i4 Business - Aerospace and Aviation

BRIDG-NeoCity 2019 Highlights

Visit Orlando Airport Growth

Up Close with Shaun Germolus

Lighthouse Works

®

$4.95

BLUE SKY ORLANDO EXECUTIVE AIRPORT

ARCHER DRONES

DELIVER DURING EMERGENCIES

FLEXITECH

BRINGS PASSION TO

SATELLITE DESIGN

JANUARY 2020

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®

Photo

by Se a

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Payn e,

courte

sy of Skans ka

500-acre technology district located in Osceola County, less than 20 minutes from the Orlando International Airport and within a mile of Florida’s Turnpike 100,000 square feet of Class A office space

SPACE COAST

Entitled for up to 11 million GSF of mixed-used spaces Home to BRIDG, imec and future companies to come Featuring NeoCity Academy high school, a new project-based, inquiryfocused STEM learning environment

NeoCityFL.com

BRIDG Not-for-proďŹ t, public-private partnership for advanced sensors and next-generation nanoscale electronic systems ITAR-certiďŹ ed, DMEA trust-enabled versatile 200mm fabrication facility for the development and lowvolume production of microelectronic devices Nearly 60,000 square feet of cleanroom/laboratory manufacturing space with space to accommodate a variety of partner-funded activities Offers process technologies and R&D capabilities for system miniaturization, device integration, hardware security and product development key to aerospace, defense and the IoT/ AI revolution

GoBRIDG.com

2019 BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR CHARLIE GRAY [GrayRobinson]

THANK YOU

TO ALL WHO HELPED US CELEBRATE OUR 2020 BUSINESS LEADERS OF THE YEAR HONOREES

PRIVATE INDUSTRY HARRY ARNON

TOURISM BRIAN COMES

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LINH DANG

[Hernon Manufacturing]

[Hyatt Regency Orlando]

[Addition Financial]

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DANIEL ENTWISTLE

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP KATIA MEDINA

ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARSHA ROBBINS

[Curium Solutions]

[Prospera]

[Dramatic Education]

SPORTS TOURISM JASON SIEGEL

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT THAD SEYMOUR JR.

HEALTH CARE DARYL TOL

[Greater Orlando Sports Commission]

[University of Central Florida]

[AdventHealth Central Florida Division] i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 5

INSIDE⊲⊲ JANUARY 2020

16

Blue Sky

Things Are Looking Up for Orlando Executive Airport

22

Above and Beyond

Archer UAS Drones Deliver Vital Time During Emergencies

26 Flight School

At AeroStar, Simulators Prepare Pilots for Reality

28

On a Mission

Flexitech Aerospace Brings Passion to Satellite Design

32

Life on Mars?

An Interview with Alyssa Carson, Student at Florida Tech

6 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

i4 Business Advisory Board

This Month's Featured Advisory Board Members

WE’D LIKE TO THANK OUR ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS FOR KEEPING THEIR FINGERS ON THE PULSE OF OUR COMMUNITY AND HELPING US BRING YOU THE BEST STORIES FROM AROUND CENTRAL FLORIDA.

Thank You

Judi Awsumb, Awsumb Enterprises Becca Bides, Visit Orlando Jim Bowie, University of Florida Incubator Program Jackie Brito, HR Asset Partners Cari Coats, Accendo Leadership Advisory Group Andrew Cole, East Orlando Chamber of Commerce John Davis, Orlando Regional Chamber Laura Dorsey, Florida Black Chamber and National Cultural Heritage Society Stina D'Uva, West Orange Chamber of Commerce Carol Ann Dykes Logue, University of Central Florida Business Incubator Program Harry Ellis, Next Horizon Susan Fernandez, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Lena Graham-Morris, HORUS Construction Mark Allen Hayes, Stockworth Realty Group

Becca Bides Becca Bides is the vice president of global communications for Visit Orlando, driving publicity and communications that market Orlando to visitors around the world in both traditional media and digital/social channels. In addition to brand-building publicity for the region, she also leads corporate and industry affairs for the tourism association. Prior to her role for the destination, she served in executive positions for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment for more than 20 years, including leading marketing communications and managing issues for eight U.S. theme parks in both traditional and social media platforms. She currently serves on the U.S. Travel Association’s communications committee for the national tourism industry.

Yolanda Londono

Yolanda Londono is managing director at Harvard Group Inter nat ional, connecting top-tier professional groups and businesses with highly qualified executives. She previously served as vice president of global social responsibility at Tupperware Brands, working to develop local and international philanthropic projects and strategies, with a focus on girls’ and women’s empowerment. Prior to her role at Tupperware, she served for six years as vice president of public affairs at JPMorgan Chase Bank in Houston and four years working in Zimbabwe for the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Gwen Hewitt, United Negro College Fund Karen Keene, ATHENA Orlando Women's Leadership and Dean Mead Attorneys at Law Shelley Lauten, Consultant Yolanda Londono, Harvard Group International Catherine Losey, Losey PLLC law firm Laureen Martinez, Orlando Economic Partnership Yog Melwani, Align Commercial Real Estate and Indian American Chamber of Commerce Hope Edwards Newsome, Triloma Financial Group Rob Panepinto, Florentine Strategies Romaine Seguin, UPS Global Freight Forwarding Mary Shanklin, Fifth Estate Media Marni Spence, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)

Robert Utsey

Robert Utsey is senior vice president of business development and strategy at Coastal Construction Group of Central Florida, a 30-year-old f irm with a portfolio of some of the most iconic hospitality, condominium, multifamily and commercial projects in the state. Utsey has held leadership roles on many community nonprofit boards, including founding co-chair of the Orlando Economic Partnership. At Coastal, he works closely with his colleagues to collaborate and bring value to clients, architects and consultants to develop a diversified portfolio of projects and support the growth of the Central Florida region.

Robert Utsey, Coastal Construction i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 7

®

INSIDE⊲⊲

SPOTLIGHTS

JANUARY 2020

DEPARTMENTS

42

11

Up Close With Shaun Germolus

Publisher’s Perspective

13

45

From the Editor

Crystal Jones Girl Scouts of Citrus

14

Business Briefs

38

Take 5 with Visit Orlando Tourism Fueling Major Growth at Our Airports

BEST PRACTICES

40

GUEST EXPERT COLUMNS

BRIDG-NeoCity Highlights of 2019

46

52

4 Trends to Build Your Customer Base This Year

Social Entrepreneur A Shift in Focus: Lighthouse Works Creates Jobs for People with Vision Loss

Cherise Czaban | i4 Business

48

56

How to Engage Your Millennial Team Members Thomas Waterman | Purpose Pioneers

Downtime Unique Experiences for Your Day Off

50

58

Identify Your Anchors and Engines

Business Seens

Nancy Allen | Women’s Business Development Council of Florida

64

Watercooler

ON THE COVER BRIDG-NeoCity 2019 Highlights

Visit Orlando Airport Growth

Up Close with Shaun Germolus

Lighthouse Works

®

$4.95

PHIL BROWN CYRUS CALLUM

JANUARY 2020

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Julie Fletcher

BLUE SKY ORLANDO EXECUTIVE AIRPORT

ARCHER DRONES

DELIVER DURING EMERGENCIES

FLEXITECH

BRINGS PASSION TO

SATELLITE DESIGN

FOLLOW US⊲⊲ #i4biz

8 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

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SPECIAL SECTION

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Central Florida’s female business owners and executives are making vital contributions to our community. In our March issue, i4 Business will spotlight your stories: who you are, what you do, and what the future holds. In telling each of your stories, we build your relationship with our audience and get closer to the heart of what makes our community one of a kind.

REPRINTS

WIB

Reprints and commemorative plaques may be ordered from Meaghan Branham with i4 Business, 321-7598977. No other companies offering similar products or services are affiliated with i4 Business.

S WOMEN IN BUSINES

Judi Awsumb President

Awsumb Enterprises

Inc.

CONTRIBUTE Send press releases, article submissions, announcements and images to press@i4biz.com. Please provide 2-3 months advance notice for requests for event announcements and/or coverage.

Living Her Passion

"

Every experience has led me to where I am today.

i4 Business® is published monthly by i4 Business, LLC, 121 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 1500, Orlando, FL 32801.

Tel. 407-730-2961 | i4biz.com The contents of i4 Business magazine, i4biz.com and any other media extensions related to the brand, including advertisements, articles, graphics, websites, web postings and all other information (“contents”) published, are for informational purposes only. i4 Business® and all other affiliated brands do not necessarily endorse, verify, or agree with the contents contained in i4 Business. i4 Business makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness, timeliness, or usefulness of any information contained or referenced. i4 Business shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions. © 2020. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

— Judi Awsumb

tial, supportive and business confiden d threshold of growth, professionally facilitate all Judi Awsumb started they leaders need to examine environment where tion to her career selling facsimile other. facets of the organiza Office can learn from each machines for Exxon take it to the next level.

President Steve Nexus changes CEO she Systems. Today business Quello provides a proven ed the lives of women In 2003, she establish -solving process of problem and owners across Central Awsumb Enterprises Women developed by the Edward es to Florida through her launched two compani along with powered Lowe Foundation, Both Entrepreneurs (WE) ity national prominence. le connections to commun , with

by CEO Nexus roundtab are still in business g University course Along partners includin groups. During the Awsumb as an investor.

Florida’s GrowFL Central of found focus she her of her career, College the way, she shifted ing program, the Rollins grow that the road to discover d to help other women of Center for Advance her passion was full their companies. and The neurship with Entrepre along unexpected turns Corridor. ces. was Florida High Tech Part of her journey many learning experien k to join ATHENA Powerlin over Nationally, only 20 g “If I were to do it all wned Orlando, a mentorin change percent of all women-o ential again, I would not $1 million program for high-pot said. businesses generate anything,” Awsumb business owners. women revenue. annual me in has led or more the “Every experience ed to She has served on Awsumb is determin almost to where I am today.” governing board for change that statistic. with the working years, 10 When the global oil develop s program’s clients to “My journey continue from the and company departed my their business plans ion to evolve as I am living emerging office automat ble for le hold them accounta a job passion with an incredib space, Awsumb took and net so achieving revenue as group of women I’m with another company she income goals. and honored to work with,” vice president of sales every her 19 said. “It inspires me marketing. During and passion In 2018, Awsumb your ’s Finding day. helps years there, the company work founded WE, which grew the meaning of your the revenues in Florida women accelerate more makes the journey from $16 million to growth of their secondso worthwhile.” P a $200 million. Awsumb stage companies in each with learned that

38 | MARCH 2019 | i4Biz.com

Each profile will be: • • • •

Published in our print and digital editions of i4 Business Published on i4biz.com Shared on our social media channels Spotlighted in our Special Sections newsletter

Coming March 2020! advertising@i4Biz.com i4Biz.com

i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 9

ON THE

RISE

iNNOVATORS | iNFLUENCERS | iNDUSTRY LEADERS Do you have or are you a rising influencer or innovator? i4 Business is looking to share the stories of individuals making an impact, including: Ɇ Ɇ Ɇ Ɇ

Recent Promotions Milestones Anniversaries Awards and Recognition

Ɇ Ɇ Ɇ Ɇ

Board Appointments Leadership Appointments Community Involvement Partnerships/Expansions

CEO | PUBLISHER Cherise Czaban EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Diane Sears DIRECTOR OF ENCOURAGEMENT Donna Duda COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Meaghan Branham PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Julie Fletcher ART DIRECTOR Tanya Mutton - SidekickCreations.com COPY EDITOR Susan Howard, APR CONTRIBUTORS Nancy Allen, Meaghan Branham, Cherise Czaban, Diane Sears, Thomas Waterman

ON THE

RISE

iNNOVATORS | iNFLUENCERS | iNDUSTRY LEADERS

GEORGE TATE III Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, expanded its litigation bench in Orlando with Construction Law Florida Bar Certified Attorney George “Trey” Tate III. Tate is skilled in complex construction litigation and spearheaded the multiparty project agreements to begin construction of Medical City at Lake Nona.

JONATHAN PIERCE Pulte Group’s North Florida division has announced that Jonathan Pierce has been named vice president of construction. In this new role, Pierce will be responsible for overseeing construction operations, including construction, customer care and support teams for the North Florida division. The division closes on more than 1,500 homes annually.

