Biz941 November-December 2015

19 PEOPLE TO WATCH

What’s hot—and what’s not—in commercial real estate

THE CEO

Page 56

Page 46

PEOPLE TO WATCH Ogden Clark III, Simone Peterson, Catherine Ferrer and Stewart Moon

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015 $3.95 A Sarasota Magazine Publication

PAGE 20

New owner Ed Burr reveals his plans for Sarasota Quay

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T O L E D O

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INNOVATION IS THE FOUNDATION OF COMMUNITY

Philanthropy is our innovation engine.

At Gulf Coast Community Foundation, we invest in things like developing 21stcentury talent, assisting entrepreneurs, and providing more opportunity for all residents. Things that will move our region toward an innovation economy.

And in everything we do, we leverage the strategic giving of our generous donors. Because together with our donors, we transform our region through bold and proactive philanthropy.

Learn more about these and other Gulf Coast initiatives on our website:

941.486.4600 GulfCoastCF.org

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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 MEET OUR 19 PEOPLE TO WATCH Our annual People to Watch feature has always been one of my favorite stories.

Through the nominations process, I get to learn about 200 impressive people—many of them new to me—and then deliberate with our other editors about who is most likely to attract more entrepreneurs, add high-wage jobs, improve our arts and nonprofit organizations, bring innovative services and products, and make the 941 a better place to live and do business.

After much debate—we had exceptional nominees this year—we chose 19 men and women who seem likely to do exactly that. They work in tech, retail, sports, services, education, the arts, government, philanthropy and real estate development.

Some are brand-new to the area—like Louise Sinks of US Nano, who is heading up cutting-edge research—and others are long-timers, such as Whiting Preston, a fourth-generation Manatee County resident whose master-planned mixed-use developments will change the shape of Bradenton and Manatee.

We also have more women than men on the list—a first! And we’re thrilled that almost half of our winners are millennials— evidence that this demographic is making its mark on the region. “Once you get involved, the doors open,” says Stewart Moon, 27, who is a vice president at his family’s Air & Energy, chairs committees at the Bradenton Area EDC and the Manatee Chamber and helps organize the Horne and Moon Social to raise scholarship money for students at MTI and SCF. “I don’t see things any other way than giving back.”

susanb@biz941.com

20

PEOPLE TO WATCH From techies to developers to civic activists, here are our 2015 People to Watch.

46 THE CEO

Meet Ed Burr, the developer who has big plans for the Sarasota Quay property.

50 HOW MONEY MOVES

Financial firms are staking their claims in downtown Sarasota and beyond.

56 SPACE QUEST

We track where commercial real estate is rebounding best.

8

66

TALK

Stuff you need to know, from defining independent contractors to holiday gifts for the busy executive.

63

REAL ESTATE REALITY

Jack McCabe ponders the next inevitable recession.

ADVERTISING SECTIONS & SPONSORED REPORTS

TOURISM BEAT

Destination weddings are boosting the local economy big time.

71

FAST TRACK

Movers, shakers and headline makers.

92

THE SEEN

People and events in pictures.

96

OFF THE CLOCK

Orthopedic surgeon and U.S. Olympic soccer team physician Dr. Daniel Lamar.

15 City of North Port 36 AIA 59 Top Architects, Builders and Landscapers 68 Top Financial Institutions 74 Tax Tips 79 Gulf Coast Builders Exchange

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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 3

CEO Dan Denton Executive Vice President & Kelley Lavin Group Publisher Vice President & Pam Daniel Editorial Director Consulting Publisher Randy Noles Vice President & Pamela Flanagan General Manager

EDITOR Susan Burns EDITORIAL

37

Managing Editor Ilene Denton Senior Editor Kay Kipling Associate Editor Hannah Wallace Web Editor Megan McDonald

Thursday, November 5, 2015 | 6:00 p.m.

New College Campus | College Hall Bayfront donate.ncf.edu/clambake2015

Web & Editorial Assistant Chelsey Lucas Interns Savannah Handerson, Shaina Neill

ART AND PRODUCTION Publications Director Norma Machado Art Director Pepe Nieto Art Director Mark Howell Designer Amy Hoffarth Advertising Services Katherine Orenic Manager

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING Senior Account Executive Kim Davis Account Executive Keith Magnuson Account Executive Debra Clark Maradiaga Account Executive Dan Starostecki Account Executive Sandy Moore Account Executive Katie Fegan Sales and Marketing Regina Walters Team Leader Marketing Manager Amy Overbay Sales & Marketing Assistant Bobbilynn Hollifield

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CONTRIBUTING Writers David Ball, Tony D'Souza, Brad Edmondson, Lori Johnston, Kim Hackett, Cooper Levey-Baker, Rich Rescigno, Jackie Rogers, Carol Tisch, Johannes Werner Photographers Jenny Acheson, and Artists Barbara Banks, Salvatore Brancifort, Everet Dennison, Kathryn Brass Piper, Matthew Holler, Chris Lake, Gene Pollux, Lori Sax, Alex Stafford

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Corporate Gift-Giving

Give your employees and clients the true gift of local luxury this holiday season. Contact The Met for details on our rewards program.

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Talk NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015

I NNOVATOR

➜ Mark

Dickson

MARK DICKSON, 32, founder and CEO of offrs.com, has taken his background in commercial real estate brokerage and partnered with Sarasota entrepreneur Rich Swier Jr. to develop offrs.com, a company that uses property and consumer data to help real estate professionals target potential clients looking to sell their homes.

Using 500 different pieces of information, such as the length of time the house has been owned, credit score, or even the age of the youngest child, offrs.com has developed an algorithm to predict the likelihood of a home selling within the next 12 months in a given 2,000-property territory. So rather than spending the resources to form relationships with every homeowner in the territory, a realtor can hyper-focus on the 20 percent of homeowners most likely to sell. “It’s easier for a realtor to focus on 300 people rather than 2,000,” Dickson says, who adds that offrs.com has a 70 percent success rate in identifying which of those targeted homes will sell.

The offrs.com team also helps realtors create a marketing plan through call targeting, email marketing, direct mail, social media and online ad targeting.

Territories are licensed to real estate agents for a fee ranging from $150 to $500 a month; the marketing fee ranges from $150 to $400 a month.

What started in Dickson’s Lakewood Ranch garage three years ago is in 38 states, employs 30 people and continues to add approximately four regional directors every month with plans to triple its size by the end of 2016. “Our goal is to completely saturate all of the major U.S. markets over the next year,” Dickson says. ■

By Chelsey Lucas

8 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

SALVATORE BRANCIFORT

Founder/CEO offrs.com

OVERHEARD

BIZ RULES

By Chelsey Lucas

“That’s the thing about creativity.

You have to be willing to disrupt your own technology every year.”

—Lou Oberndorf, founder of Medical Education Technologies Incorporated (METI) at the EDC Sarasota County 2015 Annual Meeting.

METRIC

10.91

The percentage of registered Sarasota County voters who are 18-29; 41.33 percent are 65-plus. In Manatee County, 13 percent of voters are 18-30; 33 percent are 66 and up.

SOURCE: Sarasota and Manatee supervisor of elections offices.

Freelancer or Employee?

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS, or freelancers, are a growing part of the U.S. labor force. A 2014 survey

by MBO Partners estimates that almost 18 million U.S. workers make a living as independents and 40 percent of Americans have been a “solopreneur” at some point in their careers. But as more employers have begun to classify workers as independent contractors to cut costs such as Social Security, Medicare and employment taxes, workers are questioning their status and rights.

Late this summer, the wage and hour division of the U.S. Department of Labor expanded its definition of who is an independent worker and who is really an employee.

The new rule says if a person who completes work for you or your company depends on that work for their livelihood, they are an employee and taxes can be applied to their employment; if the person is not economically dependent on work that you provide, they are an independent contractor and taxes do not apply. This new interpretation of a worker aligns with the Fair Labor Standards Act definition of employment, and by that standard most workers are considered employees.

“[The DOL] wants to protect employees to have all their rights and benefits, while at the same time making sure the government is getting paid taxes [on the employees],” says Christine Bellaire, vice president of client relations and human resources at Sarasota’s Progressive Employer Management Company.

Employers face a penalty of paying back wages and taxes should an investigation occur.

“The onus is on the employer,” Bellaire says. “Employers have to re-evaluate who they have classified as an independent contractor, look at this guidance and make sure they can still justify their status as independent. Otherwise, they need to hire them as employees.”

Almost 18 million U.S. workers make a living as independent contractors.

For more information on whether an employee is an independent contractor, go to DOL.gov and search for Administrator’s Interpretation 2015-1. ■

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 9

Talk

BUSINESS CLASS Holiday gifts for the executive in your life.

GIVE AN EXPERIENCE Customer experience is an important strategy in any business’s success. Look for experienced-based gifts that are suited to your client’s personality, such as a reservation for Michael’s On East Whiskey Tasting Club ($10 per person), tickets to a show at the Van Wezel ($25 and up) or front-row seats at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre (tickets start at $15).

CHAD SPENCER

By Jackie Rogers

The hand-sculpted graphite pencil and paper set by Agelio Batle is a unique gift for anyone who appreciates beauty and utility. Personalize this gift by selecting a sculpture tailored to your client’s personality; they come in the shape of an owl, dog, cat and frog. And each writing implement is treated so it won’t rub off onto your hands.

It’s a beautiful addition to any desk. Miniature graphite pencil and paper set. $30, Write-on Sarasota.

FLOWER POWER A traditional holiday poinsettia sent to your client is always a nice gesture, but fresh-cut flowers delivered to a business every month is a way to keep that holiday feeling all year long.

A lovely arrangement will brighten any client’s day (and office) and keep you top of mind.

Victoria Blooms, prices vary, but $65 per arrangement will create a memorable bouquet.

10 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

CHAD SPENCER

WRITE THIS WAY

CHAD SPENCER

SAY CHEESE Thank your clients with a cheese board from Artisan Cheese Company.

A delectable array of handcrafted artisan cheeses, dry-cured sopressata and prosciutto, fruits, nuts and jams can be arranged on

an exotic wood cheese board.

It’s a relief from all those holiday cookies. Artisan Cheese Company Cheese Board, prices start at $100, exotic wood cheese board sold separately.

F YFROOMUGRULFSCEOALST GIVES T C E J O TS EC R J P EAT PRO WITH GR Y GIVE MMUNIT O C R U O Y

FOR THE ALTRUIST

STREAMING DESKTOP AUDIO Help your favorite executive start the workday with music, an informative podcast or favorite radio show from across the globe. The Primo Wi-Fi Media Streamer from Grace Digital delivers access to more than 50,000 radio stations, podcasts and on-demand content from the convenience of an iPhone or Touch

CARD

onor

15 D

GC00

remote straight to a stereo or powered speakers. Primo sets up within minutes by connecting to Wi-Fi, giving instant access to online services such as Pandora, Live365, SiriusXM, Rhapsody or saved music from a PC or Mac. Best Buy, $149.99.

dd 1

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Cards

A charitable contribution is a thoughtful gift for the client who has everything, and it’s a great way to support the good being done in our community in his honor. Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Community Foundation of Sarasota County gift cards allow the receiver to select the charitable recipient.

Gift cards come in increments of $25 and up.

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 11

$25

Talk

AGENDA NOVEMBER

NOV. 1 USF SarasotaManatee’s 22nd annual Brunch on the Bay,

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on the USFSM campus, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For tickets and information, contact Andrea Stephens at (941) 359-4737 or ajstephens@sar.usf.edu.

NOV. 5 Manatee

Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce present Expo 2015, networking event with 175 exhibitors, 5-8 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto. $5. Register at sarasotachamber.com/events.

NOV. 10 National

Philanthropy Day luncheon presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Southwest Florida chapter, 11:30 a.m. at Michael’s On East, 1212 East Ave. S., Sarasota. $50. Register at afpswfl.afpnet.org.

NOV. 17 Suncoast Technology Forum Techbyte luncheon

with Mark Huey, president and CEO, Sarasota Economic Development Corporation, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Polo Grill, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. $18 for members; $28

READER METER

How is your business

planning for the /DECEMBER

for nonmembers. Register at suncoasttechnologyforum.com.

NOV. 19 Venice Area

Chamber of Commerce Business After Five, 5:30-7 p.m. at Marker 4 Restaurant, 509 N. Tamiami Trail, Venice. $5 for members; $10 for nonmembers. For details, visit venicechamber.com.

NOV. 20 Lakewood

Ranch Business Alliance Sandies Members’ Choice Awards Luncheon, 1 1:30 a.m.

-1:15 p.m. at Polo Grill, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. $35 by Nov. 6; $45 after Nov. 6. Register at lwrba.org.

DEC. 10 PINC Sarasota, 9 a.m at the Sarasota Opera

House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $425. For details on this all-day event, including a list of international speakers who will address the themes of people, ideas, nature and creativity, visit pincsarasota.com.

DEC. 1 Manatee Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours etworking event, 5-7 p.m. at n the Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria. Free for members; $10 for nonmembers.

No RSVP required. For details, visit manateechamber.com.

12 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

millions of baby boomers who are retiring every year?

53% WE’RE NOT

27% STEPPING UP RECRUITMENT OF MILLENNIALS

20% CREATING MORE TELECOMMUTING AND FLEX-TIME WORK

0% ASKING BABY BOOMER EMPLOYEES TO MENTOR YOUNGER WORKERS SOURCE: Biz(941) Daily poll

TRENDSPOTTER

BORROWERS STAYING AFLOAT An August 2015 report states that Florida’s underwater homes declined from a high of 50 percent of all residential mortgages to less than 12 percent. Florida saw the second largest volume reduction of underwater borrowers among all states since the beginning of the calendar year.

SOURCE: The Florida Legislature Office of Economic and Demographic Research, Aug. 26, 2015

Z ZEGNA

saks.com

Z Zegna’s latest innovation is Techmerino, an all-natural lightweight, high-performance fabric made from pure merino wool.

THE MALL AT UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER, 120 UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER DR. 941.364.5300

Ask the Originals Where should we go for the best sushi in Sarasota?

Talk

By Hannah Wallace

BIZ BITES

Carr’s Corner Café offers deli fare the way locals like it.

