December 2018 Southwest Florida Business Today

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Cape Coral ramps up for new year Business community gathers to ‘Catch The Vision’

Special to SWFBT Submitted by Karen Moore, Publisher The venue was packed; an estimated 500 in attendance for Cape Coral’s eighth annual “Catch The Vision” real estate live/live video presentation.

CareerSource City Manager John Szerlag proTake a look at “The State Of claimed, “Cape Coral continues to Talent In SWFL” with CareerSource rock!” He noted the City tops the Southwest Florida, Special to SWFBT. Forbes list as the fastest growing city in the United States; Manpower claims Looking it is the No. 1 city in the country for employment growth; Business InsidBack, ers magazine states Cape Coral is No.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Looking UNCOMMON FRIENDS Look Back, Look Ahead Ahead

7 on its national list of places Millennials want to live. “And the accolades go on,” he said.

Szerlag noted: “The City’s population is currently almost 200,000: it is the 9th largest city in Florida with the lowest unemployment numbers in the country at 2.9 percent. And the growth continues.”

Dan Creighton, of Creighton Development, shared that Lucky’s Market grocery is anchoring a new plaza on the southeast corner of Santa Barbara Boulevard and Veterans Expressway. Lucky’s Market is a grocery store

chain focusing on natural and organic foods where customers can drink craft beer or wine while they shop. It is scheduled to open by early 2019.

Creighton noted, “Without the traffic light being installed at 27th & Santa Barbara, this parcel would have been storage units.”

A-1 Shelters Self Storage recently opened its state-of-the-art, 550-unit facility on Chiquita Boulevard, with all the security benefits today’s technology allows. A new animal shelter is opening soon with overwhelming support from the Cape Coral community, CAPE See page 15

Entrepreneurs and business leaders reflect on 2018 and consider what 2019 has in store.

Commercial Real Estate

A specially focused monthly section exploring the SWFL commercial real estate marketplace.

IN THE NEWS

Luminary Hotel project to proceed as planned

The Luminary Hotel will be lighting up downtown in early 2020. The settlement of a quiet title lawsuit regarding deed restricted land in downtown Fort Myers has been approved in court, allowing the long-awaited $91-million project to move forward.

“Our city is growing, and this project is one of many that will provide much-needed amenities for residents, visitors and area businesses,” said City Manager Saeed Kazemi. In the interest of public benefit, the city and the defendants agreed to transfer the deed restriction to a city-owned island in the Caloosahatchee to be developed as the Legacy Island Park.

The city will spend at least $500,000 to clear a portion of the property to create a park with picnic benches and other amenities, install security cameras, make improvements to a public access beach area HOTEL See page 14

Photos by Red Door Photography Winner of the 2018 Business Ethics Award – PBS Contractors, as represented by Russell Budd, Founder and CEO, Bart Zino, Kimberly Ortegon and Mark Simmons.

Gala honors business ethics leaders PBS Contractors of Naples received the 2018 Business Ethics Award from the Uncommon Friends Foundation at its annual Uncommon Evening gala, held Nov. 8 at the Burroughs Home & Gardens on the Fort Myers riverfront.

PBS Contractors is a luxury residential and commercial builder and remodeler serving South Lee and Collier Counties and was represented by Russell Budd, CEO and owner, along with Bart Zino, Kimberly Ortegon and Mark Simmons.

Brian Rist, president and CEO of title sponsor Storm Smart, presented the award to PBS Contractors before an audience of business, education and community leaders and student scholarship winners. Other finalists in

Marilyn Stout presents Lifetime Achievement Award to AWARD See page 15 Gray Davis

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 3

The most unexpected threat to your business security

By Mona Hilton Guest Columnist

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

Part 1 of 2 You already know by now you need to give careful attention to the security on your computers, networks and other devices (or you’re smart enough to hire us to do it for you). Either way, cyber-crime is BIG business, and business owners are seen as the low hanging fruit by attackers who are looking for easy-to-steal financial data, passwords and more.

However, there’s a bigger threat to small business data security that not only can leak your information out to the masses, but can also corrupt or erase data, disrupt operations and bring business to a screeching halt.

What is it? Surprisingly, it’s your employees.

Check out some of the ways employees unknowingly compromise your business’s security and find out what you can do about it.

Human Error We’ve found when it comes to your computer network, human error is the number one reason data gets deleted or corrupted, systems fail and viruses get through.

Most of the time, the threat is an innocent mistake without ill intentions.

Someone accidentally deletes an important file, downloads an innocentlooking email attachment or sends information to the wrong email address.

Regardless of intent, employee mistakes can be quite costly for any small business.

The key to combating the threat is to expect mistakes and take actions to minimize their impact. For example, having a remote copy of critical files could save you a disaster when important files are accidentally deleted.

Make sure you educate employees about malicious viruses and malware that could impact your computer network. Having a good firewall and clearly establishing (and communicating) policies regarding what can be downloaded and from where can also minimize problems.

Carelessness The most well-intended and conscientious employees can sometimes be careless. An example might be an employee that openly displays passwords for all their user accounts on post-it notes to make it ‘easier’ to login, or employees who use the same password for every account.

Some employees store sensitive files on public services like Dropbox, Evernote or Google Docs instead of the company’s secure file server because it’s easier or more convenient. After all, they just need to save something quickly and have every intention of copying the file to its rightful place when they return to the office in the morning.

They figure, what could go wrong?

The key to handling carelessness is education and clearly established policies. Without them, employees may not truly understand the threat their actions represent.

Smartphones & Mobile Devices Allowing your employees to access your network through smartphones and tablet devices has become all the rage—and for good reason. Employees who use their personal devices for work often get more work done and are able to collaborate or take conference calls outside of the office. Yet, despite the productivity gains, these devices can pose a serious threat to your business security.

Consider that many employees install unsupported software on their devices

that could contain malicious content.

Again, many people also use public services like Dropbox, Skype, Twitter or Facebook to store or distribute company documents and information.

In addition, smartphones and tablets can be lost or stolen. When these devices contain confidential company information, the threat to security is clear.

Continued in the Jan. 2019 issue of SWFBT Mona Hilton is the founder and CEO of Genesis Global Technologies. Contact her at monah@genesisgt.com or (239) 337-2667.

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Page 4

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

DECEMBER 2018

LOOK BACK, LOOK AHEAD

B&I’s growth sparks investment in employees I am a proud Fort Myers native and have spent my entire professional career in Florida.

That means I’ve witnessed our state’s steady population and business growth, and also experienced the devastating impact of hurricanes, economic recessions and a collapse of the housing market.

Every economy has ups and downs, and it’s important to observe case studies to get a pulse on the business community. If a recent review of B&I Contractors’ growth is any indication, we all have a reason to celebrate the current economic conditions in Florida.

Our company has been in business for a long time—since 1960, to be exact—and has earned a strong reputation as a leader in mechanical, plumbing, electrical and refrigeration construction, along with HVAC/R service and preventative maintenance.

During B&I’s first five decades, 1960 to 2010, we grew our workforce from a few individuals to several hundred employees and experienced annual revenue that grew from the millions into tens of millions of dollars.

Nothing, however, compares to the exceptional growth we currently are experiencing. In 2016, B&I reported sales revenues of $59 million. That jumped to $95 million in 2017, and if projections hold true, we’ll approach $120 million in 2018.

That certainly is a cause for celebration within our company, but also for Florida’s business climate as a whole. Here’s why.

More projects for us means more jobs for our community and higher wages for all of our employees. During this rapid period of growth, B&I has grown its employee count from 377 to 665 while simultaneously expanding our geographic footprint

beyond Southwest Florida with additional offices in Tampa, Sarasota and Tamarac.

