June 2015 FOCUS Business in Lake County

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June 2015 FocusLakeCounty.com “A Catalyst For Conversation”

THE KEY TO

BUILDING A BUSINESS IN LAKE

INSIDE

2ND story

Our Serial Story Continues

Celebrating 70 Years

Six Hands: Chapter IV

Ro-mac

MORE • World-Class Medicine in Lake • Foodie: Rae Rae’s • In Focus Pics: Dragons & Grads

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Red Apples Media 734 N. 3rd St., Suite 119 Leesburg, FL 34748

10 The Key to Building a Business in Lake

Office 352.801.7106 Email info@RedApplesMedia.com FocusLakeCounty.com

14 World-Class Medicine

What kind of weighty issues are there to consider in trying to build a successful business in Lake County?

Who needs to go to the “Big City” when you have World Class Medicine right here in Lake County? We look at examples of leading edge care, services and procedures for the entire family – including your pet.

Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at

FOCUS Magazine is to provide heartwarming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us.

32 Ro-mac Lumber & Supply: A History of Building

So if you notice anything that is incorrect, please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform us.

Call 352.801.7106 or e-mail info@RedApplesMedia.com.

The staff will fix the error in a timely manner.

In 1945 Ro-mac was just beginning to set its roots in the community. What’s kept them thriving through seven decades of challenges and setbacks? FOCUS features its intriguing history.

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available at local Lake County businesses, restaurants and venues.

Publisher Marc Robertz-Schwartz Marc@RedApplesMedia.com Managing Editor Anthony Rao Anthony@RedApplesMedia.com Junior Account Executive Stephanie Summers SSummers@RedApplesMedia.com Editor/Proofreader Stephanie Sherman SSherman@RedApplesMedia.com Writers Vance Jochim; Susan Fox Susan@RedApplesMedia.com Photography Bonnie Whicher Photography; Ashton Bracciodieta Ashton@RedApplesMedia.com Contributors Dennis McGee | Bob Blanchette | Robert Chandler | Darla Miller | Bud Beucher | Sherri Owens Look online at FocusLakeCounty.com for location distribution listings.

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What’s a QR code and why would I use it?

You can download an app, such as Barcode Scanner, on most mobile phones from the App Stores on Android or Apple. Scanning the codes throughout this issue will take you deeper into the story with video content.

Publisher: Marc’s Remarks

Publisher Marc Robertz-Schwartz on what he learned about building a business in Lake after a 2008 layoff.

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Lake’s Legacies: Robuck’s Legacy of Community Heritage

FOCUS looks at the history of the Robucks and the legacy they are leaving beyond lumber, in Lake County.

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“Red for Ed” is Back in July

The “Red for Ed” goal is to “paint the county” in the color red to help raise awareness about the critical needs of students for basic items, such as food and school supplies. Find out how to get involved.

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Waterman’s “A” Grade 40 Six Hands: Chapter IV Waterman recognized for its dedication to patient safety.

The next chapter in our serial story focuses on Michael Green visiting a person he wronged so badly that their relationship may be beyond saving.

FOCUS On Philanthropy:

L.E.A.S.H. is making a difference for animals in Lake County.

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FOCUS On the Issues: How School Grades Affect Businesses in Lake

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FOCUS On Mind: The Business of Relationships

Are Lake County Schools a hindrance to growing and recruiting business and employees in Lake? A local businessman and the Lake County Schools Communications Officer look at two sides of this ongoing debate.

Are respect and consideration in business an even better bottom line for people to pay attention to than profits?

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FOCUS In Focus: Dragonboats, Bikefest & LSSC Commencement

Some pics highlighting this year’s Leesburg Bikefest, the South Lake Dragonboat Festival and LSSC’s 52nd annual commencement ceremony.

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FOCUS On Events: Calendar

What’s happening this month all over Lake County? Find out in the community calendar section.

37 Scan the code to watch June’s FOCUS TV.

FocusMagazineLakeCounty

June 2015 | Volume 8 Issue 5 | FocusLakeCounty.com

Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in FOCUS? Contact us for more information:

Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. FOCUS Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to FOCUS Magazine become the sole property of Red Apples Media and may be reproduced therein. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Red Apples Media. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Red Apples Media.

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FOCUS On the Arts: Mount Dora Center for the Arts

Raising funds for the arts is the goal of the Mount Dora Center for the Arts. Find out how they serve the community and what they have coming up for you to enjoy.

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FOCUS Foodie: Rae Rae’s

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FOCUS On Home: Giving Your Business to Locals

Our anonymous foodie stops at a local breakfast and lunch spot, see how it fared against expectations.

Mr. Handyman hammers home the importance of giving your business to local businesses.

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FOCUS On Better Living: The “Health” of Business Some tips to keeping the human capital healthy in your business.

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FOCUS On Lake County: “Selling” the Lake “Product”

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FOCUS: Flashback

Big brand-name companies have something in common with Lake County. Robert Chandler IV, Director of Lake County Economic Growth Department discusses the “product” of Lake.

This month, we look back at the 1955 Leesburg Watermelon Festival Parade and Ro-mac’s parade entry.

June 2015

FocusLakeCounty.com

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PUBLISHER: MARC’S REMARKS Throughout my professional life I’ve been an employee, working for a company.

With it usually came – or so I thought – the comforts and security of a steady paycheck and more. But in October of 2008, all of that changed when I was laid off from my six-figure position. Suddenly that plush carpet of perceived job security was yanked out from under the feet of my family and me. The job market was imploding and trying to find a comparable opportunity that would also require relocation was non-existent as the economy sunk deeper towards rock-bottom. I had no time to lick my wounds and play the “what if” game. I had to do something, and do it quickly. So, like many others at that time, I became an entrepreneur – that was the beginning of Hometown Health TV, LLC and now, Red Apples Media. I didn’t jump off this cliff into the unknown out of a burning desire or the courage to do so, but entirely out of fear and desperation – something I’ve never been ashamed to admit publicly (in large part because it makes the story of our success all that more made-for-Hollywood.)

Along the way, I learned a lot of lessons about starting a business in Lake County, made several smart moves and made some critical mistakes. But succeed, we did.

success stories, the role our public schools play in the ability to build, recruit and attract businesses and employees, to how the County can support your entrepreneurial efforts. Whether you’re a small business looking to grow or you think you have the next great start-up idea, anything is possible here in Lake County.

And speaking of local businesses, I want to bring your attention to our mini-section, “World-Class Medicine in Lake” as FOCUS teams with Lake Sumter TV’s “Profiles” to bring you some innovative practitioners who have dedicated themselves to “big city” medicine here at home. With three hospitals within Lake and numerous renowned, respected, accomplished and honored health professionals, save the gas money and look local first when it comes to your health care.

In this month’s issue of FOCUS, we look at what it takes to be a business owner in Lake. From the available resources, to other

Marc Robertz-Schwartz Publisher, FOCUS Lake County

Scan the code to watch “Movie Knight” on FOCUS TV.

I just showed the [Clark Brothers Racing] article to Ryan. He thought that it was great... but when he watched the video, he said, “Pretty cool!” FOCUS Magazine is #1 at our house.

Ashley Clark, mother of Bradley and Ryan (Featured in May’s FOCUS Magazine, Clark Brothers Racing)

print • digital • television • radio

Steve Purello, CEO of Angel Flight Southeast, is one of three volunteer pilots who was recognized May 30 at the 2015 Endeavor Awards in Los Angeles, CA. The Endeavor Awards recognize individual volunteer pilots whose aviation services go above and beyond expectations.

Consideration is given to the amount and nature of their service, accomplishments, acts of compassion, commitment and impact on the pilot community and the community at large.

In addition to overseeing the non-profit network of 650 pilots who donate their time, personal aircraft and fuel to fly patients to life-saving medical appointments, Purello flies as many as 25 passenger missions a year himself. He has been flying for various volunteer pilot organizations, including Angel Flight Southeast, for 20 years.

Purello and the other two Endeavor Award recipients will receive a $15,000 donation to their respective charities.

FOCUS, in partnership with East Ridge High School in Clermont, presents a sampling of the more than 30 student-produced videos which debuted on the big screen at Epic Theaters during the 2015 Movie Knight.

Special airings on LSTV.

Reader’s Remarks

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ANGEL FLIGHT SOUTHEAST’S STEVE PURELLO AWARDED

Kudos for Award Congratulations to FOCUS TV host J. Scott Berry of J. Scott’s Skin Care & Day Spa for receiving the Community Service Special Judges Award during the Lake County Florida League of Cities’ 2015 Community Service Awards in May. The event, held at Lake Receptions in Mount Dora, was put on to recognize community contributors who have used their talents to make Lake County a great place to live.

June 2015

On Philanthropy

Organization: L.E.A.S.H., Inc. (Love. Enrichment. Adoption. Shelter. Health.)

Year Established: 2015 What is your not-for-profit status: 501(c)3 Non-profit Address: We have partnered with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services, located at 28123 CR 561 in Tavares.

Phone: 352.340.3803 Web Address: LEASHinc.org Email: Contact@LEASHinc.org Description of Organization: L.E.A.S.H., Inc. is an independent non-profit organiza-

tion, that works in conjunction with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services to enhance the quality of life and shelter living conditions for shelter animals and to improve the prospect of these animals transitioning to a forever home. In working together, we will increase the rate of live release, decrease the shelter animals’ length of stay, and provide a more pleasant experience for the animals entrusted to the care of the shelter.

Who do you serve and how: We serve the lost, abandoned, and surrendered animals who find themselves at LCSO Animal Services. We orchestrate charitable fund-raising, community outreach, volunteer and foster recruitment, medical sponsorships, and promotion of adoption. L.E.A.S.H., Inc. encourages compassion, enrichment, and care for shelter animals in our community.

outreach and fundraising. We are always in need of monetary donations for our heartworm treatment fund which allows for treatment sponsorships for heartworm-positive shelter dogs.

What are you most in need of and why: We are looking for volunteers to help with enrichment projects at the shelter, to foster at-risk animals, to help with community

Inspiring words: Everyone can make a difference: adopt, foster, volunteer, donate, sponsor, educate, spay/neuter. We can save more lives together!

Saturday, June 13 10:00am to 4:00pm on Free for all ages

rg u b s e ’s Le y r a r b Li c i l b u P on C c i Com

The Leesburg Public Library is having its first ever Comic-Con to kick off Summer Reading 2015. This event features authors, artists, Klingons, vendors, Daleks, facepainters, and lots more.

The Friends of the Leesburg Public Library and Heroes Landing Comic Book Store are pleased to announce that The Ken Spivey Band will be playing a free concert at the library Comic-Con at 3:00pm.

