Real Exclusive Magazine Featuring Realtor Brandy Coffey Coffey And Company

REAL Exclusive

Brandy Coffey

DANCING WITH THE STARS

2 | REAL EXCLUSIVE | GetRealExclusive.com

Š2014 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times.

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The rush is immediate. A 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 that achieves 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Standard PDK double-clutch transmission. Active all-wheel drive with Porsche Traction Management for maximum grip in varying driving conditions. The new Porsche Macan Turbo is built around our defining belief that every drive should be unforgettable. And every car should be a sports car. Discover a more adrenalized life with a test drive. Porsche. There is no substitute.

Adrenaline shots.

The new 2015 Macan Turbo Now administered via ignition key.

The rush is immediate. A 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 that achieves 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Standard PDK double-clutch transmission. Active all-wheel drive with Porsche Traction Management for maximum grip in varying driving conditions. The new Porsche Macan Turbo is built around our defining belief that every drive should be unforgettable. And every car should be a sports car. Discover a more adrenalized life with a test drive. Porsche. There is no substitute.

The new 2015 Macan Turbo Suncoast Porsche 5005 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota FL 34231 (941) 923-1700 www.suncoast.porschedealer.com

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REAL | letter from the publisher

Lights, Camera, Action!

A phrase we all heard before, and you are hearing it again.

REAL has produced video, like many others, and has hosted it on popular video channels. Now with the advent of WWSB ABC 7’s The View, we are progressing to television.

Not me, rather the homes we feature in REAL Exclusive Properties. Beyond print, digital, web and Amazon Kindle distribution, our featured properties now have the luxury of an extra 800,000 viewers and additional hosting of the video segments online to reach many more viewers.

It was interesting researching TV’s impact on magazines.

To my surprise in general it was positive (only if you were a topic specific magazine). For example, “Television was the best thing which could have happened to magazines as a field,” states James Kobak, author of How to Start a Magazine and Publish it Profitably, who spent more than 50 years as a consultant to dozens of successful magazine launches and new ventures.

The Suncoast View’s luxury real estate edition is hosted by Tia Castle of Premier Sotheby’s International Properties.

A warm welcome to Tia, who will also be a contributing author to our REAL Exclusive Properties cover stories.

I’m thrilled to partner with REAL Exclusive Magazine.

Together we provide a well-rounded multi-media platform for informative and entertaining lifestyle and real estate subjects. Having grown up in Sarasota as a teen, then moving away for college and career, I’ve viewed Sarasota both as an outsider and insider. Having lived in four other states and three countries, I can attest there is no better area than Sarasota to provide all the qualities of a lively city with a heck of a lot less stress. I’ve planted roots downtown and I’m excited about the developments in our community in which real estate is a cornerstone of our local economy.

After college back in 1999, I worked briefly at ABC 7 News and I’m happy to be back hosting a Luxury Real Estate segment (my favorite subject) on the new talk show The Suncoast View. The show has gained momentum and popularity reaching approximately 800K households.

Currently, I appear every other Monday about mid-way through the show joining hosts: Linda Carson, Stephanie Roberts and Bobeth Yates. You’ll see the most beautiful video of luxury homes and mansions currently on the local market. We ooh-ahhh and dream…it’s eye candy.

We plan on adding shows in the future along with “Exclusive” segments for an in-depth look at gorgeous multi-million dollar homes and those that build them. You can view past shows on my website, www.TiaCastle.com as 4 | REAL EXCLUSIVE | GetRealExclusive.com

well as see future exclusive show dates. On February 9th and 23rd tune into ABC TV Channel 7 to see the real estate segment half way through the one hour show beginning at 4pm.

Cheers to home and happiness.

Ed Bertha & Tia Castle Lights, Camera, Action!

Photo by Giovanni Lunardi.

Thank You To Our New Sponsors In This Issue:

REAL Exclusive

Mattison’s Forty-One, 7; Exotic Car Festival, 21; Mattison’s City Grill, 29; S&S Motorsports, 30; Chillounge Night, 37.

REAL Exclusive Properties

Mark Bruce & Tony Panicio, Keller William on the Water, 16, Craig Cerreta & Toi Estes, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, 17; Mary Hellhake-Northrup & Leigh Simons, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty 19.

Lotus Southpointe www.lotussouthpointe.com

SOUTHPOINTE

5 | REAL EXCLUSIVE | GetRealExclusive.com

CONTENT This Issue’s Features 34 | BRANDY COFFEY - COVER Dancing With The Stars, By Ed Bertha

10 | STYLE Happy New You, By Rebecca Smith

12, 14 | LUXURY DeVittori Custom Woodworks, By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa At The Concession With Michael Saunders & Paul Mattison

16, 18 | NEWS GT3 Cup Championship Porsches For Sale Kimberly Burns Now A Certified Lymphedema Therapist The Western Sons Release First Single 8th Annual Chillounge Night Presents “Cirque du Chill” At Selby Gardens Buddy Moore Now Manager For Caliber Home Loans Insignia Bank’s Russell Robbins Receives 5-Star Mortgage Award

22 | BEAUTY New Year, New Look - What Is Trending for 2015?, By Sheila Venancia

24, 26, 38 | CARES Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation, By Shaun P. Merriman Home For The Holidays, Featuring The Safe Place Rape & Crisis Center (SPARCC)

“Sherlock will always be my number one cat. He’s Purrfect! But my other cat, the F Type Jag, that’s a different story altogether. This cat can roar!”

