January 2017 Southwest Florida Business Today by Southwest Florida Business Today

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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S BUSINESS VOICE • 239-573-9732 Vol. 10 No. 3 / JANUARY 2017 www.swﬂoridabusinesstoday.com

IN THE NEWS

Distributed in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs and Naples

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EMPLOYERS CONNECT WITH NEW GENERATION OF WORKFORCE

MY Shower Door opens showroom near Orlando MY Shower Door announced the opening of its new showroom near Orlando. Located at 460 North Orlando Avenue in Winter Park Village, the new store opened for business on Dec. 1, and features seven full-sized frameless shower door enclosures on full sized custom built displays. The new location highlights MY Shower Door’s new architectural division and features a display of all glass wine closets. This is the sixth showroom for the company; other showrooms are located in Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa and Saint Petersburg. SHOWER See page 18

Royal Shell Real Estate opens Cape Coral ofﬁce Royal Shell Real Estate has opened its first office in Southwest Florida’s largest city—a two-story office building in downtown Cape Coral, announced Michael Polly, vice president of real estate operations. Royal Shell completed a major renovation and upgrades to the existing 9,000-square-foot building at 1105 Cape Coral Parkway East to create offices, large conference rooms and plenty of flex space. The remodeling brings an upto-date building to brighten the streetscape on an arterial road considered to be the “front door” to the South Cape district of businesses, entertainment venues and restaurants. ROYAL See page 6

Workshop to discuss commercial investment You can’t make intelligent real estate decisions without learning about the CCIM Strategic Analysis Model for investors, lenders, developers, brokers and other real estate professionals. Learn how financial analysis and market analysis are two separate, yet completely interrelated components of the strategic analysis process. WORKSHOP See page 3 FOR MORE SWFL COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE NEWS See pages 7-14

Photos by Jim Jett The Cape Coral Technical College’s annual job fair attracted both local employers and jobseekers alike.

Job expo attracts many local students

Held recently at Cape Coral Technical College, the annual job fair attracted both local employers and jobseekers alike. Cape Coral Technical College is an accredited tech center located in Cape Coral, Florida. Built during the 199293 school year, Cape Coral Technical College focuses on preparing students for employment by providing a quality, technology-oriented education in business, technology, health, marketing and culinary arts. The school counselor, administration, and instructors combine efforts to provide links between employers who wish to hire students and students who are actively seeking Cape Coral Technical College works to provide links befull- or part-time employment. tween employers who wish to hire students and students JOBS See page 20 who are actively seeking full- or part-time employment.

Is a sports complex for Collier in the cards? By William Levy Guest Correspondent

If Jack Wert, executive director of the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau, has his way, Collier County may soon resemble Lee County in its appeal to attract various sports tournaments to Southwest Florida. To accomplish this, there would need to be additional facilities, but Wert certainly feels the demand is there. Currently, the county does have North Collier Regional Park, located on Livingston Road, which has amenities such as a softball field, multipurpose fields that can be used for soccer, football, lacrosse as well as

other sports and activities, a gymnasium, meeting space and other features that the community can benefit from. In order to maximize what this facility, which is about eight years old, has to offer, the county looked to hosting sporting events. “We looked to promoting sports as a way to keep the park in use all year long,” Wert said. “There are times of the year when things slow down and sports tournaments can have a big impact.” Wert said the bureau started with recruiting regional tournaments, but now they routinely get state and national events. “It was a wonderful surprise with how well they did,” Wert said. “Demand has grown.”

In fact, Wert said, the county may be close to capacity. “It is hard to get new events or grow existing ones,” Wert said. “We just don’t have the space.” While Wert did mention that there are other facilities in the county, he said that would create other logistical issues such as splitting the tournaments up. One immediate step the county can take is to put artificial turf on some of the fields. “This will give the fields more usage capability, so we can better maximize the facility. There also won’t be as many delays for rain.” Providing a bigger impact though, would be to get another complex built.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

JANUARY 2017

Lineup announced for regional water resource conference The Steering Committee of the Southwest Florida Water Resources Conference announced the lineup of speakers for this year’s conference, held at Florida Gulf Coast University, Cohen Center Ballroom, Fort Myers, on January 13. This year’s theme “Cooperative Solutions: Working Together to Address Water Challenges” recognizes our region’s need for all elements of society to cooperate in the pursuit of actions that will improve our water systems and environment. The conference will showcase how agencies, engineering firms, and non-profit organizations have worked together and can continue to join forces on specific projects and larger initiatives. As always, we have arranged for presentations by some of the leading experts in water resources, and will include some of the top decisionmakers responsible for water resource planning and management in Southwest Florida, the State and the Nation. Registration will open at 8 a.m. Sessions will conclude around 4:30 p.m. and will be followed by a networking social.

SPORTS PAGE 1 Along those lines, the county is currently working with other entities on a feasibility study. “The options were to either expand North Collier Regional Park or build a new facility,” Wert said. “We are looking at four to five possible sites.” Wert said that once a site is picked, it is his hope that it would take “about three years” for the plan to become a reality. He envisions that the project would be funded through a public/ private partnership, with the majority coming from taxes generated when guests stay at county hotels. “This project would have to pro-

to increase awareness of the issues of water supply, water use efficiency, waterbody protection, watershed health and environmental sustainability facing Florida. As has become its tradition, the conference is Florida’s premier student poster contest for water resources students statewide. Cash prizes are offered for the best research posters, with first, second and third place awards in two divisions, graduate students and undergraduate/high school students. Topic Sessions include: Students and professionals hear from some of the ● Successful Cooperative Projects / Realities leading experts in water resources and some of the top decision-makers responsible for water resource of Cooperative Projects ● Regional Cooperative Approach to Water planning and management in Southwest Florida, Management Projects - Carol Collier, Drexel Unithe state, and the nation. versity: Chesapeake Bay Cooperative Programs for The conference brings together researchers, man- Water Management Improvement, Keynote Speaker ● Blueprints for Cooperative Projects agers, agency staff, consultants and other interested The full technical program and other details are parties to discuss ongoing technical and social research and innovative projects, to share ideas, and available at www.SWFWRC.org.

mote tourism in order for that tax to be used to help fund it,” Wert said. “We also would hope to get private financing, possibly through naming rights and some of those types of opportunities.” Wert also confirmed that the Atlanta Braves are indeed also looking to possibly make Collier County their spring training home. He is open to the possibility that the two projects may be tied together. “There are two separate studies going on right now,” he said. “If they can be brought together, I think we would take a look at that possibility. Just look at what a great job the Red Sox do in Lee County. The county utilizes that space all year long in addition to spring training.”

The Club at Mediterra was recently recognized among the top 5 percent of all private clubs in the nation by the Club Leaders Forum.

Mediterra recognized as a top country club in the nation

By Karen Miller Guest Correspondent

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DOING IT RIGHT, FROM THE START

The Club at Mediterra was recently recognized among the top 5 percent of all private clubs in the nation, receiving its designation from the Club Leaders Forum as a 2016-2018 Platinum Clubs of America. The peer-awarded honor is determined by club managers, presidents and owners who considered a club’s universal recognition, excellence in amenities and facilities, caliber of staff and professional service levels, quality of members, prudent fiscal management, ability to respond to changes and overall experience. “This year, a record 3,128 general managers, presidents and owners voted for their peers, which makes Platinum recognition the most respected acknowledgement in the industry,” said Dennis W. Burns, executive director of the Club Leaders Forum, the industry source for club professionals for nearly 30 years. The Club at Mediterra was the only Naples club in the top 50 in the country club category, ranking 49 out of 150 clubs. “Being ranked in the top five percent of all private clubs in the nation is a testament to our emphasis on excellence every day,” said Carmen Mauceri, COO and general manager of The Club at Mediterra. “I am very proud of our executive team for continuously striving to provide our members with a world-class experience.” The Club at Mediterra has received top Platinum Club status recognition

since 2006. Featuring two Tom Fazio-designed championship courses, state-of-the-art training facilities and a private clubhouse and beach club, Mediterra has received numerous awards from Travel & Leisure Golf, Golf Digest, Golfweek magazine and Links magazine. The 1,700-acre community has also been recognized as a Distinguished Emerald Club, an honor attained by only the top 4 percent of private clubs in the world. A 2016 Grand Aurora Award winner for Best Community Site Plan in the Southeastern U.S., Mediterra is also the Collier Building Industry Association’s 10-time Community of the Year. With more than 1,000 acres dedicated to open space, parks and nature preserves, Mediterra offers award-winning amenities, including the 32,000-squarefoot Club at Mediterra, The Sports Club with fitness center and spa treatment rooms, and the private Beach Club along the Gulf of Mexico. From epicurean cuisine and beach concierge services to bocce and tennis, the community’s luxury lifestyle and continued introduction of new amenities has repeatedly been recognized as the best in Southwest Florida—and internationally. London Bay Homes is offering an exclusive opportunity for new homebuyers to purchase a golf membership without the delay of what otherwise is approximately a one-year waiting list. For more information about Mediterra, log onto www.MediterraNaples.com, call 239-949-8989 or visit Mediterra, located on Livingston Road.

JANUARY 2017

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

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Chamber’s workshop provides wealth of advice Lee BIA hosts awards banquet By Karen Miller Guest Correspondent

The Lee County Building Industry Association (BIA) presented 163 Pinnacle and Summit Awards at the annual Industry Awards. The Casablanca-themed banquet and ceremony was held Nov. 18 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs. Pinnacle Awards pay tribute to Building Industry Association members who have obtained an outstanding level of success and professionalism in residential design, new home sales and marketing. Summit Awards pay tribute to BIA members who have obtained an outstanding level of success and professionalism in commercial building, planning and design. “We are so proud of the work these individuals and businesses have done to make the Southwest Florida building industry all that it is,” said Phillip Ford, executive vice president of the Lee BIA. “The talent applauded at this event is very inspiring.” The Lee Building Industry Association, a not-for-profit organization representing Lee, Hendry and Glades counties, is a powerful voice for the building industry in the regulatory arena. Membership in the Florida Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders is automatic upon joining the Lee BIA. These combined memberships provide a seamless, constant flow of information – at the state and national levels – to the local office and directly to the membership, providing status on pertinent actions affecting the industry. For more information on membership and the various programs available visit www.bia.net or call 239-936-5525.

