941CEO April/May 2016

APRIL / MAY 2016

941CEO.COM

HOW AMISH FURNITURE REACHED A WORLDWIDE AUDIENCE

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

PLUS THE NEW COLLEGE GRAD WHO BEAT A CHEMICAL GIANT

— 6 1 0 2 E H —T

N E E GR OW R — S R D A—AWAR

T H E J.L . BA I N B R I D G E

LOCAL. NATIONAL. INVESTMENT ADVISORS MAIN STREET, SARASOTA, MAY BE OUR HOME BASE, BUT OUR CLIENTS ARE COAST TO COAST. With 35 years of professional portfolio management experience, we deliver a highly disciplined, long-term investment approach to help you achieve your financial goals.

and risk minimization to build investment portfolios that help our clients finance their children’s education, build and preserve the resources for an enhanced retirement, and achieve a meaningful higher standard of living.

We don’t sell products. Instead, we use our decades of experience, our integrity and our commitment to quality

We don’t get paid unless you’re satisfied. Please call for a free investment review.

Married for 53 happy years, our founders Jerry and Fay Ellen Bainbridge are proud of their beautiful family and the highly successful career as financial advisors that they have built together.

Since they founded it in 1981, J.L. Bainbridge & Co. Inc. has focused on providing a service to clients that reduces risk and achieves a return in excess of the S&P 500. The company has grown to a staff of eight, managing more than $600 million in assets.

INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY O

ur investment philosophy is to minimize risk by using a time-tested discipline and investment criteria, while at the same time provide a superior return to a market benchmark such as the S&P 500.

We do not, and have not, ever invested in banks, insurance companies or commodities.

We do not use calls, puts or shorting. We have the same philosophy for everyone we work with, but build a portfolio for each individual client based on market conditions and valuation of each individual company that makes up a portfolio of 15 to 20 stocks.

We look for businesses with very little debt, excess cash flow, strong products or services with dominant market positions, and direct participation in a national and or world situation that creates a continuous long-term trend independent of the economy. Examples of a trend are urbanization or the rising standard of living through the Americas, eastern Europe and Asia.

Our approach is to focus on the companies we have chosen for our clients in terms of their financial health and direction, keeping in mind that all movement will face headwinds, but a sound vessel to travel in will prevail, grow and succeed.

From left to right, Robyn E. Messer, Fay E. Bainbridge, Kip D. Schoonover, Jerry L. Bainbridge, John B. Leeming, Jeanmarie Giambra, Joel G. Oldham and Jennifer B. Chauvel.

1582 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 365-3435, (800) 899-5171

Jlbainbridge.com

Charting A New Course Before beginning any new adventure, it’s important to have a plan. Icard Merrill can help guide you through the complexities of today’s world. From business matters to civil disputes to family concerns, our lawyers have the specific skills and experience to advise you in a wide range of legal fields. We offer a comprehensive approach to the practice of law, with the well-being of our clients always a top concern. No matter the obstacles of your particular journey, we will do our best to ensure smooth navigation along the way.

941.366.8100 • icardmerrill.com Sa ra sota , Ma na te e & Charlo tte Co u nties

LORI SAX

April / May 2016

CONTENTS FUTURE-PROOFING THE ECONOMY 8

Talk

32

Stuff you need to know, from the New College grad who took on DuPont to potential changes to the federal EB-5 visa program.

DEFENDERS OF THE PLANET MEET THE EIGHT EXCEPTIONAL WINNERS OF OUR INAUGURAL GREEN ARROW AWARDS

46 50

THE CEO

JMX Brands’ Jim Miller finds a high-tech way to sell Amish furniture.

PERFECT MATCH

Deb and Larry Kabinoff’s fast-growing real estate development business began with an online date.

Experts in Green Arrow Members of Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance

What I’ve Learned

Allen Carlson reflects on 20 years leading Sun Hydraulics.

56

Tourism Beat

Seeking that authentic cultural experience.

78

Fast Track

Movers, shakers and headline makers.

80

HR Corner

How to hire a team player.

8I

The Seen

ADVERTISING SECTIONS Experts in Education

54

People and events in pictures.

2I 42 57

941CEO.com

84

Off the Clock Communications expert Sam Stern on volunteering for Team Tony.

WHEN YOU TALK to Jennifer and David Shafer of Shafer Consulting in Sarasota you might feel alarmed.

Both Ph.D. scientists, they specialize in modeling the effects of sea level rise. Our oceans are rising at the rate of one inch per decade, and will be at least a foot higher by 2100, most scientists estimate. By that time, our barrier islands will be waterlogged. Not all homes there will be underwater, but some access roads will be. For a region—and a state—that’s built on tourism and coastal living, that spells disaster.

And yet, the Shafers insist they’re not forecasting doomsday—as long as we change our habits. They call it “future-proofing our economy.” “We can plan before it’s a catastrophe,” David says. “Otherwise, our choices are limited.”

It’s a matter of smart public policy and private property management, they say. Development should consider flooding risks. “It might be OK to build a park, but not a hospital,” he says. “We have to ask, ‘What level of risk can we accept in locating this here?’”

But will people really do this if they’re not required to? We’ve known about climate change for decades and yet we’ve done little to alter our behavior. I suspect that for most of us, major changes in behavior will have to mandated by government.

Yet there are people and businesses who haven’t waited for government regulations to protect the planet. We launched our Green Arrow Awards this year to recognize them. I think you’ll agree that the winners, page 32, are inspiring models for a sustainable future.

Check out our website, featuring new and archived articles, and sign up for our e-newsletter, Biz(941) Daily.

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

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What’s NEW at New College APRIL 28 | NEW TOPICS Putting Housing in Context

5:30 p.m., tickets $15 Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd.

ADVERTISING & MARKETING GROUP PUBLISHER Kelley Lavin SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Kim Davis

Douglas Duncan, chair of the Fannie Mae Corporate House Price Forecast Committee, was named one of Bloomberg/ BusinessWeek’s 50 Most Powerful People in Real Estate.

Debra Clark Maradiaga, Keith Magnuson, Sandy Moore, Dan Starostecki

APRIL 30|NEW MUSIC NEW COLLEGE

MARKETING MANAGER Amy Overbay

Third Coast Percussion

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

SALES AND MARKETING TEAM LEADER

Regina Walters SALES AND MARKETING ASSISTANT

Bobbilynn Hollifield

8 p.m., tickets: $15, students $5 Club Sudakoff

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Pam Daniel

Chicago’s Third Coast Percussion will offer a program featuring a movement from Augusta Read Thomas’s acclaimed Resounding Earth, composed for bells from around the world.

Visit donate.ncf.edu/events or call 941-487-4888

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 941CEO Susan Burns MANAGING EDITOR Ilene Denton SENIOR EDITOR Kay Kipling ASSOCIATE EDITORS Cooper Levey-Baker, Hannah Wallace WEB EDITOR Megan McDonald

ART CREATIVE DIRECTOR Gigi Ortwein ART DIRECTORS Pepe Nieto,

Mark Howell

DESIGNER Amy Hoffarth

PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER Norma Machado ADVERTISING SERVICES MANAGER

Katherine Orenic BUSINESS STAFF ACCOUNTANT Diana Clenney

5.20.2016

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Tim Scott

ONE DAY. TWO EVENTS. LIVES CHANGED.

FOUNDER EMERITUS Dan Denton

CIRCULATION COORDINATOR Joy Quici IT SPECIALIST Shawn Lamb

WWW.BBBSSUN.ORG/CTO

Join leading businesses and fellow golf enthusiasts for a special day at the prestigious Arthur Hill designed golf course at The Oaks Club in Osprey

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Leading businesswomen and philanthropists enjoy an afternoon golf clinic featuring lessons from top PGA and WPGA players

Visit our website www.bbbssun.org

or call Eva at 941-488-4009 to register your team!

“A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” 100% of each contribution is received by BBBS (Registration #CH-15494)

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS David Ball, Tony D'Souza, Brad Edmondson, Lori Johnston, Kim Hackett, Rich Rescigno, Jackie Rogers, Johannes Werner, Sylvia Whitman CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS & ARTISTS Barbara Banks, Salvatore Brancifort, Chad Spencer, Robert Castro, Alex Stafford, Lori Sax, Jenny Acheson, Everet Dennison, Evan Sigmund, Matthew Holler, Chris Lake, Gene Pollux, Fred Lopez.

330 S. Pineapple Ave., Suite 205 Sarasota, FL 34236 Phone: (941) 487-1100 Fax: (941) 365-7272 941CEO.com | SarasotaMagazine.com

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GULF SHORE MEDIA, LLC A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF SAGACITY MEDIA, INC. PRESIDENT & COFOUNDER Nicole Vogel COFOUNDER & EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Scott Vogel SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, EDITORIAL & OPERATIONS Bill Hutfilz CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kate Madden DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL & PRINT PUBLISHING Claire McNally AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Dana Such DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT Dan Derozier DIRECTOR OF IT Jimmy Fecteau CONTROLLER Simba Rusike

Gulf Shore Media is a member of the City and Regional Magazine Association, Florida Magazine Association, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Manatee Chamber of Commerce and The St. Armands Circle Association. All contents of this magazine are copyrighted ©2016. Unsolicited photographs and manuscripts are welcome, but return cannot be guaranteed. Circulation audited

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A D VER TI SEMENT

{

GAIL BOWDEN TOP PRODUCER

My Top Three:

Notable Sales

1 MOUNT DORA MEDICAL CENTER Sold $16,300,000 Mount Dora, Fla. Medical Building, NNN Leases, Class “A” Structure.

51,357 square feet.

2 “Be advised. There is a difference.” Achieving #3 internationally and #1 in Florida for 2015 with SVN, with recent sales in medical office buildings exceeding $50 million, Gail Bowden knows that success sells. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, Bowden is well known for her business ingenuity and ability to navigate the complexities of venture capital, project finance, construction and development. Her project list is extensive as well as her list of accomplishments as an expert and industry leader.

Bowden’s determination to get the job done as well as her ability to remain focused regardless of the circumstances, along with her talent for orchestrating the many components of even the most complex deals while maintaining a demeanor of utmost poise keeps her in high demand among real estate investors and property owners alike.

•

Gail Bowden - Senior Investment Advisor 1626 Ringling Blvd., Suite 500 Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 223-1525 GailBowden.com

All Sperry Van Ness® Offices are Independently Owned and Operated

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING Sold $8,500,000 Winter Haven, Fla. NNN Leases, Class “A” Structure.

37,519 square feet.

3 DEBARY MEDICAL VILLAGE Sold $6,345,000 DeBary, Fla. Lakefront 4.2 -acre site, NNN Leases, Three-story, Class “A” Structure.

24,000+/- square feet.

7

TALK

PEOPLE, COMPANIES AND ISSUES YOU NEED TO KNOW.

INNOVATOR

Blake Fuller Go Puck Power lake Fuller combined what he experienced racing IndyCars with his business and engineering know-how to develop Go Puck Power, a lightweight and portable way to charge phones and tablets on the go.

The rechargeable battery system, which retails at $59, can hold up to five USBpowered devices at once without connecting to a wall charger.

Fuller’s product, which can fit into a hand or pocket, gained the attention of Florida’s Universal Studios in 2015. Go Puck chargers now can be rented out by guests at the Orlando theme park, for $12.50 for a half day or $25 for a full day.

“That’s a huge win for us,” he says.

Before Go Puck, Fuller, 36, produced a patented lithiumion battery for race cars through his former company, Braille Battery, which he began in 2001. In 2014, Braille Battery, a multimillion-dollar business, was acquired by Ottawa-based Grafoid Inc. 8

Blake Fuller wears his portable charger on his belt.

“[With Braille Battery], we learned to challenge the status quo, and produced something that was deliverable on time and that exceeded expectations with no compromise toward reliability,” Fuller says.

Fuller’s 6-year-old company now has 21 Sarasota employees in research, marketing and administration; manufacturing is in China. He would not disclose sales figures, but plans to increase revenue by 1,000 percent within three

years. More immediately, he’d like to have between 500,000 and 1 million touch points—purchases, rentals or opportunities to utilize the product—by the end of 2016.

“Everybody needs one, everybody can afford one; it’s just about raising awareness,” says Fuller, who graduated from State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota in 1998 with a business management and marketing degree. —Michelle Baruchman

ALEX STAFFORD

B

941CEO

EB-5 Visas that Attract Wealthy Foreigners Up for Review ● BY LORI JOHNSTON

METRIC and even car washes. The number of visas awarded annually is capped at 10,000, and participation has escalated since 2008, mostly due to wealthy Chinese investors.

Concerns about fraud and a lack of oversight could increase the minimum investment to $1 million.

Thirty-nine regional centers have been terminated as of February for failing to promote economic growth or meet eligibility requirements. For now, Congress has extended until Sept. 30 the option to invest. But the concern that the centers are taking advantage of investors and that the funds may be tainted or obtained through illegal activities is increasing the pressure to

one million-plus

BIZ RULES

The number of solar panels FPL will finish installing this year at three sites in DeSoto, Charlotte and Manatee counties. The panels will produce the equivalent of enough electricity to power 45,000 homes.

SOURCE: FPL

OVERHEARD

W

ealthy foreigners might find it more difficult to secure a green card through the federal EB-5 visa program later this year. Our region could feel the economic impact, suggests attorney P. Christopher Jaensch with the Jaensch Immigration Law Firm in Sarasota.

EB-5 sets aside visas for those who invest $500,000 to $1 million in commercial U.S. enterprises that create 10 full-time jobs through a federally approved regional center. These centers are development projects in certain designated areas that allow international visa seekers to combine their money. The investors do not have to be the owners.

Congress created the program in 1990 to help stimulate the nation’s economy.

Some examples of investment are hotels, commercial developments, restaurants

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

make changes, Jaensch says.

“I tell my clients we have no way of knowing what’s going to happen after Sept. 30,” he says.

Jaensch handles about five or more EB-5 visa applications each year, and while that may not seem like many, it adds up, he says. EB-5 visa holders are typically high-net-worth individuals who want to live in Sarasota and Manatee for the lifestyle, safety and better education for their children.

“They furnish homes, use lawyers, go to restaurants, put kids in private schools,” he says. “When these people feel like their options are limited they don’t even visit. We’re losing out on the economic benefit independent self-funding investors have on the local economy.”

“ANY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL WHO SAYS WE OUGHT TO SPEND ANYWHERE BETWEEN $25 MILLION AND $100 MILLION TO ATTRACT A [BASEBALL] TEAM TO OUR COMMUNITY SIMPLY DOESN’T LOOK AT THE NUMBERS.” –D R . P H I L I P P O R T E R , professor of economics at USF Tampa, after hearing economic arguments about why Sarasota wants to build a spring training stadium for the Atlanta Braves.

9

TALK

BY THE NUMBERS

Sunny Side Up First Watch ranks No. 1 for growth among daytime restaurants

1983 YEAR FOUNDED

145 NO. OF STORES

P

erhaps Americans have finally heeded the advice of diet coaches: Don’t skip breakfast. Coffee, pancakes and doughnuts are making restaurant revenues fatter, according to 2015 data from research firm NPD Group. And while lunch and dinner flatlined in the 12-month period ending May 2015, breakfast visits were up 4 percent. The National Restaurant Association says 72 percent of adults wish restaurants would offer breakfast throughout the day. Sarasotaheadquartered First Watch Restaurants, which also serves lunch, is satisfying the demand.

Here’s a fact-filled look at the fastest-growing, privately owned, daytime restaurant company in the country. —Susan Burns

NUMBER OF STATES WHERE FIRST WATCH BRANDS ARE LOCATED:

TOP THREE STATES WITH THE MOST FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS:

Florida, Ohio and Arizona

26 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

5,250

55,707 CUPS OF COFFEE SOLD ON AVERAGE WEEKEND

$2 million THE REQUIRED NET WORTH OF A FIRST WATCH FRANCHISEE

NAMES OF THE FOUR FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS, INC. BRANDS:

First Watch, The Egg & I, The Good Egg, Bread & Company AVERAGE DOLLAR AMOUNT PER CHECK PER PERSON AT CORPORATE RESTAURANTS

SMOKED SALMON EGGS BENEDICT

1,770,683

MOST EXPENSIVE ITEM ON THE MENU IN SARASOTA

$10.84 $11.99 NUMBER OF PANCAKES SERVED IN 2016 10

7,468,344 AVERAGE NUMBER OF EGGS ORDERED ANNUALLY AVERAGE DAILY SALES PER RESTAURANT

$3,522

941CEO

THE RIGHT PATH ISN’T ALWAYS SO CLEAR Tax rules and financial decisions are complex, but your CPA can provide guidance and direction to help you achieve your goals.

