August 2020 Southwest Florida Business Today

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connections,” London said. “Beyond convenience, private charters also offer an increased comfort level because you aren’t packed onto an airplane with 100 or more passengers, and our jets are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each route.” Prior to his arrival at Elite Jets, London was president of London Aviation Group, which offered helicopter sightseeing tours, flight training, aerial photography and maintenance from its base in Naples. In 1987, London Aviation became the first to base a helicopter at the Naples Airport and the company later provided support for film crews shooting movies, as well as a team from National Geographic.

Tamiami Angel Fund III, Florida’s largest angel fund, invested in Fotobom Media, a mobile phone keyboard application that delivers content based on users’ emails and text messages. The fund invested $568,000 into Fotobom Media, based in San Francisco. Fotobom is the 15th company in the portfolio of Tamiami Angel Fund III. According to social-media analytics, 85% of the information sharing on mobile phones occurs when people email or text-message content to each other using apps such as WhatsApp and Snapchat. Yet marketers and publishers spend more than 90% of social-marketing dollars on social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Working in partnership with network carriers, phone manufacturers and messaging applications, Fotobom’s keyboard application is preloaded on mobile phones and set as the default across all applications on a user phone. Then, Fotobom’s technology suggests content, apps and websites to users based on contextual information gathered from messages sent via the keyboard app. “Fotobom connects mobile phone users to relevant information and content whilst texting,” said Max Minhas, T3’s board member representative. “It’s cutting edge technology will change text messaging from a basic communication medium to a powerful social networking platform. It’s currently on Verizon messenger and in the process of expanding globally.”

JETS See page 5

ANGEL See page 8

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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MA Elite Jets soars to future Elite Jets promoted two of its pilots to executive leadership positions. Mark London was appointed president and Stephen Myers was appointed executive vice president.

CRE Construction & Development

SPECIAL THIS ISSUE A collection of information to help you navigate Southwest Florida’s CRE, Building and Development marketplace.

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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

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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

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Hoffmann Family buys Hertz Arena, Everblades

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Dr. Sandra Kauanui (left) and Noemi Ailynee Ramirez, Y. Perez (right) Jessica Sales, with - TIF Shark Daisy Montanez, Tank winners

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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

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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

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Applications open for Grow FL Companies to Watch

Applications are open for the 10th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch. The deadline to apply is Aug. 7. Companies from across the state

A look at commercial real estate trends & topics in Southwes

Elite Jets, a Naples-based luxury charter air service, promoted two of its experienced pilots to executive leadership positions as the company responds to industry-wide changes in air travel. Mark London, who previously served as the company’s general manager, was appointed president and will guide Elite Jets through a period of increased demand from both business and leisure travelers who are opting for more reliable, safe transportation in light of COVID-19. “Commercial airlines have dramatically decreased their routes and destinations, and private charters like Elite Jets allow passengers to travel from Point A to Point B without flight cancellations, delays or lengthy

Quigley acquires Charlotte optometry practice Quigley Eye Specialists, a Southwest Florida leader in the diagnosis and treatment of vision disorders, has acquired an established optometry practice in Port Charlotte. The optometry office of Dr. Denise Billings joins two other Charlotte County practices under Quigley Eye Specialists ownership as well as six other offices in Lee and Collier counties. “Dr. Billings is an excellent doc-

tor with a stellar reputation in Charlotte County for more than 30 years. Quigley Eye Specialists is growing rapidly to keep up with patient demand so it is important that we continue Billings to add exceptional physicians to our medical team,”

said Dr. Thomas Quigley, founder of Quigley Eye Specialists. By adding another location in Charlotte County, Dr. Quigley said Quigley Eye Specialists is able to give patients better access to care so that patients can be seen the same day, if needed. “As rapidly as this area is growing, we must have enough excellent doctors to meet the demand,” he said. OPTOMETRY See page 2

IN THE NEWS and all industries may participate. Selection is based on steady growth in employee counts and revenue as well as strength in leadership, corporate culture, community support and philanthropy, innovation in management or technology or other factors that GROWFL See page 4

Punta Gorda Airport traffic continues recovery

The Charlotte County Airport Authority announced the Punta Gorda Airport passenger count for June 2020 totaled 93,767, with 47,846 departing passengers and 45,921 arriving pas-

sengers. June 2020’s passenger count was down just 30% from June 2019’s passenger numbers, and planes were an average of 72% full. “PGD’s passenger count continues to improve, demonstrating significant confidence in Allegiant as more AIRPORT See page 9

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Tired of COVID cleaning? BioSweep is proud to offer the first antimicrobial tested to kill COVID-19. Our lab testing for COVID-19 was conducted in June 2020 and will be reflected on the EPA N-list in the coming weeks. We did not make false claims before testing. However, we knew it killed corona spectrum viruses. Our Surface Defense antimicrobial structure continues to kill microbes, viruses and bacteria on contact and for up to 12 months. The surfaces treated become live or active extending duration and effectiveness for long term protection. It consistently maintains maximum microbial kill concentration on all surfaces. Microbial kill is physical not chemical as it forms non-toxic, colorless, odorless, durable, non-leaching spike like armor protecting against superbugs. This formation ruptures the wall of microbes killing on contact. Surface Defense all surface anti-microbial treatment helps improve public health, lowering community acquired infections. Superbugs cannot survive on treated surfaces, thus helping extend the cleaning protocols you put into place. BioSweep Surface Defense is durable, sustainable, economical and long lasting. It is EPA listed, DOD certified and USDA registered. It can be useful for churches, schools, daycares, offices, restaurants, charter transportation, homes, rentals, doctor and dental offices, vet hospitals, grocery stores, hotels, arenas, college campuses, country clubs and more. Due to high demand for this product we cannot guarantee supply in the coming months. Learn more at www.biosweepsuncoast.com. Contact shane@biosweepsuncoast.com or call (239) 558-3110.

AUGUST 2020

Reinventing your business model

Question: With no clear idea when the current pandemic will end, what must a small business do to survive? Answer: As the saying goes “this too shall pass.” But for many, it can’t come too soon. There are always winners and losers in any situation and for some this pandemic has been a godsend. Online sellers, delivery and cleaning services, grocery stores and virtual conferencing are all experiencing increased demand. However, many in the travel and entertainment industry, restaurants and brick-and-mortar retail stores are in danger of going out of business unless they find ways to reinvent their business models. To begin, you must assess where you are at present financially. How much working capital do you have on hand and what are your known expenses for the next six to nine months? If there will be a shortfall, consider your options. Take a hard look at all expense items. Determine those than can be eliminated entirely and try to negotiate better terms on the others. The single biggest expense item is usually payroll. If you do not want to let your people go, consider reducing their hours until business picks up again. Hopefully, you have a bank line of credit in place. There is only so much you can do on the expense side, so now is the time to revisit your business and marketing plan. The one expense you should not cut back on is marketing. Your competitors are having to deal with the same problems, so check out their websites to determine their plan of attack.

Assess your strengths and weaknesses. Get in touch with your valued customers to determine their critical needs. If you offer multiple products and services, determine which are in demand, generate the most profit and focus your energies on increasing your market share. As you take these steps to recovery be sure to track their BY GRAY progress. If you have borrowed POEHLER money to whether this pandemGuest Columnist ic, you surely do not want to waste time on anything that is not producing a profit. View COVID-19 as a learning experience. As an example, if your employees have been working from home, it just may be something you want to consider going forward. The more creative thinking you can do to prepare for the next unexpected setback, the better.

OPTOMETRY PAGE 1

the office on Tamiami Trail. The phone number of (941) 624-5772 also remains the same. No operational changes are planned. Billings has more than 38 years of experience in optometry, fitting contact lenses and working with low vision patients. She received her Doctor of Optometry degree from Michigan College of Optometry in 1982.

Other Quigley Eye Specialists offices in Charlotte County are located on Veterans Boulevard in Port Charlotte and Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda. Billings will continue to provide care from

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 https://naples.score.org/mentors .The SCORE business office is located at 900 Goodlette Road North, in the Fifth Third branch bank building. Office hours are 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday.

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RESTART SWFL: We’re ready to revitalize the region By Eric Dent Guest Correspondent Florida Gulf Coast University is offering the RESTART SWFL initiative to help revitalize SWFL organizations and the economy of the overall region. Local organizations can earn the RESTART SWFL Seal of Confidence by taking a pledge to operate in a healthy, vigilant, fair and ethical manner, and by viewing two webinars and passing quizzes about them. It was my privilege and honor to moderate the panel “Leading Heroically and Ethically in the Coronavirus Era.” I encourage you to view this webinar at www.anymeeting.com/426-108-354/ EA51DA8381483D and get the wisdom and advice of regional business leaders Gail Markham, Michael Wynn and Dawn-Marie Driscoll. Leading heroically has two dimensions. First, wake up each morning asking yourself, “What can I do today to make a difference in the world by going above and beyond what is expected of me to add value for others?” Secondly, with all of your decisions, big and small, choose to do the right thing. Sadly, most people don’t choose to be heroic. Markham, founder of Markham Mosteller Wright Norton and Company, a winner of the Uncommon Friends Foundation Business Ethics Award, explained the differences in using the Eco-

nomic Injury Disaster Loans and the Paycheck Protection Program loans for maximum forgiveness. The PPP rules have changed over time, so organizations need to stay on top of the current rules. Wynn, president of Sunshine Ace Hardware, also a UFFBEA recipient, mentioned the importance of networking with your peers to navigate these federal BY ERIC programs. He also described sevDENT eral ways in which his company has adapted and led in the pandemic era. Wynn discussed how SAH walks the fine line of sharing information but not increasing fear in his customers or employees. For example, he noted that many retail businesses do extra cleaning after closing. He recommends actually doing the cleaning during business hours so customers can visibly see the cleaning taking place. Wynn also asks for feedback from employees and customers by emailing them directly and posting SAH safety protocols on various social media platforms and asking customers and employees how they feel about these measures. Driscoll, an attorney and business ethics expert affiliated with the Hoffman Center for Business

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com Ethics at Bentley University, emphasizes that leaders should allow their ethics to drive their leadership and their decisions. Employers will get information from government officials, but those will only be minimum criteria. Organizations can, for example, create greater distance requirements than the minimum. With regard to a COVID surcharge, panelists recommend that, for long-term customer success, organizations do everything they can to avoid imposing such a surcharge. If an owner feels one is absolutely necessary, be transparent about it and remove it as soon as possible. Working from home might be a regular occurrence in some jobs. If you can’t trust an employee to work at home, that employee shouldn’t be trusted with other matters, and consequently, shouldn’t work with your organization. For other free resources to assist you during the pandemic, please visit https://www.fgcu.edu/ restart/. Dr. Eric B. Dent is the Uncommon Friends Endowed Chair Professor of Ethics at Florida Gulf Coast University. He is also a consultant to organizations and a speaker to national audiences.

FGCU releases coronavirus economic impact study Florida Gulf Coast University’s Regional Economic Research Institute in July released its third follow-up report to the Coronavirus Economic Impact Study. The Survey was designed to allow company executives to voice their concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their business. The initial survey began shortly after the coronavirus pandemic made its way to Southwest Florida, with the intention of establishing a benchmark to track overtime. Follow-up surveys were sent out in late April and May to obtain updated results to the six benchmark questions. The current report summarizes results from a follow-up survey conducted in late June 2020 and compares the results to the previous survey in May. The internet survey was sent to various chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and visitor convention bureaus scattered across Charlotte, Collier and Lee County on May 23, along with the request that they distribute the survey to their contact list. Eighty-two executives completed the survey from June 28 through July 8, giving the survey a margin of error of 10.8%. Results from the Coronavirus Economic Impact Survey are produced in this report. Total tabulations are provided for each question, along with a breakdown of results by small firms and large firms. We define a small firm as a firm that employs less than 25 employees, while a large firm is defined as a firm employing at least 25 employees.

