Gulfshore Business September 2022 by Gulfshore Life

OFBESTFLORIDA’SSOUTHWESTVIEWBUSINESS DOG-CENTRIC DESIGN Inside Golden PAWS’ new cutting-edge headquarters STRONGER THAN SHOCKS Improving the resiliency of small businesses in SWFL POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES Human resources rethinking workplace drug testing $4.95 SEPTEMBERGeoffreyKatinaKarenAshleyRichardSofiaDanielleLaurenKristenCorinaJesiNoelleJenniferAlexJohnElizabethAlexisBryceStephanieSteven2022J.AdamczykAhasicAlexanderBarkisBeansPaulBratcherBreaultCarbajalCasagrandeCasonCastellanoDimasDunfordGlicksonL.GonzalezGrowsHancockHarmonHendersonHunter Brian Konkel Elizabeth Kurtz Isbell Justin GeraldoStephanieJessicaLammersLiriaSloanNagyNeurockF.“Jerry”OlivoIIIJuryPaulsonW.T.PearsonMeganRoseNaomiRothringJanaSeamanMattSellickAmandaSimatStephanieSimmermanAshleySimonelliKellyThawleyGraceVanderMolenSaraWhiteDanielWinokur LEARNINGLOCAL Higher education decisions amid higher population figures P_108 SPEED SUNLIGHTOF SWFL goes solar while the going is good P_48 INSPIRATION AMONG US GULFSHORE BUSINESS HONORS 18 42 106 P_62

2 Postpone the sale and implement a plan to enhance the value of the business

On the other hand, many wealthy families could also invest the entirety of their assets in public equities and, even with a drawdown of 50%, still be okay Typically an optimal portfolio lies somewhere in between all cash and all equity and their families to help nd that balance that ts their goals by using the Liquidity. Longevity. Legacy Liquidity strategy

Essential factors include: The volatility of an investor’s combined Liquidity and Longevity portfolio can directly impact the volatility of their future spending

1 Explore an alter native transition type that could bring a higher valuation

3 Reduce targeted future spending to bring it in line with post-liquidity event resources

3. Helps avoid forced or panic selling during bear markets

E planning and investing begins with answers to these ﬁve simple questions: What do you want to accomplish in your life? Who are the people that matter most to you? What do you want your legacy to be? What are your main concer ns?

FPost-saleollowingthe sale, the family mindset may need to shift from business owner to asset manager, selecting a prudent, sustainable asset allocation plan and making responsible timing decisions

Exiting a business: things to consider

Three main functions:

1. Match cash ﬂow to expenses

Longevity strategy

The legacy strategy represents a family’s surplus. Once the Liquidity and Longevity strategies are fully funded, excess assets are segregated into the Legacy strategy. This segment is both behavioral and investment related, but is also to support the family’s estate planning and multigenerational objectives.

*Time-frames may vary Strategies are subject to individual client goals, objectives and suitability This approach is not a promise or guarantee that wealth, or any ﬁnancial results, can or will be achieved.

Core concepts for the sale W ill proceeds be suitable to fund future spending goals? If so, the business could be sold earlier than expected If not, postponing to increase business value may be preferred.

Many wealthy families don’t need to invest their assets

ﬀective

2. Funding source during periods of market distress

The information that comes out of this process can be invaluable for managing assets presale, structuring the sale in an optimal manner and then developing a strategy for the proceeds after the liquidity event.

minimum practical sell price typically generates assets needed to pay for future lifetime spending. If the expected transaction value falls short of that number, options can include:

5. How do you plan to achieve your life’s vision?

Portfolio drawdowns, in particular, present a meaningful risk Risk tolerance Legacy strategy

Review Code: IS2204203 Approval Date: 7/27/2022

Matina Group | Thought Leadership Series for Business Owners | Sponsored content

Exit businessyour on your terms Proudly advising Naples clients MatinasinceGroup UBS Financial Services Inc. Private Wealth Management 801 Laurel Oak Drive, Suite 500 Naples, FL 34108 Joseph joseph.matina@ubs.com877-452-4344WManagingMatinaDirector–ealthManagementtollfree As you plan and put strategies in place for a more immediate sale, you’ll want to monetize all the hard work you’ve put into your business. The nationally recognized UBS Private Wealth Management team, Matina Group can partner with you to assist with key questions and considerations including: What are your transition options? How will you get the optimal valuation? What’s your strategy for securing your legacy? Get the answers and clarity you need to move your business goals forward Connect with Matina Group Leatodayrn more at advisors.ubs.com/matinagroup 2000 As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers investment advisory services in its capacity as an SEC-registered investment adviser and brokerage services in its capacity as an SEC registered broker-dealer Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate arrangements It is important that you understand the ways in which we conduct business, and that you carefully read the agreements and disclosures that we provide to you about the products or services we offer. For more information, please review client relationship summary provided at ubs.com/relationshipsummary, or ask your UBS Financial Advisor for a copy Private Wealth Management is a division within UBS Financial Services Inc. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA. Member SIPC © UBS 2022. The key symbol and UBS are among the registered and unregistered trademarks of UBS UBS Financial Advisors are Registered Representatives of UBS Financial Services Inc. ©UBS 2022 All rights reserved UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG Member FINRA/SIPC Review Code: IS2204202 Approval Date: 7/27/2022

GulfshoreAMONGINSPIRATIONSP.62USBusiness’ 40 Under 40 2022 FEATURES Contents. THEP.48 SPEED OF SUNLIGHT SWFL goes solar while the going is good

Contents.MoodBoard P. 16 Spaces P. 18 Makers P. 26 Creatives P. 32 Bookmark P. 38 Trendline P. 40 Economic Commentary P. 42 P.26 TakeNote P.32 P.112 DEPARTMENTS P 106 HUMAN RESOURCES Medical marijuana’s effect on workplace drug testing P EDUCATION108 Higher education decisions amid higher population figures P ENTREPRENEURSHIP112 How Sweet Real became reality P 118 COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Top sales in Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties P 120 NEW & EXPANDING Top leases in Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties B2B 6 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com

We congratulate Dr. Dimas on this amazing honor and thank her for all she does for the Southwest Florida community.

Dr. Dimas, a primary care physician at Lee Health’s LPG Family Medicine clinic at Lee Memorial Hospital, hails from Immokalee. Her clinical interests include women’s health, preventive care, chronic care, and health maintenance.

Congratulations to Dr. Kristen Dimas, named as one of Gulfshore Magazine’s 40 Under 40 young leaders!

“I was locally trained at the FSU Family Medicine Program at Lee Health. I chose to go into family medicine because I really loved the idea of taking care of the entire family, from newborns to geriatrics. “When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my dogs and kayaking.”

A graduate of FSU’s College of Medicine, she treats infants, children, adolescents, and adults.

8 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com Contents. DEPARTMENTS P.130 P.124 P.136 AFTER HOURS P HORSEPOWER124 The thrilling Jaguar F-Type P450 P WELLNESS126 A boxing program to help patients with Parkinson’s disease P NEW129 & NOTEWORTHY The Fuse Vert draws eyes and pleases ears P WEEKEND130 GETAWAY Going loco for Cocoa Beach P UNWIND136 A recipe for focused success N O T E HWORTY & NEW _129

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

Congratulations to our friend and colleague, Alexis Barkis, on herselectionwell-deservedin Gulfshore Business Magazine’s “40 Under 40” for 2022 as one of Southwest Florida’s distinguished young leaders.

To learn more about what the law firm of Quarles & Brady can do for you, contact Naples Office Managing Partner Benjamin B. Brown at 239.659.5026 | benjamin.brown@quarles.com.

“Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don’t do it just for yourself. You will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived.” — Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Alexis is a member of Quarles & Brady LLP’s Labor and Employment Group. In addition to her lifelong ties to the Southwest Florida community, she utilizes nearly a decade of legal experience in private practice and as a clerk to a federal judge to ably counsel businesses in all aspects of labor and employment law and navigate employers through a variety of workplace-related litigation. Throughout her career, Alexis has proven herself as a leader within the firm and in our community, willingly lending her time and skills to help others.

10 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com READER SERVICES Office Address 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 Call or text info@gulfshorebusiness.comgulfshorebusiness.com239.498.8500 Subscriptions Subscribe online gulfshorebusiness.com,at 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 subscriptions@gulfshorebusiness.com.email 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 gulfshorebusiness.com/backissues.visit 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. WEBSITE gulfshorebusiness.com EDITOR IN CHIEF Heidi Rambo Centrella Managing Editor Tim Aten Senior Editor David Dorsey Digital Editor Adam Regan Associate Editor Kaitlin Greenockle Assistant Editor Katiuska Carrillo Assistant Editor Samantha Roesler Copy Editor Steve Gill CONTRIBUTORS Artis Henderson, Justin Paprocki, James Raia, Aisling Swift, Bill Wasinger CreativeARTDirectors Scott Glick, Jerry Pomales Photo Editor Dennis Wright Photographer/Videographer Krishna Samoedjh ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Chris Renstrom MARKETING Director of Marketing and Events Rachel Galante Digital Media Marketing Manager Brittney Kleis CIRCULATION Director of Audience Development Kerri Nolan PRODUCTION Production Manager Martha Leavitt ADMINISTRATION Advertising Services Manager, Subscriptions & Distribution Kathleen Hill Volume 27/Number 9, September, 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 2022 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. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gulfshore Business, 26101 Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134.

StockDevelopmentFLStockDevelopmentBROKER PARTICIPATION WELCOMED. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. NOT AN OFFERING WHERE PROHIBITED BY STATE LAW. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. NAPLES | BONITA SPRINGS | ESTERO | SARASOTA | WELLINGTON | PALM BEACH 239.592.7344 | StockDevelopment.com Under Matt’s leadership, STOCK continues to be the region’s leading luxury homebuilder, with over 6,000 luxury homes and estates built throughout Florida. His commitment to excellence is recognized both as a homebuilder and as a community leader, giving back to those in need throughout the region. We are so honored to celebrate this well-deserved award with you! A DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE GULFSHORE BUSINESS 40 UNDER 40 | 2022 WINNER CONGRATULATIONS Matt Sellick President, Stock Homebuilding

FuturesBright

It’s not surprising that it’s hot outside—what else would you expect from the Sunshine State as the end of summer approaches? But even while high temperatures linger, many Floridians are looking into the sky and seeing a path to lower electric ity bills. Conversion of homes and businesses to solar energy is a growth industry throughout the area, and while the initial expense of installation can be daunting, federal tax credits can help off set that cost. Of course, those credits were slated to expire at the end of next year … but new clean energy initiatives within the Inflation Reduction Act are set to be in place through 2032. Still, in the rush to make hay while the sun shines, so to speak, it’s important not to act rash ly. David Dorsey talks with local experts about the process of going solar this month, including a roundup of price estimates from area installers, and shines some light on the do’s and don’ts in volved; take a look on page 48.

And while those investing in this con version are eagerly awaiting the sunny days to come, the subjects of our cover story are working toward even brighter futures. We are proud to present, be ginning on page 62, the 2022 Gulfshore Business 40 Under 40. The honorees represent dozens of industries from law to dentistry, real estate to public educa tion, speech therapy to photography, all working to elevate and energize their chosen fields through enthusiasm, ded ication and drive. And while their efforts at those vocations are undeniably im pressive, inclusion in this list requires more than professional excellence and comparative youth; each honoree has also dedicated extra energy, time and talent to making his or her community a little better by means of philanthrop ic work and volunteer support for non profitTakeorganizations.afewmoments to look over their accomplishments, goals and motiva tions—and then keep an eye on WINK-TV during the week of Sept. 5 for a one-hour special event, as Lindsey Sablan talks with the 40 Under 40 honorees about les sons they’ve learned so far, what they’ve found most rewarding in their careers and how they hope to help shape the fu ture of Southwest Florida. We hope you’ll be inspired; we think you’ll be impressed. We certainly were.

from the editor. SUNLIGHTp.48 SPEED SWFL goes solar while the going isHEIDIgood.RAMBO CENTRELLA EDITOR IN CHIEF SEPTEMBER 2022 12 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com

CONGRATULATIONS,STEPHANIE! For Being Recognized as a 40 Under 40 Honoree and Always Making Naples Better Wife, Mother, Community Leader, Doctor and CEO 13020 Livingston Rd, Suite 14 Naples, FL 34105 SynergyNaples.com 239.263.3330 & JointNon-SurgicalInnovative,PainRelief Naples HealthcareLeadingClinic MAKING NAPLES BETTER

An asymmetrical “lacer front” with a zipper from waist to neck and a long fabric pull. Two widely notched and snap-studded revers with a spread collar. Four exterior pockets, one slanted, one set-in for coins. A half-belt fastened around the front of the waist through wide loops. A large single-prong steel buckle with mitered corners.

By James Raia

MOOD BOARD TakeNote

Leather for Look COOL VIBES IN ANY WEATHER

LaurenRalphBone,&RagDKNY,Haan,ColeCoach,of:Courtesy

Perhaps Marlon Brando wouldn’t have chosen the leather jacket he wore in The Wild One had he known the legacy his outerwear would have in retro fashion circles. He just wanted to look like a rebel. Concerns about style and fashion are best left to those who care about such things … but apparently, a lot of people do. With his cuffed-rolled Levi jeans, white T-shirt, Engineer boots and tilted Muir cap—and his leather jacket—Brando vaulted the look into the mainstream in the 1953 outlaw movie. His ensemble solidified the style, the attitude, the coolness of leather jackets even when the weather isn’t so cool.

Your

Brando’s choice, a customized Schott Perfecto 618 One Star, wasn’t a new offering at the time; the brand had been around for 25 years. But it has remained a prominent influence on outerwear for decades.Hereare five styles to channel the iconic actor, rock star Joan Jett or Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick.

Coach Leather Trainer

One stylish, classic hoodie. Soft 100% lamb’s leather with a zip closure and slip pockets. It’s stylized with an elasticized cuff and hem to keep out the chill. The jacket’s sportiness is emphasized by its protective hood and a split kangaroo pocket. Its lining is 100% polyester. It’s available at the Coach outlet in Naples. coach.com$1,250

SEPTEMBER 2022 16 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com

Cole Haan Wing Collar Sleek and smooth, the moto jacket has a zippered front and slit waist pockets. The exterior is lambskin, the interior is lined withThepolyester.stylishfit has body darts and on-seam body pockets. The genuine lambskin jacket features zippered front detail, including a winged collar. It’s available at Macy’s in Fort Myers.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 17

Ralph Lauren RRL Leather Jacket Designed for a vintage look, the brown-over-black jacket is made from full-grain cowhide. The inte rior is yarn-dyed checkered twill lining, complemented by custom brass hardware. The sleeve lining is 51% cupro, 49% cotton. It has a point collar and a full-zip front with a leather zipper pull. The cuffs feature Corozo buttons. There’s a left welt pocket, two hand-warmer pockets and an interior left waist pocket. Adjustable buckle tabs are located on the back waist. It’s available at Ralph Lauren in Naples. ralphlauren.com$1,900

Since the 1950s, leather jackets have gone hand in hand with attitude and coolness, even when the weather isn’t so cool. Although the stylish outerwear had been around long before then, actors and rock stars have solidified the style, which has stood the test of time.

colehaan.com$450 DKNY Petite Asymmetrical Belted Leather Jacket

It’s different but it’s the same—a timeless, asymmetrical women’s motorcycle jacket with a stylish “wild one” theme. It has a zip closure, notched lapel and waist zip pockets, and it’s fully lined. Marcus Wainwright, who founded the brand 20 years ago, is known for combining his British heritage with a down town New York aesthetic in his apparel lines. It’s edgy and laidback, and ideal for fashion or practicality. It’s a leather jacket for on or off duty. It’s available at Saks Fifth Avenue in Naples.

rag-bone.com$995

Timeless Style

dkny.com$349

Rag & Bone Mack Leather Jacket

With a nod to the attire of inter national spies as portrayed in the movies, the petite leather jacket made for women 5’4” and shorter has an asymmetrical front zipper and a self-tie belt. It’s further detailed with a notched collar with snaps, a front asymmetrical zipper clo sure, a zippered chest, two hiplove snap pockets and an inner welt pocket. It’s lined with poly ester and the belt is removable for non-spy wear. It’s available at Macy’s in Fort Myers.

Floors, which range from wide-plank luxury vinyl to non-slip epoxy, con

SPACES

JMDG Architecture | Planning + Interiors, PBS Contractors and Pergola Inc. landscaping transformed the vacant Harley-Davidson dealership off Pine Ridge Road in Naples into The Ken & Susan Meyer Center for Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs.

DesignDog-centricTakeNote

18 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com

INSIDE GOLDEN PAWS’ CUTTING-EDGE HEADQUARTERS TietzBrian By Aisling Swift SEPTEMBER 2022

The new, state-of-the-art facility can house 30 adult dogs and 10 puppies, allowing Golden PAWS to place 20 dogs yearly (golden retrievers and a few Labradors). Eight-week-old puppies are sent to foster homes for four months of training, including three times weekly onsite, before returning for more training. At two and a half years, they’re paired with a recipient.

“We wanted to create a ‘dog-centric’ environment that would support the care of our dogs while enhancing training programs and community out reach services,” she says of the $5.65 million project. “It was also essential that our new home be comfortable and welcoming for our recipients, volun teers, visitors and team.”

“When we started our ‘Just Imagine’ capital campaign and began to consider options for the design of our new building, we had very specific goals,” Golden PAWS CEO and founder Jeannie Bates says of the roughly 30,000-square-foot building they purchased for $6.35 million two years ago and opened this April.

The nonprofit, which provides skilled assistance dogs to combat-wound ed veterans and children with life-changing disabilities, doubled the train ing capacity of its former 5,500-square-foot Horseshoe Drive headquarters.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 19   DOUBLING SPACE The nonprofit doubled the training capacity of its former 5,500-square-foot headquarters.