In the library’s meeting rooms will be guest speakers, programs, and concerts through-

June 2015

352.728.9790 Email Librarian@ LeesburgFlorida.gov

out the day. At 10:00am, Grabthar’s Hammer will be playing a free all your favorite science fiction themes in a free concert. At 11:00pm author and editor Rick Wilbur will be discussing his newest anthology Baseball Stories of the Strange & Supernatural.

Like to be scared? Then don’t miss Dying to Be Scared: Why we love horror & how to write an effective horror novel, with author Chris Berman at noon. At 1:00pm Dr. Geek’s Lab presents The Science of Star Trek. At 2:00pm there will be a live-action role playing demo from the Serenity Lakes Group.

The library will have authors and artists in attendance throughout the day, as well as special FX makeup Demos from Artistic Transformations F/X and facepainting by Miss Mandi. Don’t forget your camera for a photo op with a Dalek courtesy of the Guardians of Gallifrey, Central Florida’s Doctor Who fan club.

Special guests at the event include the USS Haven Star Trek Club and the Orlando area Science Fiction Society.

FocusLakeCounty.com

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On the Issues

How School Grades Affect Businesses in Lake A smart reason for businesses to choose Lake County.

As Lake County seeks to lure more businesses to stimulate the local economy, officials often highlight our pleasant weather, low cost of living and close proximity to beaches, theme parks, lakes and recreational trails as attractive reasons to relocate here. The quality offerings at our schools give businesses yet another reason to consider Lake County.

At Lake County Schools (LCS), we encourage our students to stretch, grow and challenge themselves. Many are stepping up to that challenge through our new Health Sciences Collegiate Academy, participation in our annual STEM Bowl, with its emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math; dual enrollment programs, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. In fact, LCS is proud to be one of four public school districts in Florida to be recognized by the College Board in 2015 for gains in the number of students taking AP classes and for increasing student performance on AP exams.

Our students may not be prepared for the future of business in Lake.

The Lake County school system has been part of the community for more than 100 years. It has educated our children to become farmers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, business owners, doctors, lawyers, and many other jobs or careers imaginable.

But it must also educate children who may not become business owners or doctors and sadly, there is a portion of children that our school system will not be able to reach.

The question is, how do we do a better job of educating all of our Lake County children so they are prepared to be productive adults?

Unfortunately, Lake County as a whole has a reputation that has not been a drawing card for high-paying jobs. When businesses are considering whether to relocate their offic-

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We also recognize the need to adjust the pace and delivery of instruction to address each student’s individual learning strengths and needs. To help in this area, Lake County Schools was one of six districts nationwide to be awarded a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grant to plan for Personalized Learning, an approach that can help every LCS student achieve his or her personal best.

Personalized Learning works by assessing students to determine their level of mastery on a particular standard or group of standards. Then, based on their level of knowledge, interest and learning preferences, students are assigned an individualized learning path to help them achieve mastery.

sionals to learn about career opportunities.

Partners for Success is a joint effort between the Lake County Economic Development & Tourism Department, Lake County Schools, Lake-Sumter State College, Lake Tech and the Lake County Chamber Alliance.

In addition, we have many individual student accomplishments, such as the robotics team that recently competed at the VEX Robotics World Championship, that support our claim that Lake County is an innovative and exciting place for students to learn. And that makes it a great place for any business’ employees and their families to live!

Our main goal is to provide every student individual opportunities to excel. We often partner with our local business community to help achieve that goal. One example is our annual Partners for Success event, which gives students with technical training an opportunity to connect with business leaders, entrepreneurs and human resources profes-

Sherri Owens Communications Officer Lake County Schools

es or factories, one of the first questions is about our school system. Owners, managers and other executives who plan to move their families often research the educational system before making their decisions.

They also look for a local workforce that is well-educated, disciplined and trained in specific skill-sets to meet their needs.

their children’s teachers. They often do not understand the system and feel frustrated and intimidated by it. If we are going to reach these children we must reach their parents too.

Sadly, there are many children in Lake County that are not only unprepared for school, they are unprepared for life. We should not be simply raising children, we need to be raising and educating our children to become adults. Many of our children do not have positive role models. If their parent or other caregivers themselves dropped out of school, how do we instill in these children a desire to seek education as a way out? We must help our children and their parents and caregivers understand that education is important. Many parents who dropped out are not comfortable talking to

print • digital • television • radio

Learn more about Lake County Schools at Lake.

K12.FL.us, or follow us on Facebook at LakeSchools.

As a community we must work together.

Whether you are a parent, business owner, government representative, or teacher, we cannot continue to look at what is best for “me.” We must look at what is best for “them,” the future of our county. We cannot achieve success in business or otherwise if we continually find ourselves on different pages.

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On the Mind The Business of Relationships

Blending Human Concerns with Profitable Business Practices.

In business practices it is not uncommon to hear the popular refrain along the lines of, “What’s the bottom line here.” Unfortunately, this refrain is too often declared without much consideration to “human being” factors. A question to ask is, “Can treating your employees with respect, appreciation and humanistic considerations lead to an increase in bottom-line profits in business and corporate activities?” Of course, profits can always be made by the leadership promoting restrictive and stifling employment practices, such as exploiting, overworking, paying low wages, long hours, and one-way, top-down autocratic leadership. This Machiavellian mentality, i.e., “do it the company way or take the highway,” is often much too prevalent in business practices and is the opposite of what is offered in this article for your consideration.

Dr. Noelle Nelson, a clinical psychologist, best selling author & business consultant, in her book Make More Money by Making Your Employees Happy, contends that, “When employees feel that the company takes their interests to heart, the employees will take company interests to heart.” A happy and productive work environment can be fostered by implementing a “two-way street” (as opposed to top-down, one-way) communication between management/leadership and their employees; and through management consciously creating an environment that stimulates esprit de corps and collaborative collegial relationships among the staff.

Hey, you business owners out there — it’s really quite simple — “happy campers” work happily and tend to work harder than unhappy campers. For business owners, who might be interested in becoming “camp directors,” here are a few ideas you might want to consider to get you started. These thoughts involve no monetary expenditure, but just an expenditure of your imagination — along with a little “out of the box” thinking: Schedule regular team meetings in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Of course, structure with a basic agenda is important, but whenever feasible try to also set aside

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some time to engage in open and collaborative brainstorming between the leadership and the staff.

New ideas can be streamed freely, developed and tossed around.

Providing “brain-stimulating” food and drink (worth researching) is a plus, especially at the less formal and more brainstorming driven meetings.

Establish an employee “open-door policy.” Provide a standing invitation to approach management with any comments, complaints, concerns or suggestions employees might have for making the company work better. By making yourself always available, and willing to communicate, you are telling your employees that you value their concerns, which research makes clear is one of the best tactics the leadership and management can employ to boost morale and employee performance.

In Dale Carnegie’s classic book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, he states, “Be hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise.” Consciously doing things that provide your employees with a feeling of being appreciated and valued will do wonders for fortifying their self esteem and self confidence.

Depending upon the size of your company, consider putting together a company sponsored softball team. Sponsor a 5K walk/fun run in your community; ask for volunteers from your company to provide support staff for the event.

print • digital • television • radio

And here’s a wild suggestion for you. Offer your employees the opportunity to take paid volunteer time off (VTO), which serves the dual benefit of demonstrating authentic corporate social responsibility; and making them proud to work for a place with such a strong community mindset.

In closing, I leave the reader some final food for thought from Margy Bresslour, founder of Moving Messages, a business consultant and coach. She quotes a study from the Jackson Organization, a survey research consultancy, which found that, “Companies that effectively appreciate employee value enjoy a return on equity and assets more than triple that experienced by firms that don’t.” I rest my case.

Bob Blanchette is a private practice psychologist in Lake County.

HumCollaB.B@Comcast.net 352.217.0131

June 2015

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THE

TO BUILDING A BUSINESS IN LAKE

WRITTEN BY JIM GIBSON PHOTOS BY BONNIE WHICHER

Making it Your Business With the Great Recession of ‘07–’09 in the rearview mirror and economic recovery steady, it seems that Lake Countians may finally be able to breathe a financial sigh of relief.

The unemployment rate is at 5.5 percent, the lowest it’s been since April 2008, and down from its high of 12.5 percent in January 2010. Wages have been on the increase with the average Lake County worker making slightly more than $650 per week according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. And, according to Nancy Muenzmay, director of business incubator programs for the Lake County Economic Development department, interest in starting up new businesses is increasing.

“A healthy business community is the foundation of a healthy economy,” says Muenzmay. “Good businesses mean more quality, well-paying jobs and more jobs provide income for local families. That wage money is then spent locally, infusing life into other area businesses.

“It all starts with quality businesses, both established long-term businesses and new startups. I have seen a definite increase in the requests for help in starting a new business recently and I feel like this is a good

sign that the overall economy is improving.

It seems that in a recovering economy, the entrepreneurial spirit just comes alive.”

Muenzmay says that Lake County’s Economic Development department has worked very hard to bolster and revitalize the local economy. She says they offer full-service business support for any businessperson in the county.

“It seems that a lot of people aren’t aware of us and all the free services we have to offer,” she says. “We are here for every business in Lake County, whether it’s been here for 50 years or if it’s just an idea in someone’s head. We have three business opportunity centers, located in Eustis, Leesburg and Clermont that offer training, seminars, and one-on-one consulting with business professionals at the University of Central Florida. We cover everything from how to write up a business plan, to incorporating, to funding, marketing and growth management. If someone wants to start a new business in Lake County, we are definitely the place to start.”

Muenzmay says that even if the economy isn’t progressing as quickly as most would like, it is indeed slowly-but-surely moving forward and she is expecting even better things in Lake County.

“Lake County offers businesses a lot. We are located strategically in the middle of the state; we offer small town living, while also offering more of an urban feel in South Lake as you get nearer Orange County and Orlando. We just feel like our county is a great place to start a business and call home,” she says.

A Ray of Hope Deborah Porter-Coffman has always had a tender heart when it comes to others in need. Her faith in God and compassion have always been the major driving forces in her life. When she recently decided to join the local workforce after 13 years of stay-athome parenting, she allowed these forces to help determine her new job.

Nancy Muenzmay is the director for incubator programs at the Lake County Economic Development Department.

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“I took one look at Trades of Hope and immediately knew it was for me,” she says.

“It has everything I am looking for in a job:

print • digital • television • radio

Deborah and Ruthie Porter-Coffman run Trades of Hope in Umatilla.

it helps others, it has a mission to empower women, it affords my family a second income and it allows me to have flexible work hours, which I need because I homeschool both my teenage children.”