Benchmark Questions Consumer Demand • 54% of respondents said customer demand declined as a result of the coronavirus. • 27% of respondents reported a decrease in customer demand of more than 50%. • 31% of respondents reported an increase in demand. • 35% of small firms reported declines in customer demand that exceeded 50% compared to 19% of large firms. Sales Revenue • 67% of respondents reported a decrease in sales revenue. • Sales revenue decreased more than 50% for 32% of all firms. • 23% of the surveyed respondents saw sales increase over the month. • 68% of small firms and 64% of large firms experienced an overall decline in sales revenue. Temporary vs. Permanent Effects • Most executives (62%) continued to expect the adverse effects of the coronavirus to be temporary. • 22% expect the adverse effects of the virus to be permanent. • 58% of small firms and 67% of large firms expect the adverse effects of the coronavirus to be temporary. • 28% of the small firms and 17% of the large

BATOS Nick

firms expect the adverse effects of the coronavirus to be permanent. Employees Working back at the office • 20% of firms have less than 20% of their employees working back at the office. • 43% of firms reported no change in the number of employees working from home. • 10% of the respondents from small firms and 29% large firms had less than 20% of their employees working back at the office after working from home. Furloughed workers rehired • 16% of the surveyed firms hired back less than 20% of their workers. • 44% of the surveyed firms have not brought back furloughed employees. • 8% of small firms and 24% of the large firms hired back less than 20% of their workers. • 65% of small firms and 24% of large firms have not brought back furloughed employees. Normal Work Hours • 24% of the firms had less than 20% of their workers return to normal working hours in the past 30 days. • 39% percent of the respondents did not change the number of employees working reduced hours. • 50% of the small firms and 29% of the large firms did not change the number of employees working reduced hours in June.

A Proven Leader & The People’s Choice

For LEE COUNTY COMMISSION District 3

• Longtime advocate for the betterment of Lee County • First Mayor of the Village of Estero • A 30-year tourism executive • Past president, Food & Beverage Managers of America

• South Lee County Chair, Conservancy of SWFL • Village liaison to Lee schools and hospitals • Honored as a visionary and unifying leader • Nick has paid his dues and served his community.

VOTE NICK for LEE COUNTY COMMISSION www.Batos4LeeCounty.com @batos4leecounty

Paid for by Nicholas Batos, Republican, for Lee County Commission District 3

A promise for Lee County’s future: Tired of crowded roads, rampant growth and a deteriorating quality of life? Nick has a vision for our county: “We must balance quality of life, tourism, and a sustainable economy. “We seek a clean environment, open space, smart growth, solid jobs, good schools & hospitals, transparent government, and citizen participation. I oppose excessive development and unfair tax policies.”


Page 4

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

AUGUST 2020

GUEST COMMENTARY

The marketplace is always open for business In times of confronting abrupt social changes, with our “habitual tasks” changing, along with an unpredictability of human behavior, there is no wisdom or comforting words to express; there are no patterns to follow; there is no clear vision of what is yet-to-come. COVID-19 has entered into our lives without permission or admission and is changing many “normal” human behaviors—in our families, with our friends, in our businesses and with BY JORGE A. our clients. CASTRO The “unknown” is usually taken Guest Columnist with fear. The lack of understanding of “what it is” usually ends up causing fear. Fear can dictate and rule our behavior. Fear can make us act out in many “wrong” ways. History tells us that acting under the influence of Fear will not give us the best outcome; on the contrary, Fear causes us to take actions that will be regrettable. Our best response to this pandemic should not come from Fear but from Valor and Vigor. Our response should be a reflection of the strong historical human resilience. Those in history who acted positively to extreme catastrophes should be the ones to look toward and seek out for guidance. Great leaders in winning wars or against devastating illnesses led to a continuum created with Strategy, Calmness, Vigor, Strength, Valor and a forward-looking Vision. Our businesses and families will live stronger and ®

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smarter once we wholly understand this virus. However, we need also to learn to live with it. There are many infectious diseases in nature, surrounding and interacting with humans and animals. There is no reason to live with them in fear. Life goes on. In our businesses, we keep going on. We keep offering our talents and services in the best way we can and simply adapt to the current situation… and so should we all, on all levels. We need you! We need your business! We need you to be active, bright and strong! The marketplace works with ALL of us interacting with each other - exchanging products, services, talents, assets, feelings. When some parts work and others don’t, the marketplace weakens, and works imperfectly; we need production and we need to increase productivity now! Let’s get back to the marketplace strongly and with Valor and Vigor. Let’s create new products and services to adapt to the new ways of interacting with each other. Keep your social distancing, mind your hygiene and demand those around you do the same. Life goes on. The marketplace is always open for business…whether you are in or you are out! Stay Safe, Healthy and Smart.

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Even on Zoom, dress for business

With social distancing still recommended for business meetings, most of us are in the Zoom mode. Some of us may even feel ‘zoomed out’ and getting a little lax with our appearances when on these visual encounters. I’ve noticed most TV talk show hosts are slacking when it comes to ‘making an effort’ to dress up and look their best. BY E. SUE They’re highly paid HUFF professionals yet Guest Columnist seem to have forgotten that they are still trying to entertain their same audiences. I’m not sure why that is exactly, but it seems a bit lazy to me. The same might hold true for you. If you are feeling a bit lazy, please think about this before you join your next online meeting. Just because we’re working from home doesn’t mean men can’t shave, comb their hair, put on a nice shirt, or women can’t add some lipstick or even pearls. Being causal is great but I believe that we still need to do our best when it comes to interacting with others—even if it’s online. First impressions are still a big deal in the business arena. When you show up looking too causal or like you just rolled out of bed, how serious will you be taken? I don’t think we should test it. Dress as if you were having an inperson meeting, stay professional even though you might be getting worn out with meeting after meeting. Your professionalism will reflect on how people see you and treat you—now and in the future. By intention, I’ve been working from a home office since 1996. Lately, I’ve been wearing my pearls for every meeting because I care about my clients and business colleagues; I want them to know I’ve made an effort to look my best because they matter to me. Take the time to put your best face forward! E. Sue Huff is the founder of E. Sue Huff & Associates, Inc. Marketing and Management Consulting Learn more at www.ESueHuff.com. Contact her at (239) 596-7990 or Sue@ESueHuff.com.

GROWFL PAGE 1 contribute to an outstanding organization. All applications will be judged by a select panel of economic development, education, and entrepreneurial leaders from throughout Florida. Companies will also go through a due diligence process prior to being selected as an honoree of the 2020 GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch. To be eligible to apply for the 2020 GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch award, a company must meet the following for the year ending 2019: • Be privately held commercial enterprise headquartered in Florida • Employ 6 to 150 full-time equivalent W-2 employees, including the owner • Have between $750,000 up to $100 million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants • Have not won this award in the past • Demonstrate intent and capacity to grow


AUGUST 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

BUSINESS SERVICES

COVID-19 inspires product shift Necessity may be the mother of invention, but COVID-19 is the inspiration for diversity. George Tucci developed “Ice Sticks,” which were market ready when his focus changed to products for businesses challenged by this pandemic. Together with Cherie Rehkopf, Tucci’s Companies Ouulala and U-B-Clean offer innovative solutions. “One of the biggest problems has been restaurants’ inability to operate because of social distancing protocols” said Tucci. To aid with that, they are offering clear plastic room dividers that are collapsible and portable. “They are popular because they don’t detract from the visual aesthetics of the room yet allow for almost 100% seating capacity” he said. Businesses have been bearing the brunt of employees performing sanitizing. This is very time consuming and adds additional risk. Tucci has a device that can be temporarily mounted to the bottom of almost any door so it can be opened with your foot. Rehkopf added, “it can be installed quickly and is an economi-

cal solution for businesses that do not have automatic doors.” Hand sanitizing for patrons is now a necessity. Businesses first struggled with just obtaining sanitizing products and now they are struggling with how and where to buy them and their implementation. “I’ve seen hand sanitizing dispensers located in obscure places and no one using them” said Tucci. His solution is to provide businesses with automatic gel sanitizing dispensers mounted on a stand that can be placed in visible and convenient locations. Being a supplier of sanitizing gel, businesses can buy refill gel more economically and relieve them of the procurement. U-B-Clean presently offers products and services in Naples and Bonita Springs and will integrate the Fort Myers area in the future. Tucci and Rehkopf are available by phone at (239) 331-9579 or (734) 395-1995. The website has other products and services www.ouulala.com

BUSINESS SERVICES Follow trends to boost brand awareness TLC Marketing and Creative Services is a Florida certified woman-owned, full-service marketing, public relations, and event planning agency located in Bonita Springs. We are dedicated to helping businesses enhance their community presence in three key ways: Effective communication through marketing/public relations strategies, audiencegrowing events, and industry research to provide the best results. Over the last 11 years, TLC has been dedicated to providing businesses with results. Our team is always looking at current trends, market changes, and embracing creativity to adapt to any and every situation. We understand the current times we are in, and while budgets may be more restricted, we always encourage our clients to push through the storm and keep on marketing. With that in mind, we knew we had to come up with an affordable option to help these businesses navigate the current landscape. Our Summer Essentials package does just this. It gives our clients the ability to continue their marketing and brand awareness with a conservative budget.

JETS PAGE 1 Elite Jets also announced Stephen Myers has been promoted from assistant chief pilot to executive vice president, a role in which he’ll oversee operations, including flight scheduling, aircraft maintenance, information technology, sales and marketing. He was born in Naples and is a graduate of Naples High School and

Don’t forget to post your in-person and virtual events on our B2B events calendar at www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com/calendar We understand client needs and it’s our No. 1 goal to deliver transparent and effective results. It’s not just about finding ways to increase your brand’s awareness; it’s about providing you with the visibility that will need to help your company flourish long after the COVID pandemic. Together, we can help you define your role in the community you serve. Whether you’re looking to launch a new business or you need help promoting the business you already have, TLC can help you attract attention, plan events, and generate a strong presence in the community. The TLC team looks forward to working with you. For more information on our “Summer Essentials Package” and other services we offer, please email or call Robert Wetzel, Director of Marketing and Communications, at (239) 405-8115 or robert@ trishleonard.com and visit tlcmarketing-events.com

also earned a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Florida. “Stephen’s business experience from owning and managing several technology firms, coupled with his many hours flying Elite Jets’ Phenom 300, makes him a logical fit and should prove fruitful for Elite Jets,” London said. Elite Jets’ fleet now includes six aircraft: four Phenom 300 jets, one Legacy 500 jet and a Bell 407 he-

