Guide to Greater Gainesville Monthly - May 2023

with GED completion and college planning for adults

This issue’s theme is Growth. Growth comes in many forms and facets. Professional growth. Personal growth. Growth in education, maturity, fitness. The growth of a child. The growth of your business or community.

Technically speaking, growth is process of increasing in size, but the definition I like is the act or process of growing; development; gradual increase.

Our Know Your Neighbor this month is on Ronna Jackson. You may recognize her name as one of our Fierce Winners in March. You may even know a bit about her story. Back in 2010, Ronna’s son, John, was serving with the US Army in Afghanistan. He lost his life defending freedom and Ronna lost her son. As you can imagine, getting out of bed was difficult. But Ronna felt called to grow as a leader, honoring John by helping fallen soldiers and caring for veterans in need.

Our cover story this month features Concept Companies, whose focus is on cutting-edge growth with responsible leadership. Under the leadership of Founder and CEO Brian Crawford and President Matt Cason, Concept Companies has grown rapidly while staying intensely dedicated to the community. You can read their story starting on page 22.

In our Arts & Culture section, we spotlight GROW HUB, an organization that builds community by empowering disabled adults. Created by Executive Director David Banes, GROW HUB provides the differently-abled with the opportunity for paid horticultural work, helping people and plants thrive. GROW HUB board member Stephen Griffin, who helps with maintenance and construction for the organization, is excited about creating new community partnerships and making magic happen.

There are two special holidays this month. Both, I would argue, are chances to pay homage to those who make growth of all kinds possible.

On Memorial Day we honor the Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. While Memorial Day is often tied to early summer activities like going to the beach, or grilling out and spending time with family, it is an important day for us to reflect on our brave heroes who died in service to our country.

The other holiday this month is Mother’s Day. Mom is the glue of the household. If most households are anything like my own, Mom is the person who manages the family calendar, prepares (amazing) meals, runs back and forth to the school for drop-off

and pick-up, washes rancid practice jerseys, comforts you when you're sick or heartbroken, and helps with homework. Mom makes everyone around her look good. My wife does of all these things and so much more. This Mother's Day, take a moment and tell that special mom in your family how much you love and appreciate her!

In an effort to show my wife how much I appreciate her, and in honor of this being the Growth issue, I am going to grow my waistline and eat some of those amazing chocolate cherry protein pancakes she features on page 40.

Growth is the great separator between those who succeed and those who do not.

When I see a person beginning to separate themselves from the pack, it's almost always due to personal growth.”

—JOHN C. MAXWELL

Get the Skinny

ENGAGING GREATER GAINESVILLE ACROSS ALL PLATFORMS MAGAZINE

TRUE NORTH

A Trend Setting Solutions Firm

SITE

truenorthflinc.com

PUBLISHER: Scott Costello

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Christy Robinson-Costello

Editorial

MANAGING EDITOR: Betsy Hansen

CONTENT EDITOR: Laureen Young

COPY EDITOR: Harper Young

EDITORIAL STAFF: Shelley Akins, Victoria Atterbury, Meredith Biesinger, Simone Flanigan, Rebecca Gleiberman, Celia Goodyear, Derek Herscovici, Deborah Holmen, Jennifer Kennedy, Lucinda Merritt, Destini Miller, Jordan Ogren, Christy Robinson-Costello, Ryan Walsh

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Brian Watson, Brittney Olinger

SOCIAL

Connect With Us Socially

Through regular posts on all of the major social media channels, we round out the story of the Greater Gainesville region. We point you to our favorite local resources for timely entertainment options, housing pulse, job opportunities, neighborhood happenings and moving tips.

On the Cover

Brian Crawford, CEO and owner of Concept Companies, page 22.

Creative

CREATIVE DESIGNER: Lindi Daywalt-Feazel

ASSISTANT CREATIVE: Renée Blair

WEB DESIGNER: Ripal Patel

MARKETING COORDINATOR: Hannah Schoff

Photography

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Diane Conde, Tanya Consaul, Betsy Hansen, Bri Lehan, Jordan Ogren, Jensen Taylor

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kirill Egorov, Terwilliger Elementary, Oak Hall, Concept Companies, Koss Olinger, Grow Hub, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Cade Museum

Sales & Advertising

DIRECTOR OF SALES: Scott Costello

ADVERTISING STRATEGIST: Danny Wright

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIST: Nick Lomas

SALES INTERN: Stephanie De Varona

Gainesville, FL | www.guidetogreatergainesville.com

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33 Numbers, Dollars + Sense: Growth

34 Startup Spotlight: Canaery

36 15 Strategies to Enhance Your Knowledge + Skills

ARTS&CULTURE

38 Grow Hub: Building Community, Empowering Disabled Adults

40 The Dish: Chocolate Cherry Protein Pancakes

FAMILY

42 10 Parenting Tips to Help You Raise a Resilient Child

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR:

Ronna

JACKSON

A Gold Star Mom Celebrates the Life of Her Son: Soldier and Hero

| BY SIMONE FLANIGAN |

For families who have lost loved ones in military service, Memorial Day is much more than a federal holiday. It is a day to remember the lives of real, flesh-and-blood heroes. Many people nationwide celebrate the holiday by spending time with family and friends, but others find themselves kneeling beside the graves of their children. These special mothers and fathers are called “Gold Star Parents.”

Heroic Love

Ronna Jackson is a Gold Star mother who lost her son, Staff Sergeant (SSG.) John A. Reiners, in 2010 while he was serving the United States Army in Afghanistan. For her, every day is Memorial Day and she has dedicated much of her life to helping veterans in her community in Greater Gainesville.

There are approximately 2,400 homeless veterans in Florida. Jackson feels passionately that no veteran should be homeless or unsupported.

“These are people who have given the ultimate sacrifice for people that they don’t even know. They give up their todays so that we can have our tomorrows.” Jackson said.

As part of the American Legion Auxiliary, Jackson helps put on an event called the Annual Blessing Bucket, where she honors her

Ronna Jackson

fallen son by caring for veterans in need.

Every year the legion gathers important personal items like socks, shower curtains, towels, blankets and other critical items veterans may be lacking. Then each November, veterans from the community are transported to the American Legion Auxiliary Post where they are served a home-cooked, Thanksgiving-style meal. Afterwards, they are invited to receive a free haircut and collect as many personal items as they want.

“It’s rewarding to see a veteran smile and leave with the confidence that they can survive and to know that there are people right here in the community that support them,” Jackson said.

It can be easy to go about Memorial Day without slowing down to reflect, but Jackson reminds everyone that what they have is because service members risk and give their lives to protect this country’s freedom.

“We owe everything to our veterans,” Jackson said.

Not a day goes by when she does not think of her son or pay tribute to the sacrifice he made for others' freedom.

This Memorial Day

Jackson makes a point to thank every veteran she sees for their service. Saying thank you or shaking

the hand of a veteran is seemingly something small, yet to a veteran, it can mean the world.

This Memorial holiday Jackson asks that before Americans spend the day driving to the beach or buying groceries for a BBQ with friends, they take a moment from the day to think of the heroes that sacrificed their very lives on behalf of their fellow countrymen. It is important to her that all remember –– the day can be enjoyed because someone else fought for the ability to do so.

For Jackson and all Gold Star parents, the most important thing is that her child, and forever hero, are never forgotten. n

This article is dedicated to the life and service of SSG. John A. Reiners.

SSG. John A. Reiners

NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS WITH INVENTORY SHORTAGES

Help

Homes in Greater Gainesville are in high demand, and for the first time in years the supply is rising to meet it.

| BY CELIA GOODYEAR |

Greater Gainesville is known for its low cost of living, gorgeous springs, 189 miles of hiking and biking trails, wildlife, educational opportunities, rich culture and highly ranked collegiate athletic teams.

Local realtor Adam Gurske said the growth GG is experiencing is significant.