Skilled trades workers were more plentiful in the mid-2000s, but the construction market collapse forced many construction workers to leave Florida. B&I’s first choice is to always hire locals and provide training when necessary to develop their skills.

BY GARY Our employees are your hardGRIFFIN working neighbors and friends Guest Columnist who will spend their wages right here in Florida, thus keeping our economic cycle churning at full speed. Our employees dine at local restaurants, buy goods from local stores, visit local attractions and pay local taxes. The dollars they earn largely stay here in Florida, changing hands many times over their lifetime and helping other local businesses to grow and prosper.

The Southwest Florida, Tampa Bay and Southeast Florida areas literally have hundreds of contractors, and we all compete with each other for talent. B&I has an extensive history of hiring only the most-qualified and capable employees, and during this most recent growth spurt, we brought in a full-time, on-staff recruiter to help us find the best employees and lure more young people into lucrative construction careers. We also hired a corporate trainer to ensure every new hire, as well as employees who already were on the payroll, construct our projects to the highest level of quality, industry standards and protocol. But beyond recruiting and training for the required skillsets, we’re looking for individuals to represent our core values: quality, in-

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com tegrity, teamwork and safety.

B&I also marked a milestone in 2018 by celebrating 20 years of offering Apprenticeship to Journeyman Training to all of our employees. This program covers 100 percent of costs for employees who participate and also offers up to $1,000 in incentive pay for those who complete each year successfully.

The intent behind this program is to offer a career path to our employees, keep B&I competitive and help produce a highly skilled workforce. I’ve enjoyed the privilege of serving on the boards for both the Tri-County Apprenticeship Academy in Fort Myers and Associated Builders and Contractors in Tampa, which administers the Apprenticeship Training using curriculum from the National Center for Continuing Education and Research with the goal of fostering and promoting career advancement for Florida residents pursuing careers in plumbing, electrical, pipefitting and HVAC. Despite our company’s rapid growth, B&I still is rooted in the principles of a small business with a family atmosphere. Adding the recruiter and trainer positions represent a substantial investment for our company, but also a substantial investment in our community that offers more people who call Florida home an opportunity to pursue successful careers in the construction industry.

Gary Griffin is president and CEO of B&I Contractors, a Fort Myers-based contractor specializing in mechanical, plumbing, electrical, service and refrigeration for clients in commercial, institutional and industrial industries. Contact him at (239) 332-4646.

Start www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com PUBLISHER Karen P. Moore PRINT EDITOR & ASSOCIATE WEB EDITOR Jacob Ogles PRODUCTION MANAGER Jennifer Ogles PHOTO REVIEWER Colleen Scott PRINT AD DESIGNERS C. Robert Brown Jennifer Ogles DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGNER & EDITOR Michelle L. Hudson

P.O. Box 152299 Cape Coral, FL 33915-2299 News: 239-573-9731 All other: 239-573-9732 News email: editor@swfloridabusinesstoday.com All other information requests: publisher@ swfloridabusinesstoday.com The contents of Southwest Florida Business Today are copyright 2013 by Southwest Florida Newspapers, Inc. No portion may be reproduced without the express written consent of Southwest Florida Newspapers, Inc. The publication of any advertisement or article does not necessarily reflect the view of the publisher of Southwest Florida Business Today. For more information about any article or column appearing in Southwest Florida Business Today, for advertising rates or subscription information please call 239-573-9732 or email: publisher@ swfloridabusinesstoday.com

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Stabilized Steps gave its pitch at Tech Challenge Stabilized Steps, a company founded on innovation and focused on improving the lives of people with mobility issues, announced it was among a group of small emerging companies and community-based teams that presented at the inaugural Assistive Tech Challenge Pitch Competition on Nov. 3 in Rochester, Minn.

The pitch challenge was presented

by Destination Medical Center’s Discovery Square in collaboration with The Arc Minnesota Southeast Region and the disABILITY Mayo Clinic Employee Resource Group to facilitate greater independence for individuals with disabilities and the daily challenges they face. The event also was designed to strengthen their ability to live more independently and reduce the direct support workforce crisis.

“Our participation in this competition exposed our company to a whole new set of people who provided us with valuable feedback on our products,” said Stephanie C. Gomez, cofounder, president and CEO of Stabilized Steps. “We also made many contacts which will help us expand our dealer locations and other distribution channels nationwide.”

Based in Naples, Stabilized Steps is the creator of patented stabilizers that allow traditional walkers to be more stable on various terrains such as sand, gravel, grass, mud and snow, increasing steadiness in everyday use.

The company also designed special rubber pads which can be placed on walkers, allowing for a variety of indoor uses, including taking them inside a shower and using the walker as mobile/portable toilet rails.

The Stabilizers attach easily to most brands of walkers, providing increased mobility and helping prevent dangerous falls.

DECEMBER 2018

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 5

BUSINESS GIANTS OF A DIFFERENT KIND, PAST AND PRESENT — A TRIBUTE SWFBT salutes its original editor & production manager Shell Factory leader’s As we in the trade say with deep meaning that only his time with volunteer work and vision changed SWFL those in the newspaper business truly understand, but golf, but his wife was still working

that the general public appreciates, Renny is truly an “old newspaper guy,” even though he was only in the newspaper business for maybe 15-20 years. He had built a highly successful career in the corporate insurance business prior to joining the ranks of the press.

I met Renny near the end of his working life, in a role he had fulfilled faithfully and enthusiastically, as Editor of the Island Reporter on Sanibel. We both worked for Breeze Newspapers at the time. I got to know him better when he moved to the Editor position at another Breeze publication, The North Fort Myers Neighbor. Just prior to working at Breeze Newspapers, Renny had owned and operated a Fort Myers publication for a few years.

That’s what got him in to the newspaper business.

Several years later when I started SWFBT, I was seeking an experienced editor who would be open to experiencing the “new adventure” of building a newspaper from scratch. A good friend and business colleague in the newspaper trade recommended I connect with Renny, who was now semi-retired, working at The Breeze a few days a week and easily filling the rest of

full time.

Somehow, after we got together, I was able to convince Renny to move back into fulltime work as Editor of SWFBT while I got the newspaper off the ground. He also served as Production Manager, so he was Severance responsible for preparing the newspaper to go to press. This was 2007; neither a good time for the local economy nor the newspaper business.

When the downturn got worse, and I had to cut expenses and let my other full time employees go, it was then left to me and Renny to get the paper published, with friends and family serving as volunteers to deliver the paper. His dedication was unswerving. About five years ago, when his wife was ready to retire, she told me that she “wanted to have her husband back.” I agreed, happy for him and his wife to retire, but extremely sorry for myself. Suffice it to say I can never repay him.

SWFBT would truly not be here today without him.

Local attorney continues his call to serve SWFL

Born in Hazard, KY, Dudley Goodlette moved to Naples with his family in 1954 when his father was hired to put radio station WNOG-AM (Naples-OnTheGulf) on the air. After graduating from high school, he served for a period in the West Point Military Academy and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business and political science from Eastern Kentucky University and a juris doctorate from the University of Florida.

Returning to Naples to serve as a real estate attorney practicing in land use and zoning law, Goodlette quickly earned a reputation as a business and community leader.

He has served and supported the Collier County Bar Association, the Economic Development Council of Collier County and the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, to name just a few organizations.

His desire to help the community led him into public service. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1998 and was subsequently reelected until term limits caused him to step down in 2006.

His passion for continuing education led Goodlette to serve on the board of trustees of Edison Community College (now Florida SouthWestern State College).

From 2011-12, he served as the school’s interim presi-

dent. He served two years on the board of International College (now Hodges University) and also on the board of trustees for Florida Gulf Coast University.