MATTHEW DETZEL Litigation attorney Matthew Detzel has joined Holland & Knight’s Orlando office as a partner. Detzel focuses his practice on helping institutional clients detect, respond to and resolve complex fraud schemes, routinely serving as advisor, investigator and an advocate in litigation and appeals. Detzel earned a J.D. degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and a B.A. degree from the University of Florida.

ELISHA GONZÁLEZ BONNEWITZ FAIRWINDS Credit Union, one of the largest locally owned and operated financial institutions in Central Florida, has added Elisha González Bonnewitz as a new vice president of community relations and government affairs. Skilled in philanthropy, constituent outreach and issues management, she will oversee activities in Brevard, Volusia and Tampaarea markets.

CATHERINE NORRIS Catherine Norris has joined Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin as an associate. A member of the casualty department, she focuses her practice on automobile negligence and premises liability matters. A graduate of the University of Florida Levin College of Law, she worked for U.S. Congressman Bill Posey on Capitol Hill and the Brevard County Attorney's Office.

SARA BERNARD Real estate attorney Sara Bernard has joined Holland & Knight’s Orlando office as a partner. Bernard handles a wide range of transactions as counsel for developers, builders, institutional lenders, and public and private entities.

She serves on the University of Central Florida Foundation board of directors and is an executive committee member of the University of Central Florida Alumni Association.

MATT RUSSO Matt Russo has rejoined RMC Group as vice president of operations. He will be responsible for providing direction and assistance to each division head in connection with the placement of business. He brings over 14 years of experience to the agency, with a diverse background in risk management and engineering. Russo graduated from the Florida Institute of Technology with a civil engineering degree.

ROSANGELA PARKER Restaurant Managers LLC acquired exclusive rights to the Salata Salad Kitchen brand for the state of Florida and has recruited Rosangela Parker as its marketing manager to assist with the rollout of a projected 35 locations statewide. Parker has more than 10 years of experience in tourism, marketing and brand development.

ON THE RISE features individuals in your organization who have been promoted, new team members, board appointments or other employee announcements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AT: WWW.I4BIZ.COM/ONTHERISE

Our On The Rise listings will appear in print, on our website, and in our digital edition, as well as in our monthly eNewsletter, allowing you to expand your reach to: Ɇ

31,000+ i4 Business Readers

Ɇ

14,000 Monthly Website Page Views

Ɇ

4,800+ eNewsletter Subscribers

16 | JUNE 2019 | i4Biz.com

SUBMIT YOUR LISTINGS ONLINE AT i4biz.com/leadersontherise

For more information, contact Cherise Czaban Cherise@i4biz.com 10 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

ADVERTISING Cherise Czaban - 321.848.3530t

i4 Business is a participating member of:

Publisher's Perspective

NEW YEAR, NEW DECADE AND NEW BEGINNINGS

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.

Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain

I

t’s hard to believe we’re at the beginning of a new year, not to mention a new decade. Think about all the times you’ve set 2020 as a goal for a major accomplishment or read about organizations defining the strategic objectives they wanted to accomplish before this big milestone.

Resolutions, strategies, new direction and renewed focus top the list for many of us at this time of year, and that’s magnified when we change the calendar to a new decade.

We look at what we accomplished in the past and what we plan for the future.

Personally, I love the beginning of a new year because it’s the opportunity for a fresh start and new commitments.

There are always things to accomplish, and there’s always room for improvement. In addition to my personal goals, I’ll be tracking the objectives of the magazine. Our leadership team at i4 Business is committed to serving the community by sharing stories that uplift, inspire, educate and connect people across Central Florida. We take this commitment very seriously, and we have some exciting things planned for this year.

Last month we celebrated 10 amazing people at our annual Business Leaders of the Year event. Each of those individuals set big goals at some point. Some were achieved and others were not. These leaders looked at circumstances in their lives and channeled those as the impetus for objectives they wanted to accomplish. You’ll find their pictures starting on Page 4 and a collection of photos from the event starting on Page 58.

Thank you to those who were able to join us and to our sponsors.

Happy New Year!

To Your Success,

CEO and Publisher

Favorite quotes from this issue “We’re constantly getting requests from companies that are interested in basing their operations here, mainly because of our proximity to downtown. We are in the center of Central Florida, and the center of Florida.

That is a big asset for us.”

— Cyrus Callum, Page 19

“Everybody has an individual skill. The sum of the parts is greater than the individual. I always say to my team, when we sit down to look at a new project, ‘I’m not the smartest person in the room. We are all smarter together.”

“By doing business with us and benefiting from our expertise and extremely reliable and qualityfocused workforce, you’re also performing corporate social responsibility in a really neat way.

Plus, you’re helping strengthen Central Florida economically and socially in the process.”

— Kyle Johnson, Page 54

— Kevin Jackson, Page 31

i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 11

ATHENA

POWERLINK PROGRAM

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS ATHENAPowerLink is an advisory program which guides women business owners, whose companies are poised for growth, in defining and achieving tangible goals by providing them with access to a panel of business advisors.

Visit athenaorlando.com/how-to-apply.

Learn more at athenaorlando.com

From the Editor

In Childhood, We All

Reach for the Stars

I

always like to ask people, “What did you want to be when you were a kid?” It’s fascinating how our childhood interests seem to show up eventually in our careers and lives, whether we wanted to be pilots, athletes, veterinarians, teachers or something else.

That was the case with the people we interviewed for articles in this month’s magazine for our theme of Aeronautics and Aviation. Several of them are fulfilling their childhood dreams in the work they do and the lives they live. Cyrus Callum at Orlando Executive Airport (Cover story, Page 16) and Shaun Germolus at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (Up Close, Page 42) both wanted to be pilots, and now they’re immersed in aviation. Kevin Jackson of Flexitech Aerospace (Page 28) always loved building electronics and was in awe of Neil Armstrong, and now he crafts communications satellites for space missions. Phil Brown from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (Cover story, Page 16) wanted to be a cowboy and … well, maybe overseeing the hordes of people who come through Orlando International Airport is close?

In my generation, we were all inspired by the space race and the nationwide effort for the U.S. to get to the moon. At one point during my childhood, I thought it would be cool to be an astronaut. I’d race home from school to watch “Lost in Space” on TV. I loved math and science, but I remember the exact moment in seventh grade when I realized I didn’t actually love the periodic table of the elements as much as I loved learning about the planets. That was so enlightening to me that I can remember exactly where I was sitting when I had that revelation.

In high school, I could practically teach my classes in algebra, geometry

and trigonometry because I loved those subjects. But I definitely did not love dissecting worms in biology. I didn’t like mixing chemicals in beakers. This is how you develop a specialty, I suppose.

Through it all, I recalled the moment in third grade when my teacher looked at my right middle finger and said, “Oh, you have a writer’s bump! That means you’re going to be a writer.” I remember thinking, “Well, yeah,” as if — duh — that was obvious. After all, I always kept a diary. I was constantly getting scolded by my mom for staying up too late reading books under my covers with a flashlight so I wouldn’t get caught after she had told me, “Lights out!” When we went camping, she had to encourage me to get my nose out of the books and go make friends.

I worked as a volunteer in my elementary school library helping other kids find books to read. I visited my neighborhood library every week looking for new books for my age group because I had already read all the good ones. By the time I finished eighth grade, I had already read Gone with the Wind, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien, anything I could find by Edgar Allan Poe and several novels about time travel.

At some point, I realized journalists get to write about all the subjects I found fascinating, including sports, music, food, home décor, fashion and, of course, business. So there you are. Instead of planning my trip to the International Space Station, I’m thinking about what we’ll cover in the February, March and April issues of i4 Business. It’s probably just as well, since I get carsick driving over the brick streets in Thornton Park.

I hope you enjoy this month’s articles as much as we enjoyed putting them together for you.

Have a great month!

Editor-in-Chief i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 13

Business Briefs

Polar Plunge More than 400 participants jumped into the cold water at Aquatica Orlando on December 7, 2019, in a fundraiser for Special Olympics Florida. The 10th annual Polar Plunge Orlando raised more than $107,000 to benefit 57,000-plus athletes across the state who have intellectual disabilities.

PHOTO CREDIT: SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA

Frontier Airlines Expands in Orlando with Training Center and Hangar Denver-based Frontier Airlines Inc. is expanding its presence at Orlando International Airport with the opening of a new 11,000-square-foot training center and government approval for a $10 million maintenance hangar. The lowcost carrier says it will add to its current local workforce of 1,100 people employed

by Frontier and its business partners, including more than 600 flight attendants and 250 pilots.

The new center, just north of the airport, is expected to bring in 1,000 flight attendants as well as customer service team members this year for recurrent training.

It features three interactive classrooms along with areas for conducting emergency workshops and drills, and it will be staffed with full-time instructors and training support team members. “Orlando is a world-class city, and we are extremely excited to officially open this new facility and further grow our partnership with both the community and the airport,�

Stephen Howell, senior director of in-flight

Business 14 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

for Frontier, said in a press release.

Frontier already has a strong presence in Central Florida, offering 57 nonstop options from Orlando International, the most of any airline there.

Construction on the hangar, which will be on the northwest corner of the

Innovation

airport property, is expected to be completed in 2021. The facility will be used for daily maintenance operations and more extensive work such as engine and landing gear changes. It is expected to create more than 45 new jobs in Orlando with an average annual salary of $75,000.

Education

Bezos Foundation Donates $5.25 Million For Area’s Homeless The Homeless Services Network of Central Florida has received a $5.25 million grant from the Bezos Day One Fund, awarded by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. The grant was the largest among 32 the Bezos organization donated nationwide in the 2019 round, worth a total of about $98.5 million. Donations by the fund surpassed the collective amount it had given out in 2018, when 24 organizations received a total of $97.5 million.

As an individual, Bezos is worth about $109 billion and is known as the secondwealthiest man in the world behind Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Bezos launched the Day One Fund with a $2 billion commitment to philanthropic efforts that help homeless families and preschool children.

Orlando Receives a Perfect Score on National LGBTQ Equality Index In an eighth annual rating of 506 U.S. cities on 49 criteria, Orlando received a perfect score based on municipal laws, policies and services that are inclusive for LGBTQ people who live and work in the city. The Municipal Equality Index was created by the Human Rights Campaign. Several other Florida municipalities received perfect scores, too: Tampa, St. Petersburg, Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach and Wilton Manors.

Several Area Leaders Named Ɇ

Seminole County Commissioner Brenda Carey has been elected the first woman chair of the Central Florida Expressway Authority. She will lead the governing board that oversees fiscal decisions, long-range planning and a $2.5 billion annual budget that supports more than 32,000 jobs and generates more than $700 million in wages. Carey has been a member of the board since its creation in 2014 and has been a commissioner in Seminole since 2004.

Ɇ

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has added two key positions to his team to show commitment to transformative changes: Andrea Wesser-Brawner as chief innovation and emerging technology officer and Jeff Benavides as chief sustainability and resilience officer. Both positions are firsts for Orange County’s government and were recommended by an advisory board.

Benavides is co-founder and principal partner of Orlando-based L.E. Rigby Innovations, which provides sustainability and climate training throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean. Wesser-Brawner previously served as senior vice president of strategy and partnerships with the International Business Innovation Association, a global nonprofit that has supported entrepreneurship for more than 30 years.

Ɇ

Benjamin Barksdale has been sworn in as the 20th fire chief of the City of Orlando. He previously served as chief of the Prince George’s County Fire Department in Maryland and was selected in a national search. Barksdale replaces former Chief Roderick Williams.

Ɇ

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra has hired a new full-time director. Paul Helfrich, who will start in February, has been serving as the president of the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance in Ohio. He will become the orchestra’s third director since the organization was founded in 1993. Helfrich will replace the Philharmonic’s previous executive director, Christopher Barton, who left the position in March 2019.

UCF Researcher Receives Highest National Honor Mubarak Shah, Ph.D., trustee chair professor of computer science and founding director of the Center for Research in Computer Vision at the University of Central Florida, has been named among the 2019 fellows of the National Academy of Inventors.

The title is the highest professional accolade bestowed to academic inventors in the United States.

Shah is among four researchers along the Florida High Tech Corridor elected as 2019 NAI fellows. The others were from the University of Florida and the University of South Florida. They will be among more than 100 who are formally inducted during an event in Phoenix, Arizona, in April. NAI fellows hold more than 41,500 U.S. patents, which have generated more than 11,000 licensed technologies and companies, created more than 36 million jobs and generated $1.6 trillion in revenue.