TietzBrian  TRAINING TIMELINE

“It’s designed to be cushioning for the dogs,” says board president Kyle Reed. “We’ll have temporary fencing to create quadrants to run different exercises.”

There are areas for doggie and human food prep, veterinary care, grooming, class es and food storage, as well as the Patty and Jay Baker Indoor Dog Park for agility and tactile training on surfaces that include sand and grass. Couches, armchairs and ta bles donated by La Mer’s community center decorate meeting rooms for adults and chil dren to select dogs. Bates’ office and a sky box have bird’s-eye views of training, and a whiteboard in the day-staging area lists vol unteers’ assignments.

TakeNote

Before being placed with a recipient at age 2 and a half, puppies start training at 8 weeks old. crete and rubber, were selected for ease of cleaning. The 6,000-square-foot training room, where volunteers work with dogs, fea tures a three-quarter-inch rubber floor.

20 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 SPACES

In the doggie dorms, the low hum of a crowd talking plays while timed lights main tain circadian rhythms. Concrete floors slant toward drains, easily washable. Adult dogs live in 8-by-10-foot white-picket fence dorms, while puppies get 6-by-6, all with a crate, hammock and a favorite toy. Each has a sign with a name and birthdate.

SurgeTrader is a global prop trading firm based in Naples, Florida, helping traders worldwide access institutional capital by funding accounts for qualified traders with up to $1 million. Visit us at www.surgetrader.com CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 40FORFOUNDER,SURGETRADERJANASEAMANBEINGINTHISYEAR’SUNDER40!

Outside, they ensured dogs who can open doors couldn’t pry open pens by placing knobs high up; faux-wood Hardie board louvers provide shade for pens, and land scape architect Kristen Petry made specific plant selections for the 2.7-acre property.

TakeNote

“We worked collaboratively to provide a top-notch facility for training assistance dogs in the country,” Valle says of executing JMDG architect Tom Jones’ plans. “They’ll have on going updates as funding becomes available.”

JMDG and PBS had experience working on canine facilities, including Humane Society of Naples’ new kennels and adoption center.

The dealership closed in September 2018 and the lobby was in good condition, but the rest was in bad shape, said PBS Contractors Senior Relationship Manager Mario Valle.

“To limit the cane toad habitat,” Valle says, “we eliminated bromeliads and plants that hold water, but we also substituted

TietzBrian  CANINE CORRAL Ultra-fresh air, shaded pens and even dog-friendly plants are in place for the dogs’ safety.

The air feels ultra-fresh thanks to a 100% make-up air conditioning system that fully replenishes inside air with outside air dai ly and is required for housing animals and preventing sickness, according to Valle, who said the building also features hurri cane-impact windows.

22 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 SPACES

40-under-40

Naples Botanical Elizabeth Beans Cohn, Associate Director of Horticulture, on being named a honoree.

Garden congratulates

As DLC’s Community Outreach Specialist, Jessica Liria, MS, raises awareness about the warning signs of mental health concerns and educates others on available resources in the community. Jessica participates in several coalitions and community groups in Collier County and throughout Southwest Florida. She is a certiﬁed instructor in Mental Health First Aid along with several other evidence-based training programs, and she is a graduate of the 2021 Associate Leadership Collier class.

| 239-455-8500

The building also features an audio system controlled through a smart phone app. “We can create different environments,” Reed says of thunder, trains, traffic, crowds, forests and other sounds. “Part of training is desen sitizing dogs when they’re out in public, so they’re not reactive to different situations and things don’t scare or startle them. By the time they leave, it’s normal to them because they’ve been through it so many times artificially.”

Jessica Liria, MS | Community Outreach Specialist

As DLC’s Associate Director of Development, Jury Paulson, MPP, works collaboratively with the Director of Development to develop and implement fundraising strategies that enhance ﬁ nancial support and business community strategic partnerships. Jury currently serves as a board member for the Housing Development Corporation of Southwest Florida and the Young Professionals of Naples. He is a graduate of the 2018 Associate Leadership Collier class, and he is an Oﬃcer Candidate in the Florida Army National Guard.

Jury Paulson, MPP | Associate Director of Development pine straw for mulch to ensure the dogs didn’t get attracted to it, and we used grass in areas closer to the entry and exits for dog-relief zones.”

DLCenters.org

24 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 SPACES TakeNote 6075 BATHEY LANE | NAPLES, FL 34116 Congratulations Jessica Liria and Jury Paulson on their selections as 2022 Gulfshore Business 40 Under 40 Award Winners!

James Morey William Owens

functional training,”

Editor’s Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs is still trying to raise $3 million to offset increased costs of the larger facility and expanded pro gramming. To donate, go to goldenpaws.org/donate-now/.

Note:

There’s a mock kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. “This is our real-life area for Reed says, adding that dogs learn skills to help re cipients, including opening a refrigerator, drawers or dishwasher, and un dergo strength and mobility training. “The goal is that when dogs leave here, they’re never going to encounter anything they haven’t encountered.”

Neil Gregory Kevin RecchiaChristopher Hoertz

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 25 TietzBrian  ARTIFICIAL STIMULI The facility creates different environments through sound so the dogs can be desensitized. 4001 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL 34103 • 239.659.3800 • BSK.COM Since 1976, Bond has worked with Collier County businesses from startup and beyond, handling operational and complex matters including contracts, corporate governance, IP, mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate, property issues and more. For more information, visit bsk.com. Essential to Your Business Helping Clients in Today’s Business Climate

PriceJohnProvidedTietz;Brian MAKERS

Need an aluminum railing for your house? John Price can do that. Need a gate with custom arrows? He can do that, too. After all, the motto of his business, Priceless Customz Fabrication, is “You Dream It, We Build It.”

By Justin Paprocki

SEPTEMBER 2022 26 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022

The Fort Myers native is largely self-taught. He comes from a mix of experiences; he got some hands-on carpen

“I got known for doing crazy things,” says the 28-yearold with a laugh. “Probably because I was young and dumb and didn’t know better.” His work is found on high-end homes throughout Southwest Florida. It can be everything from railings to shutters to gates to trellises and more. He enjoys the cre ative work—like that arrow-laden gate with pickets that look like medieval weaponry.

JOHN METALWORKPRICE’SMASTERY

DreamsBuildingTakeNote

  BUSINESS MOTTO “You Dream It, We Build It.” John Price’s work can be found on high-end homes throughout SWFL.

MAKERS TakeNote  CREATIVE WORK From shutters to trellises, Price is largely self-taught, and enjoys the creative work. PriceJohnProvidedTietz;Brian 28 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com

WELL-DESERVED SELECTION IN GULFSHORE BUSINESS MAGAZINE’S “40 UNDER 40” FOR 2022 AS ONE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S DISTINGUISHED YOUNG LEADERS. DR.

Dr. Daniel Winokur is expertly trained in treating conditions related to the mouth , jaw and face. He practices the full scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, from wisdom tooth removal to corrective facial cosmetic and jaw surgery. He is proficient in using the latest techniques designed to rebuild bone structure with minimal surgical intervention. With two convenient locations, our state of the art practices are equipped with advanced technology such as 3D imaging and surgical planning. Dr. Winokur consistently strives for excellence, compassion, integrity and cohesive teamwork as he serves patients throughout Collier and Lee County. DR. DANIEL WINOKUR, ON HIS WINOKUR IS A

PARTNER OF WESTSHORE OMS SPECIALISTS. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PRACTICE OR TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION CALL OUR OFFICE IN NAPLES, FL AT WESTSHORE OMS NAPLES PHONE NUMBER 239-263-7474 www.westshoreoms.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PARTNER,

“I didn’t want to advertise,” he says. “It’s built mostly through word of mouth. Like my wife told me, ‘Let your work speak for itself.’”

try work growing up in upstate South Carolina and went to college at an automotive trade school in Nashville, even working for Corvette for some time. He moved back home to Southwest Florida at age 21. About four years ago, he bought property to use as a studio. It’s tucked into a more rural part of Collier County, which is how he likes it. He’s built his business like it’s a well-kept secret.

TakeNote

MAKERS

Gulfshore Business only honors the best and brightest talent in Southwest Florida… and that’s you! We are so excited to have you on our team and see the impact you’ll have on the next generation of leaders through your role as Vice President of Teen Initiatives.

CONGRATULATIONS ALEX BREAULT!

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 WELL-KEPT SECRET Price’s business is built mostly through word of mouth and letting the work speak for itself.

“It’s rewarding as hell,” Price says. “Most people don’t under stand the work that goes into building something like a spiral staircase. And you kill yourself doing it. But then you finish it and it’s so rewarding to see what you created.”

As a boutique firm that accepts a limited number of clients, we are able to provide the individualized attention your search Utilizingdeserves.innovative recruiting techniques combined with strong professional relationships, we help our clients identify top quality professionals to meet their needs.

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To discuss how we can help with your recruiting process, please contact us: 239-471-2521

As of now, it’s a family-run operation, as his brother, father and wife help. It’s demanding work, requiring precision, pa tience and some long hours under the sun installing. But it’s worth it.

Our above-industry-standard screening process matches not only the hard skills required for the position, but also the soft skills needed to make new hires a cohesive part of your team.

Professional and Executive Recruiting

PriceJohnProvidedTietz;Brian

“I saw all these wonderful vignettes for outdoor and indoor events and gallery class es, and how a traditional arts center could be transformed into more of a creative space, making better pathways for the community to drive the program and access the space,” she says of the cultural hub, which features art exhibits, an outdoor ArtsPark, plays, con certs, classes and festivals. “I think it’s going to become more valuable to the community in terms of green space and connection.” inTransformationTakeNoteProgress

32 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com

In the roughly 1.5 years since Molly Deckart took the helm of Alliance for the Arts, she has expanded outdoor performance space, transformed a boardroom into a digital lab and plans a youth board so students can have a voice in the arts and community.

Deckart, who earned a fine arts degree from Boise State University, has long been attracted to coalition building and creating communities by activating new avenues for the arts. She spent summers in Naples as a child and was familiar with Southwest Flor ida. During the interview process, she saw great possibilities.

Deckart joined the Fort Myers nonprof it in February 2021 after spending 15 years in the nonprofit sector, the last eight head ing the Idaho Horror Film Festival and the Boise Film Foundation, both of which she founded. For her arts work, she was named one of Idaho Business Review’s Women of the Year in 2020.

CREATIVES

“What brought me to the Alliance was the concept of 10 acres of awesomeness,” Deckart says of the downtown campus at the intersection of Colonial and McGregor boulevards. “It was really a financially set organization. Now it’s strong, but what do the next 10 years look like?” An Americans for the Arts study in 2017 found that the nonprofit arts and culture industry generated more than $140 million in economic activity in Lee County — and Deckart hopes to grow that through the 47-year-old Alliance, which has more than 50 arts and cultural organization members and 1,200 artists and other members. Deck art replaces Lydia Black, who retired after 13 years as executive director.

Aisling Swift SEPTEMBER 2022

MOLLY DECKART ON UPDATING ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS TietzBrian

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 33  ECONOMIC ACTIVITY A 2017 study found that the nonprofit arts and culture industry generated more than $140 million in Lee County.

TakeNote

Deckart sought economic data from Collaboratory (formerly the South west Florida Community Foundation), speaks to visitors about what they want to see and reviews surveys filled out af ter classes. “Most of the conversations have been directly with the communi ty and the Lee County School District about where there are holes,” she says. This year, she converted the weekly summer produce market into a month ly market featuring art, music, food and  COLLABORATIVE APPROACH Working together to empower the community through the arts, Deckart and her team reshape, revitalize and rejuvenate SWFL.

Deckart’s background as an artist, ad ministrator and fundraiser enables her to understand challenges and rewards that come with fostering a vibrant arts scene. She took over as COVID-19 shut downs were being lifted, and began by razing a hill on the amphitheater lawn to expand performing space.

34 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 CREATIVES

TietzBrian

“If you sat behind it, you couldn’t see the stage, so we were really relegated to 300 people out there. By leveling it, we opened it up for more multipurpose uses — and more people can enjoy what’s happening on the stage,” she explains. Due to COVID-19, she wanted a more intimate space than the 4,000-person amphitheater, so the organization built a small stage for an audience of rough ly 200. “It’s underneath moss-silk trees. It’s just lovely,” she says.

At Solas Wealth, you are family. Our process starts by getting to know you and the most important aspects of your life to assure you are investing in a future you love. We are a boutique family office style firm in the heart of Naples that values personal client relationships. You will discover a collaborative, caring, and inspiring approach to wealth management with us. Start Your Conversation Congratulations to Solas Wealth’s Co-founder, Jana Seaman for being selected in this year’s 40 under 40! 405info@solaswealth.comSolasWealth.com239-451-32615thAvenueSouthNaples,FL,34102

Thank you for your commitment and dedication to helping students discover their passions. As the District’s College and Career Specialist, you connect students with our local workforce to begin their path towards a successful career. We are grateful to have you as part of our world-class school system.

“You’ll have a lot of technology at your fingertips. We even have a mobile filmmaking setup,” Deckart notes, adding that a broad range of classes will target novices to professional artists. This fall, she’ll start an 18-person youth board with Lee County Schools, selecting one student from each high school and three alternative pro

CREATIVES TakeNote TietzBrian www.leeschools.netPERSONAL | PASSIONATE | PROGRESSIVE

The School District of Lee County is proud of your selection into the prestigious Gulfshore Business 40 Under 40!

KELLYCONGRATULATIONS,KELLYCONGRATULATIONS,THAWLEY!THAWLEY! produce. “I think it’s hard in the heat of the summer to have vendors who want a year-round market, so we’re reevaluating,” she explains. She transformed an old boardroom into a state-of-the-art digital lab, with 12 instructional computers and one master computer for teaching. Students can do podcasting, filmmaking, photo editing or creative writing, or book space to develop a resume and use the internet for job seeking.

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 MYRIAD INTERESTS

grams to represent myriad interests. “It’s to help drive programming and give teams a voice so they know what’s going on, and to allow them to ex press themselves through this organization,” she says.

Jason Teeters, nurturing lead at Collaboratory, said they recognize the role art and creativity plays in connecting new, diverse audiences to solve social“Mollyissues.has reimagined the day-to-day impact Alliance for the Arts can make with a collaborative approach of working together to engage and em power the community,” Teeters says. “I believe Molly and her team will help reshape, revitalize and rejuvenate our region to transform lives and

Lee County Schools high school students will serve on a youth board to represent a number of different interests.

BOOKMARK TakeNote A PAIR

Matters Principleof pened to him afterward? Herzog’s book answers all these questions with an economy of words that is exemplary. The book is only 132 short pages in length. In it, we learn about the extreme Japanese form of “death before dishonor.” Their oath of loyalty to the emperor caused thousands of Jap anese soldiers to commit suicide rather than surrender. This fueled an extreme form of para noia in Onoda. Many attempts were made to This month we cover two seemingly unrelated books—but they do have one thing in common, which will be apparent at the end of the column. We start with The Twilight World and film and opera director Werner Her zog. He was in Tokyo in 1997 directing an opera, and was asked if he would like to meet the emperor. To the shock of his Japanese hosts, he declined and said that instead of the emperor he would like to meet Hiroo Onoda, the Japanese soldier who refused to surrender when WWII ended and spent 30 years in the jungle defending an island in the Philippines. This is his story. A friend gave me this book and it re minded me of reading about a Japanese soldier in 1974 who had just surrendered. One couldn’t help but be mystified at what would cause this man to refuse to surrender for 30 years. Looking back, four questions came to mind at the time OF PROFILES IN CONSISTENCY

ProvidedTietz;Brian

RALPH STAYER , an avid reader and owner/CEO of Sausage,Johnsonvilleleads a book club in Naples with about a dozen other bookshelves.ever-expandingnentearninglatestStayermind.sharpeningkeeptiononlyfriends.high-powerThegroupreadsnon-ficasawaytolearningandtheEverymonth,sharesthepage-turnersapermaspotonhis

SEPTEMBER 2022

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GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 39 convince him that the war was over—vehicles with loudspeakers speaking to him in Japanese, the placement of newspapers show ing the war was over—but he regarded them all as lies and those attempts reinforced in him the belief that Japan was still at war. He was hunted by the Philippine army for most of those years. He survived over 100 ambushes and lived to tell the story to Herzog. This is a book that you will not be able to put down; it is well worth the short amount of time it will take to read it.

Our second book, One Damn Thing After Another, is the mem oirs of Attorney General William Barr. Barr served as the attorney general to George H. W. Bush, and for the last two years of Don ald Trump’s term. This is not a book that you can’t put down—its length demands that you’ll have to eat and sleep—but this is a book that you can’t wait to pick up again. It is a fascinating in side look at government written by a prin cipledBarrman.starts with his early years serving the Bush administration. It is interesting to see the questions that must be asked to determine whether the federal govern ment has the legal status to act in certain circumstances. Does the posse comitatus statute prevent the military from captur ing a drug kingpin on foreign soil? Can we send people to Puerto Rico to quell mob violence and looting when the local po lice force is participating in the violence? What is necessary to capture Noriega in Panama? Does the president need the approval of Congress for the first Gulf War? (No, but it would be much better politically with their approval.) Barr also shares his insights on fighting crime, in cluding a remarkable picture of what bi partisan work can do to reduce it. Barr then went into private practice, but was called back to serve in the Trump administration almost 30 years later. His experiences during that period give an insight into the good and the bad of those two years from his perspective. Is Barr a man whose principles guide his deci sions? His actions clearly say yes. That is a rare occurrence indeed, and this book is well worth the read.

