Gulfshore Business April 2022 by Gulfshore Life

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CARVING OUT A NICHE

PERMANENT FLEXIBILITY

VIBRANT BEAT

Woodcarver started with a serving spoon

Is remote work here to stay?

Doctor’s startup boosts healthier lifestyle

SOUTHWEST F LO R I DA’ S BEST VIEW OF BUSINESS

Growing Concern Uncertain future of farming in SWFL __P. 32

Boating Demand Maritime industry struggles with supply issues __P. 44

P R O F E S S I O N A L S G O I N G A B O V E A N D B E Y O N D __P. 52

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & FINANCIAL CONCIERGE

TRUST A N AWA RD-W INNING A DV ISORY TEA M with your finances. I’m Soren Christensen, Founder of Advanced Wealth Advisors. My colleague Annette White and I are honored to be recognized as the Best Financial Advisory Firm in the Gulfshore Business Best of Business awards for the second year in a row. As fiduciaries, we always put your interest first. Let’s meet to ensure you feel confident about your financial present and future.

FOUNDER & CHIEF PLANNING OFFICER

Focused on giving you financial peace of mind.

AWAdvisors.com 239.455.1100

Contents. F E AT U R E S

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A GROWING

DREAMS IN

HEALTH CARE

CONCERN

DRY DOCK

HEROES

The diminishing base, uncertain future of agriculture in SWFL

Maritime companies

Saluting health

struggle with supply

professionals going

chain woes

above and beyond

Be Preppree.

Esssse pppnning, probbbe nn russ ccn prooecc our eggcc.

ppveseeee.com 239.334.2195

Mary Vlasak Snell

OVER 70 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY

Fort Myers | Cape Coral | West Palm Beach

Our experience is your advantage.

Contents. D E PA R T M E N T S

TakeNote Mood Board P. 12 Spaces P. 14 Makers P. 18 Creatives P. 22 Bookmark P. 26 Trendline P. 28 Economic Commentary P. 30

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B2B PP00 84

HEADER INNOVATION Info goes here and here Celebrating creativity, and here looking to the future at the P 00 Edison Awards

HEADER

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Info goes here and here DESIGN and here Boosting mental health by P 00 enhancing office aesthetic HEADER P 90

Info goes here and here HUMAN RESOURCES and here Is remote work here to stay? P 00 P 94

HEADER COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Info goes here and here Top sales in Charlotte, and here Collier and Lee counties P 00

P 96 HEADER NEW Info & EXPANDING BUSINESSES goes here and here

Top leases in Charlotte, and here Collier and Lee counties P 00

HEADER P 98 Info goes here and here ENTREPRENEURSHIP andboosts here Brian Taschner healthier lifestyles Pwith 00 Fort MyersHEADER startup

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Info goes here and here and here

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ACCESS HEALTHLINE

YOUR NEW PHYSICIAN IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY With hundreds of physicians and dozens of affiliated health service providers, Access Healthline is the most powerful source for all your healthcare needs. If you are looking for a doctor close to home, want more information about the services we offer, or have a question about NCH, call today and speak with one of our representatives about the many healthcare options and physician choices that are here for you, only at the NCH Healthcare System. To speak with an Access Healthline representative, call us from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week at NCH-7777 (239-624-7777)

Contents. D E PA R T M E N T S

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AFTER HOURS

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HORSEPOWER The new Genesis GV70 is a steal of an upscale SUV P 104

FITNESS The Pilates presence in Southwest Florida P 106

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Steambox supplies hot food on the go P 108

WEEKEND GETAWAY An aquatic King’s Bay holiday

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UNWIND Multimedia suggestions for mental calm at home

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Attorneys pictured (L to R): Alicia L. Taylor, Miranda M. Weiss, Kimberley A. Dillon, T. Robert Bulloch, Kimberly Leach Johnson, Courtney N. Chaipel Pugh, Cheryl R. Payne, Jacqueline C. Johnson

Leave the navigation to us.

At Quarles & Brady LLP, your trust and satisfaction are the standards we use to measure success. Our depth of knowledge and wealth of experience direct our insights as we stand ready to guide your business and family interests through any possible changes. Regardless of what may come, achieving your business and family objectives is our only goal. Our skilled Estate, Trust & Wealth Preservation team is unparalleled in navigating the complex arena of estate, tax, and business succession planning, and identifying best practices for achieving your philanthropic ambitions. As partners, we’ll assist you in implementing tailored strategies that grow and change as your family does to ensure a lasting legacy for future generations. To learn more about what the law firm of Quarles & Brady can do for you, contact Kimberley A. Dillon, Chair, Naples Estate, Trust & Wealth Preservation Group, at 239.434.4965 or kimberley.dillon@quarles.com.

quarles.com 1395 Panther Lane | Suite 300 | Naples, Florida 34109

READER SERVICES

EDI T OR IN CHIEF

Heidi Rambo Centrella EDI T ORI A L Managing Editor T im At en Senior Editor Dav id Dor se y Digit al Editor A dam Regan

Office Address 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 Call or text 239.498.8500 gulfshorebusiness.com info@gulfshorebusiness.com

Copy Editor S t e v e Gill

CON T RIBU T ORS John Guer r a , A r t is Hender son , B e t h L uber eck i , Jus t in P apr ock i , Jame s Raia , A isling S w i f t , Bill Wasinger

ART Cr eative Dir ec tor s Sco t t Glick , Jer r y P omale s

Pho to Editor Dennis Wr igh t

ADVERTISING A ssociate Publisher C hr is Rens t r om

M A RK E T ING

Subscriptions Subscribe online at gulfshorebusiness.com, call or text 239.498.8500 for more information. Change of address Send old and new addresses and a mailing label, if possible, to Gulfshore Life, 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Visit gulfshorebusiness.com/subscribe to login and update your address, call or text 239.498.8500 or email subscriptions@gulfshorebusiness.com. Back issues A limited number of back issues are available for $4.95 each plus tax and postage. Call or text 239.498.8500 or visit gulfshorebusiness.com/backissues.

Dir ec tor of Marke ting and Event s Rachel G alan t e Digit al Media Marke ting Manager Br i t t ne y K leis

CIRCUL AT ION Dir ec tor of Audience Development K er r i Nolan

PRODUC T ION Pr oduc tion Manager Mar t ha L eav i t t

Reprints Visit gulfshorebusiness.com/reprints for plaques and reprints. Contact Us Please send all correspondence to: Gulfshore Business 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 Call or text us at 239.498.8500.

A DMINIS T R AT ION Adver tising Ser v ices Manager/ Reprint Sales K a t hleen Hill

WEBSITE gulfshorebusiness.com

Volume 27/Number 4, April, Gulfshore Business (ISSN 1935-8199), is published 12 times a year by Gulfshore Life Media, 26101 Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Subscriptions are free to qualified individuals residing in the United States. For customer service inquiries or to change your address by providing both the old and new addresses, contact: Gulfshore Business, 26101 Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Telephone (239) 498-8501 or email subscriptions@gulfshorebusiness.com. Periodicals postage paid at Naples, FL, and at additional mailing offices. Copyright 2021 by Gulfshore Life Media. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Unsolicited manuscripts without return postage will not be returned. DISCLAIMER: Advertisements in the publication do not constitute an offer for sale in states where prohibited or restricted by law. P O S T M A S T E R : S e n d a d d r e s s c h a n g e s t o G u l f s h o r e B u s i n e s s , 2 6 1 0 1 Ta m i a m i Tr a i l , B o n i t a S p r i n g s , F L 3 4 1 3 4 .

Self Made. Well Made. Wayne Wiles, one of Fort Myers longtime community pillars after he landed here from Minnesota.

Anyone who knew him will remember his shining smile, enthusiasm, generosity, and gracious hospitality. Those close to Wayne, know the hardworking, fun-loving spirit he brought to his family, friends, and the office each day and shared with all he met. Customers of Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings will remember how those qualities translated into how he built his business, literally, from the ground up—having learned the industry as a flooring installer in his earliest days. Wayne took his family, friends, business, business relationships very seriously, and every encounter with him was a loving, nurturing, learning experience. John Weller, Chief Innovation

price and product. As hardcore as those meetings were, they always ended in a mutually beneficial outcome, handshakes, and an unforgettable smile from Wayne. As the years went by, I honestly began to enjoy those meetings more and more because what I learned about Wayne Wiles is that he was a consummate professional and a gentleman who made me feel as if he genuinely cared about my success as much as he cared about his own business. Over 65 years, Wayne Wiles built a flooring business that is a force to be reckoned with in Southwest Florida and has become a legacy business whereby the family continues to run the day-to-day operation. I will always be grateful to have known, laughed with, and done business with Wayne Wiles. The industry lost a legend. Wayne will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in peace." Wayne was a well-respected man in the floor covering industry, having served the industry for over 65 years, and established Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings in 1985. He served on the Board of the World Floor Covering Association for decades. Wayne and his wife Maria were involved in Southwest Florida Children's Charities which helped build Golisano's Children's Hospital and had served as trustees for five years. Wayne was an avid University of Florida Gator fan and was a Bull Gator for the past 23 years. He served on the Gator Boosters Board of Directors for 20 years, was the past president, and was a distinguished director with the Gator Boosters in 2010.

Wayne Wiles 1939–2021 Officer with Broadlume, offered the following story that was a great example of Wayne's character and approach to so many scenarios: "Some of my most memorable meetings with Wayne were the dreaded conversations we had about price increases. Nothing was as scary in my early twenties as walking up the stairs to meet the man who was responsible for 50% of my income to talk about price increases, especially after his son Mark had pre-warned that he was not taking any increases, at the same time my boss Steve Stone had also pre-warned me that if I wanted to make any commission going forward, we needed to go up 10%. In those meetings, Wayne, Mark, my boss, Steve Stone, and I would go back and forth, tensely negotiating every

Wayne was a fantastic family man who put his family first… always. Even our staff would lament that Wayne treated all staff members like family, a trait he learned from his early days in the business, said Mark Wiles, Wayne's son and business partner.

We at Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings are proud to carry on the business he started in the same honest fashion.

from the editor. APRIL 2022

While neither of them experienced the comfort of a caped crusader swoop-

The Heroes Among Us As children, most of us grew up watching superheroes defeat the villains by way of television and the silver screen. Whether Saturday mornings or

ing in to save the day, they did have access to modern-day superheroes who worked tirelessly to save those in peril: They had nurses, doctors and counselors. And they had a safe environment. HEIDI RAMBO CENTRELLA EDITOR IN CHIEF

The same can’t be said for all too many. I’ve been surrounded by superheroes my entire life. My mother, my sisters and

Saturday nights, we applauded the strength and

many of my nieces all either currently

bravery of fictional characters who were fighting

work or have worked in the health care

to do good in the world, or some version of it sim-

industry; all have worked on a medical

ilar to our own. Many of us even fantasized about

frontline at one point or another during

becoming such heroes—maybe for just one day of

their lifetimes.

the year, our identities behind a mask, when we

We have all needed a health care hero

dressed like them on Halloween and went door-

at one time, or several, during our lives.

to-door hoping for a haul of treats.

And we at Gulfshore Business think it’s

Then we grew older. And while mighty para-

high time to recognize those heroes here

gons in colorful costumes are more plentiful than

at home. The medical professionals, the

ever in movies and TV, we grapple in our adult-

scientists, the emergency medical tech-

hoods with more nuanced and less punchable

nicians, the volunteers, the voices on the

problems. As a mother of two grown children, I’m

other end of the phone. When facing a

reminded that my adolescent and young-adult

medical emergency, no matter the level

years were in some ways simpler than theirs and

of severity, there is no greater level of re-

their peers’. It was something of a reality check

assurance than that which comes from a

when my son—turning 20 next month—recently

health care professional.

said to me, “Mom, you’ll never understand what

To all of you who put your personal

being a teenager has been like for my friends and

best interests aside to care for others,

me.” My daughter—turning 29 this month—went back to school to finish her degree while working full time and raising two young boys. No, I will never understand what growing up in today’s world has been like for them. Both were fully vac-

p.52 LOCAL HEROES Saluting regional medical professionals

to listen, to help heal, to hold a hand or serve a meal, we thank you. You’re deserving of much more than words on paper, but we would like to express our gratitude in the way we are best able.

cinated; both contracted COVID-19; both dealt

And while we know we’re not yet at the

with the isolation and fear that accompanies soli-

end, we thank you for your ongoing ef-

tude in quarantine.

forts to see us through this time. Thank you, heroes. We salute you.

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p_12 A few flasks for one for the road

Erik Kellar

Be Curious INSIDE SMALL, PERSONALITYPACKED GALLERY IN NAPLES p_14 By Aisling Swift

TakeNote

APRIL 2022

MOOD BOARD

By James Raia

One for the Road A FEW FLASKS FOR WHEN YOU’RE FAR FROM THE BAR Enjoying vintage clothes, indie music and artisanal foods once set a pattern for being a hipster. But a consummate definition is hard to pinpoint, since what once was outside the norm often becomes socially mainstream. As rock-jazz-funk band Tower of Power sang in its 1973 hit “What Is Hip?”—”What’s hip today, might become passe.” But maybe being a hipster today means returning to the original use of the term: a person who carries a flask, specifically a hip flask. And if so, perhaps it’s also wise to follow, with a twist, the astute observation of W.C. Fields, the comedian renowned for his misanthropic persona: “Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of a snakebite, and furthermore, always carry a small snake.” Flasks date to ancient times when travelers filled animal skin pouches with fermented grapes. Modern-day flasks date to Prohibition when thin, curved metal containers were used to conceal alcohol against the contours of a body—in a front or back pocket or against a leg or thigh. Some flasks also have a “captive top,” a small “arm” that attaches the lid to the flask for safekeeping. Other types of flasks have small compartments to hold cigarettes, golf tees or a small pocketknife. Vintage flasks are auction favorites. A mixed metal motif piece,

Jacob Bromwell, Mystic Topaz Founder Jacob Bromwell’s signature is the logo for the more than 200-year-old company, the country’s oldest housewares supplier. It designs, manufactures, markets and distributes kitchenware, housewares … and fantastic flasks. The Mystic Topaz features a blue and green patina, which conjures an air of history by making it look like a shipwreck find. A specialized treatment defined as “a proprietary hyper-aging process” replicates 30 years of oxidation. The machined copper screw top guarantees a leak-proof seal. It holds 9 ounces and weighs 1 pound. Its dimensions: 3 by 1.5 by 5 inches. Hand wash only. The brand provides a lifetime guarantee on all its flasks.

made by Gotham, circa 1882, is available on sothebys.com for $4,500. A Tiffany & Co. sterling silver Spirit Flask, circa 1990, with elaborate engraving, is offered on 1stdibs.com for $4,794.60. Here are a few flasks for discerning connoisseurs and their

$1,000 jacobbromwell.com

favorite beverages.

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Alcohol to go Flasks date to ancient times when travelers filled animal skin pouches with fermented grapes. Modern-day flasks date to Prohibition when thin, curved metal containers were used to conceal alcohol against the contours of a body in a front or back pocket or against a leg or thigh.

Georg Jensen Sky Hip Flask Georg Jensen was a Danish silversmith who founded the company that carries his name in Copenhagen in 1904. He died in 1935, leaving a legacy for craftsmanship most often associated with art nouveau. His company makes hollowware to watches, jewelry to home products, including this sculpture-like stainless steel hip flask. Ergonomically designed, the flask’s shiny surface contrasts with the tactile leather strap. It’s simultaneously masculine and feminine. Despite its Danish heritage, the flask is made in China. Its dimensions: 3.01 by 5.72 by 1.1 inches. Available at Williams Sonoma in Naples, the Sky Hip Flask should be hand washed only. $69 georgjensen.com

Uncrate Teed Up Flask Golf Gift Set It’s not necessary equipment, but a golfthemed flask complements the required clubs, balls and tees. In a nice touch, this gift set also includes some of the requisites—a ball marker, tees and a repair spike. The flask is wrapped in pebble leather and has a snap strap for attaching it to a golf bag. It’s made from Smyth-sewn full-grain leather and is easily pocketable. It has holes for the included accessories, which also include a scorebook with sections for scores, hole details and extra notes that’s good for 56 rounds. Its dimensions: 3 by 1 by 5 inches. And there’s the flask, the contents of which can help its owner to ease the frustration of an errant drive into the rough, a shanked fairway iron or a missed short birdie putt. Golf responsibly. $115 uncrate.com

Graphic Image Flask Founded 53 years ago by Bennett Glass, Graphic Image, based in Melville, New York, is known for its leather bookbinding as well as home and office accessories. But what’s a flask without leather wrapping? How about a 6-ounce stainless-steel flask covered with crocodile-embossed leather? Available with other styles in Saks Fifth Avenue in Naples and Off Fifth Avenue in Estero, the Graphic Image offering is available in brown or black, made in the United States and hand washable only. Its dimensions: 3.5 by 1 by 5 inches. A single letter or three-letter initial engraving costs an additional $10, and a matching leather set of two cocktail glasses another $78.