Page 5

BUSINESS SERVICES

Suncoast Credit Union aids businesses with PPP

Staying true to the earliest beginnings, Suncoast Credit Union has been focused on helping small businesses survive and thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through June 30, Suncoast Credit Union funded more than 1,900 loans under the Paycheck Protection Program totaling $49.5 million. Suncoast’s average loan size was $25,000, while the national average credit union loan was $49,487 according to the Small Business Administration. The smallest PPP loan amount provided by Suncoast was less than $1,000, while the largest loan was $867,000. Approximately 26% of loans issued by Suncoast were amounts less than $10,000. Small businesses encompass 47% of private-sector payrolls in the United States, according to the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council. As a community credit union, Suncoast acknowledges the important role small businesses play in the 39 Florida counties the credit union serves. Since the start of the COVID-19 Johnson pandemic, Suncoast has opened three new branches, including one in Charlotte County. The Port Charlotte location is at the Walmart Service Center on King’s Highway. “Small businesses have fueled our economy and now more than ever need our assistance in providing resources, capital and guidance to help them weather this unanticipated economic storm,” said Melva McKay-Bass McKay-Bass, senior vice president of Business Development of Suncoast Credit Union. “I am so pleased that we were able to help so many of our businesses that serve our communities where we live, work and play.” “I am mostly proud of the fact that our average loan size is approximately $25,000,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO, Suncoast Credit Union. “We believe in the strength of small business because we understand the lifeblood of our economy thrives there. Through a PPP loan, small businesses are able to remain solvent, keep their team members employed and hopefully, survive this unprecedented time in our history.”

licopter. Earlier this year, the company opened its new 60,000-squarefoot private terminal at the Naples Airport to serve a client base that includes seasonal and full-time residents, as well as business executives with second homes in the region. “Private air travel to and from Southwest Florida has never been easier, and our aircraft are top-ofthe-line, newer luxury jets that offer supreme safety features while still providing amenities such as massag-

ing seats, free Wi-Fi and a state-ofthe-art entertainment system, as well as being crewed by the top-trained pilots in the industry,” Myers said. “When you fly with Elite Jets, going the extra mile is not an option. It is standard policy.” London is certified through the Federal Aviation Administration as both a commercial helicopter pilot and flight instructor, while Myers holds FAA certificates as an airline transport pilot and drone pilot.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Judge rules against Sakata Seed Less than two weeks after an Administrative Law Judge ruled against Sakata Seed Corporation and Sakata America Holdings’ challenges to Lee County’s 2019 limerock mining Amendments, reality is setting in. Petitioners have begun dismissing challenges to Lee County’s approval of Troyer Brother’s Lee Plan Amendments and part of its lawsuit challenging the Board’s approval of the Troyer Brother’s Zoning approvals. “It’s over,” Lee County Commission Chairman Brian Hamman said. “With this action in which Sakata dropped its petition, they are ending their legal challenges on the Lee Plan Amendments and part of the zoning issue. This is vindication for our staff and for the commissioners who have had their reputations and their names drug through the mud.” On June 16, the State of Florida Division of Administrative Hearings ruled in favor of the County. Administrative Law Judge Francine M. Ffolkes, found the County’s 2019 Mining Lee Plan Amendments were supported by appropriate data and analysis and consistent with state law. On June 26, Sakata Seed Corporation, the multi-national corporation headquartered in Japan, and its subsidiary Sakata America Holdings, dismissed their Second Petition filed with DOAH filed challenging Lee County’s approvai159501361761_11006 FL Tombstone ad

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com al of a limerock mining Lee Plan Amendment. Sakata Seed argued in its second case the new mine was not needed based on the opinion of Sakata’s consultant, Greg Stuart, the same consultant the Administrative Law Judge found unpersuasive in ruling against Sakata Seed in its first case. In a similar fashion, Sakata dismissed part of its third lawsuit filed against Lee County and Troyer Brother’s in Circuit Court challenging the County’s approval of the Troyer Brother’s limerock mining rezoning application. Sakata’s recent dismissals came after the Administrative Law Judge found neither of the Petitioners’ consultants, Stuart or Bill Spikowski, could cite any provision in State Law to support their arguments and they were unpersuasive and failed to demonstrate the 2019 Mining Comp Plan Amendments created any actual internal inconsistencies with any provision of the Lee Plan. A final order from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity confirming the 2019 Plan Amendments adopted by the County are in compliance with State Law is expected within the next few months. Final resolution of any remaining legal challenges is expected by the end of the year. August FINAL.pdf

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AUGUST 2020

BUSINESS SERVICES Nonprofit growth drives economy Growth drives Southwest FloriBy next year, da’s economy. Guadalupe Center At any given time, dozens of will have nearly residential and commercial devel300 full-time and part-time employopments are in various stages of ees. Those indiconstruction. New housing comviduals will spend munities, restaurants, retail stores, their income at shopping plazas and warehouses local restaurants, seemingly pop up overnight. One retail stores and sector often overlooked as part of farmers markets. that economic discussion is the They’ll hire local growth of nonprofit organizations. plumbers, electriNonprofits are indeed big busi- BY DAWN cians, carpenters ness in Southwest Florida. Accord- MONTECALVO and other service ing to IRS, there now are 2,426 Guest Columnist technicians. Dolregistered nonprofit organizations operating in Collier County and an- lars earned by those working at Guaother 3,081 in Lee County. Charita- dalupe Center will be spent right ble organizations focus on a variety here in Southwest Florida. More of causes, including youth, educa- than 50% of Tutor Corps alumni tion, health care, faith, recreation, have returned to Immokalee, degree veterans, the environment and more. in hand, and are working as educaGuadalupe Center, for example, tors, health care professionals, enhas a mission of breaking the cycle gineers, public service workers and of poverty through education for the business leaders, thus contributing children of Immokalee. The Center their share to the local economy. Guadalupe Center’s expansion, serves more than 1,400 students annually and its impact on students’ as well as the growth of other nonlives is well-documented – 95% of profits in Southwest Florida, repyouth enrolled in Guadalupe Cen- resents much-needed economic ter’s Early Childhood Education growth for our community. The imProgram meet or exceed Florida’s pacts of COVID-19 are being felt kindergarten readiness standards, across industries, so an economy 100% of students in the After- standing on multiple legs – tourism, school Tutoring & Summer Enrich- agriculture, real estate, construction ment Program have made signifi- and nonprofits – is well-positioned cant academic gains in reading and for a recovery. Southwest Florida’s growing math, and 94% of Tutor Corps Program alumni have earned a college number of nonprofits, however, also is an indication that the community degree. What isn’t widely known, how- has a growing demand for chariever, is Guadalupe Center’s impact table services. Whether it’s educaon Immokalee’s economy. The non- tion, food, clothing or other needs, profit ranks as one of the communi- these locally based nonprofits need ty’s largest employers with 84 full- the community’s help to continue time, benefits-eligible employees helping others. Private support and 154 part-time workers, includ- comprises the balance of Guadalupe ing 117 high school students who Center’s annual operating budget, as well as other nonprofits. Durserve as after-school tutors. Earlier this year, Guadalupe Cen- ing this challenging period, it’s ester announced an ambitious cam- pecially important to support these paign, called “Guadalupe Center: causes because our economy and 2020 & Beyond,” that will bring ad- our neighbors thrive when nonprofditional learning opportunities – and its have the funding to accomplish more jobs – to Immokalee. Once the their missions while simultaneousMonaghan Family Early Childhood ly creating jobs that rev Southwest Education Campus and van Otterloo Florida’s economic engine. Family Campus for Learning open in 2020 and 2021, respectively, Dawn Montecalvo is president of GuaGuadalupe Center will add another dalupe Center in Immokalee. Con58 full-time equivalent positions to tact the center at (239) 657-7711 or info@GuadalupeCenter.org. its payroll.

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AUGUST 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Professional, business jobs gain 2,000 year over year The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced the Fort Myers area private-sector employment figures.Three major industries gained jobs over the year in the Fort Myers area: professional and business (+2,000 jobs); construction (+500 jobs); and financial activities (+100 jobs). Four major industries gained jobs over the year in the Naples area: construction (+500 jobs); manufacturing (+400 jobs); government (+300 jobs); and other services (+100 jobs). Private-sector employment decreased by 9,800 jobs (-4.2 %) over the year. The Fort Myers area’s unemployment rate was 9.8% in June, up 6.3% from one year ago. The

Naples area private-sector employment decreased by 8,100 (-5.9%) over the year. The Naples area’s unemployment rate was 9.7% in June, up 6.4% from one year ago. The industry losing the most jobs over the year in the Fort Myers area was leisure and hospitality (-6,800 jobs). The industry losing the most jobs over the year in the Naples area was leisure and hospitality (-5,600 jobs). Statewide, the number of private-sector jobs increased 292,800, up 4.2% from May 2020. Florida’s unemployment rate decreased to 10.4% in June 2020. Florida’s labor force was up 143,000 over the month.

Page 7

BUSINESS SERVICES

Image One will leave your business clean and healthy Local Image One franchise owners Anthony and Nikko Conn have been keeping businesses clean in Southwest Florida since 2016. Their general focus has always been on Cleaning for Health, but with the current pandemic, business owners are really taking a careful look at cleaning their facility more thoroughly. Daily cleaning and disinfection of the high touch surfaces should always be part of the routine. A service that is growing in popularity among local businesses is electrostatic spraying. Spraying to disinfect a building isn’t necessarily for post exposure incidents, or for so called hotspots, it can also be preventative in nature.

There are products available that are antimicrobial that are designed to provide long term protection from pathogens and bacterial growth on treated surfaces. Running your business can be stressful, and cleaning shouldn’t add to that stress. Now more than ever, cleaning is essential to running your business. Image One can step in to help keep your facility clean and safe for your team and your customers. If you are in need of general cleaning, or disinfection services call Image One at (239) 789-2267 or visit us on the web at imageoneusa.com/fort-myers.

Break through challenges with five leadership abilities When I work with teams, one of the first things we teach is a concept called hitting the ceiling. It’s that feeling of getting stuck or something that’s holding you back. Naturally, when you hit the ceiling, it’s frustrating to all. You want to break through, but you can’t. The concept of hitting the ceiling, however, is a problem you must learn to solve because it can happen to you, your team or your company. 5 Leadership Abilities The best way to break through the ceiling is to apply these five leadership abilities: 1. Simplify — Things can get complicated fast. So ask yourself, am I making this too complicated? How can I dumb it down or apply the KISS (keep it simple stupid) rule? People and systems can complicate things quickly, so we have to simplify processes. 2. Delegate — Are you doing too much, or is someone doing too much? You have to master the art of delegation to free up your time along with your best thinkers. Who can you ask to help, and is that person qualified? New help can be inside or outside the company. We’ll always be too busy if we don’t let go of the vine and learn the art of getting help. If you’re the type that declares, “By the time I tell you, I could do it myself,” you need to pay attention. Over a lifetime, those tasks add up. Yes, someone else can do that task just as good or better than you. Leaders should be delegating one to two projects a quarter to the people on their teams. If you have no one to delegate to, it might

be time to talk to your boss about hiring the help you need. 3. Predict — Are you completing the tasks you said you would? Are you and your team holding each other accountable for those tasks? There are two types of predicting; short-term (seven days or less) and longterm (90 days or more). You should be good at both. Breakdowns occur fast when predictBY ROSS ing isn’t accurate; reliability GIBBS starts to dwindle and lack of Guest Columnist trust begins to build. 4. Systemize — Are you operationalizing your business so you can deliver consistent product/service quality and scale? McDonald’s figured this out long ago. Systemizing involves creating checklists that define your core processes. In turn, every employee must follow your core processes so that if one person leaves, others can step in and make that same “secret sauce” every time. Conversely, if everyone is doing it their way, bad things will eventually happen. Systemizing your business allows you to create consistency and peace of mind while making it easier to manage. In the process, you’ll make your job more fun and achieve higher profits. 5. Structure — Do you have the right organizational structure or the people around you to succeed? Sometimes companies have to look at