(941) 955-8404 | drunkenpoetsarasota.com

CHAD SPENCER

(941) 954-5726 | jpanrestaurant.com

THE PLACE

(941) 330-8071 | pacificrimsarasota.com

(941) 366-1033 | tsunami-sarasota.com

www.DineOriginal.com

Carr’s Corner Café, 3025 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 355-4051.

Don’t let the North Trail façade fool you, Carr’s is a homey Sarasota institution praised by locals for its simple, exceptionally well-crafted food.

Inside, it’s like dining in your grandmother’s kitchen—calm, clean and quiet with charming details like checkered linoleum, ceramic salt and pepper shakers and lace window dressing.

14 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

THE PEOPLE

The opposite of touristy, Carr’s draws laid-back lunchers from its Indian Beach neighborhood, college students, professors and nearby workers.

TIME FACTOR

Efficient service and cook staff mean you can get in and out within your lunch hour; takeout is also an option.

THE FOOD

It’s a cliché, but “made with love” seems appropriate

here. The delicentric menu offers sandwiches carefully assembled to perfect proportions, plus soups, salads and daily specials (a recent example: ham, fontina, spinach, red onion and honey mustard in a spinach wrap). Plentiful vegetarian and vegan options (including tempeh, tofu and garden burger patty substitution options) are another testament to the thoughtfulness of the menu. ■

A GREAT PLACE FOR YOU–AND YOUR BUSINESS– TO CALL HOME North Port is booming, making this young city one of the most exciting communities in Florida. New businesses, neighborhoods, educational opportunities, parks and a significant investment in roads, technology and services have enhanced the city’s quality of life.

Property values are rising and major developers are investing. National brands—such as First Watch, Starbucks and Chico’s—are entering the market.

Suncoast Technical College is expanding to North Port to provide skilled employees for local jobs. The city’s Blueways Project is connecting four city parks by water so residents can canoe and kayak from park to park, earning the city its sixth consecutive “Playful City USA” honor. And the accolades continue. NerdWallet has listed North Port among the best places in Florida for young families. Niche.com has placed North Port second in 2015 for cities with the best public schools.

Forbes has ranked North Port as one of the top 20 cities in which to invest. No wonder a Gallup Survey ranked the North Port metro area No. 1 for happiest place in the United States.

“Our company has grown as a direct result of our location.

We relocated here after more than 15 years in Texas. North Port is conveniently located near many transportation hubs and right on the interstate system.

The work force is available and skilled. And the city boasts of a wonderful year-round climate.”

Kevin Harris, CEO of Hot Sauce Harry’s, which sells custom-labeled hot sauces to a national market and Canada

CityofNorthPort.com

SP ONS ORED REPOR T

SP ONS ORED REPOR T

One of the fastest-growing and largest cities in Florida, North Port is the lead city in the North Port-BradentonSarasota Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

“The City of North Port represents a unique demographic in Sarasota County with an ideal blend of youth (median age of 40) and seniors. The emergence of young professionals in the community – particularly in the realm of new business innovation – is an ideal platform to inform and influence planned community development.

We envision North Port as a model of progressive planning that will help redefine the future of quality aging.”

GREAT LOCATION Strategically located in Sarasota County between Tampa and Fort Myers on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Dave McCarron, Business Development & Research Associate, Capital Care Associates, offering business advisory services to owners and operators in senior living, and co-founder, Hive, a coworking studio in North Port

Excellent access to

75

6

and international, regional and municipal airports

1 hour’s drive from the Port of Manatee, the closest deepwater seaport to the Panama Canal

11

PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

6

elementary schools

3

middle schools

2

high schools

89.4%

STRONG EDUCATIONAL ASSETS

62,325 Total population, nearly tripled since the year 2000

CityofNorthPort.com

Home to the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, and serviced by State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota and Edison State College

$49,062 40.9 Median household income

Median age

of residents have a high school diploma or higher

16.7% have a bachelor’s degree or higher

HEALTHY DEMOGRAPHICS

SP ONS ORED REPOR T

HOME TO

6

Housing options for every income level, including 2 agriculturally zoned sections, North Port Estates and Woodland Estates

DIVERSE HOUSING

gated communities (3 of them golf course communities) and

Top 10 in U.S. for job growth – Forbes

3

deed-restricted communities

NATURE ENVIRONMENT FEST The 1,023-seat North Port Performing Arts Center is the thirdlargest theater in Sarasota County

ACHIEVE ANYTHING IN NORTH PORT

FIRECRACKER 5K RUN

POINSETTIA PARADE AND FESTIVAL – just some of the community events that take place year-round

CULTURE AND RECREATION “A great benefit of being in North Port is our ability to recruit talent to an area where they would want to live. With the quality of life being so important to people these days, it helps when your facility is in a great location such as North Port.”

Jeffrey King, President, King Plastic Corporation

1st in well-being nationwide – Gallup, 2014 Second-best metro area in Florida to work for small business – Wallet Hub, 2014 Ranked among Top 15 Cleanest Cities in the U.S. – American Lung Association, 2014 Named a Playful City USA for the fourth consecutive year – Humana Foundation, 2014 Ranked in Top 100 for America’s business and careers – Forbes Magazine, 2014 Ranked in Top 10 Digital Cities survey for the third consecutive year – Center for Digital Government and Digital Communities, 2013

For more information about the City of North Port, Florida, call 1-8NORTHPORT (1-866-784-7678).

And discover more about the City of North Port at CityofNorthPort.com.

Follow us on social media.

&

LAGUIA

present

2016

UNITY AWARDS

2016 UNITY AWARDS LUNCHEON HONORING THE PEOPLE AND COMPANIES WHO EMBRACE DIVERSITY

BY CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT OF EQUALITY WHERE EVERY PERSON’S RACE, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PHYSICAL ABILITY, CULTURAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCES ARE VALUED.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016 11:30 A.M. TO 1 P.M. / MICHAEL’S ON EAST Purchase Your Tickets Now

Unityawards2016.eventbrite.com

J E N N I F E R R O M I N I E C K I , the new president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, has big plans to broaden the gardens’ support in this 40th anniversary year and beyond. Rominiecki, a transplanted New Yorker, studied art history in college and worked at the Guggenheim Museum and Metropolitan Opera before spending 15 years at the New York Botanical Garden, where she led a hugely successful $479 million fund-raising campaign. “I learned so much there about how to operate botanical gardens as cultural institutions,” she says. “I see that parallel here. The museum model is a good one; you’re creating experiences to keep people coming back.”

Rominiecki is in conversation with “an international museum for a major loan in 2017; something really exciting,” she says. She’s also reaching out to local performing arts organizations. “It would be wonderful to have music and dance here,” she says. She’s also exploring licensing botanical illustrations from the gardens’ PEOPLE TO WATCH 2015 rare books collection for Selby-centric merchandise and is guiding board and staff through the development of a five-year strategic plan. “We have to shore up our aging infrastructure, and for long-term sustainability we have to grow our endowment, which now stands at $2.5 million,” she says.—Ilene Denton

E L P PEO ATCH W O T 15 0 2

JENNIFER ROMINIECKI

T

he economy is improving, the population is growing and businesses, entrepreneurs and ambitious young professionals are thriving in our region. With a pile of nominations from our readers, community leaders and insiders, we’ve whittled this year’s list down to 19 people you need to know about. From a scientist making miniature sensors to an executive launching a brand-new football league to the executive director of our new museum of modern art, we’re proud to introduce our People to Watch for 2015 and beyond.

20 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

PHOTO G R A PH Y BY BA R BA R A BA N K S

MEET BIZ(941)’S 2015 BOLD GO-GETTERS AND INFLUENCERS.

PEOPLE TO WATCH 2015

JIM RALSTON

who’s been in the mall biz since 1992, is the new general manager of both Westfield-owned Sarasota Square and Southgate (soon to be rebranded as Westfield Siesta Key), a challenging assignment since the Mall at University Town Center opened in 2014. “Our goal is to make Westfield Sarasota Square the area’s go-to family center and Westfield Southgate the boutique property everyone’s talking about,” he says. Southgate recently has undergone $10 million in renovations, and both malls have opened new stores; Abercrombie & Fitch, TreborStyle and Art Avenue have opened in Westfield Siesta Key and Alexander Clothiers is coming soon. A 15,000-square-foot Old Navy and a new H&M have storefronts in Sarasota Square.

And under construction at the Southgate location is one of Cobb Theatres’ popular CinéBistros—an upscale movie theater with a gourmet menu and bar. Scheduled to open in February 2016, the theater is part of the reinvention of Southgate as an entertainment destination for wellto-do customers and tourists. Ralston knows his malls have to win over and keep shoppers.

“Competition is not a bad thing,” he says. “It makes you hone in on what your goals are and smarter about what you do.” — Megan McDonald JIM RALSTON,

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 21

ANNE-MARIE RUSSELL

PEOPLE TO WATCH 2015

Anne-Marie Russell, executive director of the Sarasota Museum of Art (set to open around January 2017), and you quickly realize how much goes into the building of a new contemporary art museum.

Russell, who got a similar museum off the ground in Tucson, Ariz., has at her fingertips details large and small, from food service to retail to sensitivity training for security guards, as well as the museum’s curatorial and educational aspects. Officially on the job since May, Russell (who has a B.A. in anthropology and M.A. in art history) says she’s been doing “ethnographic field work” to learn everything she can about the Sarasota community and the Ringling College, with which it is affiliated. “We want SMOA to be a ‘big tent’ site, to serve all aspects of the community,” she says. “We’ll use a lot of guest curators, because I want a lot of diverse voices.” She’s also conscious of the SMOA building’s place in history as the former Sarasota High. “We have a wonderful responsibility to steward the heritage of this facility,” she says.

“We hope to be around for 100 years or more.”

—Kay Kipling

TA L K W I T H

PEOPLE TO WATCH 2015

LOUISE SINKS

S C I E N T I S T L O U I S E S I N K S is vice president of US Nano LLC, which moved to Sarasota from South Bend, Ind., earlier this year. She is a pioneer in the growing field of nanotechnology, the process of manipulating matter at the molecular level to make new technologies and devices. Sink and her team of six other scientists are using a nano material that can be made into ink and printed onto a variety of surfaces to create flexible, cost-efficient sensors. The applications—civilian and military—from cell phones to testing water quality to searching for disease markers are almost limitless. “In the Internet of things, every object is smart,” she says. “A bridge can tell you if a strut is expanding. A room can tell you if it’s getting too hot.” Sinks and US Nano, which won $930,000 in National Science Foundation grants, were lured to Sarasota by Alex Gusev, another entrepreneur scientist, who owns locally-based Ultrafast Systems.

Sinks says it has been easy to convince other scientists to work in a beautiful community.

She can see the Ph.D. staff doubling or tripling in the next five years. “This is going to be the center of US Nano. This is our final location,” she says. —Susan Burns

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PEOPLE TO WATCH 2015

WHITING PRESTON Manatee County resident Whiting Preston, president of Manatee Fruit Company, is taking more than 1,500 acres of his family’s farmland to create two ambitious, master-planned communities that will transform West Bradenton and the nearby area. The Prestons founded one of the largest cut-flower businesses in the U.S., but as the industry changed, the family began to diversify, selling off farmland and getting into real estate development. Lake Flores, which has already won approval from the Manatee County Commission, is a 1,300-acre project south of Cortez Road and next to IMG Academy, with plans to build 6,500 homes, 3 million square feet of commercial space and 500 hotel rooms in the next 20 years. Proposed at press time, Peninsula Bay is north of Lake Flores between Cortez Road and Palma Sola Bay. Preston is proposing 1,800 homes, waterfront shopping and dining, a water-related resort and commercial facilities, and a 67-acre lake. The timing is right, Preston says. “We were coming out of a recession. West Bradenton is getting tired and older,” he says. “We wanted something meaningful to change Bradenton in a better way: it will have a lasting benefit, more than a subdivision or shopping center.” —Susan Burns

F O U R T H - G E N E R AT I O N

23

DR. DIANA GREENE

PEOPLE TO WATCH 2015

W H E N N E W S U P E R I N T E N D E N T of the Manatee County School District Dr. Diana Greene replaced controversial Rick Mills, who resigned last spring, she inherited a demoralized staff, divided board and skeptical public. Fortunately, Greene says, she remains calm under pressure: “I can let people know the building may be on fire, but everything will be OK.” Greene, who had been the school district’s deputy superintendent for instructional services for two years, is credited with raising Manatee County’s school test scores during her tenure. She started as a teacher in Florida almost 30 years ago and has been a school principal and held senior administrative positions in

other districts.

She sees big challenges ahead for Manatee’s 48,000-student school district, including how to manage growth and rally the community to support new school construction, improve grade-level reading and close the achievement gap for black and Hispanic students. “We want to become a high-performing school district that meets the needs of its students. I want our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We don’t have to agree on everything but they need to know they will be heard and we will work as a team to improve education for students and our community,” she says. — Susan Burns

24

PEOPLE TO WATCH 2015

CHRISTINA CHERRY CHRISTINA CHERRY

S T A R T E D 2015 by moving from managing 3,000 employees in Silicon Valley to opening the startup, InsideOut, in Sarasota with zero employees. By the end of summer, she had eight major clients and 50 employees; by year-end, she expects to have 150 employees in a 7,500-square-foot facility.

The company advises inside sales teams of major IT and tech companies, freeing clients to focus on what they do best. Cherry hopes to grow the business to $15 million-plus over the next three years. Her five-year goal includes expansion of services, increasing employees to more than 400, an expansion into the TampaSt. Petersburg area and achieving revenues upwards of $50 million. The eventual goal is to go global. In Sarasota—a location chosen by a major local investor who remains nameless— she draws from a pool of recent college grads, veterans and former business executives.

“We’re a new type of industry for this location,” says the Oxford-educated Cherry. “Most of our clients are West Coast Silicon Valley-based.

We’re adding diversity to the community and educating [it] about a different kind of employer. It’s a fast-paced tech environment.

We’re going to advance the community a bit.”