$75 saksfifthavenue.com

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2022 1 3

TakeNote S PA C E S

APRIL 2022 By Aisling Swift

Be Curious INSIDE JUDITH ON THIRD’S SMALL, PERSONALITY-PACKED GALLERY When Naples artist Paul Arsenault asked interior designer Judith Liegeois if she’d consider opening a gallery on Third Street South, it didn’t take Liegeois long to jump at the chance as Arsenault’s lease ended. “I thought I’d like it, even though I have a gallery just around the corner,” Liegeois says of Judith Liegeois Designs & Gallery, about a minute away on 12th Avenue South. “At 12th Avenue South, we’re a destination location,” she says of the two-story brick building her longtime artist friend called “a million-dollar corner.” “Here, we’re open to people walking by, taking pictures and selfies. It’s tiny. It’s like a little jewel box.” The sign on the window at Judith’s on Third, which opened in December at 1199 Third St. S., beckons passersby, calling it “A Gallery of Art & Curiosities.” “Every day I have to clean the windows to get nose prints off,” Liegeois says. The landlord had one caveat: She could not paint the dark, warm mahogany walls in the historic building. So Liegeois, whose other gallery is light and airy, found a way to open it up. She ripped out the low-hanging white acoustic-tile drop ceiling downstairs and painted the ceiling and ducts black, highlighting a striking white leaf chandelier by Naples artist Ed Koehler. “Some people think white paint opens it up, but it doesn’t,” Liegeois says. “Black brings it up.” The downstairs gallery is chock-full of the art for which Liegeois is known— organic, inspired by nature, such as Koehler’s pieces, and other unusual, oneof-a-kind, rustic and modern art. Liegeois grew up on New Zealand’s beaches, Erik Kellar

where she arranged shells and rocks that soon washed away, so it’s no surprise that her designs are influenced by nature—and change almost daily. 1 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

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CREATIVE INFLUENCER Interior designer Judith Liegeois recently opened her second gallery off Third Street South in Naples. GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 15

TakeNote S PA C E S

“We come from the Earth, and I felt if we included that in my shop design, it’ll make people happy,” she says. “It’s like a fun boutique that you’d find on the Left Bank of Paris.” If you want to take it all in, there’s a plush seat next to the fireplace, or a loveseat near the front window with the artsy pillows Liegeois has made a signature style. Upstairs, one artist-in-residence room features Naples natural artist Ran Adler, who uses trees, mahogany pods, leaves and other organic materials. He’s created a calm oasis; a warm, woodsy feel. “We just let Ran do what he wants,” Liegeois says. “The forest room will become more and more natural.” Adler, who wrote contemplative thoughts on the walls, modeled it taposition of natural and man-made. On one wall, Sufi poet Rumi’s words urge: “Sit quiet and listen for a voice

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CURIOUSLY STRONG

Erik Kellar

after the Mono-ha movement, a jux-

Judith Liegeois recently launched A Gallery of Art & Curiosities in downtown Naples.

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that says, ‘Be more silent.’ As that

it and love it,” Liegeois says, running

And as an homage to her longtime

happens, your soul starts to revive.”

her fingers along smooth, wavy layers.

friend Arsenault, Liegeois devoted a

“People walk into Ran’s room and

Another room features colorful

gallery to his colorful, impressionist

say, ‘My heart is fluttering,’” says

pop art, while another offers a leather

store manager Donna Solimene.

reading chair so customers can absorb

Solimene, who started a Wednes-

paintings.

A back room features the artist of

the works of Naples artist Amy Brazil

day evening “Sip and Shop” once a

the month’s studio, where an artist

D’Amico, who is known for Swarovs-

month at the other gallery, also offers

paints as customers watch or chat, an

ki crystal-studded animal portraits,

them at the smaller shop.

interactive experience.

and New York photographer Karen

“It’s starting to be a meeting

In a hallway, Naples artist Mike

Shulman, who captures reflections

place,” Liegeois says. “People love to

Browne’s abstract, layered Venetian

of New York buildings against Berg-

come and visit, sit and chat—more

plaster canvases provide calming,

dorf Goodman window displays. “It’s

here than in the other showroom.”

pale colors. “Most art canvases aren’t

a meditative space. It’s quirky,” Lie-

tactile. This is really tactile. You feel

geois says.

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She adds: “Be curious and come and visit.”

2/16/22

5:11 PM

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TakeNote MAKERS

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APRIL 2022 By Justin Paprocki

gulfshorebusiness.com

Carving out a Niche WOODLAND TREASURES’ HOME GOODS ARE HANDMADE GREATS Several years ago, Sarah Ruganis had a strong urge to create a spoon. Yes, a spoon. Specifically, a wooden cooking spoon. She’s from a small town in Illinois and grew up around the restaurant industry, but always has been crafty, working with her hands and imagination to create. She settled in Naples in 1998 and eventually started a family. One day, a family friend showed her his workshop and introduced her to a drawknife, a long blade used for shaving wood. It sparked a passion: She got into woodworking and started making her own serving spoons. It sounded 



ART IMPLEMENT Carving a wooden serving spoon Erik Kellar

sparked a passion for woodworking for Sarah Ruganis of Naples.

odd, admittedly, but it was the culmination of shopping for cookware and never really finding anything that looked and felt right. “I wanted to see beautiful things in my kitchen,” she says. “I wasn’t finding what I liked, so I thought, ‘I could do this myself.’” GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 19

TakeNote MAKERS

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WOODEN CREATIONS kitchen utensils using lumber imported from local sources.

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Erik Kellar

Naples woodworker Sarah Ruganis crafts spoons and other

Woodland Treasures now takes up

started about a year before COVID hit,

just doesn’t have much more time to

half of the family’s four-bay garage. Ru-

but orders started piling up once peo-

commit. One day she’d like to have a

ganis crafts spoons and other kitchen

ple were spending more time online—

storefront and expand the business,

utensils using lumber imported from

and more time indoors, looking around

but that’s years off. For now, she’s

local sources such as Alva Hardwoods.

at what they lacked in their kitchen.

content with creating and sharing

Mostly she sells through Etsy and her

Production-wise, her limit is about

with those who appreciate it: “I just

website, and her business has taken

one spoon a day. She says she’s pretty

hope I can keep doing what I’m do-

off during the pandemic. She actually

much tapped out; with four kids, she

ing—and enjoying it.”

LEADER IN WATER QUALITY RESEARCH FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY IMAGINE WHAT WE CAN DO IN THE NEXT 25. LEARN MORE AT FGCU.EDU/25YEARS

TakeNote

APRIL 2022

C R E AT I V E S

By Aisling Swift

Toofer, The Giblet and a Dream HOW PAULETTE LEBLANC’S CHILDREN’S STORIES CAME TO BE For 11 years, Paulette LeBlanc spent her free time

thoughtful and observant, while The Giblet is

writing children’s stories based on her child-

outgoing and sociable. LeBlanc tailored the books

hood friendship, and life lessons she learned—or

to teach children how to value friendship, prize

wished she’d learned—growing up.

honesty, act with integrity and handle loss. But

ing two years earlier with a woman who would

the stories will appeal to parents, grandparents and teachers.

eventually become her publisher, Toofer & The

“These are adult books for children. It’s like

Giblet was published by Naples-based Dragon

(Charles) Frazier for little kids,” she explains.

Horse Publishing. It’s the first of seven in a se-

“The parents will realize the life lessons.”

ries by the St. James City author, the editor of the Pine Island Eagle.

LeBlanc’s journey to children’s book author followed years as a journalist. She was an editor

“Toofer & The Giblet is based on me and my best

of Gulf Coast Woman; she freelances for Lifestyle

friend, if you could imagine writing caricatures,”

magazine; she writes a grief newsletter, Chapters,

LeBlanc says of two mice living in a tree, Hum-

for Madsen Ink; and she’s been the editor of the

ble Tree. “It’s sort of an exaggerated view of our

Pine Island Eagle since 2019, after years of free-

personalities. I thought, ‘How would we look in

lancing as a reporter for the Breeze Newspapers.

the mouse world?’ I see somebody and say, ‘That

After a divorce and her father’s death, the stay-

guy’s a turtle.’ It’s been like a gift how the stories

at-home mom began writing the stories while her

dropped into my head.”

son and daughter were teenagers. The first book

Her best friend’s father and her father also are

took a year, the second six months and the third

featured. There are mice, foxes, beavers, otters,

1½ weeks. Pine Island and the Pine Island Eagle

raccoons and others in the mythical Nimblewood.

play a part in the sixth book. “The stories fell out

“Some are based on characters I knew, but

of me. I lived in a beautiful house alone on the wa-

some are made up. Some don’t even know, but

ter,” she says.

many do know. Toofer knows who she is,” she

“I just had an unstoppable force inside me. I

says. “I think Stuart Little and Charlotte’s Web in-

mailed publishing houses and they said, “They’re

spired me as a kid.”

lovely stories, but we just don’t think kids will un-

The cover describes Toofer as reserved,

derstand it. We don’t have a place for them.’ You

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Anna Nguyen

Last December, after a serendipitous meet-



LIFE LESSONS Author Paulette LeBlanc writes ‘adult books for children’; her first in a series of seven is titled Toofer & The Giblet . GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 23

TakeNote C R E AT I V E S

kind of worry if anyone is going to find value in it like I did.” Publishers also said the words would be difficult for children to understand. “Everyone loves words,” she says, questioning that. Others balked at “The” before Giblet. “It’s needed because The Giblet is full of himself,” she explains. While covering an awards ceremony in 2019, she interviewed nominee Julie Koester, president and co-founder of Dragon Horse Agency, a local marketing business. Koester loves children’s literature, so LeBlanc asked for her advice. “Publishing houses told me they couldn’t find Toofer & The Giblet a home. Julie not only found them a home, she and Patrick (managing partner at Dragon

 

LIVING CHARACTERS

Horse) made them a home. What they did

Toofer & The Giblet is based upon

was create a publishing house. It’s a big

author Paulette LeBlanc and her best

compliment.”

friend.

2 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

Koester

said

she

reluctantly

and fund and publish the books, and

book page for the book, which sold

agreed to read it after LeBlanc told

that this series was destined to be-

200 copies in less than a month af-

her she’d written to publishers for

come a classic.”

ter its release. Koester says readers

10 years.

LeBlanc envisioned black and

already are asking about the second

“The night I read it, without

white illustrations. “Absolutely not!”

reaching out to Paulette, or my Drag-

Koester told her, then found a Ukra-

Now that LeBlanc has finished

on Horse business partner Patrick

nian illustrator, Dmitriy Morozov,

writing the last in the series, Koester

Renda, I created and registered a

whose beautiful watercolors, like

is planning a new project for her.

publishing company, Dragon Horse

those of Beatrix Potter, brought the

Publishing,” Koester says. “The next

characters to life.

day, I told Paulette and my business

Dragon Horse built a website,

partner that we would represent her

tooferandthegiblet.com, and Face-

book’s release.

“I’ve lived Toofer & The Giblet for so long, I’m not in a hurry to put it away,” LeBlanc says. “I can’t wait for people to meet them. I’m so excited.”

“A hero is someone who puts others first …

and cares for the welfare of those around him before even thinking about his own self.” Lee Health congratulates its winners of the Gulfshore Business Healthcare Heroes Award. Timothy Dougherty, MD

Emergency Medicine Physician

Teresa Frank

Lee Health Volunteer Services Director

Greg Fisher First Responder

Please join Lee Health in thanking all of our healthcare heroes for their excellence in helping our community members.

LeeHealth.org GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 25

TakeNote

APRIL 2022

BOOKMARK

RALPH READS

What You Leave Behind CONSIDERING THE QUESTION OF PERSONAL LEGACIES This month we will focus on legacies. People who are successful in building a business come to a point in life when they are faced with the decision of what to do with it (the business, not the life). There are many avenues a person can go down at that point. Our first book outlines an excellent process to create a family business that RALPH STAYER, an avid reader and former CEO of Johnsonville

can survive and prosper through many generations. Our second book spotlights a fascinating legacy that exists in Naples. These are different types of legacies, but they have one common

Sausage, leads a

denominator: a familial passion for something

book club in Naples

that has passed through several generations.

with about a dozen

One book helps plan a future legacy and the oth-

other high-power

er exists today.

friends. The group

The Family Business Handbook authored by

only reads non-fic-

Josh Baron and Rob Lachenauer and published

tion as a way to

by the Harvard Business Review gives a step-by-

keep learning and sharpening the mind. Every month, Stayer shares the latest page-turners earning a permanent spot on his ever-expanding bookshelves.

step process for establishing the structures necessary to maintain a family enterprise though

have made. Every decision you make has

several generations. There is one caveat, howev-

pluses and minuses. Should you share information on the

er—no system is bulletproof. The success of any framework depends on the people in it.

business with your children? Should you

Family businesses are like snowflakes; if you

include spouses, grandchildren? How do

have seen a thousand family businesses, you

you set up the governance rules? Do you

have seen 1,000 unique family businesses. The

put it together yourself or in collaboration

value of this book lies not only in the exam-

with your children? Should you put in a

ples of success but also in the missteps people

means for heirs to sell their shares and at

2 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

what price? These are just a few of the

significant sanitation and environmen-

questions that are covered in this book,

tal problems. Urban growth was rapid-

along with examples of what worked

ly becoming unsustainable. This book

and what didn’t.

documents the scope of the problem

Our family has been working on cre-

and how the horseless carriage enabled

ating a family legacy for many years.

continued growth.

We are a long way down the road and

Collier is a connoisseur of cars that

have made many of the decisions on

have meaning beyond their beauty or

the questions above. My daughter

in one of the great car collections in

rareness. His collection digs through

found this book and sent it to all of us

existence—Revs Institute in Naples. I

the layers of the 20th century and in-

to read, and we have found it valuable

have been there as Collier’s guest and

cludes what he considers the key cars

in helping to reinforce the decisions

have been amazed by the incredible

that depict each era in general—but al-

we made and pointing the way to the

array of cars from all eras, but before

ways with a particular eye toward rac-

work that is left undone. We highly

reading his book, it never occurred

ing. That is why he bought the fabulous

recommend this book for those who

to me to ask, “Why these cars as op-

Briggs Cunningham racing collection,

are starting the journey and for those

posed to others?”

which makes up a significant part of

who are a long way down the road. It

This book is the bible on car col-

the Revs collection. Even though I have

may reveal some time bombs that can

lecting. It is worth reading for that

just a passing interest in cars, I thor-

be defused before it is too late.

alone, but it is far more than that.

oughly enjoyed this book. It brought

Some people are deep thinkers. Some

back memories of cars I owned and

Miles Collier grew up in a family that

people are broad thinkers. Collier is

trips our family took together in our

loved racing cars. The Colliers were

both. His background in archeolo-

car. It unveils how the automobile cre-

among the first to race in Le Mans in

gy frames his view of the world, and

ated the world we currently live in, and

the 1930s. Miles was there when his

he sees the automobile as the most

gives a hint to where we go from here.

father raced at Daytona, and he himself

significant invention of the 20th

Revs is a legacy of the Collier family,

has raced for many years. His love for

century. He shows how it complete-

and its presence is a gift to our commu-

racing and, more important to this col-

ly reshaped the world we live in. For

nity. We are blessed to have it here, and

umn, race cars is made evident by the

instance, the urbanization of cities

we are fortunate that Collier took what

race car on the cover of his book, The

in the late 1800s geometrically in-

must have been a substantial amount

Archeological Automobile. That child-

creased the need for horses for trans-

of his time to answer the question for

hood fascination has manifested itself

portation and drayage. This caused

us: “Why these cars?” GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 27

TakeNote TRENDLINE

The State of Service HOSPITALITY EMPLOYMENT CONTINUES TO LAG The hospitality industry is back. Sort of. As tourism bounced back to pre-pandemic levels in Southwest Florida, employment in restaurants, resorts and other hospitality businesses is lagging behind. After dipping by about 50% in April 2020, employment slowly increased through the rest of the year and into 2021. But the usual peak in tourism jobs in March 2021 was still down about 14% from the previous year. And total employment in 2021 was still behind where it was in 2019. Visitors are continuing to flock to the Gulfshore in 2022—time will tell if the hospitality industry will have enough employees to meet their demands. 2 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

APRIL 2022 By Justin Paprocki

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

Leisure/Hospitality Florida 2020

1274.9

1276.5

1239.2

707.4

783.4

915.4

944.7

944.3

964.5

988

1000.2

1000.6

2021

990.7

994.1

1001.3

1009

1020.4

1056.9

1086.3

1081.3

1106.5

1123.4

1135

1204.6

Leisure/Hospitality Naples 2020

32.4

32.3

17.5

21.4

23.4

22.8

22.6

22.7

24.4

25.7

27.1

2021

29.1

29.4

27.9

25.7

24.9

25.2

27.4

29.7

41.2

Leisure/Hospitality Fort Myers-Cape Coral 2020

45.9

47.4

46.8

23.9

31.3

34.7

33.8

33.9

33.8

35.5

36.2

36.6

2021

36.8

38.1

37.1

35.9

36.3

37.7

39.9

41.2

43.1

Leisure/Hospitality Punta Gorda 2020

8.3

8.1

4.6

6.5

6.4

6.5

6.4

6.6

6.7

2021

6.8

6.9

7.1

6.8

6.7

6.5

6.9

7.2

7.9

*Numbers in thousands

TakeNote E C O N O M I C C O M M E N TA R Y

APRIL 2022 By Thomas Smythe, Ph.D.

Did Someone Say Inflation? MULTIPLE FACTORS ADDING BUMPS IN THE ECONOMIC ROAD Everyone is feeling the pain of rising prices. Until December, the Federal Reserve labeled inflation as “transitory,” thinking it would ease as supply-chain disruptions were resolved. The problem is that current inflation is not just a function of supply-chain issues but is also the result of Fed policy missteps. First, all inflation is transitory in that we are not in a permanent state of accelerating prices. The real questions are what acceptable inflation is and how long the unacceptable inflation will last. In developed economies, central banks consider inflation of 2% as “acceptable.” The Fed informally adopted the 2% target inflation rate in the 1990s. However, unlike in economies where price stability is the only central bank mandate, the Fed has the dual mandate of price stability and maximum employment. A major Fed concern post-2008 was that jobs were not growing as quickly as in prior recoveries. We were 25+ years removed from significant increases in inflation. Since 1990, prices rose at an average rate just under 2%, but post2008, the rate has been 1.6%. On the surface this might seem good, but economists discovered that if inflation runs under 2% for significant periods, then we do not maximize output. To combat this issue, the Fed decided in August 2020 to use “average inflation targeting,” whereby it would allow the economy to run at inflation rates above 2% for some time, thereby stoking job creation and economic growth. There are several problems with the Fed’s approach and announcement timetable. First, the Fed’s approach assumes it can precisely manage inflation. This view was likely assumed because the U.S. has not experienced rapid inflation for decades. In short, the Fed started to feel good about its “success” in combating inflation, but the Fed’s ability to manage the economy has been declining as more business occurs outside of the banking system. 3 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

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Second, the Fed gave no guidance on how long inflation could run above 2%, nor how high inflation could get as part of the averaging process. This is significant because consumers process information rationally and had come to expect the Fed to rein in inflation as it approached 2%. Now consumers wonder if the Fed is comfortable with a 2.5%, 3% or 4% (or more) rate for an unspecified time. As the Fed allows for higher inflation, consumers start to expect it, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Third, the Fed chose to implement this new approach after pumping $4 trillion into the economy, swelling its balance sheet to almost $9 trillion, at the same time that the fiscal side of the house had put unprecedented amounts of cash into consumers’ hands, with fewer ways to spend it because of COVID restrictions. Finally, the Fed significantly underestimated the supply-chain problem. In August 2020, its new approach was announced as the world was battling the Delta variant. While the U.S. had largely reopened, countries from which we receive products had lower vaccination rates and/ or far stricter lockdown policies when there were outbreaks. In short, as long as we remain on the virus roller coaster, supply-chain issues will remain. Taken together, these issues suggest that “acceptable” inflation is still a ways off. While supply chains will recover, we still have significant cash piles for consumers to spend, and there has been little new production capacity built to satisfy the increased demand. Finally, the Fed has left consumers and markets to wonder how much inflation is too much before the Fed acts. 