At CS&L CPAs, we work with you to design a strategic, customized plan to put you on the path to success.

Visit www.CSLcpa.com for your FREE tax guide.

SARASOTA | BRADENTON | TAMPA (941) 748-1040

TALK ASK THE BOSS How seasonal is your business? ● BY LORI JOHNSTON

GEOFFREY MICHEL

CAREER PATH ● BY LORI JOHNSTON

Denver Stutler FORMER CHIEF OF STAFF FOR GOV. JEB BUSH; NOW CEO AND CO-FOUNDER, POLSTON APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES, SARASOTA

Co-owner, The Met Fashion House Day Spa & Salon, St. Armands Circle “WHILE OUR DAY SALON and spa are a bit more local, our fashion house is at times more tourism-based. Shopping is a tourism activity, similar to the beach. Approximately 50 percent of our volume comes from a guest who spends four to six months in Sarasota as a second home. About 35 percent comes from year-round residents.

This sector is growing. The remaining 15 percent comes from the short-term tourist. We have worked hard to nurture our year-round clientele. We are well-established in local charities and marketing. We’re seeing growth off-season due to Sarasota’s growth, and more guests are becoming year-round, or at least staying longer than the typical four months.”

Darrell Turner Owner, Turner Tree and Landscape, Bradenton “OUR BUSINESS is calendar-driven and raindriven. Normally, the first and last quarters are our two most productive times of the year.

We’re 90 percent commercial landscaping.

Owners and developers want to get [their projects] done by the end of the year for season. [This year] we had so many rain delays, we had a snowball of projects that got rolled into the end of the year.

In the spring and summer, cash flow is terrible. Businesses should try to diversify so they don’t have all their eggs in this seasonal surge of work. We have a farming division and a landscape division. We have three tree farms around the county. For the second and third quarters we divert our staff to our farming operations. [However,] more people are coming down here for the summer. We’re looking to hire another eight to 10 people on top of 10 recent new hires.”

Denise Tschida

(2011-PRE SENT) CEO AND CO-FOUNDER, POLSTON APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES, SARASOTA

“We remove debris from collection and treatment systems while they remain in complete operation.

It was an opportunity to bring an innovative solution to the market.”

(2007-PRE SENT) PRESIDENT, STUTLER STRATEGIES, TALLAHASSEE

(1989 -1995) CIVIL ENGINEER AND PROJECT MANAGER, CAMP, DRESSER & MCKEE, MAITLAND

“I enjoyed designing roads and being a part of something bigger.”

(1995-1996) PARTNER AND CIVIL ENGINEER, ECO-SYSTEMS LAND MITIGATION CO., WINTER PARK

“I learned what things to do and not to do when building a company. The things to do have helped me to be a good employee; the things not to do have helped me be a better businessman and boss.”

“Starting a business requires focus, capital and a lot of patience. In the public sector, there are resources to channel ambition and opportunity toward public good.

In the private sector, the resources are more limited.”

(2005-2007) SECRETARY, FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, TALLAHASSEE

“[I worked] to develop the SunRail agreement (commuter rail in Central Florida).”

(2002-2005) CHIEF OF STAFF AND DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF GOV. JEB BUSH, TALLAHASSEE

“I tried to create processes inside of the chaos so that [we] didn’t create additional anxiety.”

Co-founder/president, Motorworks Brewing, Bradenton “MOTORWORKS BREWING sees heavy impact in taproom/beer garden sales due to seasonality. When seasonal residents arrive back in Florida, our sales grow as much as 30 percent beyond other months. We remain busy all year long, yet March is busiest, as we are within walking distance to McKechnie Field where the Pittsburgh Pirates spring train.”

12

(1997-1999) PRINCIPAL, CAMP, DRESSER & MCKEE, MAITLAND

“I became a principal of one of the (world’s) largest environmental and civil engineering firms.”

(1999 -2002) CHIEF OF STAFF, FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, TALLAHASSEE

“Civil engineering is a people-serving profession.

[I had a] chance to negotiate extremely complex environmental regulatory matters.”

941CEO

GAME CHANGER

The Anti-Teflon Lawyer A New College grad wins an epic environmental battle. ● INTERVIEW BY SUSAN BURNS

R

ob Bilott, a 50-year-old environmental attorney at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP in Cincinnati, has spent the last 18 years of his career fighting DuPont over its use of perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, better known as the chemical that makes Teflon. In January, he was profiled in The New York Times Magazine story, “The Lawyer Who Became DuPont’s Worst Nightmare.” Bilott’s long battle revealed that DuPont knew that PFOA posed health risks decades ago and hid the information from its workers, nearby residents and government agencies. His 2001 class action lawsuit against the chemical giant resulted in a 2004 settlement worth more than $300 million and also launched a seven-year landmark medical study that proves PFOA is linked to six diseases. His fight continues this year with personal injury and wrongful death suits. A New College of Florida alum, Bilott regularly vacations in Sarasota with his family.

What has this case meant to you?

It’s obviously been a large focus of my career for the last 15 or more years.

When you see something that needs to be done or information that you believe needs to get out in order to protect people’s health and your clients, and you’re having great obstacles, that can be taxing. At the same time, finding ways to achieve those goals is invigorating.

How did you get involved?

The original connection was through my mom’s family. That’s how they [West Virginia farmer Wilbur Tennant and his family] came to contact me.

After we agreed to sit down and meet with them, the evidence was overwhelming. This was something clearly bad going on and we felt we could help.

What’s unique about this case?

It was an innovative approach to settling a toxic tort case. The traditional approach would have been to take these issues to trial and have it presented by competing experts to a jury. Under the settlement agreement [which included a $70 million cash

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

award], both parties agreed to set up the scientific panel that would look at available data. The plaintiffs came up with the idea of using the $70 million [instead of distributing it] to give to an independent science panel for blood testing and data collection.

What diseases did the scientists conclude are linked to PFOA? Kidney cancer, testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, preeclampsia and high cholesterol.

Part of the settlement agreement was that if links were found between the exposure and the disease there could be medical monitoring up to $235 million. And that people could pursue claims if those links were found.

You’re now handling those claims of personal injury and wrongful death.

Of the 70,000 people in six different public water supplies and several dozen private wells, which are considered in the scope of our [classaction suit], about 3,500 of the claims pending now are the ones that already have one of these particular diseases.

We’ve got cases scheduled though the end of this year [the first one is a testicular cancer case that starts in May] and the court recently announced that in the beginning of 2017, there will be 40 trials a year.

How have you changed by doing this case?

Grayer hair and less of it.

What personality traits have helped you persevere?

Stubborn, focused, determined.

What impact did New College have on you?

They did a great job in teaching you how to think and how to think critically, how to analyze data, how to question what you’re seeing and look at it for yourself. I tried to avoid anything that involved numbers or math. It was rather ironic that I ended up dealing with chemicals.

If you could construct a perfect ending to all this litigation, what would it be?

We would like for all of the folks who have been injured to have their injuries addressed appropriately.

What lessons can we all learn from this case?

You can make change in significant ways that could affect way beyond your own community. The information that was revealed here deals with something that is in everyone’s blood across the world.

How did you feel about being called DuPont’s worst nightmare?

[Laughs…long pause] I did not mind.

13

TALK BUSINESS CLASS ● BY JACKIE ROGERS

That’s the Ticket

The latest in luggage and travel accessories.

TUNE OUT AKG N60 noise cancelling headphones are a must for savvy business travelers who want to hear their music and not the chatter of other passengers. These headphones deliver superior sound quality and 30 hours of battery life, and are constructed of lightweight aluminum and leather. They come with a 51-inch USB charging cable and airline adapter for plugging into onboard entertainment. Compact folding design and padded pouch make them perfect for travel. $249, by Harman Audio, harmonaudio.com.

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This gadget makes watching movies in flight or FaceTiming with the kids more enjoyable. Includes travel bag. $69.95, from JaDu Industries, Jadu-industries.com.

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Tumi’s Ultimate Travel Organizer will help keep you efficient and protected when traveling for business. This wallet features Tumi ID Lock, geared to protect the personal data encoded on your ID, credit card and passport from theft.

Plus, keeping your tickets, passport and currency all in one place will prevent searching multiple pockets to find what you’re looking for.

Chambers Collection, $195, from Tumi at UTC.

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TRAVEL LIGHT Hartmann Innovaire luggage maximizes style and utility for today’s business traveler. Its shell is constructed of Curv, a strong, lightweight, scratch-resistant material that has this industriallooking carry-on bag weighing in at a featherweight 4.3 pounds when empty. The gliding spinner wheels and telescoping handle make trekking through the airport easy. Spacious internal compartment and side zipper pockets. $500, from House of Samsonite at UTC.

ORIGAMI STROLLER If you’re taking the family along on this business trip, check out the Origami powerfolding stroller. Guaranteed to simplify your travel experience, it folds with the push of a button, includes unique features like an LCD dashboard, daytime running lights, pathway lights for low-light conditions and sensors that detect when a child is in the seat. From power folding to cell phone charging, it’s everything a traveling parent could want. $849, from 4moms.com.

BEAUTY ON THE FLY Store all your liquids in style in this reusable, plastic travel pouch.

With its clever, sleek design you won’t mind pulling out your toiletries as you pass through security. It fits easily into a purse or carry-on and is TSA approved. Beauty on the Fly clear travel bag, $4.95, from Sephora at UTC. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

15

apr.

I4

apr.

Venice Area Young Professionals Mixer, 5:30-7 p.m. at Island Time Spirits & Gourmet Market, 421 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. No RSVP required. For more information, visit veniceareachamber.com.

READER METER

Has the city of Sarasota approved too many condo and hotel projects?

71 YES

may

30

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Manatee Chamber of Commerce present Blues by the Bay, 5-7:30 p.m. at the Powel Crosley Estate, 8374 N. Tamiami Trail, Bradenton. $25 for chamber members until May 1; $30 for public/all ticket sales begin May 2.

To purchase tickets, visit sarasotachamber.com/ events/Blues-by-the-Bay2016-(with-ManateeChamber)-3100/details.

%

3

TRENDSPOTTER

TOURISM TICKS UP AGAIN January

tourism numbers from both Sarasota and Manatee counties show impressive gains over January 2015.

Sarasota County

Number of visitors

NO

29%

Memorial Day

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Frank G. Berlin Sr. Small Business Awards, 11:30-1 p.m. at Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota. $50. To register, visit sarasotachamber.com.

January 2016

SOURCE: 941CEO DAILY POLL

16

4

26

Tri-County Networking Event presented by the Venice, North Port, Englewood chambers of commerce, 5:30-7 p.m. at Plantation Golf and Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice. $5 for chamber members. For details, visit veniceareachamber.com.

may

7

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce 2016 Hob Nob, 5-8 p.m. at Ed Smith Stadium. 27—12th St., Sarasota. $40. To register, visit sarasotachamber.com.

25

may

AdFed Suncoast AdBites Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Herald-Tribune, 1741 Main St., Sarasota. For details, visit adfedsuncoast.com.

Venice Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Awards luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice. To register, visit venicechamber.com/events.

may

2I

jun.

APRIL−JUNE

apr.

TALK AGENDA

Manatee County

77,100

75,500

$95,853,800

$81,238,800

% increase in visitors over January 2015

5.2%

5.9%

% increase in direct expenditures over January 2015

4.8%

12.3%

Direct expenditures

SOURCES: VISIT SARASOTA COUNTY AND THE BRADENTON AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

941CEO

March March9–April 9–April17 17AllyAllyAllyFarzetta Farzetta and and A.K.A.K. Murtadha.

Murtadha.

Photo Photo

by John

by John Revisky.

Revisky.

March 9–April 17 Farzetta and A.K. Murtadha. Photo by John Revisky.

March March30–April 30–April24 24 March 30–April 24

PLAYING PLAYING INININ THE THE HISTORIC HISTORIC ASOLO ASOLO THEATER THEATER PLAYING THE HISTORIC ASOLO THEATER

AAANew NewMusical Musical New Musical Deborah CoxMike as Josephine Baker.

Photo

by Mike by Ruiz.

Ruiz. © Deco © Deco Recording Recording Group, Group, LLC.LLC. April April27–May 27–May29 29Photo Photo by Mike Ruiz. © Deco Recording Group, LLC. April 27–May 29 Deborah Deborah Cox Cox as Josephine as Josephine Baker.

Baker.

June June2– 2–26 26Phoebe Phoebe Thomas Thomas in Hetty in Hetty Feather.

Feather.

Photo Photo

by Helen

by Helen Murray.

Murray.

June 2– 26 Phoebe Thomas in Hetty Feather. Photo by Helen Murray.

941-351-8000 941-351-8000 asolorep.org asolorep.org

asolorep asolorep

TALK YOU DO WHAT?

SALVATORE BRANCIFORT

● BY ILENE DENTON

CHARLOTTE OSTERMAN designs prints for top clothing designers. An

encounter with designer Diane von Furstenberg at a San Francisco Neiman Marcus catapulted Charlotte Osterman from her job as a graphic designer into a career designing fabric prints for von Furstenberg, Rachel Roy and other fashion companies.

Osterman and her family moved to Sarasota from Chicago in August; she works out of a home studio, where she recently launched a textile collection for the home under her own label.

18

INSPIRED BY NATURE

“My design aesthetic is light, bright and colorful, and that isn’t exactly Chicago. My parents live in Sarasota, and I found lots of inspiration here in the tropical plants, the color of the water, the midcentury architecture—just everything.”

WORK THREAD

“I majored in graphic design at California Institute of the Arts and moved to San Francisco

in my mid-20s to work for a tech company, but it wasn’t my passion.

I heard that Diane von Furstenberg, who’s known for her vivid prints, was doing a personal appearance at Neiman Marcus and I put together a book of my work. I brought my friend with me so I wouldn’t chicken out.

[Diane] invited me to her hotel [to talk further] and I ended up going to New York to work for her. I learned everything about

fabrics from her; she took me to China, taught me all about screen printing. I became her print director.”

HOME WORK

“I’m creating my own collection of home textiles woven and printed in the U.S. in an old mill in Rhode Island.

I thought I would do this from the beginning, but I fell into fashion first. I plan to open up my own online shop and sell to the trade.”

941CEO

BIZ BITES

Ask the Originals

● BY HANNAH WALLACE

Sandwich heaven at Bradenton’s South Philly Cheesesteak. the place A standout in a pretty but otherwise unremarkable strip mall across the street from State College of Florida. The interior, with its mirrored wall and black-and-white checkered theme, is cozy without being crowded or noisy. There’s also a small patio with a few garden tables out front.

the people SCF and IMG faculty and staff.

It’s a near-universal dress code of jeans and polo shirts or shortsleeve button-ups. time factor Fast enough for a half-hour sit-down; faster still if you order from the counter to-go or even call ahead. the food A good selection of fried

apps, hoagies and a slew of salads, but really, it’s all about the cheesesteak. The meat for the signature sandwich (steak, chicken or pork) is thoroughly chopped up on the grill and sautéed together with finely chopped onions and cherry peppers. All of that is heaped with a mild, creamy cheese onto a pillow-soft roll made

by Philadelphia’s own Amoroso’s Baking Company. It is melt-in-your-mouth delightful.

Where can we go for the freshest seafood in a relaxed, fun setting?

(941) 758-7880 | oysterbar.net

south philly cheesesteak > 5942 34th St. W., Bradenton (941) 727-7339. southphillycheesesteak.com

(941) 896-9656 | cedarreef.com

(941) 349-2323 | sarasotalobsterpot.com

ALEX STAFFORD

(941) 346-5443 | skob.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

www.DineOriginal.com 19

Successfully collaborating with communities to promote healthier lives.

LEADERS IN COMPASSIONATE HEALTHCARE Welcome to a whole new approach to wellness, built on care, compassion and community. Here, at the nation’s largest college of medicine, you’ll experience a wide variety of ways to pursue your career in healthcare. You’ll learn from recognized experts in their fields, practice at an innovative academic health center, and pursue an affordable medical education that prepares you for a career in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy or dentistry.

Join us in helping to shape the next generation of caring and compassionate healthcare professionals.