Brandy Coffey page 34

Fashion & Fur In The Country Club, Featuring The Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund

32, 40 | PERSPECTIVES Slip Or Trip And Fall Cases Can Yield Multi Million Dollars Settlements, By William Henry, PhD Buying in Florida? Six Steps to Success, By Patricia Tan

getREAL Exclusive.com 6 | REAL EXCLUSIVE | GetRealExclusive.com

42 | HEALTH Complementary Therapies Are An Invaluable Tool For Wellness, By Kimberly Burns OTR/L, CLT

ONE-OF-A-KIND HOUSEWARES FOR YOUR ONE-OF-A-KIND HOME. HAND-SELECTED AND IMPORTED FROM ITALY BY MALBI DECOR. VISIT US AT OUR DOWNTOWN SARASOTA BOUTIQUE:

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getREAL Exclusive.com

Executive Publisher Ed Bertha (941) 921.2117 EdBertha@GetRealExclusive.com

Cover & Masthead Photography Giovanni Lunardi

Photography Giovanni Lunardi Chad Spencer

Creative Director & Design Christian Lunardi

Contributing Writers

Ed Bertha Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa William Henry. PhD Rebecca Smith Patricia Tan Sheila Venancia

Subscriptions & Circulation Andrick & Associates

Printing Manatee Printers, Inc.

Production REAL Exclusive Magazine, Inc.

REAL Exclusive is produced monthly by REAL Exclusive Magazine, Inc. Principal office: 229 South Osprey Avenue, Suite 106, Sarasota, FL 34236. COPYRIGHT Š 2014 REAL EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE. All content copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, REAL Exclusive Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. All listing information published in REAL Exclusive Magazine is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Contact agent or builder directly to verify listing information which is subject to change.

WEBSITE: www.GetRealExclusive.com RSS feeds, current and past issues, links to sponsors, an event calendar, unique editorial, a blog and additional information on the community at large.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Please call 941.921.2117, write 229 South Osprey Avenue, Suite 106, Sarasota, FL 34236 or visit www.

GetRealExclusive.com, $24.95/year.

ADVERTISING: Please call 941.921.2117, write 229 South Osprey Avenue, Suite 106, Sarasota, FL 34236 or visit www.

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POSTMASTER: Please send notices on Form 3579 to Andrick & Associates, 4400 Independence Court, Sarasota, FL 34234.

Standard mail paid in Sarasota, Florida.

T A G L A N D

BESPOKE ARCHITECTURE SARASOTA, FL

BEACH HAVEN, NJ

Architectural Design, Interior Design, Construction Management Services, Post Construction Services

Residential - Multifamily - Commercial New Construction - Remodel Boutique Architecture By William Tagland FL-AR17838 www.WilliamTagland.com • (941) 993.5300 • WTagland@gmail.com

REAL | style

Happy New You Want to start 2015 with a new look on life? This countdown counter counts down days, hours, minutes and seconds to the New Year. As we say goodbye to another year the time is perfect to take on a NEW IMAGE. The New Year is a fantastic time to reassess each aspect of your life and identify which areas require improvement and change. Resolutions can be achieved. To be successful at any change, you need to really want it. It takes careful planning and real motivation to succeed at any goal.

As an Image Consultant and Fashion Stylist I encourage women to follow their passion and strive to be the women they want to be. It is my passion to help women become confident, balanced and happy, and to live the life they really want.

As women we juggle many different roles and responsibilities, including organizing family, home, childcare, careers and relationships. When we are caught up in the throws of everyday life, we don’t manage, or simply forget, to fit in essential ‘me time’ and the chance to pursue life-long ambitions.

By Becca Smith Everyone, not just women need to ensure they achieve and enjoy life satisfaction. This is only done when all aspects of life are balanced. Setting New Year resolutions is a great way to identify areas within life that are in need of improvement. Typical resolutions include: Do more things for me, spend more time with my family, work harder at my relationship, improve my health and fitness, and discover work/life balance. How do we achieve these goals?

Often many of us give up before the last bang of the New Year fireworks. This is because many people focus on what they should do rather than on what they really want do. Worse still, people think about what they should stop doing, rather than thinking more positively about what they would like to achieve.

There is also a tendency to concentrate on the and not consider how to achieve their aspirations.

In order to bring about improvements, the initial and most important work is to assess where your life is now and where you really want it to be within a specific timeframe. This then provides you with a ‘gap’. You need to break the gap down into bite-size, achievable actions.

10 | REAL EXCLUSIVE | GetRealExclusive.com

This will support and encourage you to realize your ultimate goal and true ambitions. Most barriers to success and happiness include fears and illusions or old, outdated belief systems. These obstacles cost you time, energy and perhaps even money. Life is time. Be enthusiastic and passionate about changing your life for the better. Put yourself first in your life in 2015. Putting yourself first in your life will boost your self-esteem and will give you the confidence to achieve your aspirations.

I always say, “Fill yourself up first and everything else will fall into place.”

Real Style challenges you to claim your right to joy and happiness in 2015. Make this a great year and live with intention.

HAPPY NEW YOU!

Becca Smith Fashion Stylist/Image Consultant

Founder, We’ve Got Style (941) 893-5299 or (941) 223-6643 beccarealstyle@gmail.com www.wevegotstyle.biz

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS DOWNTOWN!

SalonSalon “People often ask, ‘Who Does Your Hair?’

Leonard Panarella, SalonSalon, since 1990!”

Penny Hill, The Penny Hill Group, EverBank

“I wear my hair short so precision cuts and professional coloring are important to me.

Leonard is the expert for 25 years."

Michelle Burke-Phillips, Managing Broker, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

When Only The Best Will Do Left to Right: Michael Panarella, Susan Panarella, Leonard Panarella, Brianna Martin

510 S. Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 953-5548

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REAL | luxury

DeVittori Custom Woodworks The Peak of Perfection

By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

With a surgeon’s precision he ensures that every cut is clean, every angle exact.

Ryan DeVittori’s commitment to excellence is reflected in each project he handles, and has earned his company, DeVittori Custom Woodworks, a thriving customer base.

H

e was just 23 years old when he launched his company, but Ryan had by then acquired a keen understanding of the needs of his industry’s most discriminating clientele.