Porter-Coffman, a Umatilla resident, didn’t hesitate when she decided to become a “compassionate entrepreneur” 10 months ago. Trades of Hope is a direct sales company that offers its members the opportunity to sell items produced by impoverished women around the world. By selling the items, this enables the women in need to maintain sustainable jobs that will continue to provide income for many years, possibly their entire lifetimes. Many of the women who create the items have been victims of human trafficking or other physical or emotional abuse.

“We partner with companies here in the U.S. and nine other countries worldwide,” she says. “Some of the companies are as small as cottage businesses and some are much larger. I am especially proud that we help sell the items made by the women of Cambodia who have been disfigured when others threw acid on them for virtually no reason. These women may be targeted simply because they didn’t want to marry a certain person… and that is so sad. So, at Trades of Hope, we buy the simple prod-

June 2015

ucts they make and then resell them to the public. This gives these women, many of whom would otherwise live in abject poverty, a good income and a new chance at a better life. Statistics show that when you help one person attain a job that brings them up out of poverty that they bring four other people up with them… and that makes me feel good.”

Porter-Coffman says she and her daughter Ruthie work together selling the products at home parties and vendor events. She says business has been very good and she plans on staying with the company long term.

“What more could I ask for? I get to work alongside my daughter, I know that every item I sell is helping a woman in need somewhere in the world, I am making money to help support my family and I am also supporting our local economy… but best of all, I know that my work helps fulfill the Bible’s words, which says we should always help our brother or sister in need.”

Water, Water Everywhere When Ally and Harry Stewart decided to retire from their engineering manufacturing consulting business in St. Louis, they decided to call Leesburg home. Once here, they began to look around for a “retirement business” that would provide them secure income for their golden years.

“I have a Master’s Degree in International Business and my husband is an engineer, and both our backgrounds are in manufacturing,” says Ally. “We looked around and decided that water was a great business. We took every penny we had, savings, retirement… all of it… and bought a bottled water facility in Pasco County and started Azure Water. We knew we were taking a chance, but we also knew that we had a good trending product and a great innovative way to market it.”

The Stewarts found that living in Leesburg and owning a business in Pasco County wasn’t an ideal situation. So they decided to build their own plant in Leesburg on Greenleaf Lane off Tally Road.

“We moved here in October 2013 and we couldn’t be happier,” Ally says. “We are closer to our water suppliers at Wildwood Springs and Salt Springs, we are closer to our biggest clients in Orlando and we have found great support and acceptance in the local business community. In Pasco County,

June 2015

The source of Azure’s water includes Wildwood Springs and Heatherwood Alkaline Springs. It from a protected artesian aquifer that flows below the Ocala National Forest.

we didn’t even know they had a Chamber of Commerce. When we came here, we were immediately approached and welcomed, and we became members. We have found nothing but support, and that is such a welcome change.”

Azure Water is unique in that it offers custom-shaped and different colored bottles, various bottle sizes, several different types of water and custom labeling that can accommodate any client from a national buyer to a wedding or local event. Azure provides all aspects of bottled water production in one facility.

The company has experienced steady growth and is planning for future expansion.

“When we started four years ago we had four employees and now we have 11. We have recently expanded our product line and plan on expanding our facility in the near future,” she says. “We have seen a steady increase in business and it seems to mirror the national economic recovery, so we believe we will continue to see even more growth in the future. We are very pleased with how our business is growing and we love doing business in this area.”

Scan the code to see how Lake County’s Business Opportunity Center is helping local business owners on LSTV’s YouTube channel.

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“They were all so helpful and they really helped us get our business started off right.”

Light Up the Night Shannon and David Hidalgo turned their love of camping into more than just an outdoor adventure, they turned it into a successful business that is undergoing tremendous growth.

“We have always loved to camp and one of the things we found annoying was starting a campfire,” says Shannon. “By the time we found enough dry wood, set the fire up and finally got it lit, our son Joshua had lost interest and was off doing something else.”

Shannon, who is the president of Green Light Outdoors, and her husband David, who is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at South Lake Hospital, were always searching for an easier way to start a campfire.

“David noticed that our neighbors, who own an equestrian farm, were simply throwing away the heavy-duty paper feed bags that held their horse grain,” she says. “He asked if we could have some and we stored them away. When we went on our next camping trip, he decided to put some of our dry firewood inside one of the bags, and we rolled it up and stored it under our RV. When we got to the campsite, he just lit the bag and we had an instant campfire. From that first bag of firewood, our business, Green Light Outdoors was born.”

“Robert Chandler and Paul Simmons were great. They helped us determine how to scale and maintain leanness in our manufacturing process. They visited us many times and shared their ideas and insights. We also spoke with Stan Austin of the Small Business Development Center at UCF and discussed our business strategy and manufacturing systems. They were all so helpful and they really helped us get our business started off right.”

Business Success Starts Here

Green Light Fire Bag distributed by Publix and Wal-Mart in six states. In order to meet seasonal demands, we have the Fire Bag manufactured and distributed by a company in Newberry, Florida and we will soon start manufacturing and distributing from another site in Rusk, Texas. We are now planning on overseas sales and hope to soon start distributing in Dubai. Our business is definitely growing.”

Lake County is an ideal place to start a business… and, according to the experts, now is an ideal time. Sources such as Lake County Economic Development, SCORE, the Florida Small Business Development Center, and others, provide everyone an equal opportunity to turn a simple idea into a successful career. Now is the perfect time to get down to business… in Lake County.

The couple had assistance from Lake County Economic Development when they first started their business and found their guidance invaluable.

Green Light Outdoors is based in Montverde and has been in business for three and a half years. The company produces the Green Light Fire Bag, an FDA-approved “easy light, all-in-one, completely natural wood campfire that lights up in seconds and burns for hours.” The heavy-duty paper Fire Bag contains matches, quick-start kindling and kiln-dried hardwood that produce an easy to start, long-lasting campfire.

“Everything about the Fire Bag is completely natural, there are no chemicals or additives.

They can be used for camping, cooking or outdoor mini-adventures in your backyard,” Shannon says. “We wanted everything to be natural; our goal is to be good stewards of what we have been given and we want to leave the Earth a better place.”

The idea of a pre-packaged campfire seems to be an idea whose time has come.

“We started manufacturing in our garage and quickly outgrew that. We then leased a space locally and hired several employees to work with us, but then we outgrew that also,” she says. “Now we have the

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The all-in-one, natural wood Green Light Fire Bag lights in seconds and burns for hours.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

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June 2015

June 2015

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13

WORLD-CLASS MEDICINE IN LAKE

WRITTEN BY ANTHONY RAO

With three top-rated hospitals in Lake County; Florida Hospital Waterman, Leesburg Regional Medical Center and South Lake Hospital (four, if you count The Villages,) it’s easy to think we’ve got this covered from a medical standpoint. Most people no longer have to leave the area and visit the “big city” for special treatments or surgeries. That’s because some of Central Florida’s most accomplished practitioners and specialists call Lake County home – both personally and professionally.

As an example of the recognition Lake County is receiving, recently Florida Hospital Waterman was recognized and awarded an “A” grade in the Spring’s Hospital Safety Score, which is a gold standard for patient safety that is gathered under guidance of the nation’s leading safety experts and administered by a non-profit national hospital safety watchdog, The Leapfrog Group. And in 2015 Lake County itself ranked 19th out of Florida’s 67 counties, by the Florida Department of Health, for the healthiest counties in the state.

“Integrated community efforts are the foundation of developing healthy outcomes for Lake County residents,” said Aaron Kissler, administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Lake County. “The health of each county furthers our goals for becoming the healthiest state in the nation.”

“As a member of Lake Health Partnership, The Community Medical Care Center of Leesburg and its other partner agencies are very proud of the difference we have been able to make in the health status of our uninsured low-income patients who otherwise would not have access to primary care. I applaud the partners, which include the Florida Department of Health in Lake County, for their successful efforts related to emergency room diversion, chronic disease management and making a difference in the health of so many. It has been both an honor and a pleasure to work alongside of all the partners while serving those who otherwise would not be able to receive this invaluable

Florida Cancer Specialists’ Dr. Maen Hussein consults with a patient.

The department recognizes how valuable it is to measure health outcomes, and acknowledged the sixth annual County Health Rankings & Roadmaps tool, prepared by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The study highlights the many community factors influencing health and uses established data, much of which is available from the department at FloridaCharts.com These rankings are just a snapshot of the health of counties across the nation and they emphasize that health is not only a community effort, but a work in progress as well. The department works in collaboration with local governments, non-profit organizations, health care facilities, business groups, schools, faithbased organizations and many others to improve the health of all people in Lake County.

The rankings also make use of data connected

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to physical environments, social and economic concerns, behaviors and clinical care.

care,” said Tamra Halsey, ministry director of Community Medical Care Center in Leesburg.

Several doctors and practitioners in Lake County are setting the new standard for community health care. Lake Sumter Television’s “Profiles” highlights just a few of them this month on LSTV. Among them are doctors Ahmed Al-Hazzouri and Maen Hussein of Florida Cancer Specialists. Belonging to a network of offices throughout the state helps them bring state-of-the-art cancer care to the area and keeps patients close to home. Lake County locations include Clermont, Leesburg and Tavares.

“We have access to new therapies, new thinking, new methods, new treatments, new imaging long before pretty much anybody else has because we’re so connected. Our

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goal, is to make sure that an ‘average Joe’ who needs that care can get it close to home, short driving distance, very accessible, close to family without having the hassle, the cost, the time spent driving or flying to a big center to get something that is easily accessible.” Dr. Al-Hazzouri says this philosophy is a big reason why Florida Cancer Specialists prides itself on “World Class Medicine, Hometown Care.”

“How many times have you heard of somebody going to a big center where, sure they gave them multiple options, but because of the distance, they’re away from family. The social support was just not there and they were not able to access that benefit because they were so far away from home.”

Instead of patients having to go to a far-away doctor, some even leaving the country for treatment, doctors Al-Hazzouri, Hussein and their staff make it possible to get top-notch care locally.

They are able to draw up unique treatment plans tailored to each patient and their specific type of cancer. Then, after thorough diagnosis and analysis of the situation, orchestrate the delivery of an agreed-upon strategy for you.

“To a patient, they need to know that not only are they getting cutting-edge, accurate, targeted therapy with the least amount of side-effects, they also will know that this medicine was made specifically for this cancer,” Dr. Al-Hazzouri comments on the type of personalized care the practice provides.

Another place that is performing procedures and offering services many might not know are available in Lake County, is Mesos Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Lady Lake, which opened in 2005 and has since become one of the largest laser practices in the state. Doctors Danny Soares and Jacob Gerzenshtein, along with Larry Blevins, PA, MHS are bringing new advances in plastic surgery for the face and body, to Lake County’s residents.

One unique procedure utilizes stromal cell technology (related to stem cell therapies) to Scan the code to watch this month’s episode of “Profiles” featuring these world class practices.