“There are lots of new developments as we are playing catch up with the inventory shortage,” he said. “It is spurring the growth all around and outside of Gainesville.”

Lugano

Gurske said part of the reason for the lower inventory was that developers were not building as the population grew. The Great Recession changed the way development was done. There were more custom homes that took longer to build. Because it took longer to build those homes, the builders could not keep up with the increased demand for housing.

But in the last five years or so that has changed. There were not just local builders creating homes. Nationwide developers including D.R. Horton, Adams Homes and Maronda Homes started coming to GG.

“They are pumping out inventory, so it is helpful,” said Gurske.

This new development includes apartments, townhomes and condominiums as well as residential homes in Gainesville and its surrounding areas.

New Developments In The Community

Lugano is a resort-style neighborhood

in Southwest Gainesville. It is surrounded by walking trails and features a clubhouse and numerous amenities including a pool, splash park, fitness center, tennis and basketball courts and a dog park.

It is also a short commute to the city’s largest employer, the University of Florida.

Oakmont is another one of Gainesville’s developments and its first community development district. It was built seven years ago and offers a unique lifestyle found nowhere else in the area.

There is a two-mile hike through the community’s 46-acre gopher tortoise preserve where residents can take in nature.

It also offers a playground, splashpad and year-round family activities for families of all sizes. Additionally, the community hosts annual events like their Easter egg hunt, a festival for every season and regular family movie nights.

There are also a variety of fitness activities available for Oakmont residents.

Those who are interested in a

Other Developments

In And Around

Greater Gainesville:

HIGH SPRINGS

• Weston Oaks

• Laurel Point

• Oakridge

NEWBERRY

• Arbor Greens

• Avalon Woods

• Oak Park – Newberry

• Tara West

• Wimberly

AL ACHUA

• Savannah Station

• Briarwood

Oakmont

community where they can live, work and play, there is the luxurious Vue at Celebration Pointe. The massive community embodies a big-city lifestyle while also preserving the relaxing characteristic of GG.

It offers townhomes of various sizes. All of which are within walking distance of Celebration Pointe’s shopping, dining and movie theater— as well as a 700acre conservation area. n

GAINESVILLE IS THE 13TH LARGEST CITY IN FLORIDA, AND ITS POPULATION HAS GROWN BY APPROXIMATELY FOUR PERCENT SINCE 2020.

THE STATE Under

| BY RYAN WALSH |

Who Is Ready For A Deep Dive?

It may be surprising to learn that Florida is one of the top destinations in the world for underwater cave diving and exploration. Hundreds of caves, caverns and freshwater springs lie just underneath the surface, extending downward, seemingly endlessly.

These cave systems are the source of most of the state’s fresh water and are an integral part of the ecology. So infused with the history of Florida, these bountiful springs are thought to be behind the legend of the Fountain of Youth.

The city of High Springs has often been referred to as the Cave Diving Capital of the World. Its Devils Springs system feeds over 80 million gallons of fresh water each day and offers breathtaking views for its many annual visitors. Ginnie Springs, one of the more famous freshwater springs in the state, has over 1,000 feet of underwater caves itself.

Professional cave diver and photographer Kirill Egorov moved to High Springs in 2013 for a chance at exploration.

“I first came here in 2005 and fell in love with it,” Egorov said. “It is so diverse, has so many different types of caves.”

His fascination with these natural wonders brought him back first in 2005, and then in 2013 permanently. He currently works for Global Underwater Explorers (GUE), which is headquartered in High Springs.

“Cave diving was born here, developed here,” Egorov said. “Florida is one of the best areas for cave diving in the world.”

Florida’s cave network is extensive. At any given moment, millions of Floridians stand atop miles of these flooded caverns without even realizing it. Egorov estimates that 10% of all fresh water available to people flows through and from this system.

The exploration of many of the underwater caves in the area is a relatively recent phenomenon. While the entrances have been documented for years, how to safely get in and explore was not known until the last few years. When Egorov arrived in High Springs, only 70 feet of line were dropped to mark the extent of their discovery. It is now up to 3,000. He puts it in context:

“More people have walked on the moon than have been in some of these caves,” Egorov said. These natural marvels are not only for trained professionals. Devil’s Den Cave, part of the Devil’s Springs network, is a

privately-owned site, open to the public. At a comfortable and consistent 72° Fahrenheit, this Williston wonder is a preview of Florida’s underground treasures.

From here, the goal is preservation. Ensuring the health and survival of the caverns and springs is paramount for explorers like Egorov. He warns that common pollutants such as fertilizer and gasoline runoff threaten to damage these fragile ecosystems. The recent push to increase awareness is a strong first step.

“The next step is conservation,” Egorov said. “We must preserve these natural resources.”

Teams of divers and explorers continue to document further into these undersea caves each year.

Madison Blue, near the FloridaGeorgia border, has been a recent project for the Woodville Karst Plan Project, an organization dedicated to mapping these systems.

Whether by spreading awareness or suiting up to dive, becoming more involved with one of Florida’s hidden natural wonders is worth taking the plunge. n

Opposite page and above: GUE diver Elliott Dirr explores underwater cave Braddock Sink in High Springs

PLANTING INTERNATIONAL

WITH Roots

TERWILLIGER’S DUAL LANGUAGE MAGNET PROGRAM

| BY CELIA GOODYEAR |

One Greater Gainesville elementary school is offering students a new way to learn –– with half their instruction in Spanish and the other half in English.

Myra Terwilliger Elementary School is the first, and only, school in the Alachua County Public School District to offer this dual language immersion magnet program. It was implemented in the 2022–2023 school year with a group of kindergarten students.

“We’re seeing them really develop an understanding of the English language,” said Principal Heather Harbour.

Harbour said the program consists of two different classrooms. In one, there is a teacher for English, English phonics and social studies. The other room’s teacher is responsible for math, science and Spanish phonics.

“Their fundamental reading foundation is soaring because they have phonics twice a day,” she said. “Kindergartners can now understand instruction in Spanish.”

The goal of the program is to add one grade level each school year until it is available for kindergarten through fifth grade. The

initiative was started in the school district with the help of a parent who wanted to bring a different kind of education to the area.

Making It Happen

Several years ago, Emily Hind started working to bring this bilingual education program to GG so her son and others could have more opportunities.

“I teach in Spanish at the University of Florida, and I really wanted my son to have a bilingual education. There were not any in Gainesville,” she said.

Hind also said she believed that learning in a mono-language setting does not prepare students to work with international peers. So, she collaborated with the school district, weathering a new superintendent and a pandemic before her goal came to be at Terwilliger Elementary School.

“I cannot complain,” she said. “He’s doing homework in both languages. I’m thrilled. I think it is a first-class education.”

Fellow parent Crystal Marull is also pleased with the program and what her son is learning.

“The instructors are amazing,” she said. “I’m completely blown away by his progress.”

Marull said her son is considered a “heritage speaker.” Her husband is from Argentina, and she is bilingual in Spanish and English. They speak a lot of Spanish in their home.

Despite that, Marull said her son’s Spanish is weaker than that of his older sisters. One reason for that is, as they get older, children tend to speak

more English at home. Additionally, the pandemic made it harder for them to travel to Argentina, so ultimately his Spanish suffered.

“I hope it goes to all the schools,” she said. “We are just really blessed to be able to participate in it.”

Terwilliger Elementary’s duallanguage immersion program is a magnet program. For more information and how to apply, go to https://www.sbac.edu/domain/5045. n

Emily Hind and her family

Marull family

CHOOSING THE

Best

MEDICAL APPROACH

Learn about the various practices of medicine to help choose the right doctor

| BY DEBORAH HOLMÉN, M.ED., NBCT |

Finding a doctor who meets the necessary healthcare qualifications can be daunting. A specific diagnosis may require a specialist. Perhaps simply relieving symptoms of an illness is all that is needed. Either way, there are several options for various styles of medicine.