Clearly not one for retirement, Goodlette joined the Henderson Franklin law firm in May of this year.

I have had the pleasure of meeting him over the years on a few occaGoodlette sions, and he is always approachable, well-spoken and intense in his belief on behalf of his cause.

The first time I had the honor of meeting him a few years ago, he was deeply involved in the inauguration of the Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance. He, along with several key visionaries in this region, was determined to see the Alliance not only come to fruition, but to become a regional force. He gave me his attention, his time and his thoughts. His contributions to Southwest Florida are both impressive and immeasurable.

Thankyou, Mr. Goodlette.

I have lived in Southwest Florida (SWFL) for 20 years. That’s a long time—but in SWFL time, that’s nothing. Talk to some SWFL natives; they can regale you with true pioneer-and-cowboy stories from 40-60 years ago, when today’s SWFL was swamp and farmland, with a smattering of ranches.

That’s the time of Tom Cronin. While not a cowboy in the traditional sense, he was one of those who “tamed the wild Southwest (Florida).” Make no mistake, he was a true visionary who fell in love with the region and envisioned what it could become.

So began the journey that today has left him a larger-than-life image and a larger-than-life footprint on the region. While his most visible legacy to the area’s residents is the quirky and fun Shell Factory in North Fort Myers, he touched projects and accomplishments all over the region.

I met him in 1999, when his repuCronin tation as local legend was cemented.

Eight years later, I began publishing SWFBT. Within six months of its first publication date, I got my first phone call from Tom, who asked me to tell him about this newspaper he’d been receiving. Over the years we kept in touch; he and Pam submitted both editorial and advertising to SWFBT. I am deeply appreciative that he was a staunch SWFBT supporter. Last year, around the time he placed an ad in SWFBT, I gave a presentation to 50 local business owners. After I finished, one audience member stated to the group, “I always thought SWFBT is a good newspaper, but when you see that a guy like Tom Cronin supports it with ad dollars, now THAT’s quite a testimonial to the credibility of this publication.” Hats off to you, Tom!

Bank president exemplifies humble volunteerism

When I started Southwest Florida Business Today brusque. She is my role model for (SWFBT) 11 years ago, a business associate whom finesse. While I’ll never catch up I greatly respect asked me, “Do you know Robbie to her in that department, she has Roepstorff?” When I said, no, I’d never had the pleagiven me wise counsel, in her unsure, my friend said, “You really need to meet her and derstated way, on several occasions get to know her if you can.” When I pressed him as to for which I am very grateful. Over why, he just told me to trust him. He had never let me the years, we have made it a point to down regarding anyone he had recommended I meet have breakfast once or twice a year. up to that point, so I had no reason to doubt him and Her knowledge of this community, simply took his recommendation on faith. humility, achievement and authenRoepstorff As anyone who knows her can attest, especially ticity provide a path for me that I can her executive assistants, Robbie is a moving target, only hope to follow: I can only hope a whirlwind of activity and accomplishment, and I to achieve a fraction of what she has achieved in her had no idea how I might approach her. A few months lifetime and career. later, I found myself at a meeting going to get a cup She gives tirelessly to our local community, is pasof coffee, and there was Robbie doing the same. I in- sionate about her work and her causes, and she clearly troduced myself to her and told her about what my puts her family first. She is always going to step down friend had said about her. She is truly one of the most from one volunteer organization to get back more pergracious people I have ever met and she was very sonal time; then she promptly volunteers for somekind to me in that moment. Since then, she has be- thing else! This community is oh-so-lucky to have come a mentor and role model for me—with my Chi- Robbie as a part of it, as I am grateful for the time and cago Polish-Italian ethnicity, I can be both brash and care she has given me over the years.

This annual feature is submitted by Karen P. Moore, Publisher, SWFBT

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

DECEMBER 2018

ANNIVERSARY

iPartnerMedia acquires Bonita Springs print shop

William C. Huff celebrates 30th anniversary Jim Henderson, owner of William C. Huff Companies, along with his family and staff, are celebrating their 30-year anniversary.

Even though the moving company originally began in 1908, Henderson made the transition from employee to business owner when he bought William C. Huff’s small moving and storage company in Barrington, New Hampshire on Dec. 15, 1988.

The original company began when two men were hired to move a piano. Today, the company has over 35 full-time employees and is a full-service logistics provider with offices in Barrington, New Hampshire and Naples, Florida.

What started out as a small business with $30,000 in annual sales has now evolved into a specialty logistics provider that currently generates over $5 million dollars in sales each year.

William C. Huff Companies has moved households of over 30,000 square feet and has provided logistics services for homes valued in excess of $80 million dollars.

Henderson says in the early years, household contents they moved were considered average priced. Today, his company handles priceless family heirlooms, antiques, fine art and wine collections worth millions of dollars and has over 36,000 total moves to their credit.

The full-service company specializes in complete

iPartnerMedia, a digital marketing agency and Google Partner, has acquired Bonita Print Shop, an award winning printing company that has been serving Southwest Florida for more than 35 years.

Operations of both firms have been consolidated at 28200 Old 41 Road, Unit 206 in Bonita Springs. The combined firms offer professional graphic design and development of websites and execution of strategies to boost website traffic such as pay per click advertising, search engine optimization, business printing and direct mail campaigns.

In addition, iPM has launched a new corporate website. Visitors to www.ipartnermedia.com will experience simple navigation and transparent pricing for digital marketing packages. The website also features an extensive resource library of easy to read articles that educate businesses about a variety of marketing topics. “iPartnerMedia has been offering integrated digital and print marketing solutions for more than six years,”says Mark Pace, co-founder of iPartnerMedia. “We are ecstatic to both expand our print operations and introduce Bonita Print Shop’s loyal clients to iPM’s digital marketing expertise.”

personalized logistics support for high and ultra-high net worth home owners, builders, designers, architects and estate managers and has a wide range of services for local, national and international clients.

“The original company mission statement was to maintain a reputation for a tradition of quality by Henderson consistently providing courtesy to the clients, care for their furnishings, and diligence in work performance, and this is still true today,” says Henderson.

One of the company’s new goals is to focus on a sustainable future. Henderson notes current technology shows a better way to handle the balance between economy and ecology. The company installed solar panels three years ago, making their 44,000-square-foot warehouse powered by solar electricity. It’s important to Henderson and his team to have a negative carbon footprint on the environment. The company also reuses and recycles over 250,000 pounds of boxes annually.

A tradition of quality now means more than just moving and storage to Henderson and his team, it means quality of life for the community and future generations.

For more information about William C. Huff Companies, call 800-231-3557 or visit www.wchuffmoving.com.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 7

The State of

TALENT

in Southwest Florida

Presented by: CareerSource Southwest Florida Southwest Florida’s Employment and Training Subject Matter Expert

Background: • CareerSource Southwest Florida is part of a statewide (24 Regions), Employment and Training Network consisting of over a hundred career centers. Each center is branded as CareerSource followed by a geographic indicator such as CareerSource Suncoast (our neighbors to the north serving Sarasota/Manatee Counties) or CareerSource South Florida (Miami/Dade-Monroe counties).

• Employ Florida is the statewide job matching system operated through The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO).

• Businesses post job opening information such as wage per hour, minimum education and work experience, number of openings along with a variety of other occupational data.

• Job seekers register through Employ Florida listing their education level, work experience, desired wage and other job seeker information.

About the Data: • Through the individual CareerSource Regions data is compiled by the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and can be disseminated by Metropolitan Statistical Areas ( MSA-Cities), Counties or Workforce Regions (SWFL is Region 24).