June 2015

graft fat cells from one area of the body, such as the posterior, to another region, like the breasts. Mesos is one of the only practices in Florida making use of the technology in this way; prompting people from outside the county to seek world-class medicine in Lake.

“Stromal cell technology is a way of improving fat-graft take for buttock augmentation or breast augmentation by using your own cells.

And at the same time improving your body contour through liposuction.” Dr. Gerzenshtein feels that this technology is one of the tangibles that sets Mesos apart from other practices statewide.

However, it’s not only humans who receive world-class medical care in Lake County; animals also are being cared for at top-notch facilities like Northgate Animal Clinic in Leesburg. Its wellness programs are designed specifically for each pet. The vaccination protocols employed are based on the staff’s knowledge of local diseases and what diseases a pet may encounter if traveling. They also perform microchip insertions, which have helped reunite thousands of pets with their families. They offer the most widely used microchip products to increase the chances of a safe recovery.

“Microchipping is very important for your

family pet, primarily to help locate your pet if it ever is lost. Animals are picked up

by Animal Control quite often, and before they are euthVeterinarian Bailey Clark examines a “patient” at Northgate Animal Clinic. anized they are scanned, usually right tebral disk disease, and neurological disease. upon admission, to see if they can help locate It’s going to help these types of situations by an owner,” says Dr. Richard “Bailey” Clark of providing anti-inflammatory benefits as well as the way microchip technology is helping pet providing soothing heat deep into the muscle owners in this modern world. tissue,” says Dr. Clark of this treatment that many believe would be reserved for humans.

Another unique part of pet care today has to do with laser therapy for your pets. “The Thanks to these and other cutting-edge treattherapeutic laser is a deep tissue-penetrating ments being performed in Lake County on laser that works at two different wavelengths, all sorts of patients, human and animal, now providing deep tissue-penetrating heat into the more than ever before it is possible for local muscles. So it is going to work with animals residents to stay right at home when receiving with soft tissue injuries, which would be osteo- world-class medical care. arthritis, tendonitis, pulled muscles, interver-

Watch the World-Class Medicine Episode of the Award-Winning “Profiles” Featuring

rofiles

Mon • Wed • Fri 7a & 7p Tue • Thu • Sat 10:30a & 10:30p Comcast 13 • Bright House 498 • FL Cable 4 LakeSumterTV.com

June 2015

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Fighting Cancer Alone

Is Not an Option!

Florida Cancer Specialists was with me every step of my journey.

“Dr. Al-Hazzouri is like an angel to me.

He always has a smile and a positive attitude. Florida Cancer Specialists is like my second family.”

Florida Cancer Specialists Full page ad

Gina Ortiz knew that fighting cancer would be a challenging journey.

That’s why she wanted to find a cancer center and a doctor who could provide the most advanced and personalized treatment possible.

Gina’s patient navigator accompanied her through each phase of her treatment. And Florida Cancer Specialists made it possible for Gina to receive world-class cancer care close to home, without having to take a road trip!

“I was lucky to have a patient navigator who guided me through all the paperwork and helped me understand the treatment process. She also went with me to doctors’ appointments; she and Dr. Al-Hazzouri reassured me so I never felt alone.”

Cancer Patient Navigators available through Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation.

GCCF.us – 352.435.3202

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FLCancer.com

June 2015

352.787.8533

NorthgateAnimalClinic.com

2473 Citrus Blvd. • Leesburg, FL 34748

Hours: Mon.-Thu. 8am-5pm • Fri. 8am-4pm

Wellness Exams Vaccinations Laser Therapy Microchips In-house Diagnostics Digital Radiography Dentistry Senior Wellness Management of Chronic Illness Allergy Testing & Management Parasite Screening & Prevention Pain Management Surgery Dr. Richard “Bailey” Clark Veterinarian

Northgate Animal Clinic Family

Click the code to watch Northgate Animal Clinic in this month’s “Profiles” on Lake Sumter TV.

Ears and Ears of Experience as “Your Other Family Doctor” June 2015

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15 17

IN FOCUS LEESBURG BIKEFEST 2015

PHOTOS BY BONNIE WHICHER The 19th annual Leesburg Bikefest rode into Leesburg April 24 through the 26. The three-day motorcycle and music event drew over a quarter million people from all over and featured headliner Lita Ford on Friday night. The event, which is packed into 30 square blocks, featured more than 85 concerts, 250 vendors, bike shows, demonstrations, bikini contests and much more.

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June 2015

IN FOCUS

SOUTH LAKE DRAGONBOATS PHOTOS BY BONNIE WHICHER For the second consecutive year Dragon Boating was in Clermont.

The festival took place on Lake Minneola in South Lake County.

Proceeds for the event benefit New Beginnings, a nonprofit organization transforming lives. You’re invited to form your own dragon boat team.

Included in your team registration is a practice session where you learn how to paddle and race. Go to SouthLakeCountyDragonBoat.com to find out more information.

June 2015

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IN FOCUS

LSSC COMMENCEMENT

PHOTOS BY MARC ROBERTZ-SCHWARTZ

Lake-Sumter State College celebrated its 52nd graduating class, with nearly 600 students across all three campuses receiving degrees and certificates, including the first graduating class of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management program. This also marked the final commencement for retiring LSSC president, Dr. Chuck Mojock.

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June 2015

Why weren’t you in this issue?

Do you have an event, a story, or information you want to get out into the community? We can’t read your mind. We need to hear from you.

Email us at Anthony@RedApplesMedia.com or call 352.801.7106 June 2015

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On Events June 13; 11 AM – 10 PM A Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival Clermont Waterfront Park For Info: 407.312.3909 June 20, 21; 9 AM – 12 PM Learn To Row Clermont Boathouse Membership@RowLCRA.org

Every Saturday; 8 AM – 1 PM Leesburg Saturday Morning Market LeesburgSaturdayMorningMarket.com

June 27; 7 PM – 8 PM NTC Lace It Up Series: Beach Ball Boogie 2 Miler National Training Center, Clermont For Info: 352.241.7144

June 27; 2 PM – 4 PM Free Concert ‘The Jazz Etc Trio’ Leesburg Public Library June 29; 11 AM Birds of Prey Free at the Library Leesburg Public Library

June 30; 11 AM – 12 PM “Escape the Ordinary” book discussion Book discussion of “Molok’ai”

by Alan Brennert Leesburg Public Library, Library Meeting Room A

June 13; 6PM Leesburg Food Truck–n–Flick Night Main St, Downtown Leesburg LeesburgDowntown.com

June 1; 7 – 9 PM Smooth Country Band Monday Nights WindHorse Theater, Eustis June 7; 12 PM – 2 PM ABATE – Lake County Chapter Meeting Eagles Aerie 4273 – Web Room, Leesburg Lake.AbateFlorida.com June 4, 18, 25; 4 – 6 PM Chronicles of Yarnia - Fiber Arts Club Cagan Crossings Community Library

June 13; 10 AM – 4 PM Leesburg Public Library Comic-Con For Info: 352.728.9790

June 5; 5:30 – 8 PM Family Food Truck Night Historic Downtown Clermont ClermontDowntownPartnership.com

June 20; 2 PM Sahara – A Princess Play Book Signing with Author Ben Molina Leesburg Public Library Librarian@LeesburgFlorida.gov

June 6; 7:30 AM 29th Annual Central Florida Triathlon & 5K Series #1 Clermont Waterfront Park For Info: 352.394.1320 June 12, 13, 14; 10 AM – 5 PM Harvest Festival Lakeridge Winery, Clermont LakeridgeWinery.com

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June 22; 11 AM – 11:45 AM Circus Clown Show Bucky & GiGi at the library Leesburg Public Library June 24; 11 AM – 11 PM Tampa Taiko Drums Free concert Leesburg Public Library

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June 3, 10; 10 – 11:30 AM Chair Yoga with Nancy Trout Lake Nature Center, Eustis June 4, 18, 25; 7:30 – 9:30 PM Ric Mac & The Wind Jammers Band WindHorse Theater, Eustis June 5; 6 PM – 10 PM School’s Out Beach Bash Eustis Downtown Entertainment District Eustis.org June 8, 15, 22, 29; 7 – 9 PM Smooth Country Band Monday Nights WindHorse Theater, Eustis June 19; 6 – 7:30 PM Friday Night Naturalist Trout Lake Nature Center, Eustis June 20; 10 – 12 AM Summer Sailstice Lake Eustis Sailing Club For Info: 407.721.2967

June 2015

Every Weekend Round Trip Steam Train Rides Orange Blossom Cannonball Steam Train OrangeBlossomCannonball.com June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 6 PM Free Table Top Trivia for Cash and Sake Lake Dora Sushi and Sake, Tavares LakeDoraSushiandSake.com June 2; 3 PM – 5 PM Tourist Development Council Meeting & Capital Funding Meeting Lake County Administration Building, Tavares June 3; 9 AM Planning & Zoning Board Lake County Administration Building, Board Chambers, Tavares June 4; 4 PM – 7 PM Board of Building Examiners Meeting Commissioners Chambers, Tavares June 5; 3 – 6 PM Under the Cherry Blossoms – A Taste of Japan at Osprey Lodge Osprey Lodge Assisted Living of Tavares For Info: 352.253.5100 June 9; 2 – 4 PM Quilters’ Club Library Conference Room, Tavares June 9; 9 AM Board of County Commissioners Meeting Commission Chambers, Tavares June 10; 9 AM – 12 PM Lake County Code Enforcement Special Master Hearings Administration Building – Board Chambers, Tavares

Every Sunday; 9 AM – 2 PM Fresh produce, seafood, bread and much, much more Elizabeth Evans Park, Mount Dora MountDoraMarket.com June 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 13, 15; 10 AM – 4 PM Shape and Shadow Exhibit Mount Dora Center for the Arts Gallery June 6; 10 – 11 AM Sports Activities Free Ladies Only Self Defense Class Grappling Mastery, Mount Dora

June 23; 9 AM Board of County Commissioners Rezoning Meeting Lake County Administration Building, Tavares

June 2015

June 13; 9 – 11 AM Water Exploration For Kids Ellis Acres Reserve, Paisley For Info: 352.253.4950 June 27; 9 – 11 AM Herp Hike For Kids Ferndale Preserve For Info: 352.253.4950

June 6; 8 – 10 PM Johnny Dee and the Starlights Mount Dora Community Building June 6; 6 – 8 PM Taste 20+ Wines from Around the World Maggie’s Attic, Mount Dora MountDoraEvents.com June 7, 8; 7 PM HOOPS Pat Burke’s Training Facility Basketball Camp Mount Dora High School Gym 352.253.4667 June 13; 7 – 9 PM “A Twist of Lemmon” – A Tribute to my Father Jack Mount Dora Community Building June 18; 5 PM – 8:30 PM Mount Dora Food Trucks Sunset Park in Downtown Mount Dora June 26, 27, 29, 30; 10 AM – 4 PM Raw and Ardor Exhibit Mount Dora Center for the Arts Gallery

June 11; 1 PM Board of Adjustments Administration Building, Tavares June 18; 5 PM Library Advisory Board Meeting Lake County Administration Building, Tavares

For Info: 352.759.9913 June 20; 7:30 – 11 AM Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey Ellis Acres Reserve, Paisley For Info: 352.253.4950

June 3; 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Steps to Business Ownership Lake--Sumter State College-Foundation Building, Leesburg LSSC.edu June 4; 5:30 – 7 PM Alumni After Hours Ramshackle Cafè, Leesburg For Info: 352.365.3539 June 6; 1:30 – 4:30 PM Steps to Business Ownership Lake-Sumter State College-Foundation Building, Leesburg LSSC.edu June 15 – 25, June 29 – July 9; All Day Kids’ College Lake-Sumter State College, Leesburg LSSC.edu June 15 – 25, June 29 – July 9; All Day Kids’ College East Ridge Middle School, Clermont LSSC.edu

Go to FocusLakeCounty.com and Like the FOCUS Lake County Facebook page to find more events information.

