Financial
DC Allen and Ken Flick: Partners in life, business and LGBT community growth
D.C. duo pioneered a local gay business while empowering advocacy groups
DC Allen, on right, and Ken Flick have contributed to the development and growth of a broad and diverse range of local and national LGBT groups.
As the Washington region celebrates the annual Capital Pride parade and festival this weekend, the contribution that D.C. businessmen and Crew Club founders DC Allen and Ken Flick have made to the growth and development of the LGBT community in the nation’s capital is particularly noteworthy.
Flick and Allen, partners in life and business, highlight through their exemplary leading role a legacy of gay business owners who have fueled local advocacy groups, community-building initiatives, and direct service projects.
The entrepreneurial duo, a longtime couple that married at the District courthouse in 2012, has quietly and consistently contributed to the development and growth of a broad and diverse range of local and national LGBT groups of all types and sizes.
During the past two decades, the continuing financial benefactions of Allen and Flick – on behalf of multiple business ventures – have totaled nearly $650,000 in direct funding.
Co-owners of the Crew Club, a gay-oriented gym and spa located in the bustling Logan Circle neighborhood at 1321 14th St., N.W., south of P Street, Allen and Flick launched the business in 1995. At the time, the now-bustling commercial area was a desolate strip of largely vacant and underutilized buildings with scant enterprise destinations. Allen recalls a local resident stating at a community meeting during the early days of operation, “I’ve never seen so many men in suits in the neighborhood.”
Also distinguishing the venue from its inception and reflected in a major recent refurbishment is the attractive interior design, high-end appointments, comfortable ambience, signature attention to detail, and patron service standards at the well-run and award-winning facility. The Crew Club has earned a national distinction for offering a full-range of amenities and representing the highest hallmarks of quality within the industry.
Flick, who primarily manages the administrative aspects of the business and other enterprise engagements from the couple’s Fort Lauderdale home when not at their D.C. residence, shares the warm gregariousness and easygoing manner for which the couple is known.
A Washington-born native who grew up in suburban Maryland, Flick earned an undergraduate degree at Georgetown University and master’s of Urban Planning from the University of Virginia. He worked at the Maryland Department of Transportation for more than 20 years and served as state liaison to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority beginning with the creation of Metrorail in the 1970s, also working with the region’s Council of Governments.
Allen, who cuts an outsized stature with an even bigger personality, grew up in the Boston suburbs, where he studied hotel management. He worked in the restaurant and bar industry in both Boston and Manhattan, the latter while achieving success – and prominent theater, musical and movie roles – as a New York actor, singer and dancer.
After subsequently opening a coffee shop with friends in Boston, a series of brutal gay bashings in the Fenway cruising area angered Allen and led him to open a social club with a gym and spa. Inspired by attending a Quentin Crisp lecture regarding his being gay at a time in history when it was dangerous to be so, Allen discerned a community need for a social place and a center for community HIV education, as he had seen throughout Europe. “I wasn’t going to let anyone stop me,” Allen recalls, “We needed a place to go.”
It was this motivation, and a move to D.C., that prompted the Crew Club development as “an activist and community supported space with a mission to build a positive view of gay men and their sexuality,” Allen says.
The Crew Club has long been committed to working for a safer and healthier local gay community, providing on-site testing for HIV, syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections since opening. The business funded, and was instrumental in initiating, a $40,000 advertising campaign in local LGBT media promoting awareness of a resurgence of syphilis. That effort was widely credited with reducing the rate of infections among gay men in the metropolitan area, alongside financing safer-sex Tool Kit distribution expenses.
The Crew Club also supported the formation and development of the award-winning Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU) of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, and has forged strong ties with GLLU personnel.
Other beneficiaries represent a comprehensive list of entities engaging broad swaths of community life.
Four years ago, the Crew Club donated $25,000 to the then-expanding and relocating D.C. Center – the Washington area’s LGBT community center – to help build out new offices and meeting space at the Reeves Center a few blocks north of the Crew Club at 14th and U streets. The Center is a project for which Allen, in particular, remains passionate. He is quick to encourage older LGBT residents to include the organization when planning for estate distributions.
In each of the past two years, Casa Ruby has been the recipient of $10,000 donations for its work offering life-saving services and programs to the most vulnerable members of the LGBT community and providing support for transgender individuals. Two months ago, 14 Crew Club staff members toured Casa Ruby when delivering a check to support the facility.