By Justin Paprocki

Wealth in Florida is found along its coasts, particularly its southern coast. A study by SmartAsset came up with a Wealth Index for each county nationwide, looking at investments, income and housing value. Most of the top 10 wealthiest counties in Florida are on the state’s east coast. But Monroe County (aka the Florida Keys) ranked the wealthiest, and not far behind was Collier County in second place. Lee County was 12th in the state. Nationwide, Monroe County is the 10th wealthiest, with Collier coming in at 14th. The richest: Teton County, Wyoming, home of Jackson Hole, followed by Manhattan’s New York County.

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TRENDLINE CapitalCoastalTakeNote FLORIDA COUNTIES’ RANKING ON A NATIONWIDE WEALTH INDEX Getty

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GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 41 MEDIAN HOME VALUE PER INCOMECAPITA WEALTH INDEXPER INCOMEINVESTMENTCAPITA $26,524$30,746$21,511$51,792$53,409$62,542$52,212$59,197$78,740$88,494 $64,746$70,884$73,944$69,862$57,213$84,607$89,185$87,478$103,865$106,583 23.3126.7427.3727.5728.531.7734.1334.442.8250.82$322,308$380,978$445,938$313,692$424,413$310,702$421,292$399,758$509,800$726,297NassauSarasotaSt.WaltonMiami-DadeIndianMartinPalmCollierMonroeBeachRiverJohns

The COVID-19 pandemic is the most significant economic shock in modern history. Overnight, the country went from steady growth and full employ ment to a full stop. As quarantines were imple mented, businesses shuttered operations. Since March 2020, we have developed ways to cope with the virus, but two years later, we continue to deal with supply-chain disruptions, virus variants and a remarkably changed business landscape. Arguably, one of the most valuable but vulnerable areas of the economy is the small-business sector. Small businesses generate 44% of economic activ ity and have been the most important source of job creation for decades. While some businesses adapt ed to the pandemic—at least partially—many did not or could not. Even those that did have found a dramatically different playing field. As the pandemic progressed through 2020 and 2021, stories surfaced about individual businesses closing permanently, raising questions about what factors might have affected small businesses the most. The Regional Economic Research Institute and the Lucas Institute for Real Estate Development & Finance at Florida Gulf Coast University surveyed small businesses across Southwest Florida to better Getty

By Thomas Smythe, Amir B. Ferreira Neto, Shelton Weeks  WITHSTANDING COVID-19 FGCU examines how small businesses fared during the pandemic and after vaccines became available.

42 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com ECONOMIC COMMENTARY StrongerTakeNote Than the Shocks ON IMPROVING SMALL BUSINESS RESILIENCY IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

SEPTEMBER 2022

Celebrating 239.594.1501 | NAPLES, FLORIDA | KURTZHOMES.COM Congratulations to Elizabeth Kurtz Isbell on becoming a GULFSHORE LIFE 40 UNDER 40 honoree, and to our entire Kurtz Homes family, Happy 40 th Anniversary!

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understand

our

While key relationships are import ant, we also examined whether there is a relationship between an own er’s basic financial knowledge and a firm’s ability to weather a significant economic event. We find that owners scoring above 90% on the knowledge test held more cash entering the pan demic; were much more likely to have sales remain unchanged or grow in 2020; and were less likely to seek gov ernment assistance.

The findings have very practical im plications, providing insight for the development of continuing-education programs for business owners. One area of focus would be on understand ing basic financial principles, especial ly the principles of risk and return.

While other academic work exam ined small businesses at the onset of the pandemic, our study addressed how firms fared during the pandemic and after vaccines had become avail able. One of our questions was wheth er there were key relationships and resources that facilitated small busi nesses in SWFL being better prepared for the pandemic. Among our findings, business owners who took advantage of resources provided by Economic Development Centers held more cash entering the pandemic and were less likely to see a drop in 2020 sales. Ad ditionally, owners using more than two resource organizations were less likely to need government assistance to meet cash flow needs.

John Paul’s commitment to his profession and community make him truly deserving of this honor. Congratulations to John Paul and all of the 2022 40 Under 40 honorees! ON HIS SELECTION AS A 2022 GULFSHORE BUSINESS 40 UNDER 40 HONOREE. these questions, advanc ing the Lutgert College of Business mission of conducting applied re search directed at community.

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However, the results also show how enhancing small-business resilien cy extends beyond providing specific know-how. Strategic partnerships can also benefit small businesses by build ing a safety network that operates during booms and busts, smoothing the negative impacts of such shocks while sharing benefits and costs.

It is in support of this mission that we undertook this study. It’s now time to roll up our sleeves, partner with com munity sponsors and develop pro grams that help build resiliency in the SWFL small business community.

From its inception 25 years ago, an overarching goal for FGCU has been to serve the community in practical ways. Since that time, the Lutgert Col lege of Business has embraced the goal of community involvement, even hav ing it as a pillar of the college’s mission.

It is in the continuing education space that FGCU and the Lutgert College of Business can help. While Lutgert College already provides for-credit courses, the university and the college are open to developing non-credit programs, such as micro credentialing, an FGCU initiative in troduced recently to Gulfshore Busi ness readers by Aysegul Timur. Using this approach promotes the creation of “on-demand” training to enhance business knowledge, but with very specific audiences in mind.

Thomas Smythe is a professor of fi nance, Amir B. Ferreira Neto is direc tor of the Regional Economic Research Institute and Shelton Weeks is director of the Lucas Institute for Real Estate Development & Finance in the Lutgert College of Business at Florida Gulf Coast University.

presented

48 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com SUNLIGHTSPEEDTHEOF

By David Dorsey

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA GOES SOLAR WHILE THE GOING IS GOOD Getty

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 49

Homeowners can save thousands by going solar with the federal tax credits, which have been increased to 30% and extended after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act.

_ THE

The sun still shines for solar power businesses and homeowners in the Sunshine State. Both had been hur rying to install systems on South west Florida rooftops before the end of next year, when federal tax credits were set to expire. That’s when the skies would have been getting cloud ier for the solar industry. The 26% tax credits this year and 22% next year were ending at the end of 2023. This left homeowners and businesses clamoring to cash in on the benefit. Now, they can settle down. As this issue of Gulfshore Busi ness went to press, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Chuck Schumer of New York struck a $430 billion deal to fund what’s called the Inflation Reduction Act. It could have been called the “Solar Surge Act,” as about $369 billion of the leg islation will go toward clean energy initiatives, including the return of a 30% federal tax credit homeown ers and businesses could receive for going solar. Those will be in place through 2032. The Senate and the House of Representatives approved the act; and President Joe Biden signed it into law on Aug. 16. The urgency and uncertainty lead ing to this moment created quite the SPEED CREDITS

OF SUNLIGHT EnergyXando   TAX

50 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com

conundrum. Solar salespeople may have been taking advantage of that. Solar panels tend to have 25-year warranties. While the consumers would be saving money over the long haul of the next 25 years—“owning their own power instead of leasing it” as the solar salespeople stress—those who had not done due diligence ran the risk of getting charged more than market price by the solar companies.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 51

Even a comparatively bad solar deal is likely to save consumers mon ey when compared to what Flori da Power & Light or LCEC power rates will do over the next two and a half decades, said Mark Wilker son, a solar industry consultant and expert who has worked in the busi ness for almost 40 years. Wilkerson hired Florida Solar Design Group to put solar on his own home in Bab cock Ranch. He chose the Fort My ers-based company, he said, because

they’re doing business the right way. But homeowners should seek multiple quotes and search for the best solar deal as op posed to accepting the first one they see.

“Their job is to max out how much so lar they can get on your roof—whether you need it nor not,” Wilkerson says of the “door knockers,” the solar salespeo ple who go door-to-door. That’s what he wanted to avoid. “It’s not about what you need. It’s about how they can maximize the profit on your house.”

The flip side is that some salespeople who see the sticker shock on prospective clients’ faces will end up offering a small er number of solar panels. Those clients then will be living in a “hybrid” house, with a percentage of their money going toward the solar setup and the rest going to the power company. OF SUNLIGHT

52 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com

_ THE SPEED

“Go with the one that’s got the price and that’s been a while in the area,” Bishton says. “The other big thing is the warranty and the serTietzBrian DO'S DON'TS

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 53

AND

“You want somebody local, that’s been around for more than two or three years,” Wilkerson says. “You want locally owned. And you want them to have their own installers.

That’s the key thing. If there’s a prob lem—and I’ve seen it out here sev eral times—the subcontractor will say, ‘It must be the company’s fault.’ And the company will say, ‘I sold you something that worked. It must have been the installers.’ When they’re all under one roof, there’s nobody else to point to.”

John Bishton of Fort Myers in stalled his own system 12 years ago. He’s an electrician and a solar sys tem inspector who does inspections as a contractor with Xando Energy, a solar company that has its stateside headquarters in Fort Myers.

Buyer, Be Aware

Homeowners should seek multiple quotes, look for a local company and choose a company with its own installers.

There are plenty of do's and don’ts when scouting prospective solar com panies, Wilkerson said. Tesla offers the cheapest products, but a Google search will suggest it is lacking in the customer service department. This could be paramount given the typi cal 25-year warranties and the longterm investment being made.

 

54 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com ExelbierdRobert vice. You can pick and choose which one you want. Negotiate with them and see where they’re at.”

“I probably wipe out 75% of my pow er bill,” Bishton said of his system. “It’s nice to zero out if you can. You get more bang for your buck. But the system will still cost you more.”

THE SPEED OF SUNLIGHT

Jeff Cherrie, a Fort Myers real estate agent, asked a few neighbors with solar on their homes for recommendations. Based on that, he chose Sunergy, based in New Port Richey. “In my case, I’ve got a lot of things hooked up to my house,” Cherrie says _

When seeking multiple quotes, con sumers may find it tough to get an ap ples-to-apples comparison. Ask the salesperson for the price per watt, which is determined by dividing the system’s price by the estimated kilowatts the sys tem will provide. If that price isn’t close to $3 per watt, you’re probably overpay ing, Wilkerson and Bishton each said. However, the price per watt will vary on the type of home, the roof, the size of the system required and the shade. “Negotiate with them,” Bishton says. “Get the price per watt down as low as you can. It’s like buying gasoline. Some of them you’ve got to pay $4.75 a gallon. Some of them, you’ve got to pay $4.25. Some of the numbers, you’ve got to watchHavingit.” a hybrid system also might be worth exploring, Bishton said—for example, if the home’s rooftop has too much shade.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 55

of why he went solar. “It just worked out well for me to do it. I’ve got an RV hooked up to it 12 hours a day. My bill was too high. I like my house cold. I talk ed to a few neighbors around the area; this one just seemed like the best option. It seemed like a no-brainer.”

Johnson did what solar installers rec ommend doing first: upgrading outdat ed appliances to more energy-efficient ones. “We put ourselves on a kilowatt diet,” he says. That first solar project paid for itself in about two years, Johnson said. In 2020, Bailey’s put on an additional 300 solar panels for $260,000. This fall, the store plans a 6,000-square-foot expan sion project.

Large-Scale Solar Bailey’s General Store has been operat ing on Sanibel Island since 1899. It has had solar panels on its roof since 2016, when co-owner Richard Johnson decid ed to hire Florida Solar Design Group and spent $240,000 on 180 solar panels.

Johnson helped organize a Sanibel solar cooperative; with several island busi nesses using the same company, they were able to take advantage of economies of scale and get better pricing, he said. “When I got back here in 2004, our average electric bill was about $25,000 per month,” Johnson says. “My wife and I were in the process of purchasing the business from her father. We couldn’t af ford 25 grand a month. We started look ing at ‘How do we reduce?’”

 SEEKING QUOTES

When looking for multiple quotes, it's suggested to ask for the price per watt and to find a price close to $3.

56 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com Getty  PRICE PER WATT Pricing will vary on the type of home, the roof, the size of the system required and the shade.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 57

58 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com TietzBrian _ THE SPEED OF SUNLIGHT _ PRICES, PANELS AND PEOPLE

When shopping for solar power for your home, be prepared for some confu sion. Many of the compa nies use different types of software to determine the number of panels needed. The systems are designed to offset—and be cheaper in the long run than—the annual energy usage from your local power company. But the same house could get quoted five different kilowatt sizes from five different solar companies.

“The difference in kilo watt that you are seeing could be from numerous different factors,” says Cory Keck, sales and operations manager with Fafco Solar, which has been based in Cape Coral since 1974. “Dif ferent computer software programs arrive at different conclusions as far as what the solar will make. There are different input variables such as panel efficiency, shading factor, roof angle andFafcotilt.” began solar heating pools in 1974 and began doing household solar systems in 1999. By 2018, the household solar business finally exceeded its pool-heating business, Keck“Oversaid.the years, solar has become much cheaper and has now reached a point where it costs less than your existing power bill,” he Floridasays.Solar Design Group, headquartered in Fort Myers, was founded by two former Fafco employ ees. Owners Dominick Zito and Jason Szumlanski have seen a lot of competition come and go, especially in recent months. Because, like Fafco, they have diver sified their business without relying solely on solar, they are positioning themselves to continue thriving even after those federal solar tax credits expire.

“Our competition has probably grown tenfold in the past 18 months,” Zito says. “It’s kind of the wild, wild West here. Google and Facebook ads—ev erybody is paying to play. There’s value to your name and number. Jason and I have been doing this for 12 years. It’s kind of a sad state of what we’ve got going on, but the cream will always rise to the top.”

In Southwest Florida, even if you go solar, you will have to remain connected to the grid with either FPL or ManyLCEC. of the solar salespeople will fixate on helping you beat your average monthly power bill payment. But instead

Tesla Gave three estimates with a $250 deposit that can be refunded if you don’t choose Tesla or will go toward cost of system if you do.

Florida Solar Design Group Cost of system: $35,980 after $12,641 tax credit for 16.1-kilowatt system pro ducing 19,114 kilowatts per year, 100% of energy needed. Estimated 25year savings from paying FPL: $94,211. Sunergy Cost of system: $35,979 after $12,641 tax credit for 13.43-kilowatt system producing 19,619 kilo watts per year, 119% of energy needed. Estimated 25-year savings from paying FPL: $50,597.

Wilkerson offered one final piece of advice: After you invite the solar salesperson into your home, make sure to visit their office, too. “I en courage all of my neighbors: Go see their office. Go see their inventory. It’s very crit ical that you go with people who have real employees. The vast majority of a solar company these days might be a sales guy—and he might be a great sales guy— but then they find somebody else [from another company] to install it.”

Fafco Solar Cost of system: $25,914 after $9,105 tax credit for a 12.6-kilowatt system producing 21,317 kilo watts per year, 105% of energy needed. Estimated 25-year savings from paying FPL: $88,153.

Xando Energy Cost of system: $31,490 after tax credit of $11,064 for 11.47-kilowatt system producing an estimated 15,053 kilowatts per year, 78% of energy needed. Estimated 25-year savings from paying FPL: $41,146.

Tesla option 2: Cost of system: $31,968 after tax credit of $8,311 for 14.4 kilowatt system producing 17,917 kilowatts per year, 85% of energy needed. Estimated 25-year sav ings from FPL: N/A. Tesla option 3: Cost of system: $37,292 after tax credit of $9,696 for 16.8 kilowatt system producing 20,452 kilowatts per year, 101% of energy needed. Estimated 25-year sav ings from FPL: N/A.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 59 of shopping for a monthly payment, try shopping for the lowest possible price per watt of electricity, said Mark Wilkerson, a solar power consultant who is based in BabcockWilkersonRanch.said he once heard a solar salesperson brag that he made $17,000 in commissions on one house. Wilkerson told him: “That’s unethical, immoral, and I think you need to find something else to do.”

Local Estimates Here’s how five solar companies submitted estimates for the same two-story, 2,400-square-foot home in Fort Myers. Note: The estimates were provided by each company. Also, systems larger than 11.7 kilowatts require homeowners to have a $1 million personal liability umbrella insurance policy. Factoring in the amount of that policy will add to the bottom line.

Tesla option 1: Cost of sys tem: $25,752 after $6,695 tax credit for 11.6-kilowatt system producing 14,899 kilowatts per year, 74% of energy needed. Estimat ed 25-year savings from paying FPL: N/A.

SUNLIGHT MarketMercola

60 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com _

“So far, I’m pretty happy with it,” Steve Rye says. He’s the CEO of Mer cola, which purchased its system from Advanced Green Technologies. “We haven’t had too many problems. I think there were a few surprising unknowns; we’ve had a couple of little pieces of equipment that have gone out. But on the front end of this  PRICE OF ENERGY FPL and LCEC pricing increased and is likely not to go down. Every kilowatt you save is one you don't have to buy, said Richard Johnson.

“Well guess what?” Johnson says. “That gives me another 6,000 square feet to put solar panels on.” That $25,000 power bill has been reduced to about $8,000 after switching to solar, Johnson said. “I measure things in dollars and cents,” he says. “Not kilowatt hours. What’s my bill? I’m so happy, I’m do ing it again. Especially with today’s power rates. FPL and LCEC made big jumps. Every kilowatt you save is one you don’t have to buy, and the price of energy is not likely to go down.”

Mercola, the online health food and supplement company, spent $1.3 million on a solar system that rests on the roof and carport roof of its Cape Coral headquarters, which includes a 10,000-square-foot store and show case for its products. Mercola has 530 solar panels on the roof of its building and 490 more panels spread around the roof of its carports.

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GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 61 deal, so far, so good. But the reality of it is getting through 20 years.

“We’ll see at 10 years what we will have paid for the system. We’re pret ty much on track with the estimated power we were expected to generate.”

“We want to set an example,” says Victoria Pollock, the Conservancy’s chief financial officer. “It’s an exam ple that we’re setting of who we are. Using a renewable source of energy is a smart thing to do.”