College of Osteopathic Medicine • School of Pharmacy • School of Dental Medicine School of Graduate Studies • Masters/Post Baccalaureate

www.LECOM.edu

Care. Compassion. Community.

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BUSINESS

IQ FEATURING EXPERTS IN:

EDUCATION ARGOSY UNIVERSIT Y S A R A S O TA BLAISE COVELLI DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

Q. What special programs/

degrees/partnerships/ relationships do you have with the local business community?

A. At Argosy University Sarasota we have a desire to embrace, promote and partner with our local business within the community by offering various partnership agreements. Some of these partnership agreements include the Sarasota and Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Florida State Government Employees, and Florida Educators Fellowship.

Q. What awards and distinctions

have you earned?

A. The Argosy University Sarasota Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program is accredited by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Our graduates consistently achieve above average pass rates on licensing

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

examinations. Approximately 92 percent of graduates passed the NCE licensure exam on their first attempt.

Q. How are you meeting the

demands for online education?

A. In order to help fit furthering your education into your busy schedule, Argosy University Sarasota offers classes in flexible learning formats, including several online options. This gives you an extra degree of flexibility which can accommodate today’s busy adult. At Argosy University, our goal is your success, so we strive to provide the right mixture of independent study and classroom interaction with peers and instructors.

5250 17TH ST. SARASOTA, FL 34235 (941) 554-1554 ARGOSY.EDU/LOCATIONS/SARASOTA

EVERGLADES UNIVERSITY Q. What innovative programs

and degrees do you offer?

A. Everglades University offers innovative Bachelor’s and Master’s

degree-level programs in some of today’s most progressive fields of study.

Our innovative undergraduate degree programs include Alternative Medicine, Aviation/Aerospace, Construction Management, Environmental Policy and Management, Alternative and Renewable Energy Management and Crisis & Disaster Management. In addition, we offer graduate degrees in Public Health Administration and Business Administration with a Concentration in Project Management and Construction Management.

Q. What special partnerships/

relationships do you have with the local business community?

A. In partnership with the US Green Building Council, Everglades University will prepare students to take the USGBC LEED Green Associate and LEED AP credentialing examinations.

As a Sarasota County Green Business Partner, Everglades University is committed to sustainability and hopes to share its expertise and solar teaching lab with local schools and community groups for seminars demonstrating green building, clean energy production and green career pathways.

21

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BUSINESS

IQ Q. Tell us a little bit about

your faculty.

A. Everglades University delivers quality education in a collaborative environment where students achieve personal growth.

Our small class sizes provide students with an optimal setting for individualized attention in a caring and professional environment. Faculty at EU are both academically and experientially qualified, allowing them to bring real-world experience into the classroom. All Everglades University faculty members hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree in their discipline.

6001 LAKE OSPREY DRIVE, SUITE 110 SARASOTA, FL 34240 (941) 907-2262 EVERGLADESUNIVERSITY.EDU

L AKE ERIE COLLEGE OF O S T E O PAT H I C M E D I C I N E (LECOM) Q. What makes LECOM stand

out among medical schools?

A. The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is the nation’s largest and one of the most affordable medical schools. As the core of an academic health center, LECOM Health, this highly innovative health care and education system is preparing the next generation of physicians, dentists and pharmacists.

LECOM provides innovative, studentcentered pathways to prepare health care professionals and is ranked by US News and World Report Best Medical Colleges at No. 4 for graduating the most primary care physicians.

LECOM to grant provisional acceptance to our programs. For students who need extra work to meet professional degree entrance requirements, LECOM also offers the Master of Medical Science program in Bradenton.

Q. Can students earn a LECOM

degree online?

A. LECOM has three distance education programs for the Doctor of Pharmacy, Master of Health Services Administration and Master of Science in Medical Education. These affordable online courses prepare students with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the challenges of 21st century health care.

5000 LAKEWOOD RANCH BLVD. BRADENTON, FL 34211 (941) 756-0690 LECOM.EDU

M A N AT E E T E C H N I C A L COLLEGE MARTHA MEYERS

Q. What kinds of programs does A. We offer 50 career prep programs that train our students for skilled careers in the fields of manufacturing, construction, communication and information technology, hospitality, medical and health-related occupations, public service, salon services, business administration, and automotive and marine service technologies. Many can be completed in a year or less. We also offer a number of evening and Saturday classes.

Q. How would you describe

A. LECOM has early acceptance programs with more than 90 affiliated undergraduate institutions that allow

A. All of our instructors come from industry. They are typically experts in

22

Q. What special partnerships

do you have within the local business community?

A. Our relationships with the various business entities in Sarasota and Bradenton are important as we develop both our short- and long-term plans.

We are active, participating partners with the Chambers of Commerce, The Economic Development Councils and the Workforce Boards and also rely on our 300-person workforce advisory committee to ensure that our programs meet the ever-evolving needs of our community.

6305 STATE ROAD 70 E. BRADENTON, FL 34203 (941) 751-7900 EXT. 1022 MANATEETECH.EDU

MTC offer?

Q. How can students get a head

start on health care careers?

their respective fields who have a desire to give back. Full-time students attend classes six hours a day, five days a week with the same instructor. This schedule creates a strong teacher-student bond, and enables instructors to successfully interact and respond to the unique needs of each of their students.

MTC’s instructor-student dynamics?

S TAT E C O L L E G E O F F L O R I D A Q. Tell us a little bit about SCF. A. SCF offers an affordable, quality education—Associate and Bachelor’s degrees, and certificate programs.

Whether your goal is to earn an associate of arts degree to transfer to a university, graduate from a workforce program that leads directly to employment or promotion, or to enrich yourself and your skills, we have the programs that can get you there.

Classes are offered at our campuses in Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch and online.

941CEO

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BUSINESS

IQ Q. What new, innovative

workforce degrees and programs are you offering?

A. Working with local employers and advisory boards, we are offering several new degrees and certificate programs.

Among them is a new Associate in Science degree in Risk Management and Insurance and after earning this degree, students may apply to receive three licenses. We also have a new certification in Live Event Media Production, which provides hands-on training for those interested in becoming camera operators for television, video or internet production events.

Q. What special partnerships/

relationships do you have with the local business community?

A. We are “Boldly Engaging” with the business community on workforce degree offerings, certification options and training needs. Partners include FCCI, Manatee Memorial, Mosaic, Mote and Venice Regional Bayfront Health, to name a few. We also are partnering with area higher education institutions as the Consortium of Colleges on the Creative Coast (C4).

BRADENTON, LAKEWOOD RANCH AND VENICE (941) 752-5000 SCF.EDU

SUNCOAST TECHNICAL COLLEGE DR. TODD BOWDEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Q. What innovative programs

and degrees do you offer?

A. Suncoast Technical College, formerly SCTI, first opened its doors in September 1967. Today, Suncoast

24

serves more than 22,000 high school and adult students in over 40 technical programs, Adult General Education, and Adult and Community Enrichment.

We provide extensive continuing education that includes training for those currently employed, acquiring or extending professional licenses. In 2017, we will open a branch campus in North Port.

Q. Tell us a little bit about

your faculty.

A. Our faculty provide rigorous and challenging state-of-the-art, highquality technical academic programs that successfully prepare our students with the knowledge and skills to meet the requirements and demands of the workforce and colleges. Seventy-nine percent of our teachers have earned bachelor’s degrees with 44 percent holding master’s degrees or higher.

Suncoast teachers are required to have a minimum of six years experience in their field.

Q. What relationships do you

have with the local business community?

A. Our career and technical programs have established partnerships with local businesses. Our training program offerings are based on local workforce needs. Several hundred local employers participate in program advisory committees to share their expertise and to ensure Suncoast programs maintain current industry trends. This collaboration fosters numerous internships, cooperative agreements and apprenticeships that provide a valuable resource for our graduates.

4748 BENEVA ROAD SARASOTA, FL 34233 (941) 924-1365 EXT. 62283 SUNCOAST.EDU

U S F S A R A S O TA - M A N AT E E Q. How long has USFSM been a

part of this community?

A. USF Sarasota-Manatee is in the midst of its 40th anniversary celebration.

USFSM has touched so many people and places during its 40 years, whether through community projects and events, by assisting local businesses or by providing convenient access to higher education. But its influence doesn’t stop there; USFSM graduates have made a dramatic impact on the area’s growth and on local businesses and organizations.

Q. What new plans does the

campus have?

A. To better serve the higher education needs of the community, this fall USF Sarasota-Manatee will establish a College of Science & Mathematics as part of a realignment of its four colleges. In addition, the current College of Arts & Sciences and College of Education will merge to create a College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. The College of Business and College of Hospitality & Tourism Leadership will remain unchanged.

Q. What’s next for the campus?

A. USF Sarasota-Manatee’s strategic plan was implemented last summer to enrich the university’s academic programs and student life, to expand faculty research and resources and to more fully engage our communities. The plan also examines strategic enrollment initiatives and ways to better serve our students. To learn about ways to support these initiatives, please contact University Advancement at (941) 359-4603.

8350 N. TAMIAMI TRAIL SARASOTA, FL 34243 (941) 359-4603 USFSM.EDU

941CEO

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EDUCATION INNOVATORS

MANATEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE MEETING WORKFORCE DEMANDS. At Manatee Technical College the customers are the community’s employers. The school’s focus is on providing an educational experience to students that will bring value to their employers. MTC provides employmentready graduates in over 50 middle- and high-skilled careers in the fields of manufacturing, construction, information technology, health care, hospitality, public service, personal care, business administration, and automotive and marine service technologies.

MTC provides both entry-level training and continuing education for individuals who want to get ahead and for employers who want to stay ahead.

The school’s instructors come from industry. Curriculum and certifications are kept relevant and equipment up-todate with input from over 300 advisers from the occupational community. MTC’s collaborative work with other workforce

development organizations keeps those efforts on target and solution oriented.

Working together with industry partners, MTC provides students with the tools necessary to help businesses be more profitable. The school delivers programs and services to meet existing workforce demands. And MTC enhances area economic development initiatives to attract new business and industry by providing the skilled workforce necessary for success.

Manatee Technical College is dedicated to enhancing economic growth and the quality of life in Sarasota and Manatee counties. It is results oriented with a track record of success in providing workforce solutions to many industries in the area.

To find out more about MTC’s programs and how they can help you develop a more highly skilled workforce, contact Martha Meyers at 751-7900 ext. 1022 or meyersm@manateeschools.net.

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT Brenda Ware CDA, MA Program instructor for dental assisting Date of Hire: 1997 Experience: 36 years Quote: “Career and technical education engages students to learn by applying their skills, challenges them to perform at the highest level and provides them with a concrete pathway to a rewarding career.”

BY THE NUMBERS Established: 1977 Annual student enrollment: 4,400 Career programs: 50 Program length: 3-18 months Tuition: $1,230-$6,400 Financial aid, 2014-15:

$2.7 million 6305 S.R. 70 E. • BRADENTON, FL 34203 (941) 751-7900 EXT. 1022 • MANATEETECH.EDU

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

Graduation rate: 85 percent Industry certification pass rate: 94 percent

25

Sustainable Careers BACHELOR • • • • • • • • • • •

Alternative Medicine Alternative and Renewable Energy Environmental Policy Land and Energy Surveying Management [for Construction & Roadway] Hospitality Management International Business Construction Crisis and Disaster Business Administration Aviation/Aerospace *

MASTER • • • • *

Public Health Administration Business Administration Entrepreneurship Aviation Science

*

*

*

Degree Concentrations and Online Shifts are Available

THEBEST SCHOOLS

BEST ONLINE COLLEGES

2015-2016 www.thebestschools.org

Sarasota Campus 866.907.2262 6001 Lake Osprey Drive, Suite #110, Sarasota, FL 34240

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EDUCATION INNOVATORS

EVERGLADES UNIVERSITY INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS, QUALITY EDUCATION, PERSONALIZED ATTENTION. Everglades University Sarasota Campus, located in Lakewood Ranch, is an accredited, private, not-for-profit university offering innovative bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that prepare students to advance in their chosen careers.

Everglades University provides relevant degree programs to meet the demands of the evolving job market, which is a result of partnerships with industry leaders in the community.

Recipient of a 2016 Green Arrow Award and designated a Green Business Partner in Sarasota County, Everglades University Sarasota Campus is recognized for its outstanding commitment to sustainability.

In order to prepare students to meet the increasing demand for green careers, EU Sarasota has installed a number of energysaving devices including a rooftop solar array, two solar trees, a wind turbine, a weather station, and a solar teaching lab. EU Sarasota’s dedication to green initiatives has also earned the campus the “Outstanding Business” award from the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Everglades University offers undergraduate degrees in Alternative Medicine, Aviation/Aerospace, Construction Management, Surveying Management, Alternative and Renewable Energy Management, Environmental Policy and Management, Crisis and Disaster Management, Hospitality Management, and International Business. In addition, the school offers graduate degrees in Public Health Administration, Business Administration with concentrations in Project Management and Construction Management, Aviation Science, and Entrepreneurship. In partnership with the US Green Building Council, Everglades University will prepare students in specific majors to take the USGBC LEED Green Associate and LEED AP credentialing examinations.

Everglades University is rated No. 3 for America’s Best Colleges in Florida Women’s Choice Award 2015 – 2016. Everglades University is proud to serve the military community and is ranked by GI Jobs as a top military-friendly university.

CAMPUS SPOTLIGHT Everglades University offers

Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in a number of innovative, careerfocused programs including alternative and renewable energy, environmental policy, and land and energy management. To learn more, about the energy teaching lab, visit the web site at EvergladesUniversity.edu.

BY THE NUMBERS Established: 1990 Accredited by: Southern

Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS) Member: Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) Supporter: Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG) Current enrollment: 1,262 Average class size: 7.7 Undergraduate tuition: 6001 LAKE OSPREY DRIVE, SUITE 110 | SARASOTA, FL 34240 (941) 907-2262 • EVERGLADESUNIVERSITY.EDU

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

$627 per credit hour Graduate tuition:

$654 per credit 27

Invest in your staff...

SCF is your partner in educational training and offers a full spectrum of continuing workforce education -- short term certificates, Associate in Science degrees and customized training delivered on-site, on-campus or online. Let SCF work with you and your staff to create a career path, educational and training opportunities that will lead to increased skills and productivity.

CERTIFICATES Answer your workforce needs

Accounting Applications Alternative Energy Business Management Computer Aided Design and Drafting Computer Programmer Database Administrator Early Childhood Education and Early Intervention Electronics Engineering Technology Support Specialist Entrepreneurship Graphic Design Support Information Technology Analysis Interactive Media Production Live Event Media Production Marketing Network Server Administration Paralegal/Legal Assisting Teacher Certification Program Web Development Specialist

A.S. DEGREES Keep you competitive

Accounting Technology Biotechnology Business Administration and Management Entrepreneurship Management Marketing Risk Management and Insurance Services Computer Information Technology Computer Programming and Analysis Construction Management Technology Criminal Justice Technology Dental Hygiene Digital Cinema Digital Photography Early Childhood Education Engineering Technology Graphic Design Technology Health Services Management Network Systems Technology Nursing Occupational Therapy Assistant Paralegal/Legal Assisting Physical Therapist Assistant Radiography Studio Art Technology Project Management

Call 941-363-7216 or 941-752-5290 scf.edu/CTE

Invest in your bottom line.

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. An equal access/equal opportunity institution. Paid for by the Carl D. Perkins funding for Postsecondary Career and Technical Education Programs for the purpose of providing information about SCF’s career and technical education.

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EDUCATION INNOVATORS

USF SARASOTA-MANATEE YOUR FUTURE IS HERE. USF Sarasota-Manatee is wrapping up their 40th Anniversary celebration and looks forward to writing an exciting new chapter that builds on previous success—a success that’s been growing at an exponential rate.

In the past 10 years, USFSM has built a new campus, welcomed freshman and sophomore classes and established itself as a separately accredited, four-year academic institution. The future looks to be equally dynamic with increased community outreach, enhanced student life and several new academic programs, including those that emphasize STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

A recently adopted long-range plan, “Focus on Quality 2020,” lays out several goals that will transform the campus.

Among those are increased academic programs, enhancements to the campus, increased faculty research and a significant increase in experiential learning for students, including internships and study abroad opportunities.