Guide is here to help anyone with a diagnosis figure out how to navigate health care. There will be several future stories in the “Becoming Your Own Health Advocate” series. These articles will break down the process. They will also arm readers with information to help along every step of the way.

Choosing the Medical Approach

Depending on the diagnosis, choices for the proper treatment can vary amongst doctors’ certifications. Once doctors leave school, some stay within their unspecified degree, while others continue their education and are certified in specializations like Functional or Integrative medicine, Gastroenterology or Obstetrics, to name a few.

Conventional Medicine

This approach to medicine is where medical doctors treat shortduration diseases and symptoms using mainstream practices like drugs, radiation or surgery. They diagnose and treat the symptoms of an illness or injury that require urgent care. This may be appropriate when the condition can be treated through a specific drug or surgery, like a broken leg or appendicitis.

This model of care diagnoses the disease and matches it with a

corresponding drug. This is not the best choice for chronic illnesses like autoimmunity, allergies, digestive or metabolic issues, or neurological problems, which need a deeper dive into the root causation.

Most health insurance companies will cover these types of doctor visits, as well as medical labs and surgeries.

• UF Health Providers

• Malcom Randall Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center

• UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital

• HCA Florida West Florida

Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is a personalized form of medicine that focuses on optimizing the function of each system in the body. This patientcentered discipline searches for the root causation of an illness and finds treatments to heal the entire body, bringing it back into balance.

Functional medicine is more investigative in nature, as it looks at the individual's biology, as well as social and lifestyle factors.

Only specific lab work, treatments or surgeries will be covered by insurance when care is provided by a prescribing Primary Care physician.

However, it is noted that when a patient seeks out the causation of a disease and can mitigate it through proper diagnosis and treatments, costs increase considerably. Though this thorough examination and

investigation costs more, it may heal the illness altogether, whereas conventional medicine does not do further treatment to cure the disease.

• Celebrate Primary Care Physicians

• Being Well Florida

• The Florida Center for Functional Medicine

Integrative Medicine

Integrative medicine doctors combine cutting-edge techniques. They utilize specific tools and assessments in epigenetics (gene expression), exercise, genetics and nutrition to heal the mind and body. This modality also looks for the root causation of the illness.

These doctors will look at all aspects of the patient's health history. Integrative approaches may use acupuncture, animal-assisted therapy, aromatherapy, botanicals, massage, mind-body therapies, supplements, tai chi and yoga in addition to traditional care.

Most insurance companies will only cover conventional medicine services like testing, drugs and surgery within this practice.

• North Florida Integrative Medicine

• UF Health Integrative Medicine

• Gainesville Integrative Wellness Center

Awareness of each modality of medicine can give the patient the best chance at creating an action plan for their healing and recovery. n

Spiritual

GROWTH

| BY DEBORAH HOLMÉN, M.ED., NBCT |

For many, spiritual growth is a lifelong endeavor that brings immense peace and joy. With busy schedules, though, making room for such pursuits can take time and effort. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps that the average person can take to cultivate spiritual growth.

Carving out a few moments each day to connect, whether through prayer, meditation or simply taking a few deep breaths, can help to slow down and reconnect with the innermost self. Individuals can choose to join a local spiritual group or do various practices at home.

›› Join A Local Spiritual or FaithBased Group

According to Father David Ruchinski, Pastor and director of Saint Augustine Church and Student Center, joining a local spiritual group brings fellowship and connection for those wanting to find out more about their own spiritual growth.

Ruchinski said that the student center at Saint Augustine’s has a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Many students attend a weekly Mass and Meal to meet others on a faith-based or spiritual journey.

“For many younger adults searching for connection, partaking in local events like these help in meeting like-minded people, open to finding out more about the world around them and finding fellowship.”

He also recommends the Christian Study Center of Gainesville as a great place to find fellowship and community. “These programs promote spiritual growth, developing a deeper understanding of their purpose and of themselves.”

›› Set A Time and Space for Self-Reflection

Creating a warm and welcoming space promotes peace and calmness.

This can be done by having a room in the home with soft lighting, music, plants, a small water feature and comfortable seating. The area should also avoid technology and unnecessary noise to promote sustainable practice.

Making time for such moments helps build a stronger foundation. Consider setting an alarm for the same time each day as a reminder for self-reflection in this spiritual space.

›› Journaling

Another way to lean-in to spiritual growth is through journaling. Writing down thoughts and feelings can be a great way to connect deeper with emotions and learn more about personal inner workings.

Journaling can also be a great way to process and release negative feelings when feeling overwhelmed.

›› Being In Nature

Taking time in nature is an easy and intuitive way to cultivate spiritual growth. Walking in the park or gardening can be great steps to reconnecting with the natural world. Nature has a way of calming the mind and helping individuals feel more grounded and connected to the universe.

Studies have shown that being in nature can positively affect the mind,

body and spirit. The outdoors serve as a refuge to inspire, reflect and heal, which can reduce anger, fear and stress.

›› Find A Spiritual Practice

Consider exploring different spiritual practices such as yoga, mindfulness meditation and reading spiritual guides to deepen the spiritual journey.

• University of Florida and Santa Fe College student centers

• Church affiliated community groups

• Yoga Pod of Gainesville- yoga classes for all levels

• Various bookstores carry spirituality sections

• Friends of the Library

• Books A Million

There are many ways to explore spirituality and finding one that resonates takes time and practice. Small steps toward spiritual growth can open a new world of inner peace and joy. With dedication and a willingness to explore, spiritual guidance and fulfillment can be found. n

CONCEPT COMPANIES: Growth

CUTTINGEDGE WITH RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP

In today’s dramatically changing landscape, commercial real estate is a key component of the economy, defining and redefining the economic landscapes of communities.

Like many sectors in today’s business world, commercial real estate is in a constant state of evolution, requiring agility and innovative leadership to create new paths.

| BY T. MICHELE WALKER |

Founder, owner and CEO of Gainesville-based Concept Companies, Brian Crawford is a man of vision. Under Crawford’s leadership, Concept Companies, a national commercial real estate developer specializing in turnkey projects, has carved a niche as a leading concierge real estate development firm.

In the rapidly evolving world of commercial real estate, Concept Companies is revolutionizing the regional and national real estate market with its innovative approach to development.

“The first job of a leader—at work or at home—is to inspire trust. It’s to bring out the best in people by entrusting them with meaningful stewardships, and to create an

environment in which high-trust interaction inspires creativity and possibility.” — Stephen M.R. Covey, The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything — a favorite of Crawford’s. Leadership sets the tone and culture of a company. Concept Companies’ meteoric rise since 2004 is a testament to Crawford’s vision and his inspired leadership. It is intentional with deep care for the communities Concept is trusted to develop. Decisions are made based on significant market research, a great deal of due diligence and an in-depth understanding of clients’ needs. It’s the prioritization of listeningto clients, to a community, to colleagues–that sets this company apart from the rest.

“We are a group of like-minded people who are pursuing similar goals,” said Crawford. “We all

Brian Crawford

want to get better. We all want to pursue greatness. We want to pursue growth, and, in order to do that, we really have to “Own-it.” A key part to owning it is self-reflection–honesty with our self about things that we struggle through, which ultimately requires a great deal of vulnerability.”

It’s this driving “core value” of “Own-it” that established Concept as a developer who takes responsibility, and strives to deliver the best work “on time and on budget” for their clients. Crawford's dedication to the pursuit of excellence is a trait that extends well beyond his own office. The strength of the leadership team at Concept Companies enables the success of his aspirations for the firm.

“Life is much easier for everyone when you have people around you who genuinely get it, want it, and have the capacity to do it.”—Gino Wickman, Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business.

Starting with Matt Cason. As president of Concept Companies, Cason has been with the company from the early stages and is a leader in the commercial real estate industry. Cason is at the helm of

day-to-day operations and works with the company’s executive team to ensure that its products and services meet the needs of its customers. Because of his guidance and vision, the company is well-positioned to take advantage of emerging technologies and trends in the construction industry.