June 3; 2:30 – 3 PM Afterschool Activities Paisley County Library, Paisley June 4; 5:30 PM – 7 PM Kids’ Craft Night Astor Library Meeting Room

FOCUS Magazine Lake County

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23

Answering the call fo last 70

Ro-Mac Lumber & S Our original phone# was 235.

That’s it. Just three little digits.

serving the Central Flor

its builders, contractors, an

since 1945—and this m to say Thank You...

Come celebrate with us!

or the years

Supply has been

rida community,

nd homeowners

month, we’d like

Ro-Mac Style!

Come to any or all of the celebrations listed here. Register each time for the $1,000 CASH PRIZE GIVEAWAY to be held at our Homecoming BBQ Bash.

For more details, contact Rebecca Ballash at 352.787.4545 x-325.

Monday Ro-Mac Mount Dora

Open to the Public and Free to Attend 2411 W Old Hwy 441 ~ June 22nd, 11am - 2pm Lunch and Live Radio Remote with WLBE My790AM Great Hamburger and Hot Dog Lunch Vendor Demonstrations • Door Prizes • Games

Tuesday Burke’s BBQ

311 CR-466-A, Fruitland Park ~ June 23rd, at 6pm Home Builders Association of Lake-Sumter

Horseshoe Tournament at Burke’s BBQ Sponsored by Ro-Mac Lumber & Supply

Local Contractors Vie for Championship Delicious Food • Door Prizes • Trophies Contact HBA Lake-Sumter for more information

Thursday Ro-Mac Ocala

Open to the Public and Free to Attend 1432 SW 15th Avenue ~ June 25th, 11am - 2pm Ocala Customer Appreciation Day Free BBQ Lunch and Fixings Vendor Demonstrations • Door Prizes • Games

Friday it’s the big Ro-Mac Leesburg

Homecoming BBQ Bash

Open to the Public and Free to Attend 700 E Main Street ~ June 26th, 11am - 2pm Delicious BBQ Lunch by Curry’s Rooftop BBQ Vendor Demonstrations • Door Prizes • Games

Celebrating a Milestone Red Apples Media has donated 10% of the ad revenue from this section to Habitat for Humanity for Lake and Sumter Counties on behalf of Ro-mac Lumber & Supply.

This special section of June’s FOCUS features vendors who want to congratulate Ro-mac Lumber & Supply on its 70 year anniversary.

Congratulations to Ro-mac Lumber & Supply on 70 years of business!

PGT is proud to have you as a partner.

Featured: PGT’s new EnergyVue® vinyl windows

pgtindustries.com | Venice, FL

CUSTOM WINDOWS AND DOORS 26

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June 2015

ROmac full page ad, great southern wood preserving Seventy Years.

One Amazing Company.

Congratulations to our friends at Ro-Mac Lumber & Supply on 70 years of service. For some businesses that’s a lifetime, but for you it’s only the beginning.

June 2015

yellawood.com FocusLakeCounty.com 27 YellaWood® and the yellow tag are federally registered trademarks of Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated.

Together, We’re Building Safer, Stronger Homes ™

ROmac full page ad, Strong Tie

Congratulations to

Ro-Mac Lumber on 70 years of successful business!

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June 2015

Congratulations on 70 years to our friends at 7DWholesale.com Stand Out From the Bunch

ga n i d Buil mmunity o C r e Bett gether To

Multimedia • Video • Marketing

RedApplesMedia.com • 352.801.7106

June 2015

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29

Lake’s

Legacies

Robuck’s Legacy of Community Heritage WRITTEN BY ANTHONY RAO The history of the Robuck family is a story of service to Central Florida, as they helped build a company in Ro-Mac Lumber that serves as a major supplier to professional customers throughout Lake County, as well as the rest of the state.

We begin our journey through the Robuck family history with the founding, in 1945, by the McDonell and Robuck families when they jointly purchased Woods Lumber Company in Green Cove Springs. A second yard was opened in Tallahassee that year, and then the company officially took on the current Ro-Mac name with the purchase of Leesburg Lumber and Supply in 1947.

H.D. “Dan” Robuck, Jr., the President and Chairman of the Board of Ro-mac, was born a few years later in 1947 and grew up working for his father, Dan “Buck” Robuck, Sr. “I probably started working in Ro-Mac when I was eight years old. My father would bring me down here some days after school or on a Saturday, and come summertime he decided I was going to work full time. He started me out paying me 50 cents a week and my job was, as I was so young, all I could do was take everything off the shelves, wipe the shelves down, get a bucket of water and clean everything off and put it back on,” says Dan of those early days.

Dan is a native Floridian and resident of Lake County since he was a year old. He and his wife, Iris, have been married for more than thirty years and have enjoyed raising their two children, Dan III and Charlotte. He is involved in numerous professional and civic organizations within the community, and has served

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Above: “Buck” Robuck, Dan Robuck III and H.D. “Dan” Robuck, Jr.

as chairman of the boards of numerous companies and committees. Now his son Dan III works as the company’s chief financial officer as well as serving on the Leesburg City Commission.

“I learned that hard work pays. Actually, I enjoyed working very much and my dad also taught me always to do the right thing and be very fair to the customer. Be fair to everyone in the wheeling and dealings,” says Dan of the training his father Buck gave him growing up.

Training he’s tried to instill in his son. But the journey hasn’t been easy and Ro-mac wasn’t always where it looked like Dan would end up.

“I always thought I’d come back and run the lumberyard. And when I was in college, my parents wanted me to go to law school. I was enjoying life. College was good. So I decided, okay, if they want me to stay three more years, I’ll stay three more years. And I was still planning on coming back to run the business.

Then my senior year, we had a practice where you worked with a lawyer in Tallahassee and I actually did legal work, and it was a lot of fun.

So I said heck, this is way more fun than selling building materials. I decided I wanted to be a lawyer and my parents were very supportive.

So I decided not to go into the building supply business, but to practice law, and enjoyed that immensely,” Dan said of the support and encouragement he received when deciding to go into law.

Then in 1988, his father was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer. The doctors told Buck that he had six months left to live. He went to his son and said he wanted Dan to come run the lumberyard.

“No, I’m happy doing what I’m doing. Why don’t you sell it,” Dan said. “I don’t want to

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sell it. I want you to come run the lumberyard,” Buck replied.

Despite Dan trying to talk Buck into letting one of his sisters run the lumberyard they decided on a compromise. Dan moved part of his law firm over into the lumberyard’s building and practiced law there. At the time Ro-mac had a manager, Woody Wagner, running it. So Dan moved the part of his law firm and watched over Ro-mac while Woody oversaw the day-to-day operations.

“And the most wonderful thing of all of that is my dad actually lived for 15 years past that. Doctors said there’s no medical reason. God just, God took care of him. It was wonderful.”

Buck semi-retired in 1988, transitioning business operations and ownership to his son Dan. He continued to work every day for an additional 14 years, even if just for a few hours per day. He led by example, greeting customers by name and going the extra mile in providing customer service. On March 8, 2003, Buck, Ro-Mac Lumber’s founder, passed away, but he left a family legacy behind. One of quality and service that still helps guide them today.

“We’ve been through fires, hurricanes, had roofs blown off buildings, been through this horrible recession. And there are times a lot of people have just given up. But you always have to take where you are and realize this is where you are. You can’t change the past.

You can learn from it, but you can’t change it. So you just need to take where you are and figure out where you want to go, and move forward. And if you do that, you will always get there and you’ll be successful.”

June 2015

ROmac Full page ad, dixie plywood

June 2015

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31

A History of Building

Above: Ro-mac Lumber & Supply in downtown Leesburg, circa 1998. Right: Ro-mac circa 1972.

WRITTEN BY SUSAN FOX

The year was 1945, World War II was ending and much of the planet had set their sights on recovery. Back home, Ernest, Robert and Dan “Buck” Robuck, Sr. were just returning from their respective tours of duty. The Robucks’ brother-in-law, Joe Foley, ran a large lumberyard right outside of Perry, Florida… so large in fact, that it owned its own railroad, which was not uncommon in those days. “Why don’t you open a lumberyard?”

Joe asked the brothers. It wasn’t a bad idea, building materials were in short supply after the war and an unprecedented economic boom was taking hold. The phenomenon fueled a demand for wood products and was good for those making a living in the lumber industry. The Robuck brothers soon formed a partnership with Hamilton McDonell, the son of a lumber operator at the Brooks-Scanlon Corporation. Together they purchased their very first lumberyard; Woods Lumber Com-

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pany in Green Cove Springs, Florida, right outside of Jacksonville. They renamed the business Ro-mac. “Ro” from Robuck… and “Mac” from McDonell. After a year the Robuck family bought out the McDonell family’s share in the business but kept the Ro-Mac name.

The Robuck family went on to acquire the Leesburg Lumber Company, which also adopted the Ro-mac name. Presently, the Leesburg Ro-mac Lumber & Supply heads up the operation with locations in Mount Dora, Ocala, and The Villages.

Undoubtedly, no one foresaw the longevity of the Ro-mac business. For seventy years and three generations they have fended off everything from natural disasters to economic crises, but nothing more damaging or emotional than the one event, which brought the company to its knees.

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It was October 7, 1972 and Dan Robuck, Jr. had just gotten out of the military. It was his first night home. “I still get emotional when I talk about the fire… I was sleeping upstairs in my parents’ house, the phone rang, and they said [there] was a fire at Ro-mac. I told my dad I would ride in with him.” As they headed down the driveway both father and son were confronted by an angry glow, which swallowed up the night sky. “I knew it was bad,” recalls Dan Robuck, Jr., President of Ro-mac Lumber & Supply.