He had also established himself, early on, as a visionary and a go-getter for whom outstanding quality was a professional benchmark.

Ryan always had an eye for the aesthetic.

A native of Canada, he relocated to Sarasota in pursuit of the idyllic Gulf Coast lifestyle. He was a diligent student who sought to attend medical and pursue a career as an M.D. Those plans were put on hold, though, after the unprecedented attacks of September 11, 2001. “The opportunities to obtain an affordable education weren’t there,” he recalls. While medical school would wait, he wasn’t ready to leave the life he had built for himself in Sarasota. So Ryan set his sights on a new career path, and

joined a local woodworking company in an entry level position. Within a year, he says, he had outgrown the business and was searching for new opportunities. His penchant for detail work and his strong work ethic set him apart, and Ryan was soon eager to break out on his own.

DeVittori Custom Woodworks, says Ryan, is a business whose vision has been shaped by the demands of its clientele. “Custom woodwork is a unique field, and high quality products are, unfortunately, not always the norm in our industry,” he explains. “In the Gulf Coast region, homeowners seek the harmony of beautiful craftsmanship and enduring form. From spectacular waterfront mansions, to stunning estate ranches, to charming high-end bungalows, every home’s aesthetic appeal lies in the details. We offer oneof-a-kind products designed to enhance spaces and maximize visual appeal.”

12 | REAL EXCLUSIVE | GetRealExclusive.com

The custom woodworking industry is a challenging one; not only is the work physically dangerous, it is also incredibly complex in its scope and spectrum.

“Throughout the years, we’ve seen changes in consumer demand, and we’ve grown and adapted in order to continue to meet our clients’ evolving wants and needs.” As such, DeVittori Custom Woodworks has expanded into a fullservice operation overseeing residential and commercial projects.

Throughout his years in the industry, Ryan has maintained a position at the forefront of the evolving style trends.

And while materials may change, one thing has remained steadfast: his commitment to upholding exceptional standards of quality in workmanship and customer care. His dedication has made a difference; Ryan notes that his business has grown exponentially since he opened his doors, and he continues to identify opportunities to expand.

What started as a custom woodworking and mill shop has become a diverse business managing a range of mediumto large-scale projects. “We specialize in home estate projects,” explains Ryan. “DeVittori Custom Woodworks continues to build and install beautiful custom cabinetry, and we also offer our clients an array of additional services including whole home renovations.”

To continue to offer his clients the utmost in high quality care, Ryan has pursued ongoing training and education.

He is a licensed General Contractor, which allows him to provide customers with a veritable one-stop-shop for their home remodel and renovation projects.

“We are able to take our customers from start to finish of each project with ease and continuity, and with a focus on and understanding of their unique tastes and needs,” Ryan says. “DeVittori Custom Woodworks offers quality in every aspect: with great designs,

intriguing elements, hard to find finishes and unique sources from international suppliers. With a tremendous variety of options and products, we allow our clients to avoid that cookie-cutter look that comes with many renovation and remodeling projects.”

Ryan’s extensive industry experience allows him not only to offer an array of looks and designs for his customers, but also to collaborate effectively with other contractors. “We work closely with local contractors and professional associates,” he explains. “Our company appreciates the opportunity to cultivate and strengthen the relationships we have established in our industry.”

DeVittori Custom Woodworks is adept at creating a significant range of looks for its clients. “We handle everything: rustic, distressed, modern contemporary, transitional, heavy gothic, and more,” Ryan says. “Our ability to work in a

variety of mediums such as metals, stones and wood, allows us to personalize every project to each client’s specific taste. It’s always exciting to bring a client’s vision to life!”

While much of his time is spent on project sites or in his 6,000 square foot facility in Sarasota, Ryan ekes out opportunities to enjoy himself through outdoor activities and travel. “I don’t take for granted what being in this country affords,” he reflects. “I work hard, and appreciate the rewards.” An avid outdoorsman, Ryan revels in water-based activities including fishing, scuba and sea sports. He’s also a seasoned traveler who pursues new adventures –and passport stamps- each year.

A self-described perfectionist, Ryan looks forward to continuing to build his business and his clientele. “My own expectations of high quality translate into everything we do at DeVittori Custom Woodworks,” he asserts. “That has been our signature and it continues to drive every aspect of the company.”

Ryan DeVittori DeVittori Custom Woodworks 2243 12th Street Sarasota, FL 34237 www.DeVittoriWoodWorks.com (941) 554.4721

REAL | luxury

Royal Luncheon At The Concession

Special Guests: Michael Saunders, Michael Saunders & Company Chef Paul Mattison, Mattison’s Forty-One

Hosts: Deborah O’Mara & Tom Cinquegrano, Michael Saunders & Company

Sponsored by: Mattison’s Forty-One Gateway Bank Private Wealth, Michael Feduccia Hankin & Hankin, Michael Hankin Beneva Flowers Patterson Appraisal, Mary Patterson Premier Inspections of Florida Prime Lending, Jan Day Silver Fox Pest Management, Steve Bennion Studio South Fitness TRVST Security Uniroyal Engineered Products

Catering: Paul Mattison, Mattison’s Forty-One

Photography: Giovanni Lunardi, Lunardi Photography

Entertainment: Rob Satori, Sinatra vocalist

REAL | news GT3 Cup Championship Porsches Are FOR SALE The 2015 GT3 Championship winning 2010 Porsche 997 and 2014 Porsche 991 (both 3.8 liter cup racing cars) driven by REAL Exclusive cover feature, Steve White, are for sale.

White started and ended the season at Sebring International Raceway, winning both times. “Years of coaching with LP Dumoulin (2014 Canadian NASCAR Champion) and practice is finally paying dividends, but there are many unsung heroes including my chief mechanic, Ryan Uhrinec, and all the guys that help keep us on track,” White shares.

itself. I started the season driving the 2010 Porsche 997 cup car, an initially difficult car to master on track because of being a rear engine car. Late in the season I moved to the 2014 Porsche 991 cup car. Both cars offer incredible reliability, handling and relative ease to service while racing. This is why Porsche is one of the leading manufacturers and winning brands in motorsports racing for decades.