WANT TO SHARE YOUR NEWS? Do you have some news you’d like us to share with the community? Please be aware that we work two to three months in advance of our publication date. Submit press releases and announcements to press@i4biz.com.

Tourism

Growth

Inspiration i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 15

BLUESky

16 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

THINGS ARE LOOKING

UP

FOR ORLANDO EXECUTIVE AIRPORT

By Diane Sears

W

hen the Goodyear Blimp circles the sky above Camping World stadium for special events, it flies back to its temporary home base at Orlando Executive Airport. There, it joins an eclectic line-up of charter planes, private jets, biplanes that carry advertising banners, and helicopters that transport law enforcement agents, news crews and medical rescue personnel.

Orlando’s first official airfield opened in 1928 on land that once held orange groves owned by local philanthropist Dr. Phillip Phillips. Today it’s a bustling hub for unusual aircraft and smaller planes that are more at home there than they would be at its larger sister facility to the south, Orlando International Airport.

An article in Aviation Pros magazine in May 2019 described the airport this way: “Orlando Executive is the preferred airport for many traveling to Orlando’s downtown businesses, sports, performing arts and entertainment venues, Winter Park, and the University of Central Florida and its research and business parks.”

In recent years, flights in and out of Orlando Executive have steadily increased to about 120,000 for 2019. That’s an average of 328 flights a day, and it’s a level of traffic the airport hasn’t seen since before the Great Recession in 2007-09. The airport acts as a "reliever" for Orlando International, recognized as one of the busiest in the nation with 50 million passengers in 2019.

“For us, this airport is extremely important for the operations of International because we try to move as much of the business aviation and general aviation traffic up to here as we can,” said Phil Brown, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which oversees both city-owned airports. “This is our primary reliever for that, because it takes the same amount of effort for an air traffic controller to manage a small airplane as a large one.” F⊲

i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 17

2018 National Business Aviation Association conference

A Prime Spot Located on 1,000 acres on the northern shore of Lake Underhill, adjacent to State Road 408, the airport is in a neighborhood known as the Milk District for its proximity to the historic TG Lee Dairy plant. It’s less than three miles from downtown Orlando.

“This is a prime spot for business aviation as well as general aviation,” Brown said. Corporate executives can fly in, hop into a rental car or a shuttle van, and easily get where they’re going, avoiding crowded roads like Interstate 4 and State Road 436. “For people trying to do business in Orlando, this is a hidden jewel.”

Orlando Executive is different from some other smaller airfields because its control tower is operated by the Federal Aviation Administration, just like the one at Orlando International, instead of a contractor. It also has a U.S. Customs and Border Protection office on-site to handle incoming international flights, which numbered close to 1,000 in 2019 and have been arriving from all over the world, including Latin America and Europe.

Orlando Executive generates an annual economic impact of about $191 million for the surrounding community, according to a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) report issued in April 2019. That includes almost $20.7 million spent by 18 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

visitors who come in through the airport, which is responsible for about 1,576 jobs with an estimated total payroll of $62,280 a month.

The airport generates additional revenue by leasing some of its land along Colonial Drive east of Maguire Boulevard to retailers and other businesses.

Longstanding shopping centers on the property include Colonial Promenade, which holds Sweet Tomatoes restaurant and an Orange County Public Library branch, and Colonial Landing, which houses Bed Bath & Beyond, JoAnn Fabrics and numerous other tenants. A Lucky’s Market and a Wawa convenience store are among the newest lessees.

“Commercial leases account for 60% to two-thirds of the total revenue,” Brown said. “That makes us distinctive because we don’t get any local tax dollars for our operations.”

Another revenue generator is the National Business Aviation Association, which has held its annual conference in Orlando every other year since 1996.

For three days, manufacturers display more than 100 aircraft on the grounds at Orlando Executive, where they can be demonstrated and sold. The rest of the conference takes place at the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive. The show, which returns to Orlando in October 2020, generates as much as $50 million for

Central Florida each time it’s in town, Brown said.

On some days during the year, neighbors might spot planes with wingspans of well over 80 feet, such as a Bombardier Global Express or a Gulfstream G-650. But most of the planes that fly in and out of Orlando Executive are smaller aircraft.

Technically, the airport’s 6,000-footlong main runway is large enough for landing a Boeing 737, which can hold more than 200 passengers. It’s longer than the airstrip at Key West International, which measures just over 5,000 feet. However, the planes that fly in and out of Orlando Executive typically have 19 or fewer passengers, said Cyrus Callum, director of general aviation for GOAA. There are two reasons for that, he said. One is because FAA rules require aircraft with more than 19 seats to schedule a flight attendant on board, which is an added expense that leads to higher passenger prices. The other is because of noise regulations. Orlando Executive and Orlando International share a noise abatement officer who monitors levels against FAA requirements and neighbors’ needs.

Houses in the neighborhoods surrounding Orlando Executive have been in place for decades, many of them

built in the 1940s and earlier. Anytime the noise ramps up, Callum’s office receives phone calls and emails. In October and November 2019, a U.S. naval air squadron used Orlando Executive as its home base for a training program, with the powerful aircraft generating sounds that raised some local eyebrows and created a buzz on social media. Callum’s team assured people the activity was only temporary.

“When we have activities that are planned that we think will cause disruption to the neighboring community, we try to get information out and at least alert people that we might have noisy activities,” Callum said. “The feedback we got from the community was that this was exciting activity to see these trainers out.”

Still Growing At age 92 this year, Orlando Executive Airport shows no sign of slowing down. On a sunny afternoon, neighbors can clock arrivals in the sky about every 2 minutes. There’s talk of possible future upgrades to the FAA tower, and the main runway sports a high-tech instrument landing system on each end that helps planes land even in fog or thunderstorms.

Two companies known as fixed-base operators have renovated and expanded existing buildings at the site, with the promise of more work to come.

One is Sheltair, which opened a four-story terminal at Orlando Executive in mid-2019. The company offers VIP services and amenities that include new hangars, a new executive terminal, ground support and concierge services, car rentals, complimentary aircraft cleaning, catering, complimentary refreshments, executive conference rooms, and a pilot lounge.

“WE’RE CONSTANTLY GETTING REQUESTS FROM COMPANIES THAT ARE INTERESTED IN BASING THEIR OPERATIONS HERE, MAINLY BECAUSE OF OUR PROXIMITY TO DOWNTOWN.

Sheltair is looking for a partner to open a rooftop restaurant and bar that would offer views of the runway and the — Cyrus Callum Orlando skyline. It would fill a void left when the popular 94th Aero Squadron World War I-themed restaurant on the airport property revamped into a World War II theme and then folded in the early 2000s.

The other fixed-base operator is Atlantic Aviation, which acquired the operation from Showalter Flying Service in 2015. Atlantic offers hangar space, a pilot’s lounge, a conference room, car rentals, limo service, courtesy cars for pilots, showers and other amenities. Its blue-and-white one-story building features a landscape mural on the side with half of a threedimensional biplane flying out of the wall.

The historic Showalter operation had been instrumental in building the airport to what it is today. Founded in 1945 by brothers Howard and Sandy Showalter and their partner Ford “Buck” Rogers, the company capitalized on a post-World War II interest in flight training.

Over 64 years, the company morphed and grew, choosing to make Orlando Executive its home base and helping transform the cityrun facility into a general aviation hub.

The airport also serves as a base for Johnsonville, the maker of brats and sausages, which stores aircraft there.

CNL Bank has a variety of corporate aircraft there so it can quickly reach customers worldwide. A flight training company is based at Sheltair.

“We’re constantly getting requests from companies that are interested in basing their operations here, mainly because of our proximity to downtown,” Callum said. “We are in the center of Central Florida, and the center of Florida. That is a big asset for us.” FF

i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 19

Accredited Professionals Running an operation like Orlando Executive Airport is more challenging today than it was in years past, when the lead position was held by a city engineer whose main job was to maintain runways and facilities rather than handle compliance issues and profit-and-loss statements.

The role now requires more stringent credentials, said Phil Brown, who is CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which oversees both Orlando Executive and the Orlando International Airport. Brown is accredited by the American Association of Airport Executives. In fact, his tutor was Cyrus Callum, director of general aviation for GOAA, who is not only accredited himself but also teaches accreditation classes and works as an adjunct college professor.

“Not only do I have the opportunity and fortune to help my peers, but I’ve been able to educate the next generation of future aviation leaders and hopefully open their eyes to a career in airport management,” Callum said. “As the industry gets busier, and with a pilot shortage on the horizon, it’s important to try to keep that pipeline going with a strong succession plan for the future.”

Brown and Callum joke that their jobs are perfect for people with short attention spans. Callum grew up in Denver, where he dreamed of being an airline pilot and started flight training well before graduating from high school. Today his office window looks out over the runway at Orlando Executive Airport, and he’s glad his original career aspirations didn’t pan out: “I think I would get bored being a pilot.”

Brown wanted to be a cowboy when he was a kid, but there weren’t too many openings for that career in Northern Virginia. After he finished graduate school at the University of Tennessee, he worked for Orange County government and became executive director of Orlando International. He left there to work for 14 years in investment banking, where he handled transactions for numerous airports. He returned to Orlando and eventually was named chief executive of GOAA in 2010.

“That was fortunate for me,” Brown said.

“I’m not a pilot, but I became very familiar with the economics through having worked with airports in the finance area. That was important to me because you’re making strategic decisions. Running an airport requires you to have a long-term plan because of the assets.”

Today the job suits him perfectly. He was named the Florida Department of Transportation Aviation Professional of the Year for 2019.

“Every day is different,” Brown said. “What I do today I will not do tomorrow. That can be good sometimes and challenging other times.” ■ 20 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

Phil Brown and Cyrus Callum

Employee Shortage Lawmakers have introduced legislation in the U.S. House, the Promoting Service in Transportation Act (H.R. 5118), that would authorize the U.S. Department of Transportation to develop a $30 million media campaign to promote job opportunities and foster diversity in the transportation workforce.

In response, Selena Shilad, executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, released this statement in November 2019: “Our country is facing a critical shortage of aviation professionals, with an estimated need of over 131,000 commercial pilots, 60,000 business aviation pilots, and 21,000 civil helicopter pilots in the coming years. For this reason, it is incredibly important that we foster enthusiasm in flying and ensure that the many talented, skilled workers across our country are aware of the vast opportunities that exist within the aviation industry.

We applaud the introduction of this legislation, which will help to address these challenges and increase awareness of career opportunities in the transportation sector, including aviation pilots, safety inspectors and technicians, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, truck drivers, engineers, transit workers, railroad workers, and other transportation professionals.”

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The Central Florida Political Leadership Institute, a no-cost, nonpartisan program managed through the Orlando Economic Partnership, is designed for business-minded leaders who have an interest in exploring future public leadership opportunities – either as a political candidate or appointee to a government board or commission – and discovering how their experience and talent could address critical public-policy issues. Graduates have gone on to serve as mayors, council members, commissioners, legislators, school board members and appointees.

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ABOVE AND

BEYOND

Jared Porcenaluk, senior software developer; Gordon Folkes, founder and CEO; and Spencer Hehl, chief technology officer

ARCHER UAS DRONES DELIVER

VITAL TIME IN EMERGENCIES

By Meaghan Branham In a small Georgia neighborhood in the middle of November, a dam is released, causing severe flooding and power failures for the homes and people in its path. In one of those homes, submerged in floodwaters, someone is in urgent need of help. Heart palpitations set in, along with shortness of breath, then chest pain. In the middle of sudden cardiac arrest, the person awaits the arrival of a defibrillator, a piece of medical equipment that has been proven to mean the difference between life and death in medical emergencies like this.

That was the scenario presented to Archer Unmanned Air Systems (Archer UAS) in November 2019 at Operation Convergent Response, an event hosted

by Verizon Enterprise Solutions. The exercise offered an opportunity for testing new-to-market technologies in realistically simulated emergency scenarios. A small neighborhood was constructed, water was pumped in to create a flood, and the emergency scene was set: A ransomware attack that simulates terrorists releasing a dam, leaving a neighborhood suddenly flooded with no way for emergency responders to quickly get to the scene to help.