Unfortunately, when faced with uncertainty,

UPS AND DOWNS

consumers and markets often assume the worst,

Inflation is transitory so accelerating prices are

which here means expectations of higher infla-

not permanent, says FGCU’s Thomas Smythe.

tion in the future. GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 31

A GROW THE DIMINISHING BASE, UNCERTAIN FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE IN SWFL By David Dorsey

CONC 3 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

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ING ERN GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 33

_A GROWING CONCERN Robert McMahon Jr. is a fourth-generation farmer. He wonders, though, what the future will bring for his livelihood in the next generation—especial-

from farming more than 400 acres

ly in Southwest Florida, where agricul-

to just 5 acres provides anecdotal

tural land keeps shrinking.

evidence of where farming is going

The 444 acres on which McMahon’s father once farmed, just northwest of

in Southwest Florida. The data helps tell the story, too.

the Interstate 75 and Daniels Parkway

In Lee County, agricultural acre-

interchange in south Fort Myers, used

age has fallen by about 2% annually

to be a red potato farm. Since 2007, it

every year over the past 10 years. It

has been the Paseo community, where

has dropped from 269,197 acres to

there are more than 1,000 homes.

238,359 acres, according to data pro-

“I’ve been around here for a few

vided by the Lee County property ap-

years,” says McMahon, who was born

praiser’s office. The 30,838 vanished

and raised in Fort Myers. His father

acres equal about 46 square miles. In

moved there from his native Nebraska

Collier County, where a large chunk

in 1947, when the interstate and the

of the nation’s tomato supply is grown

sprawl of concrete and steel between

in and near Immokalee, agricultural

Fort Myers and Naples didn’t exist.

acreage has fallen from 205,700 acres

“I’ve seen a few changes, from this

in 2011 to 193,126 acres in 2021, a loss

being an agricultural area here to not

of 12,574 acres. In Charlotte County,

so much.”

there’s a similar trend: 131,920 acres

McMahon and his family still oper-

in 2011 dropped to 124,020 acres in

ate Southern Fresh Farms on 5 acres.

2021, a loss of 7,900 acres. That’s a

They grow lettuce and tomatoes, on-

three-county combined loss of 51,312

ions and peppers, some squash and,

agricultural acres over 10 years, which

for the Crazy Dingo Brewery that leas-

is almost 80 square miles. That com-

es some of their space, a crucial beer

bined land area is larger than the

ingredient: hops. “We’ve got some

49-square-mile city of Fort Myers.

blackberries,” he says. “We’ve got

The situation is a bit more complex

some farm animals. We’ve got some

than blaming the vanishing farmland

cows and goats. People can come and

on the politics of rezoning agricultur-

pet them and see what a farm animal

al land to housing or commercial land,

looks like. We’ve got a pond with some

or even just pointing to population

turtles and fish.”

growth, said Fritz Roka, an FGCU pro-

That the McMahons have gone

fessor of agricultural economics.

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“The greening has been devastating,” Roka says of the virus that has been infecting citrus trees across Florida. “A lot of citrus growers have been packing it in. The volume of fruit, the yield, has gone down. At the grocery store, the price has gone up. “These are economic trends. More and more people want to come to Fort Myers and Naples and Bonita Springs, specifically. That gives the farmer, as a landowner, options if they can’t afford to grow. The economics of farming are a lot different than 10, 15, 20 years ago. It just keeps changing along with technology and airports and greening and trends.” STICKING WITH IT Orange grower Wayne Simmons still farms the land he owns in Hendry and Collier counties. “As far as agriculture in the state of Florida, it’s kind of going the route of California,” Simmons says. “The population is increasing. Well, where is the available land? The available land is usually the ag land. Once it goes to rooftops, it will never go back to agricultural land. “Ag land is getting bombarded from all angles,” Simmons says. “The farmer’s retirement plan is his land. It’s an exit strategy now. You don’t really want to sell, but most citrus growers aren’t really into going to 

another crop. I’ve got some prime

IMPACTS OF GREENING

land. I’m still farming it. I joke that

Citrus greening attacks orange crops,

I’m spending my retirement to stay

leaves farmers scrambling. Some of them

in the citrus business.”

are leaving the industry because of it. GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 35

_A GROWING CONCERN The greening, Simmons said, has been

“If you’re a vegetable grower, and you’ve

absolutely devastating to the citrus busi-

got enough subscribers, those types of

ness. “There’s no cure for the greening,”

operations can do well,” Roka says. “Espe-

Simmons says. “You see your production

cially if you have the right mentality and

go down.”

personality with your customers. Other

Aphid-like insects called psyllids transmit the virus from plant to plant.

small farms can develop connections with high-end restaurants. They’re doing OK,

“It’s like, ‘Can you spray enough to kill

but unless you’re a King Ranch or Alico or

every mosquito in the state of Florida?’”

Lipman Brothers, it’s really hard to stay in

Simmons says. “We’d have to be spray-

the game.”

ing every orange tree every day. It’s just not feasible.”

Roka said those big three farming companies can survive with their mega operations, which puts the squeeze on the

MOVING EAST

smaller ones. “You’ve got to be efficient,”

Glades County is one area in Southwest

he says. “You’ve got to scale up. You in-

Florida that actually has seen agricul-

vest in high-tech equipment. You invest

tural land grow in terms of parcel count;

in very capable people who know how to

in 2011, there were 2,027 agricultural

manage large acreage. It’s a low cost of

parcels. In 2021, there were 2,050. That

production.”

trend demonstrates how, as the Lee and

Other countries have started to catch

Collier coastal areas continue to fill in

up with farming technology, Roka said.

with development, the agricultural ar-

That means Americans can get cheaper

eas have shifted inland.

produce items from Mexico, for example,

“Everything has been pushed to the east for a long, long time,” says Roka, who arrived in Immokalee in 1996. He worked for 22 years at the University of Florida’s research and education center, then joined FGCU in 2018. “Small farms, it’s very hard to be successful. It’s very atypical. If you are successful, it’s because you’ve found a niche—either a niche product-wise or a niche client-wise.



A TOUGH GAME The economics of farming are a lot different than 10-20 years ago, says Fritz Roka, FGCU professor of agricultural economics.

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which is a prime reason why Airglades International Airport in Clewiston is undergoing a $300 million expansion project: It will transform a tiny airport into a logistics hub. Instead of growing more goods across the region west of the airport, those goods increasingly will be imported there instead. “We can grow more tomatoes on a given acre of land than a Mexican farmer could,” Roka says, “with nutrient management, more sophisticated pest control measures. But the Mexican farmer has gotten bigger and more sophisticated, as well. It’s a tougher game for a Florida grower to be in.” THE TRANSITION ZONE Roka used the term “transition zone” for coastal-area land that has been converted from farms to housing. Gladiolus Drive in south Fort Myers was named for the flowers that once flanked the road. But most of the flowers are gone; now they’re imported to florists internationally. In their place are cookie-cutter gated communities, strip malls and restaurants. “A great example is Corkscrew Road,” Roka says, referring to the portion east of the interstate and west of the Collier County line. “It used to be open land all the way to Immokalee. Now, you’ve got these deep developments. The Shores of Corkscrew. The “Ag land is getting bombarded from all angles.” —Wayne Simmons

Place, where 1,500 houses are going into that development.” These shifts required changing politics, as the Lee County government voted to relax housing density stanGULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 37



CORKSCREW SHORES Farmland is being developed into residential communities across SWFL.

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_A GROWING CONCERN dards in 2015 in that area. But overall,

our economic profile, is much smaller

Lee County is filling in as it has been

than it was,” Caldwell says. “In some

planned since 1987, said Matt Cald-

ways, that just means that Lee Coun-

well, who has a unique perspective on

ty has grown. The kind of agriculture

agriculture in the region, having lost

in the areas that surround us has

the statewide election for Florida’s

changed. The citrus groves are still

secretary of agriculture to Nikki Fried

substantial. They’re still part of our

in 2018. But he won Lee County’s elec-

regional economic profile, undoubt-

tion for property appraiser in 2020.

edly. I would suggest agriculture is still

He succeeded Ken Wilkinson, who

going to be substantial, but it’s going

won 10 elections and held the elected

to be different. There might not be

appraiser position for 40 years.

1,000-acre ranches or 100-acre orange

“There are a couple of perspectives,”

groves in Lee County. But in Alva and

Caldwell says. “The first is that almost

Buckingham, there are still some sub-

everything that gets developed in Lee

stantial plant and tree operations.”

County in our lifetime was designated

Caldwell also called the Corkscrew

for development from the very begin-

Road shift from agriculture to housing

ning. The comprehensive plan was

a “good trade.”

developed in 1987. All of this land that

“They (the developers) are setting

became Estero and Bonita and east

aside 65% of their land for conser-

Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, all of

vation, for the benefit of the public,”

that land was designated for suburban

Caldwell says. “The public is essential-

or urban development from the very

ly getting free land.”

beginning of the Lee plan. If you look

About 12 years ago, Lee County also

at the areas that were designated then

modified its land-use plan to keep Pine

to remain agricultural, Alva is still a

Island focused on agriculture. Those

rural community. Bayshore is still a

who stay in farming, Caldwell said,

rural community.”

would have to adapt and stay connect-

Still, Caldwell recognizes that even

ed to their peers across the state.

those communities are changing as

“If you’re in agriculture, and you’ve

the sprawl has started to reach and

got citrus or cattle or sugar cane or

affect them. Babcock Ranch off State

tomatoes or whatever, your reach is

Road 31 is filling in much of that area

really statewide,” he says. “You can

leading to Palm Beach Boulevard. And

talk to a farmer in north Florida,

the area round Riverdale High School,

and they’re going to know people in

just west of Alva, continues to grow

the industry in south Florida. Agri-

with new housing.

culture is such a low-margin profit

“Agriculture as a business, as part of

industry, so you want to be globally GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 39



CROP CONVERSION Some farms are following agricultural trends, from growing vegetables to medical marijuana.

connected. The bigger the market,

growing some of the same food prod-

the higher your return.”

ucts as Mexico.” Greening has affected Florida

THE BIG FISH

farming, Hutchcraft said, but so has

Some of the larger farming compa-

competition from other countries.

nies did not respond when asked

That competition grew in the af-

to talk about this subject. But King

termath of Hurricane Irma in 2017,

Ranch did.

when the excessive wind and rain cut

Mitch Hutchcraft, vice president

down on Florida citrus production

of King Ranch, oversees agriculture

and therefore raised the reliance on

real estate operations for the compa-

imported citrus.

ny, which is listed as the 10th-largest

“The tech is better,” Hutchcraft

landowner in the United States with

says of U.S. farms. “But there are a lot

more than 1,500 employees. King

of additional regulatory, labor, land-

Ranch owns land in seven Florida

use costs that the U.S. is exposed to

counties, including the five-county

and Florida is exposed to that some

Southwest Florida region.

of the other countries aren’t exposed

Hutchcraft grew up in Lee County, working on some of those flower

to. In the grand scheme, even King Ranch is relatively small.”

farms along Gladiolus in south Fort

Hutchcraft also wanted to clear up

Myers. “We were called ‘luggers,’”

a misperception by pointing out that

Hutchcraft says. “They would cut

if King Ranch is putting pressure on

them, and we would group them and

smaller, neighboring growers, it cer-

lug them back to the truck.”

tainly isn’t on purpose.

Because

Hutchcraft

grew

“Citrus, in particular, is one of those

around farming, he gravitated to it—

industries where we’re all in it togeth-

but on the business side.

er,” he says. “A bigger grower cannot

“I think you’re seeing a number of

do well without the smaller growers.

things that are happening,” he says.

We’re all pulling for the benefit of the

“As we farmers grow more on less

industry. The costs to maintain our

land with less water, that leaves some

groves have gone up significantly;

of that available land for other uses.

that’s due in part to trying to recover

Sometimes that’s other agricultur-

from the wind and the water. It’s had

al uses, sometimes it’s conservation

an impact on all of those trees.”

land, sometimes it’s other uses. Flor-

Demand for citrus products grown

ida, in particular, is challenged by

in Florida lessened after Irma be-

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_A GROWING CONCERN cause of the glut of imported citrus, Hutchcraft said. That created another set of challenges. “There were purchases of oranges from Mexico and Brazil to make sure the processors had what they needed,” he says. “While there was a reduction of citrus here in Florida, it was more than filled by imports, so we ended up with an excess in supply.” LOOKING AHEAD The ongoing influx of new residents to Southwest Florida likely will continue to fill in legacy agricultural parcels and turn them into new communities or commercial parcels to support the new residents. “Ag is pushing eastward,” says William “Billy” Rollins, a senior broker with LSI Companies who specializes in agricultural land. But not all of the agricultural land is turning to residential or commercial. “LSI Companies, we represented an international company with a 125,000-square-foot growhouse. They were growing vegetables and seeds. They wanted to shut down the facility. Along came a medical marijuana company. So they’re changing from one agricultural company to another. “Some of the citrus growers, they’re going to remain in the agricultural business,” Rollins says. “Greening makes it very difficult. I do know there are some very smart people working GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 41



KNOWING THE REPERCUSSIONS Robert McMahon’s Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Blvd., in south Fort Myers educates school groups and visitors about the importance of farming for the future of our food.

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_A GROWING CONCERN

on it at the University of Florida. They’re working on some sort of a cure. “These growers, they’re not really interested in selling their land, but in converting it to other crops. Now, there are some folks who are growing different types of hemp plants that will be able to be grown in Florida. The consumer needs change, too. Agricultural growers change with it.” McMahon has no plans to quit farming the lands that have been in his family for more than half a century now. “There’s three things in this world we have to have,” McMahon says. “We’ve got to have oxygen. We’ve got to have water. We have to have food. For some reason, agriculture always seems to be a target. That has always bothered me, because agriculture touches every moment of our life. From the moment we get out of our bed with our cotton sheets, and then when we get into our cotton clothes: ‘What do I want for lunch? What do I do for dinner?’ Everything you do, agriculture is involved in your life.” As agriculture continues moving inland in Southwest Florida, McMahon said the least he could do was to buck that trend on his tiny, 5-acre farm. “I’m not anti-people,” McMahon says. “But the bottom line is, we’ve still got to feed them. The more agriculture is pushed out, you’ve still got to think about the repercussions of it.” GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 43

DREAMS IN DRY DOCK

MARITIME WITH

COMPANIES

SUPPLY

BY JOHN GUERRA

CHAIN

STRUGGLE WOES

_D R E A M S IN DRY DOCK To simplify only slightly, Southwest Florida primarily has two kinds of people: those who are boating and those who are making plans to go boating. At least a third of the state’s 1 million registered yachts and smaller vessels are in Southwest Florida, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. There are two opposing forces at work within SWFL’s maritime industries sector, a leading component of the region’s economy. Boat brokerages, marina operators and support service providers, such as maritime construction firms that build private docks and seawalls for waterfront property owners— all report a booming demand from the boat-owning public. Yet these companies can’t provide new engines for the boats they sell and can’t obtain the screws, bolts and planks necessary to build docks and piers. And that’s just the beginning. Custom boat builders can’t obtain the fiberglass resins, marine composites and other material to build a boat from the ground up. In other words, though boating and associated maritime services companies are seeing rising demand for their goods and services, the COVID-19 supply chain collapse is slowing their ability to fill orders. Each boat owner requires a place to put his or her boat, whether it’s a kayak, a 15-foot runabout, an open fisherman or a 100-foot sailboat or motor yacht. Builders of seawalls, piers, docks, marinas and other slips are in great demand. Boat owners also require other maritime providers, such as boat brokerages, maintenance and repair shops and full-service marinas. THE STATE OF MARINE At January’s Charlotte County Boat Show, owners of companies that provide the things boaters need spoke of how they’re doing in this age of inflation and supply-chain interruptions. To gauge the state of SWFL’s marine industries, we talked to marine construction companies that build docks and seawalls, marina owners, manufacturers of non-skid boat decks and boat brokers who sell boats ranging from 17 feet to yachts longer than 100 feet. The answers marine owners gave may surprise you. For instance, COVID-19 can’t be blamed for everything that has hurt SWFL’s maritime industries sector—but





SUPPLY AND DEMAND Boating and maritime services companies in Florida are seeing a rising demand for their products and services.

more on that later. First, know that people are buying boats, 4 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

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GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 47



DOCK DEARTH The increase in demand for boats means a greater demand for storage and slip space also exists.

4 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

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_D R E A M S IN DRY DOCK that demand is still very high. “The larger boats, typically, we would have well over

shore are not getting unloaded, which slows down that line from overseas to the consumer on my end.”

100 in inventory,” says Glenn Shallis, a broker with Pier

Take, for example, the marine construction indus-

One Yacht Sales. The company, owned by Len Garofoli,

try, which is having trouble keeping up with demand.

employs 50 brokers in eight SWFL locations. “There’s

Southwest Florida, home to six of the world’s richest

a lot of demand. Most of the demand [is] for our boats

people, is full of millionaires, too. Naples alone has

… between 40 and 50 feet long. They are easier to trail-

12,300 millionaire households, according to Forbes.

er, and with COVID-19, people aren’t going overseas on

Though COVID-19 did not financially cripple the re-

vacation. They have the money and opportunity to en-

gion, one need not be rich to own a decent used boat.

joy themselves on boats here at home.”

And rich and not-so-rich alike need a place to put

Randy Fowlds owns and operates Bob & Annie’s Boat

their boats.