My newest acquisition is a 2014 Porsche 991 GT America cup car which is the NEXT level up, “The real hidden hero is the car providing the driver with adjustable

suspension from inside the cockpit, a full endurance package and most importantly the coveted larger displacement 4.0 liter engine. This cup car is extremely rare as there are only 8 currently running in the U.S. The GT America has raised the bar for Porsche, and now me. The rest is up to me. See you in the Winner’s Circle,” he adds. See the Cup Cars on pages 30 & 31.

S&S Motorsports of Sarasota (941) 921.7223 CarsBySS@verizon.net

Insignia Bank’s Russell Robbins Receives 5-Star Mortgage Award Insignia Bank announced that Senior Mortgage Originator, Russell Robbins, received the coveted 5 Star Award for Mortgage Professionals in Sarasota. This puts Russell in the top 5% for client satisfaction out of all Mortgage Professionals in Sarasota. The 5 Star Award is the largest industry award program in North America and identifies professionals that deliver outstanding service and client satisfaction. Russell has been a 5 Star Award winner five consecutive years.

“This award signifies the level of Realtors and is active in several of service Insignia Bank and its other local organizations. professionals strive for daily,” said Charles G. Brown III, Chairman and CEO of Insignia Bank. “Russell continues to set a high bar for all, and we are proud he is part of the team.”

In addition to his high standards of service in the mortgage arena, Russell is very active in local community service. He is currently on the board and is treasurer of the Venice Chapter of Women’s Council

Russell Robbins (941) 342.5012 RRobbins@InsigniaBank.com

The Western Sons Release First Single Local Country-Rock band, The Western Sons, comprised of Bradenton native Tyler Cohenour (20) and his fellow University of South Florida students Garrett Carr (21) and Blake Rigdon (20), both from Cocoa Beach, have released their first single, “Tennessee My Way”. Lead singer, Carr, describes the band’s sound as, “Countryrock, but with an edge – Due to our musical influences spanning such a wide spectrum, our sound has sort of grown into a collection of genres.”

The single is available at iTunes.

This talented group recorded their debut song at the Del Couch Music Education Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps emerging

artists get a head start in their musical careers, and is most notably recognized for its role in the success of American Idol finalist Sam Woolf The trio has already caught the attention of Grammy AwardWinning producer Willie Baker who has worked with artists such as Beyoncé, Menudo, Justin Timberlake, along with Pink, who he discovered and developed.

While they cannot release much information per the infancy of their relationship with Baker, the band explains that they have some exciting plans.

Photo left to right: Blake Rigdon, Garrett Carr and Tyler Cohenour

The Western Sons WesternSonBand@gmail.com Facebook.com/thewesternsons

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REAL | news Kimberly Burns Now A Certified Lymphedema Therapist Kimberly Burns, OTR/L, CLT, was recently certified as a Lymphedema Therapist. Lymphedema is the swelling of a body part caused by the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body which causes chronic inflammation in the tissues of your body. Lymphedema is poorly understood and many doctors and therapists do not have advanced knowledge of the disease and will overlook it as “just swelling”, and that it will go away with a cold pack and elevation of the affected body part. Chronic edema has serious effects on mobility, range of motion and activities of daily living.

on you, and a personal journey fulfilling your body’s needs. “As an Occupational Therapist, I assist patients in achieving a fulfilled and satisfied state in life through the use of activities designed to promote health, prevent injury or disability and which improve or restore the highest possible level of independence,” Burns shares. “Taking Occupational Therapy to new level, as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, I am able to treat a variety of individuals because many can benefit from its techniques of learning how to head off future or manage current chronic problems of swelling Even Burns conceived Sensory Intuition, mild swelling is important to attend a self-awareness practice focused to because over time, the continued

excess of fluid strains your lymphatic and cardiac systems, which are closely tied together, resulting in increased medical concerns.”

Kimberly Burns (215) 499.0444 SensoryIntuitionInc@comcast.net

Chillounge Night Presents “Cirque du Chill” At Selby Gardens Chillounge Night, the ultimate outdoor lounge party has teamed up with The Circus Arts Conservatory to bring Cirque du Chill - an epic and dynamic circus arts presentation to The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on Friday evening, March 27, 2015. Cirque du Chill will feature spectacular entertainment by world-renowned circus artists that will be unlike any past Chillounge Night experience.

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Botanical Gardens will be the St. Petersburg event), or to order backdrop for the ultimate outdoor tickets, visit lounge party. Hundreds of chic www.chilloungenight.com. daybeds, cabanas and outdoor furnishings will transform Selby Gardens into an intimate and majestic setting for thousands to enjoy a festive evening of food, drink and entertainment. The Cirque du Chill concept was first introduced in November of this Chillounge Night year in St. Petersburg to a fabulous (941) 448.0995 reception. To get a taste of what to www.chilloungenight.com expect (highlights in the

Buddy Moore Now Manager For Caliber Home Loans Caliber Home Loans, a leading residential mortgage origination and servicing company, announced the appointment of Buddy Moore as Manager for Retail Sales. As Manager of Retail Lending, Moore will be instrumental in the future expansion of Caliber’s retail sales footprint. Caliber Home Loans is located at 1990 Main Street, Suite 750, Sarasota, FL 34236.

“Caliber has a dynamic vision for future growth combined with a proven leadership team,” said Moore. “I am extremely excited about the opportunity at Caliber,

and the strong growth rate in the State of Florida. We have hired some of the Top talent in the Mortgage Industry in Florida and Nationwide, and I look forward to being a part of its rapid growth.”

from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, Fitch and DBRS. To learn more visit: www.caliberhomeloans.com.