By the time dawn broke, the devastation was evident. Where once a business stood, now Scan the code to watch Dan Robuck’s nostalgic journey through the history of Ro-mac on LSTV’s “Profiles.”

June 2015

only ash and rubble. “Back then, you could not get insurance on either the facilities for a lumberyard or the inventory,” remembers Dan, Jr. Then the most amazing thing happened.

People came from miles around to help.

Employees arrived and kept working into the night; contractors just showed up at night and on weekends and helped for free. “The people across the street had a vacant lot.

They told us we could use that. Some people gave us free temporary warehouses to use while we were rebuilding. People were bringing dump trucks and front-end loaders to help clean out the debris. I probably really didn’t realize it until that happened, that the impact on the community was that large and how many friends my dad and the company had.” A deeply determined Buck went out and borrowed the money to rebuild; and the community got behind him.

Today, Ro-mac is one of Florida’s largest independent dealers in building materials and employs almost 300 people with plans to expand their workforce, but that’s not their only bragging right. CEO Don Magruder is quick to point out that they are also one of the top garage door providers around. “We install more garage doors than just about anybody and we have a service department that is probably the best in the state of Florida.” That’s not all. They have an exhaustive list of merchandise, everything from foundation materials to finishing materials, but there are some things you may not know.

Ro-mac can build custom maple and mahogany doors, something that has become somewhat of a rarity today, they have craftsmen who can create or recreate custom moldings and have

June 2015

become the distributor for Kolbe Windows and Doors, known for creating historically accurate products. Their design center can help you bring your ideas to life with design drawings or detailed building plans.

It’s been called the place where builders buy but the best kept secret just might be that they are open to the public and are versed in a myriad of solutions for every need. “We stand behind what we do and we do honestly strive to meet and exceed our customer’s expectation, because without our customers, we’re not going to survive,” says Magruder.

In 1972, Ro-mac suffered a devestating fire to its complex. Community support helped the Robucks rebuild from the ground up.

Magruder has been with the company for 18 years and doesn’t believe in accidental accomplishments. “The backbone of Ro-mac Lumber is its people.” He credits a positive working environment for employee retention. Employees with 25, 30 and even 55 years of loyal service are not unheard of and From left to right the company has “Dink” Ralph Cleland, “Buck” Robuck

and Woody Wagner been hailed for having a top-

notch hiring and training program which is aimed at growing talent and promoting from within.

If that isn’t enough to keep a CEO busy, Magruder writes for the Daily Commercial and hosts a radio show for Ro-mac called “Around the House,” (cable viewers can also watch select airings of the radio program on Lake Sumter TV) and he wouldn’t trade any of it.

“You look across the state of Florida, most places like us went away. But because of the Robuck family and their commitment to this community and the people, and our loyal customers, we survived, and that’s the one thing I’m the proudest of.”

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How Do I Get Involved?

Become a Collection Site Free marketing

“Red for Ed” volunteers at the 2014 school supply and food drive event.

“Red for Ed” is Back EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF LAKE COUNTY REPORT

The “Red for Ed” school supply and food drive was such a success last year that it is back for this July. “Red for Ed” is a colossal collaborative effort between THAT! Company, the Educational Foundation of Lake County, plus a multitude of local chambers, clubs and businesses. The “Red for Ed” initiative aims to “paint the county” in the color red to raise awareness about the critical need of our local students for the most basic items of food and school supplies.

Over 60% of the Lake County School District’s student population lives at or below poverty level. The Student Services Department reports there are 2,625 homeless students.

“It is our goal that each student, who is in need, will start the new school year with the essential supplies to help them be successful, while supplementing our schools’ food pantries,” says Carman Cullen-Batt, Executive Director of the Educational Foundation.

“This year’s drive is expected to be even larger, and every business, group, club, and organization in Lake County is invited to participate. Individuals can also join in,” says Cullen.

The Central Florida Cruisers have generously volunteered to kick-off the drive on Sunday, June 28 with

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a Poker Run. For more information about the Poker Run, visit EDFoundationLake.com “Red for Ed” school supply and food drive runs throughout the month of July. The Foundation is seeking collection sites and volunteers. As a collection site, your organization will receive a free marketing kit which includes wristbands, lapel buttons, t-shirts and signs.

kits which include wristba nds, buttons, and signs are go ing to be available to area businesses and orga nizations who want to be collection sites or prom oters. To receive your Go Red for Ed kit, pleas e contact the Foundatio n office at 352.326.1265 or email Cullen-BattC@ Lake.K12.FL.us. On Frida y, July 31 Wooton Park in Tavares will turn into a supply collection weigh-in site from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM.

Donate Time or Mon

ey The Foundation has the ability to purchase school supplies at deeply discounted rates and will be accepting cash do nations on-line at EDFoundationLake.com or checks can be mailed to the Educational Foun dation at 2045 Pruitt Street, Leesburg, FL 3474 8. There are also many opportunities to vo lunteer your time.

On Friday, July 31 at Wooton Park in Tavares, site collection participants will weigh-in their supplies from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Last year over 1,500 lbs. of school supplies and food were collected throughout Lake County. This year the goal is 3,000 lbs. In addition, the Foundation accepts cash donations online at EdFoundationLake.com or checks can be mailed to Educational Foundation, 2045 Pruitt Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. The Foundation is able to purchase supplies in bulk at deeply discounted rates.

Collected supplies will be distributed by the Educational Foundation to students through LCS’s Student Services department and to teachers through Apple-Mart stores where teachers shop for free throughout the year. Food collections will be used to stock the district and individual school food pantries.

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May 2015

Living.

Learning.

Local.

June 2015

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Florida Hospital Waterman Earns Fourth Consecutive “A” Grade for Safety

themselves and their families when facing a hospital stay.

“Florida Hospital Waterman’s A grade validates its achievement in preventing harm within the hospital, and we are proud to recognize the efforts of the care providers and staff,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, which administers the Hospital Safety Score.

“Patient safety requires constant vigilance, and we encourage Florida Hospital Waterman and all other A hospitals to continue demonstrating unrelenting commitment to patients by consistently providing a safe environment for care.”

FLORIDA HOSPITAL WATERMAN STAFF REPORT

Florida Hospital Waterman has once again been recognized for its dedication to patient safety by being awarded an “A” grade in the Spring 2015 Hospital Safety Score, which rates how well hospitals protect patients from preventable medical errors, injuries and infections within the hospital.

Florida Hospital Waterman remains the only hospital in Lake County to earn an A grade.

looking for a safe place to receive care,” said David Ottati, President and Chief Executive Officer, Florida Hospital Waterman.

“Being the only hospital in Lake County to achieve the A grade over the past two years is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication to provide safe, quality care for our community.”

The Hospital Safety Score is the gold standard rating for patient safety, compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading patient safety experts and administered by The Leapfrog Group, a nation“This A grade is one of the most meaning- al, nonprofit hospital safety watchdog. ful honors a hospital can achieve, and one The first and only hospital safety rating of the most valuable indicators for patients to be peer-reviewed in the Journal of Patient Safety, the score is free to the public and designed to give Airs: M @ 8:30a & 4:30p, T/TH @ 8:30a & 5p, W @ 10a, F @ 4:30p & 8p consumers information they can use to protect

Watch the award-winning

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Developed under the guidance of Leapfrog’s Blue Ribbon Expert Panel, the Hospital Safety Score uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to produce a single A, B, C, D, or F score, representing a hospital’s overall capacity to keep patients safe from preventable harm.

More than 2,500 U.S. general hospitals were assigned scores in April 2015, with about 31-percent receiving an A grade.

The Hospital Safety Score is fully transparent, offering a full analysis of the data and methodology used in determining grades on the website. Now, for the first time, patients can also review their hospital’s past safety performance alongside its current grade on the Hospital Safety Score site, allowing them to determine which local hospitals have the best track record in patient safety and which have demonstrated consistent improvement.

To see Florida Hospital Waterman’s full score, and to access consumer-friendly tips for patients and loved ones visiting the hospital, visit HhospitalSafetyScore. org or follow The Hospital Safety Score on Twitter or Facebook. Consumers can also download the free Hospital Safety Score mobile app for Apple and Android devices.

Scan the code to watch Waterman Wellness on LSTV.

June 2015

On the Arts

Mount Dora Center for the Arts Mount Dora Arts Festival was conceived in 1975, with the idea of raising funds to begin an Arts Center in Lake County. Now, forty years later, the Mount Dora Center for the Arts serves the community by providing programming to promote the arts. MDCA employs three staff, 25 instructors and dozens of student and adult volunteers.

The organization purchased the historic building it now occupies, in 1981. It is a whirlwind of activity with classrooms, administrative offices and a gallery. Also in the building is the Artisans on Fifth, an artist co-op that consists of member artists selling their original work in the gift shop and Scoops Ice Cream Shop.

MDCA offers a dynamic studio art program with classes in visual arts for students of all ages. Classes in painting, drawing, clay and

The Mount Dora Arts Festival is held the first weekend in February throughout downtown Mount Dora more are taught by talented, enthusiastic instructors. For 15 years MDCA has offered a summer fine arts camp to the young people of our community. “Feeling Groovy” sets the tone for the current summer camp, which runs in weekly sessions to July 31.

The MDCA Gallery hosts several exciting exhibits each year. “Raw and Ardor,” an exhibit featuring the eccentric work of people struggling with mental illness, opens June 26. The 2nd Friday Art Strolls offer a self-guided tour of the area galleries and art studios. Exhibits and Art Strolls are free.

The Mount Dora Center for the Arts holds numerous classes and art camps

June 2015

The Art of the Deal, a gala fundraiser and art auction, was voted best event in Lake County and last but certainly not least is our signature event, the annual Mount Dora Arts Festival, which takes place the first weekend in February. This nationally-ranked festival supports

Lake County economically via cultural tourism, while providing artists a venue to show and sell their work. Thousands of people attend the festival each year, enjoying the work of the 285 artists selected to participate. Many patrons attending the festival as a first time visitor to Mount Dora return again and again, enjoying the natural beauty and quaint charm of the area.

Visit MountDoraCenterForTheArts.org for information about events, membership and volunteering.

Beth Miller Executive Co-Chair Mount Dora Center for the Arts 352.383.0880

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37

Rae Rae’s Restaurant

“Start your day with a ‘Rae’ of Sunshine” is their tagline and it holds true through lunchtime as well.

I’ve been hearing about this restaurant and its hearty dishes for some time now and so off we went for breakfast. Just a short drive past 466 on 441/27 South in Fruitland Park, sits a little café at the end of the Park Central Plaza.

