Indeed, there's no place quite like Marietta, Georgia. With its charming demeanor and endless opportunities for fun and relaxation,
it is a sanctuary nestled in the bustling, southern heartland. Whether it's the appeal of the friendly folks, the rich historical heritage, or the scenic landscapes, living in Marietta will reel you into an enchanting world where southern hospitality and modern living co-exist seamlessly.
The city bustles with unique eateries serving up everything from classic southern comfort food to more cosmopolitan selections. But Marietta doesn’t stop at just pleasing your taste buds; its downtown shopping scene offers a range of boutique stores that add a vibrant and eclectic edge to your shopping adventures.
The city's pivotal historical roots are visible through diverse landmarks like the Marietta Museum of History or the legendary Marietta Confederate Cemetery. The annual Art in the Park and the Taste of Marietta food festival pull in visitors from all corners, making the city a hub of cultural fusion.
Marietta’s picturesque scenery is a breath of fresh air- literally. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park offers stunning trails for hiking and jogging, while the Marietta Square Park hosts its famous farmers market amidst an atmosphere filled with community warmth.
In Marietta, opportunities to learn, grow and explore are at every corner. With its stellar education system, flourishing business landscape, and...
Experience the Southern Charm of Marietta,
Experience the Southern Charm of Marietta, Georgia
Indeed, there's no place quite like Marietta, Georgia. With its charming demeanor and endless opportunities for fun and relaxation, it is a sanctuary nestled in the bustling, southern heartland. Whether it's the appeal of the friendly folks, the rich historical heritage, or the scenic landscapes, living in Marietta will reel you into an enchanting world where southern hospitality and modern living co-exist seamlessly.
The city bustles with unique eateries serving up everything from classic southern comfort food to more cosmopolitan selections. But Marietta doesn’t stop at just pleasing your taste buds; its downtown shopping scene offers a range of boutique stores that add a vibrant and eclectic edge to your shopping adventures.
The city's pivotal historical roots are visible through diverse landmarks like the Marietta Museum of History or the legendary Marietta Confederate Cemetery. The annual Art in the Park and the Taste of Marietta food festival pull in visitors from all corners, making the city a hub of cultural fusion.
Marietta’s picturesque scenery is a breath of fresh air- literally. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park offers stunning trails for hiking and jogging, while the Marietta Square Park hosts its famous farmers market amidst an atmosphere filled with community warmth.
In Marietta, opportunities to learn, grow and explore are at every corner. With its stellar education system, flourishing business landscape, and a whole host of leisure activities, Marietta marks the perfect blend of Southern charm and city conveniences. So, come be a part of Marietta, where the charm of the South awaits you at every corner.
The Real Benefits of Paintless Dent Repair for Modern Vehicles
Paintless dent repair has become a preferred solution for vehicle owners dealing with minor dents and surface damage. This method focuses on carefully reshaping metal panels from behind the surface, rather than sanding, filling, and repainting. For many common issues, it provides a cleaner and more
efficient repair process.One of the most important advantages of paintless dent repair is that it preserves the vehicle’s original paint. Factory paint finishes are applied under controlled conditions that body shops cannot fully recreate. When the original finish remains intact, the vehicle keeps
6 | HelloMarietta, Georgia • Winter Issue
The Real Benefits of Paintless Dent Repair for Modern Vehicles
Paintless dent repair has become a preferred solution for vehicle owners dealing with minor dents and surface damage. This method focuses on carefully reshaping metal panels from behind the surface, rather than sanding, filling, and repainting. For many common issues, it provides a cleaner and more efficient repair process. One of the most important advantages of paintless dent repair is that it preserves the vehicle’s original paint. Factory paint finishes are applied under controlled conditions that body shops cannot fully recreate. When the original finish remains intact, the vehicle keeps a more authentic appearance and avoids visible color differences. Preserving the original factory finish helps protect resale value and avoids the risks that come with repainting. This is especially important for newer vehicles or leased cars, where appearance and condition can