Don’t forget to post your in-person and virtual events on our B2B events calendar at www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com/calendar their processes and then restructure where people sit. You have to reorganize. In the Entrepreneurial Operating System, we call your structure the Accountability Chart. It’s an organizational chart on steroids. We don’t care about titles and hierarchy as much as we care about job functions and the roles each function owns. Your structure is a living document that goes six to 12 months as the optimal structure for your organization. With EOS, we always advise leaders to focus on structure first. Indeed, never build your organization around people. Finally, when you get stuck, there will be times when you’ll need to restructure your organization. With these five leadership abilities, you should be able to solve most of your issues when you get stuck. You may need all five abilities to break through, but most of the time, you’ll only need to tweak one or two. However, if you don’t pay attention to all five, your business will eventually hit the ceiling. What are you stuck on these days? Give the five leadership abilities a try and see what happens. Ross Gibbs is a certified EOS Implementer with over 15-years’ experience growing and building profitable businesses. Contact him at (612) 760-6866 or rossgibbs@heitraction.com

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Page 8

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

AUGUST 2020

GUEST COMMENTARY

County must control growth, help local business My name is Nick Batos and I am a conservative Republican candidate for the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, District 3. I have been a full-time resident of Lee County for 17 years and have advocated for quality of life issues for Estero and Lee County the past 15 years. In 2012, I led the successful incorporation effort of Estero and in 2014, I had the honor of being elected the first Mayor of the Village of Estero. I am running for the County Commission because I feel that the county has been going in the wrong direction on several issues. It is time that we take action and make Lee County government for the people, not special interest groups! Our citizens have to come first and that is the standard I will uphold in office. My platform is and has always been, with a special focus on tackling issues that negatively impact our quality of life, for example: • Favoring controlled growth – growth paying

for growth (i.e. reinstating impact fees to pay for our necessary infrastructure improvements) • Supporting our local businesses • Maintaining clean water • Supporting DR/GR & Conservation 20/20 Protection • Restricting mining, which is destroying our environmentally sensitive lands • Creating more responsive BY NICK Leadership BATOS It is time that we make Lee County government responsive to the people’s needs, not developers and other special interest groups that contribute to the deterioration of our quality of life.

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My opponent is a commercial real estate development executive and has already raised more than $120,000, with over 70% coming from developers and their contractors. Since the beginning of my campaign, I have made it clear that I will not take any money from these special interest groups that harm our quality of life, which is why I need your support even more. I am asking for your vote on Tuesday, Aug. 18 so we can make Lee County once again, for the people. For more information on me, my campaign and my stance on these issues, visit https://www.batos4leecounty.com/issues. Nick Batos is running for Lee County Commission. For more information, visit Batos4LeeCounty.com.

Making buildings safer with architecture principles With crime rates soaring throughout Southwest Florida, business owners and architects are deeply concerned about keeping business safe. While most plan to install security systems, CCTV or hire a security guard there is a much safer way to protect their business. Licensed Architects are now using the concept of CPTED when looking at how to improve how buildings perform while keeping their occupants safe. CPTED is an acronym for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, is a set of design principals that focus on discouraging crime, promote building security and is comprised of five main principals. The first principal is called Access Control. The goal is to the opportunity for decrease crime by creating a larger risk for criminals. CPTED practitioners take into consideration the structural elements of your buildings. Using a site survey, they look at sidewalks or landscaping that is not pedestrian friendly and recommend implementing changes that make your entryway friendlier and safer. Entrances and exits should be identifiable and visible to the public and law enforcement. The second principal is Surveillance and the focus is on making a potential offender feel like they are being watched and that the surroundings offer no easy escape routes. This is done by implementing adequate nighttime lighting with doors and windows that overlook the street to help deter a potential offender. The third and most important principal is Territoriality. Using a site survey, CPTED practitioners will identify the borders of your buildings or property and develop a report about how to define them. To define a property border, we recommend the use of landscape, fences, or any other type of boundary that clearly lays out where your property begins and ends. These boundaries do not need to be harsh chain-link fences. There are many ways to establish your property’s boundaries and give a sense of control. The fourth principal of CPTED, and one that can be used in every facet of the CPTED theory is Maintenance and Image Improvement. Every successful business keeps clean and pleasant exterior to attract prospective

and returning customers to their offices. A well-maintained area sends the message that people notice and care about what happens in the area. Finally, the fifth and last principal of CPTED is Activity Support. To do so you must fill your space or business with legitimate users. Legitimate users are those people who are at your facility for a legitimate use, to buy something or use your activities. Having these users in your facility BY ROBERT will discourage deviant users to stray TAYLOR away from this area. To determine if Guest Columnist the space is being used in a legitimate way, a CPTED practitioner during their site survey ask questions about the use of the space and if it is being used legitimately. The process of remediating an existing property using the CPTED theory is a three-part process. First the professional will conduct a site survey by looking at the outside of the building and the boundaries. Secondly, they will conduct a facility survey by looking at points of entry, conducting interviews with employees, and walking through each building. Finally, they will develop a Vulnerability Assessment Report which will identify areas of risk and security vulnerabilities as well as a cost opinion on the cost to remediate these areas of weakness. By following the CPTED principals your building will be safer by reducing criminal opportunity. These modifications can take place in the design phase of a new building or a quick modification of an existing building. Robert Taylor is a certified CPTED practitioner and president of ADG Architecture. ADG is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary of being SW Florida’s local full service architectural and interior design firm. Contact the firm at (239) 277-0554

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 ®

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ANGEL PAGE 1 “This exciting new technology will help publishers and marketers target audiences much more accurately because Fotobom has real knowledge of users’ preferences from what they emailed or texted,” said Timothy Cartwright, partner of Fifth Avenue Family Office, the founder of Tamiami Angel Funds. The sharing of information by copying and pasting content in emails and text messages has been dubbed “Dark Social” because until now it hasn’t been mined. Companies are eager to connect with users in this untapped world because it’s more accurate than the algorithms developed by social-media giants. “By understanding what users are sharing on Dark Social, Fotobom is better able to effectively target users with relevant and useful information using groundbreaking technology,” said Cartwright. Angels help entrepreneurs before they seek venture capital, but after they’ve exhausted money from friends and family. Headquartered in Naples, Tamiami Angel Funds consists of four member-managed funds that allow highnet-worth individuals and families to invest in promising early-stage and expansion-stage companies located in the U.S., with a preference for those in the state of Florida. Fifth Avenue Family Office is the administrator of the angel funds and caters to high-net-worth entrepreneurs and their families.

3-YEAR ADVERTISER “Here we are in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and my ad in SWFBT is still getting results for me! So looking back, I am glad I invested in my ad in SWFBT, and I know that the professional standards that Karen Moore keeps will lead to even more success in my future!” — Bernadette Collier AAA Insurance, Fort Myers (239)939-6500, ext. 3233

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AUGUST 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 9

GUEST COMMENTARY

Cape Coral positioned to support supply chain companies As Supply Chain companies recalibrate their operations from offshore to onshore facilities, the Gulf Coast Cape Coral community should be considered a viable option. With the largest market between Miami and Tampa, the City of Cape Coral is home to 200,000 residents, with nearly 800,000 residing within Lee County. It offers a host of opportunities for supply chain companies to establish operations in a strategically located community with excellent access to both the Tampa Bay and Miami/Fort Lauderdale markets via Interstate 75. Here are a few reasons why Supply Chain companies should consider operating in Cape Coral: 1. Readily Available Workforce within a 45-minute Drive. Cape Coral has the largest population between Miami and Tampa with 200,000 residents and more than 1 million within the three-county area of Lee, Collier and Charlotte; 2. Excellent Access. The city is situated within 15 miles of Interstate 75 for connecting northward to Tampa and onto the Midwestern states, and southeast-

ward to Miami/Fort Lauderdale. Access Miami, Tampa and Orlando within a two-hour drive; 3. Affordable Housing. Reasonably priced housing for any workforce, including executive housing; 4. Safe Neighborhoods. The Cape is considered one of the safest communities in the State of Florida and is an excellent place to raise a family; BY RICARDO 5. Good Schools. The Cape has NOGUERA its own charter school district “Oasis” offering an excellent learning environment for young people; 6. Minimal Traffic Congestion. This is an easily accessible community due to lack of congestion and a variety of alternative routes. Most commute times within the City are only about 15 minutes; 7. Business Friendly. Whether it is pursuing per-

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com mits for new construction or renovating an existing building, city staff will provide a welcome mat, expedite permits and offer ombudsperson services; 8. Financial Incentives. Depending on size of company and average annual wages. Supply Chain companies considering relocating back to the U.S. should take a close look at the City of Cape Coral. We offer an excellent “work-life balance” for your team and welcome your business. For more information on identifying a suitable place to establish your operations, please either call or email Madelon Miuccio, Marketing Specialist, at (239) 573-3081 (MMiuccio@capecoral.net). Ricardo Noguera is the Economic Development Manager for the City of Cape Coral. Contact him at rnoguera@capecoral.net

SCOTUS holds civil rights law covers LGBT employees Part 2 of 2

Employers argued Congress did not intend to protect gay or transgender employees when it passed Title VII in 1964. Justice Neil Gorsuch observed: “Those who adopted the Civil Rights Act might not have anticipated their work would lead to this particular result. Likely, they weren’t thinking about many of the Act’s consequences that have become apparent over the years, including its prohibition against discrimination on the basis of motherhood or its ban on the sexual harassment of male employees. But the limits of the drafters’ imagination supply no reason to ignore the law’s demands. When the express terms of a statute give us one answer and extratextual considerations suggest another, it’s no contest. Only the written word is the law, and all persons are entitled to its benefit.” The majority decision, using this textual reading of the statute, proceeds to provide multiple examples of why the statute’s focus on individual discrimination (as opposed to group discrimination) on the basis of sex makes the need for the addition of the term “sexual orientation” superfluous. One example, in particular, stands out: Imagine an employer who has a policy of firing any employee known to be homosexual. The employer hosts an office holiday party and invites employees to bring their spouses. A model employee arrives and introduces a manager to

AIRPORT PAGE 1 consumers resume air travel to and from Punta Gorda,” said Airport Authority Board Chair Pam Seay. “Airport management has worked quickly to incorporate an enhanced culture of health and safety since grappling with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a sharp decline in air travel worldwide in March and April,” Seay said. Seay is one of the frequent flyers helping passenger traffic recover; adding that she “just recently flew with confidence on Allegiant, and has flights booked for August and October as well.” Private air charter and general aviation traffic also rebounded in June, indicating further confidence by private pilots to fly. Air traffic control data shows that the number of total takeoffs and landings, including Allegiant flights, GA traffic and military and air taxi operations, was 5,787, down only 6% from June 2019. The Airport Authority’s nonstop commitment to the safety of all passengers, visitors, tenants and staff is supported by several advantages of flying through

Susan, the employee’s wife. Will that employee be fired? If the policy works as the employer intends, the answer depends entirely on whether the model employee is a man or a woman. To be sure, that employer’s ultimate goal might be to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. But to achieve that purpose the employer must, along the way, intentionally treat an employee worse based in part on that individual’s sex.” BY SCOTT In a vigorous dissent, Justice ATWOOD Alito rejected Justice Gorsuch’s Guest Columnist analysis and stated he was misapplying textual reasoning, such that the decision was also jeopardizing religious freedoms. Because the Court’s decision did not create a constitutional protection for gay or transgender individuals, technically Congress could amend Title VII to exclude sexual orientation or gender identity, or both. Nearly half the states (but not Florida) currently have laws that already prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, though, so it seems unlikely Congress would act to reverse the Court’s decision any time soon. Further, because Title VII only covers private employers with 15 or more employees (there is no size limit for pub-

