Gentlemen’s Corner with Colin Furcht

The Gentlemen’s Guide to Preparing For Spring!

Well Gents, it’s that time of year again. Winter is basically behind us and here at the Lake, we are preparing our homes and ourselves for Spring. Are you ready? Do you have a list yet? Well, buckle up, I have a few ideas to add to your list. No self-respecting Gentleman, who’s has been reading week after week, would put things off another day. This certainly isn’t an exhaustive list, but I think it will at least get you off the couch!  

Where do I start?

Lists are something I talk about frequently. Having a plan and sticking to it is not only important but it defines you as a ‘Do’er’ and not a procrastinator. Let’s not be the latter. Everything on this list will help your home, your stuff, yourself and your brotherhood. 

1. Check those filters. Regardless of if you own or rent, the place you live has a filtration system. The change of seasons is a perfect time to replace them. The air you breathe inside your home is critical to your health and the health of those you love. Spend a few bucks on Amazon and buy two of each size so that you are ready when I remind you again in the fall.
2. Change the oil in your mower and other equipment. If you don’t have to worry about a lawn, you can jump to number 3. Otherwise, make time over the new few Saturdays to change the oil in your mower, tractor, trimmer, etc. Preventative maintenance will save you in the long run. If you are so inclined, sharpen those blades as well. A dull blade will rip the grass and impact its overall growth. Most small equipment shops can do this for you.
3. Clean those screens. Every home has screens. Current models should be easy to remove and replace. Take them all out, mark them if need be and scrub them gently with some basic soap and water. You will appreciate this for the few months when you can actually leave the windows open all day. 
4. Clean the windows. Inside and out. As you are doing the screens, now is a perfect time to get those windows clean and sparkling. Now more fingerprints or whatever else have found their way on them over the winter. People notice, I know you do too!

5. Check your gutters. If you haven’t already jumped on the ‘leaf guard’ mentality yet, by the way you really should, get up there and clean them out. Those spring rains will wreak havoc if they are not maintained. If you are not a fan of the ladder, pay someone to clean them and have THEM put the covers on them. This is a quick and easy way to prevent damage to the soffits and roof of your home.

6. Weed and feed the lawn. It’s absolutely that time of year to prepare your yard for a long, hot summer. Fertilizing and weeding will make you the talk of the neighborhood. Investing a little time and effort now will give you a yard that pays dividends over and over.

7. Cover your natural areas. If you are a mulch or a pine straw guy, this is another must do to keep your yard looking great. Don’t forget to throw down some food for the bushes or whatever you have before you cover it. Miracle Grow has slow-release pellets that will last a few months.

8. Power wash your deck or even the driveway. If you don’t own a Power washer, (I highly recommend it), you can rent them from any hardware chain. Getting that winter black off of the most used surfaces will make them look like new. Make a little bleach mixture before you start to get rid of any mold or mildew you might not see.

9. Plan a vacation. I bet you didn’t see that coming. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your stuff. Having something to look forward to is very motivating when you have all of these other tasks to do. Go to the beach. Head to the mountains, they really need us now too. Get out of your zip code and go relax. I’ll throw this in anytime I can, you need to make time for you.

10. Get a few guys together for a few drinks that you haven’t seen in a while. Investing in friendships is extremely important. Be that guy that makes the call and isn’t always waiting to be invited. You’ll be surprised how that gets you a few more invites down the road.

What about me?

I realize not every man has these responsibilities on their list. My apologies if some of these don’t apply to you. That said, I’m SURE you can create your own list of things to do before Memorial Day. Learn a new skill. Build or fix something that you’ve never tried before. Make it another way to get a brother or two over to get things done. Never forget that most guys are more than willing to help out, all you have to do is ask…

Take care of yourselves and your brotherhood!

Colin Furcht- BRO Beard Products CEO

Colin has been a long time Lake Norman resident and has been very active in the community. From Commissioner to founding the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade to now a featured Author and small business owner! His desire is to bring men together and encourage them to reach out. He has always said, ‘look out for yourselves and each other.’ All men need a Brotherhood. www.brobeardproducts.shop