With rising costs, Rye said he was glad Mercola went solar in 2019 rather than“Wenow.actually signed the entire cold proposal before everything went crazy,” Rye says of inflation and sup ply-chain issues. “If we had tried to put this thing on now, it would cost 50% more. It’s hard to say what’s go ing to happen. With more expensive electricity, it’s going to be a clear win. But we know that, as with anything with electronics these days, anything canThehappen.”Conservancy of Southwest Florida, a nonprofit organization that has a mission to protect water, land and wildlife in the region, re ceived a $650,000 grant to incorpo rate solar power. It also went with Florida Solar Design Group, which installed 550 panels.

PHOTOGRAPHY

There’s no age requirement for excellence. You might have heard the aphorism “Youth is wasted on the young,” but it’s generally credited to Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, a famously bitter curmudgeon—and besides, counterexamples can be found all around us. Take a good look at the Southwest Florida workforce and you’ll see every profession being elevated and energized through the dedication and drive of younger generations. We’re pleased to celebrate their efforts by presenting the Gulfshore Business 40 Under 40 for 2022. Inside you’ll see representatives of dozens of industries from law to dentistry, real estate to public education, speech therapy to photography. And while their efforts at those vocations are undeniably impressive, inclusion in this list requires more than professional excellence and comparative youth; each honoree has also dedicated extra energy, time and talent to making his or her community a little better through philanthropic work and volunteer support for nonprofit organizations. The drive to succeed, the passion to pursue their dreams, the caring and commitment to improve the quality of life for all of us—these young members of our Southwest Florida community are true inspirations, and it’s our pleasure to shine a spotlight on this year’s 40 Under 40. They’ve earned it. BY BRIAN TIETZ

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Steven J. Adamczyk 39 VarnumPartner

“My dad instilled in me early that if you are going to do something, do it right. I believe that passion and hard work can yield incredible results, and giving your best to every commitment is crucial to achieving great results,” he says. “I recently obtained my MBA and want to bring my business-oriented approach to help clients dream big, do great things and achieve their goals with effective legal counsel to partner in their journeys.”

In addition to his legal work, Adamczyk also teaches legal classes, publishes articles on legal topics and tries to explain complex legal matters in a simple, fun manner. He has volun teered with the American Heart Associ ation and currently serves on the board of the American Red Cross. Adamczyk said one of his most rewarding mo ments was his time spent serving as the Red Cross liaison to elected officials in Southwest Florida following the devas tation of Hurricane Irma.

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Steve Adamczyk graduated with honors from the University of Florida law school in 2008 and immediately began practicing law in his hometown of Na ples. Now a partner at Varnum LLP, he says he’s aiming even higher, profession ally and personally.

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Elizabeth Beans 30 Associate Director of Horticulture Naples Botanical Garden Drawn by its biodiversity, Elizabeth Beans moved to Southwest Florida seven years ago after studying botany and environmental science at Miami University in Ohio. Now serving as the associate director of horticulture at Naples Botanical Garden, she can truly say that her job is focused on growth.

“This job allows me to express my love of nature and to fulfill my creative instincts by designing landscapes or helping others fulfill their visions.

Gardening is a fantastic form of therapy, and I feel like we are in a new age of gardening,” she says. “For many people, the Garden serves as an introduction to the natural world. My hope is that a visit to the Garden helps visitors realize the importance of its preservation, mo tivates them to make more sustainable decisions at home and prompts them to consider the environment when casting ballots at the polls.”

In addition to her work at the Garden, Beans has helped with beach dune restoration on Sanibel Island, coordinated Collier Community Foun dation plantings from the beaches to local parks and medians and partici pated in oyster reef restoration near the mouth of the Caloosahatchee.

Stephanie Neurock 32 District Representative The Office of Congressman Byron Donalds Plenty of people say they’re passionate about their job. But in her career, Steph anie Neurock has been especially pas sionate about helping veterans. That’s because she’s an Army veteran herself.

“My goal is to help veteran-owned businesses,” she says. “That’s why I’m proud to spearhead and co-host the an nual SWFL Veterans Expo with FGCU, where we take a holistic approach to ensure veterans know the benefits and resources available to them.”

Along with being a volunteer and key stakeholder in many nonprofit organi zations, Neurock chairs the Veterans Business Council through SWFL Inc., which holds free monthly workshops and networking events dedicated to building a prosperous business commu nity for all veterans. She also advocates for the interests of veteran businesses on the Horizon Inclusion and Diversity Committee. Neurock now serves as a district representative for Congressman Byron Donalds. In that capacity, she helps constituents remediate issues with the federal government and relays the needs of constituents to the Wash ington D.C. office.

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Justin Lammers

“My father said, ‘Do what you love so that you never work a day in your life.’ I definitely took that to heart,” Lammers says. “In addition to Kayak DIY, I run a kayak rental delivery ser vice called Grab N Go Kayaks in Cape Coral, and my fishing genre TikTok account operates as a small business for advertising fishing products.”

“Our motto at Synergy Health is Make Naples Better, and for me, that goes far beyond just physical health,” says Ahasic. “Yes, I am committed to helping people feel better physically. But I am also committed to supporting the peo ple who give so much to this community, like schoolteachers and first responders, as well as the local organizations com mitted to helping those most in need.”

Ahasic’s recent community projects include packing meals for school-aged children during the pandemic, annual toy and school supply drives for stu dents at Title I schools throughout Col lier County and co-chairing the charity golf outing for David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, or DLC. In addition, at the beginning of each school year, she often sends team members to local schools to provide free massages for teachers and staff.

Aside from his many business endeavors, Lammers has a passion for helping his community and struggling local businesses. Through his You Tube channel, he has funded clean water efforts in Southwest Florida and organized funds from a paid YouTube sponsorship to help feed the homeless. He has also provided fishing gear and kayaks to vacationing families strug gling with terminal illness, while also donating his time and marketing skills to struggling local businesses.

2022 Stephanie Ahasic 38 SynergyOwner Health In 2012, Stephanie Ahasic opened a small chiropractic clinic in Naples with one employee. Today, Synergy Health is a thriving, multidisciplinary practice with more than 30 employees. She also plans to open the Thrive IV Bar to offer a range of therapies including IV drips, cryotherapy, aesthetic treatments and more. But that’s just the tip of her pas sion for quality health care, and for life.

Away from her business, Cason serves on the Diversity and Inclusion commit tee of the AAF-SWFL and volunteers for the Neighborhood Accountability Board for Lee County Human & Veteran Services. She also works with Love Your Rebellion to promote marginalized people through the arts.

Jesi Cason 36 Owner/Branding Photographer Jesi Cason Photography Jesi Cason began as a photographer in 2007 and opened her own photography business 13 years later. And, while she said her style lends itself well to loud, proud, impossible-to-ignore clients who want to differentiate themselves from their competitors, the best business advice she ever received had nothing to do with

34 GrabEntrepreneurNGoKayaks/YouTube

Though he was working full-time as a nurse, Justin Lammers would occasionally upload videos of what he called his “aquatic adventure” to his YouTube channel, called KayakDIY. Over time, his videos of kayaking, fish ing, diving and boat building helped turn his passion into a full-time career and garnered the attention of major outdoor and marine companies.

“Whenphotography.Igotmyfirst camera, I reached out to a wedding videographer in my hometown and asked her if I should go to school and study photog raphy. She essentially told me, ‘I went to school and studied photography. I should have studied business. You can learn photography on your own, but business and marketing skills are what artists really need,’” she says. “I took this to heart and her advice helped me see the importance of prioritizing good business practices, which made it possi ble for me to be a full-time professional photographer today.”

“The best advice I ever received was ‘Listen to learn.’ If you’re going to be successful at making an impact, it is important to understand the issues and challenges from many points of view,” she says. “That’s important, because in my work with Coastland Center, I work with the general manager, operations manager and group business develop ment representatives. I also work with tenant coordination, national accounts and city and town officials to ensure effective communication, coordination and programming of business develop ment, strategic partnerships and market ing activities for the center.”

Alex Breault 33 Vice President of Teen Initiatives Boys & Girls Club of Collier County A Naples native, Alex Breault is the vice president of Teen Initiatives at the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, or BGCCC. She also works with the FutureMakers Coalition, or FMC, as its partnership manager to help further the agency’s goal of ensuring adults in SWFL have high-quality credentials to fill the workforce gaps in the area.

On top of her work, Breault serves on the Early Learning Coalition of SWFL Board and Taste of Immokalee Board, is chair of the CCPS NAF Advisory Board and is a member of FGCU’s Advisory Board for PAGES Program. She is also a member of the Child’s Path Advisory Board and serves as a co-chair for committees with FMC and Future Ready Collier.

“The best advice I ever received was ‘Learn how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.’ To me, this meant asking those difficult questions everyone wants to ask but does not,” she says. “I want to apply that to help serve more students and families in our region, to ensure they have an under standing of local career opportunities and have the skills and the knowledge to create a plan or have an idea on how to reach their full potential.”

Sloan Nagy 31 Asset BrookfieldManagementProperties

When not at work, Nagy enjoys giving back to the community. She is a board member for Habitat for Humanity Next Gen, co-chair of the LCF Matching Needs Committee and a member of the CCPS NAF Advisory Board Committee. She also volunteers for STARability Founda tion and Habitat for Humanity.

Matt Sellick 39 StockPresidentDevelopment Corporation Originally from Stuart, Florida, Matt Sellick was always drawn to the home building and construction business. After graduation from Florida State University, Sellick accepted a position as a superintendent at Stock Develop ment and began learning the business. But, though he’s now president of Stock’s building divisions, along the way, Sellick also learned about build ing

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“Myrelationships.mentor,Brian Stock, instilled in me that you are only as good as your people. Surround yourself with good people and you will be successful. This is something that has stuck with me to this day and something I will continue to do throughout my career,” Sellick says. “I learned the value of a strong or ganizational culture and a commitment to excellence. My goal is to continu ously elevate the team and the quality of the homebuilding experience they deliver to customers.”

Sellick currently serves as president and a board member of the Collier Building Industry Association, or CBIA, and mentors FGCU students in construction and related career paths. In addition, he raised $250,000 for the construction of the Golisano Children’s Hospital in gratitude for their work with his son, who was born prematurely.

After growing up in Naples, Sloan Nagy graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York, with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in education. Today, she serves as an asset manager for Brook field Properties, focusing on the compa ny’s strategic plan for Coastland Center.

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Isbell is also invested in the commu nity through the STARability Foun dation and as president of the Naples Design District, Southwest Florida’s creative quarter. She is currently work ing to support the refurbishment of the Naples Design District.

Away from the construction sites, Castellano volunteers at her church teaching children’s Sunday School, by helping to feed the homeless and through a youth-based ministry called Awana. She is also a member of a com pany fundraising group that supports her fellow Suffolk employees through life-altering tragedies, as well as the company’s coastal cleanup and Build-ABike project.

Elizabeth Kurtz Isbell 31 Business Development Kurtz Homes Naples and The Collective Naples A Naples native, Elizabeth Kurtz Isbell earned a business degree from the Uni versity of Central Florida, and currently works at Kurtz Homes Naples and The Collective Naples, a high-end design center, covering marketing, events and business development. It was her grand father who provided the best business lesson on giving back. “My Papa, Ron Kurtz, who co-found ed Kurtz Home Naples, always said, ‘Be a good steward of the things entrusted to you.’ My Papa saw everything he was given as something to be given back. He knew the value of relationships and instilling this principle in the next generation,” she says. “As his grand daughter, I have seen two generations before me live this out personally and professionally. This is something that will continue to drive what I do and will be a motivating factor in the roles that have been entrusted to me.”

36 HahnPartnerLoeser & Parks LLP As an attorney at Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP, John Paul Bratcher focuses his legal practice in the areas of private wealth preservation, estate planning, estate and trust administration, busi ness law and fiduciary litigation. But he’s always looking for ways to improve, too.

“My college soccer coach always chal lenged my teammates and me by asking, ‘Can it be better? Can you do better?’ regarding anything from our quality of play and skill level to our effort and atti tude, and even off the field,” he says. “My role as an estate planning and private wealth attorney is often described as being ‘in-house counsel’ to my clients. That means that many times I directly assist my clients and, on occasion, intro duce them to a partner or colleague who is better suited to help them with the issue. I’m more capable in that role now than when I started practicing, and I intend to continue that growth through out my career.”

John Paul Bratcher

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Corina Castellano 37 Project Manager Suffolk Construction Arriving in the United States from Ven ezuela to attend college in 2000, Corina Castellano earned a bachelor’s degree in arts and landscape architecture and master’s in construction management from Florida International University.

Although construction ranks among Southwest Florida’s top industries, Castellano stands out as one of the few women in that field.

“Women comprise less than 10% of the total construction workforce in South west Florida. I want to use my knowledge and experience to empower women in the industry to have a voice and to follow their dreams,” she says. “I have always tried to learn something new every day and to not fear change, as with change comes opportunities, new knowledge and growth. I think that is what has helped me develop an ever-evolving portfolio in my career, and to contribute to the construction and development of some wonderful properties.”

In the community, Bratcher has been involved with the Collier Community Foundation and The Shelter for Abused Women & Children. He has also served as a volunteer assistant track and cross country coach at Gulf Coast High School.

In addition to her work at Collins Vision, Dunford is active in many capacities with United Way. She also donated her time to Special Equestrians, Captains For Clean Water and many other organizations.

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Lauren Dunford 37 Practice Administrator Collins Vision After earning a marketing degree from Stetson University, Sanibel native Lauren Dunford took on a couple of post-graduate jobs. But accepting a new position at Collins Vision, an ophthal mology clinic, helped her see her job and her community differently.

Kristen Dimas 32 Physician, Medical Director, Graduate Medical Residency Program

The efforts of Dimas and her health disparities committee supported the Barbershop Wellness Program, the Mo bile Medicine Program, the Community Partnership School and more.

“My dad started his business in 1989 in New Jersey, from zero. Migrat ing from another country, learning the language and culture, opening a business and raising three children was a dream he conquered,” she says. “He taught me numerous lessons in my life that shaped who I am today; from mastering resilience [to] gaining confi dence, practicing optimism, practicing philanthropy and, most importantly, to always give more and never forget where I came from. I am a contagiously positive person who is optimistic and compassionate toward people, and will continue to strive to fulfill the commu nity through the Green Cup Cafe.”

“One of my goals is to address health disparities for underserved populations and to care for all patients, regardless of socio-economic status. And I want to recruit and train more outstanding physicians dedicated to this communi ty mission,” she says. “As co-chair for a health disparities sub-committee devoted to positively impacting and evaluating those disparities and developing working solutions to address those disparities, we were able to identify the specific disparity, the key operational issue and resources needed to address the gaps. This collab orative work resulted in a recent $3.2 million grant to support community outreach efforts and partners to impact obesity, diabetes, hypertension, depres sion, anxiety, substance abuse and more.”

In addition to working to make her business serve as a community hub, Carbajal has also dedicated her time to several local nonprofit organizations. That includes serving as a mentor, teacher and volunteer with Lee Health, Children’s Advocacy and United Way.

“To market a product or a service suc cessfully, you have to know everything about it, and I knew nothing about eyes. I set out to learn everything I could, and found that the more I learned, the more I wanted to know,” she says. "One of my favorite hats to wear has been creating the vision and core values that have become synonymous with the way Collins Vision conducts business. One of those core values states that we are ‘Humble Servants of our patients, each other and our community.’ Through the years, we’ve shown tremendous growth, and through it all, we’ve also been able to create a culture of giving back to a community that has given so much to all of us.”

Lee Health Born at Lee Memorial Hospital and raised in Immokalee, Kristen Dimas grew up with dreams of helping her community. After graduating from Florida State Uni versity College of Medicine in 2016, she returned to Southwest Florida to com plete her residency training, and today serves as medical director of the Family Medicine residency at Lee Health.

Jennifer Carbajal 30 GreenCo-OwnerCup Cafe Green Cup Cafe Co-Owner Jennifer Carbajal is a native of Fort Myers and a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast Universi ty. Her goal for the Green Cup Cafe is to create a positive, peaceful space where people gather, dine healthy and practice sustainability—and her path in the business world actually began before she was born.

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Outside her work in the clinic, Hancock provides free speech and lan guage screenings to local daycares and pre-schools. She also offers teletherapy services to low income and underserved areas such as Labelle and Immokalee.

That’s when I opened Play on Words Pediatric Therapy and began to see cli ents one-on-one in the office,” she says.

Ashley Hancock grew up in a small Kentucky town that emphasized teamwork, family values and inter personal connection despite varying backgrounds and beliefs. After earning her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Murray State Univer sity, she dreamed of one day opening her own private practice specializing in pediatrics. And when businesses were forced to close during the COVID-19 quarantine, Hancock saw an opening.

38 College and Career Specialist, Certified Career Advisor School District of Lee County Kelly Thawley graduated from Musking um University in New Concord, Ohio, with a bachelor’s degree in education and a minor in psychology. As a college and career specialist for the School District of Lee County, Thawley’s passion is helping students discover their own passion.

“I wasn’t feeling fulfilled in my career, so I decided to leave finance. I then completed my surgical and medical training at Jackson Memorial Hospital and University of Miami Miller School of Medicine specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery. I am now a partner at WestShore OMS Specialists,” he says. “I am double board certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery and anesthesia, and have traveled on mission trips to multiple countries providing health care to those less fortunate.” Winokur also strives to serve the Southwest Florida community and works closely with the Neighborhood Health Clinic. He also volunteers as a study club leader and has been working to encourage decreased narcotic use as a means of postoperative pain manage ment. In addition, Winokur serves as a lecturer and educator regarding opioid addiction with adolescents and anesthe sia safety.

“Since then, we have expanded and de veloped into a comprehensive pediatric clinic, offering speech, occupational, feeding and teletherapy services. The teletherapy branch of the clinic allows our staff to serve not only children in the Naples community, but also the pediatric population throughout the entire state of Florida.”