Caliber Home Loans. is a privatelyheld financial services company.

Caliber’s headquarters are based in Irving, TX. The company is an approved Seller/Servicer for both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, an approved issuer for Ginnie Mae and Buddy Moore is an approved servicer for FHA, (941) 374.5626 VA and the USDA. The company carries multiple servicer ratings Buddy.Moore@CaliberHomeLoans.com

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• Strengthen business partner relationships. Your partners can visit bankofamerica.com/agentresources for tools and information to help them grow their business.

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REAL | beauty

New Year ……. New Look What is trending for 2015?

Color

It is all about doing hair color that does not look like it is colored at all. Even reds right now are pretty beautifully natural.

It is the opposite of the pastel and ombré trends we have seen. Even with ombré, the transition has been to something much more natural. Doing it that way is prettier and more elegant, without looking obviously done.

By Sheila Venancia

Highlights

For 2015, it has become a layering process. You don’t really see that it is highlighted. It has a very natural and blended feel to it. Whether you are into subtle highlights or simply ombré, the trend can go from glossy chocolate brown to chic honey highlights.

Hair Cut

The “Bob” is back. If your face is suitable, you can go for an extreme bob haircut.

Women with thick hair should think about going with a longer bob haircut with lots of layers. It can look very feminine and romantic. Longer bobs accentuate the silky sheen of thick hair.

This style is sure to freshen up your whole look.

Hair Style

Whether short or long, with bangs or no bangs, a bob is a timeless hair style and it fits almost every woman. There are many different styles of s you can look edgy and punk, you can have a rock and roll style bob, or you can look polished, soft and romantic.

If a short to medium hair style does not appeal to you do not worry. Whether embellished, slicked back, pulled high and tight, worn in loose waves or bobbed, the early previews of hair styles on the spring runways all had one thing in common, serious length.

So, start growing out your locks because long hair will be back in style later in 2015, and it will be hotter than ever.

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REAL | cares

Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation

By Shaun P. Merriman, President & CEO, Gateway Bank

Gateway Bank is proud to support the Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation (JAJF), both monetarily and through employee volunteerism. We believe this organization aligns perfectly with the Bank’s philanthropic mission, and we look forward to its continued success as it strives to raise awareness within our local community.

As a locally owned and managed community bank, Gateway was fortunate enough to have been granted a banking charter in 2008 to serve the Sarasota and Bradenton communities.

As a Community Bank, we recognize the invaluable impact the non-profit industry has to our community, so it has been our privilege and honor to have supported many of these organizations since our opening.

Since Gateway’s inception, I have engrained philanthropic efforts into our company culture, leading by example and serving in various key non-profit leadership positions. Gateway employees are encouraged to do the same and are even encouraged to volunteer their time during business hours. Volunteer hours are tracked on a monthly basis, and early on, we noticed a trend. It appeared that most Gateway associates naturally gravitated toward supporting organizations that were health or human services focused. Their personal interest and priorities helped us further refine our focus. Since it would be virtually impossible to support every non-profit request in our area, Gateway decided to focus on those non-profits involved in the areas of Health and Human Services.

As such, we believe our mission aligns perfectly with the Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation.

24 | REAL EXCLUSIVE | GetRealExclusive.com

I first met JAJF founder, Jon Albert, several years ago by way of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. At that time, he and his finance, Karen, were planning to relocate to Sarasota from Atlanta after their wedding. I was intrigued with the mission and purpose of JAJF: “To treat families facing the imminent loss of their young Mom or Dad to “WOW! Experiences®,” which are really a “timeout together” for such families to get away from their latestage cancer to fabulous destinations in order to create cherished, lasting memories… while they still can. I was so impressed with his organization and vision – the only one of its kind – that I was personally moved to introduce Jon to other community leaders in our area in an effort to help with his transition to Sarasota. I believe Gateway Bank is helping to advance the cause of JAJF in our local community.

This national organization treats families from all over the United States. In just nine (9) years, JAJF has been featured by media outlets such as the TODAY Show, CBS News Sunday Morning, and NBC Sunday Night Football. While it’s national presence is growing, there are far too many people here locally that are unaware of the great work JAJF does or the goodwill our local hospitality community is providing to families that are brought here for their “WOW” getaways.

Recently, Gateway Bank hosted an awareness event in our bank lobby to educate local leaders, business professionals, and the local media about JAJF. Nearly 60 people listened as Jon spoke about the history and mission of the organization. Two (2) local families who were recipients of JAJF “Wow! Experiences®” recounted their trips and proudly shared their photo albums with the audience. Local Hotel GM’s, Bruce McDonald (Hyatt Downtown Sarasota) and Jeff Mayers (The Longboat Key Club), spoke to the group about hosting families and coordinating with local restaurants, tourist attractions,

photographers, and vendors to create memorable experiences. Shelly Glenn, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer for Florida Cancer Specialists, talked about how JAJF is prescribed as part of patient treatment protocol.

community and bring joy to so many deserving families!

In addition, the new “Sarasota Emerging Leaders Council” was introduced to the crowd. The council was formed this fall and made up of a group of local young professionals who volunteer to raise funds and awareness for JAJF. Monica Miller, Gateway Bank’s Marketing Manager, is leading the group which now consists of 1215 young professionals from various business organizations throughout our community. They are excited and ready to make a strong impact for JAJF in the coming year. I am delighted that both Monica and Hellen Osorio, Gateway’s Credit Analyst, will be actively involved.