“We’ve truly created a unique business model in the development industry providing a concierge service to meet client needs,” said Cason. “Our team members are committed to studying and learning more than the customers know, and have a mindset of contributing and adding value, not only to specific projects, but in day-to-day operations. Our success is measured in the quality and loyalty of our relationships.”

Concept Companies: Empowering and inspiring partners to lay a strong foundation for the future.

It has been Concept Companies' strong leadership that has been instrumental in the company’s success, paying attention to core values and creating a supportive and collaborative company culture. It is the embodiment of these core values that sets this team apart and allows them to provide

“The first job of a leader—at work or at home— is to inspire trust. It’s to bring out the best in people by entrusting them with meaningful stewardships, and to create an environment in which high-trust interaction inspires creativity and possibility.”

— Stephen M.R. Covey,  TheSpeedofTrust:TheOneThingthatChangesEverything

creative solutions while successfully navigating their rapid growth.

The professionals across all of Concept Companies’ divisions collaborate to ensure maximum creativity, foster a panoptic perspective and deliver unparalleled value creation through the application of their collective talents to the demands of their customers, partners and markets.

At Concept Companies, the “why” defines who they are.

Since 2004, Concept Companies has dedicated itself to their clients across a variety of sectors. Since entering the life sciences development sector in 2014, many of these clients bring cutting-edge research, innovative technologies and life-changing medicines to the world –– and need the right space to make these dreams a reality. That mission is the driving force behind Concept Companies.

The result is the development of a wide variety of projects in the Greater Gainesville area, including residential and commercial developments, retail

centers and mixed-use projects. The firm has also expanded its reach to other cities in Florida such as Tampa, Jacksonville where they have a second office and local team, and Daytona where they just broke ground last month as fee developer on a large multi-family project. Recently, Concept Companies has worked to build trust and a reputation that will take them national— commencing design on projects in Arizona, Texas and Tennessee to name a few. While their successful national

growth is an inevitable result of their ownership mindset, Concept Companies is a community-driven company. They have created hundreds of jobs in Greater Gainesville and have become a key contributor to local economic stimulation. As a company, they have committees dedicated to funding local school projects, organizing state park cleanups in Alachua and working with organizations such as Rebuilding Together and Peaceful Paths. Keeping plugged into the community is the grounded approach that keeps this developer mindful and purposeful.

Developing Real Estate from Every Angle

Concept Companies serves a diverse range of sectors in order to create a healthier economy, community and future. These sectors include mixed use, science and technology, healthcare, retail, education, office and multifamily. Crawford and his team are passionate about creating economically-viable projects to better serve the community and to contribute to the growth of the

THE CORE VALUES AT CONCEPT COMPANIES OWN IT

The pursuit of excellence through selfreflection and humility, accountability and learning from experience.

AGILITY

Cultivating an agile mindset by seeking unconventional solutions to the needs and challenges facing customers and markets.

CANDOR

To communicate openly, respectfully and fearlessly.

GROWTH

To strive for continuous advancement for the individual, community and company characterized by deeper understanding, higher performance and greater results.

COMMUNITY

To seek to create a place where trust, safety and belonging come naturally; caring for one another, revealing the best versions of ourselves.

RELENTLESS

Exhibiting steadfastness in all areas. To not be deterred easily, which shows in their performance.

COLLABORATION

The professionals across all of Concept Companies’ divisions collaborate to ensure maximum creativity, foster a panoptic perspective and deliver unparalleled value creation through the application of their collective talents to the demands of their customers, partners and markets.

life sciences sector. Particularly, Concept Companies has played an active role in the expansion of the City of Alachua’s Progress District, a mixed-use research community which has experienced its own impressive growth over the past five years, becoming a major player in North Central Florida and the national arena for biotech and life sciences.

Progress District: Where life science, ecotourism and high-tech live side by side.

The Progress District is an expansive setting for many biosciences and other related companies that are attracted to the opportunity for growth. Located a few miles north of Gainesville, in the City of Alachua, the Progress District is a 690-acre region that has the resources and room to grow required by life science companies doing large-scale advanced manufacturing and chemical work.

An idyllic location, with the 7,000acre San Felasco State Park at its back

LIFESCIENCES IN FLORIDA: FAST FACTS

• No. 2 Largest pharmaceuticals and medicine manufacturing industry

• No. 2 for medical device manufacturing

• No. 4 clinical trials initiated among states

• No. 5 for biotech R&D facilities

• 32,000 jobs in biotech, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and medical device manufacturing for bachelor’s STEM graduates

• 1,571 life science establishments

• $429M+ in NIH funding in 2021

• $1.4B annual life sciences R&D spending by Florida universities

door, the vision for Progress District is one where nature, science and a holistic lifestyle all converge. Crawford said, “It’s where life science, ecotourism and hightech live side by side. It is very unique, and a great opportunity to create a live, work and play environment.”

With 35 companies and over 1,100 employees, the district is one of the largest clusters of biotech companies in the state of Florida. Home to established Fortune 500 companies, the Progress District is a destination spot for emerging biotech companies looking for ample opportunities

for collaboration and resources.

“The Progress District is a transformational project for the state of Florida, Concept Companies, the University of Florida and the region,” said Executive Vice President of Real Estate and Development at Concept Companies, Seth Lane. “We have a long track record of success in Alachua’s life science and bioscience industries, and we are coming in to expand the life science and bioscience industry and launch the vision on a national level.”

Momentum Labs

Joining life science anchors UF Innovate | Sid Martin Biotech, RTI Surgical, Thermo Fisher Scientific and more in Progress District is the future Momentum Labs—a biotech hub founded and operated by Concept Companies, focused on providing biotech companies with the lab space, business resources and capital needed to advance their lifechanging technology forward.

With a completion date set for 2023, this flagship location will be based in the heart of North Florida’s bustling biotech cluster in Alachua. Momentum Labs will provide turnkey facilities for promising early-stage biotech companies

through the development of fully furnished and equipped laboratories. Launching Momentum Labs is a sign of tangible progress in the region, as the area continues to build credibility and leadership for bolstering critical research and innovation, particularly in the biotech and life sciences space.

“Momentum Labs is the natural next step for companies graduating from incubators like the Sid Martin Biotech that need a little more time before making a significant investment into custom lab space and equipment,” said Crawford. “Momentum Labs will provide a much-needed interim step for Sid Martin graduates as their growth progresses, also allowing Sid Martin to rotate business in and out more quickly and promoting a stronger life science ecosystem in the region.”

Momentum Labs offers flexible lab space, private offices, shared equipment, specialized amenities and collaborative workspaces combined with concierge-level service. They designed their state-ofthe-art biotech lab spaces for maximum functionality and efficiency for growthminded companies.

O2B Retail and Education Development

As a leader in the concierge, built-to-suit real estate development industry, Concept Companies is a top choice for major corporations. Dollar General, SherwinWilliams, Firestone, National Resiliance (formerly Ology Bio) AGTC, O2B Kids and Momentum Labs at Progress District are all part of the success story that is Concept Companies.

O2B Kids has plans to open a new location in Alachua as part of the Progress District development. Since its founding in Gainesville in 1992, O2B Kids has opened eight locations in North Central Florida, acquired ten preschools in St. Augustine, Palm Beach and Atlanta, and is expanding its presence into Georgia.

“O2B Kids is proud to be part of the

Alachua community. With the opening of our new location in the Progress District, we are thrilled to not only continue our involvement in the community but to also be a part of its exciting advancements in biotech and life science. We are passionate about helping children reach their full potential, and we believe that our presence in this dynamic and forward-thinking community will only enhance our ability to do so. We can't wait to see what the future holds for O2B Kids and Alachua! We look forward to being a catalyst for educational opportunities and technological advancements for Alachua residents,” said Andy Sherrard, CEO O2B Kids.