Though he grew up in a small beach town in New Jersey and came from a family of pediatric dentists, Daniel Winokur wanted to forge his own path. After play ing college golf and graduating from The George Washington University Business School, he worked at an investment bank until 2008. But then, he decided to forge yet another path.

Ashley Hancock 37 Owner/Speech Language PlayPathologistOnWords Therapy

“I am also deeply committed to inspiring young women to follow their dreams and fulfill their true potential.”

Daniel Winokur 38 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon WestShore OMS Specialists

“With several schools and therapy clinics closing their doors, a multitude of children were left without necessary therapy services. I wanted to provide these children with the services they needed to thrive in their community.

Kelly Thawley

“I oversee work-based learning, career exploration and business partnerships, from kindergarten through 12th grade, within the Career and Technical Educa tion Department. My goal is to help stu dents discover their passions, connecting them to the local workforce in Southwest Florida and encouraging them on the pathway to a successful career,” she says.

To fulfill her goal of helping young women grow and thrive, Thawley serves on the planning committee for the LEAD Like a Girl program, on the board of directors for Our Mother’s Home and as the chair of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Committee. She is also a proud FutureMaker and was a member of SWFL Inc.’s Leadership Class of 2020. In the future, she hopes to continue serving the community and students by helping to connect education and workforce development.

Brian Konkel 36 7-Eleven Franchisee/Licensed Real Estate Broker 7-Eleven/MVPAssociateRealty

“A mentor of mine once told me to be ‘like a duck.’ That might seem like an odd analogy, but the idea is to stay calm, cool and unruffled on the surface while paddling like crazy underneath,” she says.

“My wife and I purchased our first 7-Eleven gas station franchise 10 years ago, and we now own and operate five locations in Southwest Florida. I’ve also been helping clients as a real estate bro ker with MVP Realty for 10 years,” he says. “In all facets of my life, I’ve always gone back to a quote from motivational speaker Les Brown, who said, ‘If you do what is easy, your life will be hard. If you do what is hard, your life will be easy.’ That helps me stay focused and take on the hard tasks that will eventually help me have an easy life.”

“I think this is particularly important in my profession, as it is essential to remain composed and portray confidence to clients, colleagues and opposing coun sel, when behind the scenes you may be working frantically to navigate through a difficultOutsidematter.”thecourtroom, Barkis serves on the board of directors of Fun Time Early Childhood Academy, a nonprofit preschool that provides safe, quality care for children of low-income working par ents, and as a board officer for HR Collier, an organization for human resources professionals. She is also active in the local bar associations, including the Lee County Association for Women Lawyers.

“I believe in having a servant leader mindset in all things, whether it’s work, community involvement or my family,” he says. “At work, my role is to support my advisors and associates with achiev ing their goals; my success is tied to and dependent on theirs. Outside the office, I want to stay involved in the communi ty, because this is where I was born and raised. I want to support its continued growth and development.”

In addition to work, Konkel is passion ate about community involvement, and through his 7-Eleven stores, has donated hundreds of pounds of food for food banks and a local mental health facility. He has also raised thousands of dollars through fundraisers for families that have fallen victim to drunk driving and fatal diseases.

Alexis Barkis 33 Attorney, Labor and Employment Law Quarles & Brady LLP A Southwest Florida native, Alexis Barkis works as a management-side employment lawyer at Quarles & Brady LLP, counsel ing businesses in labor and employment law and representing employers in work place-related litigation. She also performs pro bono work assisting families seeking asylum in the United States. To handle her busy schedule, Barkis follows some advice she was given in law school.

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For most people, balancing one full-time job with family life is demanding enough. But Brian Konkel, who owns five 7-Elev en franchise locations in Southwest Florida, sees things differently.

Geoffrey Hunter 33 Branch RaymondManagerJames Born and raised in Naples, Geoff Hunter graduated from Gulf Coast High School and attended Florida State University, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in finance. He started his professional career with Raymond James Financial in its corporate head quarters in St. Petersburg, but when the opportunity arose to manage the company’s Naples office, he relocated back to his hometown.

Hunter volunteers his time and resources serving on the board of directors for Cancer Alliance of Naples and the Seminole Club of Naples. He has also involved his office in food drives, toy drives, Habitat for Humanity builds and volunteering for the Boys and Girls Club and United Way campaigns.

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Pearson also has a passion for giving back to the area where he grew up, as well as helping others to find ways to get involved in building a stronger community and economy. He is active with the Leadership Collier Founda tion, or LCF, of the Greater Naples Chamber, and serves as a Youth Lead ership Collier mentor and as the chair of the LCF Alumni Association Match ing Needs Committee, which works to connect LCF alumni to community leadership roles.

David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health Raised in Islamorada, Jessica Liria graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University, earning dual Bachelor of Science degrees in criminal justice and forensic studies and a Master of Science degree in forensic studies with a concentration in forensic behavior analysis. She has worked as a commu nity outreach specialist for the David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, or DLC, since 2013.

“My grandfather, W.T. Starks, stressed the importance of maintain ing a positive mental attitude. No mat ter the challenges that life throws my way, I always try to re-center myself by intentionally cultivating a posi tive mental attitude,” he says. “I look forward to building my business and my family here in Naples. It has always been home, and I can’t imagine raising a family anywhere else.”

Jessica Liria 35 Community Outreach Specialist

David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health Jury Paulson holds a Bachelor of Science from Florida State University, a Master of Public Policy from the Uni versity of Erfurt in Germany and a Mas ter of Legal Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. He also gradu ated from Officer Candidate School and serves as an officer in the Florida Army National Guard. Both of those elements serve him well in his career mission.

A lifelong resident of Naples, William Thomas “W.T.” Pearson received his undergraduate degree in business man agement and real estate. Earning his licensure in 2012, he now represents buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords in commercial transactions all across Southwest Florida. It was his grandfa ther who gave him the advice he still follows today.

In addition to his work at DLC and the Florida National Guard, Paulson is a board member for the Housing Development Corporation of Southwest Florida (d/b/a HELP). He is also the immediate past president of the Young Professionals of Naples and a graduate of Associate Leadership Collier class of 2018. W.T. Pearson 33

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Jury Paulson 30 Associate Director of Development

RealPearsonOwner/BrokerCommercialEstateServiceLLC

“At David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, I serve as senior leadership for the Development Depart ment, where I oversee projects, manage a portfolio of donors and work to engage the community through multiple ave nues in support of the DLC mission,” he says. “My mission as a second lieutenant is to lead soldiers who stand ready to fulfill the National Guard’s dual role as a homeland defense force and as an overseas operational force.”

“I remember my mom always saying, ‘Broaden your horizons,' and that always stuck with me. It gave me the confidence to try new things and be open to new ideas,” she says. “Although behavioral health was not always my intended career field, I found my hidden passion in educating others and raising awareness on the importance of mental health. Working with DLC, I’ve held numerous roles spanning the continuum of care, from prevention to crisisLiriaservices.”alsoparticipates in many coali tions and community groups in Collier County and throughout Southwest Florida. She is a certified instructor in Mental Health First Aid along with several other evidence-based training programs, and is a graduate of Associate Leadership Collier class of 2021.

Stephanie Simmerman 39 Nurse RiverchasePractitionerDermatology

Karen Harmon 37 Project Manager, U.S. Southeast Room to Read

Harmon also serves on the Collier County Fatality Review Team, and Family Engagement Subcommittee for First Book. She has also served on the Haitian Initiative Advisory Board and is currently a member of Future Ready Collier. Prior to joining Room to Read, she worked with The Shelter for Abused Women & Children as the outreach director, where she expanded domes tic violence advocacy programs and increased community collaborations.

“We’re developing a literacy program for after-school care and summer camps, as well as family engagement workshops to support literacy gains for children,” she says. “To enhance the literacy initiatives, 75,000 books will be distributed by Room to Read in August 2022.”

After earning her bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2007, Stephanie Simmerman embarked on her health care career as a registered nurse with Riverchase Dermatology. In 2012, she obtained her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Florida and returned to Riverchase Dermatolo gy as a nurse practitioner. But she’s still looking to expand her knowledge.

“Working alongside nationally recog nized physicians, I’ve become proficient in complex medical and surgical derma tology, aesthetics and laser therapies. As I always want to grow my professional portfolio, I also provide presentations on myriad diseases and therapeutic reg imens, as well as business aspects of the health care industry,” she says. “While I’m passionate about patient care, I’m always striving to develop my acumen in the business aspects of an ever-evolving health care Simmermanindustry.”volunteers for free skin cancer screenings—often for those without access to a dermatologist— while also educating residents, visitors and peers at events as a speaker on topics from sunscreen to the business of medicine. Her future endeavors include volunteering in her children’s classrooms, spending time at the Ther apeutic Riding Center and serving as a guardian for a U.S. war veteran with Honor Flight.

Holding a master’s degree in public ad ministration from University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Ave Maria University, Karen Harmon has more than 15 years of public service experience. In her current position as the U.S. Southeast program manager for Room to Read, she’s working to improve literacy and gender equality through education.

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“I lead a team of specialists in provid ing comprehensive wealth planning to business owners and C-suite execu tives,” he says. “We use our experience to advise individuals relative to their banking needs, asset allocation and investment implementation, custom ized credit, estate and tax planning, as well as generational planning. I love my career and mentoring others to reach their potential, and hope to expand my leadership capabilities and help more colleagues reach their career goals.”

“For me, the foundations of business are simple; care fully, communicate directly. Those words have always ori ented me toward success,” Alexander says. “It's amazing what can be accom plished together when others know that you care. I hope to make The Na ples Players a national example of how arts organizations can engage with, be supported by and make improvements to their own communities.”

In the community, Grows currently serves on the Board of Directors and Finance Committees for Grace Place and St. Matthew’s House. Additionally, he serves on the Advisory Council for Collier Community Foundation.

During his tenure with The Naples Players, Alexander has increased the number of students served by more than 30% per year, while also initiating a “wellness through the arts” program serving many historically underserved populations through theater and im provFortherapy.hiswork with The Naples Players and dedication to the SWFL commu nity, he was honored as a Champion of the Arts by Gulfshore Life magazine in 2020, and a Man of the Year in 2021. He is currently a member of the Advisory Council for Leadership Collier at the Naples Chamber of Commerce and the vice chair of the Collier County Emer gency Medical Authority.

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Bryce Alexander 33 CEO & Executive Artistic Director

“With Collaboratory, I want to continue amplifying the bold vision—a commitment to bring SWFL together and coordinate the solving of all our region’s social problems on an 18-year deadline,” she says. “Through various stakeholder engagements, I want to continue connecting problem-solvers and innovators across the community to action. Ultimately, I want to make the impossible possible and collectively solve social problems for generations to Beyondcome.”

Richard Grows 39 Executive Director/Senior Banker J.P. Morgan A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Richard “Rich” Grows received a B.A. in accounting from St. Norbert College and an MBA from Marquette Universi ty. Currently, he works as an executive director and senior banker with J.P. Morgan’s Private Bank, where he helps his clients reach their wealth planning goals. But he’s also focused on helping his co-workers reach their goals, as well.

The Naples Players As the chief officer of The Naples Players, Bryce Alexander oversees all elements of the theater’s productions, identity, messaging, quality, programs, finances, vision and development. And he does it all, he said, through caring.

Collaboratory, Casagrande has served on the board of PACE Center for Girls of Lee County, Keep Lee Coun ty Beautiful, Dress for Success SWFL, Edison Festival of Light, Calusa Water keeper, Operation Open Arms and Red Shoe Society - Ronald McDonald House Charities of SWFL. She has also worked on the committees for American Cancer Society Cattle Baron’s Ball, Alzheimer’s Association “The Longest Day,” the American Heart Association Heart Walk and Go Red for Women, Captains For Clean Water Restore Gala and more.

Noelle Casagrande 38 Communications Lead Collaboratory A University of Florida graduate and SWFL native, Noelle Casagrande said her goal as a corporate communications professional has always been to connect the game-changers in the community. Now serving as communications lead for Collaboratory, she’s still applying her experience in communications, C-suite, operations and charitable giving to achieve her objective.

“I mentor newly hired teachers in engagement strategies, assessments and school procedures. I also facilitate best practices workshops with instructors of Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education, or AICE, cours es,” she says. “I also teach courses in the Advanced Placement, or AP, Capstone Diploma Program, AP Seminar and AP Research. These classes provide oppor tunities for students to excel in research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration and presentations in prepa ration for success at university.”

Naomi Rothring 36 English Department Chair Naples High School A graduate of the University of Florida, Naomi Rothring teaches English language and literature to students in grades nine through 12 while also serving as the English department chair at Naples High School. Though she’s been a teacher for 15 years, high school English is only part of her job.

“I worked through the adversity of being a teen mom, and I wanted to prove to my daughter that we wouldn’t be another statistic by turning our story around. Graduating high school with honors and excelling in college helped me become who I am today,” she says. “I was the person that was told my dreams were not possible for who I was, where I came from or the hard ships I had to overcome. I want to help guide and create the possibilities for the children in our community to make their dreams a reality.”

Grace VanderMolen 33 Project Manager—Media Production Arthrex Grace VanderMolen moved to South west Florida from Michigan in 2016. She currently works as a project manager for media production at Arthrex, but her drive to succeed started when she was much younger.

In addition to her teaching, Rothring has appeared as a model in several South west Florida publications. Through her fashion and lifestyle blog, she has engaged in social media marketing for brands such as Ritz-Carlton Resorts, Michelob Ultra, Lululemon, Dillard’s, Bealls and Walgreens. Finally, on top of her teaching, modeling and blogging career, Rothring is also a certified United States Professional Tennis Association teaching professional.

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Danielle Glickson 37 LVDOwnerSpaces LLC Dani Glickson founded her boutique interior design firm, LVD Spaces, in 2016 to exercise her creativity and also to bridge her lifelong love of architec ture and design with the knowledge she had gained working in commercial real estate deals. Since then, her LVD phi losophy—layout, value and design—has endeared her to a mix of commercial and residential clients.

“I had a professor in college who changed the entire trajectory of my ca reer,” she says. “I’ll never forget that he told me, ‘There are people who want to make money and there are people who actually care about the city they work in. In order to be successful, you have to be both.’ I want to have a legacy and leave an imprint on Naples because this town has been really good to me and my fam ily. It gave us a home, stability, amazing friends—and it’s a selfless community. I love that so many people give back, and I’m inspired to do the same.”

Outside work, Glickson supports several local causes, including the Community School of Naples, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Kids’ Minds Matter.

As part of her passion for the com munity, VanderMolen mentors adults with disabilities through job placement, volunteers through the Collier County Elections office and spends time at Shy Wolf Sanctuary. She is also involved with events supporting Youth Haven, serving as the Habitat for Humanity NextGen secretary and vice-chair for Associate Leadership Collier class of 2022. VanderMolen is also hoping to find partnerships with programs that support teens as parents.

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“The best way to fix foster care is to reduce the need for it in the first place. The Better Families program has provided 3,200 Southwest Florida children with safe, temporary homes while mentoring parents to find jobs, homes, treatment and more,” she says. “Next up, we are expanding Better Families across Florida to end the fos ter care crisis statewide. We are also introducing our work program into every state and major city in America. We’ve also been asked to introduce Better Jobs to a network of 7,000 pas tors across the country.”

Florida Gulf Coast University Small Busi ness Development Center

Sofia L. Gonzalez 32 Co-Founder and CMO Affluence Media Agency

Amanda Simat was born in New Jersey and raised in Cape Coral. She attended Florida Gulf Coast University, earning a degree in marketing. Ten years later, she found herself back on FGCU’s campus working as the marketing coordinator for the Florida Small Business Development Center at FGCU.

Rose has been recognized as a Man hattan Institute Civil Society Fellow and was the inaugural recipient of its Civil Society Award in 2019.

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As a global brand strategist, Sofia Gonza lez helps established CEOs, consultants, thought leaders and professional service brands elevate their passion and create a profitable brand that people know, love and trust. However, while she works to help brands elevate their passion and profitability, she’s equally passionate about supporting other businesswomen in Southwest Florida. “I make a point to support my fellow businesswomen by promoting their products, services and events through my social media platform. I not only want to support women business own ers, but I want to celebrate their wins, too,” she says. “During the pandemic, it was gratifying to create and host an online summit called Purpose, Passion, Profit Summit. It brought together women from all over Southwest Florida and the world, and created a safe place for women to share their stories and gain tools to find their passion and make a profit through personal branding and marketingGonzalezimplementation.”alsoputsherheart into causes that she cares about, including serving as a mentor for Girls Going Places, a national program that teaches girls financial literacy and the benefits of entrepreneurship. In addition, she serves her church as a worship leader.

2022 Amanda Simat 35 Marketing Coordinator

“I really enjoy collaborating with my marketing team members. Being encouraged to grow professionally and have my ideas supported is something I value every day. It’s really a great feeling,” she says. “I’ve worked in the sports, data and retail industry of Southwest Florida, but nothing compares to the impactful feeling of helping the small businesses in ourSimatarea.”is currently enrolled in SWFL Inc. Leadership. She received the Florida Small Business Development Center at FGCU Regional Ambassador Award and represented the region during a Market ing 101 panel at the Small Business Suc cess Summit earlier this year. Simat has also volunteered for the Ronald McDon ald House and Make-A-Wish Foundation, and previously volunteered for Give Kids the World in Kissimmee to raise money for its annual Gingerbread Run. In addi tion, she is a digital defender through the National Women’s March, which combats disinformation that harms women.

Megan Rose 35 BetterCEO Together Megan Rose is the CEO of Better To gether, a nonprofit helping people find jobs and overcome crises without losing children to foster care. With the help of hundreds of passionate volunteers and local churches, the group operates two voluntary programs: Better Families and Better Jobs. She and her family even host children in their own home. For Rose, that’s just a starting point.

