Vol. 8, Issue 3, March 2020
®
Your community. Your magazine. ™
The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 15,000 Homes In Carrollwood, Lake Magdalene & Avila
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group Carrollwood by Morgan Fliss At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group in Carrollwood, they work to guide you through the process of buying, selling, or renting your home, along with making the process as easy as possible. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group, owned and operated by Dewey Mitchell and Allen Crumbley,
traces its roots back to 1959 when it was formerly known as “Tropical Realty.” Their successful history and family-like interactions with every customer, has allowed them to expand their franchise to 22 offices within six counties. Over the past five years, Shawna Ramkalawan, the Market President and Managing Broker of their Carrollwood location, has successfully grown the office to 70 agents, closing See “BHHS” on page 18
Bleakley Bavol Denman & Grace Settles into 2020
By Deborah Bostock-Kelley
The office of Bleakley Bavol Denman and Grace is located at 15316 North Florida Avenue in Tampa.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Editor.................................................5 Tech Talk with Bob...........................................6-7 Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Carrollwood...10-11 Mathnasium Carrollwood..........................14-15 ALLPRO Tree and Landscaping......................16
The stress relief is evident. “In 2020, we’re back to business,” said Robert W. Bleakley, managing partner of Bleakley Bavol Denman and Grace. No longer renovating the 28,000 square foot behemoth building nestled among dozens of 100-year-old grand oaks, a quiet pond, and beautiful lake, the BBDG lawyers are settled in and ready to do what their 5-star rating shows they do best – advising clients, preparing litigation
strategies, closing business transactions, drafting estate plans, and protecting the interests of its national and local clients. This is not a typical big law firm setting, and BBDG is not your average big law firm. After spending most of 2019 renovating and moving into its new headquarters in North Tampa and revving up for its annual holiday party with Tampa’s legendary band, the Black Honkey’s playing in its atrium, BBDG lawyers are
See “BBDG” on page 20
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As you know, our publication’s primary focus is to cover all the great things that Tampa Bay has to offer. We are hyper-localized, and reach the following areas; East Lake, Westchase, Carrollwood, Trinity, Odessa, Lutz, and Land O’ Lakes. We mainly focus on informing the community about all the fantastic local businesses and what products and services they have to offer you and your loved ones. We are proud promoters of a “shop local” mentality. When you think about getting the most out of your money, you might think about long-term investments—things such as 401k, real estate investments, IRAs, and so forth. And as you might imagine, these are all great options for the money you want to keep, but how do you get a return on investment for the money that you spend? The answer is simple—by shopping locally. When you local, you’re making a personal investment in your neighborhood and community. In fact, for every $100 spent, roughly $68-$73 of it returns to local activity. Money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local companies, service providers, and farms. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as our region’s tax base. Whether you realize it or not, when you shop local, you are individually stimulating the local economy with your support and, in turn, helping shape your community’s unique character and personality. When you shop locally, you benefit from a personalized customer service experience, as local business owners are usually running and
operating their own shops. They feel personally invested in your purchase. Local business owners genuinely care about you and your family; they want to get to know you and want to make sure you’re enjoying the products or services they offer. After all, they are your neighbors. By shopping local, you’re also supporting incredible local charities and non-profit organizations. Most of our featured local businesses and their owners are very involved in helping their communities prosper, and the majority donate a lot of their proceeds to local charities and nonprofit organizations. Where we shop, where eat, drink, play, and have fun—all of it makes our community home. Tampa Bay’s one-of-a-kind local businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Let’s keep Tampa unique; let’s keep it local. With that said, we’re looking for local writers to join our team. You’d be in charge of writing stories about local businesses, charities, and other incredible organizations. No real experience is needed; you need to have a flexible schedule and enjoy meeting new people. We’re looking for someone organized, responsible, with a passion for the written word, a vehicle or means of transportation, and who works well in a tight deadline environment. If that sounds like you, please get in touch with me at carla@nnlflorida. com. I look forward to hearing from you. Until next time,
Carla Dubis