—Anu Varma Panchal

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 25

26 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

NICOLE RISSLER

LEE-HAYES BYRON

PEOPLE TO

A F T E R P R O M O T I N G Sarasota County as an exciting sports venue for Visit Sarasota, Nicole Rissler has moved to one of the country’s premier sports facilities—the 600acre Nathan Benderson Park, the venue that will host the Olympic Rowing Trials in April 2016, the 2017 World Rowing Championships and the NCAA Collegiate National Rowing Championships in May 2018. As chief operating officer of Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center, Inc., the nonprofit that administers the park, Rissler ensures that Benderson Park fulfills its vision of becoming a world-class rowing and training center while retaining its role as a community park. The goal is self-sufficiency by the end of 2018; part of Rissler’s focus is on pursuing small grants and sponsorships, and increasing programming.

Look for learn-to-row programs starting at middle school, camps, safety trainings and a new boathouse that will become the centerpiece of the park when it is completed in 2017. “There’s nothing like this facility in the Western Hemisphere,” says Rissler, a Sarasota High grad with two young daughters. “I’m busy; there’s no doubt about that.

But it’s extra rewarding to know you’re getting in on the ground floor of building a legacy.” — Anu Varma Panchal

PEOPLE TO WATCH 2015

A S A P I N E V I E W S C H O O L student growing up in Sarasota, Lee-Hayes Byron wanted to be a veterinarian like her father. As a Stanford undergraduate, however, she was drawn to classes in environment WATCH 2015 and energy.

She shifted gears and earned a master’s degree in environment management from Duke University and spent four years as coordinator for a Washington, D.C., nonprofit, the U.S. Climate Action Network. Since 2008, Byron has been Sarasota County’s sustainability manager, teaching businesses, citizens and the government how to save energy, and to think, build and act green. Soon after starting, she won a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to spearhead an energy-efficiency campaign that gave incentives to residents to retrofit their homes.

And this year, Sarasota County received the highest score of any county in the state for its sustainability improvements from the Florida Green Building Coalition. Byron is passionate about educating new audiences about the importance of conservation and growing a sustainable economy— both traditional sectors such as home builders and cutting-edge ones, such as a future “Electric Avenue,” for electric cars.

Her big picture goals are to connect people and resources to increase our quality of life.

“We are definitely making progress,” she says.—Anu Varma Panchal

DR. SANDRA STONE PEOPLE TO WATCH 2015

D R . S A N D R A S T O N E has lived on a Tennessee farm and in Chicago and Atlanta; she’s also worked as a social worker, researcher and with the City of Atlanta Police Department’s Narcotics Department.

Combine this with nearly 20 years of experience in college administration, and you have the multifaceted new chancellor of University of South Florida Sarasota-

Manatee. One of her first tasks has been to complete a five-year plan that aims to increase student success and campus life activities, ramp up recruiting activities, and enhance teaching and learning experiences on campus. Students can expect more critical-thinking coursework attuned to preparing them for today’s workforce and an increase in campus life activities. STEM students will have access to more programs and research space, and arts students can look forward to increased curriculum offerings. Stone also hopes to expand into international study—possibly in Italy—and increase scholarly activity spurred by a new position, coordinator of faculty research.

“This community and this institution are really at a very exciting point in their evolution,” says Stone. “It’s the perfect time to bring all the resources together to explode on the scene.” —Anu Varma Panchal NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 27

DAVE McCARRON

RACHELLE MADRIGAL

PEOPLE TO WATCH 2015

PEOPLE TO WATCH 2015 of North Port become a hub for young entrepreneurs? Dave McCarron believes the answer is yes. You could say McCarron is a dream resident for North Port. Since moving here in 2007 to be close to family and for the lifestyle, he’s taken on an R&D position with Capital Care Advisors, his family’s New England-based business, and started the nonprofit Stable Ground, an equineassisted learning program, with his wife, Kelly. What’s got North Port buzzing, though, is Co-Work Hive, a shared workspace he founded in 2014 to help young professionals network and launch innovative enterprises. McCarron’s energy and collaborative nature are fueling the Hive’s growth. He sees his own telecommute to his job in Bedford, N.H., as proof that young people can be attracted to and work in North Port. “We’re hoping to develop an innovation center for the City of North Port and play a collaborative role in feeding that opportunity,” McCarron says. And he thinks Co-Work Hive captures the way young people work. “This is the future,” he says. “If [young professionals] are choosing where we want to live, it follows that we’re naturally much more invested in our local community.” —Megan McDonald

CAN THE CITY

28 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

O N LY 2 9 , Rachelle Madrigal is the general manager, director and sales manager of the Bradenton Marauders, taking on the team’s day-to-day operations as well as overseeing the sales and marketing for Pirates Spring Training and the Marauders. In 2014 she was named the Female Executive of the Year in the Florida State League and is the only woman right now to hold the general manager title in the league.

Previously the Pirates’ manager of sales and marketing, Rachelle had been influential in five straight seasons of 100,000-plus attendance at Marauder games, marketing the 2014 McKechnie Field renovation and developing outside group business during the off-season at Pirate City. The organization has grown since Madrigal started with the Pirates in Bradenton as a college intern in 2006.

“I have definite goals,” she says. “I want to bring the Marauders to the next level. We’ve had steady attendance but I want to see that increase. I want it to be the family-friendly place of choice.” Her biggest challenge? “The weather in Florida. I wish I had a degree in meteorology. It’s the constant uncertainty.” And the days can be long and crazy during the season. “But honestly, I get to wake up and work in a ball field every day. I’m lucky,” she says.

—Susan Burns

FRANK MURTHA

PEOPLE TO WATCH 2015

when Major League Football chose Lakewood Ranch for its national headquarters, senior executive vice president Frank Murtha emerged as the public face of an endeavor he hopes will help turn Southwest Florida into a sports mecca. The nascent MLFB is establishing 10 professional teams throughout the country in big-city markets, including Orlando, that have neither an NFL nor Major League Baseball presence; games will be played in the spring. “Regardless of how popular football is—and it is the most popular sport in the U.S.—in the fall you have NFL, NCAA and high school, so where would you fit your games in?” says Murtha, a longtime sports attorney, originally from Chicago, who’s shepherded the sale and purchase of NFL teams. For the MLFB’s annual preseason each February, all 10 teams will train at Lakewood Ranch’s Premier Sports Campus—a major factor in headquartering here, as was cooperation from hoteliers to accommodate the 1,000 or so players and personnel expected.

Murtha anticipates between 25 and 50 full-time, yearround staff (himself included) at the league office. “Our economic impact will be greater than the two [Spring Training] Major League Baseball teams combined,” he says. —Hannah Wallace

THIS SUMMER,

30

and CEO of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation is a familiar face in the region and at the foundation.

Mark Pritchett, who was the foundation’s senior vice president for community

THE NEW PRESIDENT

PEOPLE TO WATCH 2015

MARK PRITCHETT

investment, assumed his new position in late September. He was selected after a nationwide search of 300 candidates and now heads up a foundation with $274.5 million in assets and 17 employees. As one of the largest community foundations in Florida and the nation, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation has a huge impact on the region’s health and human services, economic development, education, the arts and the environment. This fiscal year, the foundation gave away $27 million to local causes. Pritchett, who faces a changing philanthropic world, will build on the work of Teri Hansen, who left to run the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation.

“I want to be recognized nationally as a philanthropic organization that addresses the most pressing needs of our region,” he says, needs such as diversifying our economy and dealing with social issues such as hunger and affordable housing. “It’s about being a leadership organization,” he says. “It’s creativity that attracts donors.”

—Susan Burns

WILL ROBINSON

PEOPLE TO WATCH 2015

A S A T E E N A G E R , Will Robinson worked summers on the family property, planting trees and fertilizing land. Today, that 288-acre property is poised to become Robinson Gateway, a development expected to transform north Manatee County with 542 home sites, 900,000 square feet of retail, 600,000 square feet of office space, a movie theater and hotel. “It’s exciting,” says Robinson, who is handling the development, the brainchild of his father, Bill Robinson, and partner Ed Vogel II. “My family has lived there for generations.

If you look in the north county area, it’s sorely needed.”

Construction is at least a year away; the focus now is on pursuing retailers, hoteliers and residential builders to assemble a pool of potential partners. At full capacity (projected for 2025), the development should generate $3.2 million in city tax revenue and $3.1 million in school board revenue. A former chair of the Manatee Young Professionals, Robinson hopes the walkable, multi-use nature of the development will appeal to young people who may opt to stay and raise families here rather than move to bigger cities.

“Robinson Gateway will draw not only people in the area but also those from other regions,” he predicts. —Anu Varma Panchal

32 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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34 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

SIMONE PETERSON, OGDEN CLARK III, CATHERINE FERRER, STEWART MOON

PEOPLE TO WATCH 2015

Clockwise from top left: Ogden Clark III, Simone Peterson, Catherine Ferrer and Stewart Moon

W H E N M A N A T E E C O U N T Y government department heads assembled a group of Millennials earlier this year to take a look at the huge employee recruitment issue looming as baby boomers began to retire, they didn’t envision the influence the Manatee Millennial Movement—or M3, as it’s now known—was about to have. But millennials jumped at the chance to get involved in issues such as affordable housing, employment, land planning and transportation options that would appeal to their generation and hopefully attract more of their age group and keep them here. The movement spread to include millennials at the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation and Realize Bradenton, and now these young professionals are meeting with county decision-makers and are having an impact in shaping Manatee County.

We found four millennial leaders whose passion and commitment are fueling the movement: Simone Peterson, 26, a neighborhood specialist in Manatee County government’s Neighborhood Services; Ogden Clark III, 32, Manatee government’s ambassador program coordinator; Catherine Ferrer, 34, the community engagement coordinator for Realize Bradenton; and Stewart Moon, 27, vice president of Air & Energy in Manatee, and the chair of both the chamber’s Manatee Young Professionals and the EDC’s Thought Leaders group.

Clark summed up this group’s dedication: “You have to be the change you want to see. I’m passionate about Manatee and want others to know this is a great place to live. There are going to be a lot of opportunities for young people.”

—Susan Burns

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 35

INBAR ARCHITECTURE, AIA Award-winning architect Attention to the integration of simplicity and the environment.

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LOOK FOR THE “AIA” DESIGNATION. At the heart of every successful project is a strong relationship between client and architect. AIA architects know that the more knowledgeable their clients are about the design process, the more likely they are to fully participate in the experience of designing their dream space and enjoy the benefits of a collaborative effort.

OHANA / GUY PETERSON, FAIA

265 S. Orange Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 315-8242 | info@aiagulfcoast.org

Look for the AIA initials after the name of any architect you consider for your project. AIA architects remain current with professional standards through continuing education and subscribe to a code of ethics and professional conduct that assures clients, the public and colleagues of their dedication to high standards in professional practice.

For a complete list of member-professionals in the AIA Florida Gulf Coast chapter—representing Sarasota, Manatee, Highlands, Hardee and DeSoto counties, as well as chapter events —visit aiagulfcoast.org .

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 37

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Why hire an architect

SEAGRAPE HOUSE / TRACTION ARCHITECTURE

Like doctors and lawyers, architects are licensed professionals.

The title “architect” may be used only by an individual who possesses a state license to practice architecture in that state.

They are the only professionals in the construction industry who are ethically bound to represent you, the building owner.

In addition, AIA members have fulfilled specific education and training as stipulated by each individual state, and have earned the right to legally call themselves architects and practice architecture in the jurisdiction granting the license.

SOURCE: aiafl.org 38 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

265 S. Orange Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 315-8242 info@aiagulfcoast.org

For a complete list of memberprofessionals in the AIA Florida Gulf Coast chapter—representing Sarasota, Manatee, Highlands, Hardee and DeSoto counties, as well as chapter events —visit aiagulfcoast.org .

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SLAMP mixes styles of contemporary, high-concept aesthetics, creating sophisticated, contemporary lighting.

The color treatment of Slamp’s lamps is made entirely with an innovative digital printing process. The inks used are high-performing, UV-resistant and non-toxic, making them completely GREENGUARD certified under the categories “Indoor Air Quality.” The depositing of the ink on the plate is made with a particular angle of incidence that creates a “pearl” effect. Today, SLAMP is one of the most representative brand names in the field of decorative designer lighting.

SLAMP lamps are made of Opalflex®, a patented and recyclable material, luminous and attractive like glass while being versatile and resistant like plastic. Cristalflex®, another SLAMP exclusive product, is transparent material developed and produced

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In addition to regular chapter events throughout the year, including monthly educational sessions, building tours, and “Design Drink” happy hours at various local venues, AIA Florida Gulf Coast Chapter hosts the following special events: DESIGN AWARDS The AIA Florida Gulf Coast Design CHAPTER PRESIDENT Awards program is a bi-annual event dedicated to identifying excellence in architecture, to elevating the public consciousness of good design, and to recognizing owners, designers and contractors whose work enriches the built environment.

Lisa Hess, AIA

The program rewards great design and a commitment to public service, which contributes to the advancement of the profession. Award recipients are determined by a jury of their architectural peers selected from various AIA chapters throughout the United States. Winners are announced during the corresponding bi-annual Design Awards Gala, the next of which will take place in May 2016.

SARASOTA DESIGN CONFERENCE The Sarasota Design Conference is a biannual event where prominent designers and thought leaders are invited to speak and present their unique look on design and how it enhances our built environment.

This event also serves as the kickoff for the presentation of the AIA Florida Gulf Coast Design Awards. In addition, the con-

ference includes a trade show and speaker reception, as well as music, hors d’oeuvres and social networking. The SDC offers many opportunities for the public and allied professionals to learn about design and interact with the region’s architectural leaders. The next Sarasota Design Conference is scheduled for May 2016.

CANSTRUCTION Held in partnership with All Faiths Food Bank, CANstruction showcases unique, colossal and very creative structures built

by AIA members entirely out of full cans of food. After they go on display to the public as a giant art exhibition, all food is donated to All Faiths Food Bank to help the underserved in our community. The next Canstruction event will be held in fall 2016.

ARCHITECTURE FOR ANIMALS AIA members, in partnership with the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange and Suncoast chapter of CSI (Construction Specifications Institute), work together to create interaction/stimulation stations on the grounds of Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue to benefit the resident dogs and cats.

Many rescued animals lack fundamental motor skills, including simple tasks that many of our domesticated pets take for granted, such as going up a couple of steps. In order

265 S. Orange Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 315-8242 | info@aiagulfcoast.org

40 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

to help these animals develop essential skills, Architecture for Animals teams have designed and constructed interactive stations, where volunteers, trainers and prospective owners can work with the animals to overcome fears and build confidence and trust. The next phase for Architecture for Animals will kick off in November 2015.