• Employ Florida has the largest database of business and job seeker information in Southwest Florida but because all information is self-reported some caution should be used when analyzing the data.

It is always a best practice to contact a CareerSource Southwest Florida Subject Matter Expert with questions.

SW FL Popula,on: 1,280,802 2017 Es,mate

“The Regional Career Fair has been one of the best career fairs I have ever attended.

The candidates who came by were very polished and highly engaged in their career search. I look forward to bringing many in for interviews.”

Charlo3e - 13%

Collier - 28%

172,720

Glades - 1%

357,420

698,468

Hendry - 3%

– Jackie Garcia, Sr. Human Resources Manager, Cintas Corporation

Lee - 55%

13,087 39,057 Source: Bureau of Economic & Business Research, University of Florida

The chart below shows the annual increase by numbers and percentages, by industry, from 2016 to 2017.

• Three out of the top four highest changes in industry require a high school diploma or less.

• Construction has made a comeback.

• Southwest Florida has become a leader in the Continuum of Care Facilities industry which is reflected in the increased demand in the Health Care - Social Assistance Industry.

Annual Employment Change by Industry

Industry

Average Annual Increase

Health Care and Social Assistance

1,673

2.9%

Retail Trade

1,256

1.7%

Construction Accommodation and Food Services

1,012 790

2.1% 1.3%

Self-Employed and Unpaid Family Workers

659

1.5%

Administrative and Support and Waste Management

593

1.8%

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

567

2.4%

Other Services (Except Government)

267

1.3%

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation

243

1.4%

Wholesale Trade

214

1.7%

Real Estate and Rental and Leasing

206

1.6%

Educational Services

169

2.9%

Finance and Insurance

142

1.2%

Manufacturing

129

1.2%

Transportation and Warehousing

114

1.6%

Other

-20

-0.1%

Total 8,015 Source: Employment Projections, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

Average Annual Percentage Increase

1.7%

Although this data is compiled by DEO, Employ Florida; CareerSource Southwest Florida would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Dr. Christopher Westley, Associate Director, and the staff of the Regional Economic Research Institute, Lutgert College of Business, for their professional analysis and selfless contribution to CareerSource Southwest Florida.

Page 8

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

DECEMBER 2018

Chicken or

DEMAND

Any statistical expert will tell you “Data can be interpreted in a variety of ways for a variety of purposes.”

Here in Southwest Florida there are several factors that go into the demand side of occupations.

Some of those factors are: • We are becoming a year round economy rather than the historical seasonal recruitment model • Without any unforeseen disaster either natural or man-made, we will remain largely a service oriented economy with a demand for a low wage/low skill labor force.

• The industries driving occupational demand are: Hospitality/Leisure, Retail Trade, Healthcare, Education and Construction Top 10 Adult Vocational Growth Occupations 2017 to 2025 Average Annual Growth

Occupation

Current Median Employment Wage

Customer Service Representatives

1,376

9,073

$14.41

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive

1,348

11,212

$15.92

Cooks, Restaurant

1,302

7,460

$13.31

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

1,022

8,160

$20.10

Nursing Assistants

1,019

6,538

$13.24

Carpenters

867

7,417

$18.45

First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers

754

4,565

$16.31

Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

634

5,694

$17.27

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

557

3,702

$13.52

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products Source: Occupational Supply/Demand Report, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

555

4,626

$22.91

Top 10 Some College Growth Occupations 2017 to 2025 Average Annual Growth

Occupation

Current Employment

Median Wage

Registered Nurses

866

10,434

$31.18

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

648 588

5,928 5,072

$17.91 $25.03

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

568

4,772

$27.50

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

546

7,463

$49.75

General and Operations Managers Business Operations Specialists, All Other

433 342

4,275 3,044

$50.64 $30.65

Recreation Workers

235

1,206

$11.88

Construction Managers

234

2,713

$39.23

2,414

$28.10

Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers 233 Source: Occupational Supply/Demand Report, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

“We are pleased to partner with CareerSource Florida and bring over $13 Million in Quick Response and Incumbent Worker training dollars to Southwest Florida.

Over the last four years, this successful partnership has helped train over 7,000 new hires.”

– Adrian Kerr, Director Corporate Training, Florida SouthWestern State College

“We thoroughly enjoy and appreciate our partnership with CareerSource Southwest Florida. Their assistance has been instrumental in our successful Customer Contact Center expansion into Southwest Florida.

We look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come”.

– Klaus Buellesbach, Director Ace Care Center & Tech Services, Ace Hardware Corporation

Occupations Requiring Bachelor Degree or Higher

Occupation

Average Annual Growth

Current Median Employment Wage

Minimum Education

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

405

4,142

$29.71

Bachelor's degree

Accountants and Auditors

398

3,538

$30.59

Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

256 215

1,944 2,280

$40.24 $30.75

Bachelor's degree Bachelor's degree

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

190

1,945

$29.74

Bachelor's degree

Lawyers

147

2,343

$49.24

Juris Doctorate

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents Clergy

133 108

1,353 887

$29.60 $19.96

Bachelor's degree Bachelor's degree

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

98

743

$17.68

Master's degree

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

98

712

$29.07

Bachelor's degree

Source: Occupational Supply/Demand Report, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

www.careersourcesouthwestflorida.com

DECEMBER 2018

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

r The Egg?

SUPPLY

“Build it and they will come” It’s a great phrase and worked in the movie; however the cost of start-up programs, length of approval process and the time lag in individuals finding employment (outcomes) along with the challenge of sustainability (filling classes) have proven a bigger challenge and resulted in many failures …But continue we must and so we shall!

“CareerSource Southwest Florida’s On-the-Job Training funds have helped us offset the cost of training our new hires, saving us thousands of dollars. We choose the candidates and train them the way we want them trained. CareerSource Southwest Florida is also a good resource to help us with educating the new hires about the opportunities they have working with Conditioned Air and helping new hires better understand expectations associated with good work habits employers look for.”

– Kurt Englund, Human Resources Manager, Conditioned Air

“CareerSource Southwest Florida was one of the first organizations we had contacted when we decided to open an Amazon delivery station in Southwest Florida. The partnership has been absolutely excellent from A to Z and we could not be happier with such a great turnout! They have performed beyond our expectations and we look forward to working very closely with CareerSource Southwest Florida for all of our hiring needs!” ­­– Donald Caldwell, Talent Supply Chain Engagement Senior Coordinator, Amazon

“The Southwest Florida Regional Tech Partnership received grant funds from CareerSource Southwest Florida to develop a technology workforce survey to better understand gaps in our workforce and promote technology-related certification attainment. We have conducted awareness sessions in three counties and will continue to work with CSSF through their grant period to help deliver and document the result and most importantly help Southwest Florida residents get access to valuable certification training”.

– John LaFreniere, President, Southwest Florida Regional Technology Partnership

Page 9

Page 10

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

HIGHLIGHTS

• Often referred to as the three legged stool, Hospitality, Healthcare and Construction lead economic growth in Southwest Florida • Six out of the top ten growth occupations require a high school diploma or less • High School adoption of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) curricula are producing college and job applicants with a solid background in STEM. • Employers report foundation skills (soft/people skills) are most lacking in job applicants • Healthcare has the highest median occupational wage.

• Collier County ranks 9th out of the top ten wage-earning counties in Florida • Affordable workforce housing (different than subsidized housing) will continue to be challenge • Commonly called The Brain Drain or young professionals leaving the area due to a lack of diversified career opportunities • Low unemployment (2.9 percent) will cause wages to increase. Inflation is 2 percent. Wage increase is currently 3.1 percent; both are signs of a strong economy.