As part of the commitment to maintain a naturebased element to the entire development, O2B Kids has announced its plans to customize this location to its surroundings and reflect the natural elements that are preserved in the Progress District’s adjoining neighbor— the 7,000 acre San Felasco State Park. The innovative, integrated learning environment, for children from birth to age 13, will include various educational and recreational activities for children of all ages. It will feature an interactive playground, a multi-sensory learning center, a science lab, a library and other amenities.

Creating a Thriving Work Culture

With a focus on creating vibrant, sustainable places to live, work and play, Concept Companies is equally

committed to providing a work environment that fosters economic growth and opportunity for the company and its employees.

“It’s the people in the company that really help us to forge our way through. It’s highly critical that we empower our employees and provide the support they need. It’s all about advancement and growth,” said Crawford. “We give them that independence to learn from their coworkers and give them that room to grow. We learn from each other.”

Maintaining their core values while experiencing rapid growth is no easy feat and takes commitment from the entire team

with the support of inspired leadership.

“It’s about being better today than we were yesterday, better tomorrow than we are today,” said Crawford. “You know, we don’t live in a perfect world, but I think when we pool our skills together and we work hard, we can achieve excellence.”

While the company expands across the nation, Greater Gainesville can take pride that it is the home of Concept Companies, a business with a dynamic team, strong and ethical leadership and a mission to make the world better, one day, one building, one breakthrough at a time. n

W.J. ROSSI, CFP, CHFC

| BY JENNIFER KENNEDY |

GREATER GAINESVILLE K

oss Olinger Partner W.J. Rossi specializes in wealth management and estate planning for affluent individuals and families. He is the past president of the Estate Planning Council of North Florida. Rossi serves as the finance chair for Tyler’s Hope for a Dystonia Cure Foundation and on the board of the Community Foundation of North Central Florida. He received the Legacy Award from the Community Foundation of North Central Florida in 2019.

hard working. It is very rewarding to help them navigate their financial lives and accomplish their goals. I feel very fortunate to do what I do.

also enjoy hiking at Paynes Prairie or kayaking at Cedar Key.

I interned at Koss Olinger in Gainesville while pursuing my bachelor’s degree in finance and economics at the University of Florida. After graduation, I accepted a position as a financial planner and have been here for over 25 years. I was mentored by our founders and now have the opportunity to mentor younger advisors.

I find tremendous fulfillment in my work. I love the Koss Olinger team and our clients. The people in this community are generous, honest and

I would encourage any recent graduate or young professional to explore the many job opportunities this area has to offer.

Greater Gainesville has the best of both worlds. We have the cultural benefits typically only found in large cities and the close-knit feel of a small town.

My wife, Stephanie, and I appreciate all there is to do here with our three children: Nicholas, 16; Isabella, 14; and Alexandra, 12. On weekends, when we are not busy attending their sporting events, we are very active. We love going to the springs or the beach. We

The Curtis M. Phillips Center for Performing Arts, Harn Museum of Art and Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History offer great cultural experiences.

Growing up in GG, I remember how much fun it was to follow Gator sports. Now, I enjoy taking my own children. We attend gymnastic meets, football, baseball and basketball games.

Because this area is centrally located, we can take many different day trips. Within two hours you can drive to St. Augustine, Orlando, Tampa or Jacksonville.

This is a wonderful place to grow your career and raise your family. I cannot imagine doing it anywhere else. n

POPULAR Pop-Up

SETS UP SHOP

Germain’s Chicken Opens Brick & Mortar Location

| BY MEREDITH BIESINGER |

Why Did the Chicken Cross The Road? To Get to Germain’s!

Germain’s is a small business with bold intentions. Offering a not-soclassic fried chicken sandwich that never gets near a food warmer, the restaurant aims to provide fast, fresh food without being labeled “fast food”. Germain’s prides itself on using local ingredients that pack a flavorful punch that leaves every customer wanting more. Their slogan? “Forget what you thought you knew about chicken sandwiches; we provide your entire meal at your fingertips.”

Co-owner Shelton Seraphin

The Classic

Germain's Chicken began with an idea and a passion for local food and local events. Rodney Germain and Shelton Seraphin launched their first event at Wise Coffee in February 2021 and, as Seraphin said, “It all started from there.”

“We started catering for tent events, community events, farmers markets and breweries. From there, we decided the best move for us to do was a food truck and give the customers what they want.”

Launching the food truck on February 4, 2022, the dynamic duo did, in fact, give the customers what they wanted — so much so that Greater Gainesville locals and guests wanted even more.

“We were at First Magnitude Brewing Company, Swamphead Brewery, Cypress and Grove and How Bazar hubs. Our passion and heart are for the local community,” Seraphin said.

Months later, in December of 2022, Germain's Chicken opened a storefront in Greater Gainesville.

“We are so grateful for the support of Gainesville,” Seraphin said. “We have lines out the door, and business is going really well. Right now, our customer’s favorite menu item is the Rooster Deluxe.”

The restaurant’s food truck is still operating on an event basis only.

“We are so very grateful that Gainesville has accepted us,” said Seraphin. “None of this could have ever happened without the local support that we have experienced. Thank you doesn’t seem to be enough but thank you to Gainesville for allowing us to be here.” n

THINGS TO KNOW WHEN YOU GO

Known for delicious food and a welcoming environment, with pink and white walls, this come-as-youare eatery is located at 220 NW 8th Ave in Gainesville. Customers can enjoy meals such as the Honey Bird, which comes with hot honey, secret sauce, pickles and a side of fries, from 11am–8pm Germain's Chicken is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Alexis Quesada (left), Udlin Etienne (middle) and Shelton Seraphin (right).

Chicken Katsu Salad

In the news

A COLLECTION OF INTERESTING HAPPENINGS AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE BRIGHT FUTURE OF GREATER GAINESVILLE

| BY HARPER WARNER |

Tom Petty and the Park-breakers

The playing fields at Tom Petty Park are undergoing renovations. Everything including the softball fields drainage systems, turf, shade options and even access from the adjacent parking lot are being improved and revamped. The improvements bid went up in February, planning for a quick turnaround. While undergoing the renovations, the park itself will be without water for the “foreseeable future.” But this is not a heartbreaker –– Tom Petty Park is still open.

It’s Fun to Swim at the YMCA

The University of Florida’s nonprofit Florida Achievement Support Trust (F.A.S.T.) collaborated with a North Central Florida YMCA to get their athletes involved in the community. At the YMCA, eight Gator football players helped lead swim lessons, complete with activities and games.

Austin Barber, one of the players that participated, talked about how fun swim lessons were for him as a kid, and how fun it was to pass that on. F.A.S.T. collaborated with the YMCA again for a reading at the Episcopal Children’s Services Head Start program.

Sweet Sixteen

Agapanthus celebrated their 16th anniversary with a week of savings and giveaways. The boutique opened in Butler Town Center in 2007 and offers unique gift, fashion and home shopping. With beauty always in mind –– even their name comes from the “flower of love” –– Agapanthus established an in-house spa in 2018. Their anniversary prizes ranged from discounts to the store and spa to up to $100 in gift cards.

Stay in the Game!

The Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce launched their new attendance initiative at the Amazing Give on April 20. Coinciding with the Amazing Give, a fundraising program that has given more than seven million dollars to GG non-profits, plans to decrease the 11.6% chronic absenteeism rate.

The Stay in the Game! Attendance Initiative will begin in the 2023-2024 school year. Collaborating with a local elementary school, it will host a school-wide, monthly Pep Rally. Bringing together local business owners, local celebrities and college athletes, the rally will have activities, swag and a special lunch.

Play Time Is Not Over

On Gainesville’s 154th birthday, the city celebrated by re-opening one of its oldest playgrounds: Massey Park Playground. The playground has

been around since the late 1960s and recently underwent renovations to make it safer and more accessible for all children. The nearby solar walk on Northwest 8th Avenue inspired the new space theme of the playground. Brightly colored, full of new equipment and more fun than ever, Massey Park also added new bathrooms and better lighting at the playground.