WORKSHOP PAGE 1 An event, CI 102: Market Analysis For Commercial Investment Real Estate, will be held Jan. 9-12 by the Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association at 2840 Winkler Ave., Fort Myers. Registration begins at 8am Monday. Work with four case studies covering each of the major property types: office, industrial, multi-family, and retail. Each case study will build around the CCIM Strategic Analysis Model, which contains four components: Market and Competitive Analysis, Political and Legal Analysis, Location and Site Analysis, and Financial Analysis. After completing this course, you will be able to: • Apply the CCIM Strategic Model to make a “go” or “no-go” investment decision. • Use state-of-the-art geospatial technology for analyses. • Examine real-world case studies of comprehensive analyses for each of the four major property types: office, industrial, residential, and retail. Course Prerequisites include CI 101 Financial Analysis for Commercial Investment Real Estate. CE credit is available, visit www.ccim.com/ce. A laptop computer is required (tablet not recommended). For PC, Excel 2008 or higher is required, and for Mac users, MS Office for Macs versions 2004 or 2011 is required.

Part 2 of 2

The Chamber of Southwest Florida’s Process Improvement Committee recently presented the “Cashing in with Process Improvement” workshop to explore various business process improvement strategies. The luncheon speaker was Mark Abbott, Founder of VTH Partners and author of “Traction (Get a Grip on Your Business).” Abbott’s background includes helping to build and run Heller Financial’s industryleading merchant banking platform, growing the business from $2 billion to $5 billion. He now dedicates his time to helping entrepreneurial leadership teams become great business builders. Abbott provided the audience with copies of his Entrepreneurial Operation System® workbook which includes exercises in building a business through vision, data, process, traction, issues, and people. He challenged the audience to “Care, Share, and Dare.” One exercise provided a People Analyzer to help determine where each person fits in an organization. He stated, “Because we care about our people, we want to give them each a job that is the best fit.” Roop Lutchman, Americas Leader

for GHD Business Consulting, and author of three books on the subject, provided information on Asset Management fundamentals and gave the audience his top ten rules for managing assets. Instead of focusing on efficiency, he suggests we focus on effectiveness. “Efficiency measures how quickly and accurately something is done,” says Lutchman, “but effectiveness means you are doing the right thing for the right reason at the right time. If you do the wrong thing efficiently it really doesn’t help you reach your goals.” Lutchman touched often on the concept of using Asset Management to lower risk. He also suggested that businesses invert their organizational pyramid to put front line staff first since they are the ones who actually make the product or provide the service. “The rest of the team, including leaders, managers, and directors, should be there to support front line staff and make it easier for them to do their jobs,” Lutchman added. The program concluded with a presentation on Succession Planning by Seth Yoskowitz, Principal of GHD Business Consulting. He focused on business’ most important assets, the people. Yoskowitz reviewed some key strategies for attracting and retaining key talent. He suggested businesses add the concept of a ‘Stay Interview” to their HR practices. “Very often there are only two times we interview

our staff members;” said Yoskowitz, “at the recruiting interview and then at the exit interview—when they have already decided to leave.” A stay interview should be added to the process in the critical first six months of employment to be sure that a new employee is adjusting well to their new role. According to Yoskowitz, “Organizations need to focus on recruiting and retaining new staff members as well as retaining critical knowledge currently residing with staff members soon to retire. Organizational bench strength can be developed by focusing on good career pathways, training, and effective performance feedback.” The workshop was the first in a series of Process Improvement events planned by the Chamber. For more information, contact Executive Director, David Miller at (239) 433-4111 or dave@chamberswfl.com. Copies of the workshop presentations can be found at www.chamberswfl.com. With over 25 years of experience in education, marketing, and public relations, Karen Miller has managed community outreach activities including project-specific public forums; community education workshops; STEM education programs for students and continuing education programs for professional engineers, attorneys and others.

Corso discusses drones at Cal Poly Tech Fort Myers litigation expert Michael Corso presented “An Engineer’s Legal Clinic, Bird’s Eye View of Aviation Law, Including Drones” to students at the Aerospace Engineering Department at Cal Poly Tech in San Luis Obispo, California. The discussion explored the current state of the laws and future legal needs of the aviation community now that unmanned aircraft systems are becoming widely used in commercial applications, including in the engineering industry. Corso has been Florida Bar Board Certified in Civil Trial Law for over 30 years and over 20 years in Business Litigation Law. He serves as chair of Henderson Franklin’s Tort & Insurance Litigation department. Corso focuses his practice in mat-

www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com PUBLISHER Karen P. Moore PRINT EDITOR Jacob Ogles PRODUCTION MANAGER Jennifer Ogles

Fort Myers litigation expert Michael Corso presented “An Engineer’s Legal Clinic, Bird’s Eye View of Aviation Law, Including Drones” to students at Cal Poly Tech in California. ters involving product liability and the defense of non-medical professionals such as lawyers, accountants, architects, engineers and surveyors. DRONES See page 15

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

JANUARY 2017

Bella Florals by Theresa celebrates grand opening Having enjoyed more than a year of success in service to Marco Island and Naples, Bella Florals by Theresa unveiled a new storefront located at 9 Front Street, Marco Island. The retail location will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19. Bella Florals is accepting orders for one-of-akind floral design and gift baskets. Since relocating from Wilmington, N.C. in April 2015, Bella Florals by Theresa has vastly outgrown owner Theresa Chambers’ previous location. The new storefront houses an art studio for community activities, a regular schedule of workshops and the opportunity for the public to witness the creation of stunning, diverse floral arrangements. Private floral design classes will be offered by appointment for fun and entertainment with friends, family and guests. Chambers is joined by Europeantrained Djenana Ninkovic, who brings an eclectic flair to floral design that is rarely seen in America. In 2004, the two met while working as head designers in an exclusive floral design studio in N.C. Their personal chemistry and shared dedication to their craft led Ninkovic to join Chambers at Bella Florals, where

At left: Djenana Ninkovic and Theresa Chambers of Bella Florals work together closely on floral design for every client. Above: A bridal floral design by Bella Florals by Theresa many of the flowers were grown on site with a focus on sustainability. The new Front Street location offers a garden ready for the pair to “grow local” and further enhance the charm of beautiful Marco Island. The designers will continue to provide private, in-home consultations for cut flower and silk designs for house

parties, weddings and other celebrations – or simply for the love of the beauty, color and fragrance of fresh flowers. Bella Florals serves clients with floral designs or gift baskets containing seasonal, locally made delicacies to welcome special friends to their homes. Chambers said: “The perfect, indi-

vidually crafted floral design will awe clients and their recipients here on Marco Island and surrounding Naples. Our style is not from a textbook or template as often seen. Rather, each design will have a beautiful vase that is not a typical urn or container. We hand-select our inventory so that our designs are creative, different and unique.”

Southwest Florida animal neurology businesses merge

The owners of Animal Specialty Hospital of Florida’s Neurology service in Naples and Sarasota Companion Animal Neurology, Dr. Michelle Carnes and Eric Carnes, announced they have combined their practices as specialists in Companion Animal Neurology. “Consolidating administrative operations allows us to place more emphasis on veterinary neurology and neurosurgery,” said Eric Carnes, SCAN’s co-owner and chief financial officer. Michelle Carnes, MS, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) and Nick Archambault, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) will treat patients inside the building also occupied by Animal Specialty Hospital of Florida at 10130 Market St. in Naples. Chris Levine, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), will treat patients at 7005 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Both locations, which are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., are available for afterhours urgent patients by a referral from their primary care veterinarian. “The top priorities of our team are the safety and comfort of patients. Our advanced imaging technology provides high-quality diagnostic images with less stress and safer, shorter use of anesthesia. Since our sole practice focus is neurology/neurosurgery, we can elevate our patient and pet owner experience in terms of both expertise and service,” said Dr. Michelle Carnes, SCAN’s co-owner and medical director. She graduated cum laude from Auburn University

Levine

Carnes

Archambault

College of Veterinary Medicine, interned at University of Missouri-Columbia and completed her neurology/ neurosurgery residency and master’s degree in biomedical science from Auburn University. In 2009, she was ACVIM board-certified in neurology and later completed a canine rehabilitation course at University of Tennessee in Knoxville and an obtained her Neurosurgical Certificate of Training in 2015. A founding member of the Veterinary Neurosurgical Society, she has presented research both nationally and internationally. Archambault graduated cum laude from both the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor’s degree and Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. He interned at Texas A&M University and completed a three-year neurology/neurosurgery residency at the University of Missouri. He earned the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Neurosurgery Certificate of Training in June 2016 after becoming

ACVIM board-certified in neurology in 2015. During his residency, Archambault and his colleagues pioneered a novel technique for vertebral implant surgeries in veterinary patients and subsequently presented their findings at national and international conferences. Levine holds a Bachelor of Science in animal science from Rutgers-George H. Cook College in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oregon State University. He completed his rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University and his neurology and neurosurgery residency at Veterinary Neurological Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He obtained Board Certification in Neurology in 2013 and obtained his Neurosurgical Certificate of Training in 2014. His professional interests include surgical management of intracranial and spinal tumors, spinal cord and tumor vasculature, noninfectious meningitis and advanced noninvasive diagnostic imaging. Specialists in Companion Animal Neurology provides unparalleled neurology/neurosurgery referral care to patients, pet owners and referring veterinarians. Providing focused, “boutique-style” referral care elevates both the client/patient and referring veterinarian experience throughout Southwest Florida. SCAN, with three board-certified veterinary neurologists, is the largest neurology practice group and the only group that has on-site high field MRI on the entire Gulf Coast of Florida. For information, visit www.scanfl.com.

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Page 5

EHC wins Popeye’s bid, completes road

Naples Reserve’s new $7 million lakefront clubhouse and its outdoor amenities are now open.