affect future costs. Even well done paint work can raise questions during resale or trade in evaluations. Paintless dent repair is also known for its efficiency. Traditional auto body repair often requires several steps, including sanding, filler application, curing time, and paint matching. Each step adds time and increases the chance of delays. With paintless dent repair, many small dents can be addressed in a single visit. Cost is another reason many drivers consider this option. Since there are fewer materials involved and less labor time, paintless dent repair is often more affordable than traditional methods. This makes it a practical choice for everyday door dings, parking lot damage, and minor creases that do not compromise paint integrity. Hail damage is one of the most common reasons people seek paintless dent repair. Hail storms can leave dozens of small dents across the hood, roof, and trunk. Repairing this type of damage with traditional methods would require extensive body work and repainting. Paintless dent repair allows technicians to restore panels without replacing parts or altering the finish. Another benefit is the environmental impact. Traditional auto body repair relies on paints, solvents, and fillers that can produce harmful fumes and waste. Paintless dent repair avoids these materials entirely. By reshaping metal instead of adding substances, it reduces environmental impact and supports cleaner repair practices. Paintless dent repair also helps maintain the original structure of the vehicle. Adding fillers and sanding panels can slightly alter thickness and strength over time. With paintless dent repair, the metal is returned to its original shape rather than covered or modified. This approach supports long term durability. While paintless dent repair is not suitable for every situation, it works well for a wide range of common damage. Dents caused by hail, shopping carts, or light impacts are often ideal candidates. As long as the paint surface remains intact and the metal is not severely stretched, results can be impressive. For drivers comparing paintless dent repair vs traditional auto body repair, the decision often comes down to speed, cost, and preservation. Paintless dent repair offers a streamlined solution that focuses on restoring the vehicle rather than rebuilding it. When used appropriately, it delivers clean results that blend seamlessly with the original design.
Mike Wickham, Owner & Alex Wickham, Co-Owner
paint work can raise questions during resale or trade in evaluations.Paintless dent repair is also known for its efficiency. Traditional auto body repair often requires several steps, including sanding, filler application, curing time, and paint matching. Each step adds time and increases the chance of delays. With paintless dent repair, many small dents can be addressed in a single visit.Cost is another reason many drivers consider this option. Since there are fewer materials involved and less labor time, paintless dent repair is often more affordable than traditional methods. This makes it a practical choice for everyday door...
a more authentic appearance and avoids visible color differences.Preserving the original factory finish helps protect resale value and avoids the risks that come with repainting. This is especially important for newer vehicles or leased cars, where appearance and condition can affect future costs. Even well done
Preserving the original factory finish helps protect resale value and avoids the risks that come with repainting.
About the Author
Mike Wickham is the owner and driving force behind Dent Vanish Atlanta, a trusted paintless dent repair expert serving the Atlanta area. With decades of experience restoring vehicles to their original condition, Mike leads the family-owned business with professionalism, precision, and a passion for exceptional customer service. Alex Wickham, Co-Owner, is responsible for business development and expanding the company’s presence—while working alongside Mike to maintain the highest standards of...
HelloMarietta, Georgia • Winter Issue |7
What Determines the Price of a New Heating and Cooling System?
When homeowners start thinking about replacing their heating and cooling system, one of the first questions is almost always about cost. The truth is, there’s no single price that fits every home because several key factors influence what you’ll pay. Understanding those factors helps you make sense of
the estimate and see where your money is going.The size of your home plays a major role in determining the right system and, in turn, the total cost. HVAC units are measured in tons or British thermal units, and that sizing must match the home’s square footage and layout. If a unit is too small,
8 | HelloMarietta, Georgia • Winter Issue
What Determines the Price of a New Heating and Cooling System?
When homeowners start thinking about replacing their heating and cooling system, one of the first questions is almost always about cost. The truth is, there’s no single price that fits every home because several key factors influence what you’ll pay. Understanding those factors helps you make sense of the estimate and see where your money is going. The size of your home plays a major role in determining the right system and, in turn, the total cost. HVAC units are measured in tons or British thermal units, and that sizing must match the home’s square footage and layout. If a unit is too small, it will struggle to keep up and run constantly. If it’s too large, it may short cycle and waste energy. A professional load calculation ensures the system fits your home’s exact needs, keeping comfort steady and bills manageable. Another major factor is efficiency. Each air conditioner and heat pump carries a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A higher SEER rating means the system delivers more cooling per unit of energy used. Systems with high efficiency ratings generally cost more upfront because of advanced technology and upgraded components. However, that higher efficiency can reduce monthly energy costs, sometimes enough to offset the initial investment over time. Whether you choose a traditional ducted system or a ductless setup also affects cost. Ductless systems are often used for homes without existing ductwork or for additions where extending ducts would be expensive. Each indoor unit connects to an outdoor condenser, allowing room-by-room temperature control. While ductless systems can cost more per unit, they provide targeted comfort and avoid the energy loss that sometimes occurs in older duct systems. Labor and installation are another big part of the total. HVAC installation requires skilled technicians who handle refrigerant lines, electrical wiring, and sometimes duct modification. If your current system is outdated, bringing parts of it up to modern standards can add to the labor cost. That work ensures the new system runs safely and efficiently, which protects the investment long term. Sometimes, installation requires additional upgrades, such as new thermostats, improved duct sealing, or added insulation. These changes can raise the total cost, but they also improve performance. For example, if leaky ducts are left untouched, even the most efficient system will waste energy trying to push conditioned air through gaps and cracks. While the upfront price of a new HVAC system can seem high, energy efficiency and performance improvements often pay off in the years ahead. Lower energy bills, fewer repairs, and better indoor comfort all contribute to long-term value. Many homeowners find that the right system, properly installed, delivers noticeable savings that offset the initial expense. It’s also worth noting that different regions and climates influence pricing. Systems designed for hot, humid areas often require more robust cooling power than those in milder climates. Likewise, labor rates vary by location, as does the availability of certain brands or equipment types. Asking for multiple estimates from licensed professionals can help you understand what’s typical in your area. When comparing quotes, look beyond the bottom line. Ask about the SEER rating, warranty coverage, and what’s included in the installation. A slightly higher cost may include features or services that save money later, such as extended warranties, energy-efficient components, or better airflow design. Replacing an HVAC system is a major home investment, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. By understanding how size, efficiency, and installation factors come together, you can make a more informed decision and choose the best option for your home and budget.
Kenneth Hartman
rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A higher SEER rating means the system delivers more cooling per unit of energy used. Systems with high efficiency ratings generally cost more upfront because of advanced technology and upgraded components. However, that higher efficiency can reduce monthly energy costs, sometimes enough to offset the initial investment over time.Whether you choose a traditional ducted system or a ductless setup also affects cost. Ductless systems are often used for homes without existing ductwork or for additions where extending ducts would be expensive. Each indoor unit connects to an outdoor...
it will struggle to keep up and run constantly. If it’s too large, it may short cycle and waste energy. A professional load calculation ensures the system fits your home’s exact needs, keeping comfort steady and bills manageable.Another major factor is efficiency. Each air conditioner and heat pump carries a SEER
While the upfront price of a new HVAC system can seem high, energy efficiency and performance improvements often pay off in the year...
About the Author
Kenneth Hartman, originally from Buffalo, NY, graduated from Universal Technical Institute in Chicago in 1996 before moving to Atlanta. With over 20 years of HVAC experience, he joined Tim at Hammock’s twelve years ago, building a strong partnership—Kenneth leading service, Tim leading installation. In 2016, Tim entrusted Kenneth with continuing the company’s legacy, a promise Kenny proudly keeps today.