Shaun P. Merriman, President & CEO Gateway Bank (941) 306.0106

In closing, I am excited about what JAJF has brought to our local community and thrilled that Gateway is a part of the collaboration of businesses helping to fulfill the JAJF mission. Together, we will make a positive impact in our

Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation 3282 Northside Parkway NW, Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30327 (404) 537.5253 www.JAJF.org

25 | REAL EXCLUSIVE | GetRealExclusive.com

REAL | cares

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REAL | perspectives

Slip or Trip and Fall Cases Can Yield Multi Million Dollars Settlements By William Henry, PhD

I

t may come as a surprise to many that a slight defect in a sidewalk could result in a multi million dollar settlement by your local government to the injured party. Yet a recent accident on a public sidewalk outside of a New York City Hospital yielded the victim a settlement of 2.25 million dollars. The City preferred to settle this claim rather than risk exposure to a larger award by a jury who could empathize with the victim’s plight. Since we at RGA are actively involved as forensic design experts, we are asked on occasion to render opinions about code violations and how they may or may not have contributed to the alleged slip/trip and fall. After much research, we have come to the opinion that guidelines associated with the ADA do in fact pertain to public sidewalks. Specifically, sidewalks are construed as accessible routes to accommodate the protected class known as those challenged with disabilities.

A little known fact is that 57 million Americans have some sort of disability which includes not only ambulatory, but also sight and hearing impairments.

After reading the State Statutes of two large states, we are of the opinion that sidewalk design and construction should adhere to ADAG standards to not only accommodate the disabled, but to protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public. What this means is that vertical separations in concrete that are over ¼ inch could be construed as a deficiency as defined by ADA guidelines.

Also, if the state where the accident

occurred has adopted ADAG and incorporated it into State building codes via state statute then such a deficiency could be construed as a code violation.

In such a locality, if a victim has tripped on a vertical rise in the concrete of greater than ¼ inch without a bevel, then our opinion could well be that the ADA code violation directly attributed to the accident. With this opinion, a settlement and/or verdict in favor of the Plaintiff could become compelling and lead to a larger award.

Some State Statutes define Sidewalks as part of the ‘built environment’ because they are included as those parts of the physical environment “designed, constructed or altered by people”. It has been argued that the statutory text, legislative history, implementing regulations, and agency interpretation of Title ll of the ADA supports the conclusion that “services programs or activities” include public sidewalks.

Further the issue of whether the ADAG guidelines apply to those who are not disabled seems to fall into the category that ADAG applies to the protection of the general public as well as the “disabled protected class”. Barrier removal is not merely an issue of convenience BUT an issue of civil rights AND public safety.

A recent relevant case that RGA was involved in referenced Illinois ACT 25 /2, “Environmental Barriers Act” which states in subsection (a) that public facilities (which should include sidewalks) that contain environmental

32 | REAL EXCLUSIVE | GetRealExclusive.com

barriers create a serious threat to the safety and welfare of ALL members of society BOTH in normal conditions and in the event of fire, panic, and other emergency. Therefore, eliminating environmental barriers is an object of serious public concern.

When victims slip and fall on sidewalks construed as accessible routes that have deficiencies as identified in ADAG, we will then reserve the right to opine whether in fact these deficiencies (and if adopted by local codes and ordinances – code violations) did or did not contribute to the slip and fall as the case may be.

The fact that potentially all citizens are protected by ADAG guidelines opens the door for windfall settlements for slip & falls on public accessible routes.

William “Bill” Henry RGA-Design LLC DreamScapes LLC (813) 226.2220 ext. 204 whenry@rga-design.com

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Brandy Coffey

DANCING WITH THE STARS

E

nter any neighborhood in the surrounding area and there is a good chance you will see Realtor, Brandy Coffey’s, unmistakable yard sign. One would think the mega mansions in her portfolio are the stars. The real stars, Brandy shares, are the clients she and her team work with. These stars range from first time home buyers to retired corporate executives and all walks in between.

By Ed Bertha Photography by Giovanni Lunardi Layout by Christian Lunardi

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A

s a young child Brandy moved to Sarasota in 1985 with her family, who all still reside here. As the middle child, with an older sister and younger brother, she says smiling, “I was the independent, I don’t need anyone child. I could do everything on my own.” She adds, “What I didn’t realize growing up is we had the ideal family. That’s why all my friends always wanted to come to my house. Now I know why.”

Brandy’s “ideal family” also instilled key qualities laying the groundwork for the success she is enjoying in life. Her father taught her the importance of a strong work ethic and the need to be competitive. Her mother inspired her to be a kind, good person, look at things from a different perspective and be more open minded.

Graduating from the University of South Florida with a B.A. in Psychology, Brandy was contemplating continuing on to graduate school for a degree in Industrial Organizational

Psychology. The advanced degree in analyzing businesses was placed on hold and she came back home to be with her mother when during a time of need.

on the wall. It wasn’t just me. I had great mentors too. I decided to go get my ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative designation) and learn how to work with buyers. I also earned my mortgage brokers At that time real estate was license. I just shifted my entire booming. Brandy shares, “I looked business to what was out there; around and said if I’m going to live buyers,” she states emphatically. here, I’m getting into real estate. I started studying for real estate, had Even though Brandy’s business friends in the industry and in 2004 was thriving the market started out as an administrative contractions were taking their assistant.” toll in the industry. “A lot of people left town. I didn’t rush In the office Brandy saw the into real estate to sell and make excitement in helping people, a lot of money. I really wanted but felt she could help them even to learn. I went to motivational more. “This is a job where you can classes, attended different lunches help people. Whether it’s a first to network and ask questions and time buyer or someone relocating took board classes. I tried to do a their entire family for a new job, it’s lot of learning and sold along the a huge stressful event in someone’s way,” she reflects. life. I can help take some of that stress off of their shoulders and In 2006, with the encouragement help them find their dream home of now husband, Ric del Vizo, at the same time.”

Coffey and Company Realty was formed. Brandy now had How long would the market complete control over her future. boom last? “We had 28.9% market “I literally started working from appreciation. How much higher home and built it out of nothing,” could it go? I kind of saw the writing she muses. As they say the rest is 35 | REAL EXCLUSIVE | GetRealExclusive.com

Brandy with husband Ric preparing a Comparative Market Analysis

Once you get to know Brandy you find her second love, her cat. “Sherlock is the most inquisitive, best looking and interesting cat in world. He’s a traveling cat. He’s probably been in more states than most people have. At the beach you’ll see him in the water, he also goes kayaking and jogging with me. All on a leash. He’s a blast!”

history with Brandy securing her place as a dominant player in the marketplace.

