®
LEAVE THE CLEANING TO US! SIGN WITH US, GET YOUR 4TH MONTH FREE CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE
Celebrating 13 Years
(239) 368-1219 billstaggs@officepride.com
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S B2B MARKETPLACE • 239-573-9732 Vol. 14, No. 6 / APRIL 2021 www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Distributed in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs and Naples
www.officepride.com/FortMyers-0288
TAKE ONE
FOLLOW SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BUSINESS TODAY® ON:
Cape Coral planning commercial growth ‘Catch The Vision’ gives virtual tour of upcoming projects
Submitted By: Karen P. Moore, Publisher
Legal & Security
Experts help you navigate the most recent changes in the law that could impact your business.
Pandemic or no, growth and development push forward for a variety of commercial projects in Cape Coral. The Fairfield Inn, opening May 2021, is a $13-million project looking to hire 22 employees, according to Director of Sales Mai Perez. Another project is the Cape West 91 Villas, a multi-family development in southwest Cape Coral, and built by local general contractor, Curran Young Construction. According to Chris Curran, “We just got started on this four-story court-
yard-style building,” which is geared toward young professional families. This $15-million project is projected for completion in the first quarter of 2022. A project that pivoted because of COVID-19 is Pine Island Village. According to developer Ray Masciano, “With COVID-19, people want more economical space, so we went from having retail and office space to all flex space, ranging from 1,100 square feet to 20,000 square feet: it can be office, retail or warehousing--at less than half the rate of the original project.”
He added, “The original project was 36,000 square feet, now it’s 40,000 square feet. We can go up to 60,000 square feet if we want to.” At Victory Park, adjacent to the VA Clinic at the corner of Northwest 24th Avenue and Diplomat Parkway, Blue Waters Development Group is building a new hotel and professional medical office space. “We are looking forward to bringing this quality project to Cape Coral which is the combination of a 140-acre master plan development site in the northeast region of the city,” Danny Aguirre stated. CAPE See page 14
SWFL ADVERTISING’S BEST SHINE BRIGHT AT ADDY MEDAL CEREMONY
Commercial Real Estate
A 8-page pullout section that is a quarterly SWFL Commercial Real Estate market overview.
ST FLORIDA’S
INSIDE THIS
US!
janitorial services work • Provides quality hard honesty, integrity, • Committed to month free get your 4th
11 Years
Sign with us,
LACE B2B MARKETP
(239) 368-1219 cepride.com billstaggs@offi
732 • 239-573-9
FLORIDA ON: FOLLOW SOUTHWEST BUSINESS TODAY®
TAKE ONE
Coral, Fort Myers, Cape Distributed in Springs and Naples Estero, Bonita
LEE COUNTY HOSTED
ISSUE
CLEANING TO
LEAVE THE
® Celebrating
SOUTHWE
/ OCTOBER 2019 Vol. 12 No. 12 om usinesstoday.c www.swfloridab
IONAL TRADE SUMMIT
2019 INTERNAT
rs and Salute to Entrepreneu solo practitioners
Startups, of the economy visionaries fuel Southwest Florida.
Brady Photos by Christine trade to the Southof international offices. about the importance Buqueras talks Lee County Economic Development Director Carlos the first-ever stop at Port Manatee Executive during the Port’s west Florida market
Estate Commercial Real 8-page pullout
South American
A comprehensive a quarterly Southsection that is Real Eswest Florida Commercial
Fort businesses visit
Myers
Special to SWFBT
tate market overview.
IN THE NEWS
to Dave Gammon elevated Charlotte EDO director
in the wake of Charlotte County, joinLucienne Pears former director Partners at Babcock ing Kitson and former Business Ranch, elevated and interim Recruitment Supervisor to executive director Dave Gammon Economic Developdirector of the ment Office. face in reGammon is a familiar he development as gional economic three years with his has proven in EDO. County Charlotte continue leading He is excited to like developments several existing page 19
Florida to communities in second one of four host as part of the Lee County was from seven countries welcome companiesTrade Summit. Manatee, annual International International Trade Hub at Port Fort Lauseries visited Organized by The one day Business opportunity ota and Tampa for the 2019 Global Bradenton/Saras derdale, Fort Myers,to 29. 26 Office, Southwest each from Aug. ReEconomic Development and the Southwest The Lee County Chamber of Commerce the event, which Florida Hispanic Association co-hosted gional Manufacturers Gulf Railway. Chile, Colombia, was sponsored Seminole from Argentina, other locales International companies Spain, Peru and Mexico, goods, artisanal apparel, El Salvador, Guatemala, food, coffee, fruits, cooking systems featured wine, snack and state-of-the-art to merchandise companies Lee County industryof founded as part summit showcases during the summit. Trade Hub at Port Manatee, and An expo-style from seven nations markets in Florida and business leaders visiting Summit. The International International Trade advice as a vital link between provides expert See page 6 the second annual in 2014, serves world. The hub TRADE throughout the
ENEURS h SALUTE TO ENTREPR poised for growt and Business Intermediary Proess Advisors experi- a CertifiedMergers & Acquisitions transaction Edison Busin the IBBA ap- Certified designations from ence totaling partner and
GAMMON See
Privacy & Cyber Security d Forum announce
& Cyber SeA special Privacy held on Friwill be at curity Forum 9 a.m. to noon day, Nov. 8, fromNews Community the Naples Daily room. Companies will William C. Huff and insponsor the informational for the community. teractive forum forum is for atThe goal of the clearer undera tendees to gain keep their famito standing of how businesses private. lies, wealth and FORUM See page
18
in fi$170 fessional a Eric Gall, managing with a concentration proximately for Edison Avenue, won and an MBAthe University of Michigan. broker of record brokerage and lower million. Gall transactions and nance from leading business Gall in business the 2018, 2016 and acquisitions Niehaus, Bro- Assisting middle market mergers Pfeffer, Steven 2014 Business significant changes No. 1 are Michael and Phillip Reda. firm, is announcing kers of Florida Edward Valaitis Business Adto operations. Top Dollar Producer to rebrand itself Pfeffer joins Edison of business The firm has decided over 20 years Award for Southwest Advisors” to better out visors with experience, including 12 as “Edison Business service offerings, Florida, beating busi- transactionbusiness brokerage franchise communicate addedbusiness appraisals, Gall a over 90 other He is years as Southwest Florida. Pfeffer is a including certified appraisals and certiness brokers. owner in Certified certified equipment Business Brokers Board Certified Intermediary, International an and also page 6 strategies. See fied exit EDISON Chairman’s Circle mergers and acquisiBrokerage and led by Association Award winner. Eric holds continue to be tions efforts will 20 years of business Deal Maker Gall. He has over OPENING
Discount • Merchandise Gifts Ticket Packages Parties & Exclusive Full & Flexible Options • Private & Shows Discounted Parking Arena Concerts Presale on Hertz & get a Membership TOTE BAG Buy any 19/20 ‘BLADES purchase. GIFT CARD & $20 FORD’Sfull, voucher or select membership
19/20 SEASON
Valid on any
239.948.PUCK
NIGHT
NIGHT
10/26 7:00
10/19 7:00
VS VS
NEW
• FloridaEverbla
des.com
®
LEAVE THE CLEANING TO US! • Provides quality janitorial services • Committed to honesty, integrity, hard work
Celebrating 11 Years
Sign with us, get your 4th month free (239) 368-1219
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S B2B MARKETPLACE • 239-573-9732 Vol. 12 No. 11 / SEPTEMBER 2019 www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
Distributed in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs and Naples
billstaggs@officepride.com
TAKE ONE
FOLLOW SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BUSINESS TODAY® ON:
Hoffmann Family buys Hertz Arena, Everblades
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Hoffmann Family of Companies has entered into an agreement to purchase the Florida Everblades and the Hertz Arena. Plans are underway for a complete renovation of the 8,284-seat, multipurpose arena. The improvements will include enhanced skyboxes, food services and installation of a state-ofthe-art scoreboard. Hertz Arena, which opened in 1998 as Everblades Arena, hosts a variety of events including concerts, Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice, boxing and trade shows. The venue offers
Focus on Manufacturing
Area companies are building a better future — one made right here in Southwest Florida.
25 suites, two additional ice rinks, a private club and a pub, Breakaway Sports Pub. The arena is also home to the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles club hockey team of the American Collegiate Hockey Association. “We are optimistic that all of the 330 employees will remain with the Hoffmann Family of Companies,” said Craig Brush, Florida Everblades President and General Manager, who signed a five-year contract and has a commitment from all his senior staff to remain in place. “We are thrilled to be acquired by
A specially focused monthly section exploring the SWFL commercial real estate marketplace.
IN THE NEWS
Fort Myers sixth Business Summit slated for Sept. 20
Holly Bell addresses citrus growers about the 25,000-plus uses for industrial hemp, which can now be grown legally in Florida
Cannabis chief promises rich stash for hemp growers Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Jacob Ogles, Editor
SUMMIT See page 7
When other states started authorizing farmers to grow hemp, it didn’t take long to realize there was no place to sell it. Because no structures had been put in place for processing and manufacturing plants, state officials found themselves rushing a regulatory structure through so farmers could offload their first harvests. Holly Bell, Florida’s first Director of Cannabis, plans to learn from that mistake. She said the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will make sure all parts of the burgeoning hemp industry can move forward as soon as new rules unroll later this fall. “When our farmers are ready for a cash flow, we want to encourage them to get going,” she said.
Applications being accepted for the 25th Blue Chip Award The 25th Annual Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award application deadline is fast approaching. The Blue Chip Community Business Award recognizes successful, small businesses in Lee, Collier or Charlotte County that have overcome adversity to achieve success. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, Sept. 4. The independent judges select the honoree after all the applications AWARD See page 19
Bell spoke in August at the Citrus Expo and Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo, where growers from around the region gathered to hear her discuss this new and just recently legal product to diversify their inventory. Just a few years ago, there were no legal reasons to grow cannabis in Florida. Now, medical marijuana dispensaries pop up in more shopping centers each week. Soon, farmers will grow non-narcotic hemp crops. With the 2018 federal farm bill allowing hemp to grow, a budding industry will soon emerge in Florida. The Legislature this year authorized a pilot program for growing hemp in the Sunshine State, and state officials are nearly done weeding through a stack of public suggestions.
GrowFL announced this year’s 50 Florida Companies to Watch honorees, including three from Southwest Florida. Companies to Watch is a statewide competition that identifies companies expected to see significant growth over the next several years. The GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards program—now in its ninth year—honors 50 select second-stage companies from throughout Florida for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and broadening new industries throughout Florida. Chosen from 500 growing second-stage nominations from throughout, Florida, the 50 companies named as the 2019 Florida Companies to Watch honorees generated nearly $1 billion in revenue and added over 900 jobs between 2015 and 2018. Together, the honorees project a 35 percent increase in revenue and 37 percent increase in job growth in 2019 compared to 2018. “These stand-out companies are all led by entrepreneurs, and have demonstrated their capacity and intent to grow,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL executive director. “They also all have critical intellectual property or a niche position that gives them a competitive edge in their markets,” he said. Local honorees include: Cottrell Title & Escrow, Collier County; Mettauer Environmental, Lee County; and VeraData, Lee County . “This list recognizes second-stage Florida companies with passionate leaders who are making a difference in growing and diversifying our economy,” said Jennifer Barrows, GrowFL Chairman of the GrowFL Advisory Board and Business Development Executive with WithumSmith+Brown, PC. Second-stage companies are those
HEMP See page 5
Full & Flexible Ticket Packages • Payment Plans Available Discounted Parking Options • Private Parties & Exclusive Gifts Merchandise Discount • Presale on Hertz Arena Concerts & Shows
19/20 SEASON
EVERBLADES See page 6
GrowFL announces statewide honorees
HOT CROP Commercial Real Estate
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce has announced an exciting line-up for its 2019 Business Summit, set for Sept. 20. The summit, now in its sixth year, will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers. This year’s keynote address is “Communicate Your Way to Success,” by entrepreneur, business coach and international speaker Jason Evers. Evers has traveled to more than 20 countries on five continents
such a prestigious company. Our partnership with the Hertz Corporation and now this new ownership ensures that Hertz Arena will maintain our strong community presence and continue to be the number one choice for entertainment in Southwest Florida.” The team and the arena were previously owned by Peter Karmanos, founder of Compuware Corporation and prior majority owner of the Carolina Hurricanes in the National Hockey League. “Simply put, without the support of
Buy any 19/20 Membership & get a
GROWFL See page 10
SAT 7:00
10/19
$20 FORD’S GIFT CARD & ‘BLADES TOTE BAG
OPENING NIGHT VS
NIGHT
Valid on any NEW full, voucher or select membership purchase.
239.948.PUCK • FloridaEverblades.com
Celebrating
SOUTHWE
ST FLORIDA’S
Vol. 12 No. 10 / AUGUST 2019 www.swfloridab usinesstoday.c
om
INSIDE THIS
Focus on Business
ISSUE
®
11 Years
B2B MARKETP LACE
Distributed in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs and Naples
TAKE ONE
IMMOKALEE FOUNDAT
LEAVE THE
CLEANING TO
US! • Provides quality janitorial services • Committed to honesty, integrity, hard work Sign with us, get your 4th month free
• 239-573-9 732
(239) 368-1219 billstaggs@offi cepride.com
ION HOSTS SHARK
FOLLOW SOUTHWEST BUSINESS
FLORIDA TODAY® ON:
TANK COMPETI
TION
Services
Our Trade Show vides information in Print proto make your business more successful.