Yards; business has not slowed at its marinas, and re-

“Our customers are a mix of people,” says John

pair shops in St. James City, Punta Gorda and Bokeelia

Sturm, owner of Florida Marine Works, a state-certi-

have seen no reduction in business. Fowlds said boats

fied marine contractor that builds and repairs seawalls,

and accessories are still in great demand.

docks, piers and other shoreline structures. “Some boat

“I think what COVID has done is get people out and

owners want to upgrade their existing docks. And for

active on their boats,” he says. “You can’t get better so-

people who move down here and buy waterfront prop-

cial distancing than being out on your boat having fun.

erty, we are installing new seawalls and docks.

We’ve seen just a massive surge in the industry.”

“We’ve been busy for years; it hasn’t slowed down at

Two years after COVID-19’s arrival, the biggest

all,” he says. “We get as many calls now as we did four

problem facing marine industries that serve the

years ago. In fact, we have a waiting list six months out.

Gulf of Mexico, the Intracoastal Waterway, Caloosa-

There is so much demand we can’t get to it all.”

hatchee River and hundreds of inlets and creeks is not demand. It’s getting the things people want to buy.

SO, WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

“We do everything from repairs on boats to selling

It’s getting the wood, screws, bolts and other materi-

new engines, new boats with engines and all the ac-

als to build docks and piers, said Tim Fisher, owner of

cessories that go with them,” says Fowlds. “I can liter-

Comdivers Marine & Salvage Corp. of Charlotte Coun-

ally sell as much as I want to sell right now, but I can’t

ty. He and other members of his family build docks,

get it.”

boat lifts and seawalls in Charlotte County and else-

Among the items he can’t get are outboard engines,

where in SWFL.

the one thing boat owners need to get out on the Gulf

“We have daily issues with just about anything you

for some wreck fishing, tool around the Intracoastal

can get,” Fisher says. “You never know when you can

Waterway with the family or visit their favorite dock-

get screws, you never know when you can get piles or

side restaurants.

lumber. You go to get it and they’re out.”

“We’ve got more than 300 outboard engines on order

And who knew that a shortage of polyvinyl chloride

right now, and they’re either still in the factories or stuck

pellets, manufactured in laboratories, was impeding

on ships offshore,” Fowlds says. “The demand has put a

dock construction? PVC beads, which can be molded to

strain on the factories, which are working at 100%, but

manufacture dock planks, are also used to produce the

the factories can only put out so much product. They

fenders for boats, as well as the plastic shock absorbers

have massive amounts of back orders. The ships off-

that prevent boats from hitting docks. “Any of the manGULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 49

_D R E A M S IN DRY DOCK ufactured material comes and goes, including the PVC pipes for channeling electricity along docks,” Fisher says. High demand for PVC and other dock materials has raised the price of marine construction, he said. “We have to pass that on to the customer. Industrywide, costs have gone up about 30% over the past two years.” Economist Raj Srivastava of Florida Gulf Coast University said this state of affairs will continue. “Now, with increased demand for boats and marine craft, there will be a corresponding increase in need for docks,” he says. “The backlog of permit applications will increase because one permit is predicated on another.” THE PERMIT AND SUPPLY CHAIN WOES The supply of marine construction materials isn’t all that has been interrupted, said Mitchell Smith, of Eco Marine Solutions. When a homeowner wants a new dock, a waterfront condo developer wants to dredge a channel or a country club wants to put in a waterside boardwalk, several government agencies must review the plans and give their permission. It takes months longer to get permits to build a dock or pier these days. Coronavirus staff absences at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Water Management District, as well as county and municipal planning agencies, have slowed the permitting process. They are still working through a colossal permit backlog. “We’re probably looking at two years out for new customers,” Smith says. “To get a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Charlotte County Community development permit, the agencies come out and do a preconstruction, pre-permit approval inspection. The Army Corps is short-staffed, the county is short-staffed, everyone is short-staffed. They are probably three to five months behind schedule.” Here’s where things get surprising: Winter storms in Texas, Louisiana and other coastal states also added to supply chain woes, specifically for bottom paint and other boat building ma-



PERMIT BACKLOG A shortage of supplies and staffing are making it more difficult to build docks and other amenities for boats.

5 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

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terials. In February 2021, as constituents shamed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz for flying to a Cancun vacation as everyone else froze, power outages froze production of resin and other raw chemical ingredients for anti-fouling paint, glues and other marine finishing products, needed by SWFL boatyards such as Bob & Annie’s. Pipes and fittings in the chemical plants burst and required massive repairs, shutting them down for weeks. Hurricanes hurt production too: Hanna in July 2020, Laura a month later, Beta a month after that and in September 2021, Nicholas. “The freezing temps and the hurricanes even affected materials for pontoon boats; we had a hard time getting the foam that provides buoyancy in the pontoons,” Fowlds says. “When hurricanes hit the coast of Texas and Louisiana, they also damaged plants that produced resins for fiberglass, bottom paint and weather-resistant polyester or vinyl finishes for gelcoat.” Bob & Annie’s also sells boat ladders, captain’s chairs and other marine accessories; the supply chain for everything is uneven, operating in spurts. “If you could throw a number of items against the wall, there will be a shortage of something,” Fowlds says. “It is a struggle for business, but I like a struggle.” ON A POSITIVE NOTE Felix Diaz started his Fort Myers company, D’Novus, in 2015. The company uses a computer scanner to measure boat decks and all the angles from bow to stern. A computer then takes the measurements from the scan and automatically cuts custom sheets of non-skid deck covering. Diaz, his brother or another employee apply the peel-andstick matting. He said he has not had trouble obtaining the deck matting for his customers. “The marine industry is good,” says Diaz. “We currently have inventory for everything. We have the adhesives, the colors, because we stocked up before COVID. My provider—3M—is still good.” Kyle Good of Good Event Management and his father, John—who were both upbeat at January’s Charlotte County Boat Show—also operate the Bonita Springs Boat Show and the Fort Myers Boat Show. They said attendance at those events never slowed during the COVID-19 shutdowns. “Vendors were still buying space at the shows, we experienced larger crowds than previously in some cases,” Kyle Good says. “People enjoy getting out and going to outdoor venues. Boats are something you gotta see and touch. And boating is a great way to social distance.” GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 51

ABOVE AND BEYOND A doctor. A nurse practitioner. An administrator. A CEO. The staff at a retirement community. What do they have in common? They are all among this year’s Health Care Heroes.

The following 10 health care professionals and teams from both Lee and Collier counties have all gone above and beyond the call of their day-to-day responsibilities at a time when the quality of health care was more important than ever. Recognized by their colleagues and communities, each of them, in some unique way, has helped to put the caring back in health care.

Here are their stories.

• ABOVE AND BEYOND •

them with the support that they crave. She often finds herself laughing with patients during moments of triumph, and crying with them during their darkest hours. No Mental Health Care Provider

health conditions live life to its fullest po-

matter the situation, she never loses sight

Esther Mugomba-Bird

tential is priceless. This honor is a good

of the person she’s dealing with. Sometimes,

NCH Physicians Group, Naples

reminder of why I do what I do,” she says,

Mugomba-Bird finds herself having to have

then adds, “I do not know what I would do

difficult conversations with patients. But in

without my staff, and I am grateful to each

the end, she tries to make the experience as

and every one of them.”

positive as possible for those she serves.

A GENUINE RAPPORT WITH PATIENTS At the height of the COVID-19 pandem-

Working in both inpatient and outpa-

Along the way, she manages to genuine-

ic, you could find Esther Mugomba-Bird,

tient settings, Mugomba-Bird has a unique

ly touch the lives of almost all of those she

APRN, right where she ought to be—in her

ability to not only treat her patients with the

encounters, and that makes her a real stand-

office, seeing patients.

medications they need, but also to counsel

out among her peers.

This certified nurse practitioner for behavioral health medication management with NCH Physicians Group donned a mask and full personal protective equipment so she could offer her patients the care they needed, often for 10 to 12 hours a day. And during those days, Mugomba-Bird maintained her typically sunny disposition and caring attitude. She has a real and honest rapport with her patients, remembering little personal details of their lives: a new job, that big move or the latest milestone with their kids. And her positive point of view isn’t just reserved for her patients. When coworkers and colleagues were having trouble balancing home life and work obligations during the pandemic, Mugomba-Bird adjusted her hours to help them cope with their conflicting responsibilities. In fact, she was a was a driving force in helping as many nurses and providers as possible to deal with the daily stressors that seemed to multiply during that time. Mugomba-Bird often sees people when they are at their worst, so she feels an obligation to be at her best. “Helping those struggling with mental 5 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

Health Care Prevention Julie Pedretti Vice President of External Affairs, Healthcare Network, Immokalee SERVING THE UNDERSERVED Julie Pedretti made quite an impression when she joined Healthcare Network in July 2020 as the COVID-19 community relations director. Tasked with organizing the Immokalee network’s then-new multilingual COVID-19 Response Team, it was her job to expand existing programs to include increased testing, and eventually vaccines, education and community outreach. HOW DID SHE DO? By the next year she produced such impressive results that she was promoted to the network’s vice president of external affairs. That gives you an idea of Pedretti’s hard work, tenacity and organizational talent. The response team’s focus was Southwest Florida’s underserved populations, including Immokalee’s farmworker community, which at the time Pedretti took over the

about 1,500 people. From Jan. 1 through

little to no transportation and concerns

team had some of the highest COVID-19

Oct. 20, 2021, the multilingual promotoras

about documentation of migrant farm-

positivity rates in the country. The team’s

visited 4,932 homes. The team also helped

workers and others would create significant

goal was to dispel rumors and build con-

connect families with local resources for

challenges in educating and protecting the

fidence in vaccination and testing, partic-

physical and mental health, and food and

community during a pandemic.”

ularly in vulnerable communities where

housing assistance. “As a community health

To date, Pedretti’s team has conducted

language and cultural barriers, as well as a

center serving vulnerable, medically under-

27,758 COVID-19 tests, held 118 testing

historical distrust in health care, exist.

served populations in Collier County for 45

events in locations throughout Immokalee,

Healthcare Network’s COVID Response

years, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in

administered 11,429 COVID-19 vaccine

Team consists of 12 community health

spring 2020, it was clear to Healthcare Net-

shots (with 3,434 in Immokalee), held 20

workers (called promotoras) that provide

work leaders that it would be critical to pro-

vaccination events in locations throughout

door-to-door outreach with culturally ap-

actively address the growing health-equity

Immokalee and strengthened partnerships

propriate educational materials and mes-

issues,” Pedretti says. “We knew that cultur-

with other agencies in Collier County. Im-

saging in Immokalee. In late 2020, the team

al barriers and mistrust, language differenc-

pressive results like those stand as a testa-

canvassed 601 homes in 16 days, reaching

es, low levels of literacy, lack of technology,

ment to Pedretti’s leadership. GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 55

• ABOVE AND BEYOND •

Care nurses and physicians are a unique group of people,” Warner says. “We are type-A, adrenaline junkies, who love the controlled chaos that the intensive care unit brings. I work alongside the most amazing, highly educated and caring critical care team. As cheesy as this is, it’s true: When you love what you do, it isn’t really a job. “What I love most about my job is that I get to take care of people and their families at their most vulnerable time. I get to watch my patients get better. I get to educate them and their families about their condition,” she says. “I get to hold their hand when they’re scared. I get to pray alongside them when they ask. And if it is in their last moments, I get to make sure they’re comfortable and never alone. It is truly an honor.” When the pandemic first hit in March 2020, she and the team of critical care physicians came up with a plan on how to safely treat, intubate and triage COVID-19 Nurse

patients—no easy task. But her methodical

Ellison Warner

and calm demeanor, as well as her caring

NCH Healthcare System, Naples

manner, was not only critical to helping her team, but it was also essential in caring for the patients in her charge. And there

‘WHEN YOU LOVE WHAT YOU DO, IT ISN’T Warner is a charge nurse who ran a 22-

were plenty. By the summer 2021, NCH’s

bed intensive care unit during the 2020

COVID hospitalizations were up by 800%

A critical care and ICU charge nurse at the

COVID-19 pandemic, meaning she over-

and by the beginning of the year, COVID

713-bed NCH Healthcare System, Ellison

saw all the planning, coordinating and eval-

cases seemed to double almost daily.

Warner, RN, BSN, CCRN, TNCC, has seen

uating of nursing activities for the unit. In

She became well-known for going above

all sorts of trauma in her 14-year career.

addition, she was a clinical resource nurse

and beyond the call of duty, always assisting

But nothing could prepare her for what she

and a lead of the code blue team, which

her team, ensuring safety precautions, pick-

saw and endured at Collier County’s largest

deals with some of the hospital’s most seri-

ing up extra shifts during surges and edu-

health care system during the COVID-19

ous cases.

cating nurses on other floors on how to best

REALLY A JOB’

pandemic. Her unit was simply inundated, and resources were strained.

“I absolutely love being an intensive care nurse and taking care of patients. Critical

5 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

take care of COVID-19 patients. In short, she helped save a lot of lives. gulfshorebusiness.com

Physician

Since that first day, Cape Coral Hospital has

of both our patients and staff,” Dougherty

Timothy Dougherty

seen more than 6,000 COVID patients.

says. “As variants continue to come through,

Dougherty’s expertise and knowledge

we’re still adapting and fine-tuning, but we

Coral Hospital Emergency Department,

contributed to many improvements over

are just as dedicated now as we were when

Cape Coral

the past 18 months. He has been intimately

we started in early 2020. I am so proud to

involved in critical decisions on treatment

serve on this team.”

Chairman and Medical Director, Cape

options, and he has spent countless hours

As the medical director of Lee Health's

providing education to the medical center’s

Disaster Management Team, Dougherty

They call Timothy Dougherty, MD, sim-

physicians and nurses, all to improve care

also has worked to make sure everyone

ply Doc.

and create the most positive environment

on that team remains current on changes

possible for patients.

in treatment options and best practices

WHAT’S UP, DOC?

They are the staff at the Cape Coral Hospital Emergency Department, where

“Our pandemic response required a cre-

in emergency response. Those who work

Dougherty, a toxicology expert, is chair-

ative and coordinated effort from everyone

with him depend on him 24/7 to ensure

man and medical director. He earned the

in the health system, and the tireless efforts

they are providing the best care of their

nickname with his friendly demeanor,

of the entire team made it successful. Our

patients and community.

compassionate personality and caring ways.

main concern was the safety and welfare

He clearly loves what he does. According to those who know him, Dougherty, who is also medical director of Lee Health Disaster Management, knows how to both listen and communicate effectively, creating a safe, comforting and healing environment for his patients and their families. And he has put his skills to good use in trying to improve the care provided by the departments he oversees. When two patients presented in the emergency department at Gulf Coast Medical Center with COVID-19 on March 4, 2020, the staff there weren’t sure how to treat them. From that day forward, Dougherty, who has been medical executive president of Cape Coral Hospital for the past two years, has also been one of the medical center’s go-to experts on helping to find solutions on how to best care for COVID patients—especially in those early days when so much was unknown. He has been painstaking in evaluating new drug therapies and medical treatments to make sure the hospital’s staff was offering the best care.

They all know they can depend on Doc.

• ABOVE AND BEYOND •

Volunteer Volunteer Services, Lee Health, Fort Myers TOUCHING LIVES ONE SMILE AT A TIME Lee Health’s volunteers touch lives in so many ways.

age, integrity, trust, business expertise,

at the system’s four acute care hospitals, in-

knowledge and compassion.

cluding those with COVID-19.

During the pandemic, Lee Health's vol-

“The compassion our volunteers show,

unteers helped deliver snacks, drinks and

their drive to want to help others,” Frank

They greet patients with smiles and

other refreshments funded by the commu-

says, “and their desire to give back and

warm welcomes. They escort them to, or

nity and Lee Health Foundation to front-

serve others make them health care he-

from, their cars when they enter one of

line staff for six weeks straight to brighten

roes each and every day. This recogni-

Lee Health’s campuses. They cuddle the ti-

their days and keep them running strong to

tion is truly a team effort; it is for all Lee

niest of babies when their families can’t be

provide the best possible care to all patients

Health volunteers.”

with them around the clock. They answer phones, direct foot traffic, as well as handle all sorts of other responsibilities. Lee Health volunteers serve patients, families, staff and the community every day with pride and great devotion—whether it’s answering questions, offering clerical help, helping locate services, staffing the gift shop, playing the piano in the HealthPark atrium, fundraising with the Lee Health Auxiliaries or interacting with patients. “There is so much to reflect on over the past few years, and I couldn’t be prouder of the entire Lee Health volunteer team and the staff and leadership we have to support them,” says Teresa Frank, Lee Health’s director of volunteer services. “Whether it’s delivering snacks to health care workers, or taking therapy dogs to see patients, you can see the light and energy our volunteers bring to the hallways of our hospitals.” Lee Health has more than 2,000 volunteers who donate more than 150,000 hours of time annually, directly impacting more than 20 departments within Lee Health and helping thousands of community members. They work with cour5 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

Innovation/Individual Scott Lowe CEO, Physicians Regional Healthcare System, Naples MAKING THINGS GROW Scott Lowe, market CEO of Physicians Regional Healthcare System in Naples, has a talent for making things grow. Since taking his role there in 2015, Lowe helped to make Physicians Regional one of the fastest-growing health systems in Collier County. Under his open-door style of leadership, Physicians Regional expanded to three hospitals and tripled its staff. This last year, the health care system opened a state-of-the-art medical office building on Pine Ridge Road and at Founders Square. But the jewel in the health care system’s crown undoubtedly is the Heart Center at the Pine Ridge campus of Physicians Regional Medical Center, a project that Lowe first envisioned in 2016 and which became

Lowe is known for his down-to-earth

600 medical staff physicians who focus on

a reality on July 21, 2020. Lowe was so

and approachable management style. Staff-

delivering the necessary care to our pa-

proud of the new center that he volunteered

ers often call, email or text him directly;

tients,” Lowe says.

to be the "first patient" in a mock surgery.

he typically answers. He frequently makes

“The COVID pandemic has strained re-

Since then, the Heart Center has per-

rounds to ensure staff has all necessary re-

sources, but our teams continue to find ways

formed more than 200 successful cardiac

sources both in the clinical and non-clinical

and go above and beyond to help people get

surgery procedures, established a structural

areas. And Lowe is known to often pass out

well and live healthier lives by providing

heart program that performs cutting-edge

food and snacks to staff who may be too

safe high-quality care. I am truly honored

procedures and has expanded to perform

busy to break for lunch at each of the sys-

to be part of the Physicians Regional team

elective and life-saving interventions. Then,

tem’s hospital campuses.

and look forward to continued service line

in fall of 2021, Physicians Regional signed a

“The real heroes are the staff at Physi-

long-term lease to take over operations of

cians Regional who directly, and indirectly,

the 50-bed Landmark Hospital of South-

serve the residents of Southwest Florida.