Inquiring what drives her success, without hesitation Brandy offers, “Client service. I really do pride myself on that. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to contacting people right away. I’ve hired talent to do what I can do, maybe even better. After you have branded a business, built a referral database and have new business coming in from multiple channels you have to treat every client the same. Whether it’s a luxury client or first time buyer never owning a home before you need to deliver the same level of service.”

be happy to speak directly with anyone thinking of listing with Brandy and Ric. We interviewed NINE agents for over an hour each and chose Brandy and Ric. They were, by far, our first choice.

We’re glad we hired them and would do it again without hesitation.”

Client Shane Barrett reiterates, “Finding a good real estate agent is tough!

Especially one that kicks butt at what they do. We were referred to Brandy and her team by a friend of ours. After the first few minutes of talking with her on the phone, we said, ‘this is who we want!’

She’s good at what she does. She’s busy (because she’s good), but still always found time for us. I’ve got to give her credit... She shares her candid thoughts on the properties, yet maintains a professionalism that will knock your socks off. A class act and fun. One of a kind.”

Beyond satisfied clients, success does not go unnoticed. Brandy was completing a transaction with operating principal and top agent Joanne Owens who was looking to open a Sarasota location. Joanne inquired about Brandy joining. The two met, met again, and met some more.

There was a nagging feeling on Brandy’s behalf why she should join when she had control of her own brokerage. “My fear was I would lose what I had built. I didn’t want anyone telling me what to do. I like to do things my own way.” Continuing on she finishes, “I did my own due diligence.

I researched top teams across the nation.

The more I learned about the company (Keller Williams), I found I could merge Coffey and Company, gain more technology, more training and more exposure, yet maintain control and keep the brand I built. Keller Williams is an agent centric company. It didn’t happen overnight. It took a while.” Thus Keller Williams on The Water’s Luxury Homes division was launched in Sarasota.

Client’s Jim and Leigh Koeniger add, “We enthusiastically recommend Brandy and Ric. They did an outstanding job for us. Whether it was the showings or the paperwork, they were total professionals.

They are experienced AND possess high energy. That combination is important because a realtor can have one without the other. They have BOTH. We would

Although Brandy obtains personal satisfaction from helping her clients, real estate is a grinding business.

Days, nights, weekends, there is no set schedule. Things are constantly changing. How does Brandy unwind and recharge her batteries? “The biggest thing I do to unwind is Yoga. It lets me decompress. I also love running.”

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Community involvement is also important to Brandy. “I got Keller Williams involved with the Child Protection Center. Everyone should take a tour, but bring your Kleenex. It’s something I’m passionate about.” Center for Hope is also special to her. “I just volunteered for an event to help raise money with them. Cancer patients go there for yoga, counseling or support. I learned about the center from my sister when my nephew went there while he had Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It’s hard to watch someone undergoing treatment.

I can’t describe what it’s like to watch a family member go through chemo.

So I can’t image as that person going through the chemo.” Playing into her passion for theater, recently Brandy was named Director of Development for the Urbanite Theatre. The theater strives to bring undiscovered pieces by great writers to the stage and to collaborate with emerging talents in all fields.

In closing Brandy shares, “I think it’s a huge testament to say I’m back home. I could have gone anywhere after college.

I could have lived anywhere. I came back home. Now I’m selling the dream.”

Brandy Coffey Coffey & Company Keller Williams Luxury Homes 22 South Links Avenue, Suite 204 Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 284.4474 BrandyCoffey@KWLuxuryHomes.com www.InSarasotaRealEstate.com

REAL | cares

Fashion & Fur In The Country Club Featuring The Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund

Special Guests: Chef Paul Mattison, Mattison’s Forty-One Mike & Katie Emmons, The Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund

Host: Tina Ciaccio, RE/MAX Fine Properties

Sponsors: Mattison’s Forty-One ENG Lending Gold Coast Eagle Distributing Millennium Insurance & Investment Group NiteLights RE/MAX Fine Properties TRVST Security TheWineToBuy.com

Catering: Paul Mattison, Mattison’s Forty-One

Photography: Chad Spencer, CMS Photography

REAL | perspectives

Buying in Florida?

Six Steps to Success

B

uying a home in Florida is a very big step, whether you are from the northern states or outside the country. Many of our overseas customers ask us “What are the most important things for us to consider when looking to buy a home in Florida?”. I usually share a number of key points with them – things they should do to ensure their Florida property investment is a success, and I am happy to share those here.

Understand Your Motivation

Why do you want to buy a home in Florida? How will you use it – winter/ retirement home, family vacations, vacation rental, purely an investment property, or a combination of these things? How you intend to use the property will influence your choice of location and the property style and size.

Some homes are not zoned for vacation rentals. While Orlando has many homes specifically aimed at holiday lettings, coastal areas have a limited supply of such homes, and you will need the help of an experienced local agent to identify them.

Establish a Budget Decide how much you can afford to spend, and whether you will purchase with cash, or obtain a mortgage. If you wish to finance the purchase, mortgages for foreign nationals are available in Florida. Typically they will require 3035% deposit and proof of your assets and income. Alternatively, you may wish to release capital from a property you already own in your home country.

By Patricia Tan

Location, Location, Location Florida is a huge state – more than 170,000 sq km. You really need to have a feel for where you would like to purchase. Miami and Orlando/ Kissimmee are the leading locations for international investment in Florida, but they are closely followed by some coastal areas such as Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach on the east coast, and Sarasota/Bradenton and Naples on the west coast. Orlando is perfect if you plan to spend shorter periods of time in Florida and make regular visits to the many theme parks in the area. A coastal area may be more suitable if you plan on extended stays and would appreciate the opportunity for broader-based activities.

