jump beginning your retirement cost savings, improving your credit score and minimizing your insurance coverage expenses.

The end of the year is not only the optimum time to address all personal financial resources, however likewise is the deadline for completing some specific jobs. For example, the last trading day in December is the last chance to offer losing investments and offset resulting capital losses against existing capital gains for that tax year.

Here are eight of the essential year-end monetary jobs you should think about.

1. REDUCE CAPITAL GAINS: Capital gains taxes can considerably lower overall portfolio performance and increase your tax bill. As a result, harvest proper capital losses to offset against existing capital gains.

2. REBALANCE YOUR PORTFOLIO: Due to varying market prices throughout the years, your portfolio and particular holdings may have changed. To ensure that your portfolio remains optimal – or aligned to attain your objectives and objectives – you may require to offer some financial investments and purchase other financial investments with the earnings.

MAXIMIZE RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTIONS: Consider increasing contributions to your retirement account– 401(k), 403(b), IRA or other, if permitted. The compounding effect from increased contributions will become quite large over time.

4. ESTABLISH AN EMERGENCY FUND: An emergency fund is utilized to secure versus a loss of income as an outcome of special needs, layoff or death. As a general rule, your emergency fund ought to total up to in between three and 6 months of your typical regular monthly expenses.

5. CONSIDER BUNCHING ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS: If you are close to benefiting from itemizing your deductions, consider “bunching” them in rotating tax years. One year you detail deductions – and take advantage of the excess itemized reductions over the basic reduction – and the next tax year you take the standard reduction.

6. DRAFT OR MODIFY ESTATE PLANNING DOCUMENTS: Having an estate strategy (will, living will, trust, power of attorney, and so on) is vital for avoiding probate, decreasing estate taxes and ensuring properties go to whom you designate.

7. MAKE TAX-EFFICIENT CHARITABLE GIFTS: Making presents of extremely appreciated assets, namely stocks, can be extremely advantageous by reducing your tax expense. Taxpayers benefit by obtaining both a charitable tax reduction and avoiding capital gains tax on the extremely appreciated asset. With completion of the year fast approaching, it is essential that you address your personal finances and total certain essential tasks, specifically those with deadlines. Keep in mind, managing your individual finances always begins with you.

8. THINK OF GETTING YOUR TRADITION: Regardless of your financial circumstance, having a thorough estate plan in place is crucial. This usually includes preparing a will and developing powers of attorney to cover financial and medical care choices. In some cases, setting up a depend on may likewise be essential. In addition, local business owner need to focus on safeguarding their properties and financial resources through legal arrangements. A reliable law office, such as this one, can offer experienced guidance on both individual and organization estate planning matters.:

  • business attorney

  • legal compliance attorney

  • contracts attorney

 

The end of the year also holds another, lesser-known but more substantial, significance – the optimum time of the year to finish year-end monetary jobs.

The Ultimate Guide to Finding High-Quality Moving Leads for Your BusinessThe Ultimate Guide to Finding High-Quality Moving Leads for Your Business

Professional Moving Leads Provider

In the competitive world of the moving industry, finding reliable customers is essential for growth. That’s where High-Quality Moving Leads come into play. These leads connect moving companies with individuals and businesses actively seeking moving services, ensuring that your sales team spends time on prospects that are genuinely interested. Utilizing reputable lead providers can significantly increase your chances of securing new clients and expanding your customer base. Whether you’re a small local mover or a national moving company, the right leads can transform your business and keep your schedule full. A strong pipeline of high-quality leads allows your company to maintain consistent revenue, improve customer satisfaction, and establish a solid reputation in the market.

Leveraging Exclusive Moving Leads Online

One of the most effective ways to grow your moving business is by leveraging Exclusive Moving Leads Online. These leads are carefully curated to provide movers with targeted opportunities that other companies don’t have access to, minimizing competition and maximizing conversion potential. For example, platforms like FMCSA’s mover search allow consumers to verify licensed and registered moving companies, giving movers a trustworthy channel to attract serious clients. By using exclusive online leads, moving companies can focus on closing deals rather than wasting time on unqualified prospects, saving both effort and resources. Exclusive leads also allow movers to create personalized marketing approaches, tailoring quotes and services to each potential client, which greatly improves the likelihood of successful conversions.