Archer UAS was faced with the question of how to deliver emergency medical equipment to someone in one of the flooded homes. The Orlando-based company was ready with an answer.

Medical delivery at Operation Convergent Response

Left: Vehicle and disaster set-up

Early Stages

OUR GOAL AS A COMPANY IS TO CUT THE NUMBER OF CARDIAC ARREST FATALITIES IN HALF BY 2030. — Gordon Folkes

CEO Gordon Folkes was attending Florida State University in 2014 when he had the idea for Archer UAS, named in honor of his father’s pest control company, Archer Exterminators. Folkes had always been fascinated with technology like remote-controlled cars, and when unmanned air systems began to appear on the market, he saw an opportunity to quickly get life-saving medical supplies to those in need with slight modifications to existing unmanned aerial vehicle technology. The modified devices could be used to drop off the equipment quickly, buying time for both patients and the emergency response teams trying to reach them. i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 23

Left: Vehicle leaving the Ground Control Hub

best for dropping in the supplies as close as possible to the location of the people who need help.

“That’s usually within 50 feet of them — in a driveway or yard, or a neighbor’s property, depending on the landscape,” Folkes said.

From there, a mission file is selected and uploaded to a drone vehicle stored at the nearest fire station. The drone is automatically released from its housing unit and takes off to its destination with equipment in tow.

“All of that happens automatically and takes about 18 seconds in total — no pilot training or remote-control operators,” Folkes said. “The 911 dispatcher can track it, watch as it flies and walk the caller through using the equipment.”

“THE ABILITY TO DEPLOY THE UAS VEHICLE INSTANTANEOUSLY, AND ITS SPEED AND ATHLETICISM, ARE THE CORE DRIVERS OF ARCHER FIRST RESPONSE SYSTEMS,” FOLKES SAID. “CARDIAC ARREST AND OPIOID OVERDOSE ARE INCREDIBLY TIME-SENSITIVE MEDICAL EMERGENCIES, AND OUR SYSTEM IS BEST SUITED TO RESPOND TO EMERGENCIES THAT REQUIRE AN ESPECIALLY FAST RESPONSE TIME. “Our goal as a company is to cut the number of cardiac arrest fatalities in half by 2030,” he said, speaking about the company’s focus on defibrillators in particular. “There are 326,000 cardiac arrest fatalities annually, and the majority are preventable with a defibrillator. We have always been and are still hyper-focused on that.”

With the help of FSU’s small business incubator, law clinics and a grant for 24 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

technological innovation, Folkes began to lay the groundwork for the parts that would go into the drones and the technology that would be used to support them. After he graduated, Central Florida seemed the perfect place to implement the systems in the first stages. Not only was it centrally located, but it offered a relatively flat topography that made mapping in the first stages of development a bit easier.

He originally intended to implement the solutions in private communities, but it quickly became evident the company could help more people by expanding its coverage area. So he turned to municipalities to use the technology to its fullest extent. Each system can service a 35-square-mile coverage area in less than five minutes, and combining vehicles and hubs can accommodate a larger coverage area.

Folkes explained how the system works: In the first stages of setting up, Archer’s team goes through the coverage area and collects thousands of coordinates, creating a database of about 26,000 potential drop points that are then stored in the system. When someone dials 911, the coordinates from that person’s smartphone are sent to the dispatch center and the 911 operator inputs them. Archer First Response Systems automatically decides which predetermined coordinates would be

Archer UAS is now also able to transport Narcan, a nasal spray that helps prevent fatalities from an opioid overdose, and tourniquets, which are used in situations involving bleeding and hemorrhage. All fit into the company’s focus on low-density, timesensitive medical equipment able to be

Below: CEO Gordon Folkes with Ground Control Hub

While attending Florida Venture Forum’s first inaugural Aerospace Capital Forum, Folkes made a connection that eventually led him to a valuable introduction with a Verizon director. The drones themselves have always operated on LTE networks, and Verizon spotted an opportunity for a powerful partnership. Using the communication company’s networks, as well as SIM cards, Archer can operate wherever there is 4G or LTE coverage.

UAS vehicle and Ground Control Hub

administered by any “lay rescuer” until emergency teams can get on the scene.

While the technology is currently in the beta stage, they are anticipating going live in the coming months.

On the Horizon The possibilities continue to expand, with partnerships and challenges like those presented in November at Operation Convergent Response.

“IN OUR SCENARIO, A CYBERATTACK ON THE INFRASTRUCTURE THAT CAUSED A SUDDEN FLOOD, WE HAD TO DELIVER TO A LOCATION WITH SO MUCH PRECISION TO MAKE SURE IT MADE IT RIGHT TO THE FIRST RESPONDER ON THE ROOF,” FOLKES SAID. To face the challenge, his team members built an artificial intelligence

satellite image platform, where they were able to download up-to-date satellite images from an existing website and scan the imagery to identify a specific delivery point.

“Usually, we block out trees and water and roofs, so all that’s left is flat ground that we can hover over and lower the payload down to,” Folkes said. “In this situation, we had to use those rooftops and deliver directly on top of those.

It showed us our technology is more versatile than we thought. The challenge of having to do that showed us exactly what kind of precision we are capable of.”

That ability to scan imagery and readjust coordinates according to realtime changes in landscape opens up even more potential uses for the future.

Archer’s technology can be especially helpful in emergency scenarios such as hurricanes and other natural disasters, terrorism attacks, SWAT team operations and other situations that require assistance that humans can’t always deliver in person, Folkes said. “There are tons of different possibilities we are very actively exploring right now.” ■ i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 25

Flight School At AeroStar, Simulators Prepare Pilots for Reality

By Meaghan Branham

M

ore than 50 million passengers t ravele d through O rlando International Airport in 2019, bustling around a facility on 13,644 acres, home to three terminals and some of the most recognized airlines in the world. And that’s just OIA. Florida’s high tourism numbers and its fast pace of economic development mean each airport statewide is booming with its fair share of passengers and cargo.

At the helm of every one of the thousands of flights taking off and landing every day are the pilots. It’s their job to get each aircraft safely into the skies and back on the ground.

They have to be prepared with the right knowledge, confidence and experience — and that doesn’t come without hard work.

The training necessary for this career is vital to keeping Central Florida’s booming aviation industry going, and one local training facility

26 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

is setting the bar high. Founded in 2008 by airline professionals, AeroStar Training Services provides comprehensive pilot training from its headquarters in Kissimmee.

“Central Florida has been an international flight training destination for years, drawing pilots from around the globe for our fantastic weather, terrain and flying conditions,” said the company's CEO, Deidra Toye AeroStar has been working with pilots on everything from initial pilot lessons to advanced training to professional certification. AeroStar employs the use of both physical aircraft and simulators in its training — and those simulators are causing a buzz. Adding an Airbus 320 simulator in March 2018 and a Boeing 737 simulator in April 2019, AeroStar found itself in a position not many other training facilities could boast.

“Having these sims on-site sets us apart from other schools that have to lease sims from other facilities and send their students off campus for simulator training,” Toye said.

“We are able to keep our students at one location for both their ground school and sim training. These two sims are state-of-the-art equipment and complete our type rating training program, which trains students to fly two of the most widely flown aircraft by top airlines around the world.”

With a 180-degree-angle overview of the simulated situation — including airport, runway and weather conditions — the technology re-creates scenarios each pilot must know how to navigate, keeping students safe while they learn.

“The length of the runways and taxiways are exact as though they were actually training at these airports,” Toye said. “They are able to

Top Left: AeroStar B737 simulation Bottom Left: Deidra Toye, CEO of AeroStar Training Services with the new Airbus 320 simulator simulate cockpit conditions, weather and environment of the aircraft, so students will feel the same physical sensations as if they were actually flying the aircraft.”

CENTRAL FLORIDA HAS BEEN AN INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TRAINING DESTINATION FOR YEARS, DRAWING PILOTS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE FOR OUR FANTASTIC WEATHER, TERRAIN AND FLYING CONDITIONS. — Deidra Toye

The simulators are especially helpful in the Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) for those looking to fly for commercial airlines. In 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a new requirement for commercial airline pilots to complete the course before they can receive the ATP certification, the agency’s highest designation. Before flying with a commercial air carrier for the first time, every pilot has to complete the qualifications for a commercial pilot’s certificate and the ATP requirements.

Taking Off Keeping those in the cockpit up-to-date and prepared for every situation that may come their way requires AeroStar to stay on the cutting edge of every new regulation and development in the industry. “We have regular inspections by the FAA and

fulfill all routine and special maintenance work that the simulators require,” Toye said.

“Our course materials also undergo thorough periodic reviews by the FAA and our management team.”

Being located so close to some of the busiest airports and innovative aviation facilities in the country doesn’t hurt.

“Kissimmee is centrally located and gives us the space necessary to meet our longterm growth plan objectives,” Toye said. Those objectives include technology such as a third simulator that will soon be added, allowing AeroStar to operate as a full-service pilot training academy that can train students from zero hours of experience to ATPCTP in one facility.

The building and grounds will also be seeing enhancements. Plans include building out the simulator hangar to include offices, classrooms and meeting space, as well as a lobby and a student lounge. The next phases will add a dormitory building complete with cafeteria and then a pilot retail shop. ■ i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 27

Flexitech Aerospace owner Kevin Jackson

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On a Mission Flexitech Aerospace Brings Passion to Satellite Design

By Diane Sears

A

s a young boy growing up in Portsmouth in the south of England, Kevin Jackson was always taking electronics apart and putting them back together to make something new, usually a radio of some kind. By the time he was 17, he had built a satellite dish in the back yard that could receive live television broadcasts from Russia.

His story reached the front page of the local newspaper, and an area manufacturer offered him a job, committing to support him through the University of Surrey while he worked part-time helping to develop satellites. His talent was too special to pass up. That company eventually became part of Airbus, the world’s secondlargest defense and aerospace company behind Boeing.

Today Jackson leads Flexitech Aerospace, an Orlando-based company that designs and manufactures communications satellites for space missions. The lobby walls hold autographed pictures of astronauts he has worked with, photographs of the company’s projects in space, and a shadow box containing packages of astronaut food. He has worked with organizations that include Hughes Communications, the U.S. Army and Orbital ATK, which was later acquired by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems. Although he’s the founder and owner of Flexitech, his business card holds the title “chief engineer.”

“Nobody wants to talk to the CEO or CTO or president of the company about the technical challenges of the projects they’re trying to build,” said the industry veteran of 42 years. “They want to talk to someone who knows how the engineering works. I don’t need the title. I’ve done it all. I’ve done the big corporate stuff.

What I need is for people to say, ‘This is an engineer who I can trust and will help me.’”

Jackson’s venture into entrepreneurship started in 2009 after he had spent nine years working at Orbital ATK on the Cygnus program, which creates cargo spacecraft that carry supplies to the International Space Station.

He decided to follow his passion and go out on his own as a consultant.

“IT WAS LIKE JUMPING OFF INTO AN ABYSS,” HE SAID. “I HAD A NICE CORPORATE JOB AND WAS WELL PAID, I WAS IN A SENIOR POSITION, DIRECTOR OF SYSTEM SATELLITE ENGINEERING FOR ALL OF ORBITAL ATK, AND I DESCRIBED IT TO MY WIFE AS JUMPING OFF OVER THE SIDE INTO AN ABYSS. YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT’S ON THE OTHER SIDE.”

i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 29

Kevin Jackson at Mission Control in Houston

Within a week, he had signed a contract to be a consultant on a spacecraft communications payload development project. A month later, he was enlisted to help an organization developing a shipping observation radio payload to go to the space station.

As those projects wrapped up, he landed a contract working on the Kestrel Eye program with the U.S. Army, and that led to more work. Along the way, clients kept asking him whether he could build the concepts and designs he was helping them with.

He started a lab in his basement in Virginia. When it was time to expand, he and his wife decided it was time to move somewhere warm, so they headed to Florida. Orlando seemed a logical choice because of its high-tech workforce, its concentration of science companies and its proximity to Kennedy Space Center.

When a SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted off from Cape Canaveral in December, Jackson and his team watched the launch on television and then ran outside the office on Grand National Drive to see the rocket in the sky.

“There’s nothing more exciting than knowing something you worked on is on that launch vehicle heading into space,” he said. “It was a beautiful day, so we could see the Falcon 9 going up all the way to the second-stage ignition.”