Longer stays will allow you to explore the beaches and coastal waterways, indulge in golf and water sports, or spend time enjoying Florida’s cultural offerings: theatre, music, art, museums and much more.

Understand the True Costs

It’s not enough to know the cost of the property. You need to consider “closing costs” and cost of ownership. Closing costs are associated with the process of a buying a home. They may include inspections, stamp duty, title insurance, property taxes and building insurance for instance. If you pay cash for the property, budget 2.5% of the purchase price to cover closing costs. If you have a mortgage, the closing costs may be significantly higher. You should also consider the ongoing cost of ownership.

Florida’s gated communities with resort style amenities come at a cost. Be sure you understand the Home Owners

40 | REAL EXCLUSIVE | GetRealExclusive.com

Association (HOA) fees and property taxes, and factor these into the annual running costs of the property.

Plan Early for Your Currency Needs Even a slight movement in the exchange rate between your home currency and the U.S. Dollar can mean a big difference in the actual cost of the home. Early in the process, establish a relationship with a specialist foreign exchange company who will help you change funds at the best possible time and rate.

Choose an Agent, not a House

The property market in Florida is structured in such a way that a single real estate agent has access to all resale properties that are being offered for sale. A good agent will also know local builders and new construction options in their market. Your chosen agent works for you, not for the seller. Typically your agent will share in the seller’s agent’s commission, so their services are free to you as a buyer. All agents in Florida must be licensed by the state, and there are more than 127,000 of them! Try to locate an agent who is a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) – this indicates they have gone through additional education to make them more effective at serving overseas buyers.

Good luck with your search, and may you enjoy your Florida home for many years to come.

Patricia Tan Coldwell Banker Residential, Real Estate (941) 504.9232 Pat@PatriciaTan.com

REAL | health

Complementary Therapies Are An Invaluable Tool For Wellness By Kimberly Burns, OTR/L, CLT

K

imberly Burns, is an Occupational Therapist with 14 years’ experience working with clients ranging from infants to the elderly. She has always had passion for wellness and what she could do at home for herself to manage pain and delay disease processes. Her recent certification in Lymphedema Therapy has provided her further incentive to focus her business around preventing disease and halting its progression.

When people ask me what I do, I tell them I’m a Pain Management/Wellness Practitioner who provides consultations about self therapy techniques that can be done at home. I am a huge proponent of complementary therapies, because they work, both for me and for my clients.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), complementary therapies refer to those utilizing a nonmainstream approach together with conventional medicine.

When someone’s illness or disease is managed solely by physicians and prescription drugs, they may be setting themselves up to becoming dependent on synthetic chemicals. Often, these chemicals can result in detrimental side effects or carry potentially life threatening dangers! Complementary therapy is intended to address the whole person and not just the symptoms of illness. In some cases, these therapies could help someone get off and stay off medication. When you begin to understand how complementary therapies can contribute to wellness, you’ll ask yourself: “Why aren’t I using them?”

Complementary approaches include mind/body practices like massage, acupuncture, meditation, relaxation techniques, manual lymph drainage, movement therapies, tai chi and yoga.

These mind/body modalities are geared to

the whole person, and unlike traditional medicine, are not just aimed at reducing or eliminating the symptoms.

Chronic edema has serious effects on mobility, range of motion and activities of daily living.

I feel like I am able to help people with pain relief because I’ve done it for myself. I began my holistic search for better health and wellness while putting myself through school to become an occupational therapist. I myself am always trying different methods to ease whatever particular pain of the day I may be experiencing. Some days I like heat, and other days I like cold therapy. Some days I use taping to keep my muscles where they belong, and some days I use stretching to soften my tense muscles and to maintain my range of motion. No one single modality is right for everyone.

What works for me may not work for you.

Many people are put off by complementary therapies because they can be expensive.

And if you don’t limit your focus to finding one or two that are the most effective, it can indeed be costly. But if you devote a bit of time and research into finding the ones that best suit you personally, you can develop your own home care plan that is specifically tailored to you and to your unique health status. Every single person has different needs, and you are the only one who knows where you have pain, how much pain it is, and what helps to reduce your experience of it.

Having just fully come to the realization that I am in a disease process that is not going away, I know there are no quick fixes. Sometimes I try new things with no success, but sometimes it’s a matter of combining therapies and committing to them that helps me to see great benefits.

When I slack off my own complementary therapies, I can really feel the difference.

My anxiety goes up, I can’t sleep. All my aches and pains are ten times worse. This tends to happen when I let work and personal matters get in the way of my dedication to my health.

I named my business Sensory Intuition because I believe there’s great value in learning to hear and feel what your body is trying to tell you. I specialize in teaching techniques to people to help them manage chronic pain and edema. Lymphedema, for example, is poorly understood and many doctors and therapists do not have advanced knowledge of the disease and will overlook it as “just swelling”, and that it will go away with a cold pack and elevation of the affected body part.

42 | REAL EXCLUSIVE | GetRealExclusive.com

The people who benefit from the types of therapies I instruct include those with chronic swelling and pain caused by genetics, injuries, or simply wear and tear. People who suffer from autoimmune disease like arthritis or those with a rotator cuff tear can benefit from complementary therapy.

If you are looking to find a way to reduce pain and become more in control of how you feel on a day to day basis, I recommend some research into which complementary therapy or therapies might work in conjunction with your current treatment. Listen to your body and see what it is asking for! One change in your approach or your mindset will not change the world, but one change can lead to more changes. And the goal is for all the modalities, medications, therapies, etc. to work synergistically with each other to propel you to a new level of wellness.

Kimberly Burns, OTR/L, CLT (215) 499.0444 SensoryIntuitionInc@ comcast.net

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