Choosing the Right Moving Leads Provider

When choosing a lead provider, it’s crucial to consider the quality and reliability of the leads offered. Providers like bestmovingleadsproviders.com and buymovingleads.co specialize in connecting movers with pre-screened customers who are ready to hire. These platforms often allow you to filter leads by service type, location, and timeline, giving your business a strategic advantage. High-quality leads aren’t just about quantity; they ensure that your sales team interacts with prospects who are ready to make a decision, increasing your conversion rates and ultimately boosting revenue. Furthermore, working with established providers reduces the risk of wasted resources on unverified or outdated contacts.

Cost-Effective Marketing for Moving Companies

Investing in moving leads can also save significant marketing costs over time. Instead of spending thousands on broad advertising campaigns with uncertain outcomes, purchasing targeted leads allows you to focus your resources on prospects who are already interested. This approach is especially valuable for small to mid-sized moving companies looking to maximize ROI and grow steadily without overspending. Additionally, integrating lead management tools can help track interactions, follow-ups, and conversion rates, allowing your team to work more efficiently and close more deals. Over time, the data collected from lead campaigns can also inform broader marketing strategies, helping businesses refine their messaging and target demographics more effectively.

Staying Ahead in a Competitive Industry

The moving industry is highly competitive, and staying ahead requires proactive strategies. Leveraging online platforms and lead services not only gives you access to potential customers but also helps you monitor industry trends, customer preferences, and seasonal demand patterns. For instance, moving leads often spike during summer months, so having a reliable lead source ensures that your business is prepared to meet the increased demand without missing opportunities. Additionally, understanding the types of leads, residential vs. commercial, allows businesses to plan staffing, equipment, and logistics more effectively. Being prepared with high-quality leads ensures that movers can respond quickly, maintain excellent service, and secure positive reviews, which further drives referrals and brand credibility.

Building Long-Term Success with Leads

Ultimately, selecting the right moving leads provider is a strategic decision that can determine the success of your business. By focusing on providers that offer verified, high-quality, and exclusive leads, you ensure that your sales team spends time on prospects with the highest potential.

In conclusion, High-Quality Moving Leads and exclusive online opportunities are essential tools for any moving business aiming to expand. From improving sales efficiency to reducing marketing costs, investing in verified leads allows your company to focus on what matters most: delivering excellent service and growing your customer base. As the moving industry continues to evolve, staying connected with trusted lead providers ensures that your business remains competitive, profitable, and well-positioned for long-term success. With the right leads, your company can confidently scale operations, improve customer experiences, and establish itself as a leader in the moving industry.

Moving Leads For Small Movers

First Impressions in London Dating – More Than Meets the EyeFirst Impressions in London Dating – More Than Meets the Eye

London is a city where impressions are made in an instant. From the rushed minutes on television to a fast chat at a neighborhood café, the preliminary judgments we make concerning individuals can shape our partnerships long before we get to know them. But exactly what influences these first impressions? It’s an intricate mix of social hints, psychological prejudices, and a little bit of instinct according to https://eastendtastemagazine.com/discover-cultural-features-of-foreign-countries-traveling-and-dating/.

Among the most powerful influences is our tendency to rely upon fast heuristics– mental shortcuts– to size individuals up. We often search for signs of heat and proficiency. Does the individual seem pleasant and friendly? Do they appear intelligent and capable? These preliminary assessments, whether precise or otherwise, heavily influence our desire to involve better. In London’s fast-paced atmosphere, an authentic smile or a certain disposition can be the distinction in between a fleeting minute and a long-term link according to https://charlotteaction.org.

One more important aspect is resemblance. Individuals are subconsciously attracted to others who remind them of themselves. This can be in their design of dress, their accent, or their body movement. Seeing a reflection of ourselves in another person produces a feeling of comfort and experience, making us more available to a relationship. In a city as culturally varied as London, this can additionally mean discovering shared cultural histories or experiences. Bonding over a mutual love for a certain cuisine, a neighborhood, or a common background can construct an effective connection from the really initial meeting.