A Southwest Florida native, Lowe has

west Florida with plans to turn it into a gen-

We strive to have a culture of engagement

seen the region grow in leaps and bounds

eral acute-care hospital. It’s all part of Lowe’s

and collaboration. I am very fortunate to

through the years. Now he’s doing his part

strategy for growth.

work with over 2,000 employees and over

to help it grow even further.

growth to meet the growing demands of our community.”

GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 59

• ABOVE AND BEYOND •

Though relatively new to his job, Fisher, a Navy veteran, rose to the occasion. He put in place a new disaster management infrastructure to help Lee Health with longterm COVID-19 management. Fisher developed a systematic response based on well-established emergency preparedness best practices. In short order, Lee Health had a well-defined incident command structure where everyone knew their roles and knew where to go when they needed additional assistance. He helped establish a clear chain of command and, under his leadership, communication gaps closed and a cadence of situation reports and incident action plans were developed to boost proactive planning and keep everyone updated on what was happening at all times. “As the leader of the incident command at Lee Health, I—along with my team— work to stay ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure operations continue to run smoothly at our hospitals,” Fisher says. First responder

coronavirus presented a disaster for which

“Every day, the incident command team

Greg Fisher

very few ever really could be prepared.

receives requests throughout the health

Manager of Emergency Preparedness, Lee Health, Fort Myers

At first, the volume of patients was small.

system, and we use our processes to resolve

By the end of March 2020, Lee Health was

any issues. What’s most important to our

caring for 30 COVID-19 patients across

success is we work as a team."

its four acute-care hospitals. By the end

In the end, Fisher, who also works part

of April, the count was 83. Following the

time as an emergency management special-

Greg Fisher had only been on the job as

Fourth of July holiday, the number had sky-

ist/logistics officer at the U.S. Department

Lee Health’s manager of emergency pre-

rocketed to more than 350 patients. By the

of Health and Human Services, streamlined

paredness for about six months when the

beginning of this year, Lee Health had seen

Lee Health’s disaster management program

COVID-19 pandemic hit.

a total of 25,083 COVID-19 cases. During

so that staff can act more agilely in the face

WHEN EMERGENCIES HIT, HE ACTS

On an average day, the manager of

those early months, however, Lee Health’s

of emergencies. He helped forge mutually

emergency preparedness administers Lee

team was doing everything it could to

beneficial partnerships with outside agen-

Health’s disaster readiness, response and re-

learn more about the disease, best prac-

cies such as Lee County's Department of

covery. It involves a lot of prep work, just in

tices in how to treat it and procedures on

Health, the county governmental infra-

case a disaster should hit the area. But the

how to keep patients and employees safe.

structure, EMS and others.

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Skilled and assisted living facility

banned visitors from assisted living com-

were brought into the fold and received fre-

Gulf Coast Village, Cape Coral

munities and two weeks before Florida’s

quent email updates about policies, safety

“safer at home” order took effect.

protocols and statistics. Gulf Coast Village

HEALTH AND SAFETY ARE PRIORITIES

Staff members also took steps in their

created an online database that tracked

personal lives to protect themselves and

COVID-19 cases among residents, staff and

their families from the virus. For months,

contracted workers.

When the COVID-19 pandemic first struck

they were the only non-residents granted

Gulf Coast Village staff stepped in to de-

in March 2020, the staff at Gulf Coast Vil-

access to the community. As part of the

velop a program whereby residents or their

lage, a continuing care retirement commu-

community’s “universal source control,”

families could request video visits using

nity in Cape Coral, took action.

staff wore personal protective equipment

technology provided by management. Over

Gulf Coast Village offers a full continu-

at all times, underwent frequent testing

the next few months, Gulf Coast Village fa-

um of care, including independent living,

and practiced good hygiene and social

cilitated nearly 1,000 Skype and FaceTime

assisted living, specialized memory sup-

distancing.

calls to keep residents in touch with their

port, skilled nursing, home health and re-

While COVID-19 spread in senior

families. The staff also arranged lanai visits

habilitation services, so clearly the health

communities nationwide, Gulf Coast Vil-

and helped residents learn to shop online,

and safety of residents are top priorities.

lage remained unscathed for five months

assisting them with ordering groceries, gifts

without a single confirmed case reported

and other items.

That led to Gulf Coast Village’s decision to protect residents from COVID-19 by

among residents.

"Everyone from the health team to

immediately limiting access to the commu-

Strong communications helped residents

housekeeping to those answering calls from

nity, starting March 12, 2020. This decision

understand what was being done, and why.

loved ones, our associates at Gulf Coast Vil-

came days before COVID-19 forced profes-

An initial town hall meeting allowed resi-

lage have offered support, companionship

sional sports leagues to shut down, a week

dents to hear the community’s action plan

and great care when our residents and fam-

before the Florida Department of Health

and ask questions. Family members also

ilies needed it most," says Greg Anderson, Gulf Coast Village's executive director. Because of the quick action and comprehensive policies, Gulf Coast Village was able to keep its residents as physically and emotionally healthy as possible throughout the pandemic, reporting a total of only 70 cases of COVID-19 among its 400 residents across all levels of care and communities. “The staff have gone above and beyond to keep us safe,” says resident Margaret Djerf. “They reached out to us with entertainment—games, puzzles and activities as well as meal delivery, even a Mother's Day tea. These are just a few examples of the ways they helped us stay occupied and connected during the initial pandemic shutdown and we are grateful." GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 61

• ABOVE AND BEYOND •

Washinsky. “It’s all the team that we have

rapid tests and more than 6,000 vaccinations

in place.”

statewide.

Team member Amanda Simone, RN,

During a Boston Red Sox spring training

Health care staff

adds: “We all work together to help the

game against the Minnesota Twins last year,

COVID Strike Team,

community.”

the group’s front-line workers were hon-

Millennium's COVID-19 Strike Team

ored. Hugo Myslicki, Millennium’s senior

is still serving on the front lines of the pan-

vice president of business development,

demic, and its exhaustive efforts are helping

praised the COVID-19 Strike Team’s efforts:

to protect Southwest Florida and beyond.

“I’m very proud of those nurses who are the

Made up of a small group of registered nurs-

Millennium’s COVID-19 Strike Team has

backbone of our company, alongside with

es and clinical administrators from Millen-

administered more than 3,500 COVID-19

our providers.”

Millennium Physician Group, Fort Myers A WINNING TEAM

nium Physician Group, one of Southwest Florida’s largest primary care groups, the practice’s COVID Strike Team was born on New Year’s Eve 2020. That’s when Millennium, headquartered in Fort Myers, received its first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Under the direction of the group’s practice manager, Amy Washinsky, the team—which has three full-time members, one part-time member and a variety of nurses and volunteers cycling in—quickly designed and tested workflows and perfected and implemented strategies to get as many people scheduled and vaccinated as safely and quickly as possible. During this time, it was important that the team closely adhered to social distancing guidelines and strict storage and distribution protocols for the vaccine doses. Since the early days of the pandemic, the team also has staffed COVID-19 testing sites. As the coronavirus vaccine became more available, they administered hundreds of vaccinations a week—often during nights and weekends in addition to their normal daily workload. At the height of the pandemic, Millennium grew its COVID-19 Strike Team concept to 12 locations across Florida. “I don’t take credit for any of this,” says 6 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

Innovation/Organization TeleSpecialists LLC, Fort Myers DIALING IN FOR QUALITY CARE Telemedicine may be growing more common these days, but when TeleSpecialists LLC—a physician-owned, physician-led management service organization in Fort Myers committed to providing telemedicine care for hospitals nationwide—first started in 2013, receiving medical treatment over the phone was still something of a novelty. Back then, the TeleSpecialists' five founding physicians served on the medical directorship of the stroke program at Lee Health. They were also taking calls and treating patients themselves. These founding physician partners struggled with seeing the poor patient outcomes and inefficiencies within the system. They knew there was a better way to save more lives, and, ultimately, the TeleSpecialists model was born. Stroke patients require quick care with

“For a patient suffering from stroke,

comprehensive coverage via telemedicine.

clot-busting medicines to ensure recovery.

time is brain,” says Nima Mowzoon, MD,

Those board-certified doctors work along-

However, it can be exceedingly difficult to

MBA, TeleSpecialists' founder and CEO.

side hospital teams to ensure quality care,

see patients across large health care systems

“Now EMS can transport those patients

often being able to see a patient before an

efficiently. That was the problem that Te-

quickly and efficiently to a local commu-

in-person doctor could reach them. When

leSpecialists was established to solve. The

nity hospital, providing them with the

the COVID-19 pandemic hit, that became

company proposed using teleconferenc-

highest national standard of care under

pretty handy. Doctors seeing patients via

ing technology on robotic carts to pro-

the supervision of one of the top stroke

teleconferencing could hold off the spread

vide immediate access to stroke specialists

specialists in the U.S. With state-of-the-

of disease and treat the ailing without hav-

throughout the United States. Through

art technology, we bring our exceptional

ing to use personal protective equipment.

this process, TeleSpecialists was able to

expertise to all of our patients at a mo-

Using the methods it developed over the

connect patients with neurologists from

ment's notice.“

last nine years, TeleSpecialists has been able

around the country who could recom-

Eventually, TeleSpecialists would expand

to cover 33,000 hospital beds across the

mend treatment in collaboration with the

to 240 hospitals around the nation and em-

United States and has helped more than half

specialists at Lee Health.

ploy nearly 90 physicians, offering 24/7/365

a million patients to date. GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 63

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W E A LT H M A N AG E M E N T p. 65

H E A LT H C A R E R E S O U R C E G U I D E p. 77

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT

SPONSORED CONTENT

Moran Wealth Management was established in March of 1990 by Thomas M. Moran, Founder, CEO and Senior PIM Portfolio Manager. Teamwork has always been intrinsic to Tom’s approach. Over the years he’s gathered a remarkable group of dedicated professionals focused on delivering personalized investment attention to every client. The practice currently manages over 4.5 billion dollars in client assets as of 11/5/2021. Utilizing a comprehensive approach, Moran Wealth provides investment management services to a select group of successful individuals and their families, as well as delivering specialized financial services for corporations, executives, fiduciaries, and non-profit organizations. They work with young families seeking to build generational wealth, as well as family offices to collaborate with established clients’ attorneys, accountants, trust, and real estate professionals to integrate management of their investment portfolios with their current team. Their investment philosophy centers around always doing what they believe is right for their clients. From the very first meeting you will benefit from a team that applies many years of collective financial experience to the serious business of managing your investments. With a holistic approach to INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, Moran Wealth oversees the critical stages in the development of your plan: asset allocation, security selection, and reviews. For PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT they use more than 50 variables from 200 different research firms to formulate customized investment portfolios for exclusive use of their clients. Portfolios are developed via a comprehensive process that leverages their experience in diverse markets. Their comprehensive INVESTMENT PLANNING services are customized to meet current and future needs and support financial goals throughout every season of life. Moran Wealth Management takes a very disciplined and personal approach to managing your money. They use their combined team knowledge and experience in an effort to help you achieve the long-term goals you’ve set for your portfolio. The Moran Team invites high-net-worth individuals to inquire and discover if they are the right fit for you and your family. Interested parties can call or visit our website to arrange an appointment.

Disclaimers: Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN). Moran Wealth Management is a separate entity from WFAFN. 0921-00561

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Investment management with clients in mind; providing the attention you deserve. You already have our attention; our business is built on listening attentively to the unique needs of each client and responding with thoughtful strategies. At Moran Wealth Management, precise attention is also paid to everything from the financial markets to the smallest details of your account. Contact us at 239.920.4440 or send a request through our website MoranWM.com to schedule your private consultation. Discover how great it feels to have advisors who attend to you the way you deserve.

TOM MORAN AIF®️ Founder, CEO Senior PIM Portfolio Manager

RESPONSIBLE FOR OVER 4.5 BILLION DOLLARS

IN CLIENT ASSETS AS OF 11/5/2021

5801 Pelican Bay Boulevard Suite 110 Naples, FL 34108 239.920.4440 | MoranWM.com

To be named a Barron’s Hall of Fame Advisor the advisor has to have been named by Barron’s for the last ten years consecutively in any of their rankings. In Tom Moran’s case from 2010-2020 he was named to Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors ranking which is based on data provided by thousands of advisors. Factors included in the rankings were assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, length of service, quality of practice and client retention. To be named a Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisor: Ranking algorithm based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Investment performance is not a criterion. In Tom Moran’s case he was ranked the #1 Advisor in South Florida. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN). Moran Wealth Management is a separate entity from WFAFN. 0221-03604

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

SPONSORED CONTENT

Inside the Family-Owned Wealth Management Firm –

Solas Wealth Solas Wealth is a relationship-centered wealth management firm. You are not a number to them. The firm’s approach focuses on your unique values, vision, goals, and dreams, bringing clarity and purpose to your next steps. Solas Wealth strives to reduce the complexity in your life, reveal possibilities, simplify access to your financial information and give you confidence that you are on track in achieving your goals and experiencing the life you desire. Located in the heart of Naples, Florida, Solas Wealth is a boutique, “family office” style wealth management firm with access to extensive resources. The firm has no bureaucracy drag to deal with. They are nimble to respond and implement more effective solutions when they arise. The Solas Wealth team loves giving personal attention and discovering what matters to their clients. They are adept at guiding clients through life’s many transitions— loss of a spouse, retirement, selling your business, relocating to Naples, divorce, etc. The Solas Wealth approach begins with a Financial Pathways Conversation. You gain a clear vision of your future, agreement on your most important goals, a benchmarking of your current financial reality, and perspective on having your financial house in order. If you value a personal touch to managing your financial affairs, Solas Wealth creates a unique, custom plan to fit your life. The Solas Wealth Team takes great delight in seeing you experience the life you’ve always wanted.

info@solaswealth.com | 239-451-3261 | solaswealth.com 405 Fifth Avenue South Naples, FL 34102

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PLANNING INVESTING COACHING

“The rm's mission is to light the way forward so you can experience all that you were designed to be and love to do. We accomplish this through our values based nancial planning, adaptive investment strategies with a focus on preservation of capital and compounding, and wealth coaching.” - Mike Komara

info@solaswealth.com 239-451-3261 solaswealth.com 405 Fifth Avenue South Naples, FL, 34102

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

SPONSORED CONTENT

Blueprint Financial Group You have an investment account. Someone’s managing it. You’re doing ok…or are you? Look beyond the beginning and ending balance. Women, take charge of your finances.

Can you do better?

Do you own investments that you cannot explain why you own them? Do transaction confirmations arrive too frequently? What are you being charged? Does that include all the hidden fees? Has everything been disclosed to you? Maybe not. Do you know the five questions to confirm whether your advisor is truly a Financial Fiduciary? If not, when would you like to know?

Do you own a business?

Are you confident?

Call or email for a brief and confidential analysis. We’ll send it back in writing. You can benefit from our second opinion with offices in Naples, Virginia, and Connecticut to serve you. We’re a $5 billion firm and work with some of the largest custodians in the world, and as true Fiduciaries, work solely in your best interests, since 1984.

And we wouldn’t have it any other way. Makes us both sleep well at night. www.NaplesFiduciary.com, a Blueprint Financial Co.

Personal Investment Management & Retirement Planning

Rich

Jing

Jana

Joy

Miriam

Gabi

As Certified Fiduciary financial planners, we always put our client’s best interests first. Our goal is to be your most trusted advisory group through our professional knowledge, our integrity, and our personalized service. Our process is in-depth and well-defined, and we produce your personal written investment and retirement blueprint. We are proud that numerous clients repeatedly turn to us for guidance and assistance with their financial planning needs, and every day, work hard to earn their loyalty. We strongly believe and operate our practice under the premise that a client referral is the best compliment that we can receive.

239.913.9880 2180 Immokalee Rd., Naples, FL 34110 rich@blueprintfg.com

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT

SPONSORED CONTENT

Ciccarelli Advisory Services For 40 plus years, Ciccarelli Advisory Services has been helping families meet their lifelong goals by creating comprehensive, customized financial plans that work continually throughout every stage of life. Our highest priority is in designing a plan that reflects your family’s unique journey, paying special attention to your priorities and vision, empowering you to achieve continual financial wellness. Your family will benefit from the insight and wisdom of our highly experienced team who provides the personalized service you deserve. We understand your family because we are a family. And, with the best interests of your family at heart, we will serve as your financial advocate providing guidance and execution—today, tomorrow and for generations to come.

life is a journey that starts and ends with family

Your legacy is a reflection of your lifetime achievements, and an opportunity to pass your values and success to future generations. Our team will help you realize your vision for the future and for generations to come.

www.CASMoneyMatters.com 239-262-6577 9601 Tamiami Trail, North Naples, Florida 34108 Investment advisory services offered through Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc., a registered investment advisor independent of FSC Securities Corporation. Securities and additional investment advisory services offered through FSC Securities Corporation, member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S APRIL 2022 71

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

SPONSORED CONTENT

Rob Edwards

Edwards Group of Wells Fargo Advisors Managing Director – Investments Senior PIM® Portfolio Manager Rob Edwards wants clients to come to The Edwards Group for the investment expertise, but stay for the experience. Rob and his team at The Edwards Group are building a forward-looking wealth advisory firm, organized around a new and better client-focused model. One that emphasizes integrity, trust, and transparency above all else. One that helps their clients better understand their options and make more thoughtful, intentional decisions. One that doesn’t outsource money management to distant third parties. And one that attracts experienced and empathetic financial professionals, dedicated to meeting their clients’ needs. What makes The Edwards Group distinct from other advisors is their team’s unshakeable belief in objective investment stewardship — treating their clients’ wealth as a perpetual asset for good. We invite you to discover for yourself what The Edwards Group is all about.