Currently, USFSM hosts more than 40 academic and certificate programs, undergraduate and graduate, in four colleges. These programs hold classes online and in-person at the North Tamiami Trail campus, with biology and chemistry classes at the USFSM Teaching Labs at Mote Marine Laboratory and hospitality courses at the USFSM Culinary Innovation Lab in Lakewood Ranch. Students in the education programs gain experience in local classrooms as they focus on applying arts-integrated teaching to their everyday lesson plans.

Among USFSM’s dynamic offerings is the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program, a 40-credit-hour program conveniently offered on Saturdays to accommodate professionals already in their careers. The program allows future business leaders to earn their degrees in as little as 22 months and exposes students to a wide spectrum of business functions including accounting, finance, management, marketing, information systems and more.

COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT This fall, USFSM will debut the new College of Science & Mathematics to keep pace with evolving workforce trends and focus on fields related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Interest in STEM fields abounds as evidenced by their successful biology program launched in partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory in 2014.

BY THE NUMBERS Established: 1990 Established: 1975 Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1 Academic and certificate programs: 40-plus Total Enrollment: 2,038 Alumni in the area: 17,000-plus Colleges: 4 Student Clubs & Organizations: 30-plus National Accreditation: 8350 N. TAMIAMI TRAIL SARASOTA, FL 34243 (941) 359-4603 • USFSM.EDU

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

29

A D VER TI SEMENT ADVERTISEMENT

GETTING

STARTED PLAN YOUR BUSINESS’S SUCCESSION ~ E. John Wagner II Certified Tax Attorney and Shareholder Williams Parker, Attorneys at Law

Business owners often find succession planning baffling. Clients call us, incredulous, asking why so many consultants are pushing them to address a problem they don’t understand. They ask, “What is business succession planning, anyway?”

Business succession planning is the process by which business owners determine the manner in which new management and ownership will replace current management and ownership. It can take many forms: It can address a near-term change in control, ownership, or management. It can also consider a transition far into the future, but still include plans to keep the business alive if an unexpected death or disability occurs, which could lead to the erosion of the company’s core principles. Business succession planning seeks to maximize the value of your business to you and to future generations of your family.

Successful business succession planning works differently for different people. The most successful business succession plans result from active thinking by business owners who set their own goals, then connect their succession plans to those goals. Let’s look at a typical process we would use to develop such a plan for your business.

Set Goals

As a business owner, once you understand the concept of business succession planning, your next logical step is to decide how such planning fits your specific needs.

If you are a relatively young owner of a growing business, you may not contemplate a change in ownership or control for many decades. You may, however, undertake business succession planning to deal with the possibility that your health will deteriorate or that you will die prematurely.

But if you are a mid-career owner of a valuable or rapidly growing business, you may undertake business succession planning in anticipation that your business will create estate taxes many years in the future. Here, you may wish to reduce that estate tax burden by divesting yourself of ownership at an early age.

John Wagner chairs Williams Parker’s tax practice.

He earned his JD from the University of Florida College of Law and master of laws in taxation from the University of Florida’s Graduate Tax Program. (941) 536-2037 WilliamsParker.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

And if you are a late-career owner, you may undertake business succession planning to create liquidity for retirement. You may want to transition the business to younger family members so they can continue the business even after you retire. Alternatively, you may seek outside capital to grow your company to better position it for sale to an outside party before you reach an age when you no longer wish to manage the business.

Depending on your age and the particulars of your business, you will likely develop a succession plan distinct from owners at different stages of their lives—an appropriate strategy because individual owners have different goals. Knowing your goals is essential: it allows you to select the right planning tools to meet your needs.

Be Proactive

No matter what your reason for business succession planning, be proactive. Set your own goals. Set deadlines. Create your own process that suits your needs. When meeting with your advisors, express your goals. If an advisor says you need an ILIT, GRAT, IDGT, SCIN, private annuity, or anything else with a catchy name, stop the conversation and ask how the suggested tools fit your needs. Each business succession planning tool can be effective. Each, however, is useful only to solve certain problems. If you don’t have those problems, then that particular tool may not serve your goals.

As you move ahead with business succession planning, don’t forget the old saw, “The perfect is the enemy of the good.” You cannot anticipate everything that will happen. You cannot always control your own health or the health of others. Your business could have significant, unexpected setbacks—or it could have serendipitous windfalls.

Do not use uncertainty as an excuse to procrastinate. You will update your business succession plan periodically. Taking advantage of what you know and can control, you can develop a plan that fits you and your business for the foreseeable future, knowing you can adapt it as your personal situation and your business evolve.

excerpted from

REQUISITE VI The Business Succession Edition

31

SALUTING THE EIGHT EXCEPTIONAL WINNERS OF OUR GREEN ARROW AWARDS.

Defenders of the Planet

32

Photog r aphy b y Fre d L op e z

By Sylv ia Whit man

Not so long ago, going green often meant going broke. But as the winners of our inaugural Green Arrow Awards will attest, sustainability today is all about both doing good and doing well—a true win-win venture. Our eight winners are determined to conserve energy in meaningful ways. Their passion and innovative approaches to sustainability inspire their employees and the community and prove it is possible to invest in smart green features and still maintain a healthy bottom line.

The contest was rigorous. Companies had to provide evidence of their commitment to sustainability through energy conservation, employee engagement and outreach. Many thanks to our expert judges: Lee-Hayes Byron, Sarasota County’s sustainability manager; Manatee architect J.B. Taylor, who chairs the Manatee Chamber Green Business Council; and Jon Thaxton, senior vice president for community investment at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

941CEO

E duc at ion Wi n ner Ω Eve rg l ade s Unive rsit y Everglades University vice president Caroline King

At

the Sarasota campus of Everglades University, every major, from aviation to international business, requires a course in sustainability.

Undergraduates can earn degrees in alternative and renewable energy management, and most classes discuss LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification. “All of our programs are about making the world a cleaner, healthier place,” says university vice president Caroline King.

Everglades occupies more than 20 acres bordered by Lake Osprey, near UTC mall. The university runs a wind turbine and a solar array on its roof, and conservation measures include re-use irrigation systems and timer

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

lights in offices and classrooms.

A commuter school, Everglades has partnered with the Florida Department of Transportation to encourage carpools and public transportation.

At the heart of campus is the Solar Education Center, an interactive teaching lab funded in part by Florida Power & Light.

A website monitors the output (and offsets) of solar rooftop panels and solar trees that drivers can use to recharge smart cars.

Classes use the lab, but the university also invites community

and school groups to learn about this energy source. If you build it, they will come—from Richland County, S.C., for instance, where the K-12 school district is aiming to create its own solar lab along the Everglades model.

“We’re very career focused,” says King. “We’re looking to the jobs of the future—sustainability jobs, for sure.”

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Re t a i l Wi n ner Ω F lor id a Nat ive Pl ant s Nu rse r y & L andsc apin g

Laurel Schiller, center, with her daughters Annie Schiller and Rachel Andre

Strangler

figs and winged elm trees. Coral honeysuckle and passion flower vines.

Purple prostrate porterweed and red blooming coral bean. As you might expect, Florida Native Plants Nursery & Landscaping, on Myakka Road in eastern Sarasota County, sells indigenous shrubs and trees.

More importantly, for more than 30 years it has also sold an idea: that a natural landscape can be as beauti-

34

ful as—and more delightful than— a yard full of finicky exotics.

Co-owner Laurel Schiller moved here from Chicago, but as a wildlife biologist, she came with a goal to create habitats and resting places for birds, bats, butterflies—all sorts of pollinators and fauna.

She discovered that the Florida “look” on postcards that delights so many out-of-state transplants depended on high-maintenance flora. “We introduce the public to plants that give a sense of place, conserve water, need no fertilizer and create a haven for wildlife,” Schiller says. “If you understand

that a lovely firebush is going to attract hummingbirds, it adds to your enjoyment.”

To develop that appreciation, Schiller and fellow owner Fran Palmeri talk and write extensively.

They’re educators at heart, with the nursery’s demonstration gardens and grounds as their classroom and a website as their lending library. To reach a younger generation, Schiller’s daughter has launched William’s Wildflowers, which creates eco-friendly floral arrangements for weddings and other events.

Retail education requires patience, Schiller says, since each new customer may be starting from scratch. “But everyone who comes through the gate is someone I want to know,” she says.

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G ol f C ou rse a nd C ou nt r y C lub Wi n ner Ω Ve nice G ol f and Cou nt r y C lub

Jim

Schell, general manager of the 587-home Venice Golf and Country Club, has always been concerned with the green stuff: money. And as long as “green everything cost twice as much,” he says, he couldn’t afford to be an environmentalist.

But the landscape has changed under his watch—and not just on the golf course, where the club restored wetlands, planted native vegetation and mulched trails with ground palm fronds as it participated in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.

When the club had to replace the hot water boiler in the kitchen, Schell discovered a zero-energy

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

heat generator that vented hot air from the fridge and freezer to preheat water, slicing $600 a month off the electric bill. Heating the main pool and Jacuzzi with a geothermal pump saved another $300. A “demand control ventilation system with CO2 monitoring” now matches HVAC output to room occupancy, improving efficiency and air quality. A new irrigation system reduces water use by 40 percent.

Within three to five years, VGCC usually recoups its investment.

Says Schell, “Sustainability has

become the third leg of planning instead of a byproduct."

Schell speaks about the club’s sustainable practices to business and professional groups.

The club has partnered with the county, the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and last summer began collecting and storing stormwater runoff for irrigation, eliminating the need to pump or buy wastewater.

Jim Schell, general manager, Venice Golf and Country Club

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Ma nu fac t u r i n g Wi n ner Ω PP i Te c hnolog ie s Group

PPi CEO R. Charles Murray

The

largest supplier of pouch-making and -filling machinery in North America, PPi Technologies is also the first packaging company to earn Earth Charter Initiative’s demanding “deep green” award. Even when full of food or liquid, PPi's plastic pouches travel light, taking up less than half the truck space of bottles and cans and thereby saving fuel.

Discarded pouches can’t enter the recycling stream, but in counties

36

served by Florida Power & Light energy waste plants, they leave no carbon footprint—zero. When ground up and incinerated, PPi’s StandUp Pouches metamorphose into syngas, metal ingots and slag for construction and road fill— almost perfect “end waste usage.”

CEO R. Charles Murray obsesses about using raw materials effectively. Visiting Japan, he was impressed that incineration obviated landfills and their attendant problems, such as water contamination. “We’ve got this beautiful Earth,” says Murray. “I believe in leaving nothing behind to spoil it.”

Whenever possible, the company uses stainless steel to avoid paint. It runs the air compressors only as needed and redesigned machines to operate at lower pressure per square inch.

The company recycles but prefers reuse, turning old documents into notepads and donating empty 55-gallon alcohol drums to schools interested in rain barrels.

PPi rewards innovation.

Most exciting to Murray, PPi's nontoxic MosquitoPaQ products supersede problematic DEET by turning pregnant mosquitoes (the ones out for blood) into vegetarians. “They lose their taste for protein,” Murray says.

“I’ve got seven grandkids,” he says. “And I’d like to have them get out and enjoy nature.”

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P rofession a l O f f ices Wi n ner Ω FCCI Insu r ance Group

Data

centers suck enormous amounts of power, so FCCI’s investment in server consolidation makes the commercial property and casualty insurance company stand out.

It’s also paid off for the company.

Improving data center efficiency through network storage and virtualization has lowered energy costs and improved reliability.

FCCI posts an “Eye on Sustainability” flyer on its website that details other green practices.

Demand flow control in the 280,000-square-foot Sarasota headquarters has cut HVAC energy consumption by 20 to 30 percent.

Branch offices in 18 other states usually lease space, but recycling, buying from eco-minded vendors, video conferencing to reduce travel and encouraging customers to forgo paper documents in favor of electronic access make FCCI a national model of good corporate practices. FCCI doesn’t have to think green. It chooses to.

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

“It’s part of our long-term focus and careful growth plan, related both to insurance and the environment,” says company spokesperson Melanie Reda.

“We try to do the right thing in as many ways as possible.” No single initiative is so unusual, but taken together, they add up to a greater whole. “We just do all the things that other businesses should be doing,” Reda says.

She credits FCCI's sustainability ethos for some of the national accolades it receives as one of the best companies to work for.

“Employees feel empowered by working for a company that has its priorities in the right place,” she says.

FCCI CEO Craig Johnson

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Bu i ld i n g Wi n ner Ω W i l l is A . Sm it h Const r uc t ion

About

eight years ago, Willis A. Smith Construction built a new, 18,000-square-foot headquarters. It was right at the start of the recession, not exactly the perfect time to expand.

But the Willis Smith team also wanted to build to the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Gold standard—an unheard of ambition for a big construction company, even in boom times.

Willis Smith achieved its goal, and since then has been a model in the region for just about every facet of its headquarters. The company not only showcases the potential of sustainable construction, but it also encourages clients to consider incorporating sustainable features, even small ones, into their own projects.

“It was practical, good design,” says president and CEO David Sessions. “In seven years, we have gotten our money back.”

Willis Smith’s solar system, which produces 69,500-kilowatt hours per year, has paid off. The company’s energy use is now net zero, meaning the company produces as much energy as it consumes.

38

Its water use system is just as impressive. The company uses reclaimed water for irrigation, potable water for coffee and sinks, and harvests rainwater from the roof in two, 3,000-gallon underground cisterns for flushing toilets. “Just one inch of rainfall completely fills our two cisterns with a 60-day supply,” he says.

The company also recycled much of its waste during construction, uses low-emission glass and insulated windows, incorporated recycled materials and low-VOC paint, carpeting, glue and manufactured wood products inside.

“If you have a choice to be in a healthy environment and you could minimize your cost over the lifetime of a building, why wouldn’t you?,” asks Sessions.

“You get a return forever.”

—Susan Burns

David Sessions, CEO, Willis A. Smith Construction

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D esi g n Wi n ner Ω C arlson St ud io A rc h ite c t u re

Sarasota

architect Michael Carlson began thinking about sustainable design as a student at Ball State University in 1984. At the time, there was no market for design that incorporated energy use and conservation, or the belief that structures should consider the impact on future generations. But for Carlson this type of architectural design was logical and exciting.

Architect Michael Carlson

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Carlson designed Sarasota County’s first green building at Twin Lakes Park in 2000 and helped put the county on the map for progressive policies. He designed the award-winning 2009 HGTV-featured LEED Platinum home in Port St. Lucie, the LEED Gold-certified Sun-NFun resort’s lifestyle center and the LEED-certified Gateway Bank of Southwest Florida. He’s proudest of the LEED Gold-certified Center for Building Hope. “The goal was to build a facility that inspired hope and the merging of all things sustainable: energy, water conservation, healthy interiors. It’s a warm, inviting, peaceful space,” he says.

And Carlson’s own office is a model in sustainable urban design. He took a small former grocery store from the 1930s and converted it into a LEEDcertified home for his business.

A new HVAC system, a new roof, an improved building envelope, low-flow plumbing fixtures and motion sensors, and Energy Star appliances, energy-efficient lighting and a compressed fourday work week is saving thousands in annual energy and water bills.

But what he’s most excited about right now is his involvement with Florida’s U.S. Green Building Coalition. “I’ve been appointed by the state board for USGBC in Florida to do strategic planning for sustainability statewide.

I really want to raise people’s consciousness about climate change,” he says. —Susan Burns

39

Nonprof it Wi n ner Ω Je f fe rson Ce nte r

Affordable

senior housing and sustainability don’t often go together, especially when the apartment tower in question is almost a half-century old. Repairing and retrofitting an old building usually costs more than starting from scratch. Yet without breaking its modest budget, Sarasota’s nonprofit Jefferson Center, on North Tamiami Trail, has managed to make its 209 units green.

Sarasota’s Unitarian Universalist Church helped shepherd the center into existence, and in 1968 the first residents moved in. The aging tower receives no subsidies. Yet through vigorous grant writing and careful stewardship, the Jefferson Center has installed a reflective roof and revamped the HVAC system that paid for itself in five years. Thanks

40

to a HUD Community Development Block Grant, the Jefferson Center accomplished its most ambitious project: installing 435 hurricane impact windows with low-e (lowemissivity) tinted glass.

“With all the drilling and sealing and mixing concrete, it feels like we’re in a dentist’s office sometimes,” says administrator and grant writer in-chief Dawn Lucido.