Allen is adamant and articulate regarding what motivates the couple’s charitable giving-back. “It’s an illusion that we have all of our rights and don’t have to fight for them anymore,” he points out, adding that this is the reason that he and Flick have “split our philanthropic activities between service and activism.”
Other recipients have included Food and Friends, the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance (GLAA), Us Helping Us, the D.C. government’s Office of GLBT Affairs, and Whitman-Walker Health. They have also lent their support to Team D.C., D.C. Sentinels Basketball Team, Federal Triangles Soccer Club, We Are Everywhere Bowling League, D.C. Gay Flag Football League, Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, Reel Affirmations, Miss Adams Morgan Pageant, Centaur Motorcycle Club, Federation for All D.C. Families, and the Imperial Court of Washington, D.C.
Their munificence also extends to national LGBT organizations such as the NAMES Project and AIDS Memorial Quilt, Lambda Legal, CenterLink, Stonewall Museum and Library, National LGBTQ Task Force, and SAGE Advocacy and Services for LGBT Elders. Allen and Flick also support organizations in the Fort Lauderdale area, where they maintain a home, including SunServe, Equality Florida, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Our Fund, and the Pride Center of South Florida.
Allen has been presented the Distinguished Service Award by the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance, the Distinguished Service Award by the D.C. Center, and an Outstanding Volunteer Service Award by Brother, Help Thyself
Allen was the recipient of the Capital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Business Leadership Award in 2012. He received the Washington Blade “Best Business Person” designation in 2014.
Crew Club was also named “Best Place to Meet Men Other Than Grindr” two years ago. “We’re retro in that regard,” notes Allen, “seeking human interaction, battling to be sex positive and promoting healthy behaviors.”
Additional information on the Crew Club is available online at CrewClub.net.
Mark Lee is a long-time entrepreneur and community business advocate. Follow on Twitter: @MarkLeeDC. Reach him at [email protected].
Real Estate
Tips for buying a house in Rehoboth Beach
And why it’s a great fit for the LGBTQ community
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a charming beach house where flip-flops are considered formalwear and sunsets are your daily entertainment, Rehoboth Beach, Del., might just be your dream come true. It’s not just a beautiful coastal town—it’s also a long celebrated safe haven and vibrant hub for the LGBTQ community. Let’s dive into why Rehoboth Beach is a fabulous choice and how to make a savvy beach house purchase.
Why Rehoboth Is a Vibe (especially for the LGBTQ community)
1. A Welcoming, Inclusive Community
Rehoboth Beach has been lovingly nicknamed the “Nation’s Summer Capital,” and it’s not just because of its proximity to D.C. For decades, Rehoboth has built a reputation as a warm, inclusive, and LGBTQ-friendly destination. From gay-owned businesses to LGBTQ events and nightlife, this is a town where you can truly be yourself.
2. Packed Social Calendar
Poodle Beach, the LGBTQ beach hangout just south of the boardwalk, is always buzzing in the summer. Events like Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend, Women’s FEST, and CAMP Rehoboth’s myriad of social and wellness events bring people together all year round. That’s right—you’ll never be bored here unless you want to be.
3. Small Town Charm Meets Big City Culture
You get art galleries, drag brunches, live theater, eclectic cuisine, and adorable boutiques—basically everything your soul craves—without the chaos and crowds of major cities. It’s quaint but never boring. Think: Key West vibes with a Delaware zip code.
Tips for Buying Your Dream Beach House
1. Know Your Budget and Think Long Term. Beachfront and near-beach properties come at a premium. Expect to pay a bit more for proximity to the sand and ocean views.
2. Choose Your Neighborhood Wisely. Do you want to be walking distance from the action on the boardwalk? Or do you prefer something more secluded in areas like North Shores or Henlopen Acres?
3. Rental Potential. If you’re not living there full time, your beach house could work overtime as a vacation rental. Rehoboth Beach has a healthy short-term rental market, especially in peak summer. Often times LGBTQ travelers actively seek inclusive, affirming places to stay.
4. Weather the Weather. Like all coastal areas, Rehoboth comes with a side of salt air and occasional storms. Invest in a good home inspection, especially for older homes, and be prepared for the maintenance that comes with beachfront living (yes, that includes sand everywhere).
5. Work With a Local Real Estate Agent. Look for an agent who knows Rehoboth inside and out and understands the unique needs of LGBTQ buyers. This isn’t just a house — it’s your happy place. You want someone who sees that and says, “Let’s find your sanctuary.”
Buying a beach house in Rehoboth Beach isn’t just about real estate — it’s about finding a space that reflects your lifestyle, values, and need for both community and calm. Whether it becomes your full-time home, your weekend escape, or your Airbnb side hustle, Rehoboth welcomes you with open arms (and maybe a mimosa).