How coordinated are your personal and business plans? You’ve worked hard to make your business successful. When you’re thinking about what comes next for what may be your single largest asset, we can help guide you at every stage of ownership.

5801 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Suite 200, Naples, Florida 34108

239.254.2394 | EdwardsGroupNaples.com Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FIDC Insured / NO Bank Guarantee / MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. 0322-05579 7 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

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SPONSORED CONTENT

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Meristem Family Wealth The real investment is in you. Meristem organizes and manages all financial actions of client families, based on their direction, and without conflicts. From managing investments to educating future generations, clients are kept above the fray to help them realize their family wealth goals. Meristem is a fully independent, purpose-built organization that’s quietly grown for more than 20 years as a national multifamily office. Today, Meristem proudly manages 5.2 B in assets and a South Dakota-based Trust Company for a select number of clients. Much like a CFO would do for a CEO, we coordinate the process of oftentimes complex financial situations. We bring our collective experience and expertise to work alongside new or existing

AT A GLANCE: Meristem Family Wealth $5.2B in Assets Under Management Minneapolis | Naples | Scottsdale | Sioux Falls 888.835.2577 PRACTICE AREAS: Family Financial Officer Investment Planning Estate Planning Tax Planning

professionals in tax, estate, risk management and governance for families.

Risk Planning

Meristem treats client families as if they were their own and grows alongside

Family Governance

them for generations to come.

www.meristemfw.com

WE CREATED THE FIRM WE WOULD WANT FOR OUR OWN FAMILY

Family wealth is not simply an exercise in preserving and growing substantial capital but also ensuring the capital strengthens the family, empowers its members, and solidifies values and legacy. Meristem understands and believes family wealth management is as much about family as it is about wealth. For more than 20 years, we've helped families across generations. Talk to us today.

MINNETONKA | NAPLES | SCOTTSDALE | SIOUX FALLS MERISTEMFW.COM I 888.835.2577

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S APRIL 2022 73

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

SPONSORED CONTENT

The Naples Trust Company

Have Your Team in Place Before Selling Your Business As with many things in life it pays to start early. Business owners must make the transition from relying on business wages and profit distributions to living on a portfolio of liquid The Naples Trust Company has a deep bench of wealth advisory, investment, fiduciary and trust professionals on their team. investments generated from the sale. More fortunate owners will also need to consider how to protect excess capital not needed for their lifetimes from being depleted by an array of estate, gift, and income taxes. And of course, the question of domicile should be addressed to protect your assets. The Naples Trust Company specializes in working with owners and families of privately held businesses to make the most of their sale by ensuring you are partnered with a team of expert advisors including an investment manager and investment banker, mergers and acquisitions counsel, trust & estates attorney, CPA, insurance specialist and others to manage the entire process of selling the business. If you are considering selling your business, contact us to talk over your future plans. As a trust and investment company we serve as a fiduciary to protect and help grow the assets on which you will rely. We would be pleased to assist in developing a strategy that works for you. LEGAL, INVESTMENT AND TAX NOTICE: This information is not intended to be and should not be treated as legal advice, investment advice or tax advice. Readers, including professionals, should under no circumstances rely upon this information as a substitute for their own research or for obtaining specific legal or tax advice from their own counsel. Not FDIC Insured | No Guarantee | May Lose Value IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: To the extent that this message or any attachment concerns tax matters, it is not intended to be used and cannot be used by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law.

preparing your business. Trust & Estate Services Investment Management Family Office Services WEALTH SERVICES TEAM: Cherry W. Smith, Executive Vice President West McCann, CFA, President Dena Rae Hancock, Senior Vice President Carolyn Rogers, CFRE, Senior Vice President 5920 Goodlette-Frank Road Naples, FL 34109 | 239.774.4000

naplestrustcompany.com

Naples is filled with successful businesses built by hard-working families. When you sell - how do you protect what you’ve worked so hard to attain? Every day The Naples Trust Company works with business owners like you to put a tax-advantaged wealth strategy in place, so you and your family can rest easy and enjoy the life you’ve envisioned.

NOT FDIC INSURED I NOT GUARANTEED I MAY LOSE VALUE

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The World’s Best Private Bank* is here for you in Naples

J.P. Morgan raises the standard in private banking, delivering a uniquely elevated experience shaped around you. Whether you’re focused on building, preserving or transferring wealth, we bring you a team of specialists in planning, investing, lending and banking, carefully curated to match your goals.

CONNECT WITH US Mary Kowarick Team Lead, Naples M.Kowarick@jpmorgan.com

https://privatebank.jpmorgan.com/naples 239.263.1325

*Global Finance Magazine, 2021. Awards or rankings are not indicative of future results.

PLAN INVEST BORROW BANK

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: • NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE Not a commitment to lend. All extensions of credit are subject to credit approval. Bank deposit accounts, such as checking, savings and bank lending, may be subject to approval. Deposit products and related services are offered by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. “J.P. Morgan Private Bank” is a brand name for private banking business conducted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its subsidaries wordwide. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and its affiliates (collectively “JPMCB”) offer investment products, which may include bank-managed investment accounts and custody, as part of its trust and fiduciary services. Other investment products and services, such as brokerage and advisory accounts, are offered through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“JPMS”), a member of FINRA and SIPC. JPMCB, JPMS and CIA are affiliated companies under the common control of JPMorgan Chase & Co. © 2022 JPMorgan Chase & Co. All rights reserved.

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE INAUGURAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS TUESDAY, MAY 3 11:00 A.M.

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa.

Visit gulfshorebusiness.com/womeninbusiness

for additional information and to purchase tickets.

WOMEN IN

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HEA LTH AND W E L L N E S S G U I D E G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S APRIL 2022 77

The first medically designed and supervised exercise oncology center in the U.S.

According to the National Cancer Institute, a supervised exercise program during and after cancer treatment is associated with a reduced risk of recurrence by up to 50% (cancer.gov)

Colin Champ, M.D. Exercise Oncologist

3555 Kraft Road, Suite 130, Naples, FL 34105 • 239.429.0800

www.inspireem.com

HEALTH AND WELLNESS GUIDE

SPONSORED CONTENT

Farrell C. Tyson, M.D., FACS Dr. Tyson is recognized as one of the foremost innovators in the field of ophthalmology. He has introduced some of the latest advancements in the treatment of eye diseases, and has revolutionized eye care in Southwest Florida. His involvement in many research studies gives him first-hand experience to new technologies before they are available to other providers. Dr. Tyson uses the most advanced and effective cataract lenses in the industry, including the PanOptix, Vivity and Light Adjustable Lenses. He is board certified and specializes in cataract and glaucoma surgeries. He has been peer nominated as being one of the best ophthalmologists in America. Tyson Eye is committed to restoring vision and providing exceptional patient care. With six locations and a surgery center in both Lee and Collier Counties, outstanding eye care is only a short drive away.

239-542-6000 | 2460 Golden Gate Pkwy | Naples, FL 34105

L aser C ataract S urge on

Farrell C. Tyson, MD, FACS

Specializing in Cataract Surgery, Refractive Surgery and Glaucoma Treatments

• Laser Cataract Surgery Peer-nominated as being among THE BEST • Light Adjustable Cataract Lens EYE SURGEONS IN AMERICA • Glaucoma Surgery Farrell C. Tyson, MD, FACS • Astigmatism Correction • Advanced Diagnostic and Surgical Equipment At the intersection of Airport-Pulling Rd and Golden Gate Pkwy in Naples!

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2022 GIVING GUIDE: BUSINESS GIVES BACK Don’t miss out on the

Giving Guide, showcasing

Southwest Florida’s nonprofits and their important missions. For more information visit: gulfshorebusiness.com/givingguide

GIVING GUIDE:

Business Gives Back

PRESENTED BY

SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL BUSINESSES V O T E N O W T H R O U G H A P R I L 3 0 AT GULFSHOREBUSINESS.COM/BOB

p_84 The future of innovation

B. BUSINESS 2 BUSINESS

I N N OVAT I O N DESIGN HUMAN RESOURCES C O M M E R C I A L R E A L E STAT E NEW & EXPANDING

 ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Vibrant Beat

APRIL 2022

BRIAN TASCHNER’S STARTUP BOOSTS HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE p_98 Gutter

By Artis Henderson

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S APRIL 2022 83

Business 2 Business

APRIL 2022

I N N O V AT I O N

By David Dorsey

A Legacy of Innovation CELEBRATING CREATIVITY, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE AT THE EDISON AWARDS Organizers of the Edison Awards believe that by choosing Fort Myers as their new home, they came to the right place. They want to make the City of Palms the Cooperstown of innovation. On April 20, the Edison Awards—for the second year in a row—will begin with a private party at the home of the awards’ namesake, longtime Fort Myers winter resident and inventor Thomas Edison. On the evening of April 21, the awards ceremony will take place at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center. Leading up to the awards during the afternoon, a “meet the innovators forum and innovators’ showcase” will feature Miles O’Brien, the former CNN and now freelance journalist, as moderator. Carmichael Roberts, co-founder of Material Impact, a fund that backs resilient technology companies, and Bracken Darrell, CEO of design company Logitech, will

“ YOU’LL H AV E T H E OP P ORT UNI T Y T O M EET T H ESE P EOP LE WH O AR E C H ANG I NG T H E WOR LD.” — Frank Bonafilia, Edison Awards executive director

be this year’s Edison Achievement Award honorees. They will speak and answer questions. On the final day, April 22, groups will tour Babcock Ranch, the community off State Road 31 powered in part by a solar farm. A group of Southwest Florida students will be invited to an Experiential Learning Day for the Community to open the new amphitheater along the river in Fort Myers. And a group of former and current professional athletes will take part in a panel about becoming entrepreneurs after their playing days. 8 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2



INVENTION INSPIRATION The Edison Awards recognize companies for creative and innovative achievements.

The Edison Awards can be used as a marketing tool for the companies that win them and pay to be considered for them. Last year, Impossible Sausage won a consumer goods award for its plant-based food. These are the types of nominations Executive Director Frank Bonafilia said he has been seeing in recent years—and especially this year. “We are seeing a ton of nominations related to sustainability,” Bonafilia says. “Sustainability as it relates to housing. Buildings and housing and schools and even in farming. There are fully autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence. You’ll have the opportunity to meet these people who are changing the world.” The city of Fort Myers granted $50,000 a year for the first three years to the Edison Award, while the Horizon Council and Foundation of Lee County matched that while seeking an additional $50,000 from sponsors. Inventions, including an electric jetpack designed by inventor Richard Browning, are slated to be on display and will be demonstrated. “It’s all about the future,” Bonafilia says. “The future of innovation. But it’s not just about innovation. It’s about, ‘How do we inspire the community in Fort Myers? How do we inspire them?’ “Anything is really possible,” he says. “That’s where the jetpack comes in, the autonomous vehicles. People take on these challenges because no one else would. We’ve got some big challenges—water, food insecurity. We’re trying to address that through innovation and building a bridge back to Edison and his legacy.” Tickets for Southwest Florida attendees are $675; tickets for a VIP pass to all events are $1,100. Email Jean Bradley, jean @edisonawards.com to purchase tickets. For more information, go to edisonawards. com. GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 85

Business 2 Business

APRIL 2022

DESIGN

By John Guerra

The Artistic Touch BOOSTING MENTAL HEALTH BY ENHANCING OFFICE AESTHETIC Workers in a busy office don’t have time to think

Rees also promotes such artists as Doug Cavanah

about the orchids in the lobby or the Cavanah

and Steve Vaughn. He teaches buyers of quality

landscape on the wall, but the little-noticed ac-

art to pick media that can stand up to sunlight,

coutrements play a vital role in mental health,

humidity and temperature. For instance, giclee

creativity and productivity in the workplace.

is a technology for fine art or photograph reproduction that uses high-quality inkjet to make in-

ART AS A CONNECTION TO COMMUNITY

dividual copies.

Some companies display the work of local paint-

“The technology protects the color in the re-

ers, sculptors and other artisans in their offices.

productions because the inks are indelible for

One Fort Myers company held an opening in its

200 years,” he says.

lobby to introduce the artist whose works adorn its walls.

Rees has had Lee Health and its five hospitals as a client for the past 25 years, as well as Johns

Artist and art broker Dave Rees, owner of Art

Hopkins All Children’s in Fort Myers, Main Street

HC&H Consultants LLC, hosted such an art

USA in Disney World and more than a hundred

opening at a medical specialist’s office in Fort

other corporate customers in Southwest Florida.

Myers several years ago. “I did an opening-type event at a plastic surgeon’s facility in front of

PARKER CONSULTS IN HIS GALLERY

Gulf Coast Medical Center,” Rees says. “It was a

One of those artists Rees works with is Tim

very high-end display of hand-made art pieces,

Parker, the artist-owner of Art2D Gallery &

mind-blowing art.”

Studio, 2076 J and C Blvd. in Naples. Parker

Rees helps connect artists, sculptors and

was an advertising illustrator in New York City

painters with hotels, law offices, medical prac-

for 20 years before he moved to Naples a dozen

tices and other businesses that buy their works

years ago. “I create the art—paintings, mostly

of art. “When I first meet clients, which come in

abstract, semi-abstract landscapes,” says Park-

the form of boards of directors, head designers

er, who sells and installs his paintings at law

and facility managers, I walk them through their

firms, consultancies and other companies in

space to get a feel for the type of look they want,”

Southwest Florida.

he says. Rees contracts with Florida artists who create fine art, such as R.J. Wiley from Bonita Springs.

The point of contact can be the building’s interior designer, the property owner or a 10-member condo board.

8 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

“Companies come to my gallery and ... if they like my work, I visit their offices and take pictures of the areas where they want art,” he says. After further consultation, Parker uses Photoshop software to place the paintings on the walls of virtual building lobbies, hallways, conference rooms and interior offices. “It’s the best way to show them what the artwork will look like in that environment,” he says. “If they just want stuff that matches the furniture, they can pick that up somewhere else. If they want something colorful, original, they contact me, and we go in that direction.” FROM SPROUT TO GROWING PLANT BUSINESS Brad Miller remembers driving his Honda Civic filled with plants and bags of potting soil around Fort Myers in 1983. He was just 22 and—let’s dispense with the puns up front— came by his green thumb as a young sprout. “I learned gardening at a young age,” Miller remembers. “We were five kids; my dad got into landscaping at home, and we all worked in the yard. On Sundays, we went to church and the beach. After church, but before we went to the beach, we learned gardening at the end of the shovel.” He waited on tables at The Veranda restaurant in Fort Myers as he launched his career as an indoor landscaper. Today, his company—Interior Plant Scapes of Fort Myers—is one of the largest independently owned and operated indoor landscaping 

OFFICE BACKDROP Naples artist Tim Parker (top) installs paintings

companies in Florida, counting among its customers Shell Point Country Club, The

at area businesses. Local companies also use live

Palms, office-sharing venue VentureX, even

plants to spruce up the work environment.

a Maserati dealership. GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 87

Business 2 Business DESIGN

The company uses its “living ambience” philosophy to design and provide philodendrons, bromeliads, golden pothos, peace lilies, Boston ferns and hundreds of other species of indoor flora in hospitality venues, luxury highrise condominiums, hotels and resorts, country clubs, senior living communities and Class A office buildings. FROM A SINGLE PLANT TO A TREE Miller’s gardeners can place a single decorative vase with an elegant orchid on one desk, create a large living wall of plants in an office suite or provide greenery to inhabit a lobby in a 30-story office building. He sets his indoor greenery in decorative planters, pots and varied other containers, which creates a more compelling and attractive whole. “When you plant with the right decorative planter, it’s stunning when it comes together.” Miller’s is one of many SWFL companies that provide plants to businesses. Simon Brooker, president and CEO of Foliage Design Systems in Naples, provides and maintains living plant walls and entire plant systems in the area’s iconic malls and outdoor venues. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve, it’s all about bucket trucks and industrial lifts, steel-toed boots and industrial lighting. You can see Brooker’s lights circling the trunks of 80-foot royal palm trees lining the driveways of country club communities or outlining bridges and spanning canals in exclusive waterfront neighborhoods. “We do seasonal lighting and plant decorating for about 200 communities, condo associations and business parks,” Brooker said the week before Thanksgiving. “I have crews and trucks working around the clock.” So, as you view those plants in the corner or take in the beautiful landscape on the wall, you are under the effects



LIVING AMBIENCE

Brad Miller’s business, Interior Plant Scapes of Fort Myers, provides live greenery for businesses.

of neuro-aesthetics. Artwork that is perceived to be beautiful actually stimulates the part of the brain responsible for pleasure, while art sparks conversation, ignites creative juices and helps workers focus. 8 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

We are proud to call Southwest Florida home, as we continue to serve our local hospitals as well as communities nationwide. Bringing lifesaving healthcare to hospitals in minutes is our passion and we are so happy to support all of the

HEALTHCARE HEROES

tstelemed.com

Business 2 Business

APRIL 2022

HUMAN RESOURCES

By Beth Luberecki

Permanent Flexibility IS REMOTE WORK HERE TO STAY? Over the last two years, many of us have gotten comfortable with working from home. So much so that many companies are rethinking their approaches to remote work—and in several cases, embracing it. Plenty of big-name national companies, such as Slack, Zillow and Twitter, have announced new policies allowing most employees to work remotely for the long run. In its statement announcing the shift, Dropbox said that remote work “will be the primary experience for all employees and the day-to-day default for individual work.” So, what’s going on locally? Karen Mosteller, partner/medical and business consulting at Southwest Florida accounting and consulting firm Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, says clients are continuing to explore and adopt remote work policies, especially firms in professional services including marketing, law and accounting. “We’ve seen anywhere from 100% work from home to giving employees the choice of what you feel comfortable doing— because there are still employees that want that face-to-face interaction and want to come to the office,” says Mosteller. Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company itself has moved to a hybrid model, giving its 54 employees flexibility to

“I T I SN’T F OR EV ERYONE , AND I T I SN’T F O R EV ERY EM P LOYEE , S O YOU D O H AV E T O H AV E T H E R I G H T T EAM M EM B ER S F O R BEI NG R EM OT E.” —Connie Ramos-Williams

choose where they want to work. Mosteller said the fact that the company has operated paperlessly for almost a decade has made the shift much easier. When CONRIC pr + marketing kept having to find bigger space for its growing firm, president and CMO Connie Ra9 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

mos-Williams decided to move the company fully remote in October 2019. The decision was based on plenty of research and analysis of global trends, plus what Ramos-Williams called “a gut feeling” that turned out to be incredibly prescient. By January 2020 everyone in the company was working remotely, and by March 2020 the firm had given up its former office space in Fort Myers. The shift has helped the company with 16 full-time employees grow its client base, not just in Southwest Florida but around the country; it’s now working with more than 150 businesses in 35 states. It’s also proved helpful when it comes to hiring: A recent job posting got more than 40 applicants in the first hour and eventually wound up with about 70 applicants total, only about 20% of which were based in the local market. “It isn’t for everyone, and it isn’t for every employee, so you do have to have the right team members for being remote,” says Ramos-Williams. “But right now, being able to have a flexible workforce, it’s what the workforce is demanding. And if we can’t be flexible, it’s going to impact the talent that you can bring in.” Other local companies haven’t made as dramatic a shift, but the pandemic has helped reinforce that 

REMOTE POSSIBILITY Digital tools make it easier to work out of the office.

increased flexibility doesn’t mean decreased performance. At Fort Myers marketing and PR firm Pushing the Envelope, company president SaGULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 91

Business 2 Business HUMAN RESOURCES

mantha Scott and her husband, Derek (the firm’s CFO/ COO), are both still working remotely because they have a young child and a new baby. “It works, to be honest,” says Scott. “I’m still fully accessible to the team and the clients.” The company’s four other full-time employees have always had flexibility to work from home on a case-bycase basis. They’re mostly working in the office these days, but everyone at the company works from home each Friday. Scott doesn’t know if the firm would ever take remote work further than that. “But we’re always open to discussion,” she says. “I’m not the kind of person who says it has to be this way because it’s the way it’s always been. I don’t believe in that model. But I do think there is something valuable to the face-to-face time and being together. But that doesn’t mean that it has to be every day.” Rochelle Graham-Campbell, CEO and co-founder of Fort Myers–based hair and skin care company Alikay Naturals, offers her 25 employees the same kind of as-needed, short-term remote work flexibility. But she feels that her still-growing small business doesn’t have the right systems in place yet to experiment with anything more permanent. “Large companies have the ability to try things,” she says. “They have the bandwidth and cash flow for that. With a small business, we don’t have the payroll or the budget to put employees in place to work from home and then realize they’re not being productive at all.” Norman Lutz, CEO of Fort Myers–based Iron Ridge Insurance Services, is a big fan of what he calls “business agility.” The firm’s 18 employees have flexibility to choose where they work, and customer service staff have been working a four-day week for about five years.