Lucido involves residents in conservation right from orientation, when she distributes free LED bulbs and reusable grocery bags donated

by Publix. Monthly roundtables and newsletters inform about low-flow

Jefferson Center administrator Dawn Lucido, center, with residents Yvette Muir and Josefina Rivera

toilets, Energy Star appliances and micro-irrigation on the five-acre grounds. Energy and water conservation have kept rent increases low (1 percent last year), and there’s a one-year waiting list to move in.

Recently workers splashed several swatches of low-VOC (volatile organic chemical) paint on the building so that residents could vote on the color. Painting the renewed Jefferson Center will be “the frosting on the cake,” Lucido says. ■

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Q.

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In 2015, 41 million pounds were diverted from local landfills—thanks to Goodwill’s recycling and salvage efforts, green business practices and resale of unwanted items donated by community members.

How are you incorporating a sustainability practice at Goodwill?

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42

to continue toward its goal of zero waste, Goodwill Manasota has entered into a partnership with Publix Super Markets ReQuip Stores, Junk King, Pioneer Recycling, Suncoast Metal and Symphony Salvage in order to ensure that organizational revenues are maximized and that items sent to landfills are reduced as severely as possible.

In what other ways is your company helping the environment?

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Photography by Evan Sigmund

by Cooper Levey-Baker

THE CEO

JIM MILLER’S FAST-GROWING JMX BRANDS USES TECHNOLOGY TO SELL AMISH FURNITURE.

HANDCRAFTED SUCCESS 46

941CEO

Jim

Miller, the 45-year-old CEO of JMX Brands, walks the floor of his new, 3,800-square-foot DutchCrafters showroom, eyeing furnishings for every room of the house and outdoors as well. Mention Amish furniture and you’re likely to conjure up images of curved-back dining room chairs and heavy oak bedroom sets, but DutchCrafters upends that stereotype. Bedframes display clean, contemporary lines and trendy smoky gray finishes, and bar tables bear irregular, natural edges that highlight the wood’s natural grain.

Customers are eating it up. Last August, Inc. magazine ranked JMX at 1,983 on a list of the fastest-growing companies in the country, up from No. 3,197 the year before.

In July the company was picked as one of 101 Florida companies to watch by GrowFL, the state’s economic development program. And for four straight years, JMX has been included in Internet Retailer magazine’s ranking of the nation’s top 1,000 online retailers.

Most companies move from selling in person to selling online, but JMX went in the opposite direction. The company has sold Amish furniture through its website, DutchCrafters.com, since 2003; in recent years, online sales have skyrocketed. Revenue increased from $3.8 million in 2013 to $6 million in 2014 to nearly $8 million last year.

In 2015, JMX sold a total of 15,500 pieces, crafted by roughly 200 different woodworkers spread across Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana.

And that same year, they finally opened a showroom at 3709 N. Lockwood Ridge Road.

It sounds like a contradiction: A hightech online marketplace that sells artisanal goods crafted over weeks and months by rural

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

Amish and Mennonite woodworkers—many of whom have no computer or smartphone.

Miller grew up in a small Amish and Mennonite community in southern Michigan and later attended Goshen College, a Mennonite-affiliated liberal arts college, where he studied business. He came to Sarasota in 1993 when he got a job as an associate pastor at Bahia Vista Mennonite Church. But entrepreneurship always appealed to him, and when his alma mater launched an adult education program in Sarasota, he took a job as director. Miller says that in Mennonite congregations, the gap between laity and clergy isn’t as great as in other denominations. As a result, it’s not uncommon for pastors to move in and out of occupations both in and outside the church. In 1998, Miller enrolled in business school at the University of South Florida in Tampa. That’s where he met Miao Xue. Xue was born and raised in China, but came to USF for grad school in 1999. He and Miller became friends and decided to get into e-commerce. They launched JMX—a blend of Miller’s and Xue’s initials—in 2003. But they weren’t sure what they wanted to sell.

47

THE CEO “We started with a concept in mind: ‘Here’s how we want to do e-commerce,’” Miller says. “I was trying to look for products. I started thinking, ‘Who do I know? What’s special about me or my knowledge?’” A Mennonite friend recommended he call on Amos Kaufman, a Pennsylvania woodworker who crafts 6-foot-tall decorative lighthouses. Miller and his wife, Linse Miller, who helped found the company, paid Kaufman a visit.

Kaufman was skeptical. Previous e-commerce pitches had failed to pan out. But when sales took off, Kaufman introduced the Millers to family members, neighbors and friends.

Miller says Amish and Mennonite crafters prioritize family and community over success in business, even when that means helping out a competitor. But entrepreneurs in both groups are still happy to hear the cash register ring.

MILLER'S SOLID ADVICE

The Millers spent much of the company’s early years driving through Pennsylvania cornfields looking for crafts, quilts and other goods to sell. As the site slowly took off, so did word of mouth among tight-knit Amish and Mennonite communities, and the couple eventually began collaborating with woodworkers in Ohio and then Indiana.

It was Linse who first suggested adding indoor furniture to the company’s catalogue. “We had been searching for furniture for our own home,” she says, “and it was really difficult to find solid wood.” Miller wasn’t sure indoor furniture would sell online. Would customers pay for an expensive dining room set they’d never laid eyes on? But Miller gave it a go. “I was dead wrong,” Miller admits. “The next year, we did half a million dollars in indoor furniture.”

JMX’s unique product management system easily displays the same product in different “packages” on different websites. A Kaufman lighthouse might be billed as an “Amish lighthouse” on one site, a “nautical lighthouse” on another, an “outdoors lighthouse” on another. That diversity allowed the company to sell the

PUT YOUR PERSONAL HISTORY AND CONNECTIONS TO WORK

DON’T BE AFRAID TO FAIL

In JMX’s early days, the company didn’t know what it was going to sell.

But Miller drew on his understanding of Amish and Mennonite cultures to identify Amish furniture as a product that would sell well online.

Understanding those cultures also helped him get a foot in the door with traditional woodworkers who might have otherwise passed.

"I want our team to work hard and do our best towards meeting or exceeding our longterm goals. We can’t have the fear of making mistakes conquer our minds; we learn from those mistakes and get stronger."

JMX’s new showroom features indoor furniture, such as this bedroom set, and outdoor furniture, opposite page.

48

941CEO

“THIS PRODUCT IS OLD WORLD. IT TAKES A LONG TIME. OUR CUSTOMERS FIND VALUE IN THAT.” same product to customers hunting online with very different searches and keywords. The company also focused heavily on building organic traffic from Google, not by advertising.

But online shopping has evolved.

“Our products are quite different from a pillow or electronic products,” says Xue, 42, a co-owner and the company’s vice president of international business. DutchCrafters furniture can be customized in a number of ways, with different woods, sizes and varnishes available. “We have 10,000 products, and each product has anywhere

HAPPY EMPLOYEES LEAD TO HAPPY CUSTOMERS "We strive towards higher employee satisfaction and engagement. That’s the only way we’d be able to keep our promise to the customers and delight them every time they receive a shipment."

with most online sales sites. A customer typically waits between six and eight weeks between ordering a piece of furniture and receiving it. JMX’s dedication to unhurried, painstaking craftsmanship has set it apart from the rushrush, deliver-it-yesterday ethos of Amazon.com, a company whose immense power looms over any discussion of online commerce. JMX products are highly customizable and only built after the customer places an order.

“You’re not getting it tomorrow; you’re not getting it next week,” Miller says. “This product is Old World. It takes a long time. A lot of our customers actually find value in that because it’s so different, sort of a novelty.”

JMX’s 25 sales, service, administrative and marketing employees work in an office above the furniture displays.

Miller wants the new showroom to cover its costs this year, and is also hoping to more aggressively pursue businessto-business opportunities like supplying furniture for restaurant chains. He’d like to concentrate on growing some of the company’s other brands, like its bamboo furniture division, JMX Bamboo. (DutchCrafters currently makes up 90 percent of JMX’s business.) The company also wants to invest in creating videos that tell stories about the company and its woodworkers.

Viral videos about Amish crafters? Might sound like a stretch. But JMX’s growing success shows that Old World and new media can come together and thrive. π

from a dozen to 100 different combinations,” Xue says. It was vital to develop a custom interface to let customers easily navigate through those options.

Getting customers to the site also has changed dramatically. In 2011, Google rolled out major updates to ranking search results, installing a system that looked at hundreds of factors to identify top websites. JMX began working with outside companies to optimize its search results and also invested in creating a website that works seamlessly on desktops, cell phones and tablets. More than 50 percent of traffic to the DutchCrafters site is now coming from mobile phones and tablets.

On the supplier end, JMX works with craftsmen who frequently don’t use email. “Some of them will only take paper,” Xue says. “We have to contact someone in their area and they will print out the email or fax and go deliver the message.”

Issues like that force the company, and customers, to embrace a slower process than A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

49

PERFECT MATCH Deb Knowles and

Larry Kabinoff met online, married and created a fast-growing residential real estate business in North Port.

N

ot many happily-ever-after Match.com stories begin with a real estate flip, but it worked for entrepreneurs Deb Knowles and Larry Kabinoff.

Four years after their first date in 2011, when they left lunch on the table to go see a potential investment house, the Kabinoffs have bought, rented and sold nearly 200 properties throughout the region. Then, as housing prices went up and distressed properties to renovate and rent became scarce, they evolved into building homes.

“We thought we would add them to our rental stock,” Deb says. “But we couldn’t keep any of them. We kept getting offers from people who wanted to buy them.”

50

BY

KIM HACKETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY

FRED LOPEZ

The couple now runs North Port-based GulfStar Homes, which builds amenity-packed houses in North Port for under $200,000. The city was a good starting point. Few developers were left after the recession, and Larry had amassed hundreds of lots over the years, paying as low as $4,000 a lot. GulfStar is now breaking ground on a new house every week, double the pace of 2015, and is moving into Port Charlotte.

GulfStar takes a different approach from most builders; instead of offering an array of costly options and upgrades, they build a one-price house with granite counters, porcelain tile, stainless steel appliances, landscaping and a sprinkler and security system, all for one price. “It’s turnkey,” says Larry. “We give new home buyers everything they want in a home for one low value price.”

With about $4.1 million in sales in 2015, GulfStar Homes is on a trajectory to be another successful business for two serial entrepreneurs who individually have built and sold several multimillion-dollar companies.

Deb, who has an M.B.A. from Cornell with a specialty in operations management, started Corporate Health Strategies in 1982 shortly after graduating. The company analyzed medical treatment protocols for corporations and insurers. It fetched millions of dollars when Deb, only 30 years old, later sold it to MetLife. A non-compete clause in the sales contract kept her out of the industry for two years and she spent the time as a consultant for Ernst & Young.

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Larry and Deb Kabinoff

“We bought some of the ugliest properties on the market.

Our motto was ‘the worse the better.’”

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

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GulfStar’s $171,000 Orion model has an open floor plan with a white European-style kitchen.

“Then I was out the door,” Deb says, and on to starting another business, nearly identical to the one she sold. She sold that company 10 years later to a conglomerate and moved to Florida to retire at the age of 42. She helped her nephew start a digital marketing company in Sarasota in 2003, and dabbled in real estate, accumulating rental properties that she managed herself. She also volunteered for area nonprofits. “I wasn’t very good at retiring,” she says.

Larry became an optometrist in Philadelphia in the mid-1970s, not because he wanted to give eye exams, but because he decided it would be profitable to develop eye care centers.

Since 2011, the Kabinoffs have bought, rented and sold nearly 200 properties throughout the region.

He already had become an adept builder after spending his childhood summers and winters fixing up bungalows in the Catskills, where his family owned a colony of vacation homes.

Over the next decade, he developed Philadelphia Vision Center, a chain of eye care clinics that specialized in designer frames. “Giving eye exams was so boring,” Kabinoff says. “Finding the right locations and designing the stores are what 52

I enjoyed.” He started selling off the stores in the late 1980s when changes in the medical industry resulted in lower reimbursement rates, making the eye clinics less profitable.

His next franchise idea came during a business trip to Los Angeles in the late 1990s. On famous Rodeo Drive he spotted a juice bar with long lines around the block. After visiting about 100 juice bars throughout California, he returned east with what he considered to be the best ideas and started Amazon Juice.

“It was such a new concept that I had problems getting supplies,” Larry says, adding that he would regularly commission a tractor trailer filled with 45,000 pounds of frozen strawberries from California because he couldn’t get the fruit anywhere else.

After selling 50 franchises and deciding he did not care for the industry, Larry sold out his interest in 1999 and moved to Miami to invest in real estate.

He bought a home in Venice in 2003 and eventually decided to relocate to the west coast. Since he paid mostly cash for property, he did not feel pressured to sell when the real estate market collapsed in 2008.

Larry took advantage of foreclosures during the downturn, fixing them up and renting them.

Deb followed a similar strategy, so by the time she spotted him on Match.com—her first time on the site—each had an inventory of property. There was a spark between them immediately as they dined at Libby’s in Southside Village. And then they started talking real estate.

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Deb mentioned that a house nearby had just come on the market. Larry replied, “Let’s go see it.”

They left half their lunches on the table to see the house and, soon after, put a joint offer on the shortsale property and became partners.

Their love grew along with their inventory of homes, which included some of the “ugliest properties on the market” with collapsed decks and sunken pools.

“Our motto was ‘the worse the better,’” Deb says. “We never had a loser.”

It may have been love at first sight, but Deb says marriage was “tax deferred.” Businesspeople through and through, they waited to tie the knot until it made sense financially.

“I proposed in the tax attorney’s office,” Larry recalls. “[The attorney] told us, ‘It makes sense to get married now.’ So I turned to Deb and asked, ‘Will you marry me?’”

“I’ll have to talk to my accountant first,” Deb says she replied.

The couple says they bring different strengths to their partnership. Larry is the visionary with a background in building; Deb, an M.B.A. and financial wizard, is slow and steady. “He’ll say, ‘Wouldn’t it look great to have a water wall here?’” Deb says. “And I’ll say, ‘We’re getting one of those plug-in fountains from Home Depot.’”

Their focus on constructing new houses instead of rehabbing old ones came in 2013 as housing prices started to rise. Larry decided it wouldn’t cost much more to build a new home, and he already owned dozens of scattered lots in North Port.

“The plan was to build a perfect house for us to own as a rental,” and build lots of them, Deb says.

They built one model, the Orion, a 1,437-squarefoot, three-bedroom, two-bath house. It has an open floor plan with white European-style kitchen cabinets, Moen faucets and stainless steel appliances with a five-year extended warranty. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet with an organizer; the lanai is 170 square feet; and the yard is landscaped with trees, bushes and sod. After finding out what features would lower insurance costs, they added impactresistant windows and an alarm. Larry recently decided to upgrade the baseboards in the houses from 3¼ inch to 5¼ inch after calculating that it would only add $160 to the cost of a house to give it a more luxurious look.

The house sells for $171,000, period.

A year-and-a-half after launching GulfStar, the Kabinoffs have hired a salesperson and a construction manager and have expanded their offerings from one model to five, adding more colors and cabinet A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

GulfStar homes attract retired middle-class buyers.

GulfStar Homes made $4.1 million in sales in 2015 and is now breaking ground on a new house every week, double the 2015 pace. choices, but still the same one-price philosophy. Their homes are attracting retired police officers from the Midwest and Northeast and other retired middle-class buyers. Young working families are buying them, too. “They are all end users who are moving into the houses,” Larry says.

The Kabinoffs plan to hire more employees to double production. “I want to set up the business so I can spend more time on the creative end,” Larry says.

In their off time, the Kabinoffs hike, bike and kayak in Sarasota and in Colorado, where they own a second home.

But work is never far from their minds.

“We’ll be looking at a sunset and Larry will say, ‘We should use that color in our palette,’” Deb says. ■ 53

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

Allen Carlson CEO, Sun Hydraulics

● BY KIM HACKETT

F

OR 15 YEARS, ALLEN CARLSON DIRECTED SUN HYDRAULICS’ world operations from a cubicle, working next to rank-and-file employees in an open office adjoining a small lake near the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. From his casual dress and his titleless business card, you wouldn’t have known that Carlson oversaw a power fluid company with operations in seven countries, including Germany and China.

Sun transitioned from a privately held concern that makes cartridges, manifolds and electronics to an international publicly traded company with more than $200 million in sales last year. The company has become a case study in M.B.A. programs for its flat corporate structure that avoids organization charts and titles and treats people the same whether they are in charge of marketing in Korea or grinding the coffee beans in the company’s cafeteria.

Before Carlson retired this spring, he told us about handling the demands of investors, operating companies in foreign countries and how to get the best out of employees.