The first moments of a date are additionally a hotbed for non-verbal communication. From body position to eye get in touch with, these unmentioned signals inform us a great deal. Leaning in while a person is talking shows you’re involved, and making stable eye contact conveys self-confidence and rate of interest. These little motions can create an atmosphere of depend on and openness, making the various other individual feel comfortable and valued.

Ultimately, an impression in London isn’t almost a single minute; it’s the end result of countless subconscious signals. By being mindful of exactly how we provide ourselves and how we analyze others, we can navigate the city’s dating scene with a much deeper understanding of what absolutely sparks attraction.

What Is a Patient Lift Sling and How Can It Help Caregivers?What Is a Patient Lift Sling and How Can It Help Caregivers?

What Is a Patient Lift Sling and How Can It Help Caregivers?

Caring for a loved one or managing patient handling in professional healthcare environments requires the right tools for safe and easy mobility support. A patient lift sling is one of the most essential pieces of lift equipment, designed to transfer patients from one location to another while prioritizing both safety and comfort.

At Reliable Ramps, we provide a wide range of slings for patient lifts, ensuring caregivers can choose the correct option to meet specific needs, reduce the risk of injury, and maintain dignity for patients with limited mobility.

What Is a Patient Lift Sling?

A patient sling is the supportive fabric device attached to a patient lift to perform safe and comfortable transfers. Slings are designed with straps, cradle points, or loop style attachments that connect securely to lift equipment. Depending on the patient’s mobility issues, weight and body type, or the type of lift, different slings are available to ensure optimal safety and patient comfort.

From universal full body mesh lift slings to disposable slings for hygiene-sensitive use, these products allow patients to be moved without strain. Whether repositioning in bed, moving into a wheelchair, or using a shower chair, slings provide the essential support that patients and caregivers need.

Patient Lift Slings for Home Use

For families, having access to the right sling can transform home care.

  • Ease of Use: Slings are ideal for safe and easy transfers without requiring professional training.
  • Home Care Compatibility: Many options, including manual patient lift slings, integrate seamlessly with home-use lifts.
  • Safe and Comfortable Transfers: Soft polyester, nylon, or breathable mesh materials reduce irritation while enhancing safety and comfort.

Reliable Ramps provides full body patient lift options and compact designs that fit within home settings, allowing caregivers to bathe, reposition, and transfer patients with confidence.

Types of Patient Lift Slings Available

Slings are designed for specific patient care needs, and choosing the correct type ensures both safety and dignity.

  • Full Body Sling: Covers the entire back and head, providing maximum support for patients with limited mobility.
  • Divided Leg Sling / U-Sling: Offers access for toileting and hygiene tasks, often with a commode opening.
  • Sit-to-Stand Lift Sling: Supports patients who can bear some weight, assisting them into a standing position.
  • Full Body Mesh Lift Sling: Made of mesh, ideal for bathing or shower chair transfers.
  • Disposable Slings: Designed for single-use, ensuring hygiene in professional healthcare and long-term care environments.
  • Bariatric Slings: Built for higher weight capacity to support patients safely.

Each sling type helps caregivers meet specific needs, from lift and transfer tasks to toileting, bathing, or repositioning.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Sling

When evaluating patient lifts and slings, certain features ensure optimal safety and patient comfort.

  • Strap and Pad Design: Strong straps and cushioned pads distribute weight evenly.
  • Head and Back Support: Full body slings often include head support for complete stability.
  • Material Options: Solid fabric polyester, polyester mesh, or nylon depending on hygiene needs.
  • Weight Capacity: From standard to bariatric, slings are available for different patients.
  • Optional Chain or Cradle Points: Provide versatility with different lifts, including four sling points for secure attachment.
  • Positioning Control: Helps caregivers transfer patients into safe and comfortable positions.

By understanding these features, caregivers ensure they’re selecting the right product for both the patient and the caregiver.

Patient Lift Sling Compatibility with Lift Equipment

Compatibility matters when combining a lift and sling. Reliable Ramps provides slings designed for seamless integration with leading brands like Drive Medical, Invacare, and standard floor lifts.