Career Highs Jackson and his wife, who is from near Stafford in England, moved to Maryland from the U.K. so he could work for Hughes on spacecraft development. The assignment was supposed to be for three years. Within a year, his wife asked, “Do we have to go back?”

“I talked to Hughes and they applied for green cards for us,” Jackson said. “Four years and nine months later, we became U.S. citizens and never looked back. Here is home now.”

Sometimes Jackson still feels like that little kid in England wondering how things work. He marvels at how he got to where he is today. He recalls a day when he and his wife, the company’s chief operating officer, took a box to

30 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

a UPS Store to be shipped. The person handling the transaction asked the required question, “What’s in the box?” Jackson answered matter-of-factly, the way any scientist would: “A radio filter to go to the International Space Station.” The man at the counter responded, ‘Yeah, sure.”

One of the biggest thrills of his life was during his time with the Cygnus program, when he got to work with the team in Mission Control at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. His job was to monitor communications between the Cygnus spacecraft and the ground as it was launched and during its journey to the space station.

“I GOT TO SIT IN MISSION CONTROL AND FLY THOSE MISSIONS,” HE SAID. “I SAT THERE ONE NIGHT AND THOUGHT, ‘I’M A GUY WHO CAME FROM A LITTLE TOWN IN ENGLAND, I WATCHED NEIL ARMSTRONG WALK ON THE MOON, AND HERE I AM SITTING IN MISSION CONTROL. THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE.’”

orbit,” Jackson said. “That helps when you’re looking for people to recruit. They have rich pickings for you. They have the right people to bring in young minds to shape into the new space business as it is today.”

Flexitech also looks to Valencia College. “Not everybody on staff needs to have a full-out bachelor’s degree or master’s degree,” Jackson said. “People with an associate’s degree and a passion are worth a lot. I like to bring in people who want to do engineering and are good

with their hands. I don’t really mind what you’ve done other than that, as long as you can put things together and you’re willing to learn.”

There is one key quality he looks for, and it’s not technical. “I always interview people to find out where’s that little spark of passion, what makes them want to get up in the morning and do what they do,” Jackson said. “It’s a fairly easy sell when you’re doing space stuff. Everyone wants to do space stuff.” ■

Jackson has been working with satellite technology since childhood.

In 2014, he received an award from NASA for his work. He and his wife were at the reception and they spotted retired NASA Administrator Gene Kranz, who became legendary during the Gemini, Apollo and Skylab missions. “Gene Kranz was there at the party!” Jackson said. “My wife and I said, ‘This is pretty cool.’”

Future Growth Today Flexitech occupies a 1,500-square-foot lab and recently expanded to another 1,200-square-foot space in an adjacent building, which allows it to separate materials processing, such as 3D printing, laser cutting and machining, from radio electronics engineering.

His team of seven keeps busy, with every employee handling a unique aspect of the business.

“EVERYBODY HAS AN INDIVIDUAL SKILL,” JACKSON SAID. “THE SUM OF THE PARTS IS GREATER THAN THE INDIVIDUAL. I ALWAYS SAY TO MY TEAM, WHEN WE SIT DOWN TO LOOK AT A NEW PROJECT, ‘I’M NOT THE SMARTEST PERSON IN THE ROOM. WE ARE ALL SMARTER TOGETHER.’” As he continues to expand the company, he’s encouraged by the buildup of skill in the area in not only aerospace but also peripheral businesses, including precision machining, printed circuit board development and electronic circuit manufacturing. The region is fortunate, he said, to have the University of Central Florida and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

“UCF and Embry Riddle both now have space programs, so they’re teaching students what it is to build a spacecraft and understand how to put it in i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 31

Life on Mars?

An interview with Alyssa Carson, the Florida Tech student who hopes to be among the first to walk on Mars.

The Space Coast has always been known for, well, the space industry.

It was here, 50 years ago, where Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins were launched from the Earth to the moon. And, it will be from here where a crew will be launched from the Earth to Mars. With that in mind, as it is our job to focus on “Space Coast Living,” it is important to focus on those who have uprooted their lives to live here, where they can pursue their passions. Specifically, their space-realted passions. I wanted to interview Alyssa Carson, a Florida Tech student from Baton Rouge whose mission is to become among the first to walk on Mars. Her story is one of many men and women who have dreamed and trained to journey to space; one that illustrates some of humankind’s best qualities.

In the next decade or two, the Space Coast will be the at the center of an illustrious history. This is Carson's, as well as the Space Coast's, story.

Story by Sara Santora | Managing Editor, Space Coast LIVING Photography by Jason Hook Hair and makeup by Darcy Manning Design by Cheyenne McCully and Sara Santora

Originally published in Space Coast LIVING December 2019

32 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 33

O

n the 4th of July, there was a picture of Alyssa Carson floating around Facebook. She was decked out in a blue flight suit, and the bio that accompanied the photo shared that she is an 18-year-old who is already preparing to become an astronaut, with the goal of being among the first to walk on Mars.

Carson was only 3 years old when she was inspired to venture to Mars. After watching an episode of “The Backyardigans,” in which the animated group of animals traveled to the red planet, Carson began to ask her dad questions about space. He shared that humans had traveled to space, though no one had been to Mars. Of course, once he shared that it would be her generation that would get there, she decided, “Well, huh! Maybe I can do it!” Since that moment, she has been working hard to accomplish her dream.

One quick Google search of the young Mars walkerto-be provides a wealth of information on her young career thus far. Though she’s only 18, it’s apparent she’s already done more than what many will do in a lifetime and is inspiring an entire generation to accomplish their dreams, no matter how otherworldly they may be. But if history has taught us anything, it is that big dreams are what take us to new heights.

Literally. Fifty years ago this past July, Neil Armstrong descended from the Apollo lunar module and took the small step that signified mankind’s giant leap: Man had finally traveled to the moon, and set foot on the lunar surface. Then, our astronauts were military test pilots and engineers. Now, our astronauts are also scientists and mathematicians, whose skills help with research. And, though our first astronauts were all men, the space shuttle program allowed for women to join the ranks. In 2024, NASA will send the first woman to the moon, and in 2033 (or earlier, if Elon Musk has his way), man and woman will journey to Mars.

The journey to space begins long before the day of the launch. Before the Apollo 11 flight, there were Apollo flights 1-10, as well as the Mercury and Gemini

34 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

projects, which helped bridge us from the Earth to the moon. And of course, there was President John F. Kennedy’s infamous speech at Rice University, in which he pushed the United States to make it to the moon before the end of the ’60s — a goal that was met in 1969.

To Kennedy, and to many at the time, space exploration was as natural to human beings as breathing. He said, “Many years ago the great British explorer George Mallory, who was to die on Mount Everest, was asked why did he want to climb it. He said, ‘Because it is there.’ Well, space is there, and we’re going to climb it, and the moon and the planets are there, and new hopes for knowledge and peace are there. And, therefore, as we set sail we ask God’s blessing on the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked.”

What the United States accomplished in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s was only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to space exploration. Like Kennedy, our current world leaders and tech leaders believe that not only is traveling to space — Mars, specifically — something that can be done but that it is something that should be done.

In regard to the exploration of Mars, NASA has sent four rovers to the planet, with another on its way in 2020, to help us better understand the terrain and the atmosphere. Now, both the public and private industries are working hard to troubleshoot and design the necessary spacecraft and equipment for a manned mission. But, more than that, an entire generation of intelligent space enthusiasts is currently laying the groundwork with the hopes of being selected to join the astronaut corps, many with dreams of being the first to land on Mars.

Which brings us back to Alyssa Carson.

i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 35

time comes to compete with thousands of others in the astronaut application process. She is the only person to have completed the NASA passport program, which required her to visit all 14 of NASA’s visitor’s centers across nine states. Through this program, she met astronaut Wendy Lawrence; scientist and TV personality Bill Nye; and Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana and Administrator Charles Bolton.

She graduated from the Advanced Space Academy at 16 years old, making her the youngest person to do so. She was the first person to complete all seven of NASA’s space camps, and she has received her certification in applied astronautics, which certifies her to do a suborbital research flight for Project PoSSUM.

“With a mission to Mars, yeah you’ll have your specific assignment, but you’re going to have to know how to do everything, so that’s what I’ve been working on.”

When I meet Carson, she is wearing a tee-shirt that says, “My dream is out of this world … literally.” Along with it is a drawing of Mars. We are walking through Florida Tech’s Buehler Center for Aviation Training, where our interview and photoshoot are being held.

As previously mentioned, Carson is 18 years old.

She is from Louisiana, but she recently relocated to the Space Coast to begin her collegiate career at the Florida Institute of Technology, where she is on track to study astrobiology. Choosing this degree path, however, is one of the many things she’s done to better her chances of visiting Mars.

Carson is already equipped with a wealth of experience, which will undoubtedly help her when the 36 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

“PoSSUM stands for, ‘Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Atmosphere,’” shares Carson. “Basically, they are a private citizen science organization, studying in the upper atmosphere, and their specific focus has been on a cloud called a ‘noctilucent cloud,’ and the reason why they’re looking at doing a suborbital mission is to collect a sample of the cloud, which would be the ultimate goal.”

Project PoSSUM works with Final Frontier Design, and helps with their space suit evaluations.

"Essentially, they are test subjects," she says.

“We will do the microgravity flights, the water survival in their space suits, we’ll test their suits in different environments and get their feedback and a bunch of bio research and all of that goes to Final Frontier,” she says. “Because, if we get to the point of doing the suborbital flight, that would be the suit [we would use].” In October, Carson traveled to Canada to help test Final Frontier’s EVA space suit at the Canadian Space Agency. Here, she and others completed various tests in lunar and microgravity.

Of course, a suborbital flight with Project PoSSUM is only one flight she hopes to make in her lifetime.

The other is a flight to Mars.

NASA requires its potential astronauts to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, along with three years of post-collegiate experience in a career related to the chosen degree path. And while NASA does give applicants the option to receive a pilot’s license and log 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time on jet aircraft in lieu of the three years of post-collegiate

experience, this pilot’s license is no longer necessary.

However, Carson did receive her pilot’s license before moving to Florida.

“Everything I’m doing, none of that is required,” says Carson. “Basically I wanted to get involved with as many things and see what I’d be interested in … very early on I realized, and this is what space camp helped me figure out, the path I wanted to take. So I was always a bit more interested in the sciences and flying or going down the military route ...

“Everything that I’ve been doing is just trying to get a mix of everything that would be needed,” she continues. “With a mission to Mars, yeah you’ll have your specific assignment, but you’re going to have to know how to do everything, so that’s what I’ve been working on.”

As we speak more about the race between the public sector and private industry to get to Mars, Carson shares that she doesn't know whether she will apply to become a NASA astronaut. She is not sure which one will reach Mars first, but she wants to align herself with that program. "I'm going through my schooling now," she says, "and then we'll see where the different programs are."

Though she is undecided on who she would want to represent when going to the red planet, NASA is the guide for getting to space. But, she’s not too worried about that. For now, she says, she is focusing primarily on school.

“Astrobiology can apply to a lot of things,” Carson says. “I’m still figuring out what I would want to do with that degree ... I was talking with someone who was working with the payloads that were on the International Space Station, which would be really cool.

“But something else that’s at Florida Tech that I want to look more into in terms of astrobiology would be actual farming and crop growth that could potentially be used as a food supply for the missions,” she says. “Also, the other aspect of it that interests me is any sort of bacterial life and the possibilities of bacterial life being in water samples on Mars and how possible that would be.”

Even as Carson tells me she’s “just focusing on school” at the

moment, everything she says relates back to her main goal: making it to Mars. Of course, everything she does — just about — is done to achieve that goal.

Carson, obviously, is a big believer in pushing space exploration, not just because it’s a cool thing to do, but because it has done and will continue to do a lot of good for our everyday lives.

“A lot of people see planning for Mars as us just putting a bunch of dollar bills in a rocket, sending it to space and just never coming back,” she quips.

“But there are so many benefits in the amount of jobs that are created … and also the amount of research and resources we will be bringing back and also the technological advances that are made, which are then used for everyday life.

“Everything we’re doing in terms of the space program comes back and helps people.”