Tech Talk with Bob: Don’t Trash Your Identity I am happy to report that ever since I started offering cyber security services to our clients last spring, many people have become more aware of their digital security practices and are taking measures to better protect themselves online. Now remember, there is no silver bullet or guaranteed solution to being 100% secure online. However, implementing better online practices will make your digital world safer and make it harder for internet criminals to target you, exploit you, and wreak havoc in your real world. I have seen people employ great security practices to protect their business and personal data. But then they turn around and personally hand over their computer’s data to anyone for the taking. How does this happen? What do you do with your old
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computer when you get a new one? You would be surprised how many people throw their old computers into the trash. If you do this, your trash becomes a potential security
risk to you. First, never throw your old tech items into the trash. These components need to be disposed of properly and responsibly because they
usually contain elements that are not safe for the environment. In addition, most municipalities have laws and impose fines in regard to the proper/improper disposal of these items. Second, your discarded computer has a disk drive in it (hard disk drive/ solid state drive) that stores your information, including your personal data. Even if you delete your personal files, there are still methods cyber criminals can use to extract data that you thought was erased. Therefore your old computer sitting by the curb or in a dumpster can be intercepted by multiple people, who will rummage through your trash, from the time you throw it out to the time it gets to the landfill. So let me explain the process that we use. First, we remove the disk drive
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mounted inside the computer that actually stores all the information that was ever processed on that computer. It is usually in the form of a hard disk drive or solid-state drive. We then disassemble and dispose of the remaining components through industry channels we have in place. At this point all that is left is the old disk drive. We place that drive into an industrial shredder that converts it into a pile of rubble. There is no way any of our data will get into the hands of anyone, let alone cyber criminals, through an old computer we discarded. Now I want to simplify this process for anyone who needs to dispose of their old computers. We will pick up your computer(s) at your home or business. We disassemble them in our facility. Then we dispose of the components. Your disk drive will make a side-trip to be shredded into a pile of rubble before its
disposal. This way you have a quick and easy way to dispose of your old environmentally toxic computer. Plus, you also have peace of mind knowing that the data that was on your old computer is safe and inaccessible because your computer has been dismantled and its disk drive is no longer in one piece. We usually charge anywhere from $200 and up,
per computer, to provide this vital security service. However, in recognition of Earth Day 2020, if you schedule an appointment for us to dispose of your computer before the end of April 2020, I’ll do it for ONLY $99 per computer. (Sorry, no other coupons or offers can be applied to this special.) Remember protecting your data is always up to you. My staff and I are
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here to help you navigate through these cumbersome and often confusing tasks. Cyber criminals will exploit the easy, unprotected systems. Protecting yourself online is your responsibility. Don’t go it alone. We’re here to help. If you are not sure your system is safe, please have it looked over by a Professionally Certified Computer Technician. If you need a certified professional, call us now at 727-534-4000. We’ve been helping folks restore their peace of mind, and sanity, with their technology for decades. Be Safer In Your Digital World! If you need a certified professional, call us now at 727-534-4000. We’ve been helping folks restore their peace of mind, and sanity, with their technology for decades.
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Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Carrollwood - Because Pets Are Family
By Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi
WE LOVE OUR PETS. Twothirds of Americans live with an animal, and according to a recent Harris Poll, 92 percent of pet owners think of their dogs and cats as more than just a pet; they think of them as members of the family. I personally think of my three rescue cats as my children, and if you think that’s weird, 92 percent of the country would disagree with you. Tampa Native and “Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming - Carrollwood” owner Ashley Sayers, really LOVES pets. As a matter of fact, she loves dogs and cats so much she completely changed her life to be able to work with them and their owners daily. Having worked many years as a commercial real estate asset manager, Ashley decided that career path wasn’t as fulfilling for her anymore. So earlier this year, Ashley decided to start her own business. A business that truly reflected her true calling; caring for pets. “For some people, what I did could be considered a risky move, but it is also the most rewarding for me,” says Ashley. “I’ve always been a pet lover. I have a dog named Callie, who is a 45 lb rescue mutt, and the happiest wiggle butt ever! She will be at the store with my husband and me every day. Callie will act as our store ambassador,” says Ashley in between laughs.