Commercial Real Estate
A specially section exploringfocused monthly mercial real estate the SWFL commarketplace.
IN THE NEWS Collier names Pelican as ‘Business of the Wire Month’
During the July ty Commission 9 Collier CounWire was named meeting, Pelican ty ‘Business of the Collier Counthe Month’ and recognized by was the a manufacturing Board for being County for over leader in Collier 40 years. Pelican Wire President Ted Bill, who received the are truly honored award, said “We Collier County to be named the Month’ for July.‘Business of the Since moving AWARD See page
Gov. DeSantis announces job growth grants
4
Gov. Ron DeSantis the Florida Departmentannounced of Economic Opportunity Florida are acceptingand Enterprise economic development project proposals for the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. $40 million is available to fund training and public job projects that support infrastructure growth and employment in Florida. “We know
the frastructure projects importance inand workforce training has on economic development,” said DeSantis. “The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund will help Florida communities ensure they GRANTS See page
12
SEASON, SELECT
& VOUCHER
MEMBER
SHIPS
Dr. Sandra Kauanui (left) and Noemi Ailynee Ramirez, Y. Perez (right) Jessica Sales, with - TIF Shark Daisy Montanez, Tank winners
Alondra Estrada Swap & Shop teamNeika Exulus, Young entrep reneurs share ideas, earn award s
Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Noemi Y. Perez Southwest Florida tion’s business-theme students in The Immokalee Foundad summer camp entrepreneurial recently shared ideas their Tank event modeled and garnered awards during a Shark The four-week after the popular TV show. was a partnership Business Management Pathway Coast University’sbetween the foundation and Floridacamp Gulf developed businessInstitute for Entrepreneursh ip. among them: finding plans that solved problems Students common clothes on a budget; centric finances; handling ñera; and findinggetting better sleep; planning studenta quincearestaurants suitable stricted diets. for people with reStudent teams gave presentations about ences, startup costs, their target audiprojected profits, marketing other aspects of entrepreneurial plans and Dr. Sandra Kauanui, enterprises at iTECH mokalee. Judges FGCU Director spoke during the for of Entrepreneurs Smart Companies the presentations were: Brian in Imevent. hip, Rist, The Smart Companies executive chairman; Sofia Blanno, gram allows shoppers to arrange tor of corporate intern; and Matthew Turner, Hertz The through social an app, then physically to buy, sell or swap items direcFirst place awards responsibility. central location exchange those in Immokalee. items at a Shop team of Neika of $500 each went to the MentorUs, Daisy Montanez Exulus, Jessica Sales, Alondra Swap & smart financial an app that encourages students and Ailynee Ramirez. Estrada, decisions, earned interested in dressing Aimed at students for team members second place of to make fashionably on $250 each Alex Soriano, a budget, the pro- ie Etienne, Azael Simon-Quirino Je’an Espinoza, Myrlandand Simson Devesaint.
Fort Myers Mayor
Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore,
launches Divers ity Committee
SHARK See page
more inclusive city. Publisher Student Hailey Countryman asked her employer, Sanibel Captiva “It is never too the Mayor if he munity Bank, Comlate to give up had to FGCU’s College on diversity whom a team of advisors Education. your prejudices.” of Henry David Thoreau for guidance. Since he could rely on said, “We In a recent interview she can’t really say question was no, the answer to that ing to be representative we are tryat that moment Fort Myers Mayor derson felt Henof our city’s derson has known Randy Hen- a team. inspired to create just such residents and community if we don’t have diversity Ndiang’ui wanted Florida Gulf Coast University on the to make She sure the Mayor explained the council itself.” was prepared ter Ndiang’ui for professor Dr. Pe- road ahead committee drew about 10 years and asked him, for the its 18 members was a guest speaker and from the commu“Are in his class, “In- really able to handle the truth?” you nity, representing troduction to Diversity,” diversity project moved The ethnicity, forward. in Novemgender and sexualin race, ber. Henderson Beth Countryman, asked students Hailey’s moth- tity. “We can’t be a committee idenhe could do to what er, became make Fort Myers up of old white made involved with men and think the project, going a which led to we are a $25,000 donation to be in charge of diversity.” from DIVERSITY See page 11 Payment Plans Available • Discounted Merchandise Parking Options Discount • Presale • Private Parties & Exclusive Gifts on Hertz Arena Concerts & Family Shows Buy Any 19/20 & Get A $20 Membership Pack FORD’S GIFT & ‘BLADES TOTE CARD BAG Valid on any NEW
full, voucher
or select membership
purchase.
5
Get Southwest Florida’s business news and information delivered straight to your mailbox each month. Start your subscription to Southwest Florida Business Today.®
Call (239) 573-9732.
Regional job figures improve in first part of the year
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced the statewide number of private sector jobs increased 1,700 from December 2020. Florida’s unemployment rate
AAF-SWFL President Tim Hennessy with American Advertising Awards Myra Janco Daniels Best of Show winner Kate Kintz of Conservancy of Southwest Florida
ADDY Night Live gala honors marketing pros The region’s advertising industry shined bright at the American Advertising Awards ADDY Night Live gala on Saturday, Feb. 20, hosted by the American Advertising Federation-Southwest Florida. The evening’s festivities were emceed by comedian Sheena Reagan with musical guest The Rosada Project. What was judged to be Southwest Florida’s best advertising of the past year was showcased at the gala from among 150 advertising executions and campaigns entered into the competition. Entrants included advertising agencies, advertiser creative teams, and
freelance professionals. Also at the event, AAF-SWFL named Bob Beville, vice president of sales at Waterman Broadcasting, as its 2021 AAF Silver Medal honoree. The Silver Medal award program recognizes business community leadership and contributions to advertising by actively furthering industry standards, creative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern.
IN THE NEWS was 4.8% in January 2021, down from Cape Coral, Punta Gorda saw the revised December rate of 5.1%. net growth during pandemic Florida’s labor force was up 25,000, up 0.2 percentage point over the month. The Fort Myers area’s unemployment rate was 4.6% in January, down from 15.1% reported in April 2020, the
JOBS See page 14
The pandemic did not slow down growth to the Suncoast. Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, Venice and Sarasota saw more residents move in than out in the last year, placing them among the top
ADDYS See page 15
10 growth cities according to an analysis of 75,000 booked moves through moving marketplace, HireAHelper. Here is the top 10 list of growth cities, with Gulf coast cities highlighted: 1. Boise, Idaho (+300%) LIST See page 15
Commercial Cleaning Services You Can Trust FREE IMPACT CLEAN WITH DISINFECTION with a new 12-month service agreement Offer expires 4/30/21
It’s not a matter of IF, it’s a matter of WHEN! Are You Ready?
CONTACT US TODAY Nikko Conn Nikko@imageoneusa.com Anthony Conn Anthony@imageoneusa.com
(239) 789-2267
Page 2
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Why business owners need to lead with compassion, empathy and heart
As the world begins to slowly reenergy through open and move forward after a year the culture. of a global pandemic (a.k.a. “Coron8. Understand acrazy”), the most important takepolicies and proaway business owners need to know cedures are put is to continue to lead with compasin place to cresion, empathy and heart. And if you ate consistency. have not made “care” as the focus of Minimize legaliyour leadership, you need to start. ties and instead Karen’s Top 10 Heart-Based emphasize the Ideas to start leading with Compasemployee, not the sion, Empathy and Heart are: rule being broken. 1. Be attuned to an employee’s BY KAREN 9. Be open to emotions and help them through dif- SHEPHERD and continuously ficult situations, whether business or Guest Columnist seek feedback. personal, and get to know them. 10. Under2. Be transparent and cognizant stand a heart-based culture starts on how and when a decision is com- at the top, as everyone follows the municated to minimize the surprises, leader. thereby getting them to embrace In a culture of compassion, emchange, no matter how challenging. pathy and heart, there is a belief ev3. Help employees reach their eryone belongs to one team and evpotential with their own unique su- eryone acts in the best interest of the perpowers and talents by focusing team, thereby creating a culture that on an employee’s strengths, creating leads to sustainable business success growth and enhancing the success of and growth, as well as employee rethe business. tention. Win-win! 4. Provide guidance and support and allow them to take risks so they Karen Shepherd is the owner of HR may learn from their failures and by Karen - Consulting Services… mistakes. from the Heart. If you are seeking 5. Stop negative behavior. Have tailored solutions based on your the courage to speak honestly about company’s strategic goals and obwhat is unacceptable and recog- jective, Shepherd will share how nize that high performance does not to take the steps in creating a positrump toxicity. tive working environment, removing 6. Be humble and listen without roadblocks and being their HR Sojudgment, encouraging open com- lution. Contact (239) 776-5919 or munication. hrbykaren@gmail.com. Learn more 7. Be optimistic, driving positive at www.hrbykaren.com
National Chemicals launches partnership with Aramark After publicly launching Vantage Synergy, a non-caustic, ultrasafe line of beverage system cleaners, National Chemicals announced a partnership with Aramark Refreshments. Aramark, a global leader in food and facility service operations, recently acquired Joyride Coffee and recognized an urgent need to update their cleaning processes for coldbrewed coffee and kombucha tap dispensers. Using Vantage Synergy technology, National Chemicals developed a chemical solution, package and process that made the cleaning task simple, speedy and safe. Vantage Synergy Cold Brew Cleaner, is noncorrosive, nonhazardous, has a triple-zero health and safety rating
Don’t forget to post your in-person and virtual events on our B2B events calendar at www.swfloridabusinesstoday. com/calendar
and does not require DOT hazardous material handling processes or fees. The chemical formula reduces injury liability and property damage risks. It is created with biodegradable chemistry that reduces wastewater concerns. National Chemicals, headquartered in Minnesota, has been run by the Landman family since 1947. President and CEO Murl Landman is an active Naples community member. His passion for Southwest Florida businesses is evident through partnerships.
FGCU launches Southwest Florida Leadership Institute Recently, Florida Gulf Coast University gave rebirth to a community serving leadership institute once known as the FGCU Center for Leadership and Innovation. One of the key mission components of any regional, public university is community and regional development, and one of FGCU’s particular Strategic Plan pillars is “Community Engagement and Outreach.” As reported in the Naples Daily News in 1997, then-business school dean Richard Pegnetter “envisioned a facility that would make it easy for businesses to access some of the resources of the university, and for our faculty to have an ongoing relationship with the business community to follow its trends and changes.” Dovetailing with this initiative, FGCU in 2020 launched a program to create, deliver and award micro-credentials and digital badges to enhance the workforce of Southwest Florida. A “micro-credential” or “digital badge” is a validated learning experience offered by FGCU that does not typically carry college credit. A “micro” credential is typically shorter than the learning that will take place during a semester-long college course. The SFLI also builds upon FGCU’s 2020 offering of RESTART SWFL in which experts provided health, business and ethics webinars to allow regional organizations to carry the university’s seal of credentialing in this area. Universities offer a rich variety of resources to the community that are often of higher quality and lower expense than what is otherwise available. FGCU Lutgert College of Business faculty hold doctoral degrees and are required to develop cutting-edge research. Moreover, many have themselves started businesses or held executive management positions, so they combine practical experience with state-of-the-art innovations. Depending on the type of support requested, FGCU faculty and staff may also be able to provide the services of students in supervised work. The organization receives low-cost work supervised by experts, and the students receive tremendous real-world experience. In the past, many organizations have extended full-time job offers to students they first got to know in this way. The Department of Management at FGCU has an advisory council made up of prominent individuals in the re-
next apPRoaches PR University 2021
Tackling the challenges of our changing world
Register now: fpraswfl.org
APRIL 2021
May 21 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW)
gion, and many of them are willing and available to provide their services through the SFLI. What sorts of services might you request and receive from the SFLI? First, consider that the university has BY ERIC expertise in nearly DENT every area imaginGuest Columnist able. The Lutgert College of Business previously provided leadership and employee development; marketing feasibility studies; staffing analysis; strategic planning; organizational audits; community satisfaction surveys; diversity training; leadership assessment; Six Sigma and process improvement; executive coaching; team building; international business opportunities; speakers; ethics and character development, and much more. If your organization has a need, it’s worth having an initial conversation with the SFLI to see how they might assist. Who are some of these great experts? One is Dr. Ashley Mandeville who has been in the national news for her work in work-family boundary management. She also has great expertise in employee perceptions, and benefit utilization. Another faculty member is Dr. Jase Ramsey, who has been in the news lately for his work on the travel industry. He is also an expert on doing business in Latin America. A Department of Management Advisory Panel member is Robert Oberwise, the founder of Executive Partners, a recognized business growth strategist and change expert, who has helped many companies redefine their go-to-market strategy and design a lean operating approach. Together with FGCU’s Small Business Development Center, Regional Economic Research Initiative, the Lucas Center for Real Estate Development and Finance, the SFLI stands ready to help Southwest Florida organizations thrive and prosper. Dr. Eric B. Dent is a professor and the Uncommon Friends Endowed Chair in Ethics at the Lutgert College of Business at Florida Gulf Coast University. Contact him at edent@fgcu.edu or (239) 590-7162.