UC Seas the Day with Seaside

institution, handling private and commercial wealth. Including wealth management and insurance needs, Seaside’s newest branch officially opened mid-April.

The new Seaside Bank and Trust, a division of United Community Bank, opened its new banking office in the Millhopper Shopping Center. Seaside is a Florida based, full-service financial

21 and Fun!

The Fest is coming back to GG for the 21 st time. The annual music festival just dropped the first glimpse at their lineup. With over 350 bands, comedians and wrestlers (yes, wrestlers), The Fest is coming back with a bang. Along with the lineup, the Fest also announced this year’s event dates. Starting on October 26, the Fest will open at Bo Diddley Plaza with a kick-off party that will rival even the best 21st birthday bashes. The event has also partnered with five hotels to ensure guests get the best rates for the best stays. n

SHAKERS Movers & |

BY HARPER WARNER |

IAN FLETCHER

THE GREATER GAINESVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

has accepted a position working with the University of Florida’s Center for Online Innovation and Production. She is moving from startGNV, where she worked as the Director to further the company’s mission of growing the startup ecosystems in GG.

Two students from Alachua County will be recognized as 2023 Sunshine State Scholars at the statewide conference in Orlando. Abigail Dagins from Eastside High School and Melissa Li from Buchholz High School will be honored for their STEM achievements. Dagins is enrolled at Eastside’s IB program where she researches ways to reduce waste and pollution. Her award-winning findings are the results of using mealworms and other organisms in recycling plastics.

At Buchholz, Li participates in the CoderGirls, Computer Oriented Mathematical Problem Solving Club and has won numerous STEMrelated competitions. Li also

teaches competitive math to younger students.

MIKE HOLLOWAY

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Buchholz High School repaved the track surrounding Jesse B. Heard Field and renamed it after Mike Holloway. Holloway, now the head track and field coach at the University of Florida, coached the Bobcats in the 1980s and 90s.

Coach Holloway led the Bobcats to back-to-back crosscountry victories in 1989 and 1990. In 1993, Hollway got the Bobcats to their first track and field championship win. A member of the ’89 and ’90 team donated $100,000 to renovate the track, and honor Holloway and Greg Schol, a former teammate who passed in 1992.

The Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce COO and Vice President of Education and Talent Alignment, Ian Fletcher, received the highest award for Achievement in the most recently completed Dale Carnegie course.

Fletcher has been working with the GG Chamber since 2012, when he started as Vice President of Workforce Development and Education Initiatives. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication and Production, with a concentration in Sports Management, from UF.

TAMMY DYGERT

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Dygert earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and English Education, and graduated cum laude, from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She was also the recipient of the Maryland State Teacher Certification.

KATHERINE DAVIES

UF COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

Having finished her M.Ed. in Educational Technology and Facilitation, Tammy Dygert

Katherine Davies Miller has joined the UF College of Veterinary Medicine as senior director of advancement and alumni affairs. Prior to joining the college, she was senior director at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, in the office of advancement.

Davies Miller has 14 years of experience working with alumni and donors to the University of Florida. She is also a UF alum, having earned her bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business and Management. She also earned a bachelor’s in Large Animal/ Food Animal and Equine Surgery and Medicine from UF.

A LIST OF SOME OF GREATER GAINESVILLE'S NOTABLE FOLKS AND THEIR LATEST ACHIEVEMENTS.

ABIGAIL DAGINS AND MELISSA LI

EASTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL & BUCHHOLZ HIGH SCHOOL

The Gainesville metro area in Florida reported 22.4% population growth in the last five years.

This places it as #9 on the list of America's Fastest Growing Big Cities, according to 247WallSt.

It is currently the 13th largest city in Florida and the 193rd largest city in the United States.

Alachua County features 9 incubators across Gainesville, Alachua and Newberry dedicated to growing startups and new businesses.

One of these incubators, UF Innovate, has generated over $10 billion in private investment and launched over 300 startups through tech licensing.

NUMBERS, DOLLARS & SENSE

Growth

The 2022-2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings recognized Shands Children's Hospital as the #1 pediatric hospital in Florida and listed #5 of its specialty programs among the nation's top 50

There are over 60 K–12 schools in the Greater Gainesville area.

Alachua County middle and high schools, there are over 45 special programs available to students, from agribusiness to robotics to culinary arts.

Revenue from the Greater Gainesville tourism industry is also growing — visitors to Gainesville and Alachua County in 2021 generated more than $630 million in economic impact.

Visitors spent over $406 million in Alachua County on lodging, entertainment, dining, shopping, groceries and transportation in 2021.

SPOTLIGHT Startup

INTRODUCING CANAERY: THE CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY TO DIGITIZE SMELLS

| BY DEBORAH HOLMÉN, M.ED., NBCT |

Canaery is a venture-backed company developing the first commercial nose-computer interface (NCI) for odor detection and digitization. This technology reads neural signals directly from the olfactory bulb of mammals. It decodes those signals to identify the diverse set of volatile compounds, aka odors, in the air.

Unlike current portable chemical sensors, such as those based on Gas Chromatography (GC) or Ion Mobility Spectroscopy (IMS), Canaery technology uses animals' unique sense of smell as a sensor. It can simultaneously detect virtually any complex odor in under two seconds ––similar to a bomb sniffing dog at airport security.

Canaery is deploying its technology to various industries to serve unmet detection needs. Soon, NCI will perform situational, non-invasive detection of physiologic and infectious diseases, inspecting cargo containers for contraband and identifying explosives or biological threats.

The Genesis of This Cutting-Edge Technology

According to co-founder Dr. Gabriel John Lavella on the genesis of Canaery, “I was a Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center member in graduate school. I came into things with a deep understanding of the nuances of biological sensing. It was clear that we lacked any sort of bona fide scent detector that could perform as well as trained animals; that made it somewhat apparent that there was a substantial technological hole and many applications of practical commercial importance.”

Lavella states, “Back in 2018, I was at DARPA. After a conference one night, I met up with a scientist named Matt Angle, who was starting his own neurotech company called Paradromics. He introduced me to olfactory interfaces and proposed that DARPA could use them for explosive detection.

Dr. Gabriel John Lavella

I was immediately intrigued and began evolving the idea from there.”

Canaery was jointly founded by Dr. Gabriel John Lavella, Dr. Peter Ledochowitsch and NYU Langone Health professor of neuroscience Dmitry Rinberg.

“Based on our prior work, we all deeply appreciated biological sensors and the brain,” Lavella continued. “We also had a deep appreciation for the canine sense of smell –– which is among the most exquisite in the animal kingdom. Throughout history, people have trained animals to identify and respond to useful scents that would otherwise be untraceable by humans.”

Lavella says, “The hard part was convincing many people that we were not crazy. That didn't happen overnight. We got a boost by establishing research

Canaery stands apart from the rest, as many engineers seek out the opportunity to be the first to explore something in a new way. With the complexity of science behind them, engineers desire vast space to express their creativity, particularly if the impact will be significant.

The Future of Smell Detection

Currently, Canaery is focused on product development and field testing a beta MVP device with potential customers. It seeks to partner with organizations interested in exploring how its capabilities can help with their unmet detection needs.

and then from the technology incubator, IndieBio, in San Francisco, which immediately saw the potential and got behind the idea. When you have an idea that is as unique as they come, there is a lot of friction, and the first step is often educating people. To people not steeped in olfaction and neural interfaces, Canaery easily sounds like a science fiction project. They might not realize it as a technological leap right around the corner.”

For scientists and engineers, the opportunity to invent things that no one else is thinking about –– much less actively working on from a commercial perspective –– is highly motivating.

That was certainly the case with digitized smell. The technological and scientific prospecting made possible by Canaery's technology is like having the microscope for the first time. The company is peering into a world largely hidden from human observation.