Naples Reserve completes Island Club Naples Reserve’s new $7 million lakefront clubhouse and its outdoor amenities are now open. Award-winning developer iStar announced the completion of the Island Club, designed as the heart of the 688-acre, South Naples lakefront community with indoor and alfresco gathering areas, including the fireside grand hall and Latitudes Cafe, wraparound porches, an open-air tiki hut, a resort-style pool and the beach. The Island Club has two buildings: the 5,160-square-foot main clubhouse and an adjacent 3,500-square-foot fitness center. The main clubhouse features a freestanding stone fireplace between the grand hall and cafe, tile flooring and tongue-and-groove vaulted ceilings. The adjoining fitness center offers state-of-the-art equipment, a weight room and group fitness studio. The Island Club is also the new home of Naples Reserve’s experiential Welcome Center, with an 850-gallon cylindrical aquarium and presentations about the community’s lifestyle, homes, builders and neighborhoods nestled along lakes, nature preserves and a linear park. Outdoors, construction of the club’s beach volleyball and bocce ball courts is complete, along with a pool featuring a rock waterfall and junior Olympic-size lap lanes, a splash pool for children and sunny chaise lounges. The outdoor area also offers an event lawn, fire pits, a large beach and the Chat ‘n Chill Tiki Bar. Match Point, the lakefront tennis and pickleball court complex, is scheduled to open in January 2017. Additional planned amenities include a tot lot,

two dog parks and a meandering biking, hiking and jogging linear park navigating a loop road circling Naples Reserve. Naples Reserve offers: attached villas by D.R. Horton; single-family homes built by Ashton Woods, D.R. Horton and Stock Signature Homes; and custom homes created by Florida Lifestyle Homes, KTS Homes, Lundstrom Development, Marvin Development, McGarvey Custom Homes and Stock Signature Homes. Homes are priced from the high-$200s to more than $1.5 million. Naples Reserve was created by iStar, which was named 2015 Developer of the Year by Builder and Developer magazine for its commitment to creating exceptional communities and lifestyles with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Created amongst 22 lakes and sweeping open water views, the community emphasizes lakefront living with Southern Coastal-inspired homes and amenities along the water’s edge. Naples Reserve is located off U.S. 41, 2 miles southeast of the Collier Boulevard/CR 951 intersection and 10 minutes from I-75, Exit 101. Visit the community at 14891 Naples Reserve Circle or online at www.naplesreserve.com. iStar Land & Development creates unique communities, considering the best use of the land with a focus on future residents. iStar has financed and invested in more than $10 billion of residential projects since 1993, making it one of the largest investors in luxury condominium, multifamily and master-planned residential developments in the U.S. Learn more about iStar at www.istar.com.

Lile presents Probate Power Hour at team seminar

Laird A. Lile, a board-certified wills, trusts and estates attorney in Naples, presented the Probate Power Hour at the Florida Legal Education Association’s recent Probate Team seminar in Orlando, which was attended by over 500 judges, lawyers and paralegals. The Probate Power Hour provides an overview of current law impacting trusts and estates in Florida, and this year included creditor claims, digital assets, releases of estate tax liens, and elective share. Now serving his sixth term as an elected member of the Board Lile of Governors for The Florida Bar, Lile serves on the Supreme Court’s Florida Courts Technology Commission and Judicial Management Council and is the chair of the Second District Court of Appeal Nominating Commission.

Lile is past chair of the Bar’s 10,800-member Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section. An elected member of the Board of Regents, past state chair and a Fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Lile has been included in Woodward/White’s The Best Lawyers in America for 21 consecutive years and was inducted into Florida Trend’s Legal Elite Hall of Fame in 2010. He recently was named a Top 100 Florida Super Lawyer for the sixth consecutive year. Lile & Hayes offers legal counsel on estate- and trust-related Hayes matters, including estate planning, estate and trust administration, probate-related litigation and tax matters. The firm’s office is located at 3033 Riviera Drive, Suite 104, in Naples. For more information, call 239-649-7778 or visit www.Lile-Hayes.com.

EHC, Inc., a construction company that provides pre-construction, earthwork and infrastructure services, was selected by MCC and Associates for the development of the new Popeye’s in North Port. MCC and Associates, a General Contractor who is constructing the retail building, is a new client for EHC. Site construction services for the project include earthwork, subgrade, base, paving, underground utilities, sidewalks, pavers and traffic striping and signage. EHC also announced the completion of the Terminal Access Road widening project in Fort Myers. The project was completed “ahead of schedule and with great coordination,” according to the Lee County Port Authority. EHC provided earthwork, subgrade base, finish grading and erosion control for the widening of Terminal Access Road to six lanes. The project included curbing, signage and markings, lighting, landscaping, permitting and Federal Aviation Administration approvals. EHC currently has 11 active projects and several in the planning stages from Sarasota County to Collier County spanning the real estate and government industries. Many of the projects are multimillion, multi-phased projects such as Popeye’s in North Port, Tara Woods in North Fort Myers, Lake at Metro in Fort Myers, Riverside in Fort Myers, BizPark Storage Facilities in Naples, Kalea Bay in Naples, Interstate-75 improvements in Charlotte County along with nearly 16 miles in Sarasota and Charlotte Counties, Lindsford in Fort Myers, High Tech Buildings in Fort Myers and Tuscola in North Port. Founded by native Southwest Floridians in March of 1990, EHC has grown from one project for one client to the completion of hundreds of projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars for a vast number of municipalities, developers, builders, owners and general contractors. The company attributes its success to continually finding efficiencies, ability to make quick changes, adapting to change and above all—its people. EHC prides itself on a reputation of fostering long-lasting relationships and providing valuable services with a professional, reliable and qualified team. For the latest happenings at EHC, visit www.EHCconstruction.com, contact 239-592-0828 or connect with EHC on LinkedIn.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

JANUARY 2017

Brousseau appointed to Naples Airport Authority board

The Naples City Council appointed Ted Brousseau to the board of commissioners of the City of Naples Airport Authority. The board includes five citizen volunteers, appointed four-year terms to govern the Airport Authority. Brousseau is replacing John Nocera, whose term expired. Other commissioners are Dick Evans, Donna Messer, James Rideoutte and Richard Stricklen. Brousseau has been a certified private pilot since 1964 and was honored in 2015 by the FAA with its Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, the most prestigious award it offers to certified pilots. A Naples resident since 1971, Brousseau retired in 2006 after serving 27 years as a Collier Circuit judge.

He joined the Experimental Aircraft Association in 1996 and is a past president of Chapter 1067 at Naples Municipal Airport, a position he held for nearly a decade. He introduces youngsters to aviation through the EAA’s Young Eagles flight program. Brousseau joined the Civil Air Patrol in 2007 Brousseau and instructs cadets at its national glider academies. Naples Municipal Airport offers scheduled commercial service, provided by Elite Airways, and is home to flight schools, air charter operators, car rent-

Hope Healthcare hosts Liz Jazwiec

Hope Healthcare hosted more than 100 guests from community businesses at author Liz Jazwiec’s presentation, “Yippee! Another Day in Paradise … Driving Negativity Out of the Workplace.” Sponsored by Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A., the complimentary presentation at Harborside Event Center in Fort Myers focused on boosting morale and creating a positive work environment. Attendees received a signed copy of “Eat that Cookie” from Jazwiec’s inspirational workplace trilogy. Hope Healthcare is a not-forprofit health care organization dedicated to providing care and comfort to every individual and their loved ones as they fulfill life’s journey. For more information, call 239-482-4673 or visit www.HopeHCS.org. Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A. is an innovative and continuously expanding CPA firm serving clients from the Fort Myers and Naples region. Since 1979, they have provided businesses and individuals from throughout Southwest Florida with a number of financial services such as accounting, tax, and advisory services. For more information, call 239-433-5554 or visit www.markham-norton.com.

Above: Hope Healthcare President and CEO Samira K Beckwith with author Liz Jazweic Left: Diana Willis, Gail Markham & Noelle Melanson Below: Rachel Schad, Tim Hauck, Fay Keller, Linda Fuller, Renee Duncan, Sharon Reardon & Mark Jones

al agencies, and corporate aviation and nonaviation businesses, as well as fire/rescue services, mosquito control, the Collier County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit and other community services. During the 2015-16 fiscal year, the airport accommodated 95,050 takeoffs and landings. All funds used for the airport’s operation, maintenance and improvements are generated from activities at the airport or from federal and state grants; the airport receives no property tax dollars. The Florida Department of Transportation values the airport’s annual economic impact to the community at $283.5 million.

ROYAL PAGE 1 The new location represents not only growth for the company but additional job opportunities as well. This is the firm’s 15th office in Southwest Florida, with an additional office in Ocala in Central Florida and four in western North Carolina, bringing the total number of offices to 20. The renovation’s concept was to create an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration, with the customer experience being top priority. “We wanted to bring people together in ways they can be at their best,” Polly said. The expansion comes after the largest and No. 1 independent brokerage in Southwest Florida recorded more than $1.2 billion in listings and sales in the first 10 months of 2016 and represents another step in the company’s journey of extending its brand and boosting growth in Southwest Florida. “The new location will allow us to cater to the growing Cape Coral real estate market, and to better connect with the city’s re-emerging real estate buyers and sellers,” Polly added. “We’ve been serving the Lee County market for a long time, and this strategic move further highlights our continued investment in the region.” Royal Shell Real Estate handles properties of all types, including primary and secondary residences, seasonal homes and investment properties, while its rental department focuses on leveraging owners’ investments for maximum return. In August, Royal Shell Real Estate brokers was named Best Real Estate Agency / Residential in Gulfshore Business magazine’s 2016 Best of Business Readers’ Poll. Royal Shell Real Estate began primarily as a Sanibel and Captiva island-based company, and over the years has opened multiple offices in Lee, Collier and Marion counties. The business differs from other real estate companies in that they handselect only the area’s top Realtors to join the team. Royal Shell Real Estate’s corporate office is at 7290 College Parkway, Suite 101, Fort Myers. Call 239-689-7653 or visit www.royalshellrealestate.com.