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Jay and Ashley Sayers with rescue dog Callie “I also have two amazing rescue cats, Gus and Nero; they will stay home though, as they would get too nervous around too many people.” I know how that goes, even though my cats adore me, they don’t feel the same towards anyone else. Ashley grew up volunteering at rescue shelters and the Humane Society, so caring for pets, and their well-being has always been a big passion of hers. “When the opportunity presented itself of owning my own business working with pets and providing them with the best products, of course, I jumped right in,” Ashley added. Ashley’s dog Callie was a regular at Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming in South Tampa. That’s
how she originally came to know about the franchise, and how she fell in love with the concept and their motto of providing not just the best products but the best customer service as well. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is the leading specialty retailer of pet food, pet supplies, and professional pet grooming in the country! Woof Gang Bakery offers the very best in pet care by providing quality products and grooming with a service-oriented approach. Each location is a neighborhood store committed to the well-being, health, and happiness of pets. “I feel the difference with Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming and other pet boutiques is their undeniable
commitment to providing not only the best and top quality products for pets but also their goal of offering superior customer service to every pet and pet owner that walks through the doors,” says Ashley. “We truly want to get to know you and your pet(s). We want to know their story, and we want to know about their health and how we can help them live longer and happier lives. We will make sure to give you specific product recommendations for your pet and follow up with you regularly to see how things are working out your pet. We are truly committed to serving you and your pets.” Ashley’s passion for customer service (and animals) truly exudes with every word. When you’re so determined and committed to something as Ashley Sayers is to Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming, the sky is the limit. The upscale Carrollwood pet boutique and grooming salon will accept Cats and Dogs of all breeds, without restrictions! So yes, even pit bulls are welcome at Woof Gang! Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is the ultimate retreat for the pampered pet, designed to provide a calm and luxurious spa experience in which your pets can be groomed, indulged and revitalized. “The grooming salon is aimed for cats and dogs,” says Ashley. “It’s more common to find dog groomers, as kitties
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usually ‘self-groom’ but many cat breeds need regular baths and hair cuts, especially the long-haired breed that can get matted if not brushed regularly. And all cats would benefit from a nail trim.” I completely agree with this, my three cats get bathed, groomed and get their nails trimmed regularly, trust me, you’ll furniture will last longer this way. Woof Gang Grooming proudly accepts walk-ins! “You can bring your dog or cat for a walk-in nail trim,” says Ashley. “No appointment necessary.” Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Carrollwood is conveniently located at 13156 N Dale Mabry Hwy, a location known for its many successful businesses, restaurants, and retail shops. “This location couldn’t be more perfect for us and pet owners alike. They can park at the main parking lot, or choose to park by Walgreens and Wild Birds Unlimited and come straight to us,” says Ashley. “That way is not so busy or stressful for your pet if they tend to get anxious or nervous at new places.” The Carrollwood location couldn’t be more perfect for Ashley. “I grew up around here… so it felt like coming back home.” Ashley alongside her husband James, who will be mainly working “behind the scenes” are planning for a late March 2020 opening, so probably by the time you read this, Woof Gang Bakery Carrollwood will be open and accepting new four-legged clients.” “We look forward to serving you and your pets at Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Carrollwood,” says Ashley. “Thank you in advance for your support.” For more information, please call Ashley at Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming Carrollwood at (813) 200-9200 or visit woofgangcarrollwood.com.