PGD. Allegiant’s air service model offers low-cost, nonstop flights, where travelers can avoid connections and reduce the time spent in the airport, due to PGD’s easy-to-navigate Bailey Terminal. On July 2, Allegiant implemented a face covering requirement for all passengers and crew members while traveling and including at the airport. There is also reduced exposure during PGD’s open-air boarding process, which also allows for adequate social distancing amongst passengers. In addition, the Airport Authority has implemented stringent sanitation and cleaning protocols at the terminal, and Allegiant on its aircraft, to further reduce risk of exposure. In addition to the Bailey Terminal that is used for commercial passenger traffic, the Airport Authority provides fueling and tie-down service for general aviation aircraft through its Fixed Base Operator. PGD’s FBO recently earned its “Safety 1st Clean” certification through the National Air Transportation Association. In its notification to the Airport Authority, NATA stated the FBO “is committed to helping reduce the spread of infectious diseases and we thank you for your commitment to upholding the highest cleaning/disinfection standard.” ®

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lic employers), gay or transgender employees who work for small private employers in Florida remain unprotected from discrimination or harassment. What should Florida employers do now in light of this decision? Unless you were an employer located in a handful of local municipalities that already prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, until today you were immune from liability from gay or transgender employees’ discrimination or harassment claims. While many employers have not waited for the law to catch up, and have adopted policies that prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, this decision requires most Florida employers to make sure their organization understands they can now face legal liability under Title VII if an employee in the organization is subjected to discrimination or harassment because of the employee’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Harassment and diversity training, if it does not already include these subject areas, should now be expanded to specifically incorporate and discuss policies against discrimination and harassment against gay and transgender employees. Scott Atwood is an attorney and stockholder at Henderson Franklin in Fort Myers. Contact him at scott.atwood@henlaw.com or (239) 344-1287.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

AUGUST 2020

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AUGUST 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 11

SPONSORED CONTENT

Looking to provide affordable health care coverage designed for affordability? There’s a solution available for small business owners in Florida. By UnitedHealthcare With the current health care landscape bringing rising administrative and premium costs, as well as increased health care regulations, small business owners are dealing with the financial challenges of offering adequate, affordable coverage to their employees.

Alternate funding plans offer a way to control costs. Also called level-funded plans, alternate funding plans can help small businesses reduce their overall health care costs and help employees get more out of their benefits. These plans include three components: • The employer’s self-funded medical plan. This pays medical expenses for covered employees and their dependents. • A third-party claims administration agreement. The employer enters into an agreement with the administrator, who provides claims processing, billing, customer service and other services. • A stop-loss insurance policy. This provides coverage for large, catastrophic claims by a single covered individual and provides over all coverage in the event all claims go beyond a certain dollar limit.

Alternate funding plans vs. traditional insurance. Traditional: With traditional insurance plans, the employer pays a fixed premium to the insurance company. The insurance company assumes all of the risk, paying the health care claims, administrative costs, sales commissions and taxes. At the end of the plan year, if the actual health care claims are higher than expected, the insurance company covers them. But if they’re lower, the insurance company keeps the difference. Alternate funding plan: With an alternate funding plan, such as All Savers® Alternate Funding by United HealthCare Services, Inc., the employer sets up a medical plan that pays for employees’ medical benefits directly. Part of the risk is taken on by the medical plan, with the rest covered by stop-loss insurance. The plan’s level-funding structure means the administration fees, stop-loss premium and monthly maximum claim liability are included in one monthly invoice throughout the plan year.

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A great way to experience financial flexibility and freedom. The All Savers Alternate Funding plan is easy to understand and was specifically designed for small businesses. It may help the employer: • Pay lower premium taxes throughout the year. (Stop-loss coverage is still subject to premium tax.) • Be exempt from most health care reform regulations and state insurance mandates. • Get protection from unexpected high claims with stop-loss insurance. • Receive money back at the end of the plan year if claims are lower than expected. (Where allowed by state law.)

Meet the challenge of rising health care costs head-on. Consider an alternate funding plan such as All Savers from United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Savers offers the choice of a variety of plan designs, innovative wellness programs, robust member tools and access to the vast UnitedHealthcare provider and OptumRx® pharmacy networks. It’s a great way for small businesses to provide coverage designed for affordability and help their employees get the most out of their benefits.

For more information, contact your broker or visit uhc.com/AllSaversFL Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates. Stop-loss insurance is underwritten by All Savers Insurance Company (except in MA, MN and NJ), UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company in MA and MN, and UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance in NJ. 3100 AMS Blvd., Green Bay, WI 54313, 1-800-291-2634. This product is not available in all states. 9644473 8/19 ©2019 United HealthCare Services, Inc. 19-13315


Page 12

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

AUGUST 2020

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida

How has COVID-19 affected commercial real estate market? Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore, Publisher A few months ago, Southwest Florida’s business marketplace was humming along and looked like things would continue on the same trajectory for the near future. It was near, alright. By March, we were all scrambling to adjust to not only a completely transformed local marketplace, but the entire world had been upended. And here we are: I attended only my third virtual presentation in five months because I didn’t want to miss this Southwest Florida CRE update. RETAIL: Dan O’Berski, Managing Broker, Trinity Commercial Group Nationally, apparel and general merchandise have been barely impacted (down only 4.5% from the pre-COVID baseline) because Amazon and Google online activity has greatly increased. Additionally, locally as well as nationally, consumer demand rebounded as government aid was disbursed, and now we’re seeing increased sales due to pent-up demand. On the other hand, entertainment and recreation spending is down 49%. Hotels bottomed out and then have seen an average weekly 2% increase since the end of March. Travel is especially doing better in the South. On the upside, O’Berski observed, new home sales have met or beaten prior year sales numbers. And, he notes, “Retail growth follows rooftops.” Southwest Florida has seen growth in non-COVID-19-impacted retail categories such

Don’t forget to post your in-person and virtual events on our B2B events calendar at www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com/calendar as gas stations, food stores and banks as development continues. “There’ve been massive winners and massive losers in retail, and this will continue through the end of the year,” O’Berski stated, “as will creative development deal strategies that combine high tech, high service and high engagement.” OFFICE: Adam Palmer, Principal & Managing Director, LandQwest Commercial Palmer asked, “What does the post-pandemic office world look like?” Palmer said we need to remain flexible and fluid moving forward. While some say that offices won’t be needed at all, Palmer believes that office is not dead or going away anytime soon. He noted that working remotely has not been ideal for a lot of people. A recent survey indicates that 80% of remote workers communicate much less than those in the office. Moreover, he points out, according to many managers, working remotely has resulted in lower productivity. An interesting trend, Palmer indicated, is that COVID-19 has owners saying that they now need more office space per employee, reversing the trend of the past several years. He concluded, while there was a huge initial dropoff in demand, “We are now recovering and will look better by fourth quarter.”

Innovation

INDUSTRIAL: Jerry Messonnier, President/Principal, Lee & Associates-Fort Myers “So often people think of Southwest Floridians as ‘stuck’ down here on the sleepy west coast, a long drive from everywhere, but—” Messonnier points out, “when you look at a map, Southwest Florida is really nicely located in terms of proximity to the major markets in Florida. How do we get the stuff here, though, is the real question.” So while from a manufacturing perspective, Messonnier shared, this region is not a bad distribution hub, Southwest Florida is still vastly underpopulated for our industrial footprint. This is because, according to Messonnier, a lot of our population is seasonal: and like retail, people drive sales and sales drive warehouses. No matter what, we’ll continue to see a lot of population growth coming here, he assures us. Land prices continue to rise as there is less and less available. “Our company has had more meetings with out-of-state developers within the last year than the past 7-8 years.” And while leasing activity in the second quarter of 2020 plummeted 48%, sales continue to move forward, albeit at a slower pace. He concluded, “Business carries on and forward. Nobody stopped building—industrial was sheltered from that storm. Flex space is hot right now; anything industrial is hot right now, and the big focus is on larger companies like Amazon and Wayfair. While 60,000 square feet might not mean much in larger metropolitan markets, that type of space has a major impact in Southwest Florida.”

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Advocate Radiation Oncology, the area’s only locally owned and operated radiation oncology practice, has opened its Cape Coral office located on Del Prado Blvd. This facility joins Advocate offerings located in Port Charlotte and Fort Myers. Advocate Radiation Oncology is directed by a team of board-certified radiation oncologists: Drs. Alan Brown, Arie Dosoretz, Daniel Dosoretz, Amy Fox, Graciela Garton, Michael Katin, David Rice and James Rubenstein. The team of physicians, who trained at the nation’s most renowned institutions, have served the Southwest Florida community for decades and are partnering to provide compassionate health care expertise to cancer patients. “At Advocate Radiation Oncology, our purpose is in our name: To advocate for each and every patient during their cancer treatment,” said Arie Dosoretz, a founding partner at Advocate Radiation Oncology. “We focus on providing the most innovative radiation therapy available, delivered by top-tier doctors. Moreover, we are committed to providing a caring experience to each patient throughout their treatment journey.” RADiATION See page 15


AUGUST 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 13

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida

Time to make your move

We know the world is vastly differworkplace environent as social distancing, limited travel ments for different and fear over increased cases of COage groups, includVID-19, impact our daily lives. As ing Baby Boomers, people try to adjust to the new normal Gen Z and Millenand navigate through the pandemic, nials. commercial property brokers are work“We know the ing toward enhancing digital connectime is now for tions and solutions to keep commercial many of you to property top of mind. make your move in Organizations and businesses order to survive and should not confuse short-term perfor- BYAGARY thrive in the real es- estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida look at commercial real Wright Construction Group broke ground on Fire District Station 54. Located mance impacted by the current crisis TASMAN tate market, and our on Oriole Road near RaceTrac, the station is slated to begin construction imas a blanket long-term preference. As Guest Columnist team is well posimediately. office buildings went from being 87% tioned to help you occupied globally in February to virtu- successfully navigate your commercial ally empty in April, creative workers property needs through these unpreceadapted to the new normal. Many are dented times,” said Shawn Stoneburner productively working from home but of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial anxious to return to the office once it is Property Southwest Florida. safe to do so. A recent Stanford study Going forward, the office of the fuWright Construction Group broke The company will work closely illustrated the productive gains made ture will become a place for connectivground on Fire District Station 54. with subcontractors and suppliers to by employees who work from home ity, both virtual and physical. BusinessLocated on Oriole Road near Race- ensure the project is delivered ahead but also indicated a longing to return to es will need to create an environment Trac, the station is slated to begin of schedule, under the District’s budan environment that fosters interaction where people want to thrive as opposed get and completed with the highest construction immediately. with colleagues and community con- to seeing the experience as a chore or The fire station facility will total quality. nections. a grind. Two horizons will likely de“We have seen exponential growth nearly 10,000-square-feet and inFrom a real estate perspective, from velop. The first horizon is an immediclude three apparatus bays, sleeping in the area population, along with the workplaces to warehouses, our mar- ate return to work and recovery ready quarters for on duty crews, a storage addition of many new businesses and ket is quickly adapting to the change. phase as evidenced by the “Six Feet tank to supplement the fire protection residential communities,” said Fred Although, scary at times, change is no Office” concept developed by Cushservice and a backup power genera- Edman, president of Wright Constranger to the real estate industry. It is man & Wakefield. The second horitor. The new fire station will also in- struction Group. “The much-needed something we are very much used to zon looks to the future, once things do clude a stand-alone-training tower on station will provide a great service and can sometimes use in our favor to return to some form of normalcy and the property as well as a large train- and faster response times to residents benefit clients. For example, Cushman we are in a position to make decisions throughout San Carlos Park.” ing room within the station itself. & Wakefield Commercial Property based on regular business operations as Southwest Florida now uses video con- opposed to crisis management. ferencing, cloud computing and other “We may see a surge of property digital resources for greater levels of owners make a move to sell as business connectivity over a myriad of loca- owners seek new workplace solutions tions throughout the world. Investors and investors look to diversify,” StoneGATOR LANES and TER-TINI'S and property owners alike can connect burner said. $2,800,000 | 7050 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33907 with ease. COVID-19 is forcing many sectors One thing is certain. Working en- of the economy, including real estate, to vironments as we knew them have adapt and evolve. It’s the decisions you probably changed forever, as industry make now that will make you stronger leaders are discovering irrefutable evi- when we come out on the other side of dence that individuals can be equally COVID-19. It’s during times of crisis, effective working remotely. Technol- doors open to opportunity, while others ogy allows us to connect as if we are may close. in the same rooms together. Working from home does not present a one-size- Gary Tasman is the Founder of Cushfits-all solution for everyone, however. man & Wakefield Commercial PropThrough Cushman & Wakefield’s pro- erty Southwest Florida and serves as prietary tool, “Experience per Square its CEO/Principal Broker. The firm Foot,” our workplace specialists have provides commercial real estate solucaptured more than 2.5 million data tions, locally and globally, in every points from workers all over the globe stage of the real estate process, repin the pre-COVID-19 era and another resenting clients in buying, selling, Established bowling alley and event center business has been owned and operated by current 1.7 million data points from more than leasing, financing and valuing assets. owner for 41 years. This is a very profitable business. Owner may consider a sale/lease-back for 3 40,000 respondents in the current work For more information, your Southwest years maximum if buyer would consider redevelopment of the 2.25± acre parcel. from home environment to develop a Florida leading commercial brokerPROMINENT COMMERCIAL SITE report, entitled, “The Future of Work- age team, at timetosell@cpswfl.com or $2,187,000 | Six Mile Cypress Pkwy. & Plantation Dr., Fort Myers, FL place.” It illustrates the difference of (239) 829-5400.