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JANUARY 2017

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 7

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

NM Development Group leads closing on Estero parcel

NM Development Group has successfully managed the closing of 14 acres of the University Highland Limited Partnership (UHLP) property located adjacent to Miromar Outlets and bounded by Estero Parkway, I-75 and Ben Hill Griffin Parkway. The sale closed Nov. 8 for an undisclosed amount to Continental 376 Fund LLC, a Wisconsin-based apartment developer that previously constructed 260 residences on an 18-acre parcel of the University Highland property. The recently purchased parcel will add an additional 203 apartment residences. Remaining entitlements within the 208-acre property owned by UHLP include 150,000 square feet of office space, 100,000 square feet of retail space and 200 hotel rooms. Currently, 169 acres have closed or are under contract, according to Al Moscato, a partner with NM Development Group, a full-service real estate development, investment and advisory firm in Naples. Previous acquisitions have included the purchase of 102 acres by Pulte Homes for the development

NM Development Group has successfully managed the closing of 14 acres of the University Highland Limited Partnership (UHLP) property located adjacent to Miromar Outlets and bounded by Estero Parkway, I-75 and Ben Hill Grifﬁn Parkway. of its single-family home community, Tidewater by Del Webb, with an additional 27 acres remaining to close. Another 7.6 acres of commercially zoned prop-

erty abutting Ben Hill Griffin Parkway is under contract, with an additional 8.2 acres of commercial property along the same corridor available for purchase. The land is listed by Land Solutions Inc. “The Estero area has continued to experience robust growth over the last several years,” said Moscato. “The University Highland’s property offers an ideal location, visible along the interstate and centrally located to shops, restaurants, Florida Gulf Coast University and the airport, which has proven instrumental in meeting the residential and commercial needs of this community.” NM Development partners Al Moscato and David Nassif manage numerous landholdings and projects throughout Southwest Florida, including land approved for multifamily developments in Naples. NM Development has introduced its Shadow Creek at Hibiscus community, an enclave of 54 condominium residences in nine buildings. The community is located on Rattlesnake Hammock Road in Naples, adjacent to Nassif’s Hibiscus Golf Course. For more information, visit www.NMDev.com or call 239-234-5941.

LandQwest seeks short-term lease for charity

LandQwest Commercial is assisting The Military Support Foundation in their search for a six-month charitable lease. Through donations from the community, The Military Support Foundation provides much-needed supplies and comfort items for our deployed troops. Senior Directors, Carlos Acosta, CCIM and Chuck Smith, CCIM are assisting the start-up charity organization in their search. “This group is doing very important work for our men and women currently serving overseas,” said Acosta. “We are searching for 1,000-square-feet of warehouse flex space where they can begin storing and packaging donated items.” If you can assist or have any information that may help in this search, please contact CarlosAcosta at 239.333.2516 or via email at cacosta@lqwest.com or Chuck Smith at 239.333.4371 or via email at csmith@ccim.net.

Based in Southwest Florida, The Military Support Foundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to procurement, assembly and distribution of care packages for our deployed Armed Forces. They are committed to boosting the morale and well-being of the men and women who are fighting for our country. With three offices throughout Florida, LandQwest Commercial is recognized as being at the forefront of the commercial real estate brokerage industry. Our associates offer experience and expertise tailored to each client’s needs, desires and investment portfolio. LandQwest Commercial takes great pride in effectively matching clients and projects to fulfill our mission of “Integrity. Experience. Success!” For more information, visit lqwest.com or call 239-275-4922.

• Florida’s population will reach 20.7 million by the end of the year. In 1910, the state had a population of 1 million people. By 1980 it had grown to 10 million. Since then, the population has doubled. • Florida’s population grew 1.84 percent in the past year, trailing only North Dakota, Colorado and Nevada as the fastest-growing states. Florida trailed only California (39.14 million) and Texas (27.5 million) in overall population. • Florida’s population grew by more than 1,000 people per day, a pace that has accelerated over the past year. Jobs are the No. 1 reason people are attracted to the state. This trend is driven, in part, by the economic challenges in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico’s population has declined by 1.7 percent over the past year, with most exiting residents settling initially in Florida.

Kim Donnelly

Maryann Mize, CCIM Senior Vice President Senior Credit Officer

VP, Commercial Lending Collier County

kdonnelly@csbtfl.com

mmize@csbtfl.com

cmadden@csbtfl.com

(239) 476-0870

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VP, Commercial Lending Lee County

www.charlottestatebankandtrust.com

POPULATION FACTOIDS

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Page 8

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

JANUARY 2017

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JANUARY 2017

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 9

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

More buyers choosing conventional mortgage loans

Over 44 percent of homes purchased in October used conventional financing methods (e.g., mortgages), according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of Realtors [NABOR] that detailed activity in the greater Naples housing market during October 2016. The October 2016 Market Report, which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island), showed a gradual—but continuous—decline in cash sales with growth in conventional sales during the last 12 months. In October 2015, cash sales accounted for nearly 65 percent of all homes sales in Naples, whereas in October 2016, cash sales accounted for only 56 percent of all homes sales in Naples. Interestingly, homes purchased in the $300,000 to $500,000 price category in October reflected the highest percentage of conventional sales (60 percent) of all the price categories reported. “Increased use of conventional mortgages in October may be an indication of increased consumer confidence coupled with a better lending environment,” said Rick Fioretti, NABOR president and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida Realty broker associate. “In October 2014, only 32 percent of all home sales used conventional financing. In October 2015, conventional financing increased to 35 percent of overall sales.” Coco Waldenmayer, a managing broker at John R. Wood Properties, added that impending interest rate increases might create more urgency for people looking to finance a future home purchase. The October 2016 Market Report showed overall pending sales decreased 13 percent to 702 pending sales in October 2016 from 807 pending sales in October 2015. Interestingly, overall pending sales in the $500,000 to $1 million price category actually increased 14 percent to 125 pending sales in October 2016 from 110 pending sales in October 2015. Likewise, pending sales of condominiums in the $500,000 to $1 million price cat-

egory increased 30 percent to 57 condominiums in October 2016 from 44 condominiums in October 2015. The increase in pending sales extended to the single-family home market as well, in which both the $300,000 to $500,000 price category and $500,000 to $1 million price category increased 3 percent. The October 2016 Market Report showed overall closed sales decreased 7 percent to 556 closed sales in October 2016 from 601 closed sales in October 2015. However, closed sales of condominiums in the $1 million to $2 million price category increased 80 percent to 9 condominiums in October 2016 from 5 condominiums in October 2015. And closed sales of single-family homes in the $300,000 to $500,000 price category increased 21 percent from 120 single-family homes in October 2016 from 99 single-family homes in October 2015. For October, the overall median closed price increased 6 percent to $320,000 in the 12-months ending October 2016 from $302,000 in the 12-months ending October 2015. Conversely, the overall median closed price for homes above $300,000 did not reflect a recordable change. Homes in the $300,000 and below price segment, which experienced a 10 percent

increase to $215,000 in the 12-months ending October 2016 from $195,000 in the 12-month ending October 2015, is once again responsible for driving the overall median closed price increase. According to Jeff Jones, managing broker at the Naples-Park Shore office of Coldwell Banker, the increase in days on market for October (15 percent) reflects a need to continue dialog about properly pricing homes in Naples. “Even though we are selling homes in a very desirable location, when days on market increase, one factor affecting this is overpriced properties. And because historically inventory increases right before season, Realtors need to take a bold stance now and guide home sellers to a more realistic asking price based on today’s market.” The NABOR October 2016 Market Report provides comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges and geographic segmentation. “There is less than a three-months supply of single family homes under $300,000,” remarked Bill Coffey, Broker Manager of Amerivest Realty Naples, who added that if home buyers are looking to stay within this price range they may be better served in the

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condominium market, which saw a 53 percent increase in inventory to 1,116 condominiums under $300,000 in October 2016 from 731 condominiums under $300,000 in October 2015. According to Kathy Zorn, broker/ owner of Florida Home Realty, “The report showed six months worth of inventory to sell. We have not seen this high a level of inventory in the month of October since 2013. So as we move into season with this healthy level of inventory, buyers will have more options, which is all the more reason sellers should seek guidance now from a Realtor who knows the local market and can help them price their properties right.” Geographically, inventory in the Naples Beach (34102, 34103, 34108) and North Naples (34109, 34110, 34119) areas increased the most in October. In the Naples Beach area, singlefamily home inventory rose 25 percent to 567 single-family homes in October 2016 from 454 single-family homes in October 2015, and condominiums increased 71 percent to 655 condominiums in October 2016 from 384 condominiums in October 2015. For North Naples, single-family home inventory rose 35 percent to 878 singlefamily homes in October 2016 from 650 single-family homes in October 2015, and condominiums increased 64 percent to 734 condominiums in October 2016 from 447 condominiums in October 2015. “There are plenty of homes to buy and sell in Naples,” said Fioretti. “It’s going to take some time to see how the market will react to the election and the changes in the government, but I believe the challenge we Realtors face in the short-term is educating the public on market pricing. The value of a home relates to local sale prices and a realistic price means a rapid sale.” Ask a Realtor to help you do a market comparison and determine a fair and reasonable listing price. A Realtor can also identify properties best suited for buyers and negotiate a purchase price that fits any budget. Discover more at www.naplesarea.com.

Page 10

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

JANUARY 2017

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

Choose the right commercial professional for you FRED KERMANI, CCIM, AIA

ADAM PALMER, CCIM

Licensed real estate broker and architect in Florida & California with 33 years of real estate and design experience. Specialized in land marketing and investment properties.

Principal & Managing Director LandQwest Commercial, Vice President of Finance for the Florida CCIM Chapter, 10-time CoStar Power Broker Award Winner

Fort Myers, Naples, Sarasota, Tampa & Orlando

Collier, Lee & Charlotte Counties

CRE CONSULTANTS

239-659-4960 fred.kermani@creconsultants.com www.creconsultants.com/go/fredkermani

• LAND • INVESTMENT • GAS STATIONS

GERALD HENDRY, MAI, CCIM Lee, Collier, Hendry, Charlotte & Sarasota Counties The firm specializes in litigation/ expert testimony, as well as, commercial and residential appraisal services. Hendry is a Managing Partner of the firm and the 2017 President for the SWFL CCIM District.

MAXWELL, HENDRY & SIMMONS LLC 239-337-0555 geraldh@mhsappraisal.com www.mhsappraisal.com

• • • • •

APPRAISAL CONSULTING COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL TAX APPEALS

CCIM

If you are a CCIM-SWFL Chapter member, as a benefit, you are eligible to participate in this section. Contact 2016 CCIM President Ron Struthers for details at rstruthers@ccim.net Ron says: “This ad got me listings. It works!” RANDY KRISE, CCIM Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties Broker/owner of Krise Commercial Group and 2016 Florida CCIM Regional Vice President and Institute Board Member.