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Ashley Simonelli is the owner and broker of Royal Palm Property Man agement and The Simonelli Real Estate Group, a premier boutique brokerage in Southwest Florida. While she de signed her brokerage to be a one-stop shop serving investors all across the world, she believes the most important part is simply showing up.

White also serves on the board of directors for the Naples Therapeutic Riding Center, or NTRC, where she is committed to working alongside its board and staff to maximize benefits to those in need. In 2022, she took on a leadership role with NTRC’s executive committee and now serves as secretary of the board, where she is committed to maximizing the benefits NTRC offers the community.

“Some of the best advice I ever received was from the first real estate broker I worked for, who said, ‘Show up when others do not.’ That sentence has been on replay in my head since,” she says. “As a result, I show up. I show up when things are hard. I show up after hours and on weekends. I show up on holidays and when times are scary or unknown. My family, friends, clients and team know that I’m going to show up by any means necessary.” When not supporting her team and clients, Simonelli volunteers with Bet ter Together to keep families together and children out of foster care. Every year, she and her family have an Easter Basket Drive to collect baskets for the kids who are part of this organization, as well as a large toy drive for the holiday season.

Sara White 37 Attorney/Senior Associate Porter Wright

As a senior associate at Porter Wright’s Naples office, Sara White advises clients surrounding complex matters in the areas of commercial litigation, probate litigation, banking and finance and real estate law. And as a native of Naples, she also has a passion for advising the next generation of community leaders.

Jana Seaman 37 Founder & CEO Valo Holdings Group For Jana Seaman, leadership is not about suits and boardrooms. Though her companies vary from wealth man agement firm Solas Wealth to success coaching brand JanaSeaman.com and the venture capital firm Valo Holdings Group, Seaman says there’s only been one constant in all her endeavors: She’s always been willing to bet on herself.

Ashley Simonelli 36 RoyalBroker/OwnerPalmProperty Management

“I grew up in a small Kentucky town, and when I was 18, I met a distinguished, classy businesswoman and author who also valued and prioritized her marriage and family first. The example of the life that she lived inspired me and I thought to myself, ‘I want to be that kind of a woman,’” she says. “My focus has been to build a community of people. I want to continue expanding my venture cap ital group while inspiring others to see beyond what they think is possible and to live their best lives.”

“For several years, I have volunteered as an attorney coach for the Immokalee High School Mock Trial Team, teach ing high school students about the legal system and procedures, as well as helping them to improve their analytical and courtroom skills,” she says. “I have also served as a member of the Emerg ing Leadership Council for the Greater Naples Chamber, through which I sup ported leadership efforts with the Boys and Girls Club Friends’ Circle.”

Outside her business endeavors, Sea man serves the community through her involvement with St. Matthew’s House and STARability, and the Jonathan Ard Memorial Toy Drive. She also volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Salvation Army, First Baptist Academy, Grow Church and Habitat for Humanity.

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Geraldo F. “Jerry” Olivo III 38 Litigation Henderson,Attorney/StockholderFranklin,Starnes& Holt, P.A.

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Katina Henderson 30 Law Enforcement Officer State of Florida After receiving her bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal investigations, Katina Henderson spent three years vol unteering in law enforcement. Though now a certified law officer in the state of Florida, Henderson is still volunteering in the “Mycommunity.mottois‘Icannot save the world, but I can help one person at a time,’ and I try to follow that every day in my professional and personal life. I want to continue working to bridge the gap between the community and law en forcement,” she says. “This fall, I’ll get to fulfill my goal of teaching and mentoring youth in schools full-time.”

In addition to her work in law enforce ment, Henderson is active in the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club of Naples. Pursuing its mission of literacy, she has served in multiple leadership roles, including vice president of communications and social media chair. Henderson also participates in annual events, including the club’s largest philanthropic event, “Just Book It,” which entails reading to and distrib uting more than 1,200 books to under privileged children. Henderson is also an active member with the Naples Junior Women’s Club and SWFL Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or MADD. 2022

“A boss once told me he would never ask me to do something that he wasn’t willing to do himself. That statement became the foundation for my leadership style, and it guides me to this day,” Olivo says. “My practice focuses primarily on defending law enforcement agencies, municipalities and private businesses. My job is to use my varied legal experience to guide my clients through the litigation process. That’s where my prior experience as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney is invaluable.”Olivoserves the community through several organizations, including United Way and the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. With Olivo serving as the chairman in 2021, the Henderson Frank lin United Way committee increased fundraising by 8% over the previous year and set the firm’s fundraising record. As a member of the Foundation for Lee Coun ty Public Schools’ Golden Apple Selection Committee, he has recognized the com munity’s best and brightest teachers.

Raised in Southwest Florida, Jerry Olivo graduated from law school in 2008. Now a stockholder at Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A, his strength as an attorney and a leader, he said, stems from advice from a former supervisor.

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or training. Securities, investments, and insurance products: Are Not FDIC Insured | Offer No Bank Guarantee | May Lose Value | Are Not Insured By Any Federal Government Agency | Are Not A Deposit

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That preparation also includes managing uncertainty, which plays a key role in running a successful business, yet isn’t always easy to do. Unexpected conflicts can arise at any time—that’s why we work together with you and your advisors to help you better navigate what may unfold. By being proactive and preparing for life’s uncertainties, you can remain confident that your goals and your business continue moving in the direction you want them to. areas of and retirement planning Contingency planning and wealth transfer planning* Business continuity/succession planning Buy-sell planning*

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When you’re busy taking care of business demands, it’s easy to overlook your personal financial goals. Although business and personal financial planning are different, it’s important for you to understand how and where they connect, so that you can better prepare for the future.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 95 Naples, meet Fifth Third Private Bank. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Fifth Third Private Bank is a division of Fifth Third Bank, N.A., offering banking, investment and insurance products and services. Fifth Third Bancorp provides access to investments and investment services through various subsidiaries, including Fifth Third Securities. Fifth Third Securities is the trade name used by Fifth Third Securities, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and registered investment advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Securities, investments and insurance products: Are Not FDIC Insured | Offer No Bank Guarantee | May Lose Value | Are Not Insured By Any Federal Government Agency | Are Not A Deposit To get in touch, call 239-449-7046. Our experts have over 100 years of combined wealth planning experience. Providing unparalleled financial expertise and insight, they’ve come together for one purpose—to help you achieve even more. Left to Right: David Frye, Melissa Garner, Michael Ricci, Rick Sterioti, Craig Watson, Helene Tolentino, Cesar Taveras, Pete Stebelton, Jennifer Drucker. Missing from photo: Tom Nerney

Perhaps it’s time for an independent review of your financial strategy. The fee-based, 100% employeeowned fiduciary has been serving families in Naples and beyond for more than 30 years. Call 239-9204440 or visit moranwm.com today and find out how their extraordinary team of advisors can help you achieve a diverse portfolio, strategically managed to care for your family now and in the future. 5801 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Suite 110 | Naples, FL 34108 (239) 920.4440 |

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“It always begins with gaining a deep understanding of what’s specifically important to each client,” says Tom. “We are acutely aware of the unique concerns of each individual, family and institution we advise. This is one way we make the entire process more satisfying and enjoyable.”

MORAN WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Utilizing a comprehensive approach, Moran Wealth provides investment management services to a select group of successful individuals and their families, corporations and non-profit organizations. They work with young families seeking to build generational wealth, as well as family offices to collaborate with their clients’ attorneys, accountants, trust, and real estate professionals. Moran Wealth’s investment philosophy centers around always doing what they believe is right for their clients. From the very first meeting a team will apply many years of collective financial experience to the serious business of managing your investments.

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Teamwork is integral to the way Moran Wealth Management® serves its clients. Chairman, CEO and CIO, Tom Moran, has gathered a remarkable group of dedicated professionals focused on delivering personalized investment attention. “We’ve grown into a major firm —with over $4 billion under management— by taking care of every client, every time,” says Tom, “That’s the core of what we do.”

5801 Pelican Bay Boulevard • Suite 110 Naples, FL 34108 • 239.920.4440 • MoranWM.com Moran Wealth Management®, LLC is a registered investment adviser. For additional information about Moran Wealth Management®, LLC, including its services and fees, send for the firm’s disclosure brochure using the contact information contained herein or visit advisorinfo.sec.gov Moran Wealth Management® is a separate entity and not affiliated with any other entity or practice that uses the same name. Effective portfolio management is a lot like air travel. The pilot and crew navigate weather conditions, turbulence, and air traffic to get you there safely on time, but you might be surprised just how often the plane can potentially be off course. That’s why you need an extraordinary team of advisors guarding your financial future—professionals with the experience, expertise, and compassion to deliver the level of service you expect. Discover how we design a strategic plan, manage continuous course correction, and strive to bring your financial future in for a perfect landing. Call us today to request your complimentary consultation with one of our advisors at 239.920.4440 or through our website MoranWM.com CHOOSE A FINANCIAL CREW QUALIFIED TO NAVIGATE THE TURBULENCE.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Adam Bourk CLA Senior Wealth Advisor We start with the CLA Promise—to know you and help you. CLA, the eighth largest accounting firm in the United States, and CLA Wealth Advisors, an SECregistered investment advisor, offer an integrated team approach to provide the guidance you need across your financial journey.

Our salaried wealth advisors have deep experience and act with your interests in mind. Once we know what you want out of life — for yourself, your family, and your business — we evaluate where you are on the path to your goals and recommend a plan to help get you where you want to be.

CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through our industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting and, outsourcing services. Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Suite 200 FL 34103-3548

CLA 4501NaplesTamiami Trail North,

CPAs | CONSULTANTS | WEALTH ADVISORS Adam 239-280-3512Bourk CLAconnect.com We’ll get you there. Where is your there? CLA brings balance to get you where you want to go.

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(239) 262-8686 CLA Fort Myers 12800 University Drive, Suite 210 Fort Myers, FL 33907 (239) CLAconnect.com226-9900

Naples,

“The CLA Promise is our commitment to put relationships first,” said Adam Bourk, senior wealth advisor, CLA Wealth Advisors. “Based on this promise, our wealth advisory group delivers comprehensive wealth planning strategies to help clients accomplish their specific financial, life, and legacy goals.”

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. Cresset Asset Management, LLC, also conducting advisory business under the name of Meristem Cresset, provides investment advisory, family office, and other services to individuals, families, and institutional clients. Cresset Partners, LLC, provides investment advisory services strictly to investment vehicles investing in private equity, real estate and other investment opportunities. Cresset Asset Management, LLC, and Cresset Partners, LLC, are SEC registered investment advisors.

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. Cresset Asset Management, LLC, also conducting advisory business under the name of Meristem | Cresset, provides investment advisory, family office, and other services to individuals, families, and institutional clients. Cresset Partners, LLC, provides investment advisory services strictly to investment vehicles investing in private equity, real estate and other investment opportunities. Cresset Asset Management, LLC, and Cresset Partners, LLC, are SEC registered investment advisors.

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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 Risk Planning Family Governance www.meristemfw.com

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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 professionals in tax, estate, risk management and governance for families. Meristem treats client families as if they were their own and grows alongside them for generations to come.

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102 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com Sanchez & Associates Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. For over 32 years, award winning Sanchez and Associates has been a premier wealth management team at Merrill Lynch. Global clients have unique goals and objectives and seek innovative ways to manage wealth through generational collaboration. Sanchez and Associates is uniquely qualified to provide our clients with the tools to meet these goals. Understanding that families today are as varied as ever before, we assist with a multi-tier approach that includes, wealth management, estate planning, retirement planning, business planning and continuity as well as wealth replacement strategies. We invite you to seek us through our website at www.fa.ml.com/sanchez-associates Sanchez & Associates Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. 9128 Strada Pl. #301, Naples FL 34108 T 239.263.1404 F Alicia_Sanchez@ml.com239.645.4951 Alicia C. Sanchez, CRPC® Senior Vice President Wealth Management Advisor NMLS ID 781143 Courtney M. Shrewsberry, ChFC® Assistant Vice President Wealth Management Specialist NMLS ID 1712360 Christina Sanchez Wealth Management Client Associate T 239.649.2919 F christina.sanchez2@ml.com239.645.4951 SPONSORED CONTENTWEALTH MANAGEMENT Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Bank of America Private Bank is a division of Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. (This disclosure should be used whenever Bank of America Private Bank is mentioned in materials.) Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of BofA Corp

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 103 UHY is one of the nation’s largest professional services firms providing audit, tax, consulting and advisory services to clients primarily in the dynamic middle market. We are trailblazers who bring our experience from working within numerous industries to our clients so that we can provide them a 360-degree view of their businesses. Together with our clients, UHY works collaboratively to develop flexible, innovative solutions that meet our clients’ business challenges. Steve McCarty Chief Executive 239-325-1800Naples,Suite999smccarty@uhy-us.comOfficerVanderbiltBeachRoad200Florida34108 UHY-US.com Don’t miss out on the Giving Guide, showcasing Southwest Florida’s nonprofits and their important missions. GIVING2022 GIVESBUSINESSGUIDE:BACK For more information visit:PRESENTEDgulfshorebusiness.com/givingguideBYGIVING GUIDE: Business Gives Back SPONSORED CONTENT WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRUST AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATION | WEALTH PLANNING | INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT | CREDIT AND CASH MA NAGEMENT Let’s talk about your why. Call

What’s your

why?

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”) uses the marketing name PNC Private BankSM to provide investment consulting and wealth management, fiduciary services, FDIC-insured banking products and services, and lending of funds to individual clients through PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC Bank”), which is a Member FDIC, and to provide specific fiduciary and agency services through PNC Delaware Trust Company or PNC Ohio Trust Company. PNC does not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice unless, with respect to tax advice, PNC Bank has entered into a written tax services agreement. PNC Bank is not registered as a municipal advisor under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Bank deposit products and services are provided by PNC Bank, National Association, Member FDIC. “PNC Private Bank” is a service mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. Russell Beckner, Naples Market Leader,

at 239-687-7260 or visit pnc.com/privatebank I WANT TO TAKE CARE OF THE ONES I LOVE. Everyone’s “why” is different. And we want to hear all about yours, because the answer gets to the heart of everything that’s important in life. Asking why can lead you to your ultimate purpose, the reason for working so hard, for protecting what’s valuable, and for passing on what you’ve achieved. We’ll work with you on the how. You just tell us, what’s your why? ©2022 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. INV WM PDF 0821-027-1875002

2022SEPTEMBER 2BUSINESSBUSINESS B.2p_106Rethinking workplace drug testing TietzBrian HUMAN NEWCOMMERCIALEDUCATIONRESOURCESREALESTATE&EXPANDING  ENTREPRENEURSHIP How Sweet Real became reality PIVOTING TO PEOPLE PLEASING p_112 By Artis Henderson GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 105

“The company doesn’t want to drug test them … because if they do, then they know that they’re going to be posi tive for something. So they just say, ‘Hey, I don’t need to know, as long as you’re doing your job.’”

RESOURCES Business 2 Business

Testing Positives and Negatives

Drug testing has been a part of many workplaces for the last four decades. However, the increase in posi tive drug tests since smokable medical marijuana was legalized in Florida in 2019, and the ongoing worker shortage, have many employers considering if drug testing is still worth it.

they have a drug-testing program, it’s for that reason … to get a discount on their insurance. Now, because the insurance dis count isn’t that substantial, there are a lot of employers who say, ‘We’re just not going to hassle with it,’ or maybe the compliance is not really rigidly enforced.”

MEDICAL MARIJUANA’S EFFECT ON WORKPLACE DRUG TESTING

“In Florida, we have what’s known as the Drug-Free Workplace Program. That is part of our workers’ comp statutory scheme, which allows employers to get a 5% discount on their workers’ comp insurance premium if they comply with the Drug-Free Workplace program,” says Damian Taylor, an employment lawyer with Cole man Hazzard Taylor Klaus Doupé & Diaz Attorneys at Law in Naples. “Most of the employers I deal with, if Provided

106 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com

HUMAN

While not all employers can completely forego drug testing, many are reconsidering their company policies. In most cases, those companies are seeking a balance be tween staffing needs, costs and financial incentives.

By Bill Wasinger SEPTEMBER 2022

“Since COVID, a lot of the companies have stopped drug testing because they’re trying to get people to come back to work,” says Deanna Lukich, owner of drug, alco hol and DNA testing facility Fastest Labs of Fort Myers.

Though some businesses are opting for more casual or selective drug testing, employers with greater liability for whom safety is paramount may not have that option. For those companies, legalized medical marijuana is creating a bit of a “Drivers,conundrum.heavyequipment operators, people working in those kinds of capacities, occupy what is sometimes referred to as a ‘safety-sensitive position’ where, if they were to perform under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they could really be threatening the safety of not only themselves but members of

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 107  

IS TESTING WORTH IT?

“For the longest time, employers have felt very comfortable just terminating an employee or disciplining an employee on account of illegal drug use,” Taylor says.

With an ongoing worker shortage and an increase in positive drug tests since smokable medical marijuana was legalized in 2019, some employers question if drug testing is still worth it.

“What could be changing is … attitudes being more favorable, more forgiving, more understanding of, at least medical marijuana use, and the realization that medical marijuana use almost necessarily implies that there’s an underlying medical condition which qualifies the person for a medical marijuana card. If you have an employee who gets fired after testing pos itive for medical marijuana, and they want to challenge the employer’s decision, it’s just easier for a medical marijuana patient to say, ‘The decision wasn’t motivated by my illegal use, but rather my underlying disability.’ I think employers are wise to tread more carefully around the issue when it arises with medical marijuana.”

The issue of legal medical marijuana vs. recreational use is also forcing many employers to adjust their drug testing policies to simply hire more employees.