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Mathnasium Carrollwood Helps Students Succeed
By Deborah Bostock-Kelley
Two types of students exist; Those who thrive on computations and numbers, and who excel in math and want to further their studies, and those who are challenged, who struggle with anxiety with the most straightforward equation and need assistance. Mathnasium owners Bruce and Carol Buckler hope to aid both types of students by offering tailored tutoring solutions in their Carrollwood learning center. Opened in 2009, the couple purchased the franchise in 2015 when Bruce was looking to transition from educator to entrepreneur in a related field. With convenient hours Monday through Thursday and Sunday, Mathnasium Learning Center, made from combining “Math” with “Gymnasium,” provides math tutorials to elementary through high school, transforming the way students
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understand math. “We have a lot of activities with positive reinforcements,” Bruce explained. “We have rewards for the kids. Each time a student accomplishes a different level of work, they get rewarded. They get extra rewards for bringing in an A+ on their math test. We approach them from a positive standpoint. Mentally, they know this is a safe place to go. We’re non-judgmental, and we don’t hold a grade over their head. We’re supportive. Because we know that children have different levels of abilities and challenges, and many have been beaten down already, we try to reinforce with positive praise and vibes.” Bruce prides himself on Mathnasium, not being a cookiecooker program for every student. “We find out where they need either developmental help in catching up or where we can help enrich them if it is advanced students. We do serve all levels
of ability. We don’t want to get the persona of being just working with students that are behind, because half of our students are enrichment students above their grade level.” Bruce said that many parents are unable to help with common core math, so homework becomes a significant issue of contention between parent and child. “Parents say ‘they’re teaching stuff for homework that I remember how to do, but I don’t know how to teach my child the way that they are teaching now.’ Many parents don’t have the patience or the teaching skills needed to do that. Parents want to back off and remove themselves from that contention and let us try to help, which we can do.” Bruce explained that all types of students could benefit from tutoring at Mathnasium, but it takes collaboration with the parents to make it a favorable outcome. He recommends
Mathnasium owners Bruce and Carol Buckler students attend Mathnasium two to three times a week. “You have to make that
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commitment,” he said. “It’s kind of like the three-legged stool. I give the best instruction with the best instructors around in a well-thought-out curriculum, but it also takes students who are motivated and want to learn, even if it requires a little coaxing. Many of our students start of standoffish at first, but we get them to buy into the system. The most important part of this – the third leg – is the parents who will make sure their child
gets here, who communicates with me and who trust in our method and program” We send out monthly progress reports and give feedback, ideas, and suggestions. That’s the triad we need to be successful.” For high school students preparing for PSAT and SAT, Mathnasium features a program where the student does an assessment, and Bruce creates a learning plan based upon their needs. The student takes mock
tests out of the SAT prep books in preparation for the real one. “We go through question by question with them. It is a whole separate program that we do that is very successful.” Available during regular business hours, an innovation to the Mathnasium program is the introduction of a homebased program, Mathnasium@ home. Perfect for the child with afterschool activities that limit their time, Mathnasium@ home instructors work with the students in real-time over the internet from the center to the child’s home. All that is needed is a webcam and a quiet place to work. “It’s not a lecture. It’s a real-time experience. With Mathnasium@home, you are actually looking at your instructor face to face over a computer communicating. It’s the same experience you would have here in the center.” Bruce said that the virtualbased program is perfect for students with busy afternoons, homeschooled, hospital-bound, and traveling students.
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“It’s just a natural continuation of our normal program.” In addition to this new program, for five days in summer June 15-19 and July 13-17, Mathnasium will offer a shortterm summer camp. “From 1 to 4 in the afternoon, students will get all forms of math experience and fun activities for that, as well. This is for any age.” As students gain confidence in learning the math techniques, they discover they can get over their math anxiety, and find themselves suddenly grasping the concepts that before they thought were complicated. “We have a Listen 360 rating program with our customers. We get really high ratings on customer satisfaction. We’re proud of that.” Mathnasium is located at the Grand Plaza, 14441 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 3-730 PM and Sunday 2-5 PM. For more information, visit www.mathnasium.com/ carrollwood.