APRIL 2021
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 3
Legislature poised to collect sales tax for e-commerce Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Jacob Ogles, Editor
But Gruters also said it’s simply fair for those major retailers selling goods online to charge the same tax as Florida-owned businesses doing business in local storefronts. Profit margins for many goods have dropped to record lows. Gruters also stressed this isn’t a tax hike but a collection of a tax that’s always been there. Consumers each year are supposed to pay sales tax on online purchases directly to the Department of Revenue each year, but almost none do. Those who get audited often face penalties and must pay interest when the state comes for payment, Gruters said. Critics of the bill argue the fact most consumers don’t pay online sales tax, which makes this proposal a de facto $1-billion tax hike. That argument may be the biggest obstacle facing the legislation, as Gov. Ron DeSantis said he doesn’t want tax increases this year, and did not include collection of the tax in his own proposed budget. Even if it passes, the governor could still veto any legislation passed by the Legislature.
For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
Online retailers could soon be charging sales tax on purchases by Florida consumers for the first time. An “e-fairness” plan in March won the support of leadership in the Florida Senate and House. Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, has sponsored a similar bill for several years, but it’s actually finding traction this year. That’s because Florida must deal with a depletion of its unemployment claims trust fund in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year’s health crisis also drove consumers to shop more on the internet. “Online purchases have multiplied, and I don’t think they will ever go back,” said Gruters, who represents north Charlotte County. “It’s time to create some fairness and level the field for our local retailers.” The Supreme Court in a 2018 ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair made clear states could charge sales tax for e-commerce, but Florida has been reticent to exercise that ability, even as 43 other states did. The
LEGAL & SECURITY
Florida mandates employment eligibility verification requirements The new requirements effective Jan. 1, 2021 affect both private and public sector employees, but do so in different ways. There are many new requirements imposed on both private and public sector employers, as same relates to verifying whether a person is legally eligible to work in the United States. Please note these requirements are in addition to the federal requirements mandating employers verify U.S. employment eligibility. The Form I-9 must BY CHRISTINA be completed for all new HARRIS SCHWINN hires, and reverification Guest Columnist occurs when the originally provided verification documents provided by the employee expire.
Private Sector Employers All private sector employers in Florida who do not use the E-Verify System for verifying a new employee’s legal eligibility to work in the United States must not only continue to complete the Form I-9 required under federal law, but also must now make and retain copies of the identification proffered by the employee to verify employment eligibility for at least a period of three years. This requirement is a state law requirement, not a federal law requirement. It applies to all persons hired on or after Jan. 1. Additionally, the requirement applies to any existing employee that provided an employment eligibility verification document, such as a passport that has an expiration date, when it is time to reverify continued eligibility to work in the United States. Public Employers & Government Contractors All government entities and government contractors are required to use the federal EVerify System for all persons hired on or after Jan. 1. General contractors are required to obtain sworn affidavits from their subcontractors that swear the subcontractor does not employ, contract with or subcontract with any unauthorized alien. The general contractor must maintain the affidavit for the duration of the contract with the subcontractor.
economic turmoil set by the pandemic also set the stage for passage this year. Senate President Wilton Simpson and Speaker of the House Chris Sprowls said they will back legislation with a requirement all revenue raised online from the sales tax for now goes into the state’s unemployment trust fund. Skyrocketing claims during the pandemic triggered an automatic increase in unemployment taxes in January. Sprowls’ office said some businesses could see those taxes jump as much as 700% if the state can’t find a way to replenish the state’s trust fund. Thanks to the migration to internet shopping, state economists say collecting 7% taxes on those sales will provide just that jump. The tax will raise a projected $973.6 million in the 2021-2022 fiscal year and at least $1.08 billion in years after that.
LEGAL & SECURITY Amplify your cybersecurity during the pandemic In a study by ESG and ISSA, 20% of the surveyed cybersecurity professionals reported a significant increase in cyberattack incidents related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the increasing volume of cyberattacks, many organizations have amplified cybersecurity and reconfigured their security controls. Common pandemic-related threats Cybercriminals continue to take advantage of the chaos, panic and destabilization caused by the COVID-19 crisis to perpetrate their heinous acts. Just over a month after the outbreak was declared a global pandemic, WHO reported a surge in cyberattack attempts targeting healthcare workers and the general public. Here are some of the common threats greatly escalated by the pandemic: • Phishing: COVID-19-related phishing attacks went up 667 percent. A majority of these were scam emails and brand impersonations done through fake websites and compromised business emails. • Malware and ransomware: Numerous malicious software applications have debuted during the pandemic. They include banking, mobile, crypto-mining and phishing-related malware. • WFH device attacks: Due to movement restrictions, many institutions have resorted to frantically putting together remote working infrastructures to enable their staff to work from home. Allowing employees to access corporate networks and online resources remotely through their personal devices may create exploitable security loopholes. In fact, many businesses have amplified cybersecurity in terms of network security and round-the-clock traffic monitoring to reduce the inherent
risks of remote working. Addressing cybersecurity during and after a pandemic The ongoing pandemic has truly tested businesses’ resilience, agility and ability to counter rampant security threats. A post-pandemic world may still be riddled with serious threats as businesses and communities come to terms with the new norm. Now is the time to rethink your BY JAKE entire cybersecurity strategy not SPANBERGER only to make it through the crisis Guest Columnist but to future-proof your company against the next global or internal turmoil. Draw from the lesson learned during the COVID-19 crisis to prepare your business for the unexpected. Doing so will ensure business continuity and preserve your brand’s reputation during difficult times. Implement new tactics Besides structuring an amplified cybersecurity framework, it’s also essential to unlearn old ways and adopt new strategies. Remember, effective cybersecurity protocols rely on incremental improvements. One of the greatest challenges during the crisis is getting employees to collaborate remotely on a secure platform. You must revamp your network and end-toend security to guarantee data and user protection in a remote working environment. CYBERSECURITY See page 14
Connecting Employers To Qualified Professionals Hiring? We should talk…
Finding qualified candidates with the right skills.
Recruiting all your employees in one place.
Working together to lower your costs.
careersourcesouthwestflorida.com 239.931.8282
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Telephone numbers may be reached via the Florida Relay Service at 711. An equal opportunity employer/program. A proud partner of the American job center network.
MANDATES See page 14
Join Our Family
*Limited Capacity
UPCOMING GAMES
4/07 @7:30 *4/17 @7:00
*Mask Required
*
*Social Distancing Areas Available
*
Membership, Group & Suite Packages Available Now FloridaEverblades.com/tickets
4/14 @7:30 *4/23 @7:30
4/16 @7:30 *4/24 @7:00
*
Call /text 239.948.PUCK
Page 4
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
APRIL 2021
LEGAL & SECURITY Protect your company site from cybersecurity risks
Yes, your website is at risk of security breaches and needs to be protected. You’re not alone. In fact, research shows that an estimated 30,000 new websites are hacked each day and the FBI reported a 300% increase in the number of cybercrime cases during COVID-19. You owe it to yourself and your clients to protect your site to the best of your abilities. If you do not have a company that is providing monthly management of your website, it’s time to consider making that investment. If you’re considering building a new website, make sure the company you hire goes through a comprehensive security checklist like the one we use below: 1. Create a strong password and update it regularly. Try to stay away from family birthdays or frequently used passwords such as “123456”, “123123” and “password,” which are all too easy for hackers. Also, avoid reusing passwords across different websites and services. You should update your password once every month or quarter. If you have difficulty coming up with unique passwords, consider using a password generator such as LastPass. 2. Install an SSL certificate. There is an extra charge to add this to your website but you can’t afford not to. This is what provides an extra layer of trust and security for those visiting or making a transaction on your website. It makes the transfer of data and sensitive information safe. You know when a site has this extra layer of security because the web address starts with HTTPS rather than HTTP. Without it, browsers such as Google Chrome display a warning and text that says, “not secure.” With SSL installed, a padlock appears before the start of your URL. You can purchase this certificate with companies such as GoDaddy and Symantec. 3. Conduct regular website backups. This is something that will provide you with peace of mind. If your site does go down or experiences a security breach, your developer will have everything he/she needs to bring your website back up. The more often you update or add content to your website, the ®
more often you should perform a backup. 4. Limit user permissions. Only you and your web developer should have full access to your website. If you have several people logging in to make updates, set them up a separate login and password. Remember to remove users who no longer need access. 5. Secure online checkouts. If you take payments on your website, be sure to include an Address Verification Service as well as require a Credit Card Verification Value to help safeguard against fraudulent BY CONNIE RAMOS-WILLIAMS charges, which can be costly. 6. Update plugins and CMS. Once Guest Columnist your website has been developed and launched, the worst thing you could do is not update it monthly. The software used for your Content Management Systems, plugins and add-ons that comprise your website have frequent updates. If these are not updated monthly, the integrity of your site can become compromised and create security issues. 7. Invest in anti-malware software. Protect your business, brand and customers by using malware detector software. Malware infections can result in stolen data and money. If you are building a new website, use a reputable company that specializes in development, design, content and IT security. Leave nothing to chance. Contact our team at CONRIC pr + marketing to schedule a website evaluation. Connie Ramos-Williams is the president and chief marketing officer at CONRIC pr + marketing, a leading creative agency with offices in Fort Myers and Naples that specializes in branding, digital marketing, public relations, graphic design and website development. Visit conricpr.com, email info@ conricpr.com or call (239) 690-9840.
You Have ONE Opportunity to SELL YOUR BUSINESS
www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
Keep up with the latest business news, events and more!
PUBLISHER Karen P. Moore PRINT EDITOR & ASSOCIATE WEB EDITOR Jacob Ogles PRODUCTION MANAGER Jennifer Ogles PHOTO REVIEWER Scott Toner PRINT AD DESIGNERS Jennifer Ogles Robert Brown DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGNER & EDITOR Michelle L. Hudson WEBSITE ASSISTANT Angelica Torres
P.O. Box 152299 Cape Coral, FL 33915-2299 News: 239-573-9731 All other: 239-573-9732 News email: editor@swfloridabusinesstoday.com All other information requests: publisher@ swfloridabusinesstoday.com The contents of Southwest Florida Business Today® are copyright 2019 by Southwest Florida Newspapers, Inc. No portion may be reproduced without the express written consent of Southwest Florida Newspapers, Inc. The publication of any advertisement or article does not necessarily reflect the view of the publisher of Southwest Florida Business Today®. For more information about any article or column appearing in Southwest Florida Business Today®, for advertising rates or subscription information please call 239-573-9732 or email: publisher@ swfloridabusinesstoday.com
OUR MISSION
Southwest Florida Business Today® is to provide the best business-to-business marketplace where business executives operating in Southwest Florida buy and sell goods and services via the exchange of news, advertising and information.
Prepare safe return to office for workers
Eric Gall
Steven Niehaus
MBA, CM&AP, CBI, ABI Eric@EdisonBA.com 239.738.6227
MBA, CBI, CM&AP Steve@EdisonBA.com 239.565.3171
Michael Pfeffer
Ryan Baldwin
MBA, CBA, BCI, CM&AP Mike@EdisonBA.com 239.877.9911
MPA Ryan@EdisonBA.com 815.219.5492
www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com ®
TRUST THE MOST AWARDED & HIGHEST CREDENTIALED Business Brokerage Firm in Southwest Florida Since 2014 www.EdisonBA.com
Anticipating what’s next... ...is what keeps you and your business ahead of the game. Due to recent expansion, we are now hiring for part-time newspaper delivery drivers in Bonita Springs and Cape Coral. Please call (239) 770-7527 for details.
Here’s what is ahead for 2021 for Southwest Florida Business Today®. MONTH
EDITORIAL FOCUS
PUB. DATE (FRIDAY)
MAY
• Small Business
April 23
April 14
JUNE
• Disaster Services
May 21
May 12
DEADLINE (WED., 5 pm)
Call to reserve your advertising spot today: (239) 770-7527
Even as vaccines are ramping up and COVID-19 infections are dropping, experts say everyone will continue to be wearing masks, gloves and other PPE to protect against the virus, possibly into 2022. At the same time, business leaders across the country are planning to reopen their offices. BY ROB How can companies PAUL equip their workplacGuest Columnist es for employees to safely return? The best way to avoid the confusion, chaos and Wild West scenarios that hit the supply chain last spring is to plan ahead. Businesses should order and build personal protective equipment supply closets now so they have plenty on hand for phased office reopenings. When the pandemic hit last March, the rush for and confusion over N95s and other PPE created an unstable market, driving prices sky-high and challenging suppliers. Cargo disappeared, higher bidders seized shipments, aircraft returned empty and export rules changed overnight. With the help of my trusted Swagworld vendor network and contacts, I built PPE World to help supply businesses with protective equipment to deal with the COVID-19 virus. In the process, I learned how to swiftly navigate an unprecedented global pandemic. For instance, last March, three-ply masks sold for up to $1 per mask. Now the price is as low as 15 cents. Availability of N95 masks, which require special fitting, is “much better” than the spring, when doctors and nurses had to stretch their scant supplies. Much of PPE World’s inventory is now in New Jersey and California. I recommend that clients, including health care providers, medical offices, construction companies, law firms, accountant offices and other professional services, gauge what PPE you’ll need and order supplies to protect your employees for at least 10 months. While prices and supplies have stabilized, workers returning to the office may drive up demand, which could increase pricing and potentially undermine backup availability. Many clients have already equipped their offices with sanitizing stations, portable air cleaners and UV protection lamps to sanitize packages and mail. Given the recent rise in potentially more contagious COVID strains and variants, stocking PPE supplies is especially critical. In response to the new strains, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends double masking as an extra layer of protection. For the latest information on CDC safety recommendations, see cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/your-health/effective-masks.html. COVID-19 supplies such as disinfectant sprays, wipes and covers continue to take precedence over all other medication supplies over the last couple of months. Thanks to my vendor relationships around the world, we can provide our clients with genuine PPE, at the most competitive prices, from the most trustworthy manufacturers. Rob Paul, a business leader and entrepreneur from Naples, is president of PPE World, ppe-world.net, and SwagWorld, swagworld.com. Contact him at (877) 260-0002.