DECEMBER 2018

September

2018 2017 United States Unemployment Rate 3.6 4.1 Florida 3.5 4.1 Charlotte 3.5 4.6 Collier 3.3 4.6 Glades 3.9 5.5 Hendry 6.6 9.0 Lee 2.9 4.1 Cape Coral/Fort Myers (MSA) 2.9 4.1 Naples/Immokalee/Marco 3.3 4.6 Record Low Lee County

Sept. 1999

2.3%

“We have held several on-site recruitment events at CareerSource Southwest Florida’s centers and each one has been successful. The staff is amazing and will go the extra mile to meet our needs”.

– Rasheka Fuller, Human Resource Recruiter, United Parcel Service

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

Veterans Program We are dedicated to the recognition and delivery of services to veterans. All Employment Representatives are empowered to develop employment opportunities with employers and complements the Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists in a team effort to improve employment outcomes for targeted Veterans.

Youth Programs

Destination Careers Out-of-school Youth

Providing youths age 16 - 24, who are outof-school with access to quality education and job opportunities through guidance; continued support for educational attainment; opportunities for skills training in in-demand industries and occupations; culminating with a good job along a career pathway or enrollment in post­secondary education.

Destination Graduation In-school Youth

Unique to Southwest Florida, Destination Graduation was developed and launched in school year 2009-2010. Designed to provide services such as mentoring, academic enrichment, workforce preparation and other workforce development services to enrolled high school students in participating high schools. The focus is on increasing high school graduation rates.

SWFL CareerSource Locations 1. Cape Coral (Satellite) 1020 Cultural Park Blvd.

Cape Coral, FL 33990

2. Clewiston (Full-Service) 215-B S. Francisco Street Clewiston, FL 33440

3. Fort Myers (Full-Service) 4150 Ford Street Extension Fort Myers, FL 33916

4. Immokalee (Full-Service) 750 S. 5th Street Immokalee, FL 34142 5. LaBelle (Satellite) 921 Anvil Circle LaBelle, FL 33935

6. Naples (Full-Service) 3050 Horseshoe Dr. N. Bldg. A, #110 Naples, FL 34104 7. Port Charlotte (Full-Service) 3745 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte, FL 33952

The Southwest Florida Development Board, Inc., d.b.a. CareerSource Southwest Florida, operates five full service career centers and two satellite centers.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the services offered through CareerSource Southwest Florida, contact Peg Elmore, Director of Business Services: (239) 931-8282 or email her at pelmore@careersourcesouthwestflorida.com

DECEMBER 2018

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 11

COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida

Who says there’s no land left for development in Collier County?

Special To SWFBT Submitted by Karen P. Moore, Publisher

Mark Strain, Collier County Planning Commission Chair since 2005, recently shared the latest growth numbers and development news for the county with a local commercial real estate audience. “Future growth in Collier County will primarily occur in the county’s rural areas.” He noted, “We’ve got one more rural area project to go this year; five more in total overall.”

“There is so much commercial growth going on in the county right now,” Strain noted, “including the first high-rise in an urban area.”

Moreover, he pointed out, the current population growth trend exceeds earlier projections because those projections from the “East of 951 Study” predated rural re-planning. He observed, “Just like Lee County, our biggest problem is having the transportation infrastructure in place to support the increased population projections.” Improvement here is underway with the proposed addition of Big Cypress Parkway to ease traffic headed to Interstate-75: more overpasses are also in the plans.

Initially, most commercial activity in the county’s rural lands was not projected to begin until 2025.

But, Strain said, right now we are developing well ahead of these expectations. Buildout for the county, he added, is projected for 2060 at 690,000. Earlier

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com projections had buildout at 450,000. Geographically, Collier is the largest county in Florida and includes three cities within its borders; Naples, Marco Island and Everglades City.

Back in 1999, he shared, then-Gov. Jeb Bush said Collier County needed a development plan including agriculture, the environment and commercial development: “Now,” Strain pointed out, “we’re being told we need more density.” So while more multi-family units are currently underway, Strain noted, the affordable housing component needs to be added.

Rural lands development has begun as well, all of it zoned mixed-use with commercial. Ave Maria has completed its first phase and is booming—the plans for the second phase were just submitted for approval.

The development of Rural Lands West, Collier Lakes, Hogan Island and Immokalee Road Rural Village is projected to include more than 18,000 residential units combined.

Commercial development continues on its growth path with 119 proposed projects, more than half of which are planned in East Naples. Grocery stores are coming in at a rapid pace. Lucky’s is opening three locations, Aldi’s four and Walmart one. Local Oakes Farms owner Alfie Oakes is set to open his Seed To Table grocery store by the end of 2019: the area’s first

Sprouts location is opening its doors as well. Hotels are also on the rise, including Arthrex adding a 169room hotel to its office campus. Towne Place, Home 2, Woodsprings, and Staybridge are also adding hotel locations to the county.

The good news just keeps coming as Florida Southwestern State College recently announced a $52-million expansion and renovation to take place between 2018 and 2023. Several other commercial projects are moving forward as well, including an assisted living facility; self-storage unit; Wawa convenience store and gas station; Dollar Tree; AutoZone and more— all on Collier Boulevard to Floridian Avenue. Other hotbeds of commercial activity include U.S. 41 and Rattlesnake Hammock to Airport Boulevard; Davis Boulevard; Pelican Bay and Waterpark Place.

The first of five towers of the Kalea Bay project is complete and the golf course proposal is in review. Gateway of Naples (formerly the Trio project that was foreclosed on) has a proposal from the new owners under review right now. Not surprisingly, the number of assisted living facilities is also increasing.

The Gateway Mini Triangle, the first commercial high-rise project in Collier, with a mix of residential and commercial, is currently deep-in-process. Finally of course, the Collier County Sports Complex offers abundant commercial opportunities.

So apparently, Collier County has figured out several ways to keep growing—and growing it is!

BCB Homes opens office in Boca Grande

A before shot of the Village Walk Town Center in February 2018. Gulf Western Roofing will complete the re-roofing of this center by mid 2019.

Village Walk Town Center gets new roof Gulf Western Roofing signed a contract amounting to over $600,000 to re-roof the central hub of one of the largest communities in Southwest Florida, The Village Walk Town Center in Naples.

The Village Walk Town Center in Naples has been around for nearly 20 years. Village Walk Naples received the Community Association of the Year award four times and is home to nearly 850 residents. GWR is currently working on dozens of homes throughout the community repairing storm-damaged residential roofs for homeowners.

The family of Joe Lamb, Jr., president and CEO of Gulf Western Roofing, was integral in

the construction of Village Walk and its Town Center in the mid-’90s, and Lamb now has the chance to revisit his work and help the community rebuild after devastation from Hurricane Irma last September.

Gulf Western Roofing will use clay roof tiles to keep consistent with the traditional Florida charm the Town Center currently possesses.

“We are thrilled to be working on the Village Walk Town Center. As this was one of my first projects in Naples,” said Lamb. “It’s an honor to be chosen to work on the community again and rebuild one of our local landmarks.”

Construction is estimated to complete by mid-2019.

BCB Homes announced it opened its new office in Boca Grande in late November. Located on Park Avenue, the office will be the homebuilder’s second location, with corporate offices in Naples.

Working in conjunction with the Boca Grande Historical Society, BCB Homes transformed one wall of the new office into a pictorial timeline representing the history of the community.

The office features rustic/coastal styling with a contemporary flair of natural wood with grey and white accents. The entire space was remodeled and beautifully transformed in less than 60 days.

BCB Homes, a premier builder in Boca Grande, is also co-developer of the nearly 10acre Hill Tide Estates on the southern tip of Gasparilla Island. The company has been building waterfront and estate homes for over two decades.