As we walked up to the restaurant a very friendly server taking a quick break outside greeted us with a ‘Good Mornin,’ and upon entering, the very same warm greetings were extended. We only waited about 10 minutes for a table at 9:30am, but as the morning progressed the number of customers waiting to be seated grew, yet no one seemed to be bothered by that. The décor inside is pleasant, clean and truly what I expected.

Well-known for their ‘Grammy Jackson Made-from-Scratch Homemade Biscuits,’ our selections of the day were: plain, blueberry or dark cherry… all made with fresh fruit. You can also choose to have ‘toppers’ of ham, bacon, sausage, or eggs on your biscuit or smother it with pan sausage gravy.

The menu is a vast array of waffles, pancakes, French toast, omelets, scrambles, chicken fried pork tenderloin, various Eggs Benedicts, catfish and grits, their “signature savor-the-flavor” dishes, or a variety of breakfast egg plates.

If breakfast is not your thing, there’s a large choice of salads, Heroes (aka Hoagies or Grinders,) many sandwiches and burgers, both served with fries or chips. Their traditional homemade desserts are strawberry shortcake, brownie or baked cinnamon bun.

Everything on the menu makes your mouth water simply reading it, which makes it tough to decide what to order. We opted for the Katie Kakes (fluffy pancakes with a hint of vanilla, yummy,) topped with with chocolate chips, Fly Me To The Moon (a huge waffle topped with chicken, fresh strawberries and powdered sugar,) and The B-Man (homemade corned beef hash, eggs, grits and of course the dark cherry biscuit.) We couldn’t resist ordering a side of their tasty fries, too.

Rae Rae’s is open Tuesday through Friday 7am–2pm and 7am–1pm on Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast is served all day on the weekend. They do cater and also provide business delivery. You can call 352.323.1595 to find out more.

Our server Tim was quite engaging, accommodating, and quick to continually top off our beverages with a smile. He takes everyone’s name as you order and as soon as your food is ready, the kitchen calls out and has it delivered This is most definitely Fooderella’s choice to your table promptly. Everything we ordered when I’m looking for that delish and homewas delicious. The pancakes were light, fluffy cooked comfort breakfast at a very reasonand hot enough to melt the chocolate chips. able price.

The chicken and waffle was a great surprise… six crispy and very moist wings served on a huge waffle. We opted to have the strawberries on the side, which were real berries in a light juice. The corned beef hash with eggs, grits and dark cherry biscuits was done well, too. The Monday afternoon we homemade comfort food hash was amazing; large pieces of received a message you would make yourshredded corned beef with chunks self at home, right up on Facebook telling us of perfectly seasoned potatoes. The until you exit our doors we had been secretly grits were firm and tasty, and my we want you to feel at reviewed. There was eggs were cooked to perfection, also an attachment home. From Rae Rae’s which is sometimes a challenge with of the written review family to yours we look over medium. I saved the biscuit forward to seeing you for us to read. In the as my ‘dessert’ with another cup of all back and we promise message they asked coffee. What a treat that was. we will remember your for a response from

Anonymous Foodie

Real critiques of your favorite Lake County restaurants.

FOCUS sends an anonymous Foodie to review them each month and then gives the local owner a chance to answer the good and not-as-positive experiences we’ve had in the restaurant. Enjoy and bon appétit.

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Rae Rae’s is located at 2468 US Highway 441/27 in Fruitland Park.

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Response: Come for Breakfast, Stay for Lunch

the owners. Our first response while reading the article was a smile, then goose bumps, then the word “WOW.” Here at Rae Rae’s we strive for only the best, from the first moment you park; warm and welcoming staff, to

name. “So start your day with a little ‘Rae’ of sunshine.”

Rae P.S. Just a little reminder, “If it comes in a can, it doesn’t go in our pan.”

June 2015

LUXURY & ELEGANCE

with ocean views from every window.

Picture yourself surrounded by open ocean, romance, adventure, and elegance.

Indulge in fine dining, high teas, and traditional on-island lobster bakes for a perfect Maine island Lighthouse experience.

Celebrating 70 Years of Service in the Community

Each suite pampers guests with separate si ing and sleeping chambers, king sized beds, and luxury private bath.

Photos by Darren Setlow

Resident Inn Keepers, Mark Zinkiewicz and Heather Graham

Be sure to listen June 4 at 1:30pm to my790AM for featured guest,

Don Magruder of Ro-Mac Lumber & Supply

Surround yourself with sweeping panoramic views of Maine’s Atlantic Coastline and bask in contemporary luxury and design. The custom millwork, beautiful moldings, coffered ceilings and marble bathrooms are the ultimate in cra smanship. The Cuckolds is a unique experience, receiving each guest in contemporary luxury through layers of bespoke cra smanship and design.

All honoring the sense of place and Cuckolds history. Your island adventure begins with an ocean cruise to this rocky island. The sounds of the ocean waves lull you to sleep each night.

Come and stay...

Call in to 352.787.WLBE (9523) Then watch the program all month long on LSTV. Comcast 13 • Brighthouse 498 • Florida Cable 4 June 2015

Reservations: 855.212.5252 www.InnAtCuckoldsLighthouse.com

InnAtCuckolds_HalfVert_2015_2.indd 1

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1/8/15 11:42 AM

Chapter IV Haven’t read the first three chapters of 6 Hands? Go to FocusLakeCounty.com to find it as well as the continuing serialized story.

WRITTEN BY DIANNE VENETTA Michael’s spirits had been lifted by his visit with Andrew and Alexandra. After accepting Andrew’s invitation to wait, he’d been amazed by how much had changed, yet how little.

Andrew and Alexandra were exactly as he remembered them but their girls had been a complete surprise. The youngsters were an amazing combination of their parents, with Alexandra’s intuitive brown eyes and Andrew’s determined personality, yet completely individual as they entertained him with stories of dance and school. Michael had never desired to have children—until tonight. It felt like a missing piece.

Boarding the red-eye flight back to Newark, Michael realized he was running out of time.

He wasn’t a young man anymore. More than locating his six, he needed to find his future.

What I make, Mickey, is the most out of life.

Richard’s words echoed in his skull. During the flight, his thoughts continually sought one man and he knew with certainty who his next visit had to be; Arnie, his mentor, his friend.

His second father.

After parting ways with Andrew, Michael had found a position with a prestigious investment firm in New York City where Arnie had taken him under his tutelage and taught him everything he knew. He’d allowed Michael to sit in on business meetings, and offer his opinion and perspective. Michael had been Arnie’s right-hand man until a mutiny of sorts occurred within the investment firm. Several of the partners had been gunning for Arnie and had finally found their weapon. Michael.

Baiting Michael with a huge promotion, the partners set him up with bad information

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that ultimately forced Arnie out of the firm.

Michael hadn’t known the information was false until months later, but even then, he hadn’t gone public to clear Arnie’s name. It would have meant losing his new position and the money it brought to him.

Arnie had been stunned by the turn of events and cut Michael from his life. It had been an emotional blow at the time, but Michael figured that eventually, Arnie would come around. He never did. Bolstered by his reunion with Andrew and Alexandra, Michael felt confident the time was right to make amends. ******

She blinked. “Why, yes, he is. Is he expecting you?”

“Yes,” Michael lied.

She stepped aside and waved him in. “Please come in. He’s in the study.”

Michael nodded, and glanced around the inside of Arnie’s home as he waited.

Extravagantly decorated, the space struck Michael as cold, lacking in feminine warmth.

Odd, considering his wife Elizabeth was an interior designer with impeccable taste.

Arnie walked in and stopped suddenly. “What are you doing here?”

Michael’s pulse quickened. “I’m here to talk.”

Arnie’s face reddened. “You ruined my career, my good name!” Disgust rolled through his features. “The mere sight of you makes me sick!”

Michael drove to the suburbs where Arnie now lived, a far cry from his penthouse in New York City, but still, a beautiful home in a beautiful neighborhood. Utilizing the element of surprise as he had with Andrew, Michael knocked on the door.

A woman answered. “Good evening.” She looked around and behind him, as though she expected to see someone else. “May I help you?”

Wearing a simple white dress, he assumed her to be Arnie’s housekeeper. “I’m here to see Arnie.” Sweet and simple, Michael hoped employing the familiar nickname would sell the fact that he was a friend. That and the fact he was dressed in a three thousand dollar suit should assure her he wasn’t a man with criminal intent.

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“Talk? Don’t you think it’s a bit late for that?”

Michael stood his ground. “I’m here to make up for our past.”

Arnie’s face reddened. “You ruined my career, my good name!” Disgust rolled through his features. “The mere sight of you makes me sick!”

“Arnie, please. Can we just talk for a minute?”

“Why? Why would I give you a second of my time? All I’d ever done for you was try to help you, groom you to be the man I believed you could be, only to have you turn around and betray me.”

“I’m sorry, Arnie—” Arnie stared, and Michael could see the years flow through his mind like a video stream. It was all coming back to him, fresh and real. “I can’t believe how wrong I was about you. I can’t believe I trusted you like a son.”

Michael couldn’t speak. He stood motionless, his legs had become jelly beneath him.

“Get out of my house,” Arnie growled. “Before I throw you out.”

June 2015

Michael moved his head, more tip than nod. Yes, it was true.

A fact he couldn’t dispute.

Michael heard the doubt in his voice. Arnie didn’t believe him for a second. He knew Michael’s drive and ambition firsthand. He knew his core.

“Elizabeth left me.”

But for the first time in his life, Michael yearned for faith, trust. Arnie’s trust. “I would. There’s something about death that does that to a man.” Arnie’s expression changed swiftly and a question hovered on his lips, but no words came. They didn’t have to. “I’m not dying, Arnie.” Anger fired up his mentor’s features but before he could reply, Michael chuckled, the gesture pathetic. “I’m not playing you, either. It’s a long story, one you have no interest in hearing.”

Shock spread through Michael’s limbs.

“I’m sorry,” Michael murmured. The words sounded weak, even to him.

“Wanna know what she said? She told me that if Michael couldn’t stand by me, the man who worked by my side every day, how could I expect her to?”

“Sorry doesn’t cut it. You’re too late.”

“Oh, no. I didn’t know...” Michael muttered.

Michael stared at him numbly. Too late? But he couldn’t be too late. He needed to make amends. He needed Arnie to forgive him!

“How could you? You deserted me and never looked back.”

“What?” Arnie scowled. “Don’t tell me you’re here looking for forgiveness.”

“Yes...”

“Forget it. You abandoned me when I needed you most. Yours was the betrayal of the worst kind. Why would I let you off the hook when you cut me off at the knees? You ruined my career, my life—” Arnie turned away.