APRIL 2021
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 5
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends & topics in Southwest Florida
Charlotte County is ‘going with the wave’ Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore, Publisher
There is a population “wave” coming to Charlotte County. Where did this wave come from? Dave Gammon, the county’s economic development director, shares, “It comes from things we offer, including our quality of life, our community ‘charm’, our natural assets, low crime, affordable housing alternatives, relatively little traffic—and we are open for business!” Moreover, he noted, a recent national study named Punta Gorda, Naples and Cape Coral in the A look at “20 Top Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Across America.” Not surprisingly, a lot of commercial development and re-development is coming with this wave. The Murdoch Village, Westport and Arredondo Point projects are all continuing to progress. As Gammon noted, some of these projects are finally coming to fruition after being “in the works” for 14 to 15 years. Sunseeker Resort is on pause for now, especially since, as Gammon pointed out, the resort funding
For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com was coming from airline revenue. “Hopefully, the project will be moving forward again by the end of this year,” he stated. “It’s really exciting that when you think about where Allegiant could have put this resort, the company chose Charlotte County, Florida above any other market in the country.” The Punta Gorda airport (PGD) is poised for growth. It was recently named the third fastestgrowing airport in the country, mainly because, he commercial trends & noted, its customer real base is estate primarily leisure travelers, which was a segment of travelers not as hard hit by COVID-19 as the business travel segment. He added, “From a commercial real estate standpoint, there’s also several thousand acres of affordable land near the airport available for development.” Cheney Brothers, a leading foodservice distribution company, chose Charlotte County for its initial expansion into Southwest Florida several years ago. One reason was because the company’s truck driv-
ers, Gammon pointed out, can get to Naples and Tampa within a day. “For big chains that are expanding into our region, like Wawa and Aldi, this is very important.” Babcock Ranch, now about five years old, was recently named the 28th fastest-growing masterplanned community in the U.S. and continues to move forward with its plan to have 50,000 residents and 19,000 homes. Local malls in the county are set for re-development, according to Gammon. Charlotte County also has three opportunity zones available for commercial re-vitalization efforts. Cool Today Park in Venice, home of the Atlanta Braves topics in Southwest Florida spring training camp, will also feed growth in Charlotte County, he notes. Charlotte County has the third oldest population in the country, in terms of age of its residents. “So healthcare industry growth is coming,” he stated. “Our economic challenge in Charlotte County is going to be how to maintain the community charm that our residents moved here for while accommodating everything that comes along with this continued wave of population growth.”
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET
Crifasi announces Green Tree Center redevelopment
Crifasi Real Estate announced the major redevelopment of the Green Tree Shopping Center located at the intersection of Airport Road and Immokalee Road in Naples. A fresh coastal-contemporary design and open-air concept is replacing the former Mediterranean design, transforming the property into more of a lifestyle center versus a traditional retail shopping center. This is illustrated by the restaurant spaces being offered, ranging from 3,000 to 5,500 square feet under-air, coupled with an expanded outdoor dining area. Crifasi also indicated there is significant interest in the modernized 51,000 square-foot, former Sweetbay space with various potential tenants; moreover the space may be divided. ”The future of successful neighborhood shopping centers will be a variety of tenants with many different uses,” said Jack Crifasi of Crifasi Real Estate. “We have been selective on the tenants, as we are looking for the right mix that not only benefits the ownership but also the current and future tenants as well.” Some of the property cosmetic updates include open-aired gables, large outdoor cupolas, custom lighting, expanded tile walkways, fountains with
Crifasi Real Estate announced the redevelopment of the Green Tree Shopping Center at the intersection of Airport Road and Immokalee Road in Naples. torches, as well as updated landscaping with beautiful flora throughout the property. The NCH Wellness Center located within the center is also going through a massive multi-milliondollar renovation to be completed in June. A 7-Eleven is being built on the parcel just off Green Tree Center Airport Road with a completion date in May. ”The redevelopment has exceeded our expectations in every way,” said The NCH Wellness Center located Crifasi. “The shopping center is beau- within the center is also going through tiful and transformative, and it will a massive multi-million-dollar renovation to be completed in June. become a destination point.”
CRE Consultants win CoStar Power Broker Awards
CRE Consultants, the leading commercial real estate services and property management firm in Southwest Florida, has earned CoStar Power Broker Awards as Top Leasing Firm for 2020. This annual award recognizes the “best of the best” in commercial real estate brokerage by highlighting the firms and individual brokers who closed the highest transaction volumes in commercial property sales or leases in 2020 within their respective markets. The following CRE Consultants’ top-performing agents also garnered Power Broker awards for their exceptional performance in 2020: Top Office Leasing Broker: Randal L. Mercer, Enn Luthringer, CCIM, Dave Wallace, CCIM, SIOR and David Wallace. Top Industrial Leasing Broker: Stan Stouder, CCIM. CRE Consultants is a commercial real estate services firm serving the Florida market. CRE Consultants provides strategic advice and execution for property sales and leasing, property management, valuation, research and consulting.
We Care About SWFL Secure Your Future With Commercial Realtors Your Own Business With dedicated space for informa�on: • On our website with a Commercial Real Estate sec�on & directory • In our quarterly Commercial RE Market pullout in both the print & digital versions of SWFBT • With zoned and full-run inserts • With guest column opportuni�es • With digital marke�ng op�ons
Businesses for Sale
Internet Sales ....................... $190,000 Retail Fish Market ................. $49,000 Painting Company ................. $29,000
Domains for Sale
SanibelJoy.com ........................... $2,200 FloridaParadise.com ............... $2,395 MyHomeontheWater.com ... $2,450
For more informa�on, call Karen at (239) 770-7527
Contact Larry Steinborn,
®
www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
Lic. Real Estate Broker Sand Dollar Real Estate / Business Depot (239) 433-1343 or bizdepot@aol.com 6309 Corporate Ct. #205 Fort Myers, FL 33919
Selling your Business is our Business!
Page 6
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
APRIL 2021
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends & topics in Southwest Florida
Airport Authority launches PGD AviEx interactive map
The Charlotte County Airport Authority has launched an interactive map for PGD AviEx to help streamline commercial and aviation development on airport land. The interactive GIS map was developed to help businesses identify parcels at Punta Gorda Airport most suitable for their development needs. All of the parcels available for lease, whether airside or landside, are in the Interstate Airport Park and enjoy business-friendly ECAP zoning guidelines. “We are excited to launch this interactive tool to help planners, developers and investors who are considering a Southwest Florida location,” said Airport Authority Vice Chair Paul Andrews. “Now, they can easily envision how their business plan will complement existing tenants and dovetail into Punta Gorda Airport’s infrastructure and capital improvement projects.” The interactive map can be viewed on desktop computers by visiting www.PGDAviex.com and clicking on the far-right Interactive Map button. The ArcGIS platform will open in a separate window where users can navigate through PGD’s
Don’t forget to post your in-person and virtual event on our B2B events calendar at www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com/calendar
land parcels available for lease, ongoing and future construction projects, and current commercial tenant locations. Similar to other online GIS maps, there is a legend at the top right that can be expanded to turn on and off boundaries, roads and layers. Desktop users can quickly identify airside parcels available to lease with runway access for aviation purposes, as well as landside property available for commercial, industrial, retail or office development. When clicking on a parcel, a black info box will appear showing details about the property, all of which can be separated or combined with adjacent parcels. Users can click on “View” next to “Site Info” to see on-the-ground photos and guidance for leasing land. Punta Gorda Airport developed the interac-
tive map in partnership with AECOM, one of the world’s premier infrastructure consulting firms that led the airport’s FAA-approved 2018 Master Plan Update effort. The interactive map also shows the location of current and upcoming projects, like the new General Aviation Center, ramp and hangars in the Aviation Expansion Area on the north side of the property. PGD AviEx is strategically located between Tampa and Miami in a Foreign Trade Zone at a small-hub commercial airport with utilities available and two direct connections to Interstate-75. The runway-adjacent area is planned to become a hub for general aviation activities to flourish, as well as a prime spot for onsite flight schools, avionics and aircraft maintenance services, and related training programs to expand. Annual lease rates are 8-12% of the land value according to the most recent property appraisal, and are negotiable based on the length of the contract, on-airport investment and property size. Leases are subject to Fair Market Value increases.
SEAGATE DEVELOPMENT GROUP PROJECTS
Ground broken on first office in park at Alico Road and I-75
Seagate Development Group is ready to break ground on Rice Insulation & Glass’ 35,000-squarefoot facility. The Lee-County-based materials supplier will be the first tenant in a 40-acre, Seagate-owned business park at Alico Road and Interstate-75. The free-standing building will include 3,000 square feet of office space for sales and management teams – reception area with workstation, conference room, four oversized offices with 10 workstations, three standard offices, training and break rooms, and closets and restrooms. Additional space is reserved for a warehouse of insulation, glass, shower door and shelving materials. Seagate also plans to build four high-dock doors and four grade-level doors as well as parking for up to 100 vehicles. This project is set to commence in April and be complete by October. It comes weeks after Seagate closed on the world-class business park that will house Rice Insulation and other single-tenant office, flex and industrial buildings. These accommodations allow business owners to improve efficiencies without the typical barriers created in a multi-tenant environment. “Our design-build division looks forward to providing the highest standards of craftsmanship and secondto-none customer service to Rice Insulation and many others, just as it has with NeoGenomics, Scotlynn and Conditioned Air,” said Matt Price, CEO and partner at Seagate Development Group.
Yesterday.
Interior work at Heritage Carpet and Tile completed Seagate Development Group completed the interior of Heritage Carpet and Tile’s new location at Premier Airport Park in Fort Myers. Part of the full-service flooring contractor’s strategic plan is to transition from two facilities to one central location, this project satisfies its short-term goal and accommodates future growth. Seagate entered a preexisting shell of a building in the third quarter of last year and completed the interior one month ahead of schedule. The scope of work for this approximately 17,000-square-foot headquarters included warehouse and office space for dozens of employees. Seagate located metal stud and drywall partitions to take advantage of the natural light provided by exterior aluminum frames and glass. This allowed team members to maximize the remaining space for warehouse operations and flooring materials. They followed this up with high-bay, LED lighting in the warehouse and 2x4 lighting fixtures in the office areas. Seagate complemented the dark carpet with light gray accents, which also provide a professional tone without losing the contrast lighting of the interior office spaces. To top off the project, Heritage Carpet and Tile provided hard tile in the entry and common
Today.
Seagate Development Group completed the interior of Heritage Carpet and Tile’s new location at Premier Airport Park in Fort Myers. For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com areas as well as carpet in the office areas. “Our client wanted to consolidate space and increase productivity just in time for 2021. We’re proud to say that our team gave them a fresh look that reflects the company’s style and the very best use of every surface of the new space in record-setting time,” said Matt Price, CEO and partner at Seagate Development Group. “As Heritage fleshes out long-term goals, we’ll be standing by and ready to launch more of our very best work.”
ALWAYS.
For 50 years public media has been an essential part of our community through news, entertainment and education. Be a part of a long-standing tradition, and become a supporter of public media through your company today. Contact Rachel Peacock at rpeacock@wgcu.org or 239-590-2338.
APRIL 2021
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 7
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends & topics in Southwest Florida
Collier County to house regional distribution center
LSI Companies announced a new 946,000± sq. ft. regional distribution center coming to Collier County. The 102.68-acre property was purchased by Uline in two phases from 850 NWN and CG II, totaling $45,369,511. The site is located east of Collier Boulevard and north of Interstate-75, a part of the City Gate Commerce Park. “This monumental transaction has been several years in the making and a big win for Collier County and SWFL as a whole,” stated William Rollins, senior broker of LSI Companies. “The location
of the site relative to major arterial Collier County roadways and I-75 has positioned this facility to be a perfect fit for its industrial use. Additionally, we expect the distribution center to employ hundreds of SWFL residents among office and warehouse staff. It’s been a pleasure working with the entire Uline team, including Dave Desper of CBRE, Inc. from the conceptual stage through closing.” William Rollins, CCIM, ALC and Justin Thibaut, CCIM of LSI Companies and Dave Desper of CBRE represented the buyer in this transaction.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET
The site is located east of Collier Boulevard and north of Interstate-75.