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ALLPRO Tree and Landscaping - The Elite Service You Deserve By Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi Not only do trees provide oxygen to the environment, but they are dominant ornamental features in your home landscape and add value in many ways. But like any asset, the value will not increase without proper care and attention, and caring for trees involves pruning. Pruning a tree will often be done for aesthetic purposes, but it is also completed for the benefit of the tree. Damaged, diseased, or broken limbs can be safety risks for those nearby and for the health of the tree. Removing these branches will also prevent further decay. Whether you need to remove a potentially hazardous tree or boost your curb appeal, certified local arborist and ALLPRO owner Pete Spiridis, and his professional team of experts can gladly and affordably take care of your tree or landscaping problems. Whether you own a residential property or a business, Pete and the ALLPRO experts are at your service. They design impeccable landscaping, trim every type of tree, grind tree stumps, remove stumps, install and remove sod, place rock beds, lay mulch, and perform all sorts of other yard-related duties. “ALLPRO did a fantastic job of trimming my huge oak tree,” said 5-star reviews M. Ceglian. “The tree was damaged by lightning, hanging low and spreading out over our neighbor’s property. Pete and his crew raised it, brought it in, and made it look amazing again. Allpro is the first tree service that I would use again and recommend to others.” Extreme Weather Conditions in Tampa Bay Call For Early Preparation Hurricanes, severe winds, lightning, heavy rain, Tampa Bay has it all. As Pete explains on his website, “Trees in urban areas of Tampa Bay endure especially brutal stimuli. Some trees do not have the genetic predisposition to deal with these forces.” At
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ALLPRO, the arborists “customtailor solutions that promote the health of your unique trees and landscapes.” ALLPRO is ready to help you during the 2020 Hurricane Season. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane wind scale paints an informative picture of potential damage to your trees from a hurricane, particularly improperly pruned trees. Using a rating system of 1 – 5, it warns that, at 74 to 95 mph, a category 1 hurricane can cause damage. “Large branches of trees will snap, and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled,” possibly causing “extensive damage to power lines,” creating outages that can last “a few to several days.” Downed trees can block roads, delaying the response time for emergency crews. Snapped branches can become lethal projectiles. “After the recent heavy winds in Tampa, we ended up with a palm tree and old landscaping mess,” says Mary H. “Pete and his staff took care of three fallen palm trees, and he designed a new clean look that meshed with some exciting new landscaping. The job was beautiful, and we couldn’t be happier! We got what we paid for as promised and on time.” The time to prepare is now. When you take the steps that you need to make your home secure, don’t forget one crucial element that is often overlooked and can cause damage to your home, your trees. The solution is not the removal of trees but taking proper preventative care of them. According to Pete, “more of the trees that failed during the 2018 and 2019 Hurricane seasons were improperly pruned trees.” Proper pruning not only improves your trees’ overall health, but it also ensures that your family will be able to enjoy the shade of their favorite trees for many years to come. “Pete and the ALLPRO team removed 4 huge trees for me after Hurricane Irma came through,” says Lorrie D. “They were fast, friendly, professional
and reasonably priced. They arrived on time and did the entire job, including stump removal in one day. Many thanks to Pete and the ALLPRO team.” Experts in Landscape Design & Installation Every stunning yard has its origins in exemplary landscape design & installation. ALLPRO Tree & Landscaping staffs highly creative designers who relish the opportunity to work with clients to create gorgeous landscape plans. “Our goal is to build an aesthetically pleasing landscape that requires minimal maintenance and satisfies you in every possible way,” says Spiridis. “ALLPRO Tree & Landscaping has landscape design & installation down to a science. The result is always a majestic landscape that holds its beauty across posterity. Allpro Tree & Landscaping goes beyond the basics of landscape design. “We make every effort to stay within clients’ budget limits,” says Pete. “Furthermore, we get the job done with incredible speed. You won’t have to worry about our team dragging their feet and occupying your property longer than necessary. We strive to plan and build landscaping in as little time as possible to ensure that you are provided with landscape design & installation of the highest quality.” If you are wondering if ALLPRO lives up to its reputation of providing “the elite service that
you deserve,” as their website pledges, why don’t we ask the experts? National online home service guru, Angie’s List, was impressed enough to present ALLPRO with its “Super Service Award.” The Better Business Bureau, who analyzes and rates companies, according to both the quality of the service they provide and the complaints received about them, awarded ALLPRO Tree and Landscaping Inc. its highest rating, an A+! Pete and the expert folks at ALLPRO are ready to help. Just call (727-409-3315 or 813-244-9234), and don’t forget your free, no-obligation inspection. Visit their website at www.myallpro.com for more information.