OUT OF OFFICE Video meetings help businesses keep in touch with employees working from home.

This approach is “helpful with recruiting, helpful with longevity and helpful with general employee morale,” says Lutz. “It leads to just a better environment and a happier environment.” It also helps with over9 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

CONGRATULATIONS

Healthcare Hero,

head. The company’s current office is 2,500 square feet; Lutz says the firm would need about 5,000 square feet of space if all 18 employees were in the office every day. Gary Tasman, CEO and principal broker of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property of Southwest Florida, said his firm is having conversations with local businesses looking to reduce their brick-and-mortar office footprints due to shifts to remote or hybrid work. His own company of 30 employees takes a hybrid approach. But he says Southwest Florida’s healthy office market shouldn’t suffer, because some kinds of businesses and services just can’t be done remotely. Companies are also using office space

Julie Pedretti!

Julie organized the multilingual COVID-19 Response Team to expand programs to reach the community’s underserved, including farmworkers in Immokalee who had some of the highest COVID-19 positivity rates in the country, by expanding testing, vaccines, education and community outreach.

Thank you, Julie, Julie for all you do to help keep our community healthy!

in different ways: For about a decade before the pandemic, he says, the trend was to put more people in less space. “That trend now is reversed to the point where the square footage per employee is actually going up,” says Tasman. Whether a company takes a hybrid or fully remote approach, it’s import-

HealthcareSWFL.org

ant to have policies and procedures in place, ideally in writing. “You just want to have good guidelines so that everyone understands the parameters,” says Mosteller. Maintaining corporate culture is also vital. “Once you’re remote, don’t lose contact,” says Ramos-Williams. “You have to be more mindful and purposeful about connecting with each and every team member as often as possible.”

F I RST FA I R EVERYWHERE

Business 2 Business

APRIL 2022

COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

By Adam Regan

Investment Properties Corp. represented the seller, and Fil Mastrocola of Premier Property Management represented the buyer.

4050 13th Ave LLC purchased 5.54 acres of land at 4050 13th Ave. SW in East Naples from the Larry E. Brooks and Maria Rolden Brooks Revocable Trust and LDJ Associates Ltd. for $750,000. Rob Carroll, CCIM, MAI, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the seller, and Matthew Maloney of South Brokerage LLC represented the buyer.  428 9th Street South LLC purchased 6,410 square feet of retail space at 428 Ninth St. S. in Naples from First Horizon Bank for $6.5 million. David J. Stevens, CCIM, and Clint L. Sherwood, CCIM, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the buyer and seller.

LEE COUNTY Nin-TSL LLC and Nin-TSL 1 LLC purchased a 13,985-square-foot

COLLIER COUNTY

building on 4.5 acres at 8900 Inc. for $1.75 million. Christine

Dredge Management Associates

Colonial Center Drive in Fort Myers

DeVoe Family Limited

McManus, CCIM, SIOR, of Invest-

purchased 18.73 acres at the

from Tiara Investment Proper-

Partnership II purchased 60,228

ment Properties Corp. represent-

southeast corner of Collier Bou-

ties LLC for $8.1 million. Clint L.

square feet of retail space at

ed the buyer and seller.

levard and Port Au Prince Road in

Sherwood, CCIM, of Investment

East Naples from Josef Magalener

Properties Corp. represented the buyer and seller.

961, 963, 999 Trail Terrace Drive and 4025 10th St. N. in

CSMN Investments FL LLC

for $1.5 million. Bill Young and Bi-

Naples from Napoli Trail LLC for

purchased 3,664 square feet

agio Bernardo of Lee & Associates

$5,050,000. David J. Stevens

of office space at 1441 Ridge

Naples-Fort Myers represented

OLP Global Fort Myers FL LLC

and Patrick Fraley of Investment

St. in Naples from DH Squared

the buyer and seller.

purchased a 41,910-square-

Properties Corp. represented the

Properties LLC for $1,675,000.

buyer and seller.

Patrick Fraley of Investment

1012 Goodlette LLC purchased

Southwest International Commerce

Properties Corp. represented the

5,760 square feet of office space

Park, 14550 Global Parkway, in Fort

472 Production LLC purchased

seller, and Rob Carroll, CCIM, MAI,

at 1012 Goodlette-Frank Road,

Myers from 14550 Global Parkway

6,420 square feet of commercial

of Investment Properties Corp.

Suites 2 and 3, in Naples from The

for $8.1 million. Derek Bornhorst,

space at 472 Production Blvd. in

represented the buyer.

Bond Group LLC for $1,475,000.

SIOR, CCIM, Bob Johnston, SIOR,

Christine McManus, CCIM, SIOR, of

Jerry Messonnier, SIOR and Adam

East Naples from Alliance Moving

foot building on 4.1 acres in the

9 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

Bornhorst of Lee & Associates

Highview Homes Fort Myers

from Randall. C. Musco, Michelle

Diesel Bldg LLC purchased 5,307

Naples-Fort Myers represented

LLC purchased a 6.4-acre

Musco-Palmer and Windell and

square feet of commercial space

the buyer and seller.

multifamily site in Central Park

Patricia Palmer for $2,070,000.

at 28620 North Diesel Drive in Bo-

at Cypress Terrace (address not

Christi Pritchett and Justin Thi-

nita Springs from AJI Enterprises

41 Central Fort Myers

yet assigned) in Fort Myers from

baut, CCIM, of LSI Companies Inc.

Inc. for $1.2 million. Christine Mc-

Apartments purchased an

Fort Pegasus LLC for $2,750,000.

brokered the deal.

Manus, CCIM, SIOR, of Investment

8.5-acre land parcel at 11521-

Brock Rasmussen of Lee &

115801 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort

Associates Naples-Fort Myers

Lanier Holdings LLC purchased

Myers from 2010 Palm Pointe

represented the buyer and seller.

a 10,501-square-foot building

Limited Partnership for $3.4

Properties Corp. represented the buyer and seller.

on 2.56 acres at 382 Pondella

41 Pine RRV LLC purchased 8.4

million. Jonathan Richards of

AllStar Properties LLC

Road in North Fort Myers from

acres at 14991 N. Cleveland Ave.

Lee & Associates Naples-Fort

purchased a 12-room hotel at

C.W. Services Inc. for $1.85

in North Fort Myers from 41 Pine

Myers represented the buyer

2700 Estero Blvd. on Fort Myers

million. Derek Bornhorst, SIOR,

LLC for $1,175,000. Michael Price,

and seller.

Beach from Shri Shantakaram

CCIM, Bob Johnston, SIOR, and

ALC, of LandQwest Commercial

for $2,442,000. John Albion

Jerry Messonnier, SIOR, of Lee

represented the seller, and Mike

of Cushman & Wakefield

& Associates Naples-Fort Myers

Concilla of LandQwest Commer-

LLC purchased the 4.34-acre Van

Commercial Property Southwest

represented the seller, and Jim

cial represented the buyer.

Loon Terrace site, 35-43 NE 10th

Florida represented the seller.

Bob Taylor of CRESA Global Inc.

Freedom Venture Management

represented the buyer.

Place, in Cape Coral from Summit 69 LLC for $3,050,000. Bob

Angel Organic Gardens LLC pur-

MK REALTY-DIAMOND OAKS LLC purchased 1.22 acres of vacant

O’Connor of LandQwest Commer-

chased 36.33 acres of agricultural

Lemos Unlimited LLC

cial represented the seller.

property and a 5,461-square-foot

purchased an 8,000-square-

in Bonita Springs for $825,000.

estate home at 5180, 5200 and

foot freestanding office building

David Stevens of Investment

5250 Neal Road in Fort Myers

at 6875 Estero Blvd. on Fort

Properties Corp. represented the

Myers Beach from Piyush Bhat-

buyer and seller.

land at 24126 Tamiami Trail S.

nagar for $1.7 million. Gary Tas CheapChard LLC and Bling Bling Properties LLC purchased an office building in Six Mile Corporate Park, 12140 Carissa Commerce Court, in Fort Myers for $9.4 million. Randal Mercer of CRE Consultants represented the seller, and Nick DeVito of Ian Black Real Estate represented the buyer.

man, CEO and principal broker,

FVM Freedom Plaza at McGregor

and John Albion, director and

LLC purchased 1.6 acres of

broker, of Cushman & Wakefield

vacant land at 15031 McGregor

Commercial Property Southwest

Blvd. in Fort Myers from

Florida LLC represented the

W. Gerald Throgmartin for

buyer.

$750,000. Gary Tasman and Shawn Stoneburner of Cushman

Stock Development LLC

& Wakefield Commercial

purchased 2.6 acres along

Property Southwest Florida LLC

Olympic Court in Fort Myers

represented the seller.

from HCI Daniel Crossing LLC for $1,525,000. Jessica McEvoy and Tom Strauss of LandQwest Commercial represented the seller.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 95

Business 2 Business

APRIL 2022

N E W & E X PA N D I N G

By Adam Regan

COLLIER COUNTY Marco Destin Inc. dba Alvin’s

Millennium Physicians Group

Adult Arcade leased 2,300 square

at 5413 Airport-Pulling Road in

Island leased 8,250 square feet

LLC leased 2,498 square feet of

feet of retail space in Wiggins

North Naples from Ridgeport

of retail space at 4500 Tamiami

office space at 11181 Health Park

Pass Crossing, 13500 Tamiami

Limited Partnership. Tara L. Stokes

Trail N. in Naples from Greenbelt

Blvd., Suite 3040, in North Naples

Trail N., Unit 5, in North Naples

and Sara Barnhill of Investment

LLC. Rob Carroll, CCIM, MAI, of

from Farley White CHP LLC. Tara L.

from Coneco Realty LLC. Bill

Properties Corp. represented the

Investment Properties Corp.

Stokes of Investment Properties

Young and Biagio Bernardo of Lee

lessor and lessee.

represented the lessor, and

Corp. represented the lessor, and

& Associates Naples-Fort Myers

Darren Schoof of RE 1 Advisor

Steve Wood of LandQwest Com-

represented the lessor and lessee.

represented the lessee.

mercial represented the lessee.

Naples Aesthetic Wellness Inc. leased 1,380 square feet of office

Nuo Therapeutics Inc. leased

space at 671 Goodlette-Frank

Cowen Inc. leased 2,390 square

1,736 square feet of office space

Road No., Suite 140, in Naples from

2,576-square-foot office in the

feet of office space in the 1100

in the Ferrari Building, 6646 Wil-

Ninigret Technology East L.C. and

SunTrust Building, 801 Laurel

on 5th building at 1100 Fifth

low Park Drive, Suite 1C, in North

Ninigret Park Development L.C. Clint

Oaks Blvd., Suite 300, in North

Ave. S., Suite 210, in Naples from

Naples from Willow Park 8 LLC.

Sherwood, CCIM, of Investment

Naples from American National

11 5th Ave. LLC. Dave Wallace,

Dave Wallace, CCIM, SIOR, and

Properties Corp. represented the

Insurance Co. Thomas Webb,

CCIM, SIOR, and David Wallace

David Wallace of CRE Consultants

lessor and lessee.

CCIM, MSRE, and Michael Mahan

of CRE Consultants represented

represented the lessor and lessee.

of Lee & Associates Naples-Ft.

the lessor, and Dennis Lynch and

Myers represented the lessor

Chris Lynch of DJL Commercial

Tailormade Fitness LLC leased

square feet of space in Tanglewood

represented the lessee.

1,500 square feet of retail space

Marketplace, 4910 Tamiami Trail N.,

Bramshill Naples LLC leased a

and lessee.

Knaught Looking LLC leased 1,200

Unit 206, in Naples from Tangle MAI Capital Management LLC leased 4,213 square feet of office space at 5551 Ridgewood Drive, Suite 300, in North Naples from The Phil LLC. Gary Tasman and Shawn Stoneburner of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida represented the lessee.

wood Naples LLC. Bill Young and Biagio Bernardo of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers represented the lessor and lessee.

LEE COUNTY AP Global Enterprise Inc. leased a 14,766-square-foot industrial space in the Southwest International Commerce Park, 14661 Jetport Loop, Suites 100, 110 and 120, in Fort Myers from Knott Realty Group. Derek Bornhorst, SIOR, CCIM, Bob Johnston, SIOR, and Jerry Messon-

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gulfshorebusiness.com

Threlkeld Law P.A. leased a 2,734-square-foot space at 9200 Estero Park Commons Blvd., Units 1 and 2, in Estero from Chris and Sally Jones. Matt Stepan, CCIM, and Jeffrey Clapper of Premier Commercial Inc. represented the lessor and lessee.

Susan Bell dba IntegraLife Spa leased 2,645 square feet of office space at 8660 College Parkway, Units 100-110, in Fort Myers from  Sutherlin Nissan of Fort Myers leased 3,246 square feet of office space in Fifth Third Center, 13350 Metro Parkway, in Fort Myers from Metro-Daniels Investors LLC. Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR, and Steve Wood of LandQwest Commercial represented the lessor and lessee.

J and J Real Estate Properties. Gary Tasman and Gretchen Smith of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest

nier, SIOR, of Lee & Associates

Entech Computer Services LLC

Southern Stripping Solutions

Florida represented the lessor

Naples-Fort Myers represented

leased 5,892 square feet of office

LLC leased a 3,351-square-foot

and lessee.

the lessor and lessee.

space at 5276 Summerlin Com-

office space in Vogue Plaza,

mons Blvd., Units 703 and 704, in

24520 Production Circle, in Bonita

Network Solutions of America

World Heritage Exhibitions LLC

Fort Myers from Gulf Stream East

Springs from Kenneth B. Kingon

Inc. leased 2,179 square feet of

leased a 14,766-square-foot

LLC. Gary Tasman and Gretchen

Trustee. Pamela Pipher and Stan

industrial space at 12140 Metro

space in the Southwest Inter-

Smith of Cushman & Wakefield

Stouder, CCIM, of CRE Consul-

Parkway, Unit E, in Fort Myers

national Commerce Park, 14661

Commercial Property Southwest

tants represented the lessor, and

from Metro Centre Partnership.

Jetport Loop, Suites 160-180, in

Florida represented the lessor

Lourdes Pedrayes of MVP Realty

Gary Tasman and Shawn Stone-

Fort Myers from Jetport Loop LLC.

and lessee.

represented the lessee.

burner of Cushman & Wakefield

Derek Bornhorst, SIOR, CCIM, Bob

Commercial Property Southwest

Johnston, SIOR, and Jerry Mes-

Gulf Coast Realty and Prop-

VXpress Inc. leased a

Florida represented the lessor

sonnier, SIOR, of Lee & Associates

erty Management leased a

2,800-square-foot space at

and lessee.

Naples-Ft. Myers represented the

4,086-square-foot space at

The Shoppes of Estero, 21740 S.

lessor and lessee.

The Preserve at Bonita Springs,

Tamiami Trail, Suite 106, in Estero

Children’s Specialist of

26711 Dublin Woods Circle, sec-

from Shoppes of Estero SA LLC.

Florida-Cardiology leased a

Venture Visionary Partners LLC

ond floor, in Bonita Springs from

Matt Stepan, CCIM, and Jeffrey

1,496-square-foot medical

leased a 7,419-square-foot office

Steil Holdings LLC. Matt Stepan,

Clapper of Premier Commercial

office at 15750 New Hampshire

space in Riverview Corporate

CCIM, and Jeffrey Clapper of

Inc. represented the lessor, and Ali

Court, Suite B, in Fort Myers

Center, 27400 Riverview Center

Premier Commercial Inc. repre-

Hicks of Koniver Stern Group Inc.

from HDS LLC. Stan Stouder,

Blvd., Suite 300, in Bonita Springs

sented the lessor, and Estefania

represented the lessee.