Want personalized tips on navigating the Rehoboth Beach real estate market? Let’s chat! I’ll bring the listings if you bring the sunscreen.
Justin Noble is a Realtor with The Burns & Noble Group with Sotheby’s International Realty, licensed in D.C., Maryland, and Delaware. Reach him at [email protected] or 202-234-3344.
Real Estate
Impact of federal gov’t RIF on D.C.’s rental market
A seismic economic change for local property owners
In a move that could redefine the federal government workforce and reshape the economic fabric of Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump has announced his intentions to significantly reduce federal government spending as well as the number of people the federal government employs.
Calling the federal bureaucracy “bloated” and “out of control,” Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to cut thousands of federal jobs. While these cuts align with his long-standing push to “drain the swamp,” they come with potential and real collateral damage, especially for landlords in the D.C. area who have relied on government employees as some of their most reliable and long-term tenants.
The potential reduction of thousands of jobs in a city built around government work is not just a political shift—it’s a seismic economic change for the city government as well as for local property owners who have invested in the predictability of a near-constant demand for workers in the federal government agencies, government contractors and the economic ecosystem they sustain.
For landlords, government workers have represented ideal tenants: strong income, long-term leases, and responsible rental histories. Now, that foundation is being shaken in a battle by the Administration against a workforce which is the backbone of the Washington area’s overall economy, and especially its rental market.
With uncertainty looming, landlords are left in a difficult position. If widespread layoffs come to fruition, rental vacancies could spike, rental prices would drop, and previously secure investment properties might become financial liabilities. The sudden shift forces landlords to consider their next moves: how to support tenants facing job losses, how to adapt to a changing market, and how to ensure their own financial stability amid the uncertainty.
For D.C. landlords, this isn’t just about policy shifts or budget cuts, it’s about economic livelihood. The challenge ahead isn’t about just reacting to change, but proactively preparing for it, ensuring they can weather the storm of political maneuvering.
Potential Consequences for D.C. Landlords
- 1. Increased Risk of Non-Payment of Rent
- Job losses may lead to late or missed rent payments
- As affected tenants struggle financially, they may ask to break their lease to live elsewhere or even move out of the region
- Eviction lawsuits may rise, leading to a long and expensive process for landlords, all while not being able to rent their property to paying tenants.
- 2. Higher Vacancy Rates
- If many government employees leave the D.C. region in search of work elsewhere, the rental demand could decline significantly
- Rental properties may sit empty longer, requiring landlords to lower rents to attract new tenants and creating even more financial loss
3. More Competition from Other Landlords
- As many more units are vacant on the market, all competing for the same pool of potential tenants, older and smaller rentals, and those located further out from the core of the city will all struggle to find quality renters.
- Landlords will need to offer other ways to attract and retain tenants, such as incentives, which could quickly overwhelm the finances of smaller landlords who cannot keep up.
Proactive Strategies for Landlords
To mitigate risks and ensure future rental success, landlords should consider these defensive measures:
1. Strengthen Tenant Relationships and Communication
- Encourage tenants to communicate if they anticipate financial hardship due to job loss.
- Work out temporary payment plans or partial payments to prevent full non-payment or eviction.
- Provide guidance on rental assistance programs available in D.C.
2. Offer Flexible Lease Terms
- Consider shorter-term leases than a full 12-month term to accommodate the needs of tenants who may be uncertain about their long-term employment status.
- Offer lease renewals at the same rent amount to keep stable tenants and avoid turnover
3. Diversify Tenant Base
- If a large portion of tenants are government workers, a landlord may want to market to a broader audience or professionals in private industries.
- Advertise on platforms that cater to diverse tenant pools, including students and international workers.
4. Adjust Screening Criteria Thoughtfully
- While it’s important to ensure financial stability, consider creditworthiness, assets, and rental history rather than just employment status.
- Consider alternative income sources, like family members assisting, part-time work or freelance gigs.
5. Protect Cash Flow with Rent Guarantee Options
- Explore rental insurance policies or rent guarantee services to cover losses in case of non-payment.
- Consider co-signers or guarantors on leases for new tenants in vulnerable industries, just in case.
6. Adjust Rental Pricing to Stay Competitive
- Monitor the D.C. rental market and adjust pricing accordingly to attract new tenants.
- Consider offering move-in incentives as a way to stand out. Be creative! Sometimes things you can offer are different and may catch someone’s eye
Long-Term Planning for Rental Success
- Build reserves to cover expenses during potential vacancies or rent shortfalls.