  • Universal Full Body Mesh Lift: Fits most common lifts, making it versatile for professional healthcare environments.
  • Loop Style and Cradle Points: Connect securely to hydraulic or electric lifts for stable transfers.
  • Sit-to-Stand Lift Sling Compatibility: Ensures patients with mobility issues can transition into a standing position safely.
  • Hydraulic and Manual Patient Lifts: Slings are designed to work smoothly with both powered and manual lift systems.

This compatibility ensures safe and comfortable transfers in hospitals, nursing homes, and private residences.

Patient Care Benefits of Using Lift Slings

Using the right sling reduces the risk of injury for caregivers while improving quality of life for patients.

  • Fall Prevention: Slings provide stability when transferring patients with limited mobility.
  • Improved Hygiene: Options like the sling with commode opening make toileting and bathing easier.
  • Enhanced Patient Comfort: Padding, breathable mesh, and solid fabric choices ensure patients remain comfortable during transfers.
  • Safe and Easy Mobility: Transfers from bed to wheelchair or chair to shower can be done without excessive strain.
  • Long-Term Care Reliability: Durable construction withstands daily use in professional healthcare environments.

Slings are designed not only to help caregivers but also to give patients a sense of dignity and independence during transfers.

Get the Right Patient Lift Sling Today with Reliable Ramps

At Reliable Ramps, we make it simple to find the right sling for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a full body lift sling, a mesh lift sling with commode, or bariatric options, we provide durable solutions that help caregivers and patients achieve safe and comfortable transfers.

Key highlights of our collection:

  • Full body slings, sit-to-stand lift slings, and disposable slings.
  • Compatibility with Invacare, Drive Medical, and most floor lifts.
  • Polyester mesh, nylon, and solid fabric options for hygiene and patient comfort.
  • Designed for both home use and professional healthcare environments.
  • Available in different sizes and weight capacities to meet specific needs.

Call us today at 888-307-1839 or email us to learn more about our patient lift sling solutions. Get in touch with Reliable Ramps and experience the difference in safe and comfortable transfers.

Reliable Ramps

888-307-1839

https://reliableramps.com/

Building a Winning Digital Marketing Strategy—with the Power of an SEO AgencyBuilding a Winning Digital Marketing Strategy—with the Power of an SEO Agency

In today’s fast-moving online world, a well-crafted digital marketing strategy is the cornerstone of effective brand growth. It isn’t just about posting on social media or launching an ad; it’s a long-term, high-level plan grounded in your business goals, target audiences, and key performance indicators (KPIs). Whether you’re aiming for awareness, lead generation, or sales, your strategy serves as the guiding framework aligning all your digital activities.

At its core, a digital marketing strategy answers pivotal questions:

  • What are our goals?
  • Who are we trying to reach?
  • Which channels and tactics are most effective?
  • How will we measure success?

Effective strategies don’t rely on a single tactic—they cohesively blend content marketing, email campaigns, social media, paid ads, and notably, search engine optimization (SEO). SEO isn’t just another piece—it’s a force-multiplier that improves visibility and organic traffic over time.

The Role of an SEO Agency in Your Strategy

While SEO can be tackled in-house, partnering with a specialized SEO agency can exponentially elevate your digital marketing strategy. These agencies bring expertise across:

  • On-page optimization (like meta tags, structured content)
  • Technical enhancements (site speed, crawlability)
  • Off-page tactics (link building, partnerships)
  • Keyword research, competitor analysis, and content planning

An SEO agency essentially becomes your trusted guide to outrank competitors, attract qualified traffic, and boost conversions—all wrapped in informed strategy rather than guesswork.

Why This Partnership Makes Sense

Strategic alignment: SEO isn’t a standalone add-on—it integrates smoothly with content, ads, email, and social media, grounding all efforts in measurable SEO outcomes.

Time and cost efficiency: Agencies handle the intricate SEO tasks, freeing your team to focus on broader strategy and creative execution.

Scalability and expertise: From routine audits to adapting to algorithm changes, SEO agencies offer seasoned support that scales with your growth.

Putting It All Together

A modern digital marketing strategy should blend channels intelligently—content, email, social media, paid ads—and anchor all of them with SEO at its core. WebFusion360 ensures your brand is discoverable, credible, and visible across the web, empowering other tactics to perform even better. Together, these elements form a smart, unified roadmap to meet business goals and outpace competition.