THE CITIZEN ARCHITECT AIA Florida Gulf Coast has established the Citizen Architect program to support its members who contribute their time to civic engagement activities. The Citizen Architect uses his/her insights, talents, training and experience to contribute meaningfully, beyond self, to the improvement of the community and human condition. The Citizen Architect stays informed on local, state and federal issues, and makes time for service to the community.

The Citizen Architect advocates for higher living standards, the creation of a sustainable environment, quality of life and the greater good. The Citizen Architect seeks to advocate for the broader purposes of architecture through civic activism, writing and publishing, by gaining appointment to boards and commissions, and through elective office at all levels of government.

AIA Florida Gulf Coast Chapter encourages its members to be active leaders in our community, and offers a full grant each year to an AIA member to participate in an approved community-based leadership training program, such as those sponsored by a local Chamber of Commerce.

SOURCE: aiafl.org

For a complete list of member-professionals in the AIA Florida Gulf Coast chapter—representing Sarasota, Manatee, Highlands, Hardee and DeSoto counties, as well as chapter events —visit aiagulfcoast.org .

SP ONS ORED REPOR T

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THE

CEO

Resurrection Man Jacksonville’s Ed Burr promises to bring the Sarasota Quay back to life.

By David Ball

Jacksonville developer Ed Burr has a plan. No, a vision. He sees

environmentally sustainable landscapes and pedestrian walkways

connecting condominium buildings, offices, restaurants, shops, theaters and a bustling waterfront. It’s a development that people will want to visit and live in. It’s a place that’s totally unique—and decidedly Sarasota.

“People don’t want to live in a tower; they want to live in a place. They don’t want to visit a building; they want to visit a place,” says the 59-year-old CEO of GreenPointe Holdings, which last year purchased the former Sarasota Quay property in downtown Sarasota for $27 million.

“It’s the greatest piece of land left on the Gulf Coast of Florida,” Burr says. “We’ve wanted to be in Sarasota for a long time, and this project will reflect the principles we think are important.”

Still unnamed at press time, GreenPointe’s project is a 14.5-acre tract along North Tamiami Trail that was the home of the former Sarasota Quay, a pink retail

46 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

center developed in the 1980s. The property—large, flat, vacant and located on downtown waterfront near luxury residential and resort properties (The RitzCarlton, Sarasota is a next-door neighbor)—is a rare find in Florida. The previous owner, Irish American Management Services, headed by Patrick Kelly, in 2004 announced plans for a $1 billion development with up to 700 residential units, 189,000 commercial square feet and a hotel. But the real estate collapse stopped the project and led to foreclosure in 2013.

Burr, armed with lessons from the collapse and nearly 30 years of experience as a developer in Florida, says GreenPointe is the right company to resurrect the

PHOTO COURTESY GREENPOINTE HOLDINGS

Ed Burr, CEO, GreenPointe Holdings

“We’ve wanted to be in Sarasota for a long time.”

47

THE

CEO

PHOTO COURTESY GREENPOINTE HOLDINGS

project, although he says it’s too early to talk about details and numbers.

GreenPointe now specializes in buying distressed properties and finishing uncompleted developments from the housing boom. Its portfolio includes 13 residential and mixed-use projects with 18,000 home sites throughout Florida. Examples include Triple Creek in Riverview, which was bought in 2010 and includes more than 2,000 home sites; Southern Hills Plantation in Brooksville, a 1,685-acre community with a championship golf course and homes priced up to $1.5 million; and River Hall in Fort Myers, a nearly 2,000-lot master-planned community with a championship golf course and more than 50 percent of the land dedicated to habitat conservation.

GreenPointe purchased the 14.5-acre Quay site for $27 million.

In discussing the Quay, Burr repeatedly uses the word “place,” and that’s no accident. “The term in the [development] business is called ‘place making.’ You don’t hear a lot of people use it, but talk to Ed for five minutes and you’ll hear it,” says Peter Rummell, a fellow Jacksonville-based developer, who has helmed some of Florida’s most prominent resort and residential projects with Arvida, the St. Joe Company and Disney.

“Ed is not afraid of risk and new, complicated projects,” Rummell adds. “I haven’t seen plans for Sarasota, but Ed’s talked to me about it. It fits the description of hard-to-do but big payoff.” Rummell is referring to the project’s complicated multi-use features that will take years to accomplish.

Burr, who grew up in a modest home in a small community near the beaches of east Jacksonville, went to the University of Tampa on a football scholarship (he played defensive end), though he quickly realized

48 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

football would not be his meal ticket. He transferred to Florida State University, working as a waiter and bartender to pay the bills, and graduated with an accounting degree in 1979.

Burr got a job with Coopers & Lybrand (which eventually merged into PricewaterhouseCoopers) in Miami and New York City, where his developer clients piqued his interests in real estate. He moved back to Jacksonville in 1986 and formed the development company LandMar a year later. His first deal was Osprey Pointe, a master-planned community of 276 single-family homes along the St. Johns River.

LandMar developed nearly two dozen communities with 35,000 home sites and roughly $750 million in value over the next 12 years. Burr ended up selling his interest in the company to majority partner Crescent Resources in 2007. Crescent had a short shelf life, however. When the market collapsed, the company (including its LandMar affiliate) filed for bankruptcy.

In the meantime, Burr had launched GreenPointe Holdings LLC, and was able to hire back his executive team from LandMar. Burr says his experience with the housing collapse motivated him to focus on doing things “the right way”—a slower, more market-driven approach using sustainable features, rather than the build, build, build frenzy of the boom.

“With urban infill projects and downtown projects, you have to be able to lean into the market when it’s ready and be patient when it’s not,” Burr says.

“With a project the size of the Quay, you can’t just do everything at once. We have a long view of the Quay.

You can’t outpace and outrun the market.”

Burr says utility infrastructure and the first phase, likely residential, will begin within the next 12 to 24 months. He doesn’t have details yet, though he expects the historic Belle Haven building on-site will be preserved in some way.

GreenPointe focuses on avoiding “cookie-cutter” developments, Burr says. Each project has a “green point” that could be anything from water conservation to energy efficiency to preserving habitat. The Quay’s green points likely will feature green building design and water and electricity conservation.

Burr also supports Bayfront 20:20, an initiative of civic and business leaders who are trying to make sure the 75 acres of vacant or underused downtown waterfront neighboring the Quay and additional parcels across North Tamiami Trail incorporate cultural assets and public access.

“With the Quay, we are making sure there is pedestrian connectivity to the rest of the city, the arts district, the urban downtown and to the Rosemary

“With the Quay, we are making sure there is pedestrian connectivity to the rest of the city, the arts district, the urban downtown and to the Rosemary District.”

District,” he says. “We also want [the Quay project] to be a place for pedestrians to gather. The amenities will give it a sense of place, not only for people who live at the Quay, but for everyone.”

Burr is not revealing details, and GreenPointe executives expect him to keep tweaking the project until the concrete is dry. “You’ll think a decision has been made, but a couple of meetings later Ed’s opinion may have changed and now there’s a different direction,” says Rick Harcrow, regional president for GreenPointe Communities, the development arm of the company. “That’s part of Ed’s personality. He never stops trying to improve on the last decision.”

Burr likes to focus on the big picture while letting his team handle the details. “He can drill down in great detail on subjects, but his management style is to keep people focused on the target,” says GreenPointe Communities president Grady Miars, who has worked with Burr since 1996 at LandMar. “He’s careful not to lay out the steps of what you should do next. He sets the vision and direction and gives a lot of flexibility on how you get there.”

Burr says that approach can work if you surround yourself with quality employees. “I can think of maybe three times in my career when I’ve had to tell somebody what to do,” he says. “We operate with an executive management team of strong-willed, smart people.”

Burr’s collaborative style extends to his involvement with various city and community boards in Jacksonville, as well as five years serving on FSU’s board of trustees.

He led the search committee last year that selected John Thrasher as university president. Recently, Burr was named board chairman in a unanimous vote.

Burr says a priority for the board this year will be to help repair FSU’s image following several arrests of student athletes for sexual assault and other offenses.

Although Burr says the university’s problem with student conduct has been overblown by media, he takes abuse involving young people seriously.

His charity, the Monique Burr Foundation for Children, offers child abuse prevention education programs to Florida elementary schools, as well as support programs for school personnel and parents about bullying, cyber safety and all forms of child abuse. The foundation is named after Burr’s first wife, a passionate child advocate who was killed in a car

accident during the couple’s 10-year anniversary trip to California in 1996. She was 36.

“I wanted her legacy to live on,” says Burr, who can sound reserved when discussing his business career, but exudes passion when describing the foundation.

“We touched over a million children’s lives last year.

Every time I hear of an abuse claim, I think, ‘Why didn’t that child have this type of education?’”

The foundation’s programs are approved for use in 57 of Florida’s 67 counties, though not in Sarasota. He hopes that might change, and that the Quay project won’t be the only impact he has on the local community.

“It will change not only children’s lives today, but it will change generations,” Burr says. “If you stop the cycle of abuse you are stopping generations of abuse.

We’re not going to change the world, but we can change the lives of so many people.” ■

The CEO Says Burr’s building blocks for success.

NEVER GIVE UP: “Being a CEO is tough. Things don’t always go well, and there isn’t always a clear path to a solution. Never discount the value of showing up and giving your best every day. If you work hard enough, the correct path becomes clearer.”

NOBODY WORKS FOR HIMSELF: “I often hear people say, ‘I want to own my own business so I can work for myself.’ There is no such thing. As an owner or CEO, you have immense responsibility to your employees, your customers, your lenders and partners and to the community.”

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE: “The old adage about ‘location, location, location’ matters, but it is not as important as the people you work with. We have one of the finest real estate development teams in the country. The right adage is, ‘People, People, Location.”

REPUTATION MATTERS: “What you do is important but how you conduct your business is the most important. Your reputation may be the only thing that lets you survive the tough times.”

GIVE BACK: “Whether time, treasure or knowledge.

Give it!”

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 49

HOW MONEY

MOVES

BY David

Ball

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Salvatore Brancifort

T

here’s been plenty of action in downtown Sarasota real estate in the last year, and not just with the new condo towers.

Banks, wealth advisers and other financial firms have relocated or upgraded their offices. Some are seeking higher profiles with new spaces and street-front signage; some are brand-new to Sarasota and announcing their arrival to new customers; while others are simply looking for more space to grow.

Historically, downtowns attract financial companies, which jockey for exposure and referrals from attorneys, accountants and other neighboring businesses. In Sarasota, the timing seems right for these businesses to upgrade, commercial real estate broker John

50 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

Financial firms jockey for space and exposure in Sarasota.

Harshman says. Restaurants and retail are finally on the upswing, new downtown condos will bring in new residents and foot traffic, and office space is widely available at good prices.

“We’ve gone through the shakeup of financial institutions,” he says.

“The banks and lenders that were going to get in trouble, we’ve seen that come and go. The ones that are here today are stabilized and doing really well. We always have lenders looking to move downtown.”

The vacancy rate for Class A office space is more than 12 percent, compared to 3 percent to 4 percent in the late ‘90s to mid2000s. Prices range from $21 to $28 per square foot, not too much a premium over $14 to $22 near I-75 and Lakewood Ranch.

But not every financial firm needs—or wants—to be downtown.

When brand awareness and proximity to feeder firms aren’t considerations, space far from the downtown core can be an attractive option. Here’s a look at how a few companies recently found new digs downtown—and why one left.

Build to Suit CAPSTAN FINANCIAL CONSULTING GROUP

238 S. Washington Blvd.

W H O : A Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network firm formed in 2010. Provides full-service investment planning and currently manages nearly $500 million in assets.

E M P L O Y E E S : 19 A N N U A L R E V E N U E : $4.5 million O L D L O C AT I O N : 500 S. Washington Blvd. (Former LandMark Bank building) M O V E D T O N E W L O C AT I O N :

June 2015 M A I N R E A S O N F O R M O V E : More

space for current staff and room for future expansion.

W H Y T H I S L O C AT I O N :

Opportunity for rare build-tosuit building downtown; on-site parking for staff and customers; able to cultivate a “small business” vibe rather than be stuck in an office tower.

W H Y D O W N T O W N : Brand visibility, close to referral businesses, centrally located for staff commutes.

T I P F O R R E L O C AT I N G D O W N T O W N : Do your due diligence

in exploring the options; there are plenty of commercial spaces available to meet almost every need.

C

apstan’s move was short—just a few blocks north and closer to downtown—but was a drastic shift, giving the firm visibility in a new, modern office built by Sarasota developer Mark Kauffman. Capstan crafted the office layout and interior of the two-story, glass-fronted building that commands attention from motorists driving down U.S. 301 across from Payne Park.

“With its transparency and vibrancy, I think this building is a tangible example of how we do business,” Capstan managing partner Matt DePalma says. “It was originally meant to be a loft upstairs, but that just didn’t work for us. We needed more

offices and that ultimately changed the design.”

Space was the main reason for the move out of their former 3,400-square-feet office. The company considered existing spaces in buildings like One Sarasota Tower and BMO Harris Plaza, which offered cheaper leases but not the qualities the firm was looking for.

“You had to park in a separate garage, walk over a bridge—it just wasn’t us,” DePalma says. “We are local business owners first. We want customers to park on-site, walk in to a smiling face, [someone] who knows what they like to drink when they come in.”

Leaving downtown was never an option, DePalma says. The firm signed a 15-year lease, a commitment to the idea of the city center as a financial hub.

“The attorneys are located here, the insurance agents and CPAs— those are the lifeblood of referrals,” he says. “It’s also a great place to go to work and centrally located.

That’s still important.”

Capstan relocated for more space and a customized design.

51

Historic Renovation C1 BANK

1519 Main St. W H O : One of Florida’s fastest-

growing banks with headquarters in St. Petersburg, 31 branches along the west coast and in Miami and $1.7 billion in assets.

E M P L O Y E E S : 250 (four in Sarasota) A N N U A L R E V E N U E : $72 million O L D L O C AT I O N : No previous Sarasota branch C1 spent more than $1 million to renovate this building.