KRISE COMMERCIAL GROUP 239-633-8672 randy@krisecg.com www.krisecg.com

• • • • •

COMMERCIAL VACANT LAND INVESTMENT RETAIL INDUSTRIAL

DAVE WALLACE, CCIM Collier County An office, industrial and investment property specialist with more than 30 years of commercial real estate experience He can assist clients with acquisitions, dispositions and leasing.

CRE CONSULTANTS

• OFFICE • INDUSTRIAL

239-649-7755 • SALES & LEASES dave.wallace@creconsultants.com • INVESTMENT

Why use a CCIM?

There are countless benefits to working with a CCIM. Commercial real estate investment requires the counsel of a qualified professional. A Certified Commercial Investment Member provides clients with the assurance that every decision will be made in the best interest of their investment objectives. When assembling a commercial real estate investment team, start with a CCIM.

LANDQWEST COMMERCIAL

239-898-8686 adam@adampalmer.com www.adampalmer.com

Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties

Larson has over 39 years of diversi ied experience in the SWFL market. She is a Certified International Property Specialist and 2016 CCIM Florida Chapter SWFL District Past President

LAHAINA REALTY 239-281-1290 bev1314@aol.com

Active Southwest Florida Commercial broker for over 30 years. Specializing in industrial, office and investment properties. Past president SWFL CCIM and REIS.

LEE & ASSOCIATES 239-850-2217 bwhite@lee-associates.com

The CCIM designation is conferred by the Chicagobased CCIM Institute, a commercial real estate affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS. Learn more about the value of working with a CCIM.

• • • •

INDUSTRIAL OFFICE LEASE OR SALE INVESTMENT

WILLIAM H. ROLLINS, JR., CCIM, ALC

CCIM designees are bound to the strictest ethical guidelines and standards of practice in the industry today. In addition, each CCIM has successfully completed a graduate level program comprised of 160 hours of education. If you ask around the industry, you’ll learn that companies and other real estate professionals are more likely to seek out experts who possess the CCIM designation, as they know CCIM stands for trust, knowledge and reliability. When you use a CCIM, you choose experts with integrity. Overall, CCIM’s global network enables members to close thousands of transactions annually. representing more than $200 billion in value. But closing transactions is only part of what CCIMs can do. In addition to holding dealmaking occupations in every property sector, CCIMs are also found in’ leasing, asset management, development, lending, financing, property management, site selection and corporate real estate positions. So, whatever assistance your real estate project requires, a CCIM can help you achieve a better result. In fact, only 6 percent of all commercial real estate practitioners hold the elite CCIM designation, which reflects not only the caliber of the program, but why it is one of the most respected designations in the industry. When you use a CCIM, you choose a professional who produces measurable results.

COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT RETAIL OFFICE LAND-ACREAGE DEVELOPMENT

Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties

INTEGRITY

MEASUREMENT

• • • • • •

BOB WHITE, CCIM

COMMUNITY

Today there are CCIMs in every state, across Canada and Mexico, and in more than 30 countries around the world. Domestically, the network encompasses more than 1,000 markets, from large metropolitan areas to small cities and towns. A truly global network, CCIMs are a powerful force in markets large and small. When you use a CCIM, you choose a trusted community of real estate professionals that are consistently sought for their dependability, intelligence, success and confidence.

OFFICE INVESTMENT LAND RETAIL INDUSTRIAL

BEV LARSON, CCIM

CREDIBILITY

CCIM is the most prestigious designation commercial real estate professionals can achieve within the industry. Graduate-level education, coupled with industry-leading technology tools, practical proven experience, and indepth knowledge of their local markets, gives CCIMs the ability and the credibility to conduct business confidently and successfully. By partnering with a CCIM, you effectively utilize the top-level, most reliable performers in the industry: with an average of 19 years of experience, 70% of CCIM members hold executive-level positions and 90% of members refer clients to other business services. When you use a CCIM, you choose the most credible professional in the business.

• • • • •

Lee, Collier, Charlotte, DeSoto & Hendry Counties Senior broker. He is licensed in Florida, Georgia and Alabama and is an Accredited Land Consultant.

LAND SOLUTIONS, INC. 239-633-1963 wrollins@landsolutions.net www.landsolutions.net

• AGRICULTURAL • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

MICHAEL J. FRYE, CCIM

Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties Recipient of the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame Award. Serving the SWFL market for over 30 years. We have 6 CCIMs to serve all our client's needs.

RE/MAX REALTY GROUP 239-281-0441 mfrye@ccim.net www.michaeljfrye.com

• • • •

OFFICE RETAIL INDUSTRIAL LAND

JANUARY 2017

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 11

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

Choose the right commercial professional for you THERESA BLAUCH-MITCHELL, CCIM

BRUCE MICCICHE, CCIM Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties

Senior Associate Broker with 30 years of experience. Licensed in Florida and Pennsylvania. Specializing in investment and retail sales and leasing. • • • • •

LANDQWEST COMMERCIAL

941-999-1188 bmicciche@lqwest.com www.lqwest.com

INVESTMENT RETAIL DEVELOPMENT COMMERCIAL SALES & LEASING

ENN LUTHRINGER, CCIM Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties A partner with CRE Consultants and 15-year commercial real estate veteran, he specializes in the medical and professional office market.

CRE CONSULTANTS

239-994-3703 enn.luthringer@creconsultants.com www.creconsultants.com

• COMMERCIAL • OFFICE • INVESTMENT

MARYANN MIZE, CCIM Lee & Charlotte Counties Senior Vice President and Senior Credit Officer. More than 30 years of commercial lending experience. CCIM Senior Instructor and 2015-2016 SWFL CCIM District Treasurer. • FINANCING OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

CHARLOTTE STATE BANK & TRUST

941-624-1916 mmize@charlottestatebank.com www.charlottestatebankandtrust.com

RON WELEBNY, CCIM Lee County

Qualifying Broker / Managing Partner, Commercial Realty Associates. President of SWFL Commercial Alliance. Past President of Commercial Investment Professionals of SWFL. Board member of CCIM Institute SWFL District. Member of CoStar Advisory Board. • • • • •

COMMERCIAL REALTY ASSOCIATES 239-671-6574 Ron@CRA.us

RETAIL MULTI-FAMILY OFFICE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT

STEVE GANT, CCIM, MAI Charlotte, Sarasota & Desoto Counties

Commercial real estate specialist with 20 years experience in the local market. Chair of the local Commercial Brokers Group of the Association of Realtors.

RIVERSIDE REALTY SERVICES, LLC

941-628-2625 steve@riverside-services.com www.riversiderealtyservices.com

• • • • •

OFFICE RETAIL INDUSTRIAL LAND LEASING

Lee, Collier, Charlotte & Sarasota Counties SWFL CCIM past president, Florida CCIM membership chair, CCIM international committee. Hablo Español.

Why use a CCIM?

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COMMUNITY

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COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL NRT 941-769-3316 rstruthers@ccim.net www.commercialrealtyfl.com

The CCIM designation is conferred by the Chicagobased CCIM Institute, a commercial real estate affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS. Learn more about the value of working with a CCIM.

INVESTMENT RETAIL OFFICE INDUSTRIAL LEASING

• • • • •

CCIM

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MEASUREMENT

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RON STRUTHERS, CCIM

CREDIBILITY

• • • •

Collier, Lee, Charlotte, & Hendry Counties

28 year CCIM with 35 years CRE experience. Past president FL & CT CCIM chapters, 2 years CREW SWFL president, FL Regional Commercial Director National Company.

KELLER WILLIAMS COMMERCIAL 239-370-0229 bamonahan@me.com

• • • • •

INVESTMENT RETAIL INDUSTRIAL OFFICE / MEDICAL LAND

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

JANUARY 2017

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

Gates breaks ground on storage facility Gates has begun construction on City Gate Self Storage, located at Interstate-75 and Collier Boulevard in the City Gate Commerce Center of Naples. The two-story, 131,234-squarefoot storage building will be constructed of structural steel, concrete and glass. The building will house approximately 1,000 climate controlled storage units.

The building is slated to be completed by late summer 2017. City Gate Self-Storage, a joint venture with Diversified Realty Development Co. and Sefira Capital, acquired the property in October 2016. Diversified Realty Development Co., Fort Lauderdale, headed by Alan J. Goldberg and Cary A. Goldberg, is the developer. The facility will be managed by CubeSmart.

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GUEST COMMENTARY

Fortunes can change overnight Whew! People like myself who make a living buying, selling and developing property dodged a bullet on November 8. The news media had so many people convinced the liberals were most assuredly going to win the White House and maybe the Senate on election night. Mrs. Clinton had already said that her plan was to raise Capital Gain taxes from 20 percent to 40 percent. She proffered a plan to raise an additional $1.3 trillion in other revenue generating taxes and fees. It is my firm belief that this increased money grab from the government coupled with the $20 trillion in debt we already have would tank the economy. At a minimum, the real estate business would have been impacted negatively and possibly severely. Now, we have a business man in charge. Obviously, after one month, Wall Street likes what it sees. The market has reached all-time highs. As I am writing this article, the Dow is up another 129 points to 19,744. It is unbelievable! If the country truly gets back to work, the wealth and opportunity should follow quickly. I believe this last month is just the beginning of a rapid increase of GDP. We should all benefit greatly. Personally, I am betting that this is for real and we will see continued growth for the foreseeable future. We have invested several million dollars acquiring assets in anticipation of a stiff upturn. What does this mean for my business? I think we are going to see increased activity in the SW Florida market. We are already doing well. We have gone so long without very much construction that we are going to see the different sectors move again. We all see that we have had a lot of Multi Family construction. What about office, industrial and retail construction? I think we are at the bottom of the construction

curve and we will start back up very quickly. Assisted living is everywhere and all the prognosticators say we cannot build enough units. My recommendation, get the land now. BY RANDY KRISE Pricing is not going back any time soon. Those who bought during the recession (everything was cash only) are already cashing in and making out like bandits. As an example, I brokered a piece of bank owned land in November 2011. The fellow who lost it had paid $2.2 million. My client paid $157,000. In September 2016, I brokered the sale of that same property for $975,000. Quite a return, but still less than 50 percent of the 2005 value. I truly believe that now is the time to act. Your chances of maximum return on investment will diminish slightly every month. Land costs will increase as the market heats up. Construction costs will rise as demand for services increase. The government will get into the act and do things that increase revenue such as retuning impact fees to 100 percent levels of where they were in 2006. All these factors will not keep you from making money, but would you rather make $100 or $200 for the exact same work? Don’t delay, start today. Randy Krise, CCIM is the Broker Owner of Krise Commercial Group in Fort Myers. Randy can be reached at (239) 633-8672 or randy@krisecg.com.