“We are excited to see what we can discover about the world and what industries we can serve,” Lavella said.

The positive societal impacts are the icing on the cake. Canaery's influence includes:

• the ability to track invasive species or pollutants in the environment

• perform non-invasive early disease detection

• protect people against biological threats –– even the next pandemic

“We can achieve the scale and presence to become a category-defining company. The markets are there, and we have a solid team uniquely positioned to overcome the challenges of that transition,”Lavella said.

Canaery has partnered with the Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator at the University of Florida with the goal of achieving scale and presence. In addition to providing first-rate animal care services, the Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator offers access to facilities and services that would not otherwise be available to a company the size of Canaery.

Within the Florida business community, Canaery has access to incredible prospective partners, from leading hospitals and medical researchers to some of the nation’s busiest ports. Canaery is paving the way for a new era of computer interaction, and its technology will surely pass the sniff test. n

15 STRATEGIES

TO

enhance

YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

| BY JOHN SPENCE |

In today's rapidly changing world, the most successful business leaders are those who commit to ongoing learning and development. They understand that lifelong learning is crucial to achieving success and fulfillment in one's career and personal life. Despite its clear benefits, many businesspeople still fail to prioritize the continuance of education. According to a Gallup survey, only 11% of workers reported reading a single business book in the previous six months. The Association for Talent Development noted that the average employee spends approximately 34 hours per year on training and development activities. On the other hand, a Harvard Business Review study showed that high-performing leaders spend an average of six hours per week on learning and development activities. That is more than 300 hours a year. Here are 15 ways to increase personal and professional development.

1. Read books, articles and blogs related to the industry or area of interest. With an average reading speed of 200 words per minute, reading for just 15 minutes per day can add up to 50 hours of reading over the course of a year, equaling approximately 10 to 12 non-fiction books of average length.

2. Attend conferences and events. These gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to learn about new trends and technologies. One can also pick up on best practices and network with other professionals in the field.

3. Joining professional organizations and associations offers a wealth of resources, including newsletters, webinars and

online discussion groups, as well as opportunities to connect with other professionals and learn from experts in the field.

4. Online courses and workshops are convenient and cost-effective ways to acquire new skills and knowledge.

5. Seeking out a mentor or coach can be a beneficial way to gain valuable insights and feedback or help a leader set and achieve goals.

6. With a wide range of free and paid options, online learning programs and webinars are a great way to stay current with the latest education in one's field.

7. Video platforms like YouTube and Vimeo and podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify offer rich educational and informative content on various topics.

8. Attending networking events provides an opportunity to connect with other professionals, learn about new ideas and opportunities, and develop new relationships.

9. Joining a mastermind group or peer learning community can provide a supportive environment for sharing ideas, setting goals and holding each other accountable.

10. Follow industry experts and thought leaders on social media. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram are excellent sources of information and inspiration.

11. Industry-specific online forums and discussion groups allow participants to ask questions, share ideas and learn from others in their field.

12. Subscribing to business publications and newsletters provides the latest information and developments to stay up to date on industry changes and advancements.

13. Attending local business events and meetups provides an opportunity to connect with other professionals in one’s

community and learn about local trends and developments.

14. Seeking feedback is essential for learning and growth. Leaders who ask for input from others are more likely to identify areas for improvement and achieve greater success.

15. Conducting regular selfassessments is an invaluable tool for personal development. Those who make a habit of regular evaluation of performance, and identifying areas for improvement, are more likely to achieve their goals.

Despite the many benefits of lifelong learning, many still do not prioritize their personal development. Some common excuses include a lack of time, resources,

Where IT goes for IT support.

motivation and accountability, as well as complacency and overconfidence. However, it is crucial to recognize that these excuses will ultimately hold the individual back from reaching their full potential.

To overcome these barriers, business leaders can take several steps, such as setting goals, creating a schedule for personal development activities, seeking external accountability and focusing on the benefits of personal development. Ultimately, the key to success in both personal and professional life is a commitment to ongoing learning and growth. Remember –– the most important investment a person will ever make is the one made in themselves. n

BUILDING COMMUNITY,

GROW HUB empowering

DISABLED ADULTS

| BY LUCINDA MERRITT |

GROW HUB empowers disabled adults by providing them with paid horticultural work, helping both people and plants to thrive. When GROW HUB’s plants reach area nurseries and restaurants, new partnerships are formed and the whole community benefits.

Executive Director David Banes is a former Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher who had the inspiration to create GROW HUB –– Growing Real Opportunities to Work–Harvest of Urban Business. He asked the owners of the plant nursery at what is now Cymplify Coffee Company if his disabled students could grow plants there, and the owners agreed.

“When the students heard that the plants they were growing would be used in a new café, they didn’t understand what that meant,” Banes said. “But as soon as the café opened and they saw their plants being used in the kitchen and on the menu, they had a huge empowering moment—‘I grew that!’ That was a new experience for them because they were relied on.”

Growing People and Plants

From that small beginning, community support enabled GROW HUB to evolve into a federally recognized nonprofit plant nursery on several acres in Greater Gainesville. GROW HUB’s mission is to cultivate, empower and assist adults with disabilities for sustainable living through education, training and employment. The organization’s success is reflected in its enthusiastic employees and network of community supporters that includes restaurants, schools and hospitals.

GROW HUB offers wholesale and retail plant sales. Visitors can buy Florida native plants, including perennials liked by local pollinators, ornamental plants, vegetable starts, fruit trees, local honey and more. Proceeds from sales provide employee salaries and support the nonprofit.

“People’s expectations of disabled workers are lower than they should be,” Banes said. “The focus is often on the disability instead of the ability. At Grow Hub, we focus on abilities to match people with tasks because we want our employees to see possibilities.”

Some employees have advanced to jobs in other local plant nurseries and food service kitchens.

Growing Community Connections

According to Banes, the most significant parts of GROW HUB’s work are the connections that are made between its disabled employees, visitors and community supporters. He also mentioned the uplifting energy that people feel when they visit. Employee Kyle Smith and GROW HUB Board Member Stephen Griffin agreed.

Smith, who handles plant sales, said his favorite part of the job is interacting with customers and other employees. “We are a little family here, with a lot of smiles,” he said. “I like that I’ve been here long enough to know our customers and many of them know me.”

Griffin, who does maintenance and construction, looks forward to creating new community partnerships. “We have room to grow and could

give more to GROW HUB than I’ve received. Magic happens when you walk through our gates.” n

For more information, call 352-275-7144 or visit grow-hub.org.

The Dish

WITH CHEF CHRISTY

CHOCOLATE CHERRY PROTEIN PANCAKES

| BY CHEF CHRISTY ROBINSON-COSTELLO |

Pancakes and pajamas are a great way to start your day. After his first bite, my husband says, “These are the best pancakes I have ever eaten.” Really? These pancakes? Then I cut myself a bite and instantly realized what he meant. They really ARE the best pancakes. You must get a cherry with every bite too. I, personally, am more of a savory breakfast eater, but that bite was a party in my mouth. Not to mention everyone’s plates were left clean in a matter of minutes.

Wait, and they have protein? Now I can enjoy eating this delicious, griddled breakfast food without all the guilt. Think Cherry Garcia ice cream meets Keke’s. My kids like to put real maple syrup on their pancakes and they did not even need it with the ooey-gooey cherry topping. That combo of chocolate and cherry is so good, why mess with

it? You can even apply that combo in a savory setting like a chocolate rubbed steak or pork tenderloin with a cherry demi-glace. Or a mole sauce and roasted cherries with your meat of choice. Yum!

I usually buy the Kodiak pancake mix to always have on my pantry shelves for a weekend morning, but this recipe allows me to make bigger batches at a cheaper cost. I used the Trader Joes jarred cherries rather than fresh because I needed the cherry juice for the sauce. They are not your typical jarred cherry either. They were more like the cherries you serve with an old-fashioned cocktail.