M O V E D T O N E W L O C AT I O N :

May 2014 M A I N R E A S O N F O R M O V E : To serve Sarasota customers in a local branch W H Y T H I S L O C AT I O N : C1 had foreclosed on the property and saw an opportunity for a Sarasota branch.

W H Y D O W N T O W N : Urban centers fit C1’s strategy of serving mostly small and medium-sized business owners, and the historic building increased local brand visibility.

T I P F O R R E L O C AT I N G D O W N T O W N : Don’t shy away

from spending money to build or customize the space. And make sure the space says something about you.

F

or years C1 Bank served Sarasota customers from three branches in Manatee County, but the fast-

52 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

growing company had long eyed an opportunity to break into Sarasota’s downtown. That came when the bank foreclosed on an historic property on Main Street in 2011.

It wasn’t an easy path. The building had extensive water and termite damage and needed new electrical wiring. After years of planning, more than a year of construction and well over $1 million in renovations, C1 opened its first Sarasota branch in May 2014.

“If we were a restaurant or kitchen store, we could have done anything to the building,” CEO Trevor Burgess says. “Because we are a federally insured bank, the law says if we are in a historic district we have to abide by state and local historic guidelines.

We ended up having to change our initial designs to fit within those guidelines.”

Burgess says the façade, canopy, how the ATM integrates with the exterior glass and other design elements had to be changed and cost the firm time and money.

“We like our branches to say something about who we are and about the community we serve,” he says. “If we have to make those kinds of investments, we are happy to do it.”

The building barely resembles a traditional bank. Customers have to use public parking. There’s no drivethrough teller, and inside there’s no teller line at all. Customers handle deposits and withdrawals at desks, a “concierge-style” banking that Burgess says fosters relationships with clients, many of whom have come from downtown businesses.

“It’s a great way to get to know those businesses. There’s nothing like being able to come next door and get change for your cash register,” he says. “But honestly, people can do a lot of their normal banking through technology now.

We want our branches to more be billboards for the services we offer.”

Relocating to Class A Space MONEYSHOW

1626 Ringling Blvd.

W H O : Online resource for investors,

traders and advisers and organizer of trade shows and educational seminars for financial industry.

E M P L O Y E E S : 45 A N N U A L R E V E N U E : $10 millionplus MoneyShow wanted a high-profile building for brand awareness.

O L D L O C AT I O N : 1258 Palm Ave.

(Bay Plaza) M O V E D T O N E W L O C AT I O N :

May 2015 MAIN RE ASON FOR MOVE:

Selling old location after divorce; increase brand exposure W H Y T H I S L O C AT I O N : Fit criteria of 40 parking spaces and direct access to office without stairs or elevator, prominent signage, a building with other financial tenants, natural light and open architecture.

W H Y D O W N T O W N : Brand exposure, centrally located, close to referral and client financial businesses and amenities such as restaurants.

T I P F O R R E L O C AT I N G D O W N T O W N : Find a great

commercial broker who can narrow down all the options for you and even find ones that aren’t even listed.

W

hile divorce is rarely a good reason to move, Kim Githler, CEO of MoneyShow, is finding the bright side—in all the natural light and shiny new signage of her new office in Ringling Square. She hopes the new location will help make her financial media company a more prominent player in Sarasota’s downtown district.

“It was a conscious effort to brand our business so people knew we were here,” Githler says. “As far as possible locations, there were a lot of options.”

Githler credits her commercial real estate broker, Mike Migone of Sperry Van Ness, with narrowing down the options that fit her criteria, which included on-site parking spaces with direct access to the office, natural light with open spaces and proximity to other financial businesses. Migone was able to negotiate a lease for the entire fourth floor of Ringling Square, which wasn’t listed on the market.

“He knew everything that was out there and really made it easy,” Githler says. “I did not have to do market research or contact and set everything up. We knew when we hit the home run and he assisted me in my negotiations, which was great.”

Githler says with all the options for Class A space downtown, she could negotiate her terms from a position of relative strength. “You can walk away. [Building owners] know you have other places to go,” she says.

She advises businesses relocating downtown to minimize moving expenses and effort. Set up network and computer systems beforehand, purge old documents and consider selling old office furniture and buying or leasing an entirely new office that can be set up before your employees arrive.

“I only paid about $3,000 for the entire move. Very reasonable,” she says.

53

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Date: September 18, 2015.

Global Financial needed space with high-speed Internet.

When Leaving Downtown Makes Sense GLOBAL FINANCIAL PRIVATE CAPITAL 501 N. Cattlemen Road W H O : Firm that manages assets

Subscribe now It’s quick, simple and free.

Your complimentary magazine subscription includes

36 issues

plus access to our digital edition. sign up now at

biz941.com or call (941)487-1100 and (800) 881-2394

and portfolios and provides support services for businesses, wealth managers and financial advisers nationwide.

E M P L O Y E E S : 120 A N N U A L R E V E N U E : $70 million O L D L O C AT I O N : 2080 Ringling Blvd. and 1549 Ringling Blvd.

(PNC building) M O V E D T O N E W L O C AT I O N :

June 2015 MAIN RE ASON FOR MOVE:

Space for current staff and future growth W H Y T H I S L O C AT I O N : Space available with latest technology infrastructure at good price W H Y N O T D O W N T O W N : Hard to find big enough space with necessary infrastructure; firm did not utilize other downtown financial businesses or need brand awareness T I P F O R R E L O C AT I N G AWAY F R O M D O W N T O W N : Plenty of

Class A options out east, so find one with the best infrastructure and space to grow

54 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

N

ot all financial institutions see value in locating in the city center.

In June, Global Financial Private Capital moved from its own building at 2080 Ringling Blvd. and offices at the PNC building downtown to the Gateway Professional Center on Cattlemen Road just north of Fruitville Road.

Growth drove the move, with the company increasing from 50 to 120 employees in five years. COO Gregg Guinta says since the company is a national firm, it didn’t need the ancillary benefits of operating downtown, such as local referrals and brand exposure through signage.

“It was really about growth potential as it relates to square footage,” Guinta says. “We looked at nothing but Class A space, and we did our due diligence on the economics, technical infrastructure and growth potential, and Gateway had all that.”

Guinta says one of the biggest hurdles downtown was the added cost of trying to get high-speed Internet and communications lines into existing buildings. The company saved a “moderate” amount of money at Gateway, which had the infrastructure in place, compared to downtown options. ■

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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 55

BY Kim

Hackett

SPACE QUEST

Top brokers on deals, challenges and opportunities in the commercial market.

56 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

C

ommercial real estate finally is rebounding at a steady pace throughout the region, but not equally everywhere and not in all segments. Lakewood Ranch is the area’s most dynamic commercial market with the new University Town Center mall, the blossoming sports industry and ongoing residential expansion.

In fact, so much residential building is occurring in Manatee and Sarasota, particularly in downtown Sarasota and the North Venice/North Port area, that experts say commercial real estate deals―including any large property near I-75― will accelerate to keep up with residential demand for shopping and restaurants.

“Space is getting leased, people are moving in, and you are starting to see some rent increases,” says Brian Kennelly, chief operating officer for the Starling Group, which tracks data for the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County.

“Concessions of years past, such as free rent, have disappeared.”

We talked with three top commercial real estate agents, representing Manatee, Sarasota and South County, to find out what trends they are seeing in their markets.

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA John Harshman HARSHMAN & COMPANY Where are the area hot spots?

Downtown Sarasota, particularly for residential and hospitality. There are about nine major projects under construction, including two new hotels, five new condominiums and two new rental apartment projects. The new projects will bring new residents and visitors to downtown Sarasota, attracting new retailers and dramatically changing downtown Sarasota demographics―primarily an increase in the number of permanent and transient residents and the highly anticipated increase in buying power this population increase represents for this relatively small geographic area.

What types of properties are moving most quickly?

Vacant residential development sites downtown are moving the fastest along with sites that have been prepared for developments that failed during the Great Recession. As always, quality locations such as those on the water-

front or with water views are the most desirable, followed by properties with easy access and close to downtown amenities.

What should landlords be thinking about if they want to lease space?

Landlords need to renovate older retail space, providing tall ceilings, open floor plans and updated storefronts to command the highest rental rates and attract top quality retailers.

Are there any impressive newcomers?

The major ones are the hotels― Aloft, Westin, Marriott and Embassy Suites. Wawa, the Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain, started opening stores in Florida last year and is looking at a downtown site near Fruitville Road and East Avenue.

Where are the challenges?

The office market is the most challenged sector, with industrial a close second. Office and industrial vacancies increase and decrease, relative to employment levels. Both sectors have been impacted by changing business practices. In the banking industry, for example, facilities are becoming smaller; drive-through tellers are less of a necessity and large lobbies are features of the past.

Also, technology has changed how some companies conduct business and they are no longer restricted to brick-and-mortar locations, so their office needs are not as great.

Where are the good deals?

The market has reached a level that the only profitable option for a developer is to build a condominium or a for-sale project. To make the numbers work, an apartment developer can only pay up to about $22,000-$25,000 per unit for land. A condominium developer can and will

pay significantly more than $25,000 per unit for land. The Quay and Main Plaza are two properties to watch.

Both sites are large―four acres at the Quay and about nine acres at Main Plaza―well located and will require a sophisticated developer with a vision and understanding of our market to tackle the challenge of delivering truly exceptional development. The cost of development on either parcel will require significant financial capacity and staying power. Both parcels are impacted by obstructed views, and the Quay site is impacted by its proximity to the water.

Top recent sale?

Our company facilitated TerraCap Management’s $37 million acquisition of the Gateway Professional Center at Fruitville Road and Interstate 75. The property has four Class A suburban office buildings totaling approximately 247,000 square feet, making it one of the biggest recent sales in Sarasota County.

Who are the top commercial landlords in your area?

Some of the landlords controlling the greatest amount of square feet are Osprey Management Osprey Real Estate Services, LLC, Benderson Development Company, George Spector and Mark Kauffman.

MANATEE COUNTY Janet Robinson COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, COLDWELL BANK COMMERCIAL Hot spots in Manatee County?

Anything along the I-75 corridor in the two-county area is booming. A number of companies have contacted us but

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 57

the opportunities along I-75 are very scarce.

are scarce. Many of the banks have done a workout with owners.

What types of properties are moving most quickly?

Industrial has been very hot and we have low vacancies. The larger buildings have sold and now the smaller flex space is starting to lease and sell.

The properties that are staying on the market are the tin-can-on-a-concrete-pad properties, with no insulation and deferred maintenance.

Recent top deal?

We sold a 20,000-square-foot warehouse at 1470 Northgate Blvd. in Sarasota for $1.5 million to Orca Composites.

How can landlords best position their properties?

Properties that have the lowest maintenance and management costs are the highest in demand.

It doesn’t matter if it’s office, multifamily, retail or industrial.

Any impressive newcomers?

The biggest news is that small businesses are expanding locally and new businesses are coming to our area. This to me shows confidence in our economic recovery.

Where are the challenges?

Downtown Bradenton remains a challenge, but it has come a long way.

It had a 35 percent vacancy rate and now it’s at about 29 percent. The problem is that there is not a whole lot of residential property and thus, retailers and restaurants aren’t as attracted to downtown as they are Lakewood Ranch. City and county government offices occupy a lot of downtown real estate, leaving scarce commercial parcels for development.

Where are the good deals?

Any property that has a valueadded proposition; in layman’s terms, a fixer-upper that allows you to increase the rent to add additional value to your bottom line. Most of the foreclosure properties have been taken off the market. There were some great opportunities but they

Top commercial landlords in Manatee?

Benderson Development Company, Mark Kauffman, JWM Management [run by attorney and developer John Meshad] and Pointe Group Advisors [recently acquired by Colliers International Group. South Florida offices, including Sarasota, will continue to be managed by Pointe Group’s founder Peter Gardner, a Coconut Grove resident].

VENICE/NORTH PORT Steve Larkin MICHAEL SAUNDERS COMMERCIAL Hot spots?

The hottest deal-making spot is U.S. 41 Bypass from Center Road to Shamrock.

It’s the south corridor to Venice Island and the site of a successful Bonefish Grill and a Carrabba’s. There’s also a vacant 85,000-square-foot Kmart property, and across the street, a 60,000-square-foot building that used to have an Albertsons. The area has the most available space with the most interest.

What types of properties are moving the quickest?

The most active are the shopping center, retail and quick-service restaurant properties. Venice used to be seen as too old a market, but that has changed. When Bonefish Grill opened on U.S. 41 Bypass, sales

58 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

went through the roof. News spread and other national and regional companies woke up to the area.

What do landlords need to provide to sell or lease space?

They need to invest in their properties, especially a lot of the family-owned strip centers on U.S. 41.

There is a rising tide of interest from regional and national players and they are seeking landlords who will listen.

Any impressive newcomers?

Culver’s [restaurant chain] is coming into the area; Wawa is looking for additional space in South County.

Where are the challenges?

Finding enough product. A lot of investors are looking for small apartment complexes. If I could get them, I’d sell them all. The other struggle is getting enough contiguous property. So much land on U.S. 41 is family owned or independently owned. There are a lot of mom-and-pop strip mall owners with small footprints, especially along the Trail. I’ve got buyers who want big spaces, and it’s extremely difficult to assemble parcels.

Where are the good deals?

The best deals are on S.R. 776 heading toward Englewood. It’s partly the growth in seasonal residents and spillover from the well-known areas such as Venice and Casey Key. Top sale recently?

Summit Plaza at 1846 S. Tamiami Trail. It’s a 20,000-square-foot strip center. A local family sold it to Bersam Development Company for $2.65 million. It’s a good-looking property and well-positioned for visibility and rising traffic―the type of property regional and national players prize. ■

AD VER T IS ING S ECTI ON

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ARCHITECTS, BUILDERS & LANDSCAPERS

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 59

AD VER T IS ING S ECTI ON

SATTERFIELD & PONTIKES CONSTRUCTION, INC.

ESTABLISHED IN 1989, Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc. (S&P) is a national award-winning construction manager and design-builder. The Florida office is located in Lakewood Ranch and provides site selection, design development, pre-construction estimating and construction management services for projects in the southeast United States, with a focus upon Southwest Florida. S&P is recognized as one of Engineering News-Record’s Top 400 Contractors and Top 100 Green Builders in America.