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“BHHS”
- continued from page 1 an upwards of 400 transactions annually. As a real estate professional and business owner since 2003, Shawna truly believes in leading by example and strives to create an atmosphere of camaraderie within the office. Teamwork is essential, according to Shawna, and “building an environment where we all roll up our sleeves to help one another is a top priority.” With many years of experience under their belt, Shawna and her team can help in all aspects of homeownership and property management. Whether you are selling, buying, or renting your primary residence, vacation home, investment property, or seeking an experienced company to serve as your property manager, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group is the place to go. “In addition to real estate, we offer a suite of core services ranging from mortgage, homeowners
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and auto insurance, title closing services, and home warranty,” Shawna said. One of the top priorities of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties group is to build a positive and trusted relationship with all customers and agents. Homeownership is a significant investment, and the real estate team wants to celebrate it with you! “Our goal is to go above and beyond to deliver an experience to our customers and our agents. We view ourselves as business partners with the agents who affiliate with our firm. They are all CEO’s, and as their business partner, we are here to help elevate their business and to support them on every level to move the customer experience forward.” Shawna said. Along with building relationships with their customers, the team is dedicated to creating a relationship with the community and giving back whenever they can, in what they call, “Be the Sunshine.” Community is critical to everyone at Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group, so volunteering is one of their top priorities. On Feb. 13th, the Carrollwood office spent the whole day dedicated to volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Furthermore, the office is partnered very closely to Metropolitan Ministries, and do hands-on volunteer work with them regularly. They have continued giving back to the community by adopting a school, participating in multiple literacy programs, and being part of many beach cleanups, to name a few. Right now, the office is participating in the “Pay it Forward Program” by partnering with the Tampa Bay United Rowdies Soccer Club. They are teaming up together to try and overcome the pay-to-play crisis that many American children are facing today. “Beyond real estate, it is about community and relationship,” Shawna said. Past customers and partners of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group have continually complimented the outstanding service that all members of
Shawna Ramkalawan, the Market President and Managing Broker of their Carrollwood location the office present. One agent, Tom Buscemi, said, “What I love most about BHHS is its family atmosphere and support. Everyone from top to bottom is always so friendly and willing to lend a hand whenever needed. Whether it’s Dewey/Allen, Shawna/Broker to the seasoned
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agents, everyone works together to get the job done. Education at BHHS has far surpassed my expectations and is one of the reasons why I have become so successful in my real estate career. BHHS also knows how to have fun and spares no expense for their agents when it comes to Conferences, Cab Bash, Fall Fest, etc. All around, this is the best company I have ever worked for and look forward to many successful years to come!” The positive relationships that Berkshire Hathaway Home Services forms with every agent doesn’t go unnoticed. Kim Cash said, “I believe that the success and longevity that I have enjoyed at this office is because of the support, training, and family feeling. You are in business for yourself but not by yourself! We don’t compete with each other - we support each other and cheer each other on! I truly believe we are the best-trained agents in the industry with the highest level of cutting-edge marketing materials, social media technology, and more. It’s all wrapped up in our four
words: TEAMWORK, INTEGRITY, PASSION & EXCELLENCE. It has been a wonderful & lucrative 15 years and counting!” If you are looking for a new business partner, or are thinking about buying or selling a property, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group is the place to go! Their team was awarded the Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year, and the Most Trusted Real Estate Brand in the 30th annual Harris Poll EquiTrend study. Along with this, they are consistently ranked among the top real estate companies in the Tampa Bay and Central Florida region. They closed over $1 billion in volume last year alone! Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group Carrollwood is located at 13131 Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618 Phone: 813-908-8788. Visit them online at www.bhhsfloridaproperties. com. They are also extremely active on social media, so check them out on Facebook!