“When you have foreign operations, let the local management run the company. We hire the right people, expose them to the corporate culture here in Sarasota and they take what they’ve learned back with them. Our foreign operations have the same layout, the same lighting and the same kind of environment.

There are things that are adjustable based on the culture and some things that are not. We have a list of commandments of the things we won’t do; we have no titles, no organization charts and no sales forecasts.”

“You can’t predict the unpredictable. Our approach is to do the best we can. Money has not been a driving issue, and we don’t feel like our backs are against the wall. We don’t predict quarterly earnings or sales.”

“Many people don’t know that I grew up on a 3,000-acre dairy farm in northern Wisconsin. I cut hay in the summer. We heated our home with firewood and we ate 54

“Don’t worry about investors.

That’s the best advice I received.”

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what we killed, venison and beef. We never had a lot of money, but we never went without. It’s a pretty good way to go through life."

“Sometimes the best way to know what you want to do is to know what you don’t want to do. When it came to a career, I eliminated all the other possibilities and the only thing left was to be a complete dropout or an engineer.

I had a four-year scholarship to study engineering and quit after two years. That was an interesting time with my parents. I wasn’t having fun in school and I had found a job as a technician for a hydraulics company. My boss said, ‘You need to go back to school.’ It took me 11 years to finish a four-year degree.”

“Keep it simple. If you look at our financials, we use lots of laymen terms; we do not use industry jargon. You should explain something as if you were talking to a fifth grader.”

“Don’t worry about investors; you’ll get the investors you deserve. That’s the best advice I received, from an early investor in the company. If you start responding to next quarter, if you start projecting sales will go up 20 percent when you don’t know, you’ll get speculators, not investors. We are building a long-term investor base.”

SALVATORE BRANCIFORT

“Successful people are people who never give up. Their perseverance is very strong. In the long run don’t think of life as a sprint, think of it as a marathon; just because you won one leg doesn’t mean you’ve won.”

“Always ask, ‘What does success look like?’ What’s your objective? And how do you know when you’ve reached it? So many companies don’t set goals and then they get scope creep. State the objective early on, not halfway through a project.”

“You have to let people fail. Our product development team introduced a lower cost value line a few years ago.

And it’s been disappointing. But you have to give people a leash to succeed or fail. Sometimes they succeed when you thought they had no chance at all. Our team created an innovative smartphone application that can control hard-to-reach hydraulic valves.”

“The idea that I am retiring from life is not true. I’m retiring as CEO of a company. I’m transitioning to something else.

I’m going to join some other boards. I’d like to be on the board of an Asian company and one in Europe.”

“Ask if you need something. That’s my advice to my successor [Wolfgang H. Dangel]. I’m not going to offer unsolicited advice. The last thing the new guy wants is to have the old CEO tell him what he would do.” ■ A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

Daniel J. Forssell, AAI

Brett M. Lacey

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TOURISM BEAT

Live Like a Local

family, compared to 54 percent of trips taken by baby boomers.

The new marketing plan also reflects real experience. No staged photos. No flawless models. “We’re trying to not have that overly stylized model look, because nobody relates to it,” says director of brand Erin Duggan. And if they can’t relate to it, they won’t come.

● BY COOPER LEVEY-BAKER

Hashtag, please Visit Sarasota is creating new hashtags and encouraging users to take them up, Duggan says. That simplifies the process of searching for and sharing positive material on social media and also offers an opportunity to interact with locals and potential visitors alike.

In Austin, Texas, for example, the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau created the marker #TrueAustin and then tasked “resident experts” to monitor the hashtag and respond to visitor interest and questions.

While tourist desires may be shifting, the average age of a Sarasota

Today’s tourists want an insider’s experience.

T

OURISTS DON’T TRAVEL LIKE THEY USED TO. Generational shifts are affecting the travel habits and desires of emerging demographics. More travelers are interested in “living like a local.” That means staying in nontraditional lodgings in residential neighborhoods, shunning tour groups, connecting with local merchants and searching out off-thebeaten-path cuisine.

“It’s a desire for an authentic cultural experience,” says Visit Sarasota County president Virginia Haley. “It’s not just the arts. Visitors want to get into the local food scene; they want to live the way people live in this community. They don’t want to be surrounded by fellow visitors. They want to know that the people at the tables around them are locals.”

Faced with that shift, area tourism agencies are rethinking how they market the region and connect with potential visitors. Visit Sarasota County’s 2016 marketing plan aims to attract out-of-towners and “inspire pride in locals” largely through social media. Locals are already taking photos that show Sarasota County at its best and sharing them with friends and relatives in other cities. Why not harness those user-generated images to influence travelers?

So-called VFR trips (“visiting friends and relatives”) make up a significant chunk of Sarasota County tourism, and demographic trends suggest it might grow even more important.

The U.S. Travel Association found that in 2014, 61 percent of trips taken by millennials were to visit friends and

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and the elected officials who represent them, may not be keen on a campaign that focuses on Sarasota. Haley says it’s simply a matter of deciding what’s best for the brand, then convincing stakeholders from around the county that areas outside Sarasota won’t be neglected.

Authentic Bradenton Since 2012, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau has been using the tagline “Real Authentic Florida.” Executive director Elliott Falcione says the concept perfectly captures the character of Manatee County. “We’re a low-rise, low-key, detox environment,” he says. That’s one reason why tourists stay longer in Manatee County than in other parts of Florida.

The average trip to Manatee lasts six days; the statewide average is four.

The Manatee bureau also notices an uptick in interest in the “living like a local” experience. “When travel writers come to the area, they say, ‘Give us

“VISITORS WANT TO LIVE THE WAY PEOPLE LIVE IN THIS COMMUNITY. THEY DON’T WANT TO BE SURROUNDED BY FELLOW VISITORS.” County tourist remains in the 49-52 range, Haley estimates. And tried-andtrue markets like Boston, New York and Chicago are still driving much of the traffic.

County-less Marketing challenges exist.

Feedback from focus groups consistently shows negative associations with the word “county.”

People think of county jails or county landfills. But it’s not so simple just to drop “county” from the logo. Visit Sarasota County does, after all, receive Tourist Development Tax dollars from rentals throughout the county, including North Port and Venice. The county estimates that $5.8 million total in bed taxes will be collected in fiscal year 2016. Residents in South County,

things the average visitor wouldn’t do,’” says director of communications Kelly Clark.

Be social The Manatee agency promotes content on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, but Facebook remains far and away the organization’s most successful platform. That’s a positive for Manatee County, because Facebook is populated by exactly the consumers that the CVB wants to attract. Clark says the organization is reaching primarily users between the ages of 45 and 65, and lots of women, who often tend to make decisions about travel. The organization is also buying ads on social media, taking advantage of the ability to target specific niche demographics. ■ 941CEO

SP ONS ORED R EPOR T

MEET

THE MEMBERS OF

In business, few interactions provide the quality of relationship that results from meeting face-to-face. At the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, we understand that.

We work hard to connect, educate and strengthen our unique business community. We’re proud of our role to bring people together. Let us introduce you to some of the inspiring and influential Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance members from a diverse selection of businesses, services and industries.

S P ONS OR ED R EPOR T M E ET TH E M E M B E RS OF L AKE WOOD R ANCH B USIN E SS ALLIANCE

Darren R. Inverso ESQ., NORTON, HAMMERSLEY, LOPEZ & SKOKOS, P.A. LWRBA CHAIR

“The Alliance is a common denominator to hundreds of businesses and over a thousand individuals on a daily basis to help me build my business and achieve my goals. It is never a question of “fitting in” an Alliance opportunity but rather putting the Alliance first.”

Carlos Cardenas

Virginia Phillips

OASIS OUTSOURCING

OWNER, PRESIDENT & COO,

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT

20 MINUTES TO FITNESS

“Are you looking for workforce solutions that improve efficiencies in your business?

Do you need more time to focus on the growth of your core business? Are you concerned about everchanging regulatory requirements?

As a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), Oasis Outsourcing can help.”

“After learning how important it is to rebuild the muscle we lose as we age, I knew that 20 Minutes to Fitness was a game changer for everyone who wanted to have the best quality of life possible without spending hours in a gym.”

Ben Ward BRANCH MANAGER, PIPER FIRE PROTECTION “Piper Fire Protection has been protecting businesses through fire protection for over 30 years. Our mission is to advocate life safety for our customers in the communities where we live, work and serve.”

Heather Kasten Richard Fletcher CEO, LAKEWOOD RANCH MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL

“At Lakewood Ranch Medical Center we are proud of our team’s ongoing commitment to providing each patient with the best quality of care. We’re also excited about current and future expansions to our service offerings for Lakewood Ranch and its surrounding communities.”

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LAKEWOOD RANCH BUSINESS ALLIANCE

“The Alliance is all about the power of connection— connecting members with members, as well as the knowledge and tools they need to grow their businesses. When asked if our members would recommend our organization, 95 percent of respondents said YES.”

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SP ONS ORED R EPOR T

Michelle Crabtree BROKER ASSOCIATE, PREMIER SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

“I worked for the developer of Lakewood Ranch as the Information Center Manager and remember celebrating the 1,000th homeowner; how it has grown! As a Realtor serving this masterplanned community, it is only natural to join the LWRBA.”

Dominic A. DiMaio PRESIDENT AND CEO, SYNOVUS BANK OF FLORIDA

Dianne Kopczynski PARTNER AT MAULDIN & JENKINS, LLC & LWRBA BOARD MEMBER

"The LWRBA is about more than just showing up to events. It’s about the excellent long-term relationships I have built. Fellow members are also eager to make those

“Our combination of traditional banking services with treasury and wealth management makes Synovus a great choice for commercial customers and was validated recently with recognition of 26 Greenwich Customer Service Excellence awards in Middle Market and Small Business Banking. Only two banks won more than Synovus.”

great connections. It’s local businesses helping each other to become successful!"

Ted Ehrlichman Michael A. Moran PRESIDENT, WILDE INSURANCE SERVICES

“For 70 years, the Wilde family has been dedicated to bringing value-added services to their customers. Wilde Insurance Services is proud and excited to be a part of the Wilde Automotive Family. We are about people, not policies.”

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

PRESIDENT/CEO, CAREERSOURCE SUNCOAST

“We empower our customers to move from job seekers to career managers.

Our highly performing local Suncoast employers demand—and deserve—the talent they need to be successful and grow their businesses. We’re here to help make the connections.”

David E. Sessions PRESIDENT/CEO, WILLIS SMITH CONSTRUCTION

“We are fortunate to be headquartered in Lakewood Ranch and our sustainable headquarters is a case study on sustainability. We are now “net-zero” in power usage, meaning our solar system produces as much power as we consume on an annual basis.”

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S P ONS OR ED R EPOR T M E ET TH E M E M B E RS OF L AKE WOOD R ANCH B USIN E SS ALLIANCE

Jennifer Lee INVESTMENT ADVISOR, MODERN-WEALTH, LLC

“Modern-Wealth is about more than money.

It's about quality of life, richness of experience, setting goals and dreams. Our firm is passionate about supporting our clients for a lifetime.”

Robert Meade CEO, DOCTORS HOSPITAL

Heather Williams CPA/CFP, SHAREHOLDER, KERKERING BARBERIO & CO. LWRBA BOARD MEMBER

“I value the LWRBA’s philosophy to connect and

“Our mission is to provide exceptional and personalized care to every patient, every day with warmth, friendliness and personal pride. Our team

strengthen our business community. As a business

of highly skilled health care

leader and a founding member of the Young Leaders

professionals have earned

Alliance (YLA), it is important to me to pass the “Power of Connection” onto the next generation.”

national recognition for outstanding quality.”

• 24/7 Emergency Services • Cardiovascular Services • Orthopaedic Spine and Joint Center • Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery • Women & Children’s Center • Imaging/Radiology Services • Sleep Center • Physical Therapy Center • Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center • Breast Health Center • Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine

For more information about the advanced medical services at our hospital, visit www.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com 8330 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton, FL 34202 | 941-782-2100 Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. 160071 2/16

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941CEO

S P ONS OR ED R EPOR T M E ET TH E M E M B E RS OF L AKE WOOD R ANCH B USIN E SS ALLIANCE

Kirk Boylston PRESIDENT, LAKEWOOD RANCH COMMERCIAL

“Lakewood Ranch Commercial is an industry leader with a strong reputation

Kathy Collums SR. VICE PRESIDENT, SABAL PALM BANK

“Sabal Palm

in commercial real estate services.

Bank is a locally

Our impressive portfolio of business

owned bank that

opportunities includes land

is positioned to

lots, office suites, retail space,

be the bank of

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choice for people

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who want to do

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Angela Massaro-Fain

include site selection,

local institution.

PRESIDENT &

market analysis, contract

We focus on

FOUNDER, GRAPEVINE

negotiations, interim

engagement with

COMMUNICATIONS

“We’ve strategically

financing, permanent financing,

the community

construction and property management to

and actively

chosen Lakewood Ranch

qualified prospects. We are committed to

look for growth

as the home for both our

excellence and built for business.”

opportunities.”

company and our family.

It’s a centrally located

Patrick Del Medico COO, AL PURMORT INSURANCE “We have great people who are incredibly smart and genuinely passionate about supporting and protecting our clients, their families and their businesses. This foundation, combined with a culture of doing whatever it takes to satisfy a client, is the reason we have successfully insured people for over 30 years!”

Brice Hoopingarner PRESIDENT/CEO, KEETON’S OFFICE & ART SUPPLY

“With over a 36-year tenure, I am honored to continue to serve the local market with an outstanding team of dedicated employees deeply rooted in the community in which we serve. Our third-generation business is uniquely positioned to continue this commitment for years to come.”

community of growth, amazing people and thriving businesses. We’re proud to be here —and we wouldn’t have it any other way!”

Craig Johnson MBA, CPA, PRESIDENT & CEO, FCCI INSURANCE GROUP

“FCCI Insurance Group currently operates in 18 states, but we couldn’t be prouder to be founded and headquartered in Lakewood Ranch. This community supports FCCI’s principles of taking care of people and doing the right thing, as well as innovation and growth.”

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941CEO

We supply businesses with everything from the boardroom to the breakroom, locally and nationally. The "big box" stores may not always give you the attention you deserve. We take the time to understand your needs and analyze your purchases to help you run a more cost effective office - because we've been doing this since 1951.

S P ONS OR ED R EPOR T M E ET TH E M E M B E RS OF L AKE WOOD R ANCH B USIN E SS ALLIANCE

Lou Marinaccio

John R. Barnott DIRECTOR, BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT

AREA PRESIDENT, GALLAGHER MGA LWRBA BOARD MEMBER

SERVICES, MANATEE COUNTY GOVERNMENT LWRBA BOARD MEMBER

“The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance

“Lakewood Ranch is a model development, one of the best in the country. It has a beneficial combination of residential and commercial development that enhances a wonderful quality of life in the area. Lakewood Ranch brings to life the true meaning of ‘live, work and play.’”

is the hub for all business activity.

It is member-centric and a must-join for businesses of any size. The Alliance opens doors to our community. As a past chairman, I’m still active and a strong advocate for the LWRBA.”

Timothy Novak DIRECTOR, MASTERS IN HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM AT LECOM

“LECOM’s Masters in Health Services Administration program delivers the knowledge and skills required to plan, direct and lead today’s health service organizations. Designed for busy working professionals seeking to advance their education in as little as 18 months utilizing our dynamic 24/7 online portal system.”

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941CEO

“I wanted to stay fit, but hated working out in a gym.”

BY AL ROACH

For a long time, I knew strength training was important - especially as we hit age 50 and up. I knew it helped control arthritis, hypertension, diabetes and other age-related problems.

But here’s the thing: I didn’t like going to the gym and the time it took 3 to 4 times a week, nor did I like the contracts they wanted me to sign. Then once I was there, I didn’t like waiting for the machines. I never knew if I was lifting the right amount of weight.

If I was going to stay fit as I grew older, there would have to be an easier way.

“I loved working out in a gym, but hated the toll it took on my body.”

BY VIRGINIA PHILLIPS-ROACH

I started going to the gym in 1990, hoping that strength training would help resolve the debilitating migraine headaches I was experiencing. My plan worked – and I got hooked on exercise in the process. So hooked that I became a competitive body builder.

But the training took a toll. By my late 40’s, my body parts were starting to wear out. Rotator cuff surgery was all the proof I needed that something was going to have to change.