Designed and built by S&P with a cost of just over $3 million, the new “Class A” two-story AllCare Medical Plaza in Bradenton occupies 1.5 acres and features administrative and doctors’ consultation offices, mental health offices, exam rooms, nursing stations, procedure rooms, a conference room, a physical therapy clinic space, and urgent carespecific waiting area and clinician office. The new center helps accommodate the practice’s tremendous growth.

(941) 3684-3100 | WWW.SATPON.COM 7319 MERCHANT COURT, SUITE A SARASOTA, FL 34240

AllCare Medical Plaza held its grand opening ceremony on July 31, 2015.

Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh and State Rep. Greg Steube were among the hundreds that attended the ribbon cutting and open house. The construction project was completed by S&P ahead of schedule and well within the established budget.

The 18,500-square-foot medical plaza is the most unique building in the River Club Plaza. Numerous high-end finishes are found throughout, including custom cabinetry, granite and marble. A radiused curtain wall system of blue glass accentuates the front of the building and is complemented by exterior porcelain wall tile.

Craig Campbell, Director of Operations for S&P, emceed the groundbreaking event and spoke of the significant growth AllCare Medical has experienced over the past two-and-a-half years,which was the catalyst for the new medical office building.

PROVIDING: SITE SELECTION, DESIGN DEVELOPMENT, PRE-CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATING AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES.

60 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

AD VER T IS ING S ECTI ON

WILLIS A. SMITH CONSTRUCTION, INC. COMMERCIAL BUILDER

Photo Credit: Booth Studio, Inc.

WILLIS A. SMITH CONSTRUCTION, INC. is a construction management firm headquartered in Lakewood Ranch, serving Southwest Florida since 1972. The company has a long-standing reputation for providing quality construction for its clients in the areas of education, health care, museum, commercial, industrial and sustainable construction. The firm is also a member of the Florida Green Building Coalition, the U.S. Green Building Council and Sustainable Sarasota and currently has 14 LEED-accredited professionals on staff.

Willis Smith Construction is well established as the regional industry leader for sustainable construction expertise.

The firm’s mission statement truly expresses the firm’s commitment to this community: “To promote excellence and integrity in the construction industry while contributing to the betterment of our clients and the communities we serve.” Willis Smith Construction encourages a high level of employee participation in volunteer opportunities.

(941) 366-3116 | WILLISSMITH.COM 5001 LAKEWOOD RANCH BLVD. N., SARASOTA, FL 34240

Photo Credit: William S. Speer Photography

Photo Credit: Booth Studio, Inc.

Photo Credit: Steven Brooke

Sarasota County’s new Fire Station 16 is located at Twin Lakes Park. It is a 12,800 sq.ft. mixeduse facility which also houses the department’s Fire Marshal Office. The facility was designed and built to receive USGBC LEED Certified status and is designed to withstand Category Four hurricane winds.

Sarasota County’s new Gulf Gate Library opened in January 2015.

The new 25,000 sq.ft., two-story facility replaced the original building and received USGBC© LEED Silver Certification. The structure includes large areas of glazing to foster natural daylighting into the interior spaces allowing patrons to enjoy exterior views from all locations.

The construction of Patriot Plaza on the grounds of the Sarasota National Cemetery included two sophisticated glass and steel space frame canopies over the seating area and stage. The project features seating for 2,800 people, extensive landscaping and is a virtual outdoor museum with unique artwork throughout.

BUILT TO BE A LANDMARK ® NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 61

AD VER T IS ING S ECTI ON

BRILLIANT HARVEST SOLAR POWER

SOLAR POWER OFFERS an excellent return on investment while highlighting your company’s commitment to energy security and sustainability. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Sarasota, Brilliant Harvest, LLC, is a state-certified solar contractor committed to helping Southwest and Central Florida harness the power of the sun. Installing a solar system can dramatically reduce your operating expenses, decrease your carbon footprint and lock in lower energy costs for years to come. Plus, you can receive a 30 percent federal tax credit on the cost of your system. Solar energy is plentiful, reliable and renewable—call Brilliant Harvest to learn more about the power of solar. www.brilliantharvest.com

Brilliant Harvest installed more than 200 panels on the roofs of the Service Learning Center and Marine Center of Tampa Bay Watch. In the first year of solar energy production, the organization reduced its energy consumption by 95 percent.

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MANASOTA COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION MANASOTA, A FULL-SERVICE COMMERCIAL construction company with a proven 28-year track record of completing projects on time and on budget, keeping your construction needs the No. 1 goal. “Enhancing your Building Experience” with personalized service and distinctive ideas for each project is their business philosophy, giving clients full value for each dollar invested. Manasota pays personal attention to each project from start to finish through detailed attention to progress and quality control. Manasota’s success is a result of commitment to clients, community and sound management decisions. Manasota provides construction management, renovations, interior build outs and VP metal buildings.

Cooper Family Medical’s new 11,300-square-foot Caribbeanthemed office with vaulted lobby, incorporating a custom, 1,400-gallon salt aquarium, will accommodate multiple doctors with on-site lab and ultrasound room. Special features include porte-cochere drive-up entry with copper-colored metal roof.

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62 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

By Jack McCabe

Real Estate Reality

Recession Ahead How will Sarasota and Manatee weather the next inevitable downturn?

ALL YEAR, TALKING HEADS ON BUSINESS news channels, bankers and corporate CEOs have been wondering when the Federal Reserve would raise the borrowing rate. A rate increase―the first in nine years―was expected in September as economists pointed to a national unemployment rate of 5.1 percent, lower than projected inflation, and the too-long extension of the zero interest borrowing rate as evidence that the economy is ready.

But at press time, Fed voting members were concerned that our economy, despite showing slow and steady growth, is still experiencing lackluster consumer demand and is heavily dependent on a zero percent interest rate and government infusion of capital to continue growth. The changing scenario in global economics also is weighing heavily on their decision.

Historically, the U.S. economy is very cyclical, and has slipped into a recession every seven to 10 years. It’s now been more than six years since the start of the Great Recession.

Here’s my take on how the spider web of the global economy will impact the nation, Florida and the Sarasota-Manatee market.

Last decade, artificially inflated U.S. real estate values and egregious greed from all parties caused the recession to spread

via global economics into the first worldwide recession.

This decade, the dominoes will fall first around the world and strangle the U.S. economy last. Greek debt was all the news earlier this year, but it’s a pittance compared to other countries’ outrageous debt payment deadlines in the next two years.

The Chinese economy has been artificially hyped up with wealth reported at twice the real value by communist-controlled data sources. China was forced to drop the value of the yuan and the country’s economy declined by 25 percent in September, but it’s only half of the necessary correction, and more sharp drops in value and production are on the horizon.

Count on it.

debt to prop up real estate and other industries and zero percent interest rates, have driven what little growth we’ve had. Foreign investment, hedge funds and affluent investors have artificially stimulated real estate transactions and values in several large U.S. markets.

But here’s what’s ahead: Interest rates will begin a slow escalation before the end of the year, government subsidy of corporate America will cease and investments in Europe and other areas of the world will become more desirable than inflated U.S. yields that have reached their pinnacle and are already sliding.

A new global recession, future austerity-type measures of U.S. economic policies designed to

Historically, the U.S. economy has slipped into recession every seven to 10 years.

The Russian ruble and Brazilian real have lost 40 percent of value in the last 18 months. In the near future, you’ll see Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ireland and others with much larger debts than Greece on the front pages.

The political and economic turmoil in many countries has driven flight capital into the U.S. Our monetary policy of printing seemingly endless amounts of money, coupled with buying bad

reduce our disgraceful $18 trillion dollar debt, coupled with “quantitative easing” in Europe, China, Japan and others, will cause an exodus of the foreign investment capital. Then, the weakness, fragility and false sense of a solid U.S. economy will rear its ugly head.

In Florida, foreign and corporate investment in real estate has driven prices artificially high in many markets, contributing to tight inventories of homes

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 63

Real Estate Reality and condos for sale and further exacerbating price increases. The buying demand from foreigners and hedge funds has slowed in recent months. If we enter a recession in the next couple of years, inventories will substantially increase at a time of lessening demand, causing a reduction in prices.

This will also mean less spendable income for consumers and a decline in income for business owners.

Sarasota-Manatee real estate market values, in my opinion, will not escape the negative results of the next recession, but will survive and persevere better than most Florida areas.

It’s also my opinion Florida’s most positive economic driver will continue to be the migration of the baby boom generation, some 75 to 80 million in the United States and countless millions more internationally, and will lessen the local severity of the coming recession.

The Sarasota-Manatee market in particular now has a worldwide reputation for the beautiful beaches, arts and culture, fishing and other recreational opportuni-

ties, and close proximity to Tampa and an international airport.

As the next recession draws nearer, Sarasota and Manatee’s current (and future) full- and part-time residents and business owners will encounter a declining market, but a downturn that is shorter and less problematic than other areas in Florida and America. It could very well be the one bright spot in Florida over the next five to seven years. ■

Jack McCabe is chief executive of McCabe Research & Consulting LLC in Deerfield Beach and a founding member of the Carnegie Group think tank. He is an independent economist, housing analyst and consultant, author and speaker.

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T O P WE A LT H A D V IS O R

A D VER T IS EMENT

When can Sudden Money be a problem?

BY JENNIFER LEE

WHETHER YOU received an inheritance, a divorce settlement, sold your business or won the lottery, sudden money can be exciting and terrifying all at the same time.

What would you do if sudden money appeared in your life?

How would you protect yourself?

Your first priority should be to partner with a professional financial advisor to discuss and manage how the arrival of sudden money impacts your life and the life of your family, along with others that are close to you.

Be sure to interview more than one advisor to make sure you hire a professional who is willing to listen, educate and align your

value system with your newfound money. Your advisor should work with you as well as be willing to partner with other professionals on your complex needs such as establishing a revocable or irrevocable trust to retain control and pass assets with minimal taxation.

Their primary goal is to help you avoid the common traps of overspending by developing a plan that includes consideration for taxes and accounts, a safety net for unplanned setbacks, maximizing retirement accounts and the ability to build your portfolio to handle your current and future needs.

Not sure where to start? Contact Jennifer Lee of Modern Wealth.

ABOUT JENNIFER LEE Jennifer Lee is a Registered Investment Advisor Representative with H Beck, Inc. She has more than 19 years of experience working with businesses, families and women in transition. She listens, evaluates and provides personalized financial strategies, budgeting, consultation, planning strategy, cash flow planning, investment advisory and tax-advantaged strategies. She is the founder of Modern-Wealth, LLC, an all-woman financial firm in Lakewood Ranch.

(941) 251-0510 6710 PROFESSIONAL PARKWAY W., SUITE 201B, SARASOTA, FL 34212 JENNIFER@MODERN-WEALTH.COM | MODERN-WEALTH.COM Securities and investment advisory services offered through H. Beck, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Modern Wealth, LLC and H Beck Inc. are not affiliated.

Neither H. Beck, Inc. nor Modern Wealth provides tax or legal advice. Please consult a qualified tax/legal advisor regarding your own specific tax/legal situation.

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 65

Tourism Beat

By Cooper Levey-Baker

Vow Factor

Destination weddings boost the local tourism economy.

GETTING HITCHED IS BIG BUSINESS. How big? Well, it’s difficult to say. Local tourism agencies don’t specifically track wedding numbers since nuptials happen all the time in every venue you can imagine. It might be easy to find out how many ceremonies the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art hosted, but what about couples who tie the knot in their parents’ back yard, or on surfboards floating out in the gulf?

Wedding planner Bobbi Hicks, the membership chair for Weddings of Sarasota, a nonprofit trade group, estimates that Sarasota and Manatee probably host somewhere between 20 and 30 weddings each week and those ceremonies average maybe $20,000 per event.

Do the math. That’s a $26-million industry. And a big chunk of that money is increasingly coming from out of town, as destination weddings have become more common—including the nowlegal same-sex ceremonies.

Michael’s On East co-proprietor Phil Mancini says destination events now make up roughly 75 percent of his company’s wedding

66 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

catering business. Clients fly to Sarasota from all around the country, or even drive here from nearby destinations like Tampa and Orlando.

When those brides and grooms and their families and guests arrive, they spend big bucks. Unlike a traditional wedding in one’s home city, destination weddings are often fullweekend affairs. Rehearsal dinners that were typically reserved for a small selection of family and important guests expand into a large party when everyone is an outof-towner. And the post-wedding Sunday brunch also has become a staple of destination weddings.

All those guests usually stay in local hotels, get their nails and hair done, shop, and sometimes find time to play golf and generally act like tourists.

“They’re certainly making a weekend of it,” says wedding planner Nicole Kaney, whose company NK Productions specializes in luxury weddings. Three-fourths of the couples she works with don’t live in the area. When they come, they bring groups that range from 50 to 300, with event budgets that range from $40,000 to $250,000. She personally produces 20 weddings a year; her team handles another 50.

Who are these lovebirds? Kaney’s clients typically hail from New York City, Los Angeles or Atlanta, but they often have some tie to Southwest Florida. Perhaps they grew up here, or their grandparents live here or their parents bought a second, third or fourth home in the area.

The other major reason they end up here? The beaches. Kelly Defebo, the director of sales for Visit Sarasota County, says 82 percent of destination weddings are beach weddings.

Furniture Another plus for this area: easy connections to major cities through nearby airports. “Someone from Atlanta can get here in two and a half hours for under $250,” Defebo says.

Kaney says another attraction is the region’s quality and variety of wedding venues. From modern event spaces like The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota and the Longboat Key Club to historical, glamorous spaces like the Ringling Museum and the Powel Crosley Estate, Sarasota and Manatee are home to a wider range of venues than even big nearby cities like Tampa.

Sarasota and Manatee host between 20 and 30 weddings each week, and ceremonies average $20,000 per event. That’s a $26-million industry.

Visit Sarasota County tracks destination wedding numbers as part of its meetings and conferences statistics. One of the organization’s major goals during its current fiscal year is to expand the meetings market, which includes increasing awareness of the region as a destination wedding hot spot.

Both Visit Sarasota and the Bradenton Area CVB have a space on their websites with all the basic data you need to get married here, including info on local venues, nitty-gritty details like how to get a wedding license and whether you need a permit to get married on the beach. (You don’t, but it’s recommended. Otherwise a stranger is free to plop down right in the middle of your ceremony.) ■

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Fast Track

Movers, Shakers & Headline Makers

MARK PRITCHETT

ANNE W. CHAPMAN

POSITIONS TAKEN

Mark Pritchett, president and CEO, Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

Anne W. Chapman, attorney, law firm of Blalock Walters.