A&E Paint Centers opens fourth location in Bonita Springs
A look at commercial real estate trends & topics in Southwest Florida
One Source Business Capital closes on acquisition loans One Source Business Capital’s bridge loan program recently closed a loan for $5.1 million for an oceanfront inn/spa/restaurant on Maine’s coast. This business was exiting Chapter 11 and taking advantage of a discount, so they needed to close the loan in 10 days. OSBC was able to secure the funding and meet the requirement to close in 10 days, saving the customer a significant amount of money. “We were happy to assist this business in Maine secure the funding they needed to remain operational while also saving them money,” said David Marcantonio, president and founder of One Source Business Capital. “I developed strong relationships over the years with the nation’s top private lenders, largest banks and non-bank lenders so I can connect businesses with the right lender for their needs to ensure success.” OSBC also closed a $1.8 million SBA 7(a) loan for a client to purchase a car wash business in Fort Myers. The out-of-state buyer was encountering difficulty being approved for funding and was referred to OSBC, who has a reputation of securing loans for difficult deals. “Our client was finding it challenging to secure funds for this purchase due to his limited
For the latest news on COVID-19 and its effects on SWFL businesses, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday. com/covid-19-tips-for-business/ experience in the industry,” Marcantonio said. “We were pleased to assist him in securing the funds for his new business venture. Our connections to the nation’s top private lenders, largest banks, and non-bank lenders allow OSBC to assist clients in receiving the funds needed to launch, or expand, their business plans and goals.” The SBA consistently ranks One Source Business Capital as a top producer for non-bank lenders around the country for business capital. One Source Business Capital has office locations in Fort Myers; Austin, Texas; and Lee, Massachusetts; and can assist in lending to business nationwide. With more than 26 years of experience in bringing borrowers and direct capital together, One Source Business Capital has funded over $460 million for small businesses. Affiliations with the nation’s largest nonbank lenders allow One Source Business Capital to provide loans to businesses that may have been denied by banks in the past.
®
Don’t forget to post your virtual and in-person B2B events to swfloridabusinesstoday.com/ calendar SWFL’s most comprehensive B2B event calendar
A&E Paint Centers, a local family-owned and operated business that has been serving the Southwest Florida community since 2008, opened its fourth location in Bonita Springs. The new store is located in the Southlinks Commons Plaza, east of Interstate-75 on Bonita Beach Road. A&E Paint Centers is a retail dealer carrying Benjamin Moore and PPG paint products for contractors, construction companies, and anyone looking for high-quality paint. The company has three other locations in Cape Coral, Charlotte Harbor and Port Charlotte.
A&E Paint Centers is the only Signature Benjamin Moore Paint store in Charlotte County. “We are excited to be opening our fourth store in Bonita Springs,” said Austin Young, director of sales and part-owner A&E Paint Centers. “We have been supplying paint to businesses and residents doing work in Bonita Springs for several years and we can finally bring our exceptional paint and outstanding customer service directly to contractors and individuals within our community, making the process of working with us even smoother.”
Introducing ALDEA
Groundbreaking: Fall 2022 Occupancy: Spring 2024 MIDTOWN FORT MYERS’ INTIMATE URBAN LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE Studio, One and Two Bedroom Apartments Located between Central Avenue, Market Street and Fowler Street, ALDEA is one of the first planned communities for Midtown and is expected to transform the landscape of the surrounding area. 300+ units housed within two residential buildings looking inward to multi-functional courtyard spaces.
A fitness center enables an active lifestyle and a parking garage provides a desired convenience.
A mix of studios, one and two bedrooms, several of which offer additional dens.
Randy Krise, CCIM
Commercial Real Estate Broker Cell: 239.633.8672 Email: Randy@KriseCG.com www.KriseCG.com
w w w
.KriseCG.Com
Page 8
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
APRIL 2021
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends & topics in Southwest Florida
Choose the right commercial professional for you WILLIAM H. ROLLINS, JR., CCIM, ALC
JACK MARTIN, CCIM Lee, Collier, Charlotte & Hendry Counties
Lee, Collier, Charlotte, DeSoto & Hendry Counties Senior broker; licensed in FL, GA and AL and an Accredited Land Consultant. Named 2015 Florida Land Realtor® by REALTORS® Land Institute Florida.
LSI COMPANIES
• AGRICULTURAL • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL
239-633-1963 wrollins@lsicompanies.com www.lsicompanies.com
BEV LARSON, CCIM
Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry & Glades Counties Larson has over 39 years of diversified experience in the SWFL market. She is a Certified International Property Specialist. 2018 Florida CCIM Chapter Southwest District President. • • • • • •
LAHAINA REALTY 239-281-1290 bev1314@aol.com
COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT RETAIL OFFICE LAND-ACREAGE DEVELOPMENT
CCIM If you are a CCIM-SWFL Chapter member, as a benefit, you are eligible to participate in this section. Contact 2021 CCIM-SWFL President Artem Nashman for details at anashman@midlandtrust.com 2019 CCIM-SWFL President Ron Struthers says: “This ad got me listings. It works!”
30 years of experience in Florida real estate with 20 years in Southwest Florida. Servicing in all facets of commercial real estate, both sales and leasing, and specializing in shopping plazas and strip centers.
Why use a CCIM?
There are countless benefits to working with a CCIM. Commercial real estate investment requires the counsel of a qualified professional. A Certified Commercial Investment Member provides clients with the assurance that every decision will be made in the best interest of their investment objectives. When assembling a commercial real estate investment team, start with a CCIM. CREDIBILITY
CCIM is the most prestigious designation commercial real estate professionals can achieve within the industry. Graduate-level education, coupled with industry-leading technology tools, practical proven experience, and in-depth knowledge of their local markets, gives CCIMs the ability and the credibility to conduct business confidently and successfully. By partnering with a CCIM, you effectively utilize the top-level, most reliable performers in the industry: with an average of 19 years of experience, 70% of CCIM members hold executive-level positions and 90% of members refer clients to other business services. When you use a CCIM, you choose the most credible professional in the business.
CENTURY 21 COMMERCIAL • COMMERCIAL • MULTI-FAMILY SELLING PARADISE
Did you know ...
that SWFBT highlights: • • • • •
Daily Updates Breaking Business News B2B Events Calendar Commercial Real Estate Directory Professionals who are “Going Places” ... and much more at
www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
MICHAEL J. FRYE, CCIM
Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties Recipient of the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame Award. Serving the SWFL market for over 30 years. We have 7 CCIMs to serve all our clients’ needs.
COMMUNITY
Today there are CCIMs in every state, across Canada and Mexico, and in more than 30 countries around the world. Domestically, the network encompasses more than 1,000 markets, from large metropolitan areas to small cities and towns. A truly global network, CCIMs are a powerful force in markets large and small. When you use a CCIM, you choose a trusted community of real estate professionals that are consistently sought for their dependability, intelligence, success and confidence.
RE/MAX REALTY GROUP 239-281-0441 mfrye@ccim.net www.michaeljfrye.com
INTEGRITY Puzzled over how to keep up with changes in Southwest Florida’s Business Market? The Missing Piece is in your hands...
® s
nes
usi
ll B
eA
’r We
MEASUREMENT
Overall, CCIM’s global network enables members to close thousands of transactions annually, representing more than $200 billion in value. But closing transactions is only part of what CCIMs can do. In addition to holding dealmaking occupations in every property sector, CCIMs are also found in’ leasing, asset manageCARLOS ACOSTA, CCIM ment, development, lending, financing, property Lee, Charlotte, Collier & management, site selection and corporate real Sarasota Counties estate positions. So, whatever assistance your Managing Principal/Qualifying Broker. real estate project requires, a CCIM can help you achieve a better result. In fact, only 6 percent of Specializing in acquisitions and disposition of retail, office, industrial, all commercial real estate practitioners hold the elite CCIM designation, which reflects not only land and investment sales. the caliber of the program, but why it is one of 5-time CoStar Powerbroker. the most respected designations in the industry. When you use a CCIM, you choose a professional who produces measurable results.
CRES of SWFL 239-823-0115
cacosta@ccim.net www.cresswfl.com
• • • • •
RETAIL OFFICE INDUSTRIAL LAND INVESTMENT SALES & LEASING
The CCIM designation is conferred by the Chicagobased CCIM Institute, a commercial real estate affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS. Learn more about the value of working with a CCIM.
• OFFICE • RETAIL • INDUSTRIAL • LAND
ENN LUTHRINGER, CCIM
CCIM designees are bound to the strictest ethical guidelines and standards of practice in the industry today. In addition, each CCIM has successfully completed a graduate level program comprised of 160 hours of education. If you ask around the industry, you’ll learn that companies and other real estate professionals are more likely to seek out experts who possess the CCIM designation, as they know CCIM stands for trust, knowledge and reliability. When you use a CCIM, you choose experts with integrity.
Get a one year subscription for just $30. Call (239) 573-9732 or e-mail Publisher@swfloridabusinesstoday.com to order your subscription for Southwest Florida Business Today® now!
• MEDICAL OFFICE • GENERAL OFFICE • VACANT LAND
239-707-9015 jackmartin@ccim.net www.jackmartincre.c21.com
Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties A partner with CRE Consultants and 15-year commercial real estate veteran, he specializes in the medical and professional office market.
CRE CONSULTANTS
239-994-3703 enn.luthringer@creconsultants.com www.creconsultants.com
• COMMERCIAL • OFFICE • INVESTMENT
We Care About SWFL Commercial Realtors With dedicated space for informa�on: • On our website with a Commercial Real Estate sec�on & directory • In our quarterly Commercial RE Market pullout in both the print & digital versions of SWFBT • With zoned and full-run inserts • With guest column opportuni�es • With digital marke�ng op�ons For more informa�on, call Karen at (239) 770-7527
®
®
www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
APRIL 2021
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 9
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends & topics in Southwest Florida
Choose the right commercial professional for you RON WELEBNY, CCIM
MARYANN MIZE, CCIM
Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry & DeSoto Counties
Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties Senior Vice President and Senior Credit Officer. More than 30 years of commercial lending experience. CCIM Senior Instructor and 10+ years on the SWFL CCIM District Board.
About Southwest Florida CCIM District
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET
• FINANCING OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
The Southwest Florida CCIM District is a chapter of the CCIM Institute, Commercial Real Estate’s Global Standard Professionaltrends DevelopA look at commercial realforestate 941-624-1916 ment. The CCIM Institute was established in 1954 mmize@csbtfl.com to give practitioners of Commercial Real Estate www.charlottestatebankandtrust.com the valuable opportunity to further their business practices through focused education and networking opportunities. Today, with the addition of advanced technology resources, CCIM is the Global We Care About SWFL leader in Commercial and Investment Real Estate Commercial Realtors education and services. The Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation is recogWith dedicated space for informa�on: nized as the hallmark of professional competency. • On our website with a Commercial Real Estate sec�on Belonging to CCIM means being part of an ethical & directory and knowledgeable network that fosters lasting re• In our quarterly Commercial RE lationships based on mutual respect. Market pullout in both the print
CHARLOTTE STATE BANK & TRUST
& digital versions of SWFBT • With zoned and full-run inserts • With guest column opportuni�es • With digital marke�ng op�ons
What does having the CCIM designation mean to me?
For more informa�on, call Karen at (239) 770-7527 ®
www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
RON STRUTHERS, CCIM Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, North Port, Venice & North Fort Myers
Specializes in all facets of commercial brokerage and leasing in Charlotte County area. 2019 CCIM Florida Chapter Southwest District President.
COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL NRT 941-769-3316 rstruthers@ccim.net www.commercialrealtyfl.com
• • • • •
INVESTMENT RETAIL OFFICE INDUSTRIAL LEASING
CONI DEAN, CCIM Lee County Broker/Owner with 20+ years local experience. Specializing in investment portfolios, aquisition to disposition, residential, commercial and redevelopment
VENTURE REALTY & INVESTMENTS
239-980-5922 venturerealty@earthlink.net www.sellsfloridarealestate.com
Qualifying Broker / Managing Director Licensed Real Estate Instructor Director Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association Director, CCIM-SWFL District Past President Commercial Investment Professionals of Southwest Florida Past President SWFL Commercial Alliance Vice-Chair Laguna Estates CDD
• • • • • •
RETAIL INDUSTRIAL RETAIL SPECIALTY LAND RESIDENTIAL REDEVELOPMENT
Did you know ...
that SWFBT highlights: • • • • •
Daily Updates Breaking Business News B2B Events Calendar Commercial Real Estate Directory Professionals who are “Going Places” ... and much more at
www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
RANDY KRISE, Krise Commercial Group
As a long time CCIM Designee I have a longterm perspective on what the CCIM Designation does for the designee. I was a player who wanted to be an investor in real estate all my life. Prior to my CCIM training I purchased 14 properties. I made somewhere north of $5,000,000. Had I been a CCIM I would have purchased mostly incomeproducing properties. Land made me money but land only costs you until you sell. CCIM taught me how to evaluate an investment to guarantee success. Income- producing property pays for itself and increases your ability to build a portfolio. Now I think 15 properties and $10,000,000 with a CCIM education and certification—and so should you!