Pulled permits increase in November

Price: $1,195,000 Size: 4.30 AC Description: Partially cleared, no wetlands or endangered species on lot. Medical Office Space. Deep Creek has several ALF communities, private and public, including one Certified Nursing Community, adjacent to this site. Two major hospitals within 10 minutes of site. East border of the property is a large Housing Complex with future zoning of commercial in front. Plans available for 7 buildings, each 5,000 sq. ft.

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Price: $995,000 Size: 6.84 AC Description: 2 lots, 1 - 5.3 Acre Parcel and 1 - 1.5 acre parcel, 6.8 Acres, partially cleared, environmentals done. This corner is a future Town Center. Just East of I-75. Many usage possibilities, 6.84 Acres at Washington Loop. Over 150 sq. ft. Road Frontage on Duncan. Phase I reports available, survey also available. Future land use is Commercial Corridor.

Twelve multi-family units were permitted in November, compared to no units in October and six units in November 2015. General commercial activity was valued at about $16.6 million for 18 permits, compared to about $17.7 million in October and about $13.3 million in November 2015. Lee County Community Development issued 2,973 permits of all kinds in November.

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During November, contractors pulled 66 permits to build single-family houses collectively valued at about $19.8 million in unincorporated Lee County. That compares to 95 permits issued in October 2016 and 47 issued in November 2015, according to the Lee County Department of Community Development. Data for 2015 includes permits for the Village of Estero.

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JANUARY 2017

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 13

Your Key to Commercial Real Estate Earning your CCIM designation places you among the most distinguished professionals in the industry. When It Is Time To Buy, Build Or Lease? Whether you’re an investor or user, you should approach the commercial real estate market from the perspective of it as a user/occupant. This will enhance the decision making process determining whether to buy, build or lease commercial real estate while avoiding costly mistakes. Excellent training is available by taking the CCIM CI 103 Course: User Decision Analysis for Commercial Investment Real Estate. After taking the course you will be able to: • Apply key occupancy decision–making skills such as comparative lease analysis, lease versus purchase analysis, lease buyout analysis, and sale-leaseback

analysis to optimize user space decisions. • Determine how financial reporting requirements for real estate influences the user decision. • Integrate negotiation skills with financial analysis skills to maximize user outcomes The bottom line is that there are times we simply “don’t know what we don’t know”. Taking this CCIM course, will better equip you to avoid costly mistakes. For more information about the course, go to ccim.com. Maryann Mize, CCIM Senior CCIM Instructor

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

JANUARY 2017

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JANUARY 2017

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 15

Vesta announces acquisition of Sterling Property Services Vesta Property Services announced the 2015 acquisition of Community Association Management Company Sterling Property Services, of Southwest Florida. Today’s announcement comes as the name transition of Sterling Property Services to Vesta Property Services nears completion. Established in 2005, Sterling Property Services has been a leader in the Property Management industry, managing more than 120 associations

throughout Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers. Jim O’Donnell, general manager of Sterling Property Services, said: “Sterling has grown a fantastic business over the last 11 years. Together with Vesta, we can accelerate our growth, as well as provide greater opportunities for community associations throughout the state of Florida.” Sterling in November officially changed its name to Vesta Property

Services. For 25 years, Vesta has redefined property management with superior amenities and lifestyle programming, expert community association management, and unparalleled financial resources for developers and communities, all provided under one roof. To learn more about the company’s community management solutions, visit www.vestapropertyservices.com. Sterling Property Services man-

IRS procedure provides relief for late IRA rollovers Part 2 of 2 The new IRA trustee or custodian can rely upon the taxpayer’s self-certification for the following eleven reasons for making a late contribution. These reasons include: • The financial institution making the distribution or receiving the contribution made an error. • The distribution, having been made in the form of a check, was misplaced and never cashed. • The distribution was deposited into an account that the taxpayer mistakenly thought was a retirement plan or IRA. • The taxpayer’s principal residence was severely damaged. • A member of the taxpayer’s family died. • The taxpayer or a member of the taxpayer’s family was seriously ill. • The taxpayer was incarcerated. • A foreign country imposed restrictions. • The post office made an error. • The distribution was made on account of a levy under Sec. 6331, and the proceeds of the levy have been returned to the taxpayer. • The party making the distribution delayed providing information that the receiving plan or IRA required to complete the rollover, despite the taxpayer’s reasonable efforts to obtain the information. Affected individuals will qualify for the waiver relief provided that all of the other conditions are met. These would include: The rollover

DRONES PAGE 3 He frequently speaks throughout the United States on issues regarding the defense of non-medical professionals, law office risk management issues and drones. Corso has received much recogni-

contribution satisfies all other requirements for a valid rollover; the distribution came from the individual’s IRA or retirement plan; and the rollover contribution is completed to the new IRA as soon as practicable after the reason or reasons for the delay no longer prevent the individual from making the contribution. Taxpayers are not required to submit a copy of the certification to the IRS following the rollover, but should retain a copy of the submitted letter. It should be understood, that the self-certification letter does not constitute an “automatic waiver” of the 60 rule” by the IRS upon which the taxpayer can rely. The certification is subject to verification if it is examined or audited by the IRS. The taxpayer, at least, can have their transaction considered as a valid rollover unless the Internal Revenue Service rules otherwise. The new procedure for late IRA rollover contributions favors taxpayers and should address a wide range of possible scenarios that have unnecessarily complicated IRA rollovers. Taxpayers, who believe they need assistance to avoid possible problems with an IRA rollover, could stand to benefit from consulting a tax professional. Taxsavers of America, located in Bonita Springs, was founded by a former IRS agent and CPA. The firm has assisted taxpayers at the same location for more than 15 years. For an appointment, call 239-947-1284.

tion throughout his legal career, including the 2011 Outstanding Aerospace Engineer Award by Purdue University, the Florida Defense Lawyers Association President’s Award, the Defense Research Institute’s Exceptional Performance Citation, as well as being named to Florida Super Lawyers and Florida Trend magazine’s Legal Elite.

ages homes in more 120 associations throughout Lee & Collier Counties, including: Grandezza, Shadow Wood Preserve, Bonita Bay and Naples Square. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, our responsiveness, our “can do” attitude and our ability to meet and exceed the terms of our contracts. To see how we can exceed your community’s expectations, visit www.sterlingpropertyfl.com.

Gaddis to attend design convention

Renée Gaddis of Renée Gaddis Interiors was selected to represent Florida at Kravet Inc.’s National Design Educational Experience in London next month, Dec. 4 to 8. The trip will include a presentation at Prêt-à-Portea and by English interior designer Nicky Haslam; breakfast with Elle Décor’s UK editor; tours of the GP & J Baker Studio, the Tower of London, Blythe House Archive at the Victoria and Albert Museum, Knole House in Seven Oaks, Mulberry Fashion Studio and the National Gallery; and coffee with Martina Mondadori Sartogo, the founder of the cult design magazine, Cabana and style spy for Town and Country, at her London home.Gaddis will also be traveling with the editor of Veranda Magazine. Established in 1918, Kravet Inc. is an industry leader in the trade home furnishings industry. This fifth generation family business distributes fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, trimmings, carpets and accessories. The family’s commitment to innovation has helped the company transform from a small fabric house to a global leader, representing brands and designers from all over the world. Kravet Inc. owns Kravet, Lee Jofa, Groundworks and GP & J Baker, all high-end fabric houses that specialize in style, luxury and exceptional design. In 2011, Kravet Inc. acquired Brunschwig & Fils, a prestigious decorative house founded in 1900 that shares Kravet and Lee Jofa’s legacy of international design, commitment to quality, attention to detail and superb craftsmanship. “This is an incredible opportunity, and I can’t wait to bring back the experience and observations to our local and national clients,” said Gaddis. For more information, call 239-431-8352 or visit www.ReneeGaddis.com.

Corso is also AV-rated by MartindaleHubbell. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, Florida Engineering Society and past president of the Florida Defense Lawyers Association. Prior to joining Henderson Franklin, Corso was in the United States Air Force, with the rank of Captain, as a

pilot, aerospace engineer, and ending his military career in their JAG lawyer program. He received his undergraduate degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University in 1971 and his law degree from Villanova University in 1974. Corso can be reached at 239-344-1170 or via email at michael.corso@henlaw.com.

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Need easement over neighbor’s property? By Tyra N. Read Guest Columnist Part 2 of 2 When you are purchasing residential or commercial property, do you review the easement agreements referenced in the title commitment? Almost every property will have easement agreements that affect the property and it is important to review the easement document to determine, among other things: if the easement benefits or burdens the property, or both; the location of the easement; which party has maintenance obligations; if the easement can be terminated; what events are deemed a default and therefore may trigger legal ramifications to you. I represented a client who purchased vacant land adjacent to their home. They wanted to build a workshop on the vacant land. Years after the purchase, they were ready to build but their building permit application was denied because of a drainage easement located in the middle of the property and the easement prohibited any structure being built within the easement

area. Upon being denied approval to build on the vacant land, they hired me to resolve the matter. Although we did ultimately resolve the matter and they eventually were able to construct their workshop, it was a lengthy and costly experience for my clients. The easement agreement for the drainage was clearly stated in their owner’s title insurance policy but unfortunately, they did not read their title policy or the easement agreement prior to purchasing the vacant land. If you do not have the knowledge to review the title work and easement documents, it is recommended that you hire an experienced real estate attorney to assist you. Tyra N. Read handles commercial and residential real estate transactions, as a partner with Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. Her experience includes advising clients with easement and survey matters. She earned her B.A. degree from University of South Florida; her J.D. degree from Stetson University College of Law. Contact her at tread@ bplegal.com or 239-628-4937.