- Invest in property upgrades to make rentals more attractive to a broader audience, such as young professionals or remote workers.
- Consider diversifying property holdings to include areas that are less reliant on government employment.
By taking proactive steps, landlords can safeguard their investments while supporting tenants through economic uncertainty, ultimately leading to a more stable and resilient rental business.
Scott Bloom is owner and senior property manager at Columbia Property Management. For more information, visit ColumbiaPM.com.
As the spring market hits its stride, we are beginning to see more inventory and an increase in days on the market in parts of the DMV. This may result in professional home inspections becoming routine parts of contract offers again. A thorough home inspection can help catch safety issues early and is an opportunity to learn about the operation and maintenance of items in your home.
Pay attention to flickering lights, frequently tripped breakers, and discolored outlets—these are signs of potential electrical hazards. Outdated wiring, overloaded outlets, and faulty appliances can lead to electrical fires.
Structural issues are often overlooked until it’s too late. Crumbling foundations, weak or damaged stairs, loose railings, and uneven flooring can cause trips and falls. Water damage from leaks or flooding can weaken the integrity of floors and walls, creating a risk of collapse.
Toxic chemicals can pose serious threats to health and safety, often without obvious warning signs. Understanding and addressing these risks is crucial for maintaining a safe living environment for you and your loved ones.
Household products such as cleaners, pesticides, air fresheners, and even cosmetics can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds, when inhaled regularly, can cause a range of health issues including headaches, respiratory problems, hormonal disruptions, and in some cases, even cancer. To minimize these risks, homeowners should opt for low-VOC or VOC-free products, ventilate regularly, and consider investing in an air purifier.
Formaldehyde is another common toxin found in pressed wood products, insulation, and certain paints. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory problems and has been linked to cancer.
Radon gas, another possible carcinogen, is prevalent in the DMV. Your home inspector can do a radon test or there are DIY kits available at many hardware stores. If levels are above EPA standards, a professional remediation firm can install a system that extracts the radon and vents it safely outdoors.
Carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas, is produced by gas stoves, heaters, and fireplaces. Exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even death. Install CO detectors near bedrooms and ensure that all fuel-burning appliances are properly maintained and ventilated.
Additionally, older homes may still contain asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, or roofing materials. If disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and are highly dangerous when inhaled, leading to serious diseases such as mesothelioma, so when renovating an older home, it’s critical to have materials tested for asbestos before beginning work.
Mold and mildew thrive in damp, poorly ventilated areas such as bathrooms, basements, and around leaky pipes. While some molds are harmless, others can cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems and aggravate conditions such as asthma. Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is notorious for producing mycotoxins that may lead to severe health issues.
Signs of mold include musty odors, visible growth on walls or ceilings, and excessive humidity. Preventing mold growth requires controlling moisture levels—using dehumidifiers and vapor barriers, fixing leaks promptly, and ensuring adequate ventilation. Professional mold remediation may be necessary for severe infestations.
Though banned in residential paints in 1978, lead-based paint still exists in millions of older homes. Lead exposure is especially dangerous for children, causing developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues. Adults are not immune – lead can lead to high blood pressure, kidney damage, and reproductive problems.
Even dust from deteriorating lead-based paint can be hazardous. The EPA recommends professional lead testing for any home built before 1978, especially if renovations are planned. Certified abatement professionals can safely remove or encapsulate lead paint.
Improper use of heating equipment, fireplaces, unattended candles, and cooking accidents are common sources of home fires. Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are essential for early detection and response. Test smoke detectors monthly and change batteries at least once a year.
Homes that are safe for adults may not be safe for children or pets. Small objects, unsecured cabinets, toxic plants, and open staircases can pose significant risks. Childproofing measures such as outlet covers, safety gates, and cabinet locks, along with safe storage of chemicals and medications, are essential precautions.
The good news is that many of these risks can be mitigated with awareness and action. Here are a few simple steps to enhance home safety:
• Conduct a thorough safety audit using checklists available online.
• Ensure proper ventilation to reduce indoor air pollutants.
• Regularly check for leaks and signs of water damage.
• Keep cleaning and chemical products out of reach of children.
• Educate all household members about emergency procedures, including fire escapes and first aid.
Our homes should protect us, not pose threats to our well-being. By identifying and addressing these toxic and unsafe issues, we can transform our living spaces into truly safe havens.
Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with RLAH @properties. Call or text her at 202-246-8602, email her via DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.
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