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CBIA appoints Vasquez as executive officer Amelia Vasquez has been appointed Executive Officer of the Collier Building Industry Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree from Hodges University. Amelia is also a graduate of Leadership Collier, Class of 2004. In 2019, Vasquez became the Associate Director after previously working for seven years as CBIA’s Director of Member Services, where she led the efforts for many of CBIA’s most successful programs and events including

General Membership meetings, CBIA Mixers, the Parade of Homes and Sand Dollar Awards. According to CBIA President John Williams, “Amelia’s outstanding leadership and communication skills, coupled with her team spirit, have helped create an exceptional environment among our staff, leadership and membership. In her role as Executive Officer, Amelia will work hand-in-hand with the CBIA leadership in providing effective advocacy, educational programming, and networking opportunities for members.”

Don’t forget to post your in-person and virtual events on our B2B events calendar at www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com/calendar

2± acres at the hard corner of Six Mile Cypress Pkwy. and Plantation Dr. near the Minnesota Twins Spring Training stadium. It is adjacent to the new Hope Preserve, a 46-acre commercial developdevelopment with an assisted living center that is open and operational. Ingress will be from both roads.

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Page 14

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

AUGUST 2020

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida

Recovery began sooner than anticipated

By Karyn and Rowan Sanuel Guest Columnists

It’s amazing that four months have passed since early March when selling season was approaching full throttle. Year-to-date showings were up 37%, and pended and closed sales were each up 19%. Then, news of the pandemic caused many to hit the brakes and, by mid-April, weekly showings were down as much as 72% compared to the prior year. At that point, it was anyone’s guess where things might be headed in the short term. But if there’s one thing history has told us, it’s that we would recover, just like we always have from hurricanes and other events. Recovery began sooner than most would have anticipated and, as soon as April, buyers were returning to the market. In John R. Wood’s monthly address to us in May, they posed the question “Might we have a second chance at season this year?” At the time, they were optimistic that we’d have a busier than usual summer, but what they wouldn’t have predicted was that we’d be experiencing weeks in June where showings and newly pended sales would rival and even outpace some weeks during season. So, it turns out that the answer to that “second chance at season” question is “yes!” Season-like market conditions are here, right now, in July. With buyer activity at such highs, supply hasn’t kept up with demand. Many of the sellers who took their homes off the market at the onset of the pandemic have yet to return. This has

Don’t forget to post your in-person and virtual events on our B2B events calendar at www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com/calendar created a shortage of inventory, leaving those sellers who remain on the market positioned to sell in a short amount of time at desirable terms. Some would-be sellers may be waiting for season to list their homes and, in doing so, may be missing out on a window of opportunity to sell while inventory is at an unusual low, even for summer, and buyer activity compares with season. If sellers are waiting for season because they prefer season-like market conditions, they need wait no longer. It will take time for the recent buyer activity to filter through to closed sales; however, according to the June market report for Southwest Florida, most local markets posted modest gains in 12-month closed sales. New listings were down considerably in all but one market, resulting in 4.6 months of overall supply, down from 5.6 months at the beginning of the year. The 12-month average sales price was up across nearly all markets. If you are ready to enter the real estate market as a buyer or seller, please reach out to us with your questions. Karyn and Rowan Samuel operate The Samuel Team at John R. Wood Properties in Naples. Contact (239)298-3555.

Vantage Construction Services broke ground on a new Kid’s World Preschool in Cape Coral.

Vantage breaks ground on Cape Coral preschool

Vantage Construction Services, a commercial general contractor located in Fort Myers, broke ground on a new Kid’s World Preschool. Attending the event were Evenly Monteagudo of Kid’s World Preschool; Karen Ramos of Cape Coral Economic Development; Art Castellanos of Castellanos and Tramonte Architects; and Phil Morris, Connie Boyd and Gary Brick of Vantage Construction Services. Located on Skyline Boulevard in Cape Coral, the site will be home to a 10,000-square-foot facility planned to open in early 2021. This will be the second Kid’s World Preschool in Cape Coral for owner Evelyn Monteagudo, with the first in operation on NE 16th Terrace.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 15

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida

Seagate, DeAngelis Diamond team up on NeoGenomics’ HQ Seagate Development Group and DeAngelis Diamond have broken ground on the construction of NeoGenomics’ new global headquarters, located just west of Interstate 75 and north of Alico Road along Three Oaks Parkway in Fort Myers. Seagate Development Group is the developer, construction manager and site contractor for the $60 million state-of-the-art facility, while DeAngelis Diamond was chosen as the General Contractor for the project. The Seagate Development Group and DeAngelis Diamond partnership was part of a bigger goal of putting together a talented local team to bring the client’s vision to life. “Like Seagate, NeoGenomics wants to be a part of building local economies and offering additional employment opportunities,” stated CEO and Partner of Seagate Development Group Matt Price. “When they stated they wanted to build a local team of experts for this project we were honored to join the team working alongside DeAngelis Diamond.” DeAngelis Diamond first pushed dirt on May 11 and began onsite work to install the footers the week of May 13. On June 4, DeAngelis Diamond

proving patient care in new innovative ways.” Construction is underway with the foundation and shell of the first floor complete. Additionally, the foundation is in place for the laboratory, in preparation to begin vertical structures. This new facility is classified as a Class A office building which will include an executive wing, cafeteria, indoor and outdoor dining and a courtyard in bethe two buildings. The project is A look at commercial real estate & construction updates tween in Southwest Florida NeoGenomics’ new global headquarters will be located just west of Interstate scheduled to be completed by the third 75 and north of Alico Road along Three Oaks Parkway. quarter of 2021. “When we decided to build a large began construction of the walls of the chemistry, molecular, next generation state-of-the-art laboratory and new buildings. The new headquarters will sequencing, flow cytometry, FISH and global headquarters’ building in Southcomprise two buildings totaling ap- cytogenetics. west Florida, one of our objectives proximately 150,000 square feet. One “We couldn’t be more honored to was to contribute to economic develbuilding, consisting of 75,000 square have our innovative construction team opment in our community by partnerfeet, will be the main working space for selected to be part of another NeoGethe corporate offices, spread out over nomics’ project, alongside the con- ing with local companies and organithree stories. The secondary building, struction management team of experts zations,” said Douglas M. VanOort, an additional 75,000 square feet, will at Seagate Development Group,” said Chairman and CEO of NeoGenomics. be utilized as a laboratory for the on- David Diamond, co-founder of DeAn- “As we pursue these objectives, growsite physicians and technicians. The gelis Diamond. “Constructing the Ne- ing our company and our community, laboratory portion of the project will oGenomics’ International HQ project we are excited to work with great consist of wet and dry labs of varying will not only have an immediate and partners such as Seagate Developlevels as well as a molecular lab. This positive impact on the local economic ment Group and DeAngelis Diamond. lab will provide a comprehensive ar- community, but we become part of We’re grateful for our partnership and ray of high-complexity testing and helping NeoGenomics realize their look forward to the completion of our lab services, including immunohisto- vision of saving lives globally by im- new facility,” said VanOort.

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza holds grand opening Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, a recognized leader in fast artisanal pizza, opened its first Fort Myers location on July 13. The restaurant, located on S. Cleveland Avenue just west of Bell Tower, provides an upgraded pizza experience along with best-in-class safety procedures for guests and team members. Blaze Pizza will follow all of Florida’s restaurant re-opening guidelines. The brand will offer dine-in, drive-thru pick-up, carry out, curbside service and contactless delivery through its website, mobile app and various third-party delivery partners (Door Dash, Uber Eats and Postmates). Additionally, Blaze Pizza will implement bestin-class safety and sanitation guidelines, including requiring masks and gloves for all team members, availability of hand sanitizer for guests and food safety procedures validated by a third-party auditor. The Fort Myers Blaze Pizza will also feature hiring of a Dining Room Ambassador, whose responsibilities will include wiping down high-touch surfaces frequently, and will be providing single-use ecofriendly bags given to each guest to store their personal masks while dining.

The first Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza in the Fort Myers market opened its door in July. “Blaze Pizza is a concept built around customization and quality, clean ingredients,” said Dennis Sherer Operating Partner for Blaze Pizza in Fort Myers. “Just as we are focused on providing the highest standard in pizza, we are committed to providing the highest standards in safety while offering our guests multiple ways to enjoy our delicious pizzas.” The new Blaze Pizza is 3,000 square feet and offers seating for over 80 inside with over 30 additional seats on a covered outdoor patio.

Babcock Ranch among top-selling master-planned communities Babcock Ranch, America’s first solar-powered town located just northeast of Fort Myers on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31, achieved another major sales milestone when it was named to the RCLCO Real Estate Advisors’ Top 50 list for the first time, ranking 39th among the country’s topselling master-planned communities. Babcock Ranch’s RCLCO ranking was based on 230 mid-year sales reported from January to June. Babcock Ranch also is ranked as Southwest Florida’s top master-planned community based on Me-

trostudy data on single-family home annual starts in Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties. “The Babcock Ranch vision resonates more clearly than ever with today’s buyers seeking an active, healthy and connected lifestyle right in their own hometown,” said Syd Kitson, chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners, developers of Babcock Ranch. “We are looking forward to a strong second half of the year as well, with our new, growing neighborhoods and a selection of available homes from our team of preferred builders.”