David Sylvester, president and CEO, Pines of Sarasota.

Dr. Amy Tafeen, chiropractic physician; and Bonni London, dietitian nutritionist, MindSpa Integrative Wellness Center.

William Craig and Anita Keitel, project managers; and Dina Berg, marketing coordinator, Hall Architects, P.A. Michael Hand, tax senior, Kerkering, Barberio & Co. Ashley L. Dooley, director of client relations, Fiduciary Wealth Advisors.

Kristina Arnold, promoted to executive vice president, Insignia Bank.

Robert Wells, director of sports, Visit Sarasota County.

Dr. Brian Derby, physician, Sarasota Plastic Surgery.

Candace Smith, chief nursing officer, Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Erica Shea, chief business development officer, law firm of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, P.A.

DAVID SYLVESTER

BONNI LONDON

Jim Sorensen, associate managing director; and Caroline Kaiser, director of children’s theater, Florida Studio Theatre.

Julie Leach, executive director, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.

Marquita Beachy, director of patron services, Manatee Players.

Chelsea O’Neill, tax staff accountant; Melissa Britton, tax manager; and Liz Cotner, director of human resources and recruiting, CS&L CPAs. Dianne Kopczynski, CPA, partner, Mauldin & Jenkins.

Angella Cisco-Ferreira, food and beverage director, Bird Key Yacht Club.

David DeFilippo, chief learning officer, Suffolk Construction.

Christopher Clark, promoted to vice president of operationsnorth region; Tashara Cronshaw, promoted to director of human resources; and Diane Kerper, director of sales and marketingsouth region, Neal Communities.

Blair Gladding, marketing and events manager, Mary Kenealy Events.

Jonathan Fong, M.D., cardiovascular surgeon, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System First Physicians Group.

CANDACE SMITH

CHRISTOPHER CLARK

ACCOLADES

Dr. Carol Probstfeld, president of State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, was elected chair of the Council of Presidents of the Florida College System for a one-year term.

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce announced its 2015 Small Business of the Year award winners: Overturf’s Floor & Fabric Care, under $600,000; Clear Sunset Car Wash & Detail Center, $600,000-$3 million; SouthTech, $3 million-$6 million; CS&L CPAs, over $6 million.

Richard R. Gans of the law firm of Fergeson, Skipper, Shaw, Keyser, Baron & Tirabassi, P.A. was named a 2015 Florida Legal Elite for the eighth consecutive year.

Jay Price of the Juron Price Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC has joined the board of the Plymouth Harbor Foundation.

Scott G. Pinkerton of Pinkerton Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors was designated a member of the firm’s Premier Advisors Program.

LexJet WallPro by York, a LexJet product, was named a Hot One Award winner by

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 71

Fast Track

LINDSEY MESHBERGER

JAMES-ALLEN MCPHEETERS

Professional Photographer magazine.

The Princeton Review ranked the New College of Florida campus No. 1 in the U.S. as “Easiest Campus to Get Around.”

Lindsey Meshberger of the law firm of Icard Merrill joined the board of Community Youth Development.

Jeffrey T. Troiano was elected treasurer of the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council, and JamesAllen McPheeters joined the board of Center for Architecture Sarasota; both are with the law firm of Williams Parker.

The Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. was named one of Florida’s best local economic development agencies by Southern Business & Development magazine.

Attorney Ric Gregoria was named president of the law firm Williams Parker, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary.

Six Icard Merrill attorneys were named to the 2016 edition of The Best Lawyers in America: Charles J. Bartlett, Michael J. Furen, Thomas F. Icard Jr., Robert G. Lyons, William W. Merrill III and Jaime L. Wallace.

Merrill was named 2016 Lawyer of the Year for land use and zoning law, and Icard was named 2016 Sarasota construction law Lawyer of the Year.

RIC GREGORIA

THOMAS F. ICARD JR. JAIME L. WALLACE

Charles F. Johnson of the law firm of Blalock Walters was named to the 2016 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Osprey Biotechnics received the first Innovation by Creative Vision Award from Ringling College of Art and Design and the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County.

Marina Proskurina, digital design instructor at Manatee Technical College, received a merit award from the Professional Photographers of America in the 2015 International Photographic Competition.

Tri County Air Conditioning and Heating was awarded the Business Plan Achievement Award from Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems for its achievement as a top business partner with Carrier Enterprise Florida.

Hellen Osorio of Gateway Bank of Southwest Florida is the new president of the nonprofit Risk Management Association Sarasota chapter.

Pamela Yemma of Yarnall Records Management was elected president of the Florida chapter of AIIM (Association for Information and Image Management).

ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design received an Overall Safety Achievement Award from the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

72 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

CHARLES F. JOHNSON

Seibert Architects, celebrating its 60th anniversary, received the Merit Award of Excellence for New Work from the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects for the design of the Tetreault-Pirman House.

Michael Saunders & Company’s website, MichaelSaunders.com, was named “best overall” in the real estate industry by a panel of technology and marketing executives associated with the industry.

Doctors Hospital of Sarasota was selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the 2015 Best Places to Work in Healthcare for the seventh consecutive year.

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce was named the 2015 Florida Chamber of Commerce of the Year by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, and won two communications awards in public relations programs and membership communications/ marketing materials.

Sarasota County won two awards from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association for its 2014 Annual Report and Fast Facts publication.

MOVING AND OPENING

Calvin Klein Accessories, Christopher & Banks and

Reebok have opened at Ellenton Premium Outlets.

Boomers N Motion Health Coaching, a private in-home health coaching company, has opened in Manatee County.

The law firm of Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC has moved to expanded offices at 3700 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.

Muse at The Ringling, formerly Treviso Restaurant, is now open for lunch and dinner at the Ringling Museum of Art. Soar With Wings Physical Therapy and Sports Performance has opened at 4725 50th St. W. in Bradenton.

AllCare Medical Plaza has opened at 5860 Ranch Lake Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch.

Michele Rose has opened BeFitSRQ in the U.S. Garage building, 330 S. Pineapple Ave., Suite 202, in downtown Sarasota.

Knight Marketing was acquired by the global marketing group, Imprezzio Media, and will continue to do business under its current brand.

Neal Communities has launched Neal Communities Funding, an in-house mortgage company.

Drs. Logan and Laura Swaim have opened The Roots Chiropractic at 8209 Natures Way, Unit 115 in Lakewood Ranch.

The owners of Marina Jack purchased Turtle Beach Marina & Pub on Siesta Key, and reopened the marina as Bayfront Yacht Works & Marina, and the restaurant as Turtle Beach Grill.

Tenex Capital Management has acquired PEMCO (Progressive Employment Management Company).

Kerkering Barberio Financial Services has rebranded as Allegiant Private Advisors, LLC. Verizon Wireless has moved its “Smart Store” to 4215 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. ■

Partnering to Build Your Business

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A D VER T IS EM ENT S ECTI ON

TAXFOR

TIPS2016 T I P S

F R O M

L E A D I N G

CS & L CPAs Q. When should a business begin to plan its tax strategy for the coming year?

The phrase “the early bird gets the worm” is applicable in tax planning as well. Planning before the year begins is ideal, as the most effective tax strategies are proactive, rather than reactive. It’s essential to take into account your company goals, new tax rules and regulations, and develop strategies in advance to minimize the impact of impending legislation that can affect your tax liability. —Aubrey Lynch, CPA

Q. What factors should a

business owner consider before hiring a CPA?

Business owners are focused on their product or clients, as they should be. Therefore, even what seems to be the most basic tax return may have hidden issues that are often too complex for a non-professional to identify. A good CPA can not only help you with your taxes, but also provide valuable guidance and

L O C A L

E X P E R T S

support. Utilize your CPA as your strategic business partner—not just your tax preparer. —Aubrey Lynch, CPA

Q. How important is estate planning for business owners?

Every business owner will eventually leave his or her business, either voluntarily or due to incapacity or death. It’s imperative that business owners plan for inheritance taxes, develop a strategy to maintain business value and have a plan to prevent state law from determining who inherits the business.

These are common and important factors to consider when developing your estate or succession plan for your business. —Lisa Johnson, CPA

Lichtenstein, Briefman & Glass, CPAs Q. What do businesses need to know about the tax liability of independent contractors?

Beware the determining factors in classifying employees vs. independent contractor. “Control” over the worker is the overriding principle. Businesses prefer to classify workers as independent contractors to save on employment taxes. However, recently this has become an area of IRS scrutiny. The IRS has a “Voluntary Program” to reclassify workers as employees on a future basis and obtain 90 percent relief of any past tax liabilities. –Contact: Kim Gardner, CPA

Q. What are the tax law

requirements for business recordkeeping?

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Tax law requires all businesses to keep records to support gross income, deductions and credits claimed on their tax returns. Generally, returns can be audited up to three years after

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­f iling. However, if income is underreported by more than 25 percent, the IRS can collect underpaid taxes up to six years later. We recommend businesses retain all tax records for seven years after the original filing. –Contact: Tom Thomas, EA

2501 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34239 (941) 366-3737 Lbgcpa.com CONTAC T: Kim Gardner, CPA, and Tom Thomas, EA

TIPS FROM LEADING LOCAL EXPERTS

Mauldin & Jenkins Q. What tax law changes for 2015 should taxpayers be aware of?

Probably the most significant changes are the inflation adjustments, which affect tax brackets, exemptions, credits, retirement plans and more. There have also been changes to retirement plans and IRAs, generally allowing higher contributions to these taxfavored investments but more restrictions on rollovers. The so-called “extenders” will be an issue again, although there is talk that the process will start earlier this year.

Q. What are the prospects for tax

reform going forward?

After the 2016 elections the prospects for serious tax reform will improve dramatically. All the Republican candidates are proposing some type of simplification for both individuals and businesses. The Democrat candidates are generally pushing for higher rates, at least at the upper end. The test will be to see how much the issue of tax reform shapes the general election and, of course, who wins.

Q. As year-end approaches, is there still time to do tax planning?

Yes. In most cases, look for opportunities to defer income or accelerate deductions. It’s also time for businesses

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A D VER T IS EM ENT S ECTI ON

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to consider year-end equipment and fixed-asset purchases. For 2015, Section 179 is limited to $25,000 and there’s no bonus depreciation available. But if more favorable rules are passed, this will be an important consideration for businesses. Individuals should examine their capital gain situation and maximize retirement plan contributions.

1301 Sixth Ave. W., Suite 600 Bradenton, FL 34205 (941) 747-4483 mjcpa.com CONTAC T: Ken Thomas

TIPS FROM LEADING LOCAL EXPERTS

Suncoast CFO Solutions Q. What is the single most important tip you would give small business owners?

Growing a business is a long-term process of continual adjustment in reaction to competition, market feedback, and your business’s performance, while staying true to your business mission. The best tool to capture a business owner’s vision and map out the path to success is a business plan. The chances for success are greatly enhanced when there is a plan to reach your business goals.

Q. How can a business owner

best prepare for a new year?

The end of a year, and the start of a new year, is an opportunity to reflect upon the accomplishments and shortfalls of the current year, evaluate business performance and formulate strategies for the new year to improve performance and enhance the business’s competitive position.

These strategies should be the basis for creating operating budgets for the new year and updating the business plan.

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941.366.3737 • www.Lbgcpa.com www.facebook.com/LBGcpa 78 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

SPO NSO R E D R EPORT

"When you become a part of the GCBX, you have access to the vast toolbox from everyone’s trade and can share their knowledge.

As contractors, we are all independent freethinkers; we don’t have one voice on all subjects, but through the GCBX we’ve established a platform that we can have one voice.”

PROUD TO BUILD

GULF COAST BUILDERS XCHANGE

MARY FORRISTALL —Chairperson of the Gulf Coast Builders Xchange (GCBX)

GCBX BOARD, from left: Steve Padgett, Fawley Bryant Architects, Inc.; Brian Leaver, Tandem Construction; Doug Sutter, Sutter Roofing Company; Mark Freeman, McIntyre Elwell & Strammer General Contractors; Russ Bobbitt, Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency, LLC; Mary Forristall, Forristall Enterprises, Inc. (2015 GCBX Chairman); Kevin Hicks, Gator Grading & Paving; Mary DoughertySlapp, GCBX Executive Director; John Brown, Attorney’s Title Fund Services, LLC; Lemuel Sharp III, Sharp Properties, Inc.; David Karins, Karins Engineering Group, Inc.; Paul Stehle, Climatic Conditioning Company; Darrell Turner, Turner Tree & Landscape; Michael Bennett, Bright Future Electric.

Join the leaders in the construction industry and become a member today.

(941) 907-7745 or AlbaniGustason@gcbx.org NOVEMBER NOVEMBER| |DECEMBER DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 79

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MEMBERS DOING BUSINESS WITH MEMBERS Since 1952, Gulf Coast Builders Xchange (GCBX) has been serving the business needs of local building contractors and tradespeople. In all those years, we’ve been devoted to educating and advocating for our members. GCBX takes immense pride in the knowledge that its hard-working, influential members have literally built the homes, offices, manufacturing facilities, stores, hospitals and schools that make up our community, turning countless dreams and visions into solid reality. In the process, GCBX members have provided jobs, boosted our economy and given their time and resources to local charities.

We love being part of the Gulf Coast Builders Xchange. There are so many incredible businesses and members in this group. We also can’t believe the additional business we have picked up from being members. We highly encourage local businesses of all kinds to join the GCBX so they can not only support a great group of businesses, but also so they can help grow their own business!

MATT BUCHANAN —Buchanan Auto Group

OUR MEMBERS — Who we are?

Owned by its members, GCBX is a not-for-profit corporation operating as a trade organization under the guidance of a volunteer board of directors who represent the industry. The organization has grown to almost 400 members today—all licensed professionals. We represent a broad cross-section of the building industry: general contractors—including the region’s major contractors—specialty contractors, industry professionals and suppliers to the building trades. Our philosophy is “members helping members,” and it has been instrumental in helping individual members grow their business.

OUR ADVOCACY — What we do?