JANUARY 2017

Historic restaurant brought up to code

“

Empowered Global, a familyowned and operated electrical contracting business located in Bonita It was a challenge. Once we were Springs, has brought the Twisted awarded the project we noticed that Tangle up to national electrical there was a lot of wiring in the building code. The 80-year-old historic resthat was damaged. taurant building located next to the – Daniel Husty, Everglades Wonder Gardens has been vacant for over eight years President of Empowered until Twisted Tangle opened it reGlobal cently. Earlier this year, the challenging project began. Restoring electricity in such an old building was quite Daniel Husty, president of Emthe task but Empowered Global powered Global. “We are just so glad Alisha was up to the project. The building was upgraded from a 200-amp Rhodes, the owner of the Twisted service to a 400-amp service. Over Tangle, gave us the opportunity to half of the building was rewired do this job. It has been such a joy to bring everything up to current working with her and her husband, Scott Rhodes, and finishing our electrical code. “It was a challenge. Once we first historic building. As Alisha, were awarded the project we no- always says ‘this is vintage.’” To learn more about Empowticed that there was a lot of wiring in the building that was damaged. ered Global, visit the website atThere were many things that were www.EmpoweredGlobalinc.com not up to electrical code. The chal- or to make an appointment, call lenge was definitely there,” stated 239.947.2375.

“

Page 16

How to get America’s largest workforce performing to their potential By Karen Leland Guest Columnist

You know who they are. Those unengaged employees who simply show up, do their jobs and then go home, not giving their work a second thought. However, also fairly obvious are fully engaged employees— those who are clearly passionate about what they do, why they do it and, particularly notably, the impact their work is having on the world around them. Unfortunately, high employee engagement among Millennials—the largest workforce in the U.S.—is proving to be the exception and not the norm. A recent Gallup poll of more than 1 million participants revealed that less than one-third of Millennials—only 29 percent—are engaged in their jobs. The data also underscores the critical difference employee engagement makes, considering that business units in the top quartile of employee engagement realize multiple key benefits that directly impact the bottom line. Specifically, they: • Enjoy 17 percent higher productivity • Experience 41 percent less absenteeism • Have 10 percent better customer ratings • Have 70 percent fewer safety incidents • Are 21 percent more profitable than business units in the bottom quartile Millennials make up 38 percent of the current workforce, but in less than 10 years they are expected to account for a staggering 75 percent of America’s labor pool. This is why today’s savvy forward-thinking employers are seeking innovative strategies to increase employee engagement among Millennials, to benefit all involved now and into the future. What Drives Millennial Employee Engagement? To find the best ways to engage Millennials, it’s first important to understand why current engagement levels are so low. In order for engagement to occur, an employee must feel a sense of purpose in their work. While

this can take many forms, one means towards this end is empowering employees to make a meaningful and quantifiable impact in helping address environmental and social issues. Confidence in their leaders is also critical for employee engagement. A survey conducted by Australian startup Culture Amp found that fully 74 percent of respondents consider confidence in their leadership as a key driver of engagement. The good news in all of this? The ball sits squarely in the company’s court within its own span of control.

Make It Meaningful For Millennials, making a difference isn’t exclusively about money. Simply passing around the proverbial cup for charitable donations won’t cut it to get staff pools fully invested in a cause or overarching company culture. Rather, there must be a direct, hands-on connection with the problem, issue or goal being addressed. Millennials are motivated to give of themselves and their talents—not just their money. One innovative new online platform and app, www.xocial.com, is partnering with businesses and organizations to facilitate exactly that. In short, social makes it possible for companies large and small to achieve corporate responsibility goals and build a socially conscious, cause-minded company culture through fun and simple xocial “campaigns” that galvanize groups for a greater good. Leveraging a concept it refers to as “competitive kindness,” xocial actually measures each participant’s favorable contributions with a “XO Score.” This points system is key as it serves as a numeric benchmark for comparison (and friendly competition)—a calculation representing the direct impact or result of a person’s, team’s and entire company’s xocial campaign. To initiate a campaign, a company simply sets up a xocial profile page supporting a particular goal or cause of their own choosing. The company also specifies vari-

ous “challenges” that employees can undertake to earn points in support of the goal or cause earmarked for the campaign. For example, if a company’s goal is to improve staff physical fitness and, in doing so, lower the city’s escalating obesity rates (and mortality and economic concerns related thereto), challenges might include skipping the elevator and taking only the stairs, drinking eight glasses of water a day or taking a local exercise class during the lunch break. As challenges are completed, points are tallied and a leader board is displayed on the company’s campaign profile page. Visitors to the page—not just employees but also customers and potential customers—can see what the company and its employees have accomplished. Because xocial makes charitable activities trackable, it provides that much-needed direct emotional connection between activity and impact. This encourages people to give of themselves, not just their money, in order to positively impact society. Whether a company seeks third party solutions to foster optimum Millennial engagement in the workplace or chooses to curate an approach in-house, the overarching initiative must accomplish key concerns. This includes giving employees a sense of purpose and empowerment while also giving management a confidence boost. A solid program will also facilitate team building endeavors and curate staff pride in the organization, all while building excitement within the company culture itself. Karen Leland is CEO of Sterling Marketing Group, a branding and marketing strategy and implementation firm helping CEO’s, businesses and teams develop stronger personal and business brands. She is the bestselling author of 9 books, most recently “The Brand Mapping Strategy: Design, Build, and Accelerate Your Brand.” Learn more online at www.KarenLeland.com

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Shell Point’s Dys retires; Schappell named new president Shell Point Retirement Community’s board of directors has appointed Martin Schappell as president, following the November retirement of Peter Dys, who served as president for the past 31 years. “After a rigorous and skillful search, the board found an ideal candidate close to home and unanimously endorsed Martin for the role of president. He brings a strong faith base, professionalism, knowledge, and strategic leadership skills to guide Shell Point, as the community focuses on the expansion of its services and campus,” said Dr. Mark O’Farrell, chair of the board. “There is no doubt that this is the man sent by God to lead this community.” Schappell is well acquainted with the nonprofit’s mission and core values, culture and operations after more than eight years of service as a Shell Point board member and serving as executive vice president throughout the past year. In his new executive role, Schappell will oversee every aspect of the organi-

Dr. Mark O’Farrell, Chair of the board for the Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation, Inc. offers a prayer of gratitude for the successful conclusion of Shell Point’s executive transition.

Martin Schappell is committed to Shell Point Retirement Community’s mission and core values, culture, and operations after serving as a board member for eight years and as executive vice president for the past year.

zation, including healthcare, residential life, marketing, business operations and employee relations. His professional background includes substantial experience in the healthcare industry. For the past 15 years, Schappell served as senior vice president of the Behavioral Health Division of Universal Health Services, one of the largest hospital

management companies in the nation. Schappell holds a B.A. degree, magna cum laude, from Rollins College in Winter Park and a M.Ed degree in community counseling from Georgia State University in Atlanta. “Shell Point is a healthy, vibrant and successful community. I am passionate about maintaining this reputa-

tion and position as an industry leader among continuing care retirement communities as we continue to grow,” said Schappell, emphasizing his commitment to the organization’s mission to care for, serve, and satisfy residents. As Florida’s largest single-site continuing care retirement community, Shell Point has a strong history of providing a wide variety of lifestyle opportunities, coupled with comprehensive Lifecare for its 2,400 residents in an active, resort-style environment since its founding in 1968. Located just two miles before the Sanibel Island causeway in Fort Myers, Shell Point offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care, with a staff of more than 1,000 employees. Lifestyle amenities include deep-water boating access, a championship 18-hole golf course with an extensive clubhouse facility and numerous educational and recreational programs. To learn more about Shell Point, visit www.shellpoint. org or call 1-800-780-1131.

Smart manufacturing starts with people, not machines By Steven L. Blue Guest Columnist

Someone asked me recently my thoughts on Smart Manufacturing, the so-called IT revolution in the factory. They couldn’t believe that I didn’t see Smart Manufacturing as the salvation of American manufacturing. Don’t misunderstand me. Smart Manufacturing has a place in reviving American manufacturing. I have a smart factory. We employ the latest in pick to light systems, automated CNC machines and seamless integration from order inquiry to accounts receivable. But that isn’t where I started my revolution. And you shouldn’t either. The problem with many CEOs today is they have turned away from the astonishing potential of the workforce and turned toward automation instead. Big mistake. But I hear it all the time. What is the sense in spending millions on automating your factory if our workforce could care less? What is the sense in buying expensive machine tools if your workforce can’t wait to get to the bowling alley, yet drag themselves to work? I’ll tell you why. Because too many CEOs view their employees as expandable assets. They should view them as renewable resources. And renew them. Don’t bother with smart manufacturing if you have a dumb workforce. And if your workforce is dumb, it’s your fault, not theirs. Don’t bother with an IT revolution. Your revolution has to start with a “Smart Workforce.” You have to make a new compact with your employees. You need to ignite the

• •

human spirit in your workforce. Imagine this. What would happen if every day your employees came to work excited to do better today than they did yesterday? Imagine how your company would soar if your employees were absolutely dedicated to supporting the mission and each other in attaining it? Imagine what it would be like if your employees were like Cirque de Soleil performers? This is the place where I get blank stares from many CEOs. They don’t like the “soft stuff.” “Give me the hard stuff,” they say. “Tell me how to build a smart factory, not a smart workforce,” is what I often hear. It has to be the other way around. Start by building a smart workforce. A workforce that is engaged, enlightened and empowered. A workforce that trusts in its leadership. A workforce that believes in its leadership. Tall order to be sure—especially if the leadership is a bunch of boneheads that care more about depreciation than employee engagement. Here are four key ways to start: 1. At the top. Build leadership credibility. The only way to have leadership credibility is if your leaders demonstrate key values of respect and integrity. 2. Leaders need to treat their employees with respect, but many don’t. In a recent Harvard Business School study of 20,000 employees, half of them did not feel respected by their leaders. And respect was rated by the participants as more important than anything else, including compensation. Imagine how the company performance would skyrocket if

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you solved this one problem alone. 3. Leaders have to demonstrate integrity. In study after study, integrity is a key attribute in leaders that people admire and want to follow. So integrity is a key part of building credibility. But leaders also need integrity in everything they say. You can’t be like many leaders and “tell half the truth, hoping the other half doesn’t show up.” You have to be bone honest all the time. You have to tell them what they need to know. If the company is headed for trouble, tell them. If the company needs to pivot into new markets or products, tell them. And tell them why. Tell them everything. You would be amazed at how smart your workforce can be if you give them half a chance. I always say, “trust in truth.” 4. This is not just for the top. Your entire workforce has to embrace the values of respect and integrity. But you cannot expect “people below to do what the top will not.” You may have leaders that lost credibility long ago. They can’t get it back. You have to replace them. Smart manufacturing starts at the top, not the bottom. Smart manufacturing starts with creating a new compact with the workforce. Smart manufacturing starts with people, not machines.