MARYANN MIZE, Charlotte State Bank & Trust
Why does a banker have the CCIM designation? This is a question asked of me many times when I received the designation in the early 2000s. In reply, I shared that brokers and borrowers have many choices when looking for financing. Having the designation provides them with the confidence that I have the experience and knowledge to handle their transactions with no surprises. That answer remains the same all these years later. Thankfully, the CCIM designation has provided me with referrals that enabled my bank to provide financing, with no surprises, for millions of dollars of transactions in Southwest Florida.
COMMERCIAL REALTY ASSOCIATES of SWFL Ron@CRA.us www.CRA.us
Puzzled over how to keep up with changes in Southwest Florida’s Business Market? The Missing Piece is in your hands...
® ’re We
All
ess
sin
Bu
Get a one year subscription for just $30. Call (239) 573-9732 or e-mail Publisher@swfloridabusinesstoday.com to order your subscription for Southwest Florida Business Today® now!
CCIM If you are a CCIM-SWFL Chapter member, as a benefit, you are eligible to participate in this section. Contact 2021 CCIM-SWFL President Artem Nashman for details at anashman@midlandtrust.com 2019 CCIM-SWFL President Ron Struthers says: “This ad got me listings. It works!”
RANDY KRISE, CCIM Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties Broker/owner of Krise Commercial Group and 2016 Florida CCIM Regional Vice President and Institute Board Member.
KRISE COMMERCIAL GROUP 239-633-8672 randy@krisecg.com www.krisecg.com
GERALD HENDRY, MAI, Maxwell Hendry & Simmons Appraisers
To be honest, 15 years ago when I obtained my CCIM designation, I thought it would be cool to have a few more letters after my name. However, being in the valuation industry and not a practicing real estate agent, I wondered if there was any true benefit to me? Oh how my thinking has changed… This group has taught me the value of networking, effective leadership, and has afforded me a strong core group of friends in the industry. My CCIM friends are always available with a simple phone call or text. So, it’s still cool to see those four letters after my name, but I am grateful for the friendships and opportunities CCIM has afforded me, my firm, and my family.
BROKERS ANALYSTS ADVISORS CONSULTANTS
239-677-2381 & topics in Southwest Florida
ENN LUTHRINGER, CRE Consultants
CCIM is a network of professionals that is bigger than any single corporation, company or flag in the commercial real estate industry. Too many times commercial agents believe that being associated with a large company will give them business, recognition or credibility. That little pin is recognized around the world as identifying the person wearing it as a professional who speaks a language that is recognized on a universal basis.
• • • •
• • • • •
COMMERCIAL VACANT LAND INVESTMENT RETAIL INDUSTRIAL
THERESA BLAUCH-MITCHELL, CCIM
Lee, Collier, Charlotte & Sarasota Counties SWFL CCIM Past President, Florida CCIM Membership Chair, CCIM International Committee. Hablo Español.
SPERRY COMMERCIAL GLOBAL AFFILIATES 239-265-2628 theresa@ccim.net www.sperrycga.com
• INVESTMENT • RETAIL • OFFICE • INDUSTRIAL
Page 10
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
APRIL 2021
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends & topics in Southwest Florida
Adam Palmer receives coveted CCIM award Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR, a Of the acLandQwest commercial managcomplished ing principal, recently received nominees, Palmthe prestigious Hank Thompson er’s influential Award from the Florida CCIM devotion to comChapter. munal involveThe highly sought achievement ranks proment recognizes Certified Comfoundly. mercial Investment Members Namely, he with an influential impact on its Palmer has served as a Chapter development, member board member services and contributions to for the CCIM Institute, CCIM new member advancement for 10 Technologies, as an at-large board years or more. member with the Lee County Palmer, a LandQwest Top Pro- Economic Development’s Horiducer and 18-time CoStar Power zon Council, and was a past presBroker winner, has dedicated ident of multiple organizations. those 18-years toward advancing “It is a proud moment to be beSouthwest Florida’s office and stowed this honor” said Palmer. “I industrial sectors as a rare dual hold the recipients of this award specialist. in great respect and am humbled “Adam is most deserving of to be listed among them.” the prestigious Hank Thompson Palmer is the 29th recipiAward, the highest honor accord- ent since the Chapter’s formaed to Florida Chapter Designees,” tion over 47 years ago, and one shares 2020 Florida Chapter Presi- of only two from the past seven dent Terry Torres, CCIM. Torres years. added that “Adam continually ofThe Hank Thompson Award fers unique insight to our members originated in 1990 in honor of and has mentored many of us on Henry E. Thompson, President of the habits of a successful leader.” the Florida CCIM Chapter.
Strength. Strategy. Stability. CLIENT-CENTRIC SOLUTIONS
DELIVERED
Is it time for you to sell? With the Southwest Florida business landscape changing at the speed of light, many business owners are faced with a dilemma: Should they sell their building to invest in a larger facility, or add on to their existing structure? You may be facing this very decision right now. The decision whether to buy or expand is a complex choice involving many variables, including cash flow, interest rates, existing debt service, the needs of the business and its employees, and countless others. Fortunately, business owners don’t need to make this decision alone. A strong commercial property broker is armed with the experience, data and knowledge you need to choose the optimal solution for your workplace needs. For business owners who determine that it’s time to sell, your goal should be to find a commercial property broker who is prepared to help sellers net the highest dollar in the shortest amount of time. These brokers will have a dedicated in-house research team that will tirelessly study the individual property itself. Based on this information, the research team should thoroughly investigate recent sales of comparable properties and take a deep dive into other properties currently on the market to determine your property’s competitive advantages, along with its proper positioning and pricing. Thorough, accurate research is only the first phase in your broker’s process to get a property to market and start generating demand for your property. A valuable team has experience in all asset classes, so they understand the dynamics of the commercial real estate market and are able to cast a wide net to ensure that properties receive optimum attention. If your property is expected to have broad appeal or interest from buyers outside the area, an international brokerage may be your best option. Many agencies like Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest
Florida are part of a global real estate network. Properties listed with brokerages like these are marketed to potential buyers locally, regionally, nationally and around the world to generate maximum interest and maintain BY GARY awareness. TASMAN Once there are Guest Columnist offers on the table, your broker will help you thoroughly examine each proposal and their benefits. While the offer price is always a consideration, it certainly is not the only factor in determining the best buyer for a property. A skilled broker will break down the offer’s terms, a buyer’s credit and other dynamics to reveal the proposal that is best for your situation. In an active market, a talented broker should be able to generate multiple offers on a property. Before you list with a broker, find out how they’re prepared to handle multiple bids to produce the best possible offer available under market conditions. Whether a client is selling a 3,000-square-foot single-unit office or a portfolio of multiple million-dollar properties, the process remains essentially the same. However, different brokerages have different specialties, skills, experience and reach. The goal of a brokerage such as Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property SWFL is to secure clients the highest possible selling price in the shortest amount of time. From your initial decision to sell all the way through closing, an experienced commercial property broker should be there with you every step of the way. Gary Tasman is the CEO and principal broker for Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida. Contact him at gtasman@cpswfl.com.
The Beauty District reopens with new owners
ENN LUTHRINGER, CCIM 239.481.3800 x235 enn.luthringer@creconsultants.com w w w. C R E C O N S U LTA N T S . c o m
The Beauty District, a full-service salon in North Naples, is now open under the leadership of new owner and veteran stylist, Brynn Brick. Brick, a Naples native and the mother of two sons, purchased the 3,000 square-foot salon in October 2020 after establishing a large clientele at the same location for 11 years. “We are excited to have begun a new chapter,” said Brick. “We chose ‘The Beauty District’ as our name because we have a large facility and we offer a plethora of services performed by talented stylists in a clean, COVIDcompliant atmosphere.” The Beauty District’s stylists perform a comprehensive range of services ranging from hair color and design, makeup, permanent makeup and nail artistry, to bridal hair and makeup, waxing and tinting, and temporary antiaging esthetic treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers. The company uses and carries hair color products from Eufora and Kevin Murphy, both clean lines offering lowand no-ammonia color with hybrid technology.
The Beauty District is open six days a week, with extended hours on Tuesday and Thursday to accommodate clients after traditional office hours. “We provide very detailed consultations and we take pride in beautifully meeting the needs of each client,” added Brick, “We invite everyone throughout southwest Florida to experience the difference we create by providing talented stylists, innovative techniques and leading-brand hair, nail and skin care.” Sanitation procedures are in place to ensure the safety of all salon professionals and clients. The Beauty District’s sanitation efforts include adhering to official CDC guidelines, Barbicide COVID-19 Certification for all stylists, as well as enforcing and adjusting protocols based on state and local mandates. All salon professionals and clients must wear masks, socially distance by operating at a reduced capacity when necessary, with visits are scheduled by appointment only. Salon professionals are required to have a wellness check before starting a shift, and all tools and stations are sanitized with Barbicide, the gold standard in salon sanitation.
APRIL 2021
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 11
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends & topics in Southwest Florida
Fort Myers council approves agreement to develop Towles Garden At its Jan. 19 meeting, the Fort Myers City Council approved the agreement with Towles Garden and Robert MacFarlane of MacFarlane Barney Development to build 140 affordable and attainable housing units in the East Fort Myers section of the Dunbar Community. The single-family-owned residential units will range from 1,100 to 1,500 square feet, be pedestrian and kid-friendly, include a park with benches and pavilions for events, and provide a variety of styles and price ranges. The proposed entrance for the community will be located on Highland Avenue. The City Council’s action places Fort Myers in the front ranks of cities promoting homeownership and all its implications for broad-based community economic development in minority and underserved communities. This long-awaited and much needed new construction will be the catalyst to stimulate other economic initiatives in the area.
“The site must include 51% affordable and 49% attainable residential units,” said MacFarlane, noting that ‘Affordable’ is 80% of the average median income levels of residents in the Fort Myers – Cape Coral area. “What makes the development affordable and attainable is the land donated from the City of Fort Myers, tax increment financing grants, PACE funding, down payment assistance, home buyer assistance programs, permitting and imA look at commercial real estate trends & topics in Southwest Florida Towles Garpact fee reductions, and more.” den in east “The key to this project’s success Fort Myers will is the assistance we will provide include 140 individuals in accessing programs housing units providing down payment support, and a park with credit repair, mortgage subsidies, benches and buy downs, and related assistance,” pavilions for said Frankie Jennings, president and events. CEO of FJ Services, Sales and Marketing. “We want the community to know that this is not a ‘one-off’ Jennings also acknowledged efforts to return a dormant project to project. We are looking to develop and thanked Fort Myers Council- the front burners of the City’s comother sites in East Fort Myers to man Johnny Streets, who started the munity economic development prihelp build a brighter future for all.” Towles Garden initiative and led the orities.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET
Better Buildings completes expansion of Everglades Farm Equipment Better Buildings, Inc. announced the completion of Everglades Farm Equipment — a John Deere dealer off Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Interstate-75 in Fort Myers. As a full-service general contractor, BBI built an on-site storage facility to house the company’s new and used equipment as well as parts, sod, rock, mulch, sand and soil. The 11,520-squarefoot steel building measures 80-feet-by-144-feetby-24-feet.
For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com Additionally, BBI enclosed an existing shop bay and added a 3,600-square-foot steel extension to that tractor and farm equipment repair shop. It currently measures 60-feet-by-60-feet-by-28-feet and contains a five-ton bridge crane. BBI’s scope of work included all utilities, such as new water lines and lush landscaping, as well
as design consultation services for the new steel buildings. “As steel building experts, our crews apply decades’ worth of tools to full steel building erections and turnkey general contracting. The result is a fully functional commercial property with top-tier building performance, such as Everglades Farm Equipment — new, improved and better than ever,” said Jeff Richards, president of BBI.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES DG Pavement Solutions, Inc Covering all of Southwest Florida
COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL LICENSED AND INSURED
Proudly Serving Southwest Florida for Over 20 Years
The Land Lady 20+ years SW Florida
Commercial-Residential Investment
Development
Community Design & Development | Land Use | Water Resources Utilities | Transportation | Facilities | Surveying
Jessica Russo
Licensed Sales Professional 239.849.0012 jessica@developmentrealty.org DevelopmentRealty.org
John S. Williams, Vice President
jsw@consult-rwa.com Office: (239) 597-0575 ext. 251 Cell: (239) 825-9509
Ken Dusseau
Business Development/Project Manager • Seal Coa�ng
• Asphalt Repairs
Cell: 941-441-6919 Office: 239-267-1711
• Striping
kendusseau@gmail.com www.fortmyerssealcoat.com
®
COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING & DESIGN We take your ideas from concept to completion.
Flexible mortgage solu�ons Commercial & Residen�al Real Estate
Purchase, REFI/Cash-out, Bridge Loans, Construc�on/Perm Warehouse, 1-4 Residen�al & Mul�family 5+, Mixed Use, Retail Hotels/Motels, Automo�ve, Convenience Stores, Gas Sta�ons
239-653-7803
www.KapitalUnited.com NMLS 338677 - FLMBR 380
Kapital United PROPERTY & BUSINESS FINANCE
Selling your business is our business
Buyers are looking for profitable businesses to purchase
Call now for a private discussion about the marketability of your business and how we can help.