Join the leaders in the construction industry and become a member today. (941) 9077745 or Albani Gustason@gcbx.org

To support the professionalism and issues of the members, GCBX works closely with elected officials at the federal, state and local levels on issues of national and local importance that affect the commercial contracting industry. We maintain strong relationships with state legislators regarding growth management issues. We work with local and state officials on economic development initiatives that drive business and construction to Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte.

80 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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GCBX BENEFITS — How can we help to build your business?

GCBX offers meaningful benefits to members. We serve as a platform for networking, providing members opportunities to meet and connect with likeminded businesspeople. We provide unique memberto-member discounts and affinity programs that save our companies money. And we offer knowledgeable guest speakers and educational opportunities—including for continuing education credits— for ambitious members who want to stay on top of trends and improve their skills.

WHAT A DEAL — Momentum fleet program GCBX also offers members discounts on industry products.

We have created a one-of-kind vehicle purchasing and leasing program with Ford, GM and Chrysler through our partners Momentum Fleet Management Group and International Builders Exchange Executives. These manufacturers offer fleet rates to GCBX members whether buying or leasing a single vehicle or a fleet of hundreds. The program is open to all makes and models, including standard vehicles, foreign cars, up-fitted cargo vans, pickups, medium duty trucks, tractor trainers and forklifts.

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82 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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ATTRACTING AND RETAINING YOUNG WORKERS Keeping young people in our area is our priority as Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte workers retire and, at the same time, the region remains a destination for baby boomers.

The construction industry is one of the main employers and economic drivers in our region and in the state. GCBX works with the vocational programs in many of our educational institutions to

show students in high school the opportunities and potential in the construction trades.

This involvement ensures that talented young people can find relevant career and growth opportunities as they become the next generation of builders.

The Gulf Coast Builders Xchange is an exceptional Trade Organization with a great history of representing the interests of our local building community. Through the thoughtful leadership of the Board of Directors and Executive Director Mary Dougherty-Slapp, the GCBX continues to provide critical oversight of government policy and action affecting our industry and has elevated the public image of the construction industry through consistent professional representation. As a business owner in the commercial construction industry and a 32-year member of the Gulf Coast Builders Xchange, I am grateful for their proactive role in strengthening relationships between our membership, in keeping us well-informed to ensure and improve the quality of life and in their spirited advocacy of local hiring.

I am especially proud of the efforts of the GCBX in their balanced approach to issues and a resolve to find common ground, working together with government officials, to find outcomes that are genuinely in the best interests of our community!

PETER HAYES — President and Founder, Tandem Construction

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 83

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Check out the GCBX website, www.gcbx.org, in 2016 for a full calendar of networking and educational events throughout the year.

2015-2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Holiday Social Wednesday December 2 Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The GCBX is the voice of the construction industry. Not only is the organization a powerhouse for advocacy, support and education, but through its members the GCBX represents the largest group of employees in our region. These employers and employees make a substantial economic impact in Sarasota and Manatee counties that is increasing every day.”

PAT NEAL —founder & chairman of the board of Neal Communities

Sporting Clays Tournament Friday December 11 Knights Trail Park 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SUPPORTING OUR YOUTH Several GCBX members are partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County for a major renovation and construction of The Tom & Debbie Shapiro Career Resource Center at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club to train young (ages 12-18) students in middle and high school for the vocational trades and to lay a solid foundation for individual trades early in their educational process. This is an enormous philanthropic effort by GCBX members to recruit local young people into various trades and show them that they can move into vocational fields right here in our area.

64th Annual Installation & Awards Dinner Thursday February 11, 2016 Hyatt Regency Sarasota 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

GCBX Members working with BGCS Aqua Plumbing & Air Badger Bob’s Services Bright Future Electric Cemex Construction Supply of SWFL Fawley Bryant Architects, Inc. Forristall Enterprises, Inc. Gator Grading & Paving Halfacre Construction Company Karins Engineering Group, Inc. Key Glass Mullet’s Aluminum Products PGT Service Painting of Florida Sterling Manufacturing Sutter Roofing Company Universal Engineering Sciences Yonker’s Tractor Service

Join the leaders in the construction industry and become a member today.

(941) 907-7745 or AlbaniGustason@gcbx.org 84 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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2013 ANNUAL DINNER From left: Ron Allen, Mike Bennett, Fla. Senate President Don Gaetz, Jennifer Steube, Rep. Greg Steube, Manatee County Commissioner John Chappie

2014 ANNUAL DINNER

Jason Swift, Mayor Wayne Poston

State Sen. Nancy Detert, Sen. Bill Galvano, Janelle Beruff

Sarasota County Commissioner Paul Caragiulo, Gov. Rick Scott

Jason Swift, Jon Swift

Bob Flanders, Jack Cox, Jon Swift, Tom Harmer, Dee Dee Harmer

86 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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MARK M. MOORE - Loan Originator Taking Calls 7 Days a Week Cell: 727-798-2278 • Land: 941-776-9440 Office: 941-567-1733 • Fax: 941-870-9169

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GENERAL CONTRACTOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGER ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

“Contact us for any of your commercial construction needs.”

The Charles & Chase Group specializes in efficient hospitality, healthcare, retail, corporate,educational and financial building and renovation, combining our extensive experience with all the resources to take your vision and turn it into a reality.

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At Atlas Insurance We’ve Got You Covered Individuals and businesses have unique goals. As the leading choice in Southwest Florida for business and residential insurance, Atlas Insurance will help you define your needs, handle the details and provide unmatched personal service.

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88 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

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2015 ANNUAL DINNER

Pat Neal, Charlene Neal, State Rep. Ray Pilon

Caroline Zucker, Shirley Brown, Jane Goodwin — Sarasota School Board Members

Steve Anderson, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, John Brown, Doug Sutter

Kevin Cooper, Matt Buchanan Mary Dougherty-Slapp, Sarasota County Commissioner Carolyn Mason, Russ Bobbitt

Manatee County Commissioner Betsy Benac, Mary Forristall

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 89

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KEYSTONE MEMBERS GCBX, owned by its members, is a not-for-profit corporation operating as a trade organization under the guidance of a volunteer board of directors as representatives of the industry. We would like to thank our 2015 Keystone sponsors.

SILVER SPONSOR A.D. Morgan Corporation Andersen Race Park Aqua Plumbing and Air

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Biz(941) Bright Future Electric Climatic Conditioning Company, Inc. Distinctive Surfaces of Florida, Inc. E.T. MacKenzie of Florida, Inc. Jon F. Swift, Inc. Karins Engineering Group, Inc. Kast Construction Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. McIntyre Elwell & Strammer General Contractors Inc.

DIAMOND SPONSOR

Metlife—Bob Blaikie Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency, LLC Service Painting of Florida Waste Pro USA Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc.

BRONZE SPONSOR Adams and Reese LLP

GOLD SPONSOR

Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC. Al Purmort Insurance Associated Interior Systems, Inc. Atlas Insurance Austin Commercial Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC Casto Southeast CIA Access Diversified Construction Safety Enterprise Fleet Management Foremost Fence Gateway Bank Guignard Company Gurley Vitale Guy Hurley of Florida, LLC Halfacre Construction Company Hughey Construction Services LLC J.E. Charlotte Construction Corp.

KCI Technologies Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. Kerkering, Barberio & Co., P.A. Mullet’s Aluminum Products, Inc. R Technolgies, Inc. Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc. Skanska USA Building, Inc. Stantec Stellar Development, Inc. Suncoast Metals Recycling, LLC Sweet Sparkman Architects Universal Engineering Sciences, Inc. Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Inc. Westin Hills, Corp.

Wilson Structural Consultants Zirkelbach Construction

90 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

A D VER T IS EM ENT

Keiser University

Pursue the dream of a new career.

Students at Sarasota’s Keiser University receive quality academic education and excellent job training, while taking advantage of innovative scheduling options and a host of student services.

FLORIDA-BASED KEISER UNIVERSITY was founded The student services department offers profesby Dr. Arthur Keiser and Evelyn Keiser in 1977 to meet sional workshops and assistance for resume writing, a need for quality career education with hands-on job interviewing skills and job placement aid. Additionorientation, small class sizes and ally, with the online career center, innovative scheduling to accommodate students can review career postings, Committed to a working adults. Keiser is a private, not-forand employers can review student “students first” profit university serving nearly 20,000 resumes at any time. The student philosophy, Keiser students pursuing doctoral through services department has relationships University prepares with local employers providing graduassociate degrees on 20 campuses, online and internationally, and employing ates with job placement assistance graduates for nearly 3,500 staff and faculty. throughout their career. careers necessary Conveniently located in the heart Keiser University is accredited by for Florida to of the Lakewood Ranch Corporate the Commission on Colleges of the compete globally.

Park (1-75 and University Parkway), Southern Association of Colleges and the Sarasota campus offers the Schools to award certificates and knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s successful employment. Committed to a “students and doctoral levels. Please contact the Commission first” philosophy, Keiser University prepares graduates on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Ga., for careers in business, criminal justice, health care, 30033-4097 or call (404) 679-4501 for questions about technology, culinary and career-focused general the accreditation. studies. Sixty-two percent of KU students graduate in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and KEISER UNIVERSITY SARASOTA CAMPUS 6151 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240 health care fields, providing the talented workforce (866) 534-7372 | KeiserUniversity.edu necessary for Florida to compete globally.

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 91

The Seen

Photography by Lori Sax

2

1

➜ More Seen photos at biz(941).com

Biz(941)'s Greater Good Awards 1 Karin Weichlein; James Lowther, Mariash Lowther Wealth Management-Merrill Lynch; Michelle Brault, The Circus Arts Conservatory 2 Benjamin Mohney, DKE; Abigail Oakes, Nature Academy 3 Twee Miller, Cheryl Carstetter, Marcy Nuncio, Dulcy Kushmore, Canada Med Services 4 Linda DiGabriele, Asolo Repertory Theatre; Gary Sweetman, Gary Sweetman Photography; Roxie Jerde, Community Foundation of Sarasota County 5 Molly Maginn, Asolo Repertory Theatre; Bobby Jenson; Kimberly Bleach, U.S. Trust; Randall Johnson

3

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Photography by Lori Sax

The Seen

2

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EDC of Sarasota County Annual Meeting

3

1 Julia DeCastro, Gregg Smith, Kim Dominique, Taubman-The Mall at University Town Center 2 Liz Alpert, Sarasota City Commissioner; Linda Emery, Sperry Van Ness 3 Andrea Latimer, Bob Brittingham, Synovus Bank 4 Chris Purnell, Mark Huey, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County 5 Lou Oberndorf, METI; Scott Nixon

➜ More Seen photos at biz(941).com

4

5

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 93

The Seen

Photography by Lori Sax

1 2

2 ➜ More Seen photos at biz(941).com

Venice Area Chamber Expo

1 Tyler Majka, Eric Srisavaththay, Megan Baers, ABC7 2 Karen Sites, Wells Fargo; Nicci Long, Nerium 3 Richard Serino, Richard's Carpet Warehouse 4 Sam Waldron, Morgan Stanley 5 Michelle Erhart, Amanda Hunter, Farley Funeral Home and Crematorium

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Volume 12/Number 6, November/December 2015, Biz(941) (ISSN 1936-7538) is published in January, February, April, June, September and November by Gulfshore Media, LLC, 330 S. Pineapple Ave., Suite 205, Sarasota, FL 34236.

Subscriptions are free to qualified individuals. For customer service inquiries, subscription inquiries or to change your address by providing both the old and new addresses, contact: Subscription Department, Biz(941), 330 S. Pineapple Ave., Suite 205, Sarasota, FL 34236. Phone (941) 487-1100 or (800) 881-2394, Fax (941) 365-7272.

Periodicals postage paid at Sarasota, Florida, and at additional mailing offices. Copyright 2015 by Gulfshore Media, LLC. 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 Biz(941), 330 S. Pineapple Ave., Suite 205, Sarasota, FL 34236.

94 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

Build your career with a company focused on success.Yours.

Ashley Leon Director of Professional Recruitment (941) 957-4537 sarasota.nm.com ashley.leon@nm.com

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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 BIZ(941) 95

Off the Clock

By Ilene Denton

Good Sport Orthopedic surgeon Daniel Lamar travels with the U.S. men's soccer team.

DR. DANIEL LAMAR

DR. DANIEL LAMAR of Coastal Orthopedics is aiming for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, but, at 44, off the field, not on, as team physician for the U.S. men’s soccer team.

A 1989 graduate of Manatee High School (he played football for the state champion Manatee Hurricanes and for Davidson College), Lamar is a sports medicine specialist who treats “professional athletes to weekend warriors to high school and older athletes,” he says. “The idea is to manage injuries and keep people going who want to remain active.”

This fall he accompanied the U.S.men’s soccer team to Copenhagen and France and then to Denver for the Olympic qualifiers, a follow-up to a whirlwind tour to five different countries in first eight months of 2015. “The soccer environment is an energized, fun environment and the athletes are impressive,” he says. Plus, “You get to see the world. It hasn’t gotten old yet.”

Lamar was team doctor for the Tampa Bay Bucccaneers for the past decade—the doctor who supervised his sports fellowship in orthopedics at the University of Pennsylvania had been team doc for the Bucs—but stopped this year when the soccer opportunity presented itself. U.S. Men’s Soccer has a residency program in Bradenton at IMG Academy.

Lamar also is vice chief of staff at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, clinical director for the Gatorade Sports Science Institute at IMG, Manatee High School team doctor, a consultant for the Tennessee Titans and a consultant team physician for the Baltimore Orioles.

And in his spare time, he free dives in the waters off Manatee and Sarasota counties, and off Mexico and the Bahamas, too—on average between 40 and 60 feet with snorkels and a pair of fins, although he has dived as deep as 100 feet—mostly to spear fish with a group of friends.

“The challenge is what motivates us, just to hold your breath and feel your physiology for over four minutes,” he says. “Maybe it’s a little bit crazy, but you learn that your body has a lot more capability than you realize.” ■

BARBARA BANKS

“Your body has a lot more capability than you realize.”

96 BIZ(941) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

A S O LO R E

Based on a Conception of JEROME ROBBINS Book by ARTHUR LAURENTS Music by LEONARD BERNSTEIN Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM Directed by JOEY MCKNEELY Choreography reproduced by JOEY MCKNEELY