Ultimately, Lukich said, every employer has to weigh their attitude on marijuana— whether it’s for medical or recreational use—against the costs involved, the com pany’s liability and the safety of their workers and customers.

“I have a rapid panel test with up to 17 panels, and they all test for marijua na. We’re able to take out that panel if they don’t want to test for that. If I get a non-negative—we don’t call it a ‘posi tive’—I have to send that out for confir mation to a laboratory, then it gets a lit tle bit more expensive,” Lukich says. “If everything else is clean when they get their non-negative on marijuana, that’s up to the employer, and they don’t have to send it out for confirmation if they don’t want to. Then the employer has the chance to … say, ‘OK, now we’re good, I can live with that.’”

the public, consumers and passengers,” Taylor says. “We have legal medical mari juana (in Florida), but we do not have rec reational uses legalized. And so employers are free to not only continue testing for marijuana, but to terminate an employee, or impose other forms of discipline on an employee, who tests positive for marijua na. The discipline and termination can still be perfectly lawful because the drug remains unlawful at the federal level.”

—Damian Taylor

“I MARIJUANA.”WITHITISSUEAROUNDCAREFULLYTREADAREEMPLOYERSTHINKWISETOMORETHEWHENARISESMEDICAL

The law may be clear on the legality of medical versus recreational marijuana, but its use for medical purposes may put some employers and employees in a gray area. That hard-to-define space between legitimate medical use and recreational use has businesses seeking clarity when complying with the Americans With Dis abilities Act, or ADA.

the fall of 2021, when many colleges and universities were seeing a decline in applications, Florida Gulf Coast University brought in the largest freshman class in its history with 3,141 freshman students, said Lisa Johnson, FGCU associate vice president for enrollment management.

In some parts of the country, students may be finding it unexpectedly difficult to get into universities because of changes in population and COVID-19’s societal effects. Lo cally, that is not the case for Southwest Florida schools. For FGCU, Florida students are the priority. About 39% of FGCU’s student population comes from Lee, Collier, Brevard and Palm Beach counties, and only about 10% of each class is from out of state.

“There is a place for Florida residents here; they don’t have to worry about us not hav ing a space for them,” Johnson says.

“THERE IS A PLACE DON’THERE;RESIDENTSFLORIDAFORTHEYHAVE TO WORRY ABOUT US NOT HAVING A SPACE FOR THEM.”

108 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com EDUCATION Business 2 Business

This increase in population leads to certain obvious issues—traffic, for example— that call the capacity of our infrastructure into question. However, some issues are less obvious; many might not realize that our educational institutions are also being affected.During

This year, more Fort Myers High School graduating seniors applied to colleges in Learning Local HIGHER EDUCATION DECISIONS AMID HIGHER POPULATION FIGURES

SEPTEMBER 2022

“We are trying to make sure we meet students’ needs,” Johnson says.

Even skyrocketing rent prices aren’t a deterrent for prospective FGCU students, as the university can house students for all four years of their college career. The hous ing options it offers evolves with the students as they get older, Johnson said, from freshmen-specific buildings to upperclass housing that’s basically like an apartment.

It’s no longer news that Florida’s population is increasing, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Whether because the state had a shorter lockdown pe riod during the height of COVID-19 compared to other states, or simply love for our sunshine and beaches, people are flocking to Florida. According to the United States Census Bureau, between 2020 and 2021 Lee County’s population increased 3.6%, and Collier County’s population increased 2.7%.

FGCUofCourtesy

—Lisa Johnson

By Kaitlin Greenockle

Leading up to that school year, “our admissions staff stayed open and available … it was tremendously successful,” Johnson says. In 2021, FGCU had 16,743 freshmen applications; this year it received 18,617 applications, an 11.2% increase.

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Believe potentialboundlessin general, said senior counselor Angela Higginbotham. Typically, the school sees about 75% of its seniors ap ply to college, but this year it also saw an increase in students applying to technical schools.

Many Fort Myers High School students go on to attend FGCU, and do so through the bright futures scholarship program that pays for tuition and book costs, senior counselor Melissa Hendrix said. Numer ous students also apply to Florida State University and University of Florida, which have always had high competition for being accepted, she added.

Hendrix and Higginbotham still have the same ad vice for high school students going through the col lege application process: Make sure to hit application deadlines, remember financial aid is first-come, firstserved and continue to keep a rigorous course load in students’ senior year. They also suggest quality over quantity, meaning find something that makes students stand out and fo cus on that—having a leadership role in a club or com munity organization, for example.

Congrats to our own Corina Castellano and other young leaders on Florida's Gulf Coast for being nominated to Gulfshore Business Magazine's 40 Under 40.

EDUCATION Business 2 Business

Collier County Public Schools graduating seniors have been fairly consistent compared to years past, although they have seen an increase in rejections from Florida State University, according to Allison Ferraro, coordinator of school counseling grades 9-12. The school has also seen a slight increase in students attending technical schools; Ferraro said that isn’t

“You don’t have to be in everything, but pick a few things and do them well,” Hendrix says.



During the fall of 2021, FGCU brought in the largest freshman class in its history. a new phenomenon, but this year, the students have seemed to tell them sooner and start out on the technical school path instead of that being a secondary option.

Porter Wright congratulates attorney Sara White for being named to the Gulfshore Business 40 Under 40 Class of 2022. We are proud of Sara’s committment to her clients, and her leadership and charitable service throughout the greater Naples community. RECORD SETTING

More graduating seniors in Collier County have also decided to stay closer to home this year.

“One student got accepted with a scholarship to a uni versity in Colorado, but they chose to stay,” Ferraro says.

Every student has a unique situation, she said, but there are many factors that could explain why students are staying closer to home. The cumulative effects of the past two years could be contributing—“These students are resilient, with what they have gone through with the pandemic,” Ferraro says—but it could also be because they do have more local options here in SWFL.

By Artis

112 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com Business 2 Business ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Henderson SEPTEMBER 2022

TietzBrian  SHARED PASSION

HOW SWEET REAL BECAME REALITY

Parrott and Wilder turned their passion into a business after COVID-19 changed the game.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 113

When Sarah Parrott and Elissa Wilder worked together at the Chico’s corporate office in Fort Myers, they discovered they had a shared passion: baking. Parrott designed stores and Wilder designed clothing, but in their free time they liked to get together in each other’s kitchens. One would bring the orange juice, the other would bring the cham pagne. They’d pour mimosas and bake treats for everyone theyWhenknew.COVID-19 hit and Chico’s was forced into layoffs, Parrott’s department went from 63 staff members down to 10, and she was among those let go. She decided to take a break from interior design and spent 2020 at home with her young son. Wilder, meanwhile, was still at Chico’s but struggling with the demands of remote work. Early in 2021, the two got together for coffee and joked about opening their own business. “That’s how it start ed,” Parrott says. “In January, it was a joke. By February our joke turned into, ‘What do you think about this name for the business?’” By March 2021, they had applied for a business license. Today, the two women run Sweet Real, a baking and gift operation based in Fort Myers.

Pivoting People-pleasingto

114 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com

ENTREPRENEURSHIP Business Business TietzBrian

They’ve seen their client list double over the last year. The pair bakes sweets for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations—any oc casion that calls for a treat. They offer the option of combining their baked goods with thought fully curated gift sets that might include tea tow els, potted plants and coffee mugs. Their biggest clients are local real estate agents who want per sonalized gifts for their buyers on closing day. Most of the baked treats come from family recipes, such as the German chocolate caramel brownies that are a Parrott family staple. Other favorites include espresso caramel brownies, flourless brownies and chocolate chip cook ies. “We’ve taken recipes we love and made for years, and we’ve made them better,” Parrott says. Because she eats a gluten-free diet, she also offers a menu of gluten-free treats. “But you’d never know they’re gluten-free,” she says.

Being an entrepreneur has come with its share of surprises. Parrott’s favorite? “In the corporate world, I was trying to jump every hur dle. I felt like my hair was always on fire. Some times people were appreciative, but not always.” Today her email inbox is full of thank-you notes, and it feels good to be putting something she made out into the world. “Now I get to make somebody’s day every day,” she says.

  FAMILY RECIPES

The duo bakes recipes they love and have made for years, but always strive to make them better.

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP Business TietzBrian SHARING THE LOVE Parrott and Wilder quickly decided to support and grow with other entrepreneurs.

116 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com

One of the earliest entrepreneurial lessons Parrott and Wilder learned in their business was that they grew by growing with others. When the pair set up tables at events, they’d meet other local entrepreneurs. “Mostly women trying to do what they love,” Parrott says. The pair quickly made the decision to support the crowd they ran with. They started swapping out gift items they could find at big box retailers for local handmade goods—candles from The Wallflower Shoppe or Barley & Co., and bags of locally roasted coffee from La Paisa Bonita. “The space is big enough for everybody,” Parrott says. “It’s about partnering and sharing the love.”

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 Evan N Berlin Revocable Trust purchased a 53,893-square-foot, five-story professional office building at 5220 Summerlin Commons Blvd. in Fort Myers from Mick Vorbeck for $10.25 million. Gary Tasman and Shawn Stoneburner of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida represented the seller. By Adam Regan

118 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com

COLLIER COUNTY Napoli Owner LLC purchased a commercial property at 675 Fourth Ave. S. in Naples from Second Generation Development LLC for $16 million. HAA Capital LLC purchased 7.18 acres of vacant land at the south west corner of Immokalee Road and Catawba Street in Collier County from Immokalee Square LLC for $8.2 million.

Business 2 Business Provided

CHARLOTTE COUNTY CC Burnt Store LLC purchased a 306.3-acre planned unit de velopment property at 13000 Burnt Store Road in Punta Gorda and 600 Transfer of Density Units for $19.5 million. Randy Thibaut, ALC, William Rollins, CCIM, ALC, and Justin Thibaut, CCIM, of LSI Compa nies brokered the deal. Gateway 2020 LLC purchased 3.76 acres at 12905 and 12925 Gulfstream Blvd. in Port Charlotte from Dennis Fullen kamp for $1.38 million. Skip Thinnes of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers represented the buyer and seller.

SEPTEMBER 2022

LEE LatigoCOUNTYCapeCoral LLC purchased the Noble Vines development, 1434 SW Second St. and 1437 SW Fifth St., in Cape Coral from NV Cape Coral LLC for $14,650,000. Gary Tasman and Shawn Stoneburner of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida represented the buyer. MPG Colonial LLC purchased 5 acres of commercial intensivezone land on the northwest corner of Colonial Boulevard and Metro Parkway in Fort Myers from Amtel Group of Florida Inc. for $3.75 million. Lane Boy of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida represented the seller. FFC Property Group LLC purchased an island resort at 2904 and 2938 Sanibel Blvd. in St. James City from Off the Chart Holdings LLC for $3.65 million. Lenée Peach with Re/Max Realty Group represented the buyer. Lennar Homes LLC purchased an 18.53-acre residential planned development property at 1291 Blasingim Road in Fort Myers from Catherine Sue Parker and David M. Parker for $2.75 million. Justin Thibaut, CCIM, of LSI Companies represented the buyer and seller.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

LDM Sarasota LLC purchased 3.45 acres with a 2,500-square-foot office building at 17280 Jean St. in Fort Myers from 17280 Jean Street LLC for $2.3 million. Jeff Forsythe, CCIM, of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers represented the buyer and seller. Donald L. Valk purchased 6.18 acres of residential property at 3670 Metro Parkway in Fort Myers from Ling 36 Skyline LLC for $1.9 million. Justin Thibaut, CCIM, and Hunter Ward, CCIM, of LSI Companies represented the buyer and seller. Preferred Pump and Equipment LP purchased an 11,696-squarefoot building complex on 1.4 acres at 3931,3939,3941 and 3945 Palm Beach Blvd. and 540 Van Buren St. in Fort Myers from John Mitchell & 3939 PBB LLP for $1.6 million. Jeff Forsythe, CCIM, and Brock Rasmussen of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers represented the buyer, and Alexis North of LSI Companies represented the seller. Del Prado Cape Development LLC purchased 5.09 acres at 2601 Del Prado Blvd. in Cape Coral from Del Prado Properties LLC for $1 million. Jim McMenamy with Re/Max Realty Group Commercial Division represented the seller, and Dario Peretti with Silver Developers LLC represented the buyer.

 SEG Real Estate Holding LLC purchased a 16,926-square-foot office building at 6435 Naples Blvd. in North Naples from First Horizon Bank for $5,350,000. Clint L. Sherwood, CCIM, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the buyer and seller. Fort Myers ANUSA LLC purchased a 4.7-acre commercial property at 4440 Executive Circle in Fort Myers from Colonial Hammock SWFL LLC for $2.7 million. Justin Thibaut, CCIM, and Alexis North, CCIM, of LSI Companies represented the seller, and Chase Deuschle of CBRE Commercial Real Estate represented the buyer.

SEPTEMBER 2022

By Adam Regan

gulfshorebusiness.com

Business 2 Business Provided

NEW EXPANDING COLLIER COUNTY Paradise Grills Direct Inc. dba Paradise Grills leased 5,749 square feet of retail space at 680 Fifth Ave. S. in Naples from David H. Hoffmann and Jerrilyn M. Hoffmann. Tara L. Stokes of Investment Properties Corp. rep resented the lessor, and Stephen Leo of Atlas Affiliated represented the lessee. River Bend Holdings LLC leased 4,739 square feet of office space at 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 301, in Naples from Naples Finan cial Center LLC. Patrick Fraley, CCIM, and Sara Masterson of Investment Properties Corp. rep resented the lessor, and Dougall McCorkle of Premier Commercial represented the lessee. BGIS Global Integrated Solutions US LLC leased a 3,254-squarefoot office space in the 1100 on 5th building, 1100 Fifth Ave. S., Suite 100, in Naples from 1100 5th Ave LLC. Dave Wallace, CCIM, SIOR and David Wallace of CRE Consultants represented the lessor, and Jack Spring of Achieve Realty represented the lessee. United Community Bank dba Seaside Bank & Trust leased 2,590 square feet of office space at 3200 Tamiami Trail N., Unit 100 A, in Naples from Coppertop LLC. Michael J. Frye, CCIM, with Re/ Max Realty Group Commercial Division represented the lessee, and Eric Edwards with LandQwest Commercial Naples represented the lessor. HighTower Holding LLC leased a 2,154-square-foot office space at 9045 Strada Stell Court, Suite 101, in North Naples from Vanderbilt 101 LLC. Enn Luthringer, CCIM, of CRE Consultants represented the lessee, and Clint Sherwood of Investment Properties Corp. represented the lessor. Refined Image LLC leased a 1,746-square-foot space in Cam eron Commons at 8855 Immokalee Road, Unit 11, in North Naples from Cameron Partners LLC. Bill Young and Biagio Bernardo of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers represented the lessor and lessee. General Central Honey LLC leased a 1,508-square-foot space in Naples Twin Lakes Office and Retail Condominiums, 4444 Tamiami Trail N., suites 2 and 3, in Naples from 4444 Tamiami Venture LLC. Brock Rasmussen of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers represented the lessor and lessee. Truessence Ceramics LLC leased a 1,186-square-foot space at 851 Fifth Ave. N., Suite 101, in Naples from Naples 5th Ave SAA LLC. Matt Stepan, CCIM, and Jeffrey Clapper of Premier Commercial Inc. represented the les sor, and Darren McCorkle of Premier Commercial represented the lessee.  TRAKAmerica leased a 14,962-square-foot office space in Riverview Corporate Center, 27500 Riverview Center Blvd., Suite 200, in Bonita Springs from Brookwood SFL LLC. Randal Mercer of CRE Consultants represented the lessor, and Todd Sabin of KOVA represented the lessee.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 121

 Morgan Stanley Smith Financing LLC leased 30,991 square feet of office space in Pelican Bay Financial Center, 8889 Pelican Bay Blvd., in North Naples from Pelican Bay Financial Center LLC. Dave Wallace, CCIM, SIOR, and David Wallace of CRE Consultants represented the lessor. Borror Enterprises Inc. leased 1,444 square feet of office space at 75 Vineyards Blvd., Suite 200, in North Naples from Vineyards Corp. Gary Tasman and Shawn Stoneburner of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida represented the lessee and lessor.

LEE MullerCOUNTYManagement LLC leased 6,313 square feet of commercial space at 9930 Channel 30 Drive in Bonita Springs from Super Towers Inc. Christine McMa nus, CCIM, SIOR, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the lessor, and Robert Muller of Keller Williams Elite Realty represented the lessee. Floral Artistry of the Islands Inc. leased 6,062 square feet of space at 20041 S. Tamiami Trail, units 10-12, in Estero from Estero Ridge LLC. Rachael Guertin, Jennifer Castriotta and Michael J. Frye, CCIM, with Re/Max Realty Group Commercial Division rep resented the lessee, and Philip A. Josberger with KOVA Commercial Group represented the lessor. J&M Salazar LLC leased 4,067 square feet of space at 3250 Bonita Beach Road SW, Suite 202, in Bonita Springs from Brixmor Bonita Springs LLC. Rachael Guertin, Jennifer Castriotta and Michael J. Frye, CCIM, with Re/ Max Realty Group Commercial Division represented the lessee, and Josh During with Brixmor Bonita Springs LLC represented the lessor. Innovative Dermatology and Mohs Surgery LLC leased 4,023 square feet of office/medical space at 3507 Lee Blvd. in Lehigh Acres from Lehigh Office LLC. Gary Tasman of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida represented the lessor and lessee. Nurse On Call leased a 3,414-square-foot office space at 3800 Colonial Blvd., Suite 100, in Fort Myers from 3800 Kolonial Blvd LLC. Enn Luthringer, CCIM, of CRE Consultants represented the lessor, and Anita Williams of Lincoln Harris CSG represented the lessee. Tarian Group LLC leased 1,985 square feet of space at 9530 Mar ketplace Road, Suite 103, in Fort Myers from Brookwood SFL LLC and Brookwood SFL II LLC. Abigail Kesslak, ACP, and Michael J. Frye, CCIM, with Re/Max Realty Group Commercial Division represented the lessee, and Randal Mercer with CRE Consultants represented the lessor. Woods, Weidenmiller, Michetti, Rudnick PLLC leased 1,629 square feet of office space at 3301 Bonita Beach Road SW, Suite 315, in Bonita Springs from Klingler Properties B LLC. Clint L. Sherwood, CCIM, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the lessee, and Da vid Wallace of CRE Consultants represented the lessor.