These pancakes stack up against any other pancakes with its easy to make recipe and crowd pleasing moans. So get your flip on and start your guilt free morning with a mouthwatering pancake breakfast that will put a smile on everyone’s face because good pancakes equal happiness. n

Recipe provided by Chef Christy Robinson-Costello, Chef + Publisher of Eat.Local.Together

TO VIEW RECIPE GO TO CHOCOLATE CHERRY PROTEIN PANCAKES Eat.Local.Together.com

10 PARENTING Tips

TO HELP YOU RAISE A RESILIENT CHILD

| BY DEBORAH HOLMÉN, M.ED., NBCT |

Raising resilient children is an essential part of parenting. Resilience is the capacity to cope with stress and disappointment, a quality that can be taught and developed in children.

A resilient child can better handle life's curveballs and use them as opportunities to grow and learn.

According to Joseph Kutz, a third-degree black belt and coach at Okito America Martial Arts, cultivating resiliency in children is crucial to their success in life –– and it starts young.

Okito America was founded in 2007 by Orlando Millan, a retired special forces and fourth-degree black belt. The vision for his martial arts school is to improve the lives of families in Greater Gainesville by introducing them to the arts of Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing and Self-Defense.

Kutz was timid as a young boy, avoiding social interactions with others. Under the tutelage of Orlando Millan, the owner and founder of Okito America, Kutz said his confidence grew and it “changed everything for him.” He now teaches his own students that goal setting for even the smallest objectives can help build resiliency and determination.

Ten Activities to Build Resiliency In

Children:

1. Talk About Feelings: Talking openly with children about their emotions helps them understand that it is normal to feel different ways, especially when faced with difficult situations. Make sure to validate their feelings and give them strategies for managing their emotions.

2. Set Goals and Celebrate Successes: Encourage children to set realistic goals and help create a plan for achieving them. Celebrate successes and encourage them to keep going even when things get tough.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is being aware and present in the moment. Teaching children mindfulness can help them better manage their emotions and handle stress.

4. Teach Problem-Solving: Problem-solving is a skill that can help children better work through stressful situations. Encourage children to break a problem into smaller pieces and devise creative solutions.

5. Encourage Self-Care:

Self-care is essential for maintaining emotional and physical well-being. Practicing healthy self-care, such as eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep and exercising, helps children become responsible for their overall health.

6. Encourage Gratitude: Practicing gratitude helps build resilience by focusing on the positive. Teaching children to be grateful for the things they have, instead of focusing on what they do not, helps create compassion.

7. Provide Support and Guidance: Resilient children need supportive relationships to help them through difficult times. Ensuring that children know they can always count on an adult or caregiver for guidance and support helps them develop coping skills.

8. Model Resilience: Show children how to handle difficult situations with grace and determination. Sharing experiences and stories of perseverance and overcoming challenges builds a bridge of learned experiences on which children can reflect.

9. Foster Independence: Resilient children learn to rely on themselves in difficult situations. Children should take on new challenges and make decisions independently.

10. Nurture a Growth Mindset: A growth mindset means believing everyone can learn and grow, no matter what. Teach children to be open to feedback and to never give up.

Kutz feels these types of activities help children see the positive impact they can have on their own lives. Each step to resiliency takes communication and a good attitude to achieve the goal –– and children can achieve anything when given the proper tools. n

COMMUNITY BUSINESSES THAT BUILD RESILIENCY

WILDFLOWERS YOGA

Meditation and mindfulness

OKITO AMERICA MARTIAL ARTS

Kids and teens martial arts programs

KIDSTRONG GAINESVILLE

A milestone accelerator for kids walking through 11-years-old

FLIP FACTORY ZONE

Ninja Warrior Training Program, Little Ninjas

IN

May the Fourth Beer With You

MAY 4, 3PM–10PM

https://www.facebook.com/events/ 219910107294370/

MAY 6, 7PM–10PM

https://www.facebook.com/events/ 468742318736376/

GREATER GAINESVILLE

MAY + JUNE Events

Mother’s Day at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

MAY 14, 11AM–5PM

https://kanapaha.org/events

Greater Gainesville Gala at the Cade Museum

World Food Festival

MAY 8, 4PM–8PM

https://www.facebook.com/events/ 468742318736376/

Herb Gardening for All

MAY 9, 3PM–4:30PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/herbgardening-for-all-tickets-616693455727?aff =ebdssbdestsearch

72nd Annual Florida Beef Cattle Short Course

MAY 10-12

https://allevents.in/gainesville/72ndannual-florida-beef-cattle-shortcourse/10000472628864657

Bike Day 2023

MAY 13, 9AM–2PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bike-day2023-tickets-529463358157?aff=ebdssbd estsearch

The Water State: Exploring Florida’s Interconnected Waterways

MAY 13, 4PM

https://www.facebook.com/ events/1418735158945012/

Mother’s Day “Muffins & Mimosas”Art Market

MAY 14, 11AM–5PM

https://www.facebook.com/ events/1418735158945012/

IN GREATER GAINESVILLE MAY + JUNE Events

Celebrating Hope: A Kidney Cancer Educational Symposium

MAY 15, 8AM–4PM

https://www.facebook.com/ events/757769829083825/

Newberry Watermelon Festival

MAY 20, 9AM–3PM

https://newberrywatermelonfestival.com/

PinkFest 2023

JUNE 3, 11AM–3PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pinkfest2023-tickets-502079111137?aff=ebdssbde stsearch

Brew at the Zoo at Santa Fe College Zoo

JUNE 10, 4PM–7PM

https://www. showpass.com/ brew-at-thezoo-2023/

The Rock Hoops Kids Camp

JUNE 12-14

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/therock-hoops-kids-camp-2023-tickets537987132997?aff=ebdssbdestsearchlivingroo mshows/870637?fbclid=IwAR0kFRyRVmzR

Parenting in the Age of AI at the Cade Museum

MAY 23, 5PM–7PM

https://www.cademuseum.org/calendar.html

United for Impact: Tuxedo T-shirt Gala

JUNE 1, 6PM–10PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unitedfor-impact-tuxedo-t-shirt-gala-tickets616594218907?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

JUNE 17, 6:30PM–9:30PM

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/livingroomshows/870637?fbclid=IwAR0kFRyRVmzR --9YAUygWfhjCnmNTKuyUZyihDxEeBht2xbMu5LZPQoXrwc

Chris Staples and Ricky Kendall

IN GREATER GAINESVILLE Social Scene

Pace Center for Girls, Alachua’s 23rd Annual Mary Wise Scramble

The Pace Center for Girls, Alachua's 23rd Annual Mary Wise Scramble took place at the Mark Bostick Golf Course on April 28th! Participants putted for a purpose, thanks to the event's sponsor Pure Aesthetics! |

PHOTOS BY THE PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS, ALACHUA.

BioFlorida Celebration of Biotechnology

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the largest BioFlorida Celebration of Biotechnology ever such a huge success! With over 100+ vendors and record attendance, everyone’s enthusiasm and hard work were truly appreciated. Special thanks to Tarra and the entire BioFlorida team who coordinated the event.

Do not forget to check out the Progress District website at progressdistrict.com to stay up-to-date on the latest Biotech develop-ments in our community. Thank you, Moxie Media, for capturing and putting together moments from the event!

We cannot wait to see everyone again next year for BioFlorida Celebration of Biotechnology 2024! |

VIDEO BY MOXIE MEDIA

Tyler’s Hope for Dystonia Cure’s 4th Annual Cajun Crawfish Boil

Tyler's Hope for a Dystonia Cure’s 4th Annual Cajun Crawfish Boil took place on April 22, 2023 at Momentum Labs — Alachua, FL! The Greater Gainesville community united to support Tyler’s Hope while enjoying a cornhole tournament, live music and, of course, crawfish and gumbo!