“When choosing a location to expand our offices, Boca Grande was at the top of our list,” said Greg Brisson, president of BCB Homes.

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Page 12

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

DECEMBER 2018

COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida

Lee BIA names Pinnacle, Summit award recipients The Lee Building Industry Association (Lee BIA) held its annual Industry Awards Nov. 3 at the Southwest Florida Event Center to recognize members for industry excellence.

Industry Awards winners are recognized with Pinnacle and Summit Awards that celebrate excellence in the Lee County Building Industry, both residential and commercial. The Pinnacle Awards were created by the Lee BIA Sales & Marketing Council in 1990 to pay tribute to its members for outstanding residential design, new home sales and marketing. The Summit Awards were created by the Lee BIA Commercial Contractors Council in 2006 to recognize its members for excellence in commercial building, planning and design.

The Pinnacle Grand Award for Residential Developer of the Year was awarded to Miromar Development and the Summit Grand Award for Commercial Contractor of the Year was a tie, awarded to GCG Construction and Stevens Construction.

Other winners include: Holiday Builders, Norris Furniture & Interi-

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

ors, Royal Shell Real Estate, Miromar Development Corp., Beattie Development Corp., Clive Daniel Home, Stock Development, Robb & Stucky, Vogue Interiors, Waterside Interiors, Collins & DuPont, PulteGroup, Aubuchon Homes, Harbourside Custom Homes, PDS Architecture, Advance Solar & Energy, Frank R. Jenkins Custom Homes, D.R. Horton, Barraco and Associates, Kuhlman Concrete, DEC Contracting Group, Envirostruct, GCG Construction, Wright Construction Group, Gulfpoint Construction Company, Chris-Tel Construction, Castellanos and Tramonte Architects, GMA Architects & Planners, Studio A.D., Wegman Design Group and Juniper Landscaping.

“We look forward to this event every year as it allows us to recognize and celebrate the hard work and creativity of our members,” said Phillip Ford, executive vice president of the Lee BIA. “Our members work day in and day out building the community we all live and work in.”

Photo by Michaela Meets World Photography Al Zichella and Chuck Fowke present Dan Adams of Stevens Construction and Lerin Byrd of GCG Construction, who tied, with the Summit Grand Award for Commercial Contractor of the Year and George Mato of Miromar Development with the Pinnacle Grand Award for Residential Developer of the Year.

Mosaic at the Forum in Fort Myers sells for $49.7 million

Cushman & Wakefield’s Florida Multifamily Group negotiated the sale of Mosaic at the Forum, a 252-unit, newly constructed apartment community in Fort Myers. The property sold for $49.7 million, or $197,321 per unit, marking Cushman & Wakefield’s second Class A apartment sale in Fort Myers this year.

Senior Director Brad Capas, Senior Director Luis Elorza and Vice Chairman Robert Given represented St. Petersburg, Florida-based Mosaic Development in the transaction. Mosaic Development has multifamily

development ongoing throughout Southwest Florida, Tampa and Orlando. The buyer is an entity led by InvestRes, a privately held real estate investment company with multifamily assets throughout Florida and several other states. InvestRes has a Florida headquarters in Tampa.

Completed in December 2017, Mosaic at the Forum, which was managed by Incore Residential, experienced a rapid lease-up and was approximately 95 percent occupied at the time of sale. The gated apart-

ment community consists of 10 three-story buildings on a 13-acre site.

“Southwest Florida continues to attract a broad audience of multifamily buyers ranging from private investors to large institutions,” said Capas. “It is among the fastest-growing submarkets in the country with an impressive employment story, and investors are taking note. We are continuously contacted by investors who are specifically targeting Lee and Collier counties for multifamily investment.”

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 13

COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida

FGCU begins work on Student & Community Counseling Center Florida Gulf Coast University is expanding access to mental and behavioral healthcare for underserved populations in Southwest Florida.

The university officially broke ground Tuesday on its Student and Community Counseling Center.

The 27,000-square-foot facility will feature a community counseling clinic.

The building’s new clinic creates improved access to group counseling, psychoeducation and counseling services to Southwest Florida’s underserved populations, including children, adolescents and families, at little or no cost to them. This training facility will be staffed by advanced graduate student interns under the supervision of licensed faculty supervisors.

“The Student and Community Counseling Center will serve as the hub that uniquely integrates the university’s academics through our counseling department in Marieb College of Health & Human Services and the services through our Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS),” said Robbie Roepstorff, vice chair of the FGCU Board of Trustees. “It is a great example of successfully blending the classroom and the community.”

Vital to the construction of this facility was a gift by David and Alise Bartley, who came to FGCU with the

Florida Gulf Coast University will open the Student and Community Counseling Center in the fall of 2019. intention of creating a community counseling clinic.

“If there’s a more relentless person on behalf of this project anywhere, I can’t find her because Alise Bartley has taken that position,” said FGCU President Mike Martin. “That passion is expressed in so many ways. This is going to be a tribute and a legacy that you can take pride in long after the many years we all get to serve here.”

Alise Bartley, who is currently a visiting professor in the FGCU counseling department, said, “Integral to the DNA of the community counsel-

ing center is our desire to support the Southwest Florida community in times of need, whether it’s through direct counseling and consultation services, training, collaboration, outreach or prevention.”

Bartley announced the fee for services for community members will be “$25 per hour or whatever you make an hour, whichever is the least.”

Ed Morton, a member of the Board of Governors of the State University System of Florida, said, “FGCU is uniquely positioned to lead mental health and behavioral health, not only

in our region, but by setting an example for the entire State University System.

When we first argued for this university, many years ago, those of us who were involved advocated for leadership to change the perception of Southwest Florida. So as we’ve changed the perception of Southwest Florida in respect to higher education, so, too, may we change the impression and the dedication and the commitment of this entire state to mental health and behavioral health.”

CAPS will relocate to the new facility. The department is the principal behavioral health counseling service for FGCU’s 15,000 students. CAPS provides four distinct functions on campus: direct counseling and therapy services; training; consultation and collaboration; and outreach and prevention. The Office of Adaptive Services will also be housed in the threestory building. The office’s mission is to enhance access for students, faculty, staff and guests with disabilities by providing effective reasonable accommodations through educating the campus community and promoting equal access and opportunity.

The Student and Community Counseling Center is slated to open in the fall of 2019 and is expected to cost $8 million to construct.

7X

Cushman & Wakefield opens Naples office Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially mark the grand opening of its new office in Collier County. The office is located in the Wilson Professional Center Building in Naples.

Nearly 25 business leaders, chamber of commerce members, media representatives, family and friends came out to support the ribbon-cutting and Grand Opening. Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida CEO Gary Tasman kicked off

Earn up to more interest 2

the ceremony with opening remarks, including how elated the firm is to be a part of the Collier County community. Guests were treated to champagne and hors d’ oeuvres to celebrate the opening.

Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida announced earlier this month that it was expanding its operations into Collier County. The expansion allows the company to better serve its clients throughout the Naples and the surrounding area.

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Owner Tommy Dong is excited to bring a new restaurant concept

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Page 14

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

ANNIVERSARY

DeRomo’s celebrates 4th anniversary with feast

DeRomo’s Gourmet Market & Restaurant invited customers and friends to its Fourth Anniversary Italian Feast on Nov. 11 in the parking lot of The Promenade at Bonita Bay. Grand party tents were pitched outside of the market on South Bay Drive in Bonita Springs.

The all-you-can-eat annual event was an opportunity for attendees to share the food and culture of Italy with Owner Francis J. Cuomo and his team. This included a festive selection of traditional Italian favorites and inspired, contemporary recipes, as well as entertainment, dancing and refreshments.