CCIM, of CRE Consultants rep-

from Brookwood SFL I LLC. Randal

Cordoba of Gulf Coast Realty

resented the lessor, and Justin

Mercer of CRE Consultants repre-

represented the lessee.

Ankey of Mayhugh Commercial

sented the lessor and lessee.

represented the lessee.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 97

Business 2 Business ENTREPRENEURSHIP

APRIL 2022 By Artis Henderson

Turn the Beat Around FORT MYERS STARTUP BOOSTING HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE When Dr. Brian Taschner turned 40, he decided his life had to change. As a cardiologist, he saw in his office every day the risky outcomes of poor diet and no exercise. “I felt like I was spinning in circles,” he says. “I’d see these patients every six months, and they were getting sicker and heavier. We’d have to put them on higher and higher doses of medicine just to treat their symptoms.” What Taschner saw in his patients, he began to recognize in himself. When his own cholesterol levels started to rise, he made the decision to alter his diet. He switched to eating a mostly plant-based menu and watched his cholesterol drop. “It required a significant lifestyle change from me,” he says. “And that can be hard to adopt.” Erik Kellar

Now 48, Taschner has brought his health lessons to his own entrepre9 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

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

PERSONAL TRANSITION Similar to many new entrepreneurs, cardiologist Brian Taschner still has his full-time day job.

HOT TIP: SHOW ME THE MONEY Taschner is brand new to entrepreneurship and learning as he goes. His biggest lesson so far? It’s easy to underestimate the costs of running a business. Figure out the money before you jump in, he tells other entrepreneurs. “Sit down with someone who’s familiar with your business and crunch the numbers,” he says. “Map out what your costs are going to be. Some of those costs will be new to you if you haven’t run a business before—like insurance, licensing and taxes. Those can all eat away from your profits.” Start out by overestimating costs and underestimating the number of clients you expect, he says. “Map out a strategy. And if the numbers aren’t working for you, then think of another way.”

GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 99

Business 2 Business ENTREPRENEURSHIP

neurial startup: Vibrant Beat, a lifestyle center in Fort Myers that focuses on nutrition, fitness and health counseling. “Many doctors don’t have time to sit down with their patients and collect extensive nutritional histories and give specific guidance,” Taschner says. “I started Vibrant Beat as a forum to capture those people who want to make a change.” Like many new entrepreneurs, Taschner still has his day job. He continues to work full time as a cardiologist, often going 14- and 15-hour stretches. Then he goes to Vibrant Beat to offer cooking classes, nutritional coaching and lifestyle guidance to his clients. It’s not easy, he admits. “I’ve never owned a business before, and it’s been a real learning experience,” he says. “There’s a lot to keep track of.” And his skills as a physician don’t necessarily translate to being a business owner. In fact, Taschner points out that many physicians work for large conglomerates rather than small private practices because “most doctors love medicine but they hate running a business.” For Taschner, like many entrepreneurs, his motivation comes less from financial gain and more from his underlying pas-

LIFESTYLE CHANGE

sions. “A lot of people in lifestyle medicine

Dr. Brian Taschner started Vibrant Beat for people

are like this,” he says. “We’re just motivat-

who want to make a change.

ed to get the word out.”

1 0 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

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Erik Kellar



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A King’s Bay getaway

Multimedia and mental calm

AfterHours

U N W I N D | H O R S E P O W E R | F I T N E S S | N E W & N O T E W O R T H Y | W E E K E N D G E TAWAY

A Lock on Luxury THE GENESIS GV70’S A STEAL OF AN UPSCALE SUV p_102 By James Raia

AfterHours HORSEPOWER

A Lock on Luxury THE NEW GENESIS GV70 IS A STEAL OF AN UPSCALE SUV Nearly 20 small luxury crossover sport utility vehicles are available in 2022 models—Acura to BMW, Infiniti to Mercedes-Benz. All simultaneously have unique and shared traits. The names change; the vehicles often don’t. Further, there’s no exact definition of what makes an SUV or any other car achieve “luxury” status. The luxury tagline is used in general to denote vehicles offering better performance and plush interiors made with high-end material, as well as top-line safety and advanced technology features. The luxury definition once was reserved for luxury-only brands, namely German stalwarts. Several manufacturers, some formerly considered economy-based, have changed the dynamic. Still, how can a new SUV find its place? Welcome the 2022 Genesis GV70, a debuting SUV. The GV70, in its first year, joins the GV80 and three sedans in the newbie manufacturer’s lineup. It’s quickly become a legitimate contender, earning luxury SUV-of-the-year honors from top auto watchdogs. The GV70, which debuted in the summer of 2021, is the latest offering of the stand-alone off-shoot luxury lineup of Hyundai, which launched in 2015. The reviewed Performance trim offering is a 3.5-liter V6. It’s propelled by an eight-speed automatic transmission, features all-wheel drive and defines peppy for the class. Sport-oriented sedans are commonplace, but not so much SUVs. If

APRIL 2022 By James Raia

FACTS & FIGURES Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 4.9 seconds Airbags: 8 Fuel economy: 22 mpg, city; 28 mpg, hwy Horsepower: 375 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $52,600 Manufacturer’s website: genesis.com Price As Tested: $64,200 Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles; Powertrain, 10 years/100,000 miles; Corrosion, 7 years/ unlimited miles; Maintenance, 3 years/ complimentary; Roadside Assistance, 5 years/ unlimited miles

you feel the need to pass or otherwise accelerate on demand, the GV70 gets that done. And besides its quick acceleration, the GV70 advances quietly. It maneuvers without issue and has a tight turning radius. With the updated Advance trim, the Genesis earns its luxury status. It’s a $5,000 upgrade, but it includes comfort features such as leather upholstery, interior ambient lighting, three-temperature heated seats and a heated steering wheel. 1 0 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

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Safety features are plentiful, in-

The interior design and layout

the manufacturer announced plans

cluding a remote self-parking option

further separate the GV70 from

for more than 100 stand-alone Gen-

and a fingerprint scanner to start the

its competitors. It has welcom-

esis-only dealerships nationwide by

vehicle. Forward collision-avoidance

ing red leather and double red

2025, but that hasn’t yet occurred.

assist with lane change oncoming and

stitching, both contoured around

Vehicles also are available for pur-

junction turning programming and

smooth-sculptured doors and dash.

chase online via Genesis Concierge,

a complex mating of cameras, radar

The GV70 seats five, but the second

which collects information for a buy-

row isn’t spacious. The cargo area,

er’s preferred features and schedules

A panoramic sunroof, 21-inch

with the rear seats down, opens

an at-home test drive.

wheels and a 16-speaker Lexicon

into an airy carry area. The tailgate

Considering that the average price

stereo system added to the top-line

opens via a push-button on the rear

TITLE GOES of a new vehicle in the United States

choice. The infotainment layout in-

window mechanism, so reaching for

HERE AND HERE recently exceeded $45,000 for the

cludes a 12.3-inch 3D digital cluster

a low-placed button or managing a

first time, the GV70 is value priced.

with touchscreen and console func-

bulky latch are eliminated.

Most similarlyhere. equipped competi-

and sonar sensors are also included.

tionality. The head-up display is visually crisp.

Genesis is still available at Hyundai dealerships. Before the pandemic,

Other info goes here

and here and here and

tors are more expensive and not of the same overall quality. GG UU L FL F SS HH OO RR E EBB UU SS I NI N EE S S SMAAPRRCIHL 2 0 2 2 1 0 3

AfterHours

APRIL 2022

FITNESS

By James Raia

Stretch Goals THE PILATES PRESENCE IN SWFL Joseph Pilates, the inventor of the physical fitness system that bears his name, was a visionary—a title not often viewed as limiting. But the German immigrant who moved to New York at age 43 was so diverse he’s hard to define. Sickly as a youth in Dusseldorf, Pilates became a physically sculpted teenager after immersing himself into bodybuilding to overcome his childhood issues. Fascinated by health and physical fitness, he studied and practiced Greek and Roman exercise regimens, yoga to tai chi and martial arts to Zen meditation. And he did a lot more. Pilates, who died in 1967, was a professional boxer and an expert alpine skier and diver. He taught self-defense to detectives at Scotland Yard, the famed police station in London. He worked as a circus acrobat. He was also interned by the British during World War I as a German enemy alien. Modern-day practitioners of Pilates can thank the former internee for his choice of fitness. While detained, Pilates worked as a nurse and experimented with patients using his fitness knowledge. He attached springs to hospital beds to allow occupants to tone their muscles while bedridden. It was the genesis of what the regimen is today. It was first widely offered by Pilates and



PILATES IS FOR EVERY BODY

his wife as “Contrology” in New York in the early

The Pilates practice, invented by Joseph Pilates,

1930s. Renowned dancers, including Martha Gra-

emphasizes the importance of posture, spine mobility

ham, were early adapters. It’s now internationally

and physicality.

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PILATES

practiced, including in numerous

covery from chronic issues to the

styles in studios, fitness facilities

continued practice of strength

and at-home workouts through-

building.

out Southwest Florida.

PRACTITIONERS

Mat classes also are offered and

Club Pilates, located in Estero,

include a series of fluid floor work

ABC Pilates

GWPilates Studio

Fort Myers and North Naples,

focusing on using the body as the

4077 Tamiami Trail N.,

2500 Tamiami Trail N.,

is part of an expansive national

resistance and assistance along

Naples

Suite 220, Naples

franchise. It subscribes to Pi-

with gravity. They’re designed to

239.398.5363

239.692.9484

lates’ original Reformer-based

develop a long, strong flexible foun-

naplesabcpilates.com

gwpilates.com

Contrology Method, albeit mod-

dation … and “to kick your butt!”

Barre Fusion Pilates Studio

Oceanside Pilates

13040 Livingston Road,

Naples (in-home appoint-

Unit 2, Naples

ments)

239.231.4178

888.843.7083

barrefusionfl.com

oceansidepilates.com

Club Pilates

Pilates Body *by Kate

13211 McGregor Blvd.

6240 Shirley St., Naples

Unit 102-2, Fort Myers

239.405.0847

(also in North Naples and

pilatesbodybykate.com

Estero)

ernized. Offered in four practice

Springboard sessions are done

levels, classes are group sessions

on a mat, directly below a long

with state-of-the-art equipment.

wallboard with springs. The

Private sessions also are offered.

workouts improve body imbal-

The franchise explains its services

ances through a warm-up, core

as a “path to a fuller, more satisfy-

strengthening, upper body and

ing physical existence. We believe

lower body conditioning.

that being in control of your body

Donna and Larry Ebbs, hus-

helps you to be in control of your

band and wife and both certified

life. And best of all, we believe that

classical mat Pilates instructors,

you can start anytime.”

own Oceanside Pilates in Naples.

239.603.7300

PilatesPlus

DragonFly Yoga and Pilates in

They utilize mat-only Pilates.

clubpilates.com

25091 Bernwood Drive,

Fort Myers offers private, partner

“What’s good about doing Pilates

Suite 6, Bonita Springs

and group sessions, also using the

with mats is that as long as you

DragonFly Yoga and Pilates

239.949.4024 mindbodyonline.com/

Reformer Method, with the origi-

can get down on the mat, you’re

14261 S. Tamiami Trail,

bonita-springs

nal and primary Pilates stretching

in,” says Donna Ebbs. “There’s no

Unit 19, Fort Myers

apparatus. “I’m really known for

excuse not to do it.”

239.822.0415 fortmyersyogapilates.

Reform Pilates

com

20451 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 11, Estero

everyBODY Pilates & Yoga

239.220.0931

9122 Bonita Beach Road

reformpilatesestero.com

SE, Bonita Springs 239.221.3116 everybodystudio.com

my physical therapy background

Oceanside Pilates is geared to-

of 35 years, and being a rehabil-

ward private sessions, which she

itation Pilates teacher is really

believes benefits clients’ varying

what people come to me for,” says

schedules. Each session typically

MaryAnn McKenna, the studio’s

lasts for one hour, with a stretch-

owner and sole proprietor. “I see

ing session before and after each

medically diagnosed people.”

workout. “It’s a workout, yes. It’s

Like other companies, the stu-

a total workout. You’re using your

dio emphasizes the importance of

own body weight. Not only does it

posture, spine mobility and phys-

help you stretch, it helps keep your

icality. It’s also geared toward re-

pelvis and hips in alignment.” GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 105

AfterHours By James Raia

NEW

O R T

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

APRIL 2022

O T E



steam-box.com $215

The Heat Is On STEAMBOX SUPPLIES HOT FOOD ON THE GO Leftovers are good eating for a long road trip, but not if they’re cold when best consumed warm. Steambox resolves the issue—pasta to pizza, stir-fry to salmon. What makes it work? A connected lunchbox. It heats food for mobile consumption in 8-12 minutes. A Dutch startup, the Steambox system creates steam with its built-in electric heating technology. A user adds water before commuting or before departing on a day trip. When it’s time to eat, turn it on and wait for the appropriate time. The box can heat up three times on a single charge. Steambox is operated by a button on the front of the container or via a smartphone app; the latter option also will offer recipe-saving information and calorie tracking. The Steambox includes one heatbox, one inner container and a lid and one USB-C charging cable. Dimensions: 9 inches by 5 inches.

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AfterHours

APRIL 2022

W E E K E N D G E TA W AY

By Artis Henderson

The Manatee Mystique AN AQUATIC GETAWAY AT KING’S BAY ON CRYSTAL RIVER One look at the clear spring-fed waters of the Crystal River and it’s obvious how this stretch of blue came to be named. The sparkling aquamarine river sits on Florida’s Gulf coast, 75 miles north of Tampa. Follow it inland to reach King’s Bay, one of the top spots in the world for viewing manatees. With upscale accommodations and fine dining close at hand, Crystal River offers the best of all worlds—access to natural spaces, views of rare manatees plus the creature comforts that make a weekend getaway so appealing. MANATEE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD Manatees are the official marine mammal of the state of Florida, and the Sunshine State has done a remarkable job of protecting this species. In 2017, the aquatic mammals were taken off the endangered species list. But since, they’ve had a rough few years; last year was



the deadliest year on record for manatees. Yet with

NATURAL SPACES

renewed conservation efforts, wildlife biologists ex-

King’s Bay provides the best view of manatees and

pect the population—currently around 13,000 in the

great opportunities on the water.



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wild—will continue to increase. Many gather in the waters of King’s Bay and Three Sisters Springs when the Gulf of Mexico turns cold in the winter months. The area claims the only National Wildlife Refuge in the United States specifically targeted to protect manatee habitats. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Plantation on Crystal River (9301 W. Fort Island Trail, 352.795.4211, plantationoncrystalriver.com), a full-service resort on 232 acres, is one of the rare places in the state of Florida where guests can legally swim and interact with manatees. In addition to the usual resort amenities such as golf and a spa, Plantation on Crystal River also offers group and private manatee snorkel trips. Federal law allows for passive observation in King’s Bay, so guests can swim near wild manatees (though touching and harassing are strictly verboten). The spring-fed waters are chilly year-round, so the GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 109

AfterHours W E E K E N D G E TA W AY



BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Crsytal River offers natural wonders as well as creature comforts such as Plantation on Crystal River.

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Building Business. Growing Wealth. Since 1868. Plantation’s tour packages include a 5 mm wetsuit, hot chocolate and

Busey’s experienced wealth management team, Charles Idelson | Executive Vice President, Regional President; Susan Chicone | Vice President, Private Client Manager; and Brent Crawford | Executive Vice President, Executive Managing Director are right beside you.

towel service. Visitors will be thankful for access to the heated changing facilities and hot showers afterward. Business | Wealth Management | Personal

FRESH CATCH

busey.com/wealthmanagement

A visit to Crystal River means seafood—fresh Gulf fish and bay scallops, most of all. The Seafood Seller (300 S.E. U.S. Highway 19, 352.228.4936, seafoodsellerandcafe.net) does it all with a Cajun twist; plus the restaurant has its own boats so the kitchen knows the fish is fresh. For a more upscale fine-dining experience, head inland to Katch Twenty-Two (2924 Gulf to Lake Highway, Lecanto, 352.746.6691,

katchtwentytwo.

com). Helmed by a chef with a bigcity pedigree, this tastefully decorated eatery offers dishes including house-made lobster and scallop ravioli in mango butter, as well as a fresh fish of the moment served with carrot puree, heirloom tomatoes and citrus foam. Don’t miss the restaurant’s thoughtfully curated wine selection. It’s just the thing after a day swimming with manatees. GULFSHORE BUSINESS APRIL 2022 111

AfterHours

APRIL 2022

UNWIND

By Justin Paprocki

Chez Relaxation MULTIMEDIA SUGGESTIONS FOR MENTAL CALM AT HOME Let’s expand your mind via the comfort of your own home. We’ve scoured the latest in multimedia to come up with some suggestions on new ways to relax. Listen: Bedtime stories Who says that bedtime stories are only for kids? The latest trend in audio is short stories aimed at helping adults get to sleep. Meditation apps such as Breathe have started incorporating recordings of bedtime stories alongside its meditation guides. The Calm app features celebrities including LeVar Burton and Matthew McConaughey reading soothing tales. And The Get Sleepy podcast features new stories twice a week that often run up to an hour long. Sure sounds better than staring at social media until eventually nodding off.

Stream: ‘Headspace’ on Netflix Popular meditation app Headspace made the move

Read: Move, Connect, Play by Jason Nemer

to streaming last year. Three separate series debuted

Time to get a little more adventurous with your yoga

on Netflix extolling the virtues of rest: “Headspace

routine. Acroyoga is a mix of yoga and acrobatics. It’s

Guide to Meditation,” “Headspace Guide to Sleep”

a little like Cirque du Soleil—but don’t let that scare

and “Headspace Unwind Your Mind.” The last series

you. Acroyoga International founder Jason Nemer

is what’s called an “interactive experience,” in which

explains the technique in a new book coming out this

you can choose exactly how you’d like to unwind, and

month called Move, Connect, Play. If the book sparks

the program provides your path to get there. Not sure

your interest, head over to acroyoga.org for some guid-

if binge-worthy is the right way to put it—though in

ed sessions. You’ll want to grab a partner, too; once you

the long run, it may be more beneficial to your men-

get comfortable enough, you’ll be balancing each other

tal health than, say, “Selling Sunset.” But who are we

like a mini circus act.

to judge?

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