In a little over a decade, humans will journey to Mars, and just as hundreds of thousands tuned in to network television to watch man journey to the moon in 1969, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, will gather and watch as a team of humans travel to the red planet. Whether they travel to colonize the planet, or make a return flight home, those chosen will be intelligent, strong and sharp. They will travel farther than any human before them and among them might just be Alyssa Carson. ■ i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 37

TAKE

with Official tourism association for America’s most-visited destination.

Orlando International Airport South Terminal

Orlando International Airport (MCO) Florida’s busiest airport is meeting the demands of record-setting passenger growth to America’s most visited destination. Crews are working seven days a week on the South Terminal Complex, the largest construction project in airport history.

Slated to open in late 2021, it will feature 19 new gates capable of accommodating at least 24 aircraft and 10 million-plus additional passengers. The three-floor facility is rising next to the South Airport Automated People Mover Complex and Intermodal Terminal Facility, which will accommodate the upcoming, high-speed Brightline service connecting Orlando to South Florida.

The South Terminal is the cornerstone of the airport’s $4.2 billion, multiyear Capital Improvement Program. Previously completed enhancements have targeted key areas from ticketing to baggage handling in the airport’s North Terminal.

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) A $60 million expansion project, coming online by year’s end, will add nearly 50,000 square feet, four gates, three baggage carousels, new ticket counters and more. The airport is also working with several air carriers to land new domestic and international service.

Orlando Sanford International Airport

38 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

“We’ve consolidated our passenger screening process to improve efficiency,” CEO Diane Crews says of the expansion, “and we’ve brought in convenient amenities like more family bathrooms and private stations for breastfeeding moms, and will be adding more concessions with a focus on local businesses as well as a children’s playground. We’ve also improved traffic flow in front of the airport and added a canopy to our passenger drop-off and pick-up area.

“Travelers will see a brighter, fresher look throughout the airport.”

GEORGE AGUEL President and CEO of Visit Orlando

TOURISM FUELING MAJOR GROWTH AT OUR AIRPORTS

A

s Orlando’s popularity continues to grow, our airports are hard at work to keep pace with record visitation. Major expansion projects are underway at both Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), and these enhancements will only elevate the visitor experience.

At MCO, tourists to Orlando account for about 70% of all passenger traffic. That demand carries over to SFB too. As Diane Crews told us, “Orlando is absolutely the attraction, and we’re happy to help connect people to this magical place.”

Of course, strengthening our transportation infrastructure benefits our entire community.

When our airports invest in larger, more functional facilities, residents reap the economic value of visitor spending. This revenue stream further supports public resources such as schools, roads and cultural venues.

Orlando International Airport South Terminal

Visit Orlando has worked closely with MCO, SFB and several airlines on marketing campaigns that keep us top of mind for travelers, while offering more options for them to get here.

Orlando's airports not only serve as a gateway to our world-famous attractions and theme parks, they also support ongoing awareness of our destination. And from a 30,000-foot view, it's clear just how important they are to keeping our region's leading industry running strong.

Orlando Sanford International Airport

i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 39

HIGHLIGHTS of 2019 MAY AUGUST SEPTEMBER BRIDG is a Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence Awards finalist

OCTOBER

Grand opening of The OC, a 100,000 sq ft Class A office building

NeoCity Academy campus officially opens onsite BRIDG CEO, Chester Kennedy featured in Florida Trend’s Florida 500

NOVEMBER

Kissimmee Utility Authority officially opens Domingo Toro Substation

FROM

®

40 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

New

BRIDG PARTNERSHIPS TEL

Tokyo Electron (TEL), a globally recognized leader in semiconductor and flat panel display production equipment, is partnering with BRIDG to develop tool and process technology needed to further enable collaborative approaches for development to commercialization of technologies and applications that accelerate commercialization of emerging technologies.

“TEL is excited to partner with BRIDG as we develop leading-edge tool, process, and integration technology for our customers,” says Tony Tsutsumi, TEL Senior Vice President for Corporate Innovation.

Radiance Technologies Radiance is an employeeowned prime contractor specializing in developing customer-focused solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, systems engineering, prototyping and integration, and operational and strategic intelligence. Founded in Huntsville, Ala., Radiance leverages small business flexibility and large business innovation to provide world-class technical support, solutions, and products.

Through this new partnership, BRIDG and Radiance will develop strategies to advance critical aspects of national security.

SUSS MicroTec SUSS MicroTec, a leading supplier of equipment and process solutions for the semiconductor industry, announced a far-reaching collaboration agreement with BRIDG. This partnership puts an unprecedented array of SUSS MicroTec equipment and fabrication technologies at the doorstep of its North American customer base, readily accessible for demonstrations and evaluations.

“We are very pleased to be working side by side with a pioneering partner like BRIDG. This collaboration is a further step in our mission to expand as a systems and solutions provider and is part of our Strategy for 2025.” said Franz Richter, CEO of SUSS MicroTec. “Our task is to move closer to our customers, understand their needs, offer solutions and make those solutions accessible, with the continual support of our knowledge and expertise.”

Air Force Research Laboratory The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the primary scientific research and development center for the Air Force, awarded BRIDG a major federal defense contract valued at $7.5 million to develop a secure digital twin for semiconductor (SDTS) capability that will enable end-users to validate the integrity of a chip or assembly of multiple chips.

AFRL plays an integral role in the discovery, development, and integration of cost-effective warfighting technologies for the air, space, and cyberspace force. BRIDG will spearhead AFRL’s SDTS initiatives centered on collecting key data from the design and manufacturing processes to accelerate time to market, improve quality, reduce costs, and establish provenance for semiconductor devices.

This contract is another step in a larger effort that the federal government is beginning to undertake to foster microelectronics innovation and ensure access to state-of-the-art capability.

Department of Defense The U.S. Department of Defense’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) office awarded BRIDG its first major federal defense contract valued at up to more than $20 million to provide a new technology for next-generation microelectronic multi-chip systems that will strengthen national security and cyber resiliency for the United States defense industrial base.

The microelectronics that are used in large defense projects are frequently outsourced or made by foreign-owned companies. Securing the microelectronics supply chain is a priority of the Department of Defense and this award is the first step in a larger effort that the federal government is beginning to undertake.

While much of this technology has initial defense applications, it also positions BRIDG to become a leader in 5G, the Internet of Things, and the creation of countless smart sensors. T i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 41

UP CLOSE Shaun Germolus With

By Meaghan Branham

Shaun Germolus always knew he wanted to fly. “Since I was 11, I wanted to become a professional airline pilot,” he said. He enrolled in the University of North Dakota for commercial aviation, earned a private pilot license and began his career in aviation. His flight path took a slight turn, however, when he was introduced to the university’s airport management major. There, he realized he could still fly and spend his days around aircraft while enjoying the comforts of a family and home. Since earning his degree, he has held roles as airport manager for the city of Worthington, Virginia; operations supervisor for the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission in Virginia; and executive director of the Chisholm-Hibbing Airport Authority in Minnesota. Most recently, the city has announced Germolus as the new aviation director for the Kissimmee Gateway Airport Authority. Here, he discusses the road so far and what he hopes for the future of both his industry and his new home.

What drew you to the industry?

At the time of my flight training, airlines Pan American World Airways, Eastern Air Lines and Trans World Airlines were filing for bankruptcy. The Clinton administration was downsizing the military, and there was an abundance of pilots for the airline industry. I was looking at what appeared to be a troubled industry with potentially high student debt and was concerned about making a living. A friend introduced me to UND’s airport management major, and figured I could avoid potential student debt, be home in the evenings, always be around aircraft and continue to fly. Once in the program, I realized there were many opportunities in the airport industry and have enjoyed learning the various components of management, construction, safety, security and economic development, to name a few.

What was your first job? What did it teach you?

After college, I became the airport manager for the City of Worthington, Minnesota. Besides the administration duties, I was responsible for daily airfield maintenance tasks with my one full-time maintenance employee.

Together, we would cut grass, repair airfield lights, perform building maintenance and, yes, remove lots of Minnesota snow! I also attended my first city council meetings and reported on the airport’s operations and purchasing requests. To this day, I value this first job because it laid the foundation for my career. It allowed me to perform all airport management and maintenance functions directly so I could relate well to every situation and challenge that airport employees encounter.

What was the process like getting accreditation through the American Association of Airport Executives?

The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) is the world’s largest professional organization for airport executives, representing thousands of airport management

personnel at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. It is a great honor to have completed the accreditation program. I have been an AAAE member since 1993 and enrolled in the accreditation program early.

I completed phase one of the three-phase programs in 1998, passing a 180-multiple-question exam designating me as a Certified Member (CM). The next step was a 30-page writing requirement. I started this process but postponed it, focusing on my airport jobs and raising a family. In late 2017, when my wife applied to complete her doctoral degree in nursing and education, I told her if she was accepted, I would finish my accreditation. Well, she was accepted. I completed my writing assignment and began to study for the final oral exam. I completed a two-hour-and-forty-five-minute exam of several airport topics by three AAAE-accredited members. It was a great personal accomplishment, and I appreciate the opportunity and support I received during the process.

What brought you to this upcoming role with the Kissimmee Gateway Airport in Florida?

I have been in the airport industry for over 26 years, with the past 13 serving at the Range Regional Airport in Hibbing, Minnesota. I was fortunate to meet many of the objectives I set at Range Regional, which included improving airfield infrastructure, enhancing economic development, increasing airline service, and constructing a new airline terminal facility. I was looking for a new set of challenges, preferably in a warmer climate with less snow and ice control mitigation.

I applied for this position for several reasons.

Kissimmee Gateway Airport is a valuable regional asset providing general aviation reliever services for the Orlando International Airport and supporting 120,000 annual aircraft departures and arrivals. Its proximity to the theme parks is essential as well since the

i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 43

UP CLOSE

airport’s air traffic control services guide aircraft through the airspace, providing a safe environment. The multiple flight schools are fundamental as today’s aviation industry faces a pilot shortage. Unlike when I was in flight training, today’s aviation environment offers ample opportunities for aviation enthusiasts. Add active warbirds and economic development, and it becomes a dream job!

What do you look forward to most about working with this community?

The City of Kissimmee has initiated its Aerospace Advancement Initiative program to aggressively develop 140-plus acres to enhance economic development and create jobs. Developing property, constructing new supportive facilities, and growing airport businesses have been the most enjoyable moments in my career. I love the enthusiasm and support I see demonstrated by the city staff for this project, and I look forward to working with the community and its business leaders.

How are you preparing for your new role?

I had the pleasure of spending five days in Kissimmee in mid-October searching for future housing and had 44 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

the opportunity to meet and spend time with the airport staff (wonderful people!). The city and airport staff have been terrific by providing me specifics of the airport and keeping me apprised of airport developments. I have been researching the differences between the Minnesota and Florida state aviation departments as well.

What is your vision for the future of the airport? What kind of possibilities can it present for the city?

The airport will continue to support the regional general aviation operations and ensure it can accommodate forecasted growth in aircraft activity.

To remain successful, it will help the local community’s air transportation requirements and continue to develop as one of the region’s economic development engines. The city’s Aerospace Advancement Initiative and utilizing the property to its fullest potential will provide job creation and economic enhancement opportunities.

What will a typical day be like for you in your role? What kinds of things will you oversee?

My role as the director of aviation will be to ensure the airport is operated

safely, securely and efficiently, and that it provides the best customer experience for all who encounter the airport. This includes oversight of financial management, construction and maintenance, economic development, and safety and security programs. I look forward to interacting with staff to ensure they have the resources to carry out those functions. I also look forward to meeting the airport’s tenants to understand their operations better to support and assist them in growing their businesses.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

At my first airport management job in Worthington, Minnesota, I lived in a house on the airport provided by the city. When one of my airport mentors told me, “Always spend at least one hour per day at your airport,” I looked at him puzzled and responded, “What do you mean? I live on the airport!”

He said, “No, always spend specific time driving your airfield, walking your buildings and, most importantly, spend quality time with your staff and airport tenants. Always personally understand your airport’s issues and environment.” To this day, you will find me doing just that at the airport. T

Executive Spotlight

Crystal Jones

Chief Operating Officer

Girl Scouts of Citrus

"

The time I have spent at Girl Scouts of Citrus has truly been the best adventure I’ve ever been on.

— Crystal Jones

New Adventures

C

rystal Jones spent 20 years in the financial services and banking industry before joining the Girl Scouts of Citrus as its chief operating officer. “I quickly discovered that nonprofit and volunteer management was different from for-profit banking management,” Jones said. “I was able to put my leadership skills to good use, but I learned the importance of being flexible in my style and in my approach to addressing different situations. I spend a lot more time seeking creative solutions to address many issues.”