Michael felt hatred spewing from Arnie’s pores. It was palpable, visceral. It was hot and alive and angrier than the day he’d walked out of his suite of offices for the last time. This man wasn’t going to listen. Unlike Andrew, he wasn’t going to hear a word Michael said.

Could he blame him?

No. Michael hung his head forward. He couldn’t. Everything he’d said was true. Arnie was right. Michael wasn’t worth his time. He wasn’t worth his forgiveness.

Which made Michael hunger for it all the more. “This was a mistake,” he said. Suddenly his body felt unsteady, as though he would drop to the hard tiled floor in a heap. Lifting his head to face Arnie, the effort took everything Michael had. “I’m sorry, Arnie.

Unfortunately, I didn’t realize how sorry I was until today.”

Arnie stared at him, his gaze hard and unforgiving. “You’re a bastard.”

June 2015

Michael struggled to digest the news.

Elizabeth left him?

She’d been his rock, the steel in his spine.

Elizabeth loved Arnie. Michael couldn’t imagine her leaving his side, let alone divorcing him, but the public backlash had been brutal. The media had filled the gutters with Arnie’s name, smearing him with insidious accusations, reams of socalled proof—proof that Michael had done nothing to discredit. It had buried Arnie in the investment world. No one trusted him. Once a man who sat at the top of the financial world, he had quickly been thrown into a dumpster.

Because of him. Michael peered at Arnie.

Maybe not only him, but he could have fixed it. He could have changed the course of events, but he didn’t.

And his career skyrocketed as a result.

Remorse swam in his heart. “I get it, Arnie.

And you’re right. I don’t deserve your forgiveness.” Michael walked toward the door, his body dead weight as he placed a hand on the knob. He turned. “I’m sorry to hear about Elizabeth, truly I am. She was one of a kind.

A real treasure in the flesh.”

Arnie’s eyes watered. Glassy and red, they held more fatigue now, than anger. Sadness.

“If I could do it all over again, I’d do it differently.”

“Would you?” Arnie challenged. “Would you really?”

Arnie’s mouth became a hard line.

A slew of emotion flooded Michael and he stilled, swamped with regret. “For what it’s worth, I admired you more than my own father. I loved him, but I loved and respected you for things he could never achieve.” Pain rippled through Arnie’s gaze. It was subtle, but it was there. “More than anyone before...”

Michael continued. “I don’t know what happened to me...why...”

He couldn’t finish the sentiment. The confession hurt too much. A vise-like grip squeezed his heart and Michael shook his head. There were no words to explain what thrashed inside him.

When Arnie said nothing, Michael opened the door and let himself out. Coming here had been a gamble. A gamble he’d lost. Closing his eyes, he felt the dark veil of his past close in. At least he was home. Home. Whatever that meant.

Look for the continuing story of Michael Green in next month’s edition of FOCUS. If you are interested in contributing to the story as a writer please contact Anthony@RedApplesMedia.com

Author Dianne Venetta Because of You Mystery/Romance Available at iBooks, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and bookstores.

DianneVenetta.com Blog: BloominThyme

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Giving Your Business to Locals Hammering Home a Local Point.

So many times we hear from customers and friends that they want to be sure they use local businesses and support the local economy. In some cases, this can be difficult as we may struggle to find a local business to suit our specific needs.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with large national chain stores. Remember, our neighbors work there too. But a local establishment has a deeper interest in our community and supporting that is always a good thing.

So, how do we “keep it local?” The easiest way is to simply look around. There’s a wide variety of services and product providers that live and work in your community. You just need to ask.

Here are some resources for keeping it local: Google – yep – that international search engine giant is a perfect place to start when looking for a local business – just type in your need and the location you need it.

Newspaper/local periodicals – Like the one you are reading right now. Check out the advertisers in the paper or the classified section. Also, there is typically a local business section by trades or services.

Main Street – Small local shops with that personal service are always a pleasure.

Your local Chamber of Commerce – The chamber is a great resource for local companies. Chamber members are invested in the community and the local economy.

Referrals – There are several types of referrals: 1. Ask your friends and neighbors. If a company treated them well and they were happy, they will be happy to refer them. If the company was less than stellar, they’ll let you know that as well.

2. Ask the company you are considering for references. They should be willing to provide this without hesitation. Keep in mind however, no company is going to give you the name of an unhappy customer.

4. Ask a company that you know and trust if they can recommend a service that they do not perform. Many times companies work together. If a reputable company can recommend a colleague, it is usually a safe bet.

Keep in mind that although it’s great to work with a local supplier, the usual rules still apply.

Be sure that any company or person you hire has all the necessary credentials such as required licenses, insurance, etc.

Thanks for “keeping it local.”

3. Online review sites. Websites such as Angie’s List and Home Advisor are good resources for checking a company out. The good and bad of online reviews is that they are anonymous. Someone with an ax to grind or an interest in the company could give a less than truthful review.

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June 2015

On Better Living The “Health” of Business

of them is more important than the other. If you neglect any of them, your “health chair” becomes wobbly and you will fall down.

To really cover the four legs of the “health chair,” you need to be able to handle stress and stick with a regimen that works for you. But, here’s the rub, everyone is different. Everyone handles stress in very different ways. Why would you want to go through a program that is geared to the masses? You’d want an individualized program and a coach that works both with the group and with you as an individual.

When we are healthy, we are happy and our businesses are healthy and flourish. The IN.FORM program we have in the Shoppe helps you do just that. We also cater to your business and if you have a group larger than 10 that want to go through the program, we come to you.

What is the “Health” of Your Business?

Whenever you think about the health of your business, what comes to mind? Profit-loss statements? Customer retention? Inventory turnover time?

Those are all great indicators of how well your business is doing, but what about the human capital? What keeps the doors open for many companies, are the people working there. You need your staff to stay healthy so that you can enjoy a healthy bottom line. If someone is out sick, that job still needs to get done – so who does it? Normally, someone else has to do their job plus the other person’s job, then mistakes can happen, customers are neglected, or that person gets sick because they are doing too much. It can become a vicious cycle. One that should not be ignored.

Recently, I was re-reading a book (it’s one that is highly dog-eared, highlighted and tabbed) and when the book fell open, here’s

June 2015

what I had written in the margin: STRESS causes the BRAIN to SHRINK and the BELLY to GROW. That’s worth re-reading – go ahead, I’ll wait. Now that that’s sunk in, you realize it accurately describes what is happening to many of us. Because of our stressful lives, we simply forget about paying attention to our health. We are so stressed that we eat horribly, we sleep fewer and fewer hours, we drink sodas or energy drinks to stay awake, and then one day – BAM! – we are overweight, can’t remember where we left our car keys and have a chronic illness. We ask ourselves, “Self, how did that happen?” We never stopped to realize, we’d been sick for a long time. We never paid attention to the warning signs (or we chose to ignore them).

There are four legs to our “health chair” (Ok, I just made up that term – remember you read that here first): (1) Sleep, (2) Real Food and Supplementation, (3) Exercise, and (4) Thoughts/Emotions. All four of these legs have to be treated as equals. Not one

Whatever you do, don’t neglect the “health” of your business. Pay attention and you won’t just be fiscally responsible but in shape as well.

Yours in good health – The Herb Gal.

Darla Miller is the owner of the Leesburg Herb Shoppe LeesburgHerbShoppe. com 352.315.4372

Scan the code to see the Leesburg Herb Shoppe on LSTV’s “Profiles.”

FocusLakeCounty.com

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On Lake County:

“Selling” the “Product” of Lake

What do Coke, Nike, Apple, Ford and Lake County all have in common? Generally speaking, not much. The first four are for-profit companies whose number one goal is to generate profits and provide returns for their investors, while Lake County is a government agency charged with overseeing the municipal services required by its residents.

There are a thousand other differentiating factors between these companies and Lake County, but in one very important way, they are very much alike. Each of these entities sells a “product.” Coke sells beverages, Nike sells shoes, and Lake County sells a location where companies can do business, employees can work, residents can live and tourists can visit.

Lake County must also focus heavily on the marketing and positioning of our product in order to both change perceptions and drive interest.

Because Lake County has a product to sell, just like Coke, Nike, Apple and Ford, it is imperative that we have a strategic plan for “selling” the product. As I have discussed in previous articles, Lake County is well-positioned to experience significant economic growth over the next decade. The Orlando region is one of the highest performing regions in the nation, and Lake County will certainly benefit from this regional success.

In many ways, the regional growth will drive Lake County’s growth independent of any local efforts that are made to encourage, enhance or attract growth here. However, the type and quality of growth that Lake County experiences is of vital importance. As such, it is imperative that Lake County take an active role in the management of this new growth.

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First and foremost, we must have a thorough understanding of our existing strengths and weaknesses and have the capacity to frame these strengths and weaknesses against the needs of our potential “customers,” in this case new and/or relocating businesses. Lake County’s product is highly competitive when it comes to many of the variables that relocating companies are searching for: low labor costs, highway accessibility, rail service, accessibility to airports, proximity to ports, low taxes, available land, low land and construction costs, proximity to major markets, proximity to technical college and university training, housing costs and top-notch healthcare facilities.

our product, so that we can continue to build our brand and increase exposure for Lake County as a destination for businesses, employers, residents and visitors alike.

Lake County’s new tagline, “Real Florida.

Real Close,” was the first step in creating this brand. Lake County is the real Florida alternative to the urban Orlando core, but we are close enough that a business or individual can easily access the services that only an urban market can provide. In this regard, Lake County truly does provide the best of both worlds; and the sooner we get the word out, the sooner our economy will reach the heights we all desire.

Unfortunately, to date, a few major challenges, such as the appearance of limited skilled workforce availability and a general perception that Lake County is too far removed from the urban core, have kept Lake County off of the radar of site selectors and relocating companies. Both of these examples, as with other challenges that Lake County faces, are more a function of a lack of understanding of the market, than they are an intrinsic or systemic problem with Lake County. So, in addition to dedicating resources to improving the conditions that can be improved (the Lake Tech Center for Advanced Manufacturing, for example), Lake County must also focus heavily on the marketing and positioning of our product in order to both change perceptions and drive interest.

Robert L. Chandler IV Director Lake County Board of County Commissioners Economic Growth Department

Lake County EDT is working hard to better understand

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June 2015

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FLASHBACK

LEESBURG Ro-mac in the Watermelon Festival Parade Circa 1955 Leesburg was an important center for watermelon production during the early 20th century. Between 1930 and 1957 Leesburg held annual Watermelon Festivals, and the tradition lasted until watermelon production in the area dwindled to the point where watermelons for the last festival in 1957 had to be brought in from out of the area.

This is the Leesburg Watermelon Festival Parade for 1955, Ro-mac Lumber & Supply had its float in the event, with Marion Robuck riding at the float’s top.

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June 2015

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