RADIATION PAGE 12 Patients at Advocate Radiation Oncology receive world-class treatment close to home. That includes an individualized treatment plan using the most advanced technology available, including Southwest Florida’s first Varian Halcyon machine at the Cape Coral practice. The Halcyon machine allows for extremely precise treatment while minimizing treatment time for each patient. Other technology available at Advocate’s practices include the “True-Beam” IMRT linear accelerator, which is used to precisely target and destroy tumor cells in the body with radiation, SRS (Stereotactic Radiosurgery) and SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy) capabilities allowing for radiation plans that can be delivered in as few as one treatment, and high-dose rate brachytherapy. Advocate Radiation Oncology also offers fluent Spanish-speaking doctors and staff dedicated to bringing their family-focused care to all members of the Southwest Florida community. “We are passionate about helping cancer patients and consider it a privilege to take care of these individuals and their families,” Brown said.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Heavy equipment theft on the rise

Every month in the U.S., as many as 1,200 theft reports of heavy equipment are filed with the National Crime Information Center. Unfortunately, only 20% of the stolen equipment is ever recovered. Florida is ranked No. 3 for heavy equipment theft with thieves favoring skid steers and mini excavators. Since January 2020, 14 stolen heavy equipment reports have been filed with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Most of those thefts occurred over the weekend or overnight at highly visible construction sites. Sheriff Carmine Marceno is diligently working through the sheriff’s office Community Response Unit to educate and encourage business owners and construction personnel that BY CARMINE MARCENO rent, own or use heavy equipment to utilize good crime prevention strateGuest Columnist gies. Below he offers important tips for securing equipment and storage areas. 1. Make sure the equipment is stored in a well-lit area that can be seen from the road. 2. Consider parking larger equipment facing into a circle surrounding smaller equipment. 3. Lock up tools with steel laminated and pickresistant locks. Chain equipment together using casehardened chains. 4. Mark equipment with names, symbols or digits. Electronically store make/model/serial number/VIN including picture and purchase date. 5. Register equipment in the National Equipment Register (NER). 6. Use fleet-tracking technologies such as geofencing and GPS. 7. Educate employees on securing equipment when not in use. Check before leaving for the day. Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement. 8. For larger construction sites, hire a security guard or move equipment to secured storage close to the worksite especially for weekends and holidays. 9. Lock cabin doors, close windows and remove keys. 10. Secure all mobile equipment by installing mechanical means, such as tire locks, drive control locks, trailer hitch locks, hydraulic bypasses, fuel cutoffs, hydraulic arm locks, ignition bypasses, etc. 11. Immediately report a theft upon discovery. Belated reporting is the primary reason why equipment is not recovered. Block off the crime scene for evidence collecting. Following good crime prevention strategies will help reduce heavy equipment thefts as we work together to make Lee County a safer place to live and work. You can contact the Community Response Unit at (239) 4771CRU or CRU@sheriffleefl.org. Carmine Marceno is the Lee County Sheriff. Contact the Community Response Unit at (239) 477-1617.

AUGUST 2020

BUSINESS SERVICES Equipment leasing: An alternative to buying By Stephen Kolton Guest Columnist

Have you wanted to get equipment but felt you could not afford it? Or wanted to upgrade equipment, but did not know what to do? Well, equipment leasing can come to the rescue! Because leasing is much easier and quicker than dealing with a bank, more companies are getting the equipment they need today, not having to wait until a later time. Normally, for equipment costing up to $150,000, all that is required is a one-page application. And it can be new or used! In most cases, a decision is made within 24 hours, but some only take eight hours. Documents are then received by the buyer (Lessee), signed, and returned to the funding source (Lessor). Equipment is received, vendor is paid and lease payments start. Lease terms can be in 12-month increments, with 60 months the standard. However, 72 or 84 months can be provided if lessee is credit worthy. There are many programs to choose from, starting with the standard fixed monthly payment; 0 payments for 90 days, seasonal; and others upon request. Pre-funding is another alternative available whereby a vendor can be given up to 50% of the cost so that the equipment can be manufactured. This way, you, the lessee, has only put up the two payments as a deposit to start the lease. When equipment is finally delivered, vendor is paid the remaining balance due. This program allows all parties to be satisfied, but the biggest benefit goes to the lessee, since they were able to get the equipment they wanted, with such little deposit monies required. Should you wish to upgrade equipment, this is another program that benefits you, the lessee. A new, state-of-the-art piece of equipment can replace the older piece in your plant very easily. On approval, the funding source pays off the remaining balance of your older piece, and applies that balance to the cost of the new equipment. You now have the new, modern equipment, and did not have to be concerned about selling the older piece. As mentioned, terms can be 12, 24, 36, 48 or 60 months and end-of-lease options are either $1, 10% option or fair market value. The $1 option is what is due after all payments are made. The 10% option is based on the original amount that was leased. If it was $50,000, l0% option is $5,000. The FMV option is based on the value of the equipment at the end of lease term. If equipment has a high value, your buy out would be high (could be more than 10%).

Don’t forget to post your in-person and virtual events on our B2B events calendar at www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com/calendar Each program determines your monthly lease payment, with the highest being the $1 option, and the lowest being FMV option. Leases can be structured so that all payments are 100% tax deductible. You should contact your accountant to determine the best structure. Most equipment can be leased, new or used, as well as rolling stock (trucks, tractors, trailers) and HVAC systems. Time in business is essential for approval on leasing. The established companies (in business for two years or more) have a much better chance for quick approvals. Businesses with less than one year in business are acceptable, but may require more than the one page application for credit information. Start-up companies can get approved, but usually amounts cannot exceed $25,000 unless it is a special transaction with additional collateral available, such as real estate, CD’s, etc. One other valuable program available is the Sale/Leaseback. This is for equipment the lessee owns and would like to get monies for it. The funding source buys the equipment from the lessee, sends the check to lessee and the lease term starts. This program is normally a 36-month lease with a $1 buyout option. However, it can help a lessee acquire monies without affecting a line of credit with a bank. In 2003, $668 billion was spent by U.S. businesses on productive assets, and of that amount, $208 billion, or 31% was acquired through leasing. Leasing provides a hedge against inflation, but also allows businesses the opportunity to invest in the equipment that may have been put off in the past. By providing 100% financing, leasing also frees capital for much needed research and development, which will be necessary for businesses intending to compete effectively in this growing economy. So why wait to get that new piece of machinery, truck, air conditioner? Call your funding representative today and see how easy it is to lease it! For more information on why leasing is best for your company, please call Steve Kolton at Equities Funding Group at (800) 829-2340. Stephen Kolton is the president and founder of Equities Funding Group. You can contact him at (239) 747-9955 or Equities@att.net

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AUGUST 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 17

Collier Building Industry Foundation awards scholarships More than $80,000 in college scholarships has been awarded to high school and college students pursuing education relating to careers within the construction, engineering, architecture and connected trade industries since 2005, under the leadership of the Collier Building Industry Association through its Collier Building Industry Foundation, an organization supporting educational and charitable philanthropic activities. According to CBIA Executive Officer Amelia Vasquez, CBIF scholarship applicants are students in good standing, recommended by teachers or returning students having a strong interest in the construction industry and/or related trades who desire to pursue higher education opportunities. CBIF Board President Dave Dunnavant of Peninsula Construction and Engineering announced the following six students have been awarded CBIF scholarships for the 2020-2021 school year: • Elaina Cooke, a sophomore Florida Gulf Coast University student studying construction management ($500); • Caleb Froitzheim, a Barron Collier High School graduate and junior construction management student at Florida Institute of Technology ($2,000);

Cooke

Froitzheim

German

• Jacob German, a graduate of Florida Atlantic University and Barron Collier High School, currently pursuing a Master of Arts Degree in Urban Regional Planning ($1,000); • Alexis Hernandez, a graduate of Immokalee High School who will attend Florida SouthWestern State College to study construction management ($500); • Oscar Lorenzo, a graduate of Immokalee High School who will attend Florida Gulf Coast University to study construction management ($500), and • Alex Soriano, a graduate of Immokalee High School, who will attend Florida State University and major in mechanical engineering ($500); The 2021 scholarship application will be avail-

Walmart hosts entrepreneur contest The application process for Walmart’s seventh annual Open Call is open and the company invites entrepreneurs dreaming of landing their U.S.-manufactured products on Walmart shelves to apply for the opportunity to meet with Walmart buyers on Oct. 1, via virtual pitch meetings. The deadline to apply to participate in this year’s Open Call for U.S.-manufactured products is August 10. The application and additional information about the event are available via Walmart-jump.com. The event kicks off Walmart’s celebration of U.S. Manufacturing Month and will include similar programming to previous years. In addition to one-on-one pitch meetings with buyers, participants will have an opportunity to hear directly from executives and learn from company leaders during breakout sessions designed to inform, empower and encourage supplier-hopefuls. “During this year of unprecedented challenges for U.S. businesses, Walmart remains committed to sourcing products made, grown, or assembled in the U.S. By investing in products that support American jobs, we are able to bring new exciting products to our customers, support new jobs in our local communities and invest in small business across the country.” said Laura Phillips, Walmart senior vice president for Global Sourcing & US Manufacturing. “For the first time, this year’s Open Call event will be virtual, enabling

even broader participation from potential new suppliers. We know how important this opportunity is for many small businesses, especially this year, and we are looking forward to seeing the new product submissions and meeting potential new suppliers.” This year’s Open Call attendees could secure deals ranging from a handful of stores in local markets to supplying hundreds, even thousands of stores, Sam’s Clubs and on Walmart.com. “We were walking into an entirely new and welcoming world,” said Gwen Hurt, owner of Shoe Crazy Wine, about her experience at Walmart’s 2018 Open Call where a Walmart buyer decided to test her product in 66 stores. “Everyone was so professional and kind throughout the process. We’ve been thrilled to work with Walmart and are excited about the continual growth of our product. Thanks to this relationship, we’ve been able to expand our operations to 15 employees while reinvesting in our community through the purchase of a once abandoned warehouse and additional resources.” As of August 2020, Walmart is expanding Shoe Crazy Wine to 118 stores. In January 2013, Walmart announced its commitment to help boost job creation and U.S. manufacturing through buying an additional $250 billion in products supporting American jobs by 2023.

Hernandez

Lorenzo

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able on the website in January 2021. The Collier Building Industry Foundation is the charitable arm of the Collier Building Industry Association. The primary mission of CBIF is to engage in educational activities that help young people understand and pursue rewarding careers in the building industry and to provide training assistance to those currently pursuing continuing education within the construction fields. The Foundation created the scholarship fund to assist in addressing the pressing need for a better educated, trained construction industry workforce. To learn more about CBIF, visit www.cbia.net.

Jersey Mike’s Subs opens Naples location Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its fresh sliced/ fresh grilled subs, recently opened a new location on Immokalee Road in Naples. Franchise owners Frank Czaszynski, Nancy Czaszynski, Jason Amarosa and Mattie Amarosa look forward to a formal grand opening celebration and fundraiser once daily operations return to normal. In consideration of the impact of COVID-19 and in partnership with the CDC and public health authorities, Jersey Mike’s asks that customers practice social distancing and wear masks when entering the store. Guests can continue to place takeout orders instore or for pickup through the website or through the Jersey Mike’s app. Additionally, delivery is available in most areas through the Jersey Mike’s app or through third-party delivery partners. The health and well-being of Jersey Mike’s guests and operators are its highest priorities, and locations continue to prepare, serve and package Jersey Mike’s subs with all the precautionary measures in place to protect its customers and its teams. The restaurant’s hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. Contact this location directly at (239) 350-6500.