SCAN ME FOR NAMI Walk Homepage

p_130 p_126 Surf’s always up Rock steady solution AfterHours UNWIND | HORSEPOWER | WELLNESS | NEW & NOTEWORTHY | WEEKEND GETAWAY FUSEofCourtesy SoundStand-up THE FUSE VERT DRAWS EYES AND PLEASES EARS p_129 By James Raia N O T E HWORTY & NEW

Wild at Heart JAGUAR F-TYPE

The new Jaguar has an immediate edge over some competitors with its V8 engine throughout the trim lineup. The 5.0-liter engine generates 444 horsepower and is propelled by an eight-speed automatic transmission; the F-Type R boasts 575 horse power and the same transmission but with all-wheel drive as standard.

P450 HORSEPOWER AfterHours Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 4.4 FuelAirbags:seconds6economy: 16 mpg city, 24 mpg hwy Horsepower: SuggestedManufacturer’s444Retail Price: Manufacturer’s$104,350 website: Pricejaguarusa.comAsTested: $113,445 Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 6 years/ unlimited miles; Roadside Assistance, 5 years/60,000 miles &FACTSFIGURES USAJaguarofCourtesy By James Raia SEPTEMBER 2022 124 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com

The F-Type R upgrades to 12-way power-adjustable seats with memory set tings, a power-adjustable steering column with memory, self-dimming mirrors, key less entry/ignition, full leather upholstery and a powered trunk lid.

THE THRILLING

What defines a sports car is subjective. But if superior performance, top handling, keen acceleration and a personality emphasizing the thrill of driving count, welcome the 2022 Jaguar F-Type P450.

New this year and available as a coupe or convertible and with rear-wheel or allwheel-drive, the Jaguar has handsome styling and a modernized interior. It pres ents a mighty challenge to several esteemed German rivals—Porsche and BMW— and the Chevrolet Corvette.

Safety considerations impress—a rain/snow/ice setting among selectable driving modes, automatic emergency braking, front/rear parking sensors and lane-keep ing assistance.

Beyond its re-sculpted exterior with similarities to Aston Martin, the new Jaguar offers a sizable array of features at its starting base price of about $70,000.

The 2022 F-Type has 20-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, heated side mir rors, adaptive suspension, 6-way power-adjustable seats and leather/simulated suede upholstery. Single-zone automatic climate control, a self-dimming rearview mirror and a 12.3-inch configurable digital driver information display also are in cluded.

Technology is further represented with a 10.1-inch touchscreen that controls an in fotainment system including the navigation system, WiFi, satellite radio, a USB port, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration and a 10-speaker/380-watt Meridian sound system.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 125  TITLE GOES HERE AND HERE Other info goes here and here and here and here.

The F-Type offers a folding fabric roof and rollover protection, a $3,000 option. It retracts and returns in 15 seconds via a lever on the console. With the top down, the Jaguar exem plifies driving as fun. For around-town use, the Jaguar can have its quiet time. Less aggressive driving and disabling the active drive provide a more subtle experience. Fur ther, the new Jaguar channels its longago relative, the XKE models often cited as the most beautiful cars ever made. Whether a fan of an aggressive exhaust note or more appreciative of a humbler drive, the F-Type doesn’t go far without being noticed. The new Jaguar has one downside. The ride is particularly rough and noisy; a feel-every-bump drive is part of the Sportsexperience.carsalso are notorious for tight quarters, but the F-Type is better than most. Considering the segment, the driver’s and passenger’s seats are form-fitting but comfortable. The coupe offers 14.4 cubic feet of cargo space; the convertible less than eight cubic feet, good only for two full gro cery bags—the convertible top, while efficient, has to go somewhere. Is the Jaguar the best choice for a sports car? It’s all subjective, with a better perspective the notion that a half-dozen superior choices make for healthy competition.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 125

WELLNESS

AfterHours

Billy Lyell knows the effects of Parkinson’s disease from a special perspective. The former professional boxer, co-founder and trainer at the Sweet Science Boxing and Fitness Gym in Naples is certified to teach boxing to students who have the disorder. The national program is called Rock Steady Boxing. The concept was founded in 2006 by former Indiana attorney Scott Newman, a Parkinson’s patient, and his friend Vince Perez, a former Gold en Gloves boxer. Perez believed the exercise benefits of boxing might be neuro-protective and slow the disease’s progression. The specified train ing now has 850 affiliate programs in 17 countries; instructors have to study the disease and the ideal ways to assist patients with specialty rou tines. Classes are designed to improve balance and coordination through quick and repetitive boxing combinations, core workouts, hitting heavy bags and circuit weight training. “I tell people, every time you throw a punch, imagine you have a magnet on your chin,” says Lyell, who owns the gym with his wife Jessica, also a trainer. “Every time you throw a punch, your hand has to come back to your chin. That in itself, working on the coordination, the muscles, The SteadyRockSolution PROGRAM TO HELP WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE

James Parkinson, a member of England’s Royal College of Surgeons, wrote “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy” in 1817. He described the disease now bearing his name as “involuntary tremulous motion, with lessened mus cular power, in parts not in action and even when supported.”

A BOXING

NaplesFitnessBoxingScienceSweetofCourtesy By James Raia SEPTEMBER 2022 126 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com Rock FloridaBoxingSteadyInSouthwest Armstead Fitness 12951 Metro Parkway, Fort armsteadfitness.com239.281.6685,Myers Florida HIIT Factory 2349 Vanderbilt Beach Road #510, floridahiitfactory.com239.321.6764,ronrebelo11@gmail.comNaples The Sweet Science Boxing & Fitness Gym 4270 Tamiami Trail E, Suite #13, thesweetsciencenaples.com239.777.8732,lyell@thesweetsciencenaples.comNaples YMCA/Naples 5450 YMCA Road, Suite #100, greaternaplesymca.org239.597.3148,info@greaternaplesymca.orgNaples

A more contemporary definition describes Parkinson’s disease as a neurodegenerative disorder with slowly developing symptoms in a dete rioration of motor skills, balance, speech and sensory functions. Tremors, fatigue, difficulty moving and sleeping, dizziness, anxiety, depression, loss of smell, constipation, a softer voice, an expressionless face and poor pos ture are common.

PATIENTS

  COMBATING PARKINSON’S Classes are designed to improve balance and coordination through repetitive boxing combinations. SEPTEMBER 2022 127 Henderson Franklin Congratulates Geraldo F. “Jerry” Olivo III For being recognized as one of Southwest Florida’s 40 Under 40 by Gulfshore Business magazine. “Jerry is an energetic, compassionate and skilled trial lawyer. Coupled with his devotion to the community, he has the respect and admiration of his clients, business partners and peers.” J. Matthew Belcastro Chair, Tort and Insurance Litigation Department, Henderson Franklin Where Tradition Meets the Future. henlaw.com • 239.344.1100 Fort Myers • Bonita Springs • Naples • Sarasota* ©2022 Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt, P.A. *By appointment only

WELLNESS

2022 Gulfshore Business magazine 40 under 40 - Nominations are open to the public or through self-nomination. A panel of 5 local professionals were selected by the editor team of Gulfshore Business, coming from a variety of fields such as medical, finance, real estate and development, nonprofit, law, public service, and the arts, whittled a list of candidates to 40 out of over 200 candidates. The panel of judges weighed professional achievements, volunteerism and other recognition, as noted by the candidates’ nominators. All winners must be under the age of 40 and from one of Southwest Florida counties around the Naples/Ft. Meyers area. Investor experience and/or returns were not considered for this selection. This recognition may not be representative of any client’s experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of an advisor’s future performance. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors pay a fee in exchange for this recognition. Raymond James is not affiliated with Gulfshore Business magazine. 1421 Pine Ridge Rd. Ste 300 | Naples, FL 34109 | (239) 513.6501

Gulfshore Business 40 Under 40 Winner for 2022! helps. And your feet have to coordi nate with your arms and with your punches. There’s a lot to it.”

“You start counting, 1-2-3, 4-5-6 … it’s just good for the brain,” Lyell says. “It starts rewiring circuits. One is my left jab, two is my straight right hand and three is my left hook. I say 1,1,2,3 to somebody, the brain starts firing and making connections.”

“I have seen so many things,” says Lyell. “One thing I have learned from boxing is that I don’t think anything is impossible. I just think we have ca pabilities beyond our understanding in terms of healing things and … just getting healthier. “I have had people walk in this gym on walkers, and they’re doing squats on a Bosu (fitness) ball a few months lat er. The balance, the coordination—you are just working on everything. It’s the hands; it’s the feet. It’s your movement. It’s phenomenal what it does. It’s al most like it rewires their brains. What I learned from boxing is that anything is possible.” REWIRING CIRCUITS

onCongratulationsGEOFFHUNTERbeinga

Raymondgeoffrey.hunter@raymondjames.comJames&Associates,Inc.,member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC.

NaplesFitnessBoxingScienceSweetofCourtesy

He’s a strong believer in the pro gram’s potential for aiding patients.



Rock Steady Boxing specialists use a counting system with patients, which helps the brain make connections.

 COMBATING PARKINSON’S Classes are designed to improve balance and coordination through repetitive boxing combinations.

AfterHours

Like many fitness boxing instruc tors, Rock Steady Boxing specialists use a counting system. Parkinson’s patients count different types of punches thrown consecutively. It’s always boxing for a solo fitness work out, never with an opponent.

There’s retro-cool, and then there’s stunningly retro. The Fuse Vert defines the latter. It’s a vertical vinyl audio system that also includes an FM radio and streams music via Bluetooth and MP3s via USB. Play records at 33, 45 or 78 RPM. Present favored FM stations. Upload a playlist onto a flash drive and quickly connect. The balanced and counter-weighted tone arm allows a record to be played in a vertical position without wobbling. The Standard offers a chrome tone arm and a Fuse Audio-designed needle cartridge; the AT boasts an upgraded Audio Technica AT3600L needle cartridge, and its tone arm is black. The main distribution frame, or MDF box, is wrapped in a smooth-grained hardwood veneer, giving the system a handsome mid-century modern style. It also includes an alarm clock function and has a six-month warranty. $209.99 $239.99

N O T E HWORTY & NEW 

(standard)

(AT) fuseaudio.net Stand-up Sound THE FUSE VERT DRAWS EYES AND PLEASES EARS

GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 129 FUSEofCourtesy

By Artis Henderson

GOING

SEPTEMBER 2022 130 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022

AlwaysSurf’s Up LOCO FOR COCOA BEACH AfterHours

WEEKEND GETAWAY

The tiny surfside town of Cocoa Beach on Flori da’s east coast has made a name for itself. Though first attempts to carve out a settlement date back to 1885, Cocoa Beach was formally incorporated as a city in 1957. It had its heyday in the 1960s— after the NASA space program was launched at nearby Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach became the Silicon Valley of its era with the smartest minds in the nation living near the space center. The 1960s sitcom “I Dream of Jeannie,” in which the title character’s husband was an astronaut, was even based there. Eventually, the rise of surfing culture solidified Cocoa Beach as one of Florida’s coolest spots. Known for small but consistent waves, this coastal destination draws surfers at every level.

ExelbierdRobert



FROM SPACE TO SURF Cocoa Beach, now known to draw in surfers, first marked its spot on the map with the launch of NASA's space program.

The historic Cocoa Beach Pier (401 Meade Ave., Cocoa Beach; 321.783.7549; cocoabeachpier.com) is one of the area’s most recognizable sites. It stretches 800 feet into the Atlantic and features beachy places to eat, drink and shop. The social hub of surfside Cocoa, the pier area has sand volleyball courts, lifeguards, freshwater showers and beach equipment for rent. Cocoa’s other must-see destination is the Ron Jon Surf Shop (4151 N. At lantic Ave., Cocoa Beach; 321.799.8888; ronjonsurfshop.com). At 52,000 square feet—more than 2 acres—it bills itself as “the world’s largest surf shop.” It’s been around since 1963, selling everything from surfboards to puka shell necklaces. Don’t forget to snatch up one of the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop bumper stickers.

132 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com AfterHours WEEKEND GETAWAY ExelbierdRobert Busey’s experienced wealth management team, Charles Idelson | Executive Vice President, Regional President; Susan Chicone | Senior Vice President, Private Client Manager; and Brent Crawford | Executive Vice President, Executive Managing Director are right beside you. Building Business. Growing Wealth. Since 1868. busey.com/wealthmanagement

Iconic Spots

Surf’s Up There’s plenty to do in Cocoa Beach without ever getting on a board, but it’s hard to resist the call of the waves. The Ron Jon Surf School (150 E. Columbia Lane, Cocoa Beach; 321.868.1980; ronjonsurfschool.com) specializes in classes for beginners, especially children. An add-on that’s worth every penny: a professional photo package to capture those    HISTORIC PIER The pier is one of the area's most recognizable sites, stretching 800 feet into the Atlantic. we care about your community, because it’s our community too. simple human sense CHOOSE LOCAL CHOOSE INDEPENDENT ® (239) 418-1100 • awainsurance.com

Dine inside in the air conditioning or outdoors on the oceanfront patio. The menu offers familiar favorites including wings, burg ers and fish tacos plus the kind of beach cocktails that go down easy. Try the frozen Peached Whale, a blend of bour bon, ginger beer and peach mixer.

AfterHours WEEKEND GETAWAY ExelbierdRobert 3K | 5K 2022& , An all-abilities event to benefit STARability Foundation Register / Join a Team! Timed race starts promptly at 8 a.m. Post-event activities 9 to 11 a.m. Food trucks, games, music and much more Saturday, Oct. 22 Paradise Coast Sports Complex 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, FL 34117 PRESENTING SPONSOR: A EVENTPET-FRIENDLY

first shreds. Craving more adventure? Try kiteboarding with 321 Kiteboarding and Watersports (235 W. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach; 321.302.5663; 321kiteboarding. com). The outfit offers gear rental and lessons for every age and level. Fill the Tank For beachside eateries, it’s hard to top Coconuts on the Beach (2 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach; 321.784.1422; coconutsonthebeach.com).

239.223.2116 More Than MJust ore Than MJust ore Than Just Real REstate. eal REstate. eal Estate. Excellence | Honesty | Integrity | Respect | Service C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s , A s h l e y S i m o n e l l i , o u r 4 0 U n d e r 4 0 H o n o r e e ! www.TheSimonelliGroup.com www.RoyalPalmPM.com For a more upscale dining option, stop by Luna (8 Minute men Causeway, Cocoa Beach; 321-613-5796; lunafoodan dwine.com) With dishes like rack of lamb, ribeye Robespi erre and macadamia-crusted mahi mahi, the restaurant is a step-up from the typical tourist spot. Don’t miss the lav ender-infused Madagascar vanilla pot de creme for dessert. Stay the Weekend The area’s hotel offerings aren’t much to write home about, but there are some fantastic short-term rental options. Look for beachfront homes with ocean views, retro surf bungalows with outdoor showers and midcentury cottages with sparkling pools. There’s even a classic Airstream.  BEACHSIDE EATERIES If you're looking for burgers and beachy cocktails or upscale dining, Cocoa Beach has it all.

A RECIPE FOR FOCUSED SUCCESS

Getty

UNWIND atGoingAfterHoursDeepWork

Time to focus. This is the most important step: setting up a time to get important projects done. Don’t check email, don’t answer the phone, forget Twitter. Focus. The best bet is to do this in intervals—try 90 minutes of Deep Work followed by a time to come up for air, so to speak, and return calls, check emails and such. And don’t forget to schedule breaks, meaning time away from work. Don’t feel guilty about get ting up from your desk to take a walk to clear your head. Get organized. The key to success is getting organized. This isn’t just any old to-do list, but one focused on pri orities. What are the most important tasks? Which require the most focus? Put those at the top of your list. That’s your Deep Work. Get to the point where you can schedule out your day hour by hour. Too many people spend too much of their day on autopilot, jumping from task to task without re ally focusing on a single one. You’ll feel productive but won’t really get what you need to do done. Be conscious of shallow work. So, what’s the opposite of deep work? Checking email, scheduling meetings, checking social media. It all feels like work, but it’s largely mindless. Set aside time for shallow work and figure out ways to reduce it, such as remov ing your email from listservs that clog your inbox and setting strict limits on meeting lengths. Once you’ve “drained the shallows,” as Newport puts it in his book, you’ll see how much time you’ve been wasting on busywork. By Justin Paprocki

SEPTEMBER 2022 136 GULFSHORE BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2022 gulfshorebusiness.com

Distractions can be demoralizing. And tiring. Part of the problem with the modern workplace is the constant sense of multitasking—responding to emails while in a meeting, or keeping an eye on social media while working on a big project. It’s just not sustainable and leads to burnout. So, refocus with the Deep Work theory. It’s based on the Cal Newport book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Basically, you have to retrain your brain, but you’ll be working more efficiently and reducing stress at work. Here’s a few ways to get started.

STRONGER withYOU OUR PATIENTS “Our patients are WHY we strive to deliver the BEST care in the country.” Alejandro Perez-Trepichio, M.D. Chief Medical O cer ServingFloridasince2008

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