1228 Lafayette St. #1 Cape Coral, FL 33904 239.549.0997 CastellanosTramonte.com AA# 26003303
Business Smarts Begins with SWFL Business Today. ®
(239) 433-1343 LARRY STEINBORN, Broker
SAND DOLLAR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS DEPOT BizDepot@aol.com 6309 Corporate Ct. #205, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Start Your Subscription Today! 239.573.9732
Page 12
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
APRIL 2021
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends & topics in Southwest Florida
Sembler announces retail redevelopment in Fort Myers
The Sembler Company recently began the demolition and redevelopment of Riverdale Shopping Center, a 75,581-square-foot neighborhood retail center located on Palm Beach Boulevard in Fort Myers. Portions of the shopping center, first built in 1983 and acquired by The Sembler Company in 2020, will be demolished to make way for a 46,676-squarefoot Publix Super Market, 1,400-square-foot Publix Liquor Store, and an additional 2,400-square-feet of new retail space. The remaining existing building and the shopping center common areas will be renovated and refreshed. The current shopping center tenants, including Dollar Tree, will remain open
Don’t forget to post your in-person and virtual events on our B2B events calendar at www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com/calendar during construction. The redevelopment is representative of the city’s growth in recent years. Fort Myers was named the fastest-growing city in the U.S. by personal finance site WalletHub with an estimated growth rate of 5.3%. Various studies estimate the city’s population has increased between 40-55% since the 2010 census. “We are thrilled to bring Publix to the Riverdale Shopping Center,” said Vice President of Development Josh Beyer, “and excited about the transforma-
tion they, along with other new tenants and property renovations, will create at the property and within the surrounding community.” “We’re pleased to increase our presence in a familiar market and familiar location,” said Publix Super Markets Community Relations Manager Brian West. “Fort Myers continues to flourish with new opportunities, economic development, cultural diversity and a progressive business environment,” said Fort Myers City Manager Saeed Kazemi. Jessica Moreno should be contacted for property leasing information. The Sembler Company will also provide Property Management services for the center.
Buying a business? What to consider… Question: I am contemplating buying a local business. What should I consider and ask the current owner to provide?
Answer: Buying a business versus starting one from scratch has many advantages. A good existing business has a customer and employee base, brand recognition and supplier agreements in place. Hopefully the business you are considering is one that you currently work for or are intimately familiar with, and you have the background and experience necessary to ensure its continued success? In any event your due diligence should include the following questions: • Why is the current owner selling the business? Is he or she retiring or experiencing some life changing event? If not, proceed with caution. Doubt anyone would walk away from a profitable business unless there is some underlying problem. • What about the financial health? Is the business dependent on several large customers? What are the profit margins? How many customer accounts are over 30 days past due? Is the owner current on bills he or she owes? Are they involved in any pending litigation? • Will the current owners provide three years financials, copies of leases, customer lists, service contracts, and essential employee information if you sign a non-disclosure agreement? • Is there a lot of employee turnover? What is their average tenure? Will key people remain with
the company after the sale? Will the current owner stay on for a period of time to ensure an orderly transition? • What is the current reputation of the business? Are they well regarded by both their customers and business associates? A tarnished reputation is a huge hurtle to overcome and can take years to repair. • Is the owner insisting on an BY GRAY all-cash sale or is he or she willing POEHLER to accept payment over a specified Guest Columnist period of time? An earn-out method is preferable as this involves payment as percentage of earned profits. If an allcash sale, a reasonable discount to the purchase price is warranted. Once you have gathered this information, have it reviewed by a qualified attorney and accountant. Buying a business is a big decision. It impacts not only you but also your customers, vendors and employees. Your local SCORE business counselor can be a valuable resource in the decision making process. Gray Poehler is a volunteer with SCORE Naples. Business counseling on this and other business matters is available, without charge, from the Naples Chapter of SCORE. Call (239) 430-0081 or visit naples.score.org/mentors.
Best Commercial Lot Values in Southwest Florida
25335 Rampart Blvd.
4224 Duncan & Washington Loop
Zoned for Medical Office Buildings, plans for 6 buildings at 5,000 square feet each, two story with parking in front. All environmental phases completed. 4.8 acres partially cleared and ready to build. Bordered by housing and commercial entities.
2 Commercial parcels, 6.8 acres with Highway 17 road frontage and corner of Washington Loop. Future Land Use is Commercial Town Center. Just a few minutes from Desoto County and Walmart Distribution Center. Originally approved for and plans available on 5 acre tract for storage facility. Lot is partially cleared, with water and electric. Commercial Zoned. Just East of I-75, 3.5 Miles
Contact Jeanette Igoe / Broker - Igoe Realty P.A. Jigoe5@aol.com / 239-572-3269
Randall Construction builds Charlotte hotel Arredondo Point developers used Randall Construction, a state-of-the-art contracting company to build the 120 Choice brand hotel at Arredondo Pointe in Charlotte County, according to Corr Commercial Advisors. The company has a plant in Apopka and uses a component type construction as used in the building of the Peabody Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando. The project is 32 stories tall with 750 hotel rooms and was constructed in 24 months. For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com ®
We’re All Business
Follow us:
Elite DNA Therapy Services expands
Elite DNA Therapy Services is opening four new offices to help address the growing need for mental health services in Florida. With nearly 20 offices and virtual services, Elite DNA has expanded to provide mental health care across the state. The new offices will be in Bradenton, Sarasota and Westchase. An office in Wesley Chapel opens in April. Elite DNA Therapy Services first opened in 2013 in Fort Myers after Founder and CEO Elizabeth Dosoretz saw a need for timely access to high quality mental health care. Services soon expanded to other Fort Myers offices, Cape Coral and Naples before expanding regionally then statewide. “Bringing much needed services to new areas and introducing mental health services as a right, not a privilege, has been our compass, our mission and our guiding light,” Dosoretz said. “People need to know they aren’t alone, and they have a right to behavioral services. It should not be a cumbersome, complicated or fragmented system that is impossible for them to navigate.” The need for mental health care services in the U.S. had been steadily increasing but the pandemic caused anxiety and depression issues to double. Adults reporting mental health issues in 2020 was 40% compared to 20% in 2019, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. In Florida, 37% of adults in 2020 reported suffering from depression or anxiety, according to a Census Bureau survey. However, Florida ranks 48th in the nation for access to mental health care, according to Mental Health America. Elite DNA Therapy Services hopes by expanding, they can make mental health services more readily available to anyone who needs it. They provide psychiatry and psychotherapy services as well as Applied Behavior Analysis, Occupational Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy. They also provide Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment for severe depression.
To stay current throughout the day with COVID-19 business news & resources, go to swfloridabusinesstoday.com/ covid-19-tips-for-business/
APRIL 2021
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 13
Is anyone home? Someone needs to answer phone calls One of the most important things you can do in your business is communicate with your customers effectively. While that sounds like a “no brainer” (sorry, I hate that expression, too), I have found that, like common sense, it isn’t. Today, many customers will come to your business accustomed to “instant gratification.” The internet has given us immediate answers, customized entertainment on demand and instantaneous communication through email, text, and numerous other apps, so customers are expecting instant service from your business, too. I am amazed at how many businesses are careless with simple customer communications. Here are some examples: • Answering machines and voice mail – Don’t use an office answering machine. If you’re not at the office, have calls forwarded to your cell phone and answer them. About the only time you should let a call go to voicemail is if you’re with another customer. But call back as soon as you can and apologize for not being available (don’t offer an excuse or any elaboration – sorry, but the customer doesn’t really care). How many times have you made a list of potential sources and started calling down the list? If you get voice mail, you may or may not leave a message, but you move on to the next source. Often, the first one who answers and provides a reasonable response gets the job. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve responded to call backs with “Thanks for returning the call, but I’ve already found a source.” • Putting customers on hold – While it isn’t always possible to avoid, hearing “please be patient, we’re serving other customers right now” translates to “someone
else is more important than you.” If you must put a customer on hold, make it brief and offer to call right back. And do it! • Automated phone response systems – No one anywhere likes these. At all. I will never understand why businesses use them. I’m sure there is a financial spreadsheet somewhere that makes these systems look like a winner, but did those calculations include the cusBY GREG tomer frustration and the lost sales STEINER they cause? It seems like they have Guest Columnist been designed to make it as difficult as possible for a customer to reach a company representative. Why would you use a system that actively discourages you from connecting with your customers? Don’t do it. There are alternatives - hire (and properly train) someone to answer your phones, and take messages. Return those calls quickly. As another alternative, some companies use interactive websites that offer to call you back directly, and they tell you when they will call. This is an improvement, but still not the most effective way to communicate with customers. • Returning calls and emails - Establish the rule that ALL customer calls and correspondence receive a response the day they are received, without exception. It still surprises me how many times I have called a business, left a message inquiring about doing business with them, and the call is not returned for days. My im-
mediate thought is, “Is this how they will treat me as a customer?” Many businesses use a website contact page for customer correspondence. For “internet agers,” this may be a preferable approach, as many in this group prefer this to direct contact with a representative. It’s not a bad idea to use these systems as a supplement, but make sure the inbox is checked frequently and appropriate responses are sent out quickly. Remember, the sun should never set on a customer call back. • Quotes and proposals – This is another area where communication often fails. This is a critical function and a prime source of new and ongoing sales, so it should be a priority, not a secondary activity. Don’t do it in your spare time. Allocate time to do professional, accurate, and comprehensive quotes and proposals and follow up. These are just some examples of customer communication issues. Take some time to think about when you don’t do it well and how you can improve. It will pay you back handsomely. Customers are the lifeblood of your business, so communication with them should be the highest priority. You should try to interact with your customer as much as possible, not avoid it. After all, without customers, there are no orders, with no orders there are no sales, and without sales… well, you know the rest. Greg Steiner is the founder of Sea Breeze Associates and senior partner and co-founder of Atlantic Partners International. Contact him at (203) 505-2605 or glsteiner57@gmail.com.
Arguelles takes over from Bernhardt as CEO for Vectra Digital
Arguelles
With a strong vision for major growth, Albert Arguelles has taken the lead as CEO of Southwest Florida’s innovative digital marketing agency, Vectra Digital. Arguelles co-founded website design and digital marketing agency iPartnerMedia in 2012. It merged with Vectra Digital in 2020. Arguelles is a former paratrooper and U.S. Army combat engineer. “Vectra Digital is poised for explosive
For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com growth in 2021. Under my leadership, I look forward to continuing to grow the team, improve the customer experience, and become an innovator in the digital marketing industry,” said Arguelles. As Vectra continues to grow and evolve, former CEO Matt Bernhardt will not be leav-
ing the company but instead stepping back to allow Arguelles to bring Bernhardt’s vision for Vectra to life. Arguelles continued, “Vectra Digital continues to invest and leverage its proprietary artificial intelligence, Vita. By expanding our technology and instilling confidence in our team, we are providing our customers with industry-leading performance and return on investment.”
IN BUSINESS SINCE 2007
1997
OPENING DOORS ... A WHOLE NEW WAY This small addition to the bottom of doors gives you hands free entry. To see it on YouTube, open your camera on this QR code.
We make banking about YOU!
Refresh your brand. website QR
Standing Strong with Money to Lend Oldest locally-owned community bank in Lee County
Schedule your free consultation today.
FOR INFORMATION CALL 239-331-9579 or visit OUULALA.COM
conricpr.com | 239-690-9840
2011
2009
www.EdisonNationalBank.com 239.466.1800 An Equal Housing Lender • Member FDIC
1994
www.mandmmultimedia.com
(239) 234-1734
1993
Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association Member Benefits Employee Training Grants • Import / Export Training Cost Reduction and Efficiency • Marketing Assistance Process Improvement • Recruiting and Hiring • Roundtable Discussions Leadership Training • Tax Incentives • Network of Resources
Visit srma.net or call Bill at (239) 258-1385.
2007
1977
® Proud to Support our Troops
Gator Stamping is an ISO 9001:2008 registered company
STAMPING
INTERNATIONAL, INC. gadclaw.com
Naples: 239. 331 . 5100 Fort Myers: 239. 333. 2992
FROM PROTOTYPE TO PRODUCTION Gator doesn't bite! • Fabrication • Assembly • In-house powder coating • Laser CHRIS BETHUNE, Sales Consultant c.j.sales01@gmail.com
(352) 362-8541 www.gatorstamping.com
Page 14
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
CYBERSECURITY PAGE 3
MANDATES PAGE 3
This is just one example of the additional techniques you can apply to your defense plan. You can also look into multi-factor authentication, email screening tools and dedicated anti-malware to fend off social engineering threats targeted at work-from-home devices.
Liability Generally, a private employer that uses the federal E-Verify System for verifying eligibility of a person to work in the United States can avoid civil liability. As to government contractors who do not use the EVerify System and who do not take their obligation to verify employment eligibility seriously, the ultimate penalty is license revocation.