IN BUSINESS SINCE 2005

1993

1984

EQUITIES FUNDING Group, inc.

Condo & HOA Law | Real Estate | Litigation Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning Corporate & Business Organization Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice | Family Law

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Stephen Kolton

Naples: 239. 331 . 5100 Fort Myers: 239. 333. 2992

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Page 18

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

AUGUST 2020

SW Florida entrepreneur helps businesses reopen When the pandemic forced Vinny Antonio to temporarily close his national events-staffing company, he quickly pivoted and launched a firm that helps businesses and events reopen safely. Disinfect Group USA provides mobile disinfection units and sanitizing tunnels that lets employees return to their offices, sports fans cheer inside arenas and customers shop confidently at familiar neighborhood businesses. For example, a sporting event or concert could process thousands of people through disinfection tunnels positioned at the entrance of a stadium or convention center. A restaurant or shop can install a panel at the entrance to monitor employee and patrons’ body temperatures and spray disinfectant onto their hands before they enter an establishment. “The key to reopening a business is the safety of employees and customers and we offer a wide range of solutions to fit any budget, from equipment sales to leasing,” said Antonio, whose Victory Marketing was one of Florida’s fastest-growing companies and ranked in the Inc. 5000 before COVID-19 began spreading

Disinfect Group USA provides mobile disinfection units and sanitizing tunnels to help businesses reopen safely. many businesses are enduring. Bearound the globe. “From national sports teams to cause of the collapse of the hospitalsmall shops in Southwest Florida, ity industry, Fort Myers-based Victoeveryone is eager to reopen and do it ry Marketing was forced to furlough safely,” said Antonio, who notes that most of its employees and tell its there are government grants available 40,000 freelancers around the counto help defray the cost of reopening. try there would be no event work for Antonio understands the pain that them. “Disinfect Group will help sal-

vage some of the jobs and bring people back to events and workplaces,” said Antonio. The materials being used for disinfection are bleach free and 100% safe. Tests have proven to kill 99.9999% of bacteria and viruses on surfaces. For those who are looking for a simpler solution, Disinfect Group provides gateways with thermal scanners, hand sanitizer, mask dispensers and people counting. All of their technology can be monitored from a safe distance. Disinfect Group is a Belgian company and Antonio purchased the license in March when he noticed the surge in event cancellations. All the equipment and product is manufactured and assembled in the U.S. “Our warehouse is in Georgia and we have installers all over the country,” Antonio said, noting that the units can be branded to reflect the business’ commitment to safety. “We’re proud to be an essential part of the economic reopening of our country.” For more information, visit www.disinfectgroupusa.com or call (239) 234-2822

Vascular & Vein Center offers alternative CAD surgery One of the longest standing and most respected vascular surgery groups in Southwest Florida, Vascular & Vein Center, is now offering the newest innovative treatment for Carotid Artery Disease called Transcarotid Artery Revascularization. TCAR is a clinically proven, minimally invasive, advanced procedure that delivers a stent into

a blocked carotid artery to treat CAD and prevent future strokes. Some of the benefits of utilizing the TCAR procedure over the formative procedure, Carotid Endartectomy or CEA, include a smaller incision and a faster recovery on top of it being a closed surgery. Additionally, it reduces the risk of stroke during stent insertion.

“We don’t have to open the entire artery; we can do it through a very small incision just above your clavicle,” stated Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Johan Escribano. “It’s a way for us to put a stent in the carotid artery to push all the plaque aside to prevent it from breaking off and going to the brain and causing a stroke.”

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Between washing and sanitizing more often than ever before, the delicate skin on our hands is really taking a beating! Your everyday lotions just may not be doing enough to restore the moisture back into your hands every time you wash or sanitize them. But, the time for suffering is over! Trilogy Labs has formulated a deep, moisturizing hand mask specifically for itchy, dry, irritated hands caused by repetitive washing and over sanitizing. So, what makes this hand mask so amazing? There are three active ingredients in this formulation, Pentavitin, Mallow Extract and Edelweiss, all working together to leave your clients with silky-smooth moisturized skin. The main ingredient in this gamechanging product is Pentavitin. Pentavitin hydrates deep into dermal layers and offers extended moisturizing action. It is a skin-identical carbohydrate complex with a unique binding mechanism that acts to ensure moisture continues to hydrate the skin for up to 72 hours. Yes, you read that right, 72 hours of hydrated and moisturized skin. Mallow Extract is similar to Pentavitin in the way that it brings moisture back into your clients’ skin, but it is also known for its ability to soften and condition the skin. Mallow extract contains mucilage, polysaccharides, and tannins that help soothe and moisturize the skin. This ingredient is the perfect match to calm irritated, dry, and sensitive skin.

Edelweiss extract is a particularly powerful antioxidant with even more potency than Vitamin C. It helps the skin stay supple, firm and moisturized. One of the things that makes this ingredient so incredible is that it triggers the skin’s natural healing process and protects it against environmental pollutants and other external factors. Edelweiss stimulates the generation of new skin cells and increases skin elasticity, all while providing luxurious moisture. What could possibly make this product even more spectacular, you might ask? We are here to tell you that it has just about the most luxurious feel you can imagine; like silk on skin, imparting emollience, as well as protecting against wetness. Leaving your skin feeling hydrated and protected, but not greasy. It’s truly a feel fit for a Queen. With the combination of the three amazing moisturizing ingredients and the luxurious feel, your clients’ hands are in your good hands! This hand mask instantly goes to work, penetrating deep into the skin and providing lasting relief and results. It can be used as an overnight hand mask treatment or as a deep, hydrating hand cream. We’re so excited about this product and we know your clients will be too! It’s time for your clients to say goodbye to over washed, over sanitized dry skin and hello to soft, supple hands. Call Trinity Labs at (239) 939-5454. Submission courtesy CONRIC PR.


AUGUST 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

FGCU to expand Collier’s economy with accelerator In a move designed to enhance the skill sets of entrepreneurs in Collier County, Florida Gulf Coast University will begin offering its celebrated entrepreneurship training at the Naples Accelerator. Led by the faculty and staff of FGCU’s Frank and Ellen Daveler & Sandra Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship, the new curriculum will help entrepreneurs cultivate their businesses. The collaboration was endorsed by the Collier County Board of Commissioners in late May with applications for the program now open to entrepreneurs. “Accelerators are designed to speed up the entrepreneur’s startup so it will grow faster,” said Sandra Kauanui, director of the Frank and Ellen Daveler & Sandra Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship. “We are looking for validated startups who would like to accelerate the growth of their businesses. The training sessions and mentorship will enable first-stage entrepreneurs to propel their businesses to the next level.” The Naples Accelerator opened in 2014 with a similar goal – to help entrepreneurs develop businesses and, in turn, expand the Southwest Florida economy. But something was missing. Sean Callahan, executive director of corporate business operations for Collier County, said the agreement with FGCU is exactly what is needed to advance the fledgling accelerator. “Most successful business accelerator programs spring out of a strong relationship with higher education,” he said. “That relationship has always been one of the missing pieces at the Naples Accelerator. This partnership with FGCU’s School of Entrepreneurship gives us the ability to connect aspiring businesses with the tools they need to grow out of our program and put people to work in innovative jobs in Collier County.” A major coup for the county and its citizen entrepreneurs will be regular access to the university’s brain trust. “We will have training sessions as well as mentorship from entrepreneurship faculty and staff. We will also reach out to other faculty at the university who will be able to provide valuable support in a variety of other areas, including engineering, health and the sciences,” Kauanui said. Timing is essential as the restrictions put in place because of COVID-19 continue to wreak havoc on the Southwest Florida economy. “I believe that the economic downturn leads to increased entrepreneurship,” said economist Aysegul Timur, FGCU’s vice president and vice provost for strategy and program innovation. “This may be ‘opportunity entrepreneurship’ with a perceived business opportunity or ‘necessity entrepreneurship’ due to economic stress–job loss or pay cuts. We have seen evidence–of both types–from the past recessions that great ideas are born from economic challenges.” Callahan said, “The ongoing COVID-19 health emergency has demonstrated the need to diversify the economy in Southwest Florida now more than ever. Traditionally strong sectors in hospitality, tourism and

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com agriculture have come to a standstill – while other industries have successfully weathered the pandemic and continued to work. A successful program at the Naples Accelerator will help attract, create and grow businesses that move us toward the goal of diversification.” Timur, who led FGCU’s efforts to form this collaboration, said the work would create jobs in Collier County. “The primary goal of the Naples Accelerator is to develop the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Collier County with the specific purpose of diversifying the economy and enhancing the employment opportunities and careers of Collier County citizens,” she said. “As a regional and comprehensive university, FGCU is committed to providing expertise and services through partnerships in the Southwest Florida region.” Kauanui agrees. “We require more innovation than ever before to rebuild our economy. The good news is that many individuals who have an entrepreneurial mindset see opportunities in a world of disruption while others only see problems,” said Kauanui. “It is in the midst of a crisis that entrepreneurs find new ways to come out of difficult times.” Callahan is already setting benchmarks to determine the effectiveness of this working arrangement. “The first goal of this program is to assess businesses to connect them with the training, services and mentorship they need to be successful. This will take time to implement and grow. Given the county’s investment in the FGCU program, we would like to see a future goal of graduating at least 10 businesses out of each cohort that effectively establish a business here in Collier County.” Kauanui shared that the agreement allows FGCU alumni to apply to the Naples Accelerator providing their business is started in Collier County. “We have several interested alumni. Alumni entrepreneurs who are accepted into the program will receive free office space for the six month program as long as they agree to run their businesses in Collier,” she said. In the last five years, entrepreneurship has become a significant focus for Florida Gulf Coast University. The recent naming of the school by Frank and Ellen Daveler (and in honor of Kauanui) along with a new campus entrepreneurship building, which will be named in honor of a donor later this year, exemplifies the community’s commitment to FGCU’s entrepreneurship initiative. The agreement with the Collier County Board of Commissioners is perfectly timed, said FGCU President Mike Martin. “This will become a major outreach effort of the Frank and Ellen Daveler & Sandra Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship, and it will provide an opportunity to project FGCU into the Naples community,” Martin said. “It will also allow us to bring FGCU expertise to citizens beyond the campus.”

Page 19

Welcome to our

Bridge Branch

Our NEW Bridge Branch is

NOW OPEN

Located on the corner of College Parkway and McGregor Boulevard

We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our new Bridge Branch, our eighth and largest location in Lee County. This location features two drive-thru lanes, a drive-up ATM, night drop, safe deposit boxes, plenty of parking, on-site commercial and residential lenders, and, of course, all the same products, services and benefits we’re known for – including our fee-free business and personal checking accounts. Most importantly, you’ll be greeted with the unmatched, exceptional customer service you’ve come to expect from us. Like our other locations, our team members are your neighbors and friends, serving you and the community we all love. Ken Segura Vice President, Office Manager ksegura@sancapbank.com 239-274-6250

Visit or contact us and find out how we can help you today.

239-274-6250 | 9311 College Parkway, Fort Myers www.SanCapBank.com NMLS #411904


Page 20

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

AUGUST 2020

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, Lending; Robbie Roepstorff, President. From left middle row: Darrin Grotrian, Asst. Vice President, Lending, Sanibel-Captiva Asst. Office Manager; 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 To learn Office Manager; Pam Edwards, services Vice President, Lending.

more about our customer 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.


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