The itinerary, with a DeRomo’s first-ever Veterans Day Color Guard Presentation, included: a car show, comedy, live music, a kid’s play area, corn hole boards, a raffle, a bar and a collection of shops and boutiques.

The live entertainment included: singer Joey Fiato; comedian Michael Panzica; a Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin Tribute; Atilio Marinelli and Diane Potuto (“The Big Hits of the Legends”); and Uptown Express (“DooWop Sound”).

“Our fresh ingredients make for undeniably delicious culinary creations,” Cuomo said. “We always look forward to sharing them with you over beautiful music, a barrel of laughs and this year, some precious moments that honor those who give us the freedom to enjoy events as wonderful as this. Here’s to quattro anni!”

In addition to spreads of Italian Feast food, guests enjoyed the option of dining right in the market or restaurant.

DeRomo’s is a premier Gourmet Market, Restaurant, Gift Shop, Banquet Room and Catering company, serving all Southwest Florida.

It offers a shopping, dining and entertainment experience, as well as a product line that is constantly expanding.

DeRomo’s Gourmet Market & Restaurant is located at 26811 South Bay Drive, at the Promenade at Bonita Bay, Bonita Springs. Call (239) 325-3583.

HOTEL PAGE 1 and create an interpretive trail with signage and a monument recognizing the families that conveyed the land.

“The Legacy Island Park will be a sought-after destination, activating recreational opportunities along the waterfront that will complement downtown development,” said Mayor Randy Henderson. “It’s a great outcome for everyone involved,” said Henderson.

The Luminary Hotel project includes an event center and amphitheater, and will bring approximately 250 post-construction jobs and a projected $500 million in economic activity to downtown.

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Naples chamber hosts business awards The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce announces the recipients of the 2018 Excellence in Industry Awards.

The Excellence in Industry Awards, presented

by The Naples Chamber recognize Collier County businesses and individuals that exemplify innovation, economic diversification and community enhancement. The 2018 Excellence in Industry Awards winners include: Business Expansion: CID Design Group CID Design Group, founded over 15 years ago, has grown from two to 38 employees; 18 of those hired since January 2017. The interior design group has unique multifamily, hospitality and commercial projects in 35 states and over 65 cities. Annual revenues have grown from $1 million to over $15 million since 2014.

Company to Watch: Lenkbar Lenkbar started operations in 2012 with three employees and an idea: to design and manufacture safe and innovative surgical instruments. It has grown to over 25 employees and is expanding into a 16,000-square-foot state of the art facility.

Heart of the Community: Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens Founded almost a century ago, the 43-acre Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens reaches over 350,000 guests each year with its conservation and education mission. Constantly evolving and adapting, the Zoo seeks innovative ways to connect people with animals and nature to inspire them to respect, value and help conserve wildlife and the environment.

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

Pillar Award: Coastal Engineering Consultants Coastal Engineering Consultants has been serving Southwest Florida for over 40 years. Its team of engineers, geologists, scientists and surveyors design workable alternatives to produce results that are in harmony with natural ecosystems. It encourages staff to get involved in the community and has served dozens of nonprofits over the last four decades.

YP of the Year: Alyssa Haney, First Florida Integrity Bank Alyssa Haney has demonstrated ambition and a strong commitment to the community through her advancement at First Florida Integrity Bank and volunteer work for numerous organizations. A 2018 Growing Associates In Naples graduate, she serves on the boards of the United Arts Council, Naples Players and Humane Society of Naples Pawfessionals.

Chairman’s Award: John Passidomo John Passidomo served as a Chamber board member and chair of its Public Policy Committee for many years. His dedication to economic and workforce development is unmatched and he has been an integral part of shaping the mission of the Chamber and its governmental relations platform.

The winners were recognized at the 25th annual awards reception on Nov. 14 at the Silverspot Cinemas. Alex Sink, Florida’s former chief financial officer from 2007 to 2011, delivered the keynote address.

The secret to publishing your own book

Most people think publishing their book thru a I guess you can continue “name publishing” house will give them more credto chase your tail trying to get ibility than self-publishing. someone to judge whether or My personal experience has proven this myth to not your book is worthy enough be false. to be published, and if it is, then wait while those big name pubI just self-published my book, “Supernatural Suclishers work on 9- to 18-month cess: Spiritual Laws I Used To Generate Over a Milproduction schedules to bring lion Dollars In Sales And Beat Oprah In Website Trafyour book to market... or you fic,” at the end of January of this year, and within 45 can contact me and be published days of publishing the book, I signed a major TV deal. in the next 90-120 days, and be My TV show based on my book has aired on four

BY TC seen on TV with your book.

TV networks and be seen in over 200 nations.

BRADLEY Publishing companies that Not a word was spoken about the fact I self-pubGuest Columnist work on 12- to 18-month prolished the book.

Not one 5- star review has mentioned the fact they duction schedules are out of touch with the market. were surprised that my book was “self- published.”

By the way, speed to market is everything in Really, most people that want to be published thru this market. a name publishing house want it for their ego.

The faster we can bring a book to market for I would rather have 100-percent control over my our clients, the more money they will make. work.

I had a prospective client proudly tell me that If I want to make a change to the book, I can make she was publishing her book in November of the change.

2019, a full year from now, based on the outdated If I want to update the cover, I can.

9- to 18-month publishing model.

If I want to change the pricing, I can.

Compare that to my own story. I wrote my I don’t have to jump through any corporate hoops business book within 30 days, and within 45 days to make any changes that I want to my book.

So many clients come to me after a boutique pub- signed a major TV deal that has been seen on four lishing firm publishes their book on their house ac- networks and in 200 nations.

Which publishing model do you want to use? counts and then make their authors jump through My 90-120 production schedule is disrupting hoops to make any changes.

That is why when I publish my client’s book for that old publishing model, and in my opinion, is the way to go if you are going to publish your them, I do so under their accounts. book in today’s marketplace.

They control their book 100 percent.

And by the way, not one of my 100-plus clients that have seen their books with me debut on the Best TC Bradley is the CEO and Founder of the Cape Seller list have been frowned on because they self- Coral-based publishing and media firm Instant Celebrity Status, and is frequently seen on FOX4 published their book. with his “Business Leaders Spotlight” segment.

It just doesn’t happen.

It has not stopped me from putting them on TV Learn more at InstantCelebrityStatus.com, and contact him at (800) 676-1075 Ext. 200. either, with their book as a best-selling author.

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DECEMBER 2018

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

ANNIVERSARY

Bonita Boarding Kennel & Pet held a celebration on Nov. 10. The “Yappy Anniversary” event celebrated 10 years of business in the city of Bonita Springs.

Bonita kennel marks 10 years in business

Bonita Boarding Kennel & Pet held a very successful celebration on Nov. 10. The “Yappy Anniversary” event celebrated 10 years of business in the city of Bonita Springs.

The event kicked off at noon with a ribbon cutting and speech from the owner of BBK, Debi Braendle and the Mayor of Bonita Springs, Peter Simmons.

The Bonita Springs Middle School Steel Drum Band performed throughout the “Yappy Anniversary.” Attendees also enjoyed free hot dogs, popcorn and other refreshments.

Local businesses also were in at-

tendance, such as Canine Command, Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs, Christine Adele Arts, Delicious Raw, Everglades Wonder Gardens, New Horizons, Sit Means Sit and TLC Marketing & Creative Services.

Bonita Boarding Kennel & Pet Camp provides short- and long-term boarding care, daycare and grooming for all dogs and cats. Boarding is also available for other small animals.

To learn more about Bonita Boarding Kennel & Pet Camp, follow them on Facebook, call (239) 992-6878 or go to www.bonitaboardingkennel.com.