Restructure your organization’s leadership Assign clear leadership roles to your CISO and other members of the IT security team. Define security practices and responsibilities to ensure there are clear procedures to follow during a crisis. Senior-level security executives should focus on protecting the organization’s digital infrastructure without disrupting critical business operations. There is always a need for authoritative leadership when it comes to risk and crisis management. Train employees in cybersecurity Employees are usually the prime targets for scam emails, malicious vectors and brute force end user device attacks. Although employees are your first line of defense, the human element is the weakest link in any cybersecurity system. Supplement your amplified cybersecurity measures by sensitizing your staff on best practices. Explain the need to observe security protocols and instill a sense of security accountability within each employee. Make them aware of the severity of potential threats and how to identify and protect the company against imminent attacks. Crucially, teach your staff to avert social engineering attacks and avoid making careless mistakes that could jeopardize security. Risk mitigation, especially during and after a crisis, calls for a collective company-wide effort. More importantly, you have to reassess your threat awareness and preparedness and explore new ways to tackle emerging challenges. Jake Spanberger is the president of Entech, an IT service provider in Southwest Florida. He is a frequent guest speaker and presenter at national and state industry events, advancing a robust dialogue and innovations in the IT community. Call (866) 800-0026.
CAPE PAGE 1 Currently, Aguirre shared, “the clinic serves more than 310,000 veterans per year from outside of the city; we also have the Army Reserve base across the street, where training is provided. Our company identified these statistics as really good solid drivers for the development of this community.” The medical office portion of the project complements the clinic’s services. “We are also looking to bring industry that will bring quality jobs to the city,” he said. These include technology, logistics, aviation and possibly drone companies. Aguirre noted, “Biotech and biomed are two industries that are growing and we want to bring them to Cape Coral.”
APRIL 2021
Next Steps Employers, whether private or public, should review and update their policies relating to employment eligibility verification to comply with this new requirement. Christina Harris Schwinn is a partner and an experienced employment and real estate attorney with the Pavese Law Firm. This article is intended to provide general information and is not intended to be a substitute for competent legal advice. Contact Schwinn at christinaschwinn@paveselaw.com or (239) 336-6228.
The same group is also working on the Island Pearl project, at the corner of State Road 78 and Burnt Store Road, currently in permitting, which includes 30,000 square feet of medical office space and 40,000 square feet of commercial office space. “Instead of bringing what we thought would be good for the community, we went to the homeowners to get their input. Now we are pursuing securing the end users they indicated they wanted.” Madison Square by American Residential Communities is an attainable 55-an-older living seven-story midrise with structured parking and 82 units going up in downtown. Construction is planned to be completed by May 2022. Show host Bill Johnson noted, “This project puts our seniors
JOBS PAGE 1 highest rate during the pandemic. Construction was the only industry in the Fort Myers area to gain jobs over the year in January 2021, increasing by 1,600 jobs. The Naples area’s unemployment rate was 3.9% in January, down from 14.3% reported in April 2020. Two industries in the Naples area that gained jobs over the year in January 2021 include professional and
within walking distance of everything our downtown has to offer.” Finally, at Chiquita Boulevard and Savona Parkway, a 20-plusacre apartment living project with more than 300 units, called Aspire, is being developed by Triton Capital, a Chicago-based developer, to help fill the growing housing needs of Cape Coral’s anticipated population growth. As local ad agency owner Chris Spiro noted, “This $54-million project will change the face of south Chiquita Boulevard and bring much-needed rental units to this end of town.” City Manager Rob Hernandez concluded, “Right now, things are certainly on the move in the city in terms of commercial development. And there is going to be a lot happening certainly within the next 2-5 years.”
business services, increasing 1,800 jobs, and construction, increasing 300 jobs. The Fort Myers area private sector employment decreased by 12,400 jobs, a decline of 5.2% over the year. The industry losing the most jobs over the year was leisure and hospitality, decreasing by 8,800 jobs. The Naples area private sector employment decreased by 5,100 jobs, a decline of 3.5% over the year. The industry losing the most jobs over the year was leisure and hospitality, decreasing by 3,200 jobs.
IN BUSINESS SINCE 2009
1993
1999
PAC SYSTEMS Inc. BUSINESS TELEPHONE SYSTEMS
Let us Bring You Full
Commercial Property Liability • Work Comp Auto • Contractors HOA / COA
INSTALLATION • SALES • SERVICES VOICE & DATA CABLING • VIDEO & AUDIO CABLING
CIRCLE Marketing I Public Relations I Social Media Management Graphics I Event Management
FRANK DOMINGUEZ
Low Voltage Contractor Now in SWFL • Over 30 Years Experience Tel.: 305.794.0466 pacsystems@bellsouth.net www.pacsystemsinc.com
IN BUSINESS SINCE 2010 Licensed and Insured
2008
STATE LICENSE LIC: ES12001298
2018
Results Based Business Consulting Greg Steiner glsteiner57@gmail.com (203) 505-2605
Sea Breeze Associates, LLC
2001
1990
Helping you protect your Business or Association. Call us today to discuss your coverages and options. Celebrating 29 years in business / Family Owned
www.LciQuotes.com • 239-656-5551
390 Pondella Rd #1, N Ft Myers, FL 33903
1981
The Letter Box, Inc. It Pays To Advertise!
We appreciate your business SWFL
(239) 574-2028
www.TheLetterBoxInc.com 2016 MERGER
We are your turnkey injection molder • In-House Mold Design & Mold Building • Cleanroom Molding • Pad Printing • Heat Staking • Assemblies • Low to Mid Volume ISO13485 certified / ITAR Combined knowledge of over 100 years Locally owned & operated
www.kincaidplastics.com Contact: c.j.sales@att.net
239.791.8810
MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% DISCOUNT Offer good through 3/31/21
Tax Preparation • Estate Planning For Individuals & Businesses 239.939.5303 • 239.481.4114 www.SolomonHoover.com 1342 Colonial Blvd., Ste. B-11 • Fort Myers, FL 33907
APRIL 2021
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
LEGAL & SECURITY
PEO is HR solution for entrepreneurs
Most business owners will agree, people are their greatest asset. Our employees are the ones who drive innovation, generate sales or new products, and help propel a business forward. Yet managing payroll workers’ compensation, compliance, unemployment, benefits and human resources can be overwhelming for a small or mid-size business owner and can even distract you away from your core business operations and goals. Business owners have a lot to manage, and a professional employer organization (PEO) acts as a small- or medium-sized business’s “back office” team, offering payroll processing, bookkeeping, HR support, 401K, insurance, worker’s compensation, employee onboarding, benefits administration, insurance options and more. A full-service PEO, Integrity Employee Leasing assumes responsibility for tax deadlines, unemployment liability, payroll tax filing, worker’s compensation insurance – you name it. And, PEOs must be vetted and licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which includes an extensive background check and interview. We’re also a licensed insurance agency and members of our leadership team are Senior Certified Professionals through the Society for Human Resources Management, one of the highest certifications someone in their profession can receive. Our founder, Tom Natoli, is an entrepreneur too, so he understands business operations and relationships. He started Integrity in 2004 in a garage with one client. He literally pounded the pavement, visiting small businesses across Southwest Florida to introduce them to our service. Based in Southwest Florida, we are now serving clients in 18 states, reaching clients in many new ways. However, we stick to what was important to Tom then, and what’s important now: Providing our clients great customer service so they can focus on running their businesses. Take the federal Payroll Protection Program, for example. When the United
States Small Business Administration first announced the Paycheck Protection Program this spring, our team picked up their phones and called every single one of our clients to see how we could help, and processed thousands of documents so they could BY ROBERT apply. As a PEO, we HENSLEY are hands-on and Guest Columnist connected with our clients, through good times, and bad. In fact, they’ll never get an answering machine – after hours, they can reach our President and CEO for any emergencies. As entrepreneurs, we are always looking for new, innovative ways to support our clients. We have just launched bookkeeping services. And, as with many businesses, we shifted our sales focus to offer virtual meetings in addition to inperson or phone calls, depending upon the desire of our prospects and customers. While we love connecting with our potential clients one-on-one, we’ve found this option valuable and foresee it being used in conjunction with personal meetings in the future. Lastly, we believe in community. Members of our team are very connected to our community in our base of Charlotte County and throughout Southwest Florida. We are particularly passionate about helping children and families and have given back to causes that provide meals to Charlotte County residents, resume and job training and support to families going through hard times. So not only are we an extension of your team, but we are part of the community, and integrity, defines us.
LIST PAGE 1
demonstrates the pandemic played a huge role in migration: with Americans fleeing large metropolitan areas and shifting moving season later in the year for professional movers. The report finds COVID-19 forced Americans to move, travel further and pack lighter. A quarter of Americans who moved in 2020 did so due to the pandemic. Around 35% of COVID-forced moves were out of financial hardship. Nearly one-third of those who moved because of COVID did so to look after family.
2. Venice (+292%) 3. Georgetown, Texas (+213%) 4. Goodyear, Ariz. (+135%) 5. Sarasota (+126%) 6. Cape Coral (+103%) 7. Simpsonville, S.C. (+94%) 8. Punta Gorda (+76%) 9. Saint Augustine (+75%) 10. Buckeye, Ariz. (+75%) HireAHelper’s Migration Report
Robert Hensley is president of Integrity Employee Leasing, a Professional Employer Organization based in Charlotte County. Call (941) 625-0623. For more information, visit integrityel.com.
Page 15
ADDYS PAGE 1
For the latest news on COVID-19 and its effects on SWFL businesses, visit AAF-SWFL American Advertis- www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com/ covid-19-tips-for-business/ ing Award winners include: Myra Janco Daniels Best of Show Award Gold ADDY • Conservancy of Southwest Florida • AAF-Southwest Florida Best of Category Awards • Caryn Clark…The Hip Chick Voice! • Best of Print: Wilson Creative • Celsius Marketing | Interactive Group for client Collins DuPont De• CONRIC pr + marketing sign Group • Conservancy of Southwest Florida • Best of Sales & Marketing: Pri• NOISE INC. ority Marketing for client Southwest • Priority Marketing Florida Children’s Charities, Inc. • Quenzel & Associates • Best of Out-of-Home and Am• Shell Point Retirement Community bient Media: Shell Point Retirement • Sun Broadcasting Community • Waterman Broadcasting • Best of Online Interactive: • Wells Marketing Wells Marketing for client Fords, • Wilson Creative Group LLC • Best of Film, Video and Sound: Silver ADDY Celsius Marketing | Interactive for • AAF-Southwest Florida client Rocky Mountain College of • Absher Design Group, Inc. Art & Design • Celsius Marketing | Interactive • Best of Cross Platform: Shell • CONRIC pr + marketing Point Retirement Community • Conservancy of Southwest Florida • Best of Elements of Advertis• Hodges University ing: Caryn Clark…The Hip Chick • Naples Zoo Voice! for client Your CBD Store • NOISE Inc. • Best of Public Service: Quen• Payton Brands zel & Associates for client Player’s • Priority Marketing Circle Theatre • Quenzel & Associates • Shell Point Retirement Community Judge’s Choice Awards • Wells Marketing • Celsius Marketing | Interactive • Wilson Creative Group for client Wicked Dolphin Rum • Sun Broadcasting for client Just More than 30,000 entries are subOne of Those Dayz mitted each year into the nationwide • Priority Marketing for client American Advertising Awards. The TwinCutz Barbershop local chapter phase is the first of the three-tier competition. At the second People’s Choice Award tier, local ADDY winners compete • Priority Marketing for client against winners from other local Guadalupe Center clubs in one of 15 districts.
BOOST YOUR SALES
DIGITAL MARKETING OPTIMIZATION • Get found online
“It Pays to Advertise!” ✔ Direct Mail Advertising ✔ All Types of Mailing Lists ✔ Postage as Low as 14.2 cents ✔ Fast, Friendly Service Mention this ad and receive
20% OFF labor charges on your first mailing.
239-574-2028 Call today for a quote!
The Letter Box, Inc.
936 Country Club Blvd. Cape Coral, FL 33990 www.TheLetterboxInc.com
FREE
• Drive more leads
Custom Digital Presence Report
• Increase retention • Dominate the market • Get an optimized website
Find out how you compare to your competition.
239.465.0310 ActiveDataDigital.com
Do it right from the start and the possibilities are infinite.
Page 16
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
APRIL 2021
WE MAKE BANKING ABOUT YOU!
LOCAL BUSINESSES DESERVE
Customized Solutions.
Like Thomas Edison, we believe there is always “a better way.” That’s why we take a personal approach to serving business customers. Our lending team provides customized solutions based on many years of local banking experience. We’re Standing Strong with Money to Lend. Experience the benefits of joining Edison National Bank/ Bank of the Islands.
Edison National Bank/ Bank of the Islands customers enjoy: • free online and mobile banking • no-fee access to their account funds at any Publix® Presto! ATM • free bill pay services for personal account holders • courier and cash management services for business clients • streamlined processing for all loans including commercial and residential mortgage loans
Lending Team – From left back row: Geoffrey Roepstorff, CEO CEO;; John Ammons, Vice President, Cleveland Avenue Office Manager; Liz Aurensan, Vice President, President, Lending; Robbie Roepstorff, President. From left middle row: Kim Nyberg, Vice President, Professional & Executive Banking; Greg Blurton, Vice President, Sr. Commercial Loan Officer. From left front row: Leah Kirby, Kirby, Vice President, River District Office Manager; Willy Ocasio, Vice President, Sanibel-Captiva Office Manager; Pam Edwards, To Vice President, Lending.
learn more about our customer services and convenient locations, please visit EdisonNationalBank.com or call 239.466.1800.
An Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC | Bank of the Islands is an office of Edison National Bank.