Creative solutions are an integral part of the Girl Scouts program, from the Daisies to the Brownies and all the way up to the offices where Jones works, and she wants to get the word out.

“When people find out that I work for the Girl Scouts, they immediately comment about their favorite Girl Scout cookie,” she said. “I make sure to tell them about the business skill development the cookie program provides, but then I like to shift the conversation to some of the other exciting things we do.”

Those include the work GSUSA and Girl Scouts of Citrus have done to provide STEM leadership opportunities for girls, as well as outdoor programs ranging from hiking and rock climbing to zip-lining and kayaking.

As a former Girl Scout herself, Jones is passionate about using her position to empower and encourage generations of girls to come — including the 15,000 Girl Scouts who will attend G.I.R.L. 2020, GSUSA’s National Triennial Girl Scout Business Meeting and Conference to be held in Orlando in October 2020.

“I believe in the mission of the organization, the work we are doing at a national and local level, and the difference we are making in the lives of girls,” Jones said. “The time I have spent at the Girl Scouts of Citrus has truly been the best adventure I’ve ever been on.

The past eight years I have spent here have been the most fulfilling years of my career.” ■

i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 45

Best Practice

Marketing 4 Trends to Build Your Customer Base This Year

Cherise Czaban

is the publisher and CEO of i4 Business. She can be reached at cherise@i4biz.com.

The new year is a time for resolutions and re-evaluations, with each of us spending the first few days of January considering which habits to eliminate and which to cultivate. That flurry of new beginnings makes for an invigorating time of year, and some may embrace this new energy to take a closer look at their company’s cornerstones as well.

If it’s time to update your marketing strategy, the new year might be the perfect time to take a look at what has worked in the past, what you hope for in the future, and what you can do to your strategy to bridge that gap. When sprucing up your plan for 2020, there are a few trends to keep in mind that can keep your team on the cutting edge.

1

Shoppable Posts

Modern-day marketing puts a high priority on convenience.

What’s more convenient than being able to purchase exactly what you want with just one click? According to

Content is fire. Social media is gasoline.

— Jay Baer

46 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

visual content media company Olapic.com, shoppable content is any that includes a direct way to add products to a cart or purchase an item. In online articles or digital magazine pages, this often involves a “Shop Now” link over an image or link on an ad, while in social media it may be as easy as clicking on a post and being taken to that exact item on a store’s website.

2

Content

It’s not enough to simply hope to sell. You have to know what will make people click. That brings us to content. While not a new approach, content marketing has been increasing in popularity for decades, with the internet and social media providing countless platforms and opportunities to publish videos, articles and images that reinforce brand identity and build customer loyalty. More recently, video content and interactive content have been proven to engage audiences most effectively. Think quizzes, polls and live streams.

The R-Squared team facilitates

3

Community Marketing

4

Conversational Marketing

People want to feel that they’re part of something — part of a community that has something important in common with themselves. By offering registrations for newsletters, memberships and giveaways, as well as creating and curating a social media presence people feel they can relate to and rely on, companies can use this desire for a sense of community to engage their audience. Within that community, relationships within your audience and their relationship with you can grow — and along with it, brand loyalty. Pay special attention to things like the content you curate for segmented newsletters, your Facebook page posts and your Instagram interactions to get a better idea of what is engaging people most and what they would like to see more of.

ENGAGING AND DYNAMIC WORKSHOPS that empower organizations like yours to reach greater success.

Similar to the concept of community marketing, conversational marketing is based on understanding that the relationship you build with your audience is critical to your strategy. Being available and communicative is key, so features like live chat on a website or quick response time on social media convey that you are taking the initiative to engage and support people. Automated chatbots allow you to do this without having to staff your website 24/7. With these, you can engage with potential customers and help them more quickly, leading to more conversions. T

WE MOLD HIGH-PERFORMING INDIVIDUALS INTO RESULTS-DRIVEN TEAMS Looking to take your organization to the next level this year?

Give us a call to discuss your goals

Phone: [240] 577- 9017 http://r-squaredsolutions.net i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 47

Best Practice

Workforce Development How to Engage Your Millennial Team Members

Thomas Waterman is the co-founder of Purpose Pioneers. He believes that when we find meaning in our work, we experience real-time fulfillment. He can be contacted at thomas@ purposepioneers.com.

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. — Theodore Roosevelt

48 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

Millennials entering the workforce have become the poster children for the modern workplace. This generation has earned a reputation for needing special treatment, but the truth is, millennials are not especially needy. They just happen to have been born into a society where there is an abundance of solutions for each of their needs. To them, anything is possible, and they have not known any other kind of reality.

Millennials are making decisions about work and life in a market with an unlimited number of options. While well-paying jobs are still valuable, there are a growing number of job possibilities open to them.

This abundance of opportunities frees them up to make choices based on purpose and value. Because most of their needs on Maslow’s hierarchy have been met, they live in a state of self-actualization. They want to make work decisions that allow

them to reach their highest potential and create a positive impact on the world.

Simply, they want meaning and purpose in their work.

Igniting millennials in the workplace starts with harnessing purpose to empower them to reach that highest potential. Here are the three steps to accomplishing this:

Step 1: Turn Career Paths into Journeys of Personal Growth

Today’s employee needs more than a career path in a company. Modern-day workers want help finding their purpose and bringing it to life. This process starts with their own personal growth. They want to know that working with your organization will give them the freedom to grow personally.

The key is to support their individual path in a way that serves the company, too.

Aerospace

Medical

Defense

Facilities

Marine

Government

Commercial

path in a way that serves the company, too. If there is a certification they want to get, or a self-development conference they want to attend, send them. Give them the resources that empower them to become better people. Examples include life coaching, financial coaching and therapy.

When millennials know leaders in the company are there to help them live in their purpose, they want to stay for the long haul and will work with their blood, sweat and tears.

Step 2: Turn Your Staff into a Connected Community

Today’s employees want more than a job. They want to be valued members of a community of like-minded people. Teams of employees must become more than a staff that simply completes tasks and reaches revenue targets. They must become communities of individuals who care about each other.

Millennials want to do meaningful work with others who have similar values and purpose. Teams that effectively foster a connection around common values and purpose are a breeding ground for employees who are not only more fulfilled, but also more productive. In this environment, tasks become opportunities for employees to build meaningful connections with other people.

Turning your staff into a community gives employees a sense of unity and deep human connection. When employees feel deeply connected to others, leaving the company becomes an emotionally tough decision that will go well beyond salary negotiations.

Step 3: Turn Your Offering into a Movement that Matters

Today’s workforce is living in a state of self-actualization.

Employees want more than the corner office or a salary increase. In a world where millennials can work for any company anywhere in the world and complete their work from any location on Earth, a higher purpose is becoming necessary to compete in the talent market.

(321) 267-8100 www.rushinc.com

Building with

Integrity

Since 1984

As most of their needs are met, their energy is shifting outward toward creating a positive impact on others. The purpose of the organization has become a top variable when millennials are considering what company to work for. It is also the magnet that keeps them working for one company.

The need to believe in the purpose of the organization is now vital. It not only attracts and retains top young talent, but it also intrinsically drives these employees to put more effort into their daily work. It is the ultimate win-win scenario.

Now that we understand the state of the millennial workforce, forward-thinking companies can seize this perfect opportunity to break the mold of business as usual and engage young talent.

Today’s employees want purpose. Let us give them what they need to thrive. T

i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 49

Best Practice

Professional Development Identify Your Anchors and Engines We all know we should surround ourselves with people who lift us up.

But why don’t we do this? Sometimes it’s difficult to tell whether a person is a positive in our lives or a negative because the truth is that most people can be both.

Nancy Allen is the CEO of the Women’s Business Development Council of Florida, a certifying agency of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. She can be reached at nancyallen@womensbusiness.info

Let’s look at some of the idioms about this:

"You are the reflection of the five people you spend the most time with."

“A true friend is someone who reminds you of who you are when you forget.”

An ch o rs

Surround yourself with those who only lift you higher.

— Oprah Winfrey

50 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

I’ve found these ring true for me on many different levels, and I’ll bet you have, too. What can you do to determine whether someone is having a positive influence in your life?

I like to use the Anchors and Engines exercise first taught to me by my business coach Michelle Villalobos. It’s meant to get you to look at the role the people closest to you play in your life. It’s quite simple and very compelling.

Start by thinking about the word “anchor.” What does that word bring to

Eng ine s

2019 mind for you? Something that weighs you down? Something that keeps you in place? Something that provides you with safety?

How about the word “engine”? What does that evoke? Moving forward? Speed? Progress? Creativity?

Definitions Exercise

For the purpose of this exercise, let’s use these definitions: Anchors: Negative things that are holding you back Engines: Positive things that are propelling you forward

You're going to need a blank sheet of paper. Put a line down the middle of the sheet. On the left, write the word anchor. On the right, write the word engine.

Now make a list of the 10 people you interact with most often.

With the above definitions in mind, place the names in the appropriate columns. Who do you turn to if you want help with a new idea or challenge? How does that person respond?

Let’s say this person typically says, "Caution, caution! What if this? What if that?" That person probably falls into the anchor category. Then think about someone who responds with, "What a great idea! It's about time! What are you going to do first?"

This person probably falls into the engine category.

This exercise is not an exact science. Some people will fall into both categories. And just because people are in one group or another, that doesn't mean they can't give you good and useful advice. I have plenty of anchors who keep me grounded and safe. I also have engines I call on to provide me with a push when I need it. My engines are my champions. They are the ones who "remind me who I am when I forget."

Go ahead. Make your list and observe your interactions. Were you right? Did you put the person in the correct category? How did that feel? How do you think your next communication will go?

Every time I do this exercise with a group, there are “aha” and awareness moments that people share. For some people, the realization that they don’t have either anchors or engines brings clarity and a determination that they need to work to change that.

What if you can’t identify engines in your circle? Consider going to meetings of business groups and organizations like Toastmasters. Consider joining a mastermind group where you can set goals and be held accountable for them on a weekly or monthly basis. Once you’re aware of what you’re seeking, you’ll start to recognize engines and anchors in your life. T

The Addition Financial team congratulates

Linh Dang on being recognized as Business Leader of the Year

in the category of Economic Development.

i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 51

Social Entrepreneur

A SHIFT IN FOCUS Lighthouse Works Creates Wages for People with Vision Loss

L

Lighthouse Central Florida provides vision-specific rehabilitation services for people of all ages, helping families deal with health care costs from eye disorders, which are projected to double by 2050. However, Lighthouse understands there is more to be done than rehabilitation. Through Lighthouse Works, the organization has been able to provide employment opportunities for people with vision loss. As it has grown over the years, a shift has taken place in its mission focus.

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Social Entrepreneur

More than half of the revenue for Lighthouse Central Florida comes from state dollars because the organization fulfills contracts for the Florida Division of Blind Services. Groups that are heavily reliant on state funding can find their expansion plans limited.

Lighthouse Central Florida was able to identify another viable funding source.

The organization knows seven out of 10 working-age adults who are blind or visually impaired are unemployed or completely out of the labor market, even though some have college degrees and some previously served as entrepreneurs and business leaders.

“They go into the market, and people just don’t know how to utilize them,” Lighthouse Central Florida president and CEO Kyle Johnson said. “It’s not malicious; the employer market doesn’t understand what someone who is blind or visually impaired is capable of.”

BY DOING BUSINESS WITH US AND BENEFITING FROM OUR EXPERTISE AND EXTREMELY RELIABLE AND QUALITYFOCUSED WORKFORCE, YOU’RE ALSO PERFORMING CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN A REALLY NEAT WAY. PLUS, YOU’RE HELPING STRENGTHEN CENTRAL FLORIDA ECONOMICALLY AND SOCIALLY IN THE PROCESS. — Kyle Johnson

Creating Opportunities

Through Lighthouse Works, the organization has been able to get closer to its goal of assisting visually impaired people toward independence. At the same time, the program has helped the organization work toward its own goal of financial independence.

The organization was created on two premises, Johnson said. The first is the creation of competitive employment opportunities for people who are blind and visually impaired. Job candidates go through the normal application process, with a resume, interview and hiring based on qualifications. The second premise is for the organization to generate revenue that will go back to Lighthouse Central Florida to help fund daily operations.