CAPE PAGE 1

More big news: 1) the 13-story mixed use 30-unit condominium project in the works with a Midwest developer for Bimini Basin; 2) the Marriott property going in at the corner of Pondella Road and Del Prado Boulevard; 3) Seven Islands is set to see an 8-story hotel and marina; 4) Liberty Park is a $65-million investment that includes apartments, retail and assisted living housing. And this is not to mention 1,200 new affordable housing units; the Nortech remodel and expansion; a new Jeep dealership as well as a new Sutherlin Nissan location and even more on the way and in the works.

So the Cape has plenty to celebrate— and celebrate the City will. Just in time to usher in the New Year, the ball will drop on 2018 to christen the newly redesigned and -developed 47th Terrace.

Szerlag said, “Everyone is invited to join Cape Coral in this New Year’s Eve unveiling.”

according to Joanne Elardo, a founding supporter for this project and the owner/operator of Cape Coral’s Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery and Big Blue Brewery and Restaurant.

WooBamboo launched on Earth Day of 2013. Today, the company’s natural bamboo toothbrushes are distributed in more than 14,000 locations in more than 30 countries. According to one of the company’s founders, Chris Fous, more than 2 million plastic toothbrushes have been replaced with bamboo to date.

When asked why the company chose Cape Coral for its company headquarters, Fous replied, “Southwest Florida is a destination for a better life; making positive change. That’s what our company is all about so it was the right fit for us.”

Page 15

AWARD PAGE 1 attendance were Chris-Tel Construction of Fort Myers, represented

by President Howard L. Wheeler II, and Priority Marketing of Fort Myers, represented by President and Creative Director Teri Hansen.

Known as a concierge builder that puts people before profits, PBS Contractors has been on a mission since its founding in 1986 to build better lives for its team, its clients, and its community. At the cornerstone of PBS are 28 guiding principles that it refers to as,“The PBS Way.” Rather than defining corporate values, they instead define fundamental behaviors that, in turn, guide the day-to-day ethical actions and choices of their 35 employees.

For example, Fundamental No. 2 is “Do the right thing. Always” and Fundamental No. 5 is “Honor Commitments.”

Everyone at PBS Contractors, from entry level to senior management, lives and practices the 28 fundamentals daily to guide decisions and actions, resulting in extraordinary customer satisfaction and superior structures.

Gray Davis was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for his many years of service to the Uncommon Friends Foundation, including serving seven years as chairman of the board of directors (2008 to 2015).

Davis is agency executive/senior vice president of McGriff Insurance Services, a member of BB&T Holdings, the fifth largest independent insurance agency in the United States and the world. He was instru-

mental in raising donations to build the Gale McBride Pavilion in 2015 and also in establishing the Hilliard Student Scholarships to Florida Gulf Coast University. He holds an MBA in finance from Walden University and an Executive MBA from Babson College and is a veteran of the United States Navy and a retired member of the United States Marine Corps.

Rachel Mas was named the 2018 Character Education Teacher of the Year. She is an educator at Cypress Lake Middle School, where she teaches Spanish and Intensive Reading. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Florida SouthWest College, served in the United States Army for 15 years, and is currently an Army Reservist in Cape Coral, Florida, serving as her unit’s Equal Opportunity Representative and UPL chairperson. She believes character education is just as important as students’ core disciplines in their overall education and development.

Board Chair Marilyn Stout recognized past board members Brenda Stewart and Jody VanCooney for more than 20 years each of invaluable volunteer service to Uncommon Friends Foundation on the scholarships program, public relations, and events committees.

The nonprofit Uncommon Friends Foundation, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2018, is dedicated to lifelong character building among today’s youth and business leaders. It strives to inspire future leaders toward excellence of character, a spirit of innovation and a sense of purpose.

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Page 16

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

LOOK BACK, LOOK AHEAD Healing the Heart and massaging the Soul

By Debbie Fasenmyer Guest Columnist Heart and Soul Healing Arts and Massage Therapy is a family-owned and operated wellness facility that has been serving Lee County since 2003. We offer various types of massage including Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal, hot stone and couples.

Others services offered include reiki, reflexology and salt therapy. We are committed to enriching your body, mind and spirit by offering holistic services and healthful information.

With 12 licensed massage therapists and a Reiki Master on staff, each client’s treatment is customized to meet their individual needs. Heart & Soul has seen many clients upgrading their massage and reiki treatments into our private Himalayan Salt treatment room and scheduling sittings in our Salt Mist Serenity Lounge. This is very beneficial for several reasons, some of which include detoxification, stress relief, boosting the immune system and aiding in easier breathing.

Heart and Soul is grateful for our clients, the majority of which live in Southwest Florida year-round. We continue to see new clients through our doors daily, with an influx of seasonal residents and visitors. Several snowbirds have already booked services through May before they’ll head home for the summer.

Heart and Soul just celebrated our 15-year anniversary with an open house celebration in September. We had over 50 attendees that received free chair massages, saved on natural retail items such as pure aromatherapy essential oils and

DECEMBER 2018

LOOK BACK, LOOK AHEAD The Vine raises a glass to Cape future

on our services in the form of gift cards.

Heart and Soul offers several discounts on most of our regularly priced services as well as courtesy discounts throughout the year.

We offer a 10-percent courtesy discount to all Lee Health employees, volunteers and Share Club members. The same discount also applies for all Hope Hospice employees and first responders.

It’s our way of saying thank you. We also offer special perks for social media check ins and reviews as a way of rewarding our clients for their patronage. Earlier in the year we offered specials for our Salt Lounge on Groupon. That brought in several new clients to our office.

Heart and Soul provided onsite chair massage this year for reasons such as end of school year teacher appreciation and for military appreciation. Chair massage is a great way to treat your staff; it’s also a welcome addition to employee health fairs. If you would like to schedule chair massage at your business as a staff appreciation or work incentive give us a call.

Chair massage is not only healthful and stress-reducing, it boosts employee morale and reduces absenteeism. We also provided gift cards and gift baskets for several community fundraising events throughout the year.

As 2019 approaches, we are looking to educate more people about the benefits of our services, and possibly bring on new services.

In February 2018, The Vine wine shop opened its doors. We offer all varieties of wines and champagnes sold by the case to keep costs competitive. We also provide delivery to your home or office.

Opening The Vine in Cape Coral was inspired by watching our community spirit and growth since my move here in 2001. As with any new business, the challenges can be overwhelming—finding the right store front, licensing, advertising, etc., but with the help and support of our city offices, business associates, friends and family—it finally came to fruition. We are very proud to be a part of our local business community.

Plans for the upcoming year include expanding to reach more communities and places of business; hosting wine tastings in your community with your friends and neighbors; connecting with local businesses to provide cases for gifts, promotional baskets and holiday presents for employees and customers.

I am also in the process of developing a local wine club to rival all others.

We will be offering a regular selection of Old World and New World varietals, allowing you to enjoy your favorites as well as introducing you to new varieties, limited editions and classics, all customizBY RUTH able to your palate.

HALEY I’d love to meet Guest Columnist you to introduce The Vine and all we have to offer.

I can’t wait to share a glass of wine with you!

Ruth Haley is owner of The Vine, located at 4720 SE 15th Ave., Suite #214 in Cape Coral. Contact her at (239) 281-6076 or thevinecapecoral@yahoo.com or follow her on Instagram @thevinecapecoral.

Visit www.thevineflorida.com to view a calendar of events, join the mailing list or send a special request.

Debbie Fasenmyer is the office manager at Heart and Soul Healing Arts and Massage Therapy. Contact her at (239) 573-4325 (HEAL) or visit website at heartandsoulmassagetherapy.com.

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