Steven L. Blue is president & CEO of Miller Ingenuity, a global supplier of mission-critical solutions in the transportation industry and author of the new book, “American Manufacturing 2.0: What Went Wrong and How to Make It Right.” For more information, visit www.SteveBlueCEO.com, www.milleringenuity.com and connect on Twitter @SteveBlueCEO.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

JANUARY 2017

GUEST COMMENTARY

Get the solar facts when purchasing at Babcock Ranch By Dell Jones

I read the article “Builders Start Foundation of Babcock Ranch” in the October edition of Southwest Florida Business Today with great interest. I hope it will serve to educate readers about where we get our energy and the new energy market that is quickly transforming. However when the article states that Babcock is an “innovative new solar-powered town” and the “world’s first new town powered by the sun”, it’s not accurate. As a solar energy professional with decades of experience, I have built some of the area’s largest solar projects including the array at Florida Gulf Coast University. The fact is, that claim is misleading. The idea that Babcock Ranch is powered by solar is simply not true. The issue is this. Florida Power and Light (FPL), our local monopoly utility provider, has built a 75 MW solar plant adjacent to Babcock Ranch property. The system is interconnected to transmission and distribution lines, and that power flows to the grid that serves all FPL customers. It is not possible to direct the electrons to Babcock Ranch. In fact, I could make the same claim that my house here in Southwest Florida is powered by the solar array as well; and so could FPL customers in Miami and St. Augustine.

The National Association of Attorneys General provides very specific guidance about making inaccurate claims such as, “Babcock Ranch is solar powered.” Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also provides guidance on this sort of claim as well. Of course, Babcock Ranch benefits from the misperception perpetuated by stories like this in the media. Statements by Syd Kitson and his spokesperson Rick Severance mislead. Imagine the disappointment of Babcock Ranch residents when they learn that their energy is not powered by the solar field. Kitson likes to say that the 75 MW system creates the same amount of power as the town would use. Yet I could as easily make the same claim that the 75 MW system creates the same amount of power that my community uses. In truth, unless Syd Kitson buys the solar plant and Babcock Ranch has a “single meter” at the entrance, they should not claim to be solar powered. Prospective buyers of homes in Babcock Ranch are being led to believe they are “solar powered.” While that may be a nice sales pitch, it’s just not true. What’s more – per FPL’s annual report - only 0.05% of electricity generated in their system is solar. I found the number 0.05% curious: it’s the same amount of alcohol in non-alcohol beer. By that standard, the monopoly

utility FPL is really “non-solar”. The addition of the solar plant adjacent to Babcock property doesn’t change the percentage much. It would take five more plants to move the needle to 1% solar in Florida! So all the self-congratulation seems overblown. I want readers to understand the claim Babcock Ranch is making, and to highlight the fact that when you see advertisements by FPL claiming they are “all about clean solar energy” that the truth is in the details. What’s more, monopoly utilities in Florida just spent $27 million on the deceptive Amendment 1 measure to make it harder for Floridians to put solar on their homes and businesses. They wanted to strengthen their monopoly while simultaneously leading consumers to believe they are solar friendly. That should concern us all and shareholders and ratepayers should understand the facts. Utilities in Florida are likely to try and do what other utility companies around the country are doing to owners of solar systems - socking them with fees to discourage solar. Solar is here to stay. The costs are plummeting and with good policy, we will all benefit. Dell Jones is a solar energy professional consultant based in Fort Myers.

Photos essential to achieving public relations goals online Images on the web are popular and inescapable, but do you ever consider how they can bolster your web content strategy and contribute to your bottom line? Here are four reasons why photos are essential to achieving public relations goals online. 1. Photos get more traffic. Articles with images get 94 percent more views than those that don’t—along with more blog comments and reader engagement. What many people don’t real-

ize is that even the images themselves, when suitably tagged and optimized, can drive traffic and new audiences to your brand through search. 2. Visual storytelling strengthens your brand. People want truthful, compelling narratives. When you use photos to visually represent the ideals, people and experiences behind your brand, you form a connection with viewers and establish authenticity. Not to mention, the brain

processes visuals 60,000 times faster than text—meaning it may take less effort to compete with other sources of information and less time to build trust. 3. Images convince journalists to cover your story. Rarely do newspapers, magazines and blogs run features without images these days. Photos save the journalist time and show credibility. (Keep in mind, many journalists prefer not to receive unsolicited photo attachments

SHOWER PAGE 1 The company is owned by the Daubmann family, Bill and Donna Daubmann along with sons, Keith and Douglas. MY Shower Door also has four affiliate stores, which are located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Grand Rapids, Michigan; York, Pennsylvania; and Saint Paul, Minnesota. These stores are independently owned and follow the business model of MY Shower Door. Cory Lavey, MY Shower Door regional sales manager, has been with the company since 2006 and will be overseeing the Orlando operation. Lead sales staff for the new site will be Cliff McClintock and Valerie Rodriguez. MY Shower Door has been hon-

MY Shower Door was honored by Florida Governor Rick Scott in 2016. ored with numerous awards and recognitions including: Family Owned Small Business of the Year for the State of Florida by the SBA of the United States; Small Business of the

Year by Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce; Entrepreneur of the Year by EDC of Collier County; and many others. “For the past eight years, we were

via email, so pitch the idea first to make the journalist aware you have photos available via your company newsroom, shared drive or request.) 4. Images motivate your audience to act. Presentations with visuals are more effective at steering an audience toward a desired course of action. Good news for those looking to build loyalty or convert customers! Reprinted from VOCUS

voted by readers of the Naples Daily News and The News-Press as the best place to purchase shower doors,” said Bill Daubmann. “In 2007, we built and installed the ‘Best Shower Door in the United States’ as awarded by Glass Magazine, the glass industry’s top trade publication.” Since opening their first showroom in Naples in 2003, the company has grown to six locations and 47 employees. The family has been involved in the frameless shower door industry since the mid 80’s and has revolutionized the design, installation and marketing of its products and services. For more information about MY Shower Door, please visit www. MYShowerDoor.com or call the corporate office at 239-689-8402 or the Orlando showroom at 407-637-5605.

JANUARY 2017

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 19

The new town of 50,000 people will be “powered by the sun, innovation, nature and people.”

Building tomorrow’s community today

Above: All dreams begin somewhere; thus literally begins the foundation for the “dream” of the Babcock Ranch community. Left: Here lies the beginnings for a cozy waterfront cottage on a tree-lined street in a friendly neighborhood.

The construction of this “town-of-the-future” seeks to work in harmony with the ecology of the environment; it doesn’t seek to re-create the environment.

THE LANDSCAPE IS CHANGING RAPIDLY HOUSE A ON 11/4/16

HOUSE A ON 11/11/16

HOUSE B ON 11/4/16

To see more photos of the beginnings of Babcock Ranch, go to www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

HOUSE B ON 11/11/16

Photos by Jim Jett

Page 20

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

JANUARY 2017

Happy employees stick around Q: Try as I may I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to avoid employee turnover. How can I solve this problem?

A: Employee turnover is a costly problem in more ways than one. When someone leaves, you must replace them. This may entail paying a recruiter a handsome sum and asking the remaining employees to take up the slack until the new hire is selected, trained, and up to speed. The more important questions are why did your employee leave and what can you do to avoid a similar problem in the future? There are many reasons why people become unhappy in their work. Do you micro-manage? Do you encourage and value their opinions? Do you communicate your vision for the business, and do they understand the importance of their roles? By far the greatest reason people leave is financial. Do you know how your pay scale compares with your competitors? Let me share with you some ideas that worked well for me in my insurance agency business. First, I made sure our pay scale was at the upper end of the industry. It did no good to secure a new account if we lost an old one for lack of service. Accordingly, we did an attrition analysis and determined we needed to cut attrition in half. To achieve this goal, we assigned a specific number of accounts to individual customer service representatives (CSR) and developed a matrix that tracked client attrition. To the extent we were able to increase annual retention we shared the savings with our CSRs in the form of a bonus.

We were able to accomplish this goal by anticipating our customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s every need. If they had a question or problem, we tried to resolve the issue the same day. If this was not possible we let them know BY GRAY the time frame it POEHLER would take for Guest Columnist resolution. We never promised anything we could not deliver. We recognized that our employees had responsibilities outside of the workplace and instituted flex-time hours that suited their personal needs and those of our customers. In addition, we offered insurance and retirement savings benefits. The bottom line is a happy employee is a productive employee. Productive employees are worth every dime you pay them. They keep the customers happy too which makes them tell their friends, thus resulting in referred leads. In conclusion, conduct a self- examination of your business practices. The problem just may be you. Gray Poehler is a volunteer with SCORE Naples. Their counselors can assist and offer advice concerning management issues facing your small business. To register for free counseling or have a question, fill out the form located at www.naples.score.org/mentors or call (239) 430-0081

Photos by Jim Jett Karen Gaston, a customer service associate for The Windsor, speaks with one of the job fair attendees.

JOB PAGE 1

The Nursing Assistance Program was the first program to have a graduation on September 30, 1993. The school held its first all-program graduation on June 8, 1994. The campus is part of the Lee County Public School System and is governed by the Lee County School Board. You do not need a high school diploma or GED prior to attending Cape Coral Technical College, with the exception of our Health Programs. For more information, call (239)574-4440.

Karen Celec and Jennifer Kuhn attended the fair on behalf of Lee Health.