But change to what? How could I safely build my strength and stay toned while preventing the health-related problems associated with muscle loss?

Finally, we found something we could both agree on:

20 Minutes to Fitness® On a 2003 business trip to St. Louis, we discovered a clinically-based At first, we were as skeptical as you probably are. After spending the next strength training regimen that would change our lives forever. year conducting more research on this strength-training method, we were convinced - so convinced that we bought the company! We now operate Proven more effective than other methods of building lean muscle mass, this our own 20 Minutes to Fitness studio in Sarasota, adding to the two in St. approach involved working out on special physical therapy equipment.

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S P ONS OR ED R EPOR T M E ET TH E M E M B E RS OF L AKE WOOD R ANCH B USIN E SS ALLIANCE

Mark Dunlop Candice McElyea

Susan Goldstein

PRESIDENT, THREE SIX OH PR

“Our Lakewood Ranch-based PR firm specializes in full-service public relations, social media and customer service training for a diverse group of clients.

We excel in uncovering newsworthy nuggets about your company and creating compelling content to be shared. What’s your story?”

MBA, CCIM, COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST, MICHAEL

VICE PRESIDENT, BANKUNITED

“BankUnited has established itself as the premier business bank in Florida and I am thrilled

SAUNDERS & COMPANY

to represent BankUnited

COMMERCIAL DIVISION

in Lakewood Ranch.

LWRBA BOARD MEMBER

“I take a consultative approach to ensure commercial

The Business Alliance is opening many doors for us in this community.”

real estate objectives are met with precision. Using creative and dynamic strategies, my mission is exceptional results —whether selling land for an apartment complex or orchestrating the acquisition of property for a business’s use.”

Michelle Crabtree A third generation local and Broker Sales Associate since 1982, Michelle is dedicated to serving your needs in Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch.

2016 Five Star Real Estate Agents “Best in Client Satisfaction” – 9 Years | Women’s Council of Realtors 2013 “Entrepreneur of the Year” & 2009 “Business Woman of the Year” | 2013 & 2007 SAR “Meritorious Service Award” | 2013 Florida Realtor Honor Society – 7 Years | 2010 Director, Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR) – 3 Year Term | 2008 WCR Sarasota Chapter President | 2005 WCR Sarasota “Realtor of the Year” 2015 Florida Realtors Honor Society

Realtor®, Broker, Associate

CLHMS, CRS, CIPS, GRI, PMN, ABR, SRES, TRC, RSPS, AHWD, SFR, GREEN

941.724.4663(HOME) michelle.crabtree@sothebysrealty.com www.crabtreehomes.com Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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941CEO

S P ONS OR ED R EPOR T M E ET TH E M E M B E RS OF L AKE WOOD R ANCH B USIN E SS ALLIANCE

Steve Hall CEBS, CHRP, CSFS, ALLTRUST INSURANCE

“As a past board member of the LWRBA and a local business on the Ranch, I have enjoyed every aspect of our affiliation with the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. By far the greatest asset the Alliance has to offer our members is the people.”

John Bradshaw OWNER, LYTEWORKS

Jeff Maultsby

HALLIDAY FINANCIAL

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SARASOTA COUNTY GOVERNMENT

“For Joanne and me, the ultimate success of LyteWorks will always be fulfilled in the relationships

David Fink REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT,

LWRBA BOARD MEMBER

LWRBA BOARD MEMBER

“In my role with Halliday Financial, it is vital

“In my position, having great relationships with business owners and decision

for me to be a part of the community. The

makers is beneficial. One of the

Alliance has created

with our clients, as well

most useful things the Alliance

an environment for me

as with our employees.

provides me is the opportunity

to build relationships,

This demands a very

to network with and get to

get involved, have my

personal touch in our

know great business leaders in

voice heard and make

that we build and nurture

creative journey together.”

Lakewood Ranch.”

It’s our neighborhood.

a difference.”

As a commercial property and casualty insurer, FCCI keeps our promises so businesses can thrive, manage risks and face the future with confidence.

As a business founded in Sarasota and a member of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, we are pleased to be a part of business growth, partnership and vibrant development in our community.

General liability • Auto • Property • Crime • Workers’ compensation • Umbrella Inland marine • Agribusiness • Surety

800-226-3224 | www.fcci-group.com

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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST Proud to be a board member of Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Living, working and playing in Lakewood Ranch Top producing associate in 2015 for MS&C Commercial Division

SUSANGOLDSTEIN 941.350.9747 or 941.907.9595 susan@srqgold.com

michaelsaunders.com/commercial | 100 South Washington Boulevard | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.957.3730

Wealth Management and Transition Planning for DIVORCE • RETIREMENT • SALE OF BUSINESS • INHERITANCE • LOSS OF SPOUSE

At Modern-Wealth we have a passion for supporting our clients: from break up to triumph, from employee to thriving retiree, from business sale to succession plan, and through other personal financial transitions.

Schedule a no obligation/no cost consultation to evaluate if we are a good fit for you.

(941) 251-0510

About Jennifer Lee Jennifer Lee is a registered investment advisor representative with h Beck, Inc. She has more than 19 years of experience working with businesses, families and women in transition. She listens, evaluates and provides personalized financial strategies, budgeting, consultation, planning strategy, cash flow planning, investment advisory and tax-advantaged strategies. She is the founder of Modern-wealth, LLC, an all-woman financial firm in Lakewood Ranch.

6710 Professional Parkway W., Suite 201B, Sarasota, FL 34240 Jennifer@Modern-wealth.com | Modern-wealth.com Securities and investment advisory services offered through h. Beck, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Modern wealth, LLC and h Beck Inc. are not affiliated. neither h. Beck, Inc. nor Modern wealth provides tax or legal advice. Please consult a qualified tax/legal advisor regarding your own specific tax/legal situation.

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

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SP ONS ORED R EPOR T M E ET TH E M E M B E RS OF L AKE WOOD R ANCH B USIN E SS ALLIANCE

Ryan McIntyre VICE PRESIDENT, ME&S GENERAL CONTRACTORS, INC. LWRBA BOARD MEMBER, YLA CHAIR

“The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance differentiates itself from other local organizations by providing unique networking events and personal development programs. The membership base strives to see everyone succeed —if someone cannot help you personally, they will point you in the direction of someone who can.”

Jamie Kane

Ashley Brown

PRESIDENT, SANDLER TRAINING

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER OF MANATEE

“Sandler gives clients access to the most innovative and visionary concepts in sales and

“I believe in the work of the

sales management. By providing “actionable”

Women’s Resource Center of

strategic and tactical techniques and the chance

Manatee. When you empower

to collaborate with other like-minded professionals

a woman you change a

who are serious about improving their businesses, we give

life and strengthen our

our clients a road map to increased revenue.”

community!”

EARN YOUR MASTERS IN HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION DEGREE ONLINE

LECOM is proud to introduce a distance education program to prepare qualified health care leaders to meet the challenges of 21st Century medicine. With the LECOM MHSA degree you will be ready to step into an administrative role in hospitals, health care facilities, public health organizations or private practices.

• Designed to provide working professionals with the skills needed to become top health care administrators; • Over 90% of the courses are delivered online by experienced faculty members; • 18-month and 24-month programs meet busy professional schedules For more information, contact us at 941-405-1535 or mhsa@lecom.edu.

LECOM LAKE ERIE COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

70

College of Osteopathic Medicine • School of Pharmacy • School of Dental Medicine School of Graduate Studies • Masters/Post Baccalaureate *Students must apply to the MHSA program prior to enrollment deadline to qualify. www.LECOM.edu 941CEO

SP ONS ORED R EPOR T

One Smart COOkie.

2015 Biz (941) Magazine “Greater Good Philanthropy” Award – Small Business 2015 Best of SRQ “Best Marketing/ PR Agency” – 2 years in a row 2015 Gulf Coast Business Review “Gulf Coast Top 500” – 8 years in a row

It takes a bit more than a bland cookie-cutter approach to achieve sweet success.

That’s why smart businesses choose Grapevine Communications.

From dazzling design, copywriting and website development to effective brand launches, media planning & buying, social media & public relations initiatives and more, our full-time team of creative professionals provides fresh, strategic solutions designed to bring real results.

The SeCReT To GeTTinG AheAd iS GeTTinG STARTed. So, GeT CRACkinG. Give uS A CAll TodAY.

2014 Small Business Award Manatee Chamber of Commerce 2014 Tampa Bay Business Journal “Top 25 Advertising Agencies of SW Florida” – 12 years in a row 2010 Small Business of the Year Award Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

941.351.0024 – www.grapeinc.com

commitment & quality

More than 98 years as trusted advisors

Who are building relationships exceeding expectations dedicated to clients and the profession

941-747-4483 | mjcpa.com

1401 Manatee Ave W | Suite 1200 Bradenton, FL 34205

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

Audit | Compliance | Tax | Consulting Alison Wester, CPA | Partner awester@mjcpa.com Dianne Kopczynski, CPA, CIA | Partner dkopczynski@mjcpa.com 71

SP ONS ORED R EPOR T

You can become a member today!

CONTACT Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance 8430 Enterprise Circle Suite 140

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is a strong

Lakewood Ranch

community-driven membership organization that

FL 34202

focuses on business growth, building genuine connections, education and service. This might be the

Phone: 941-757-1664

perfect place to take your business to the next level.

www.lwrba.org

✔ Full service public relations ✔ Compelling content creation ✔ Crisis communications ✔ Social media management

THREESIXOH

✔ Customer service and sales training ✔ Political messaging and strategy

PR that Counts

THREE SIX OH PR IS A LAKEWOOD RANCH BASED FIRM SERVING CLIENTS BOTH LOCALLY AND NATIONALLY.

Check out how we can help your business grow at

threesixohpr.com

Candice McElyea president of

THREESIXOH Public Relations

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rESt EASY

wIth OUr 15-YEAr FIxEd rAtE BUSINESS LOAN!

If you are a business owner looking to purchase or refinance an owneroccupied commercial property, we are here to help. Turn to BankUnited for fast solutions on financing and enjoy a little relaxation.

PROMOTIONAL BUSINESS LOAN OFFER

rAtES AS LOw AS

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* Loan amounts up to $3 million * 15-year amortization * Up to 80% financing available

APr

15-YEAr FIxEd rAtE

CALL ME tOdAY tO tAkE AdvANtAgE OF thIS grEAt LOAN OFFEr!

Mark dunlop | 941-761-8235

* Low origination fee of 0.25% * 5/4/3/2/1 pre payment penalty1

This not a commitment to lend. Loans subject to credit and collateral approval. Origination fees and pre-payment penalties may apply. Offer available only on first lien positions on owner-occupied real estate and only available to new commercial business relationship to BankUnited.

Program, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. BankUnited reserves the right to cancel or modify this offer at anytime without notice. Other restrictions, limitations and fees may apply. Please contact a BankUnited representative for additional details.

1 In the event of a pre-payment, in whole or in part, a pre-payment penalty (“penalty�) shall be assessed as follows: (1) Before the 1st anniversary date of the loan, the penalty will equal 5% of the principal amount prepaid; (2) before the 2nd, 4% of the principal amount prepaid; (3) before the 3rd, 3% of the principal amount prepaid; (4) before the 4th, 2% of the principal amount prepaid; and (5) before the 5th, 1% of the principal amount prepaid. Prepayment penalty shall not apply if the prepayment occurs after the fifth anniversary date.

www.bankunited.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

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SP ONS ORED R EPOR T

Here is where business meets opportunity. synovusbankfl.com | 1.888.317.0085

Banking products are provided by Synovus Bank, Member FDIC. Divisions of Synovus Bank operate under multiple trade names across the Southeast.

30 Years of Success!

Mission Mission We innovative and Service-Obsessed organization that exists We areare anan innovative and Service-Obsessed organization that exists develop and deliver consistently evolving Workforce Solutions which toto develop and deliver consistently evolving Workforce Solutions which contribute substantially our clients’ success. contribute substantially toto our clients’ success.

LifeValues is full of compromises.

Values Your business shouldn’t be.

If you have integrity, nothing else matters; if you not have integrity, If you have integrity, nothing else matters; if you dodo not have integrity,

nothing else matters.

We give employees the tools and opportunity nothing else matters.

We give allall employees the tools and opportunity toto

To attractmake andaretain the best employees, you haveand to set difference.

We deliver what promise, only promise what make a difference.

We deliver what wewe promise, and only promise what yourself apart. When you partner with Oasis Outsourcing, can deliver. wewe can deliver. you are immediately able to offer your employees benefits programs on par with those commonly found at Fortune 500 companies.

The Protection Your Business and Family Deserve!

ARE YOU COVERED?

As a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) offering integrated, cost-effective solutions for your business, Oasis Outsourcing brings remarkable value to you and your company.

To learn more, contact us today: Kasey MacTavish Professional Employer Consultant 941-554-3187 kmactavish@OasisAdvantage.com Visit us online at www.OasisAdvantage.com.

2054 Vista Parkway, West Palm Beach, Florida 33411 2054 Vista Parkway, West Palm Beach, Florida 33411 T: (866) AT-OASIS(866) (866)AT-OASIS 286-2747 (866) F: (941) 378-0066 286-2747 Visit us online at www.OasisAdvantage.com Visit us online at www.OasisAdvantage.com

Sarasota Bradenton Tampa Ft. Myers Naples Learn More

74

BLOG BLOG

In Florida, Outsourcing is licensed

by DBPR # GL42).

In Texas, ‘Oasis Outsourcing’ means Outsourcing III, Inc In Florida, OasisOasis Outsourcing is licensed

by DBPR (Lic. #(Lic. GL42).

In Texas, ‘Oasis Outsourcing’ means OasisOasis Outsourcing III, Inc

Learn More

800-713-5763 alpurmort.com

OASIS OASIS

Connect Connect withwith us us

HR SERVICES | EMPLOYEE BENEFITS | PAYROLL ADMIN | RISK MANAGEMENT

941CEO

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Sandler Training Finding Power In Reinforcement

®

Sandler provides training solutions and consulting for small- to medium-sized businesses as well as corporate training for Fortune 1000 companies. We work with you to identify the training solution that best suits you or your organization.

Our training is based on the concepts of incremental growth and change — supported by reinforcement, business coaching and accountability.

Sandler has more than three decades of experience helping professionals like you grow and businesses like yours succeed. We have both the reputation and the results to prove it! If you’re looking to move up to the next level or to learn more about our various training solutions, contact Jamie Kane at (941) 907-1520 and let us know how we can help.

6371 Business Blvd. • Sarasota, FL 34240 • www.jamiekane.sandler.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

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SP ONS ORED R EPOR T

• Health • Dental • Automotive • Homeowners • and More!

Offering insurance is one more way to bring value-added services to our customers and the community. We will anticipate and meet the needs of our customers while exceeding their expectations.

www.WildeInsuranceFL.com 941 - 203 - 8000

Remarkable Realtors With Unique Buyers Deserve Exemplary Loan Services Mental Health Counseling Employment Coaching Enrichment Classes Legal Workshops Latina Empowerment

Kathy Collums

Sarasota City Executive, Sr. Vice President

RemaRkably betteR banking . kcollums@sabalpalmbank.com 5101 Fruitville Road, Suite 100, Sarasota, FL 34232 941.361.1122 • SabalPalmBank.com 76

Career Closet

Information & Referral Services

1926 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 www.wrcmanatee.org 941-747-6797 Empowering Women, Changing Lives & Strengthening our Community

941CEO

SP ONS ORED R EPOR T

A DESIGNER SHOWCASE THAT WILL LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS • Elan Corbett Visual Comfort • Hubbardton Forge • Fine Art Lamps • Tech Lighting • Regina Andrew • ET2 • Kichler • Emerson • Schonbek • Fanamation • Savoy House • Quoizel • George Kovaksks • Uttermost • •

816 E. Manatee Ave. Bradenton 34208 941.745.2900 LyteWorks.com

Monday - Friday 9:30 - 6:00 Saturday 10:00 - 5:00

10 minutes posting your job online 30 minutes arranging advertising 30 minutes reviewing resumes 20 minutes scheduling interviews 2 hours interviewing your best applicants 20 minutes finding assessment tests 10 minutes arranging background checks What will you do with YOUR time?

Use MySuncoastTalent.com to quickly purchase items and track candidates.

Connect with a Talent Consultant at (941) 358-4080 ext. 3112

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

77

FAST TRACK TALK

▶▶

JEDIDIAH “JED”

promoted to chief operating officer; and BRANDY HUDSON

L I P P I N C O T T,

B R A N DY H U D S O N , event manager, Seafood Shack Enterprises. ▶▶ D R . L E O C H E N , quantitative analyst; and G A B R I E L H A M E N T , foundations and charitable accounts, Cumberland Advisors.

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▶▶ M E G A N L A N D I S D E L L , family law associate, law firm of Syprett Meshad. ▶▶ B R I A N D . B U R K E , M . D . , orthopedic surgeon, Intercoastal Medical Group. ▶ ▶ PA U L M O N T OYA , M . D . , family practice physician, First Physicians Group. ▶▶ V I C T O R I A K A S D A N , executive director, We Care Manatee. ▶ ▶ R O B E R T F. B E N D U S , historical resources manager, Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources.

▶▶

ELIZABETH M.

and J U L I A N A associate attorneys, law firm of Williams Parker. ▶ ▶ D AV E G A L L A G H E R , promoted to general manager, The Beach House restaurant.

S TA M O U L I S FERRO,

▶▶ J O E V I S G A I T I S , safety manager, Suffolk Construction. ▶ ▶ D A N H A L K YA R D , senior product manager, S-One Holdings Corporation. ▶ ▶ A M Y P R A N G E R , promoted to bid manager; J O H N C A S S A R A , sales manager; and S U Z A N N E I N M A N , accounting department head, Florida Fence.

DAVID GUMPPER ▶ ▶ J E N H O R VAT , chief marketing officer; and D AV I D G U M P P E R , chief technology officer; Michael Saunders & Company. ▶ ▶ K AT H L E E N C R O T E A U , promoted to building official, Sarasota County government.

GINA WHITE

▶▶ D E R R I C K D . H E A R D , program manager, Turning Points Yellow Ribbon veterans support program. ▶ ▶ J A M I E M I L L E R , director of business competitiveness; L A U R A R A N D A L L , director of investor engagement; and J I M R O S S I O , accounting and office operations manager, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County.

ELIZABETH M. STAMOULIS

▶ ▶ E R I N K N I E V E L , chief development officer, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. ▶ ▶ L U Z C O R C U E R A , executive director, UnidosNow. ▶ ▶ D AV I D G O R D L E Y , IberiaBank Corporation, promoted to include Sarasota and Manatee counties in his market president duties.

▶ ▶ D A N I E L A K O C I , president and CEO, Loveland Center. ▶▶ D E B R A A . C O L E M A N , senior director of major gifts, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation.

JOE VISGAITIS

ERIN KNIEVEL

▶ ▶ J O H N M C L A I N , CEO, Venice Regional Bayfront Health.

MEGAN LANDIS DELL

POSITIONS TAKEN

DERRICK D. HEARD

MOVERS, SHAKERS & HEADLINE MAKERS

▶ ▶ G I N A W H I T E , marketing and communications manager, Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee. ▶ ▶ J E F F S C H WA R T Z , associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of undergraduate studies, Ringling College of Art and Design. ▶ ▶ J E R E M Y A D A M S , general manager, Cosimo’s Trattoria & Bar. ▶▶ D E B O R A H C H A P M A N , program director, CareerEdge. ▶ ▶ L I N S E M I L L E R , vice president, DutchCrafters at JMX Brands.

941CEO

ACCOLADES ▶▶

S A R A S O TA M E M O R I A L

H O S P I TA L 's

cardiac acute telemetry unit received the Silver Beacon Award of Excellence from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. ▶ ▶ E D S M I T H S TA D I U M was named 2015 Field of the Year for professional baseball by the Sports Turf Managers Association. ▶ ▶ M I K E M O S C H E L L A of Hancock Bank is the new chair of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp., and C A R O L P R O B S T F E L D of State College of Florida, ManateeSarasota is chair-elect. ▶ ▶ R O N S T R U T H E R S of Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT was named 2016 president of the Southwest Florida Certified Commercial Investment Member District (CCIM). ▶ ▶ M A C C A R R AWAY of Carraway Consulting was named consulting executive director of the nonprofit Environmental Research & Education Foundation. ▶ ▶ Online MBApage.com ranked the M A N AT E E CHAMBER OF COMMERCE A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

WEISS PEDIATRIC C ARE

received an Innovative and Promising Practice in Medical Home Implementation award from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Center for Medical Home Implementation. ▶ ▶ Manasota SCORE honored D AV I D C H I S M of Chism Manufacturing as its 2016 Client of the Year, and M A N A S O TA S C O R E was named District Chapter of the Year.

▶ ▶ L I S A K R O U S E of FCCI Insurance Group and J O R D A N B E R G E R of the Money Show University have joined the board of directors of CareerSource Suncoast. ▶ ▶ Shumaker, Loop and Kendrick, LLP business litigation attorney R O N A L D L . C O L L I E R was named Pro Bono Attorney of the Quarter by the Twelfth Judicial Circuit for his service to Legal Aid of Manasota. ▶ ▶ E . K E I T H D U B O S E of the law firm of Matthews, Eastmoore, Hardy, Crauwels & Garcia, P.A., was named chair of the United Way Suncoast Sarasota area board of directors. ▶▶

▶ ▶ M A N N Y C R U Z of Cruz Portrait Design earned the master of photography degree from Professional Photographers of America. ▶ ▶ The Sarasota County Public Hospital Board appointed J O H N H . D E J O N G H to the governing board’s At-Large Seat 1. ▶ ▶ Sarasota-based R E/

MA X ALLIANCE GROUP

was named Multi-Office Brokerage of the Year by RE/MAX of Florida. ▶ ▶ T I M O T H Y E . H O L L I D AY of Children’s World became the first Certified Master Retailer with the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, the largest trade association serving the specialty toy industry.

SMARTHOUSE

won three CEA Mark of Excellence Awards for Innovation Project of the Year, Lighting Control Project of the Year and Retrofit Project of the Year over $50,000 at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show.

I N T E G R AT I O N

▶▶

MANNY CRUZ

MICHAEL PRICE ▶ ▶ M I C H A E L P R I C E , tax senior, Shinn & Co. ▶ ▶ B E T H A N Y C A R R , tax manager, estate and trust segment, Kerkering, Barberio & Co. ▶▶ D R . J A M E S C U R R A N , promoted to dean of the College of Business, USF Sarasota-Manatee.

No. 13 on the Top 100 list of Most Social Media Friendly chambers of commerce in the U.S. ▶ ▶ P E T E R L O G A N , president of Medallion Home, was named by Gov. Rick Scott to the State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota board of trustees. ▶ ▶ DR . ROBER T WEISS and

NEW COLLEGE OF

F L O R I D A was named one of the country’s top colleges for return on investment, by combining a superb education and high salaries for graduates with affordable tuition, by the Princeton Review. ▶ ▶ Lotus on Orange, a residence designed by LEADER DESIGN STUDIO

and built by J O S H W Y N N E C O N S T R U C T I O N , won a Platinum Award in the Green Home and Custom Home Categories and the Regional Award for Best Project in the South Atlantic Region in the 2015 Best in American Living Awards sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders. ▶▶

MOTORWORKS BREWING

won gold and silver medals at Craft magazine’s Best of Craft Beer Awards.

▶▶

CUT TING LOOSE SALON

was named to the Salon Today 200 by Salon Today magazine for the fifth consecutive year. ▶ ▶ L I N D A P E L L E T I E R of Green Cooling Solutions was named director of the Lakewood Ranch chapter of SWAT Networking. ▶ ▶ S H E R R Y S . G R O O M S is the 2016 District 13 vice president of Florida Realtors, the state’s largest professional association, and B A R R Y G R O O M S is the 2016 secretary. Both are with Keller Williams in Bradenton. ▶ ▶ Attorney G . M AT T H E W B R O C K WAY was elected to the Icard Merrill law firm board of directors.

MOVING AND OPENING Swiss-based technology firm S P E C PA G E I N C . has relocated its North American branch office from Warwick, R.I., to 3645 Cortez Road, Suite 100, in Bradenton. ▶▶

▶▶

EN-VISION AMERICA

INC .,

an advanced manufacturing and technology company, has relocated sales and administrative functions from Normal, Ill., to 825 4th St. W. in Palmetto. ▶▶

IT’S A SECRET BE AUT Y

has opened at 1806 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton. ▶ ▶ Z E N G U I TA R S has opened at DeSoto Square Mall in Bradenton. ▶ ▶ T H E C L E V E R C U P coffee house has opened at 6530 Gateway Ave. in Sarasota. ▶ ▶ A second A N N A’ S D E L I has opened at 4816 14th St. W. in The Fountains plaza in Bradenton. ▶ ▶ A third B AY S I D E P E T R E S O R T has opened at 718 S. Tamiami Trail in Osprey.

LOUNGE

▶▶

CR AF T GROWLERS TO

has opened at 8141 Lakewood Main Street, #103, in Lakewood Ranch. ■ G O & TA S T I N G R O O M

79

HR CORNER

Creating Your A-Team How to hire a team player.

Sherilyne Dougherty IS CEO OF DAI SOLUTIONS, A MANAGEMENT CONSULTING FIRM BASED IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA. DOUGHERTY, A RESIDENT OF LONGBOAT KEY FOR MORE THAN FOUR YEARS, IS EXPANDING THE FIRM’S B2B OFFERINGS TO FLORIDA. ● INTERVIEW BY ALLISON FLOYD

Q.

A.

How can I make sure that I’m hiring a team player?

It’s always been important to find team players, but the baby boomers are retiring and younger generations are moving up with a different perspective on the way to do business. The 9-to-5, get-the-goldwatch world is gone. With people working more flexible schedules and often away from the office, it is more important than ever to make sure that the team fits together to create a great product for the client.

Trying to find the right person— the team player—is all based around the culture of an organization. The first step is figuring out what that culture is. What is unique about the way you operate, about your culture?

For us, a candidate who is a jack of all trades adapts well. Especially in the work that we do, you can be a training person, a communications person, a graphic designer and a senior leader all on one project because that’s what the client needs. That’s our culture.

We also look for critical thinkers.

The abilities to think through a problem and adapt to a situation aren’t 80

just skills; they’re an important part of being a team member. When we are with a client and his needs suddenly change, we need people on the team who can dance with that change and be creative to find a different solution.

To begin the hiring process, we select a candidate based on a résumé and then bring them in for an interview. That’s where the real hiring work starts.

A résumé may give the first blush that a person has the technical skills that you are looking for, but you always have to bring them in for faceto-face interviews.

That’s where we get into behavior interviewing. You are looking for people who have the technical skills and the right education, but they need an understanding that they may be required to do other things. A conversation framed around behavioral questions will give you the answer in a more complete way.

Don’t just say, “Tell me why you are a good candidate.”

Instead, ask a strategic question like: “If you were put in this position and a specific scenario happened, how would you handle it? What would be your first step?”

Here’s another question: “You’ve got a client who has these specific needs and must have the work done in 24 hours. This is going to be difficult.

How are you going to get your team together to meet the deadline, or how are you going to tell the client that the deadline isn’t realistic?”

Those questions should be created specifically for the job responsibility this person is coming into.

If a person makes the first cut by presenting a résumé with the necessary skills, then passes the first interview with HR and a senior-level manager, bring in other team members to interview the candidate. Every person is very different, and every team member may need something different from the candidate. If you are hiring for an upper-level position, that person has to work with everyone from the admin assistant to the seniorlevel boss. So bring in two, three, four other people from various levels into subsequent interviews.

Work with each employee [interviewer] to craft specific questions that will show how the candidate would interact with that employee in a situation. This may take a couple of hours, but it’s time well invested. ■ 941CEO

THE SEEN TALK

MORE SEEN PHOTOS AT 941CEO.COM

1

SARASOTA CHAMBER 96TH ANNUAL KICKOFF BREAKFAST

2

1 Laurie Pike, Comfort Suites; Heather Kasten, LWR Business Alliance; Teresa Tyrrell, ABC7 2 Amy Lynch, Shawn Halls, Joelle Hennesey, Mackenzie Jones, Sarasota Memorial Hospital 3 Ania Adderley, Sun Trust; Willie Shaw, City of Sarasota; Eileen Hampshire, Art To Walk On 4 Charley Bailey, Williams Parker; Lisa Krouse, FCCI 5 Dan Ceasar, Goldie Feldman Academy; Ben Hanan, Shumaker Loop 6 Sarah Murphy, Steve Queior, The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce 7 Suzanne Monroe; Anna Foster, Gulf Coast Community Foundation; Mimi Cirbusova, Sarasota Chamber PHOTOGRAPHY: LORI SAX

3

5

4

6 A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

7 81

THE SEEN TALK

1

MANATEE CHAMBER 53RD ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION DINNER

2

3

1 Michael Ludwig, Ronnie Spears, BB&T 2 Nathan Bailey, Kelly Garrett, Jackson Haskins, SouthTech 3 Jonathan Fleece, Blalock Walters; Jacki Dezelski, Manatee Chamber 4 Karie Gorgone, Sandy Price, Wagner Realty 5 Kimberly Kramer, Manatee Chamber; Mary Wilkins, Hometown News USA; Cassandra Burns, Wagner Realty 6 Brenton Cloud, Cloud Termite and Pest Control; Mark Bedell, Gettel Hyundai of Lakewood 7 Malcolm Edwards, Virginia Zimmermann, Denise Stufflebeam, Matthew Appice, Manatee County Port Authority

4

PHOTOGRAPHY: LORI SAX

5

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7 941CEO

THE SEEN TALK

1

2

GCCF’S BETTER TOGETHER LUNCHEON WITH SHARK TANK’S DAYMOND JOHN

3

1 Mily Solanilla, Erin Kozu, Jamie Coffey, Kristyn Mott, Ringling College 2 Daymond John, Shark Tank 3 Mark Pritchett, Gulf Coast Community Foundation 4 Rachel Saltzberg, GFA; Darrren Saltzberg, D. R. Horton 5 Ansley Jackson, Molly Jackson, New Balance 6 Mireya Eavey, United Way; Ron Burke; Michael Saunders, Michael Saunders & Company

5

4

MORE SEEN PHOTOS AT 941CEO.COM

6 PHOTOGRAPHY: LORI SAX

Volume 13/Number 3, April/May 2016, 941CEO (ISSN 1936-7538) is published in January, March, April, June, September and November by Gulf Shore Media, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of SagaCity Media, Inc., 330 S. Pineapple Ave., Suite 205, Sarasota, FL 34236.

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A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 6

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OFF THE CLOCK TALK ● BY ILENE DENTON

MAGNIFYING GOOD A Sam Stern bikes for life.

bicycle saved Sam Stern’s life 35 years ago, and today Stern, the chief communications technologist for Sarasota-based consultancy Magnify Good, is helping others in their fight against cancer through the nonprofit Team Tony.

At 31 and living in Vermont, Stern weighed 240 pounds, his cholesterol count was nearly 300 and he smoked.

“My doctor told me I was going to be dead if I kept it up,” he says. Then he signed up for a two-day, 150-mile bike ride to raise money for muscular dystrophy research. “I was so out of shape, [but] when I opened my mouth and said I was doing it, I had to,” he says. It was daunting, “but I managed to do it, and I got hooked. I haven’t stopped [bicycling] since.”

Stern, 66, bikes an average 150 miles a week with the Downtown Starbucks Bike Ride Group out to Longboat Key, Anna Maria or Lakewood Ranch. Every Sunday they ride out Fruitville Road to Myakka River State Park. “It really does start the day off well,” he says.

Many of his fellow bikers also support Team Tony. Sarasotan Tony McEachern launched the nonprofit organization in 2010, after surviving his own grueling fight with brain cancer, to match cancer fighters with cancer survivors, who act as mentors. Stern successfully fought prostate cancer four years ago.

Stern also participates in Team Tony’s Cycle of Life each October, in which some 70 riders gather monetary pledges for a two-day bike ride across Florida. Last year they raised more than $100,000.

Magnify Good was founded by his wife, Roxanne Joffe (the two also own and operate Cap Brand Marketing). Focused on social sector programs, they help public organizations, nonprofits and foundations with their marketing.

Stern’s cycling is an extension of that work. “Whenever a cancer fighter comes in to talk, I’m there,” he says. ■

SALVATORE BRANCIFORT

“WHENEVER A CANCER FIGHTER COMES IN TO TALK, I’M THERE.”

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