Lighthouse Works operates a call center where agents who are visually impaired deliver services such as quality assurance, event communications and customer service. While call centers can have an attrition rate of between 35% and 45%, Johnson said, the one operated by Lighthouse Works loses fewer than 10% of its employees a year. Johnson credits the education and work experience of the employees, as well as their belief in the mission, behind the high performance seen at the center.

The journey toward self-sustainability is still a work in progress, but with the help of Lighthouse Works, Lighthouse Central Florida has made great strides since Johnson joined in September 2013.

The revenue budget for Lighthouse Works is just over $6 million, and the Lighthouse organization’s team has grown to 110, the majority of them now employed by Lighthouse Works.

Over the last few years, the organization’s supply chain division

i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 53

Social Entrepreneur

They go into the market, and people just don’t know how to utilize them. It’s not malicious; the employer market doesn’t understand what someone who is blind or visually impaired is capable of.

— Kyle Johnson

has grown from three blind or visually impaired employees to 17.

The company also signed its first major state agency call center deal, which brings the call center to 40 agents and growing. The organization plans to announce a new contract with a major local and national theme park in the very near future.

For Johnson, the partnerships are a result of the quality of work the organization has done, in addition to its focus on helping people who are blind and visually impaired.

“By doing business with us and benefiting from our expertise and extremely reliable and quality-focused workforce, you’re also performing corporate social responsibility in a really neat way,” Johnson said. “Plus, you’re helping strengthen Central Florida economically and socially in the process.”

Continuing to Grow

For Lighthouse Works, this is only the beginning. By September 30, 2025, the company looks to double the number of Central Floridians served per year to 1,200 through Lighthouse Central Florida, while having more than 200 employees between Lighthouse Central Florida and Lighthouse Works.

“It’s been exciting to witness our proud workforce build its impressive four-millionth Disney Magic Band box for the global company,” Johnson said. “And at the conclusion of fiscal year 2018-19, Lighthouse Works paid in excess of $2 million in real wages into the pockets of Central Floridians who are blind and visually impaired.” The company expects it will exceed $3 million in wages paid to this group by the end of the current fiscal year. T

54 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

There’s more than one way to a great career.

Liefke M. - VP of Investor Relations

Noble T. - Electrical Manager

Rafael F. - Fine Dining Manager

Meagan J. - Intensive Care Unit Nurse

Orange Technical College continues to grow and evolve, always focused on improving the lives of students and positively impacting workforce needs in Central Florida. Throughout our technical college campuses and district schools, students are learning the technical skills needed to succeed in today’s workplace, paving the way for a meaningful career in some of the region’s fastest-growing industries.

OTC’s accredited, affordable, career-focused programs are helping shape the region’s workforce, and showing our community that there is more than one way to a great career. Working in collaboration with our partners and integrating the input of local business and industry leaders, we are proud to be an essential component of the area’s unique educational ecosystem, getting students from where they are, to where they want to be.

orangetechcollege.net

Downtime

Unique experiences for your day off OCALA Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, known as “The King of Dragsters,” opened The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in 1976. Showcasing some of his own “Swamp Rat” series of hand-fabricated black race cars, in which he won more than 100 national events, as well as other iconic cars like those of Dean Moon, the museum stands as a testament to both the automobile and the sport itself. Visitors can check out the 90 racing cars in the Drag Race building, and the additional 50 cars in the Antique Car building. With nearly 300 cars total telling the history of the sport, the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is perfect for longtime and new racing fans alike.

www.garlits.com

ORLANDO Orlando Museum of Art Since its founding in 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art has been a leading cultural landmark in Central Florida. With 10 to 12 on-site exhibitions and 13 exhibitions off-site annually, the museum provides a space for Orlando’s art lovers to experience the work of local, national and international artists.

In addition to the exhibitions, OMA features collections of African Art, Art of the Ancient Americas, and Contemporary Art. Other offerings include art enrichment programs, lectures, tours, teacher in-service training programs, video programs, and classes. Current exhibits include Edward Steichen: In Exaltation of Flowers, and Louis Dewis: An Artist’s Life in France Part 2.

www.omart.org

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Downtime

ORLANDO Rock the Universe For more than 20 years, Universal Orlando Resort has brought together some of the biggest artists for the annual Christian music festival Rock the Universe. On January 24 and 25, 2020, headliners include TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, Newsboys and Switchfoot, with a total of 12 bands to perform over the course of two tdays.

Tickets can be purchased as event-only or with park admission as a two- or three-day Rock Your Weekend bundle.

bit.ly/360gJKA

EATONVILLE Wells'Built Museum of African American History In 1921, Dr. William Wells, a well-known African American physician in the area, constructed the Wells’Built, a hotel for African Americans barred from the segregated hotels at the time. Both Wells and his hotel would go on to become important figures in the civil rights movement in Orlando.

Today, the hotel stands as a museum, housing artifacts and documents curated to give visitors insight into the complex and rich history of the African American community in Central Florida.

www.wellsbuilt.org

LAKE BUENA VISTA The NBA Experience at Disney Springs See how your vertical leap stacks up to those of your favorite NBA stars. Make your own shots at the hoop in front of a crowd cheering you on. Show off your dunking and dribbling skills in front of a coach. The NBA Experience, which opened in August 2019, offers all this and more in its 44,000-square-foot, twostory building. Immerse yourself in the world of the pros, show off your skills, and brush up on your basketball knowledge with the whole family.

bit.ly/2SmQJF9 i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 57

Business Seen

i4 BUSINESS MAGAZINE’S BUSINESS LEADERS OF THE YEAR AWARDS Every year, i4 Business celebrates the entrepreneurs and business leaders making a difference in Central Florida at the Business Leaders of the Year Awards. Held on December 10, 2019, at the Country Club of Orlando, this year’s event honored leaders who represent excellence in the categories of Private Industry, Tourism, Economic Development, Professional Services, Social Entrepreneurship, Sports Tourism, Entrepreneurship, Workforce Development and Health Care.

Saundra and Charlie Gray

Jason Siegel and Sarah Grafton

Maria Isabel Sanquirico, Vanessa Rincon, Karen Ursulich, Gaby Ortigoni

Shalyn Dever, Mya Leon

Waymon Armstrong

George Aguel, Brian Comes

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Business Seen

Cherise Czaban, Rick Walsh

Tony Duke, Rolando Garcia, Terry Friel, Yaresmi Fumero, Kent Winkelseth

Cheryl Soileau, M.J. Soileau, John Gray, Rick Walsh

Peter Schoemann, Doug Starcher, Steve Vo, Ashley Vo, Linh Dang

Molly Beasley, William Chivers, Laurie Solis

Jamara Wilson, Sede Saunders

Chester Kennedy, Roger Pynn

Maria Angelica Yarbrudy, Janet Hass, Joel Hass

i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 59

Business Seen

ORLANDO ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP JAMES B. GREENE AWARD The Orlando Economic Partnership recognized hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen as the recipient of its annual James B. Greene Award on November 19, 2019. The award represents the highest honor given by the OEP to a local community leader. First presented in 1990, it celebrates one individual each year whose work has been instrumental in the economic prosperity of the region. The event was held at the Amway Center, with almost 800 people in attendance.

Tim Giuliani, OEP president and CEO; Yolanda Londono, former board chair; and Bill Dymond Jr., board chair

Harris Rosen, recipient of the 2019 James B. Greene Award

Robert D. Finfrock, founder of Finfrock

Seminole County Commissioners Jay Zembower and Lee Constantine

John Koenig, Charlie Gray, Saundra Gray, Alan Helman

Harry Ellis, Amy Wagner Kirkland, BobTurk, Dana Carr

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Business Seen

ORLANDO ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP JAMES B. GREENE AWARD GUEST SNAPSHOTS

i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 61

Business Seen

22ND ANNUAL DON QUIJOTE AWARDS BY HISPANIC CHAMBER AND PROSPERA The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO) and Prospera co-hosted the 22nd Don Quijote Awards gala on December 14 at Disney’s Epcot World ShowPlace Pavilion. The annual gala has become the premier event for the region’s Hispanic business community, where businesses and individuals are recognized for exemplifying qualities of the classic Don Quijote literary character: vision, courage and community impact. A selection committee chose recipients from nominations based on professional accomplishments, financial success and growth, innovation, contributions to an industry and the community, demonstrated leadership, and professional honors and recognition.

Cocktail reception

Paul Roldan, chair, HCCMO board of directors; Gaby Ortigoni, HCCMO president; Carlos Carbonell, 2019 Don Quijote event chair; Louis A. Quiñones Jr.; Dr. Giorgina Pinedo Rolón; Andy Gardiner; Jose Nido; Angela Albán; Carolina Rincón; Eddie Soler, chair, Prospera statewide board of directors; Augusto Sanabria, Prospera CEO and president

Dinner

Hispanic Community Champion: The Honorable Andy Gardiner, former Florida senator and Orlando Health senior vice president of external affairs and community relations

Lifetime Achievement: Jose Nido, vice president of global supplier diversity for Wyndham Destinations

Armando Rodriguez-Feo, principal counsel for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, and Mickey Mouse

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Business Seen

22nd Don Quijote Awards Chair Carlos Carbonell, CEO and founder of ECHO Tech Strategy & Apps

Entertainment from Opera del Sol

Hispanic Business of the Year, Five Years or Less: NuCare Therapy, owned by Carolina Rincón

Hispanic Business of the Year, More than Five Years: SIMETRI, owned by Angela Albán

Professional of the Year: Dr. Giorgina Pinedo Rolón, City of Orlando

Excellence: Louis A. Quiñones Jr., Orange County Corrections Department

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT to press@ i4Biz.com Dancing

i4Biz.com | JANUARY 2020 | 63

Watercooler

Stuff you didn’t know you wanted to know

50.1 million Milestone number of passengers Orlando International Airport served during the 12-month cycle ending in October 2019, making it the first Florida airport to hit that figure. It represented a 6.7% increase over the previous year.

15,000 Number of people employed in the aerospace and aviation industry in Central Florida.

$306,772

$1 million

Record amount of money Visit Orlando’s 14th annual Magical Dining Month raised for the 2019 chosen charities, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Orlando and Lighthouse Central Florida.

Donation by AdventHealth to the onePULSE Foundation to help build the National Pulse Memorial & Museum and provide an annual $15,000 scholarship in memory of the 49 people who lost their lives and the numerous people injured in the Pulse nightclub attack on June 12, 2016.

I WAKE UP IN THE MORNING NOW AND SAY, ‘WOW, WE HAVE A GIRAFFE.

Florida workers in the aerospace and aviation industry.

Source: Florida High Tech Corridor

64 | JANUARY 2020 | i4Biz.com

Orlando’s ranking in Inc. magazine’s list of best places in America to start a business.

Eight Florida cities were ranked, including Miami (10), Tampa (20), Palm Bay (23), Lakeland (30), North Port (34), Jacksonville (37) and Cape Coral (43).

$18 million

$95,831 Average salary of Central

19

— Sam Haught, co-founder of Wild Florida, an 85-acre safari park that opened in 2010 in Osceola and recently added a new animal exhibit.

Most expensive residential property sale in Central Florida in 2019, which was for land in Bay Hill on the Butler Chain of Lakes. Unicorp National Developments President Chuck Whittall purchased the property, which was previously owned by the Hubbard family, founders of Hubbard Construction.

Source: Orlando Sentinel Source: Orlando Sentinel

WOMEN’S INSPIRED LEADERSHIP

AwardsLuncheon HONORING WOMEN WHO ARE LEADING THE WAY IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

REGISTER TODAY

www.i4biz.com/signature-events

MARCH 5th, 2020 at The Country Club of Orlando

© 2015 Southwest Airlines Co.

Without a Heart, it’s just a machine.

So in 1971, a little Heart built a different kind of airline—one that made sure everyone could fly.

Everyone has important places to go. So we invented low-fares to help them get there.

To us, you’re not 1A or 17B. You’re a person with a name, like Steve.

Here, we think everyone deserves to feel special, no matter where you sit or how much you fly.

And with all the places we’re going next, we’ll always put you first, because our love of People is still our most powerful fuel.

Some say we do things differently.

We say, why would we do things any other way?

Without a Heart, it’s just a machine.