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“BBDG”
- continued from page 1 back into their routines. “The past few years have been a wild ride,” said Robert. “For the past several years, I have spent far too much of my mental energy focused on our space issues. In 2018 we purchased the building, and then in 2019, renovations, planning, moving, and then celebrating dominated the year. Now in 2020, for the first time in about eight years, all I have to think about is practicing law, servicing our clients, and growing our business.” The new facility has enhanced both the work and client experience. Nearly every day, BBDG hosts a mediation in its board room, depositions in one of its two video conferencing rooms with participants sometimes attending from international locations, or a seminar in its atrium. Today, the spectacular entryway boasts a stunning atrium with two colossal stainless steel water features, a circular
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reception desk, reception seating, tables for meetings, and a 20-foot screen, in an space large enough to host hundreds of people for parties, corporate training, continuing education, community events, and even weddings and receptions. Robert stresses that it’s not just about hard work at BBDG. The expansive atrium has been used not only for its 200+ person holiday party, but for a super bowl party, fight nights, and seminars. With the launch of the new website HYPERLINK “http:// bbdgatrium.com/” \t “_blank” bbdgatrium.com, the atrium space can be rented as an event space for significant events. It can comfortably host events for 150 or more guests. Whether a sitdown dinner, live band, or DJ with dancing, the atrium can fit the community needs. “We just had our first inquiry for a wedding,” said Robert. A full-service “AV” rated law firm, the highest possible rating on Martindale Hubbell’s lawyer rating system, with the new location comes expanded capabilities in trusted legal
solutions. Whether business or personal legal assistance is needed, BBDG is ready to help their clients with Business and Corporate Law, Commercial Litigation, Construction Litigation, Drug and Medical Device Liability, Estate Planning, Wills and Trust, Family Law, First Amendment, Defamation and Libel, Insurance Defense, Labor and Employment, Premises Liability, Probate and Guardianship, Product Liability, Professional Liability Defense, Real Estate and Law Use, Trucking, Cargo, and Auto, Workers’ Compensation Defense. The firm’s deep roots are litigation tort defense work for trucking companies, product manufacturers, physicians, long term care facilities, retail stores and malls, medical device companies, etc. “Many of these clients are not located in North Tampa, or even in Florida,” said Robert. “From Tampa, we are blessed to be centrally located in Florida, and for many clients, we cover their litigation needs throughout the entire state. Every day we have lawyers dispatched to represent the client to
different counties all around the state.” The fastest-growing aspect of our business is in the commercial and business litigation, construction, business transactions, and estates, trusts, probate, and guardianship areas. In many cases, our role is to educate our clients and give legal advice. Other times we are required to protect our client’s interests forcefully.” In 2020, BBDG is adding two more lawyers to the BBDG team. “We hired two Florida law students who will be starting this summer as soon as they pass the Florida Bar. And we also hired three summer associates – 2 from the University of Florida and one from the University of Miami Law School. God willing and the creek don’t rise; they will be extended offers and work as associate attorneys starting in the calendar year 2021. We are very excited about the very high quality and work ethic of the newer attorneys that have joined our firm in the past couple of years. That bodes tremendously well for the future of our firm, and also for the quality of families likely to
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be living and working in our area.”. Robert is excited about the opportunities the new space affords. “After being tightly contained by space issues for the past eight years, it feels like the shackles have been lifted. We are free to explore exciting business opportunities for
our firm. We not only obtained precisely the right space and location to grow our business, but we have invested heavily in equipping this space to ensure our firm is on the cutting edge of technological innovation. That makes it more convenient and efficient for our attorneys and clients to process
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legal work. We also have loaded these offices with bright, hard-working associates; and have invested in their training and development. We are now well-positioned to seek to become a new home for a lateral attorney or two - someone looking for a new home for his/her family and clients - we’d like to be their home. We have the right blend of personalities, work ethic, legal ethics, and morality, and are seeking similarly minded successful attorneys. “Nearly every day, I come into work and see constant energy. Clients are moving in and out of our board room meeting with our estate planning and business transaction teams, depositions taking place in our video conference rooms, mediations, trial preparations taking place, new client intakes, and interviews. It’s all such a blessing to see high energy, lawyers, growing business, satisfied clients. That’s what it’s all about. Mission accomplished in 2020.” The office of Bleakley Bavol Denman and Grace is located at 15316 North Florida Avenue in Tampa. The firm is open from 8:30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with appointment times available outside regular office hours. For more information, to schedule a consultation or ask about renting the atrium space, please call (813) 221-3759 or visit www.bbdglaw. com. To inquire about atrium rental, visit www.bbdgatrium.com.
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