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Spending to soar for seat in Congress
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL
Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Jacob Ogles, Editor
but I can’t do this by myself,’” she said. Fischer reached out to her Babcock Ranch neighbors on Facebook to ask for help, and they immediately rose to the challenge. She organized the volunteers and the “Mask Squad” took action. Cyndi Pride was among the first Babcock Ranch residents who answered the call. A quilter and a selfadmitted “fabric hoarder,” Pride has been using her stash of fabric to fashion mask straps. Even residents who can’t sew have been helping by cutting out fabric or donating supplies.
The business of politics will be big in Southwest Florida this year. Besides Florida remaining a battleground status during a presidential election cycle, an open Congressional seat made the LeeCollier market one of most active political territories in Florida in 2020. And with social distancing concerns surrounding COVID-19, it’s likely the money spent on outreach, whether in traditional media or through digital platforms like social media and streaming video, will make the difference on who wins in District 19. A total of 12 candidates are actively campaigning in the race to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney in Congress. At the end of the first quarter of 2019, that included fast food mogul Casey Askar, who has raised $506,000 on top of $3 million he loaned to the campaign. Dr. William Figlesthaler, a Naples Urologist, raised $340,000 and put in $1 million of his own money. There’s also candidates holding local elected office running for the federal seat. State Rep. Dane Eagle, R-Cape Coral, raised more than $552,000 for his run in the first quarter, while state Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Naples, raised $338,000. Meanwhile, Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson raised around $140,000, and state Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen, RFort Myers, raised $111,000. Former Minnesota lawmaker Dan Severson put $106,000 into a campaign himself. Those candidates and other compete in a Republican primary on Aug. 18. Naples financial advisor David Holden has filed as a Democrat and raised $115,000 in addition to a $25,000 candidate loan. In total, candidates raised more than $6.3 million. More than $1.3 million was spent before the end of March. So far, much spending has been through many non-traditional methods. Eagle and Holden hosted telephonic town halls on the coronavirus. Figlesthaler set up a website and hotline to provide
BABCOCK See page 14
CONGRESS See page 12
COVID-19: Success and Survival Stories
A salute to businesses managing the coronavirus pandemic and fallout. Information inside.
Commercial Real Estate
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IN THE NEWS
to Dave Gammon elevated Charlotte EDO director
in the wake of Charlotte County, joinLucienne Pears former director Partners at Babcock ing Kitson and former Business Ranch, elevated and interim Recruitment Supervisor to executive director Dave Gammon Economic Developdirector of the ment Office. face in reGammon is a familiar he development as gional economic three years with his has proven in EDO. County Charlotte continue leading He is excited to like developments several existing page 19
Florida to communities in second one of four host as part of the Lee County was from seven countries welcome companiesTrade Summit. Manatee, annual International International Trade Hub at Port Fort Lauseries visited Organized by The one day Business opportunity ota and Tampa for the 2019 Global Bradenton/Saras derdale, Fort Myers,to 29. 26 Office, Southwest each from Aug. ReEconomic Development and the Southwest The Lee County Chamber of Commerce the event, which Florida Hispanic Association co-hosted gional Manufacturers Gulf Railway. Chile, Colombia, was sponsored Seminole from Argentina, other locales International companies Spain, Peru and Mexico, goods, artisanal apparel, El Salvador, Guatemala, food, coffee, fruits, cooking systems featured wine, snack and state-of-the-art to merchandise companies Lee County industryof founded as part summit showcases during the summit. Trade Hub at Port Manatee, and An expo-style from seven nations markets in Florida and business leaders visiting Summit. The International International Trade advice as a vital link between provides expert See page 6 the second annual in 2014, serves world. The hub TRADE throughout the
ENEURS h SALUTE TO ENTREPR poised for growt and Business Intermediary Proess Advisors experi- a CertifiedMergers & Acquisitions transaction Edison Busin the IBBA ap- Certified designations from ence totaling partner and
GAMMON See
Privacy & Cyber Security d Forum announce
& Cyber SeA special Privacy held on Friwill be at curity Forum 9 a.m. to noon day, Nov. 8, fromNews Community the Naples Daily room. Companies will William C. Huff and insponsor the informational for the community. teractive forum forum is for atThe goal of the clearer undera tendees to gain keep their famito standing of how businesses private. lies, wealth and FORUM See page
18
in fi$170 fessional a Eric Gall, managing with a concentration proximately for Edison Avenue, won and an MBAthe University of Michigan. broker of record brokerage and lower million. Gall transactions and nance from leading business Gall in business the 2018, 2016 and acquisitions Niehaus, Bro- Assisting middle market mergers Pfeffer, Steven 2014 Business significant changes No. 1 are Michael and Phillip Reda. firm, is announcing kers of Florida Edward Valaitis Business Adto operations. Top Dollar Producer to rebrand itself Pfeffer joins Edison of business The firm has decided over 20 years Award for Southwest Advisors” to better out visors with experience, including 12 as “Edison Business service offerings, Florida, beating busi- transactionbusiness brokerage franchise communicate addedbusiness appraisals, Gall a over 90 other He is years as Southwest Florida. Pfeffer is a including certified appraisals and certiness brokers. owner in Certified certified equipment Business Brokers Board Certified Intermediary, International an and also page 6 strategies. See fied exit EDISON Chairman’s Circle mergers and acquisiBrokerage and led by Association Award winner. Eric holds continue to be tions efforts will 20 years of business Deal Maker Gall. He has over OPENING
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Hoffmann Family buys Hertz Arena, Everblades
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The Hoffmann Family of Companies has entered into an agreement to purchase the Florida Everblades and the Hertz Arena. Plans are underway for a complete renovation of the 8,284-seat, multipurpose arena. The improvements will include enhanced skyboxes, food services and installation of a state-ofthe-art scoreboard. Hertz Arena, which opened in 1998 as Everblades Arena, hosts a variety of events including concerts, Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice, boxing and trade shows. The venue offers
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25 suites, two additional ice rinks, a private club and a pub, Breakaway Sports Pub. The arena is also home to the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles club hockey team of the American Collegiate Hockey Association. “We are optimistic that all of the 330 employees will remain with the Hoffmann Family of Companies,” said Craig Brush, Florida Everblades President and General Manager, who signed a five-year contract and has a commitment from all his senior staff to remain in place. “We are thrilled to be acquired by
A specially focused monthly section exploring the SWFL commercial real estate marketplace.
IN THE NEWS
Fort Myers sixth Business Summit slated for Sept. 20
Holly Bell addresses citrus growers about the 25,000-plus uses for industrial hemp, which can now be grown legally in Florida
Cannabis chief promises rich stash for hemp growers Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Jacob Ogles, Editor
SUMMIT See page 7
When other states started authorizing farmers to grow hemp, it didn’t take long to realize there was no place to sell it. Because no structures had been put in place for processing and manufacturing plants, state officials found themselves rushing a regulatory structure through so farmers could offload their first harvests. Holly Bell, Florida’s first Director of Cannabis, plans to learn from that mistake. She said the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will make sure all parts of the burgeoning hemp industry can move forward as soon as new rules unroll later this fall. “When our farmers are ready for a cash flow, we want to encourage them to get going,” she said.
Applications being accepted for the 25th Blue Chip Award The 25th Annual Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award application deadline is fast approaching. The Blue Chip Community Business Award recognizes successful, small businesses in Lee, Collier or Charlotte County that have overcome adversity to achieve success. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, Sept. 4. The independent judges select the honoree after all the applications AWARD See page 19
Bell spoke in August at the Citrus Expo and Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo, where growers from around the region gathered to hear her discuss this new and just recently legal product to diversify their inventory. Just a few years ago, there were no legal reasons to grow cannabis in Florida. Now, medical marijuana dispensaries pop up in more shopping centers each week. Soon, farmers will grow non-narcotic hemp crops. With the 2018 federal farm bill allowing hemp to grow, a budding industry will soon emerge in Florida. The Legislature this year authorized a pilot program for growing hemp in the Sunshine State, and state officials are nearly done weeding through a stack of public suggestions.
GrowFL announced this year’s 50 Florida Companies to Watch honorees, including three from Southwest Florida. Companies to Watch is a statewide competition that identifies companies expected to see significant growth over the next several years. The GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards program—now in its ninth year—honors 50 select second-stage companies from throughout Florida for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and broadening new industries throughout Florida. Chosen from 500 growing second-stage nominations from throughout, Florida, the 50 companies named as the 2019 Florida Companies to Watch honorees generated nearly $1 billion in revenue and added over 900 jobs between 2015 and 2018. Together, the honorees project a 35 percent increase in revenue and 37 percent increase in job growth in 2019 compared to 2018. “These stand-out companies are all led by entrepreneurs, and have demonstrated their capacity and intent to grow,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL executive director. “They also all have critical intellectual property or a niche position that gives them a competitive edge in their markets,” he said. Local honorees include: Cottrell Title & Escrow, Collier County; Mettauer Environmental, Lee County; and VeraData, Lee County . “This list recognizes second-stage Florida companies with passionate leaders who are making a difference in growing and diversifying our economy,” said Jennifer Barrows, GrowFL Chairman of the GrowFL Advisory Board and Business Development Executive with WithumSmith+Brown, PC. Second-stage companies are those
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The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce has announced an exciting line-up for its 2019 Business Summit, set for Sept. 20. The summit, now in its sixth year, will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers. This year’s keynote address is “Communicate Your Way to Success,” by entrepreneur, business coach and international speaker Jason Evers. Evers has traveled to more than 20 countries on five continents
such a prestigious company. Our partnership with the Hertz Corporation and now this new ownership ensures that Hertz Arena will maintain our strong community presence and continue to be the number one choice for entertainment in Southwest Florida.” The team and the arena were previously owned by Peter Karmanos, founder of Compuware Corporation and prior majority owner of the Carolina Hurricanes in the National Hockey League. “Simply put, without the support of
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IN THE NEWS Collier names Pelican as ‘Business of the Wire Month’
During the July ty Commission 9 Collier CounWire was named meeting, Pelican ty ‘Business of the Collier Counthe Month’ and recognized by was the a manufacturing Board for being County for over leader in Collier 40 years. Pelican Wire President Ted Bill, who received the are truly honored award, said “We Collier County to be named the Month’ for July.‘Business of the Since moving AWARD See page
Gov. DeSantis announces job growth grants
4
Gov. Ron DeSantis the Florida Departmentannounced of Economic Opportunity Florida are acceptingand Enterprise economic development project proposals for the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. $40 million is available to fund training and public job projects that support infrastructure growth and employment in Florida. “We know
the frastructure projects importance inand workforce training has on economic development,” said DeSantis. “The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund will help Florida communities ensure they GRANTS See page
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Dr. Sandra Kauanui (left) and Noemi Ailynee Ramirez, Y. Perez (right) Jessica Sales, with - TIF Shark Daisy Montanez, Tank winners
Alondra Estrada Swap & Shop teamNeika Exulus, Young entrep reneurs share ideas, earn award s
Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Noemi Y. Perez Southwest Florida tion’s business-theme students in The Immokalee Foundad summer camp entrepreneurial recently shared ideas their Tank event modeled and garnered awards during a Shark The four-week after the popular TV show. was a partnership Business Management Pathway Coast University’sbetween the foundation and Floridacamp Gulf developed businessInstitute for Entrepreneursh ip. among them: finding plans that solved problems Students common clothes on a budget; centric finances; handling ñera; and findinggetting better sleep; planning studenta quincearestaurants suitable stricted diets. for people with reStudent teams gave presentations about ences, startup costs, their target audiprojected profits, marketing other aspects of entrepreneurial plans and Dr. Sandra Kauanui, enterprises at iTECH mokalee. Judges FGCU Director spoke during the for of Entrepreneurs Smart Companies the presentations were: Brian in Imevent. hip, Rist, The Smart Companies executive chairman; Sofia Blanno, gram allows shoppers to arrange tor of corporate intern; and Matthew Turner, Hertz The through social an app, then physically to buy, sell or swap items direcFirst place awards responsibility. central location exchange those in Immokalee. items at a Shop team of Neika of $500 each went to the MentorUs, Daisy Montanez Exulus, Jessica Sales, Alondra Swap & smart financial an app that encourages students and Ailynee Ramirez. Estrada, decisions, earned interested in dressing Aimed at students for team members second place of to make fashionably on $250 each Alex Soriano, a budget, the pro- ie Etienne, Azael Simon-Quirino Je’an Espinoza, Myrlandand Simson Devesaint.
Fort Myers Mayor
Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore,
launches Divers ity Committee
SHARK See page
more inclusive city. Publisher Student Hailey Countryman asked her employer, Sanibel Captiva “It is never too the Mayor if he munity Bank, Comlate to give up had to FGCU’s College on diversity whom a team of advisors Education. your prejudices.” of Henry David Thoreau for guidance. Since he could rely on said, “We In a recent interview she can’t really say question was no, the answer to that ing to be representative we are tryat that moment Fort Myers Mayor derson felt Henof our city’s derson has known Randy Hen- a team. inspired to create just such residents and community if we don’t have diversity Ndiang’ui wanted Florida Gulf Coast University on the to make She sure the Mayor explained the council itself.” was prepared ter Ndiang’ui for professor Dr. Pe- road ahead committee drew about 10 years and asked him, for the its 18 members was a guest speaker and from the commu“Are in his class, “In- really able to handle the truth?” you nity, representing troduction to Diversity,” diversity project moved The ethnicity, forward. in Novemgender and sexualin race, ber. Henderson Beth Countryman, asked students Hailey’s moth- tity. “We can’t be a committee idenhe could do to what er, became make Fort Myers up of old white made involved with men and think the project, going a which led to we are a $25,000 donation to be in charge of diversity.” from DIVERSITY See page 11 Payment Plans Available • Discounted Merchandise Parking Options Discount • Presale • Private Parties & Exclusive Gifts on Hertz Arena Concerts & Family Shows Buy Any 19/20 & Get A $20 Membership Pack FORD’S GIFT & ‘BLADES TOTE CARD BAG Valid on any NEW
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IRS extends 1031 exchange deadlines
The IRS on April 9 issued Notice 2020-23, extending many deadlines for taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic including Section 1031 exchange time deadlines.
Diana Reardon and Reva Franks Walters wear face masks created by Babcock Ranch residents to offset a shortage in protective gear.
Babcock Ranch ‘Mask Squad’ provides PPE At Babcock Ranch, residents joined forces three weeks ago with a singular mission: to supply their hometown’s health care workers with protective cloth masks to wear while treating patients during the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the Babcock Ranch “Mask Squad” is on track to surpass the 3,000-mask milestone. Wanting to do her part, resident Jacqueline Fischer first started sewing masks on her own when she heard about the need. But demand quickly outpaced her production. “I didn’t realize how many nurses live here at Babcock Ranch,” said Fischer. “Within a day, I had so many requests. I thought, ‘I’m a fast sewer,
IN THE NEWS This Notice provides that any perDeSantis puts task force on son performing certain time-sensitive reopening Florida business action due to be performed on or after April 1 and before July 15 is an Affected Taxpayer. This includes the 45-Day Identification and 180-Day Exchange Period deadlines in both deferred and
A safer-at-home order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis was set to remain in effect through the end of April. The Republican governor on April 18
IRS See page 13
TASK See page 4
Information on preliminary recommendations, as well as any other and developments from the COVID-19 pandemic affecting business in Southwest Florida, can be found at swfloridabusinesstoday.com/covid19-tips-for-business.
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LOOK INSIDE THIS ISSUE FOR TIM CONN’S SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS
CONTACT US TODAY Nikko Conn Nikko@imageoneusa.com Anthony Conn Anthony@imageoneusa.com
(239) 789-2267
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
MAY 2020
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL
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As a small business owner, you have had ups and downs throughout your business life. You have likely had situations that nobody who hasn’t run a business could possibly understand. It may be as simple as juggling funds to make payroll or this month’s rent, or it may have been more serious like your business being interrupted due to a catastrophic event such as what we are dealing with now! If you’ve been in business for 20 years or more, you’ve experienced the effects of 9/11, the Great Recession, and perhaps hurricanes, tornadoes or wild fires; these are all scary times. The good news is that each time you go through an event such as one of these, you learn something. You become a better business owner. You become a better leader of your team. You provide a better opportunity for your business, develop new skills and sometimes see a whole new way to develop and promote your business. Just a few short weeks ago your business and the economy as a whole felt like an eight-lane highway, going as fast as legally possible (or maybe a little faster) and then all of a sudden, it came to a screeching halt. It is like you hit that bottleneck when they close eight lanes down to just one. Now, you are sitting in a hold-
ing pattern. You are anxious to get back to normal, or at least to the “new normal.” The good news is that small business owners are among the most resilient people in our country. The small business is BY TIM now, as it has alCONN ways been, the ecoGuest Columnist nomic engine of our country. As we begin to re-open so many businesses we will certainly see some companies struggle, and there will unfortunately be some that may never reopen, but for most of us, we will exit this current situation as a stronger more capable business. Even though these are difficult times, it is always great to be a small business owner. Now it is time to get back to business! Tim Conn is the founder and President of Image One USA, a commercial cleaning service franchise. For information visit ImageOneUSA.com or call (800) 223-1985 Call the Fort Myers location at (239) 789-2267.
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL
Celebrating SWFL’s small businesses For more than 50 years, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year we will celebrate National Small Business Week May 3–9. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Southwest Florida Businesses are the backbone of our local economy. Maintaining the viability of our small businesses is critical to our region. What is the health of your business? It is a good time to assess you company’s results and long term plans. There are local professionals who are great resources to support your goals. A great resource available is a certified business coach. Effective Business coaching is a systematic process to help business owners and leaders make measurable gains in their revenues, profits, cash flow, team productivity, and value of their business. It also helps clients find more time and reduce the hassles, headaches, and stresses of running a business. Edye Button, CEO of Cash Flow Strategies, is a local certified business coach, and has developed a coaching methodology that inspires clients to maximize their business potential while solving everyday problems that typically hold business owners back. Her clients experience a fresh perspective on professional challenges and
opportunities, gaining the decisionmaking skills that will carry into longterm business operations success. It is critical to develop an effective Business Plan, which provides a foundation for future planning, growth, and ultimately executing your exit strategy. Your business plan will help maximize the value of your business as you address the key drivers, including staffing/employee assessment, barriers to entry, competition, accurate financial statements, operating plans and procedure. Regardless of how you plan to exit your business, it is important to start planning now. And the best place to being is by understanding the value of your business. In order to get an impartial, third-party opinion, you may want to contact a licensed business intermediary, also referred to as business broker, who is a trained professional who helps people buy and sell businesses. In Florida, a person is required to be licensed to handle business transactions. Steve Niehaus is a local certified business intermediary with Edison Business Advisors. He and his team will estimate the value of a business, confidentially market the business and screen potential buyers. Edye Button and Steve Niehaus are members of the Preferred Commercial Alliance (PCA). Contact Button at (239) 676-3150 or edye@cashflowstrategies.net. Contact Niehaus at (239) 565-3171 or steve@edisonba. com. The Alliance includes professionals offering B2B services, real estate, financial services, marketing, business consulting, technology, construction and numerous service industries. Contact Preferred Commercial Alliance, www.preferredcommercialalliance.com or (239) 234-1792.
MAY 2020
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 3
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL Local relationships help our business community stand strong together As our business community faces this time of great uncertainty, it is apparent—now more than ever—that local relationships matter. As Lee County’s oldest locally owned and managed community bank, Edison National Bank has spent nearly 25 years building relationships with customers. This longstanding commitment has proven to be critical throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as individuals and business owners are looking to businesses for more than just an impersonal voice recording. People are relying on familiar faces and trusted partners that can bring a sense of comfort to this challenging time. As this situation is ever-evolving, businesses must be prepared to evolve too. For Edison National Bank, this has made our on-site decision-making and individualized services a critical tool for our customers. The ability to be responsive while offering personalized services to meet our customers’ unique needs is a
valued resource for those who are worried not only for their health and safety, but also for their financial stability. During this time of uncertainty, we are working diligently to do our part, serving as the trusted banking partner that customers need, while doing all we can to support the wellbeing of our community. With safety our top priority, Edison National Bank initiBY ROBBIE ated an in-house Pandemic Task ROEPSTORFF Force to respond and follow the Guest Columnist critical recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By carefully managing our lobby appointments and encouraging the use of services like our OnLine AnyTime internet banking, mobile bank-
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL
For the latest news on COVID-19 and its effects on SWFL businesses, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com ing, mobile deposits, Business Remote Deposit and transactions via ATM, drive-up and walk-up window, customers can find convenience while still benefiting from our people-first approach to business. Being true partners to our business community throughout this pandemic is a commitment that we should not take lightly. These relationships help us stand strong, and together, we will overcome. Robbie Roepstorff and her husband, Geoff, cofounded Edison National Bank in 1997 and are president and CEO, respectively. Edison National Bank has four offices serving Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva. For more information, visit www.EdisonNationalBank.com.
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL
Tailor crafting masks for McKenney
The Salvation Army is ensuring that people have access to food, shelter and desperately needed services.
McKenney Home Care has been working with Vestire Alter Design, a custom tailor in Naples, to make highquality fabric masks for their employees during this time. All McKenney Caregivers have been provided the masks to ensure their protection and the protection of McKenney Clients. “As soon as Governor DeSantis set forth the law that anyone entering Healthcare facilities would need a mask, we knew there would be a problem due to the shortage of masks and other protective gear,” said Mi-
chele McKenney, “so we immediately hired Vestire to make over 200 highquality fabric masks.” Vestire worked around the clock to ensure delivery of over 200 masks within two days, allowing McKenney to distribute the masks and ensure the protection of their Caregivers and Clients. “The protection of our Caregivers and Clients has been our number one priority” said Michele McKenney. “We are grateful to Vestire for their very quick response as well as the MCKENNEY See page 14
Salvation Army ramps up its efforts The Salvation Army, the nation’s largest social services organization with more than 7,600 service locations across the country, is increasing efforts to meet human needs. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the organization has evolved service delivery to ensure that immediate needs of community members, first responders and government partners are met. With an expected spike in requests over the coming weeks, months and potentially years, ongoing public support will be needed to help ensure that services are available to existing and new vulnerable populations. While all are impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, the one in six Americans who are living in poverty will likely
feel the effects quicker and more significantly. In Florida, that means more than 3 million neighbors living in poverty will be impacted. The Salvation Army is ensuring that people have access to food, shelter and desperately needed services like child care through its nationwide network. This includes drive-through food pickup, community-based food delivery through canteens and meals at Salvation Army facilities. The organization is also providing snacks and hydration to first responders. Since COVID-19 response began, The Salvation Army has provided the following to individuals and families in need across Florida (as of April 15): • 72,568 meals, drinks and snacks
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
MAY 2020
C19
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL Positivity remains for businesses following COVID-19 By Chase Sonen Guest Columnist
There’s no denying that COVID-19 has changed every facet of corporate life, from businesses to employees and everything in between. It’s not all doom and gloom, however. Below are five areas that we believe will be stronger after COVID-19. 1. Increased empathy for small business hardships It’s never been more apparent to customers exactly how much they depend on local businesses until they see them closed for an indefinite amount of time. One of the bright spots for small businesses will be a renewed focus on buying and supporting local organizations, especially ones that are viewed as having been helpful in times of crisis. 2. More emergency response, donations and volunteering America found itself uniting after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. True to the American nature, generous donations and grants were given to individuals and businesses who lost everything. COVID-19 has been no different. America is once again rallying behind those who need support. Large corporations are offering grants and changing the focus of services to COVID-19 necessities. Companies providing services, like Iconic IT, are offering free tools and resources for small to medium-sized businesses. In our state, the message is clear: Floridians want to help. The attitude of Americans banding together is not new, but it’s never more evident than in times of crisis. 3. Increased financial awareness for small to mediumsized businesses Many businesses were prepared for ordinary expenses, but when COVID-19 struck, they found they were ill-equipped for ®
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the devastating financial effects on their organizations. Many relied on insurance, only to find that many insurances are refusing to cover losses related to COVID-19. Following this pandemic, many businesses will find ways to set emergency funding aside in preparation for another damaging crisis. 4. New attitudes about working in office versus from home After COVID-19 has passed, many employers may opt to keep a hybrid remote workforce, allowing employees to telecommute a few days a week while also scheduling regular office days. The increased flexibility and work-life balance will be a benefit for employees, while small to medium-sized businesses will see a reduction in monthly expenses associated with a full time, on-site work force. 5. Greater acceptance and understanding of healthy behaviors COVID-19 has been a devastating disease, with unhealthy individuals more at risk for complications than their healthier counterparts. This may be the catalyst needed to encourage businesses to be more health focused. Employers will be more liberal with sick leave policies. Individuals will remember the lessons learned from the coronavirus and be more aware of simple health protections such as handwashing and hand-sanitizing. We will emerge from this crisis far more health-conscious than ever before. While COVID-19 will permanently change the face of small to medium-sized businesses, not all change has to be bad. And that’s pretty good. Chase Sonen is a field account executive for Iconic IT, a leader in the MSP space. Contact him at CSonen@IconicIT.com
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Keep alert for COVID-19 scams Businesses need to be aware of these scams. • Unordered Supplies or Fake Invoice Scammer calls about an order or sends an invoice (e.g. hand sanitizer) and tries to manipulate the employee into paying. Many invoices may be hard to recognize or track. Prevention: Have one person designated as the ordering manager. This person approves orders and is the contact. Create BY CARMINE an approved vendor MARCENO list. Verify phone Guest Columnist numbers and get the contact person name from each vendor for verification if scammer calls. Never pay for invoices you do not recognize. Have a single point of contact for all bills. Train employees to question and verify invoices. • Utility Company Overdue Bill Scammers call with urgency about an overdue bill that will result in services being turned off if not paid immediately. If a business is closed due to COVID-19 you may be unable to immediately verify the power situation. Prevention: Ask for the name of the caller. Verify by calling the company to see if the name is authorized to call you about a past-due bill. Phone numbers can be spoofed so do not rely on the displayed phone number to be correct. Physically check business. • Phishing and Imposter Scams Scammers piggybacking on COVID-19 fears take advantage of workers who are social distancing or remote working. Phishing emails with malware have increased. Employees may not use the same security precautions at home as they did at their company. Imposters call or email with COVID-19 updates or for direct deposit information for stimulus checks. Prevention: Do not download attachments or click on links in emails. Verify the sender first before forwarding or responding. Change passwords regularly and do not overshare personal information on social media. Go to trusted sources for COVID-19 updates. Encourage remote workers to have a VPN; Single Sign On along with Multi Factor Authentication; and send frequent security awareness reminders. Carmine Marceno is the Lee County Sheriff. Contact the Community Response Unit at (239) 477-1617.
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TASK PAGE 1 announced a task force, made up of business and government leaders, to craft a three-phase plan to reopen Florida businesses. The advisory group, scheduled to meet for a first time on April 20, will follow a framework recommended by the White House. Those federal guidelines do not establish a timeline, but lay out recommendations based on testing results over 14-day periods. The goal is to lift restrictions on non-essential businesses as gradual easing on social distancing and mass gathering requirements allow.
MAY 2020
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 5
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL
Fort Myers Chamber works with challenges for every business Every member of the business community has been impacted in some way by the COVID-19 pandemic. Across all industries, businesses are implementing new processes and diversifying services. Essential businesses are going beyond regular duties to fulfill the growing need for services, and thousands of other businesses have had to temporarily shut their doors, limit their operations or get creative to keep serving their customers. To help empower, connect and unite our business community during this unprecedented time, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce launched a new website at Resource.FortMyers.org, offering a one-stop destination for resources that will support local businesses in responding not only to the coronavirus, but also to prepare for a new way of working as virtual correspondence and companywide remote operations become the new status quo. A hub for information and latest updates span-
ning the business, community, education, health, hospitality and service industries, visitors can: • Learn about the loan opportunities to help businesses overcome the loss of revenue. • Find business-planning resources and tools for employers to prepare and respond to the coronavirus and guide their businesses into virtual and remote operations. BY COLLEEN • Access support services inDEPASQUALE cluding employment resources, Guest Columnist job listings and food assistance. • Discover local educational programming and resources for students working from home. • Stay in-the-know on COVID-19 health updates from the CDC and other health authorities.
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL
Time to shine for Home Watch COVID-19 has upended daily life. But for the Home Watch Professional, it is our time to shine with longstanding protocols and best practices when it comes to sanitary and safety standards. I hear it again and again. Some people think because they live in a home they’re qualified to watch someone else’s home. Nothing could be further from the truth. The homeowner who hires a Neighbor-Doing-A-Favor or Hobby Home Watcher should beware. To start, social distancing is a natural for us as we visit unoccupied homes looking for potential damage before things get out of hand. In fact, The Department of Homeland Security has deemed our services ‘essential.’ In addition, Home Watch is a real business. When interviewing the person you will surrender your keys to, it’s imperative you ask all the right questions. What training do they have? Are they insured? Bonded? Do they have all appropriate credentials and can they provide that documentation if asked? The most frequent problems are water damage and mold. That can happen when your air conditioner breaks down weeks,
sometimes months after you leave your seasonal home. Imagine returning home to find it damaged by mold, then to have your insurance company deny the claim because you did not follow their mandated frequency of Home Watch Visits. BY DIANE In short, you don’t PISANI know what you don’t Guest Columnist know, until you know what you don’t know. That’s why I have compiled ‘The Ultimate Home Watch Interview Guide.’ It’s a free download. You will learn what to expect, the questions to ask, and the answers you should receive. Be informed. Learn more at www. YourHWP.com
HELP PAGE 3
market volatility elevate the need for public support in order to maintain and grow these efforts. “We are greatly concerned about the welfare of our state, and particularly those who are the most vulnerable in this crisis - those who are economically challenged, the homeless, and the aged,” said Lt. Colonel Kenneth Luyk, the Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army in Florida. “Since the pandemic began, The Salvation Army has been on the frontlines meeting the food, sheltering, and other social needs of thousands of Floridians across the state, and we will continue to do so as the full impact of the crisis is felt. We are grateful for the generous support of the public, and we need their support now more than ever.’” To contribute to The Salvation Army’s efforts in your community, visit www.SalvationArmyFlorida.org/give.
• 59,637 personal protective equipment (PPE) items • 26,913 food boxes • 10,529 nights of shelter • 5,704 comfort/hygiene kits • emotional and spiritual care to 3,778 people In the months that follow, The Salvation Army will continue to provide basic needs to the 23 million Americans it already assists and anticipates it will also serve a new generation of need that is born out of the virus. Anticipated impacts on the economy and workforce will likely force more Americans to seek rental, utility and other forms of assistance. While the full scope of the pandemic’s economic impact is still unknown, canceled fundraising events and
Diane Pisani is the owner and founder of ‘Your Home Watch Professionals’ in Naples and co-founder of the ‘International Home Watch Alliance’. Contact her at (239) 707-4296.
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• View a running list of restaurants and breweries offering to-go services. • See what companies are currently open for business. This resource platform is available to all businesses, not just Chamber members. New information is being added daily, and local businesses can submit their information for inclusion through a submission form on the website or by contacting the Chamber at (239) 332-2930 or linda@fortmyers.org. It’s business as (un)usual in Southwest Florida, but with a united front, we will be better positioned to get through this trying time together. Colleen DePasquale is the president and CEO of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community. To learn more, visit www.fortmyers.org or call (239) 332-2930.
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL
Order some Love-To-Go
My family and our team at Norman Love Confections share the concerns and challenges that our community, business partners and customers locally and around that nation are experiencing during this challenging time. As a husband, father and grandfather, I share your concerns for health and safety. In fact, my daughter is an ICU nurse working on the front lines for Lee Health. I’m truly inspired and in awe of the selfless courage of our first responders during this crisis. As a business owner, my heart goes out to everyone whose livelihoods are impacted. As entrepreneurs, we must adapt to find creative ways to continue serving our customers during this time. Comfort food has always been an inspiration of mine, and everything at Norman Love Confections is truly made with love. We have always held extremely high standards for food safety, as that has been instilled in me throughout my career. At Norman Love Confections, we continue to adapt and assess our business model during this time. While our retail business has slowed down, our e-commerce BY NORMAN business is holding its own. LOVE To boost retail and encourage social distancing, Guest Columnist we have introduced curbside, white glove pick-up and Love-to-Go, a delivery service available to customers in our service areas. With Love-to-Go, we’re bringing our award-winning chocolate creations as well as fresh desserts, gelato and baked goods, right to your door. Additionally, we are partnering with Chef Brian Roland and his team at Crave Pantry to offer artisanal desserts to complement his gourmet meals, also delivered to your door. It’s our hope that these accommodations, as well as shipping options, can help our customers continue to celebrate special occasions such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries and graduations during this time of social distancing and uncertainty. I’ve seen Southwest Florida’s strength and resilience in times of difficulty, and it never ceases to inspire me. Norman Love is an internationally renowned chef chocolatier, president and founder of Norman Love Confections, based in Southwest Florida. Contact him at (239) 672-8797.
To stay current throughout the day with COVID-19 business news & resources, go to swfloridabusinesstoday.com/ covid-19-tips-for-business/
Page 6
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
MAY 2020
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL
Cape Coral’s businesses face COVID-19 impact By Nita Whaley Guest Columnist Our world as we know it has been largely affected due to the impacts of the coronavirus on the world economy since early March. This has dramatically impacted small businesses, and has put many business owners in defense mode as they strive to mitigate as much damage as possible. This issue has impacted nearly everyone across the globe, infiltrating the U.S. economy and trickling down to the local levels across our country. This has significantly impacted our local businesses, putting many in extremely vulnerable positions with essentially “zero” revenue coming through the front door and commitments to pay fixed expenses. The longer this pandemic remains a major health concern, the deeper its impacts will bear on the upswing of resuming back to business. Working closely with the City of Cape Coral, Lee County and other businesses, local business owners are banding together to think of how they can repurpose products to make protective gear, hand sanitizer and masks and find new avenues to do business. The coronavirus has sparked generosity and has manufacturers creating supplies they never dreamed they would be producing. We are also seeing restaurants, dinner theaters, chocolatiers, bakeries come up with creative ways to sell products and provide muchneeded services in our community. Nor-Tech High Performance Boats got a prototype from the University of Florida and Lee Health volunteers to make an alternative N95 mask for emergency room patients to wear. While it is not a substitute for N95s, it does offer a higher level of protection than cloth masks. Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats repurposed their manufacturing facility to make these masks and is donating them to Lee Health. They organized a food drive to benefit the Cape Coral Caring Center. They designed a T-Shirt that was sold through a program organized by Beasley Media Group, which will make monetary donations to the Cape Coral Caring Center. VR Wesson, a local manufacturer of cutting tools who supply aerospace, automotive, wood, oil and gas, heavy equipment and medical also produce parts used in ventilators, military and Department of Defense. COVID-19 caused an interruption in automotive and aerospace, causing a 25% reduction in incoming sales, so they turned their efforts to producing the ventilator part. VR/Wesson applied and was approved for the Paycheck Protection Program (CARES Act), which will keep their employees and help them prepare for when the orders start back up, time for more cross training, evaluations of process
Nor-Tech High Performance Boats got a prototype from the University of Florida and Lee Health volunteers to make an alternative N95 mask for emergency room patients to wear. For the latest news on COVID-19 and its effects on SWFL businesses, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com and general clean up. Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery and Big Blue Brewing are using their beer tanks to make more sanitizer for Lee County. Lee Health needs an 80% hand and surface sanitizer that Wicked Dolphin Distillery is working around the clock to meet that need. They have added a second shift to their workday to accommodate these needs. They have been approached by many businesses in the local area and hope to meet most of the demands in the next few weeks. Noela Chocolate is offering delivery, curbside service and special products designed to thank our front-line workers for all they do. They sell brownies, chocolate, wine, tea, chocolate bark, cookies and much more, all in a personalized box. Bones Coffee is offering “Coffee for Heroes” promotion. For every order they receive using the code COFFEE4HEROES, they are donating a bag of coffee to hospitals across America! Many local restaurants have opened markets to sell their food since their dining rooms are now closed. This list includes: Bubba’s Roadhouse, Beef O’Brady’s, Mel’s Diner and Cape Cabaret. They added mini marts that consist of meat, butter, milk, produce, citrus fruit, toilet paper, can and bottle soda, full bottles of wine and liquor, and peanuts! Many of the other local businesses are supplying our
Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery and Big Blue Brewing are using their beer tanks to make more sanitizer for Lee County. frontline workers with meals every day. As the novel COVID-19 virus created disruption amongst Southwest Florida businesses and residents, the City of Cape Coral Economic Development Team went to work compiling resources that are available to you. Our team is working with Lee County, Enterprise Florida, IEDC, SBDC, SBA to bring the most up to date information to our businesses. Our team continues to work with new developments to ensure they stay on track and have the information needed to proceed. Remember, we are all in this together and we are CAPECORALSTRONG! For more information, please visit our website at www.bizcapecoral.net. Nita Whaley is the business recruitment/retention specialist for the City of Cape Coral Economic Development Office. Contact her at (239) 574-0443 or nwhaley@capecoral.net.
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MAY 2020
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 7
What lies ahead in the real estate market By Matt Simmons Guest Columnist
When completed, CenterLinks Business Park at Three Oaks will contain approximately 600,000 square feet of warehouse buildings, office-industrial flex units and general or medical office space.
McGarvey to develop CenterLinks Business Park McGarvey Development has announced CenterLinks Business Park at Three Oaks, its next commercial development in Southwest Florida and its largest commercial development to date. The 42-acre industrial park is located along Oriole Road near Alico Road just west of Interstate-75 in Fort Myers. When completed, CenterLinks will contain approximately 600,000 square feet of warehouse buildings, office-industrial flex units and general or medical office space to create jobs for potential suitors for years to come. McGarvey expects to break ground in April. Adam Palmer, managing director, and Mike Doyle, senior associate at LandQwest Commercial, are accepting inquiries about leasing opportunities at (239) 275-4922. “After two and a half years of developing, we are approaching one hundred percent build out and leasing of our SouthLinks project in Bonita Springs which includes 23 acres and 250,000 square feet of industrial flex space. Now we will turn our attention to the Alico Road and Three Oaks Parkway corri-
dor, another hotbed of economic development in Lee County,” said Jeff McGarvey, marketing and sales director at McGarvey Development. Prospective tenants can expect the same high quality design standards and architectural details that McGarvey Development is well known for. McGarvey utilizes concrete tilt-wall construction with attractive characteristics that both appeal to the eye and are functional in form. All storefront windows will be hurricane rated and energy efficient and LED lighting will be installed throughout the park. The CenterLinks site plan will feature similar aesthetics that have been well received into the SouthLinks complexes in Bonita Springs. “The proximity of CenterLinks in relation to our region’s international airport, major roadways and universities will undoubtedly attract a diverse audience of tenants,” McGarvey added. “With multiple corporate headquarters and other developments coming out of the ground in this corridor, CenterLinks will offer a convenient logistical advantage for businesses to grow in the Southwest Florida market.”
At present, all that’s certain is uncertainty. Just a short time ago the equity markets were soaring, unemployment rates were near historic lows, and the real estate market was firing on all cylinders. That was then, this is now. Much attention is being directed toward present circumstances in the economy and on how to navigate fallout. Understandably so. But the present will soon become the past and there are some signals in the market that point toward what to expect in the future. The market for multi-family apartments has been on fire for several years now. Commuters on Six Mile Cypress Parkway in Lee County or Collier Boulevard/951 in Collier County can clearly identify that trend. Each groundbreaking for a new apartment project comes on the heels of another record setting sales price per unit. The current pipeline of permitted projects would also suggest that a continued strong forecast can be expected. But in the words of ESPN Gameday’s Lee Corso, not so fast my friend. Reported asking rates (per square foot) in Lee and Collier Counties have recently declined and there are signs that this trend could continue. Rates in Lee County have mostly plateaued over the past six to eight months and the most recent month has demonstrated a sharper decline. The asking rates in Collier County are even more demonstrative and show a market that may have hit its cyclical high in December 2018. Most troubling is the recent steep decline in asking rates from early March MARKET See page 10
March Madness in May! Unprecedented Covid-19 triple double
THE PLAYERS
THE STATS
Theresa Blauch-Mitchell, CCIM • Cer�fied Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) • 2020 CCIM Florida Board of Directors • Past President SWFL CCIM • Past President Commercial Investment Professionals
Michelle Morrisse�e Commercial Realtor Michelle moved to Southwest Florida 16 years ago. She has 20 years’ real estate sales and investment experience.
DOUBLE DIGIT STEAL – SOLD $3,650,000 Manufacturing & Distribu�on Complex 60K sf and 3.5 Acres at $56 psf
ABOUT THE TEAM Theresa and Michelle met and became fast friends in Miami 20+ years ago. They found common interests in inves�ng and construc�on and moved in 2004 to Lee County to acquire lots and start building homes during the boom. Soon a�er, the great success they experienced moved them both on to commercial real estate investments. Reinves�ng residen�al profits into the commercial arena was a solid growth path. Since joining forces, both have excelled. Year a�er year they break their own sales records and find no “slowdown” in sight. Working remotely during the pandemic has allowed them to develop improved and efficient work habits improving every aspect of their business. Theresa’s best advice regarding what to do during an economic downturn? “Take advantage of this opportunity to further your educa�on, network and help others when you can.”
DOUBLE REBOUND PROPERTIES – SOLD $1,040,000 & $578,000 Retail Strip Plaza, 18K sf & Industrial Flex Space, 5K sf Both bouncing back and renovated and For Lease NOW! DOUBLE DIGIT POINTS / PSF – LEASES Averaging $12 psf Three Novel Industrial Leases in SWFL Farming Wholesaler, Tree Specialist & Interior Design Contractor
SWISH YOUR WAY INTO THE COMMERCIAL MARKETPLACE WITH OUR TEAM FOR YOUR NEXT SLAM DUNK Contact us today at (239) 789-8106 Theresa@ccim.net www.sperrycga.com
Page 8
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
MAY 2020
Are you winning at Expect new normal after pandemic ends negotiation? GUEST COMMENTARY
Returning to “normal” is possible but very unlikely. fice” really need to be physically We now have a “New Normal” (I hate that term!). We present? If the people do not need have an unprecedented economic catastrophe placed to be present at the “Office,” what on our economy by ourselves. When talking about is the effect on demand? As time Real Estate and the changes wrought by this self-immoves forward, the space requireposed situation we need to remember this shutdown of ments/demand for office uses will the economy is worldwide. diminish. Medical office space has The most immediate visible and economic effect been the saving grace for construcwill be on traditional retail uses of brick and mortar tion and revenue over the last despaces. Those stores are businesses, but the people and cade within the office sector. That companies that own property are also running a busiis changing as the video conferencness. Public perception disease is everywhere will add ing for medical attention snowballs. to the misery retail businesses experienced since the BY RANDY The government is allowing less last recession from 2008 to 2017. We have experienced KRISE stringent rules concerning medical the contraction of the retail sector concerning physical procedures. Physician Assistants locations as the internet, mail and delivery business has will have more authority and ability to treat patients grown exponentially during the last decade. without coming to a physical location. A video PhysiWe all understand the paradigm shift that can occur cian, PA or Nurse Practitioner could see a full range of in all businesses. The consequences of the coronavirus patients daily and never leave their homes. All neceswill further accelerate and acerbate the loss of the phys- sary functions will be done on the computer including ical storefronts in favor of internet sales. Now, the real examination, recommendations, prescriptions, referestate business owner must repurpose the spaces. Gov- rals and billing and insurance filing. Almost assuredly, ernments must cooperate and allow quick changes to the billing clerk for the doctor’s practice could always zoning and use requirements. New construction of the work at home and never come to an “Office” location. retail product is already lower than earlier times in the It is almost scary and something out of George Orwell. country’s rise to greatness as access to most available The most successful real estate professionals will tell retail products became available to the masses. Repur- you the most important factor in sales is the personal reposing will be more difficult as people get trained to lationship. It is hard to have relationships without perstay at home. I read a book in high school about such a sonal contact. Looks, speech, knowledge, presentation scenario. In that novel everyone stayed in their homes and experience are all factors both parties glean quickly and got all information from TV, but obviously the meeting face to face. It is also easy to be rude or indifcomputer will facilitate that lifestyle now. ferent to the broker’s time with no real connection. My The second consequence to the real estate business- skill has been getting a comfort level between parties person will be disruption in the Office sector. The me- quickly upon meeting. Now, can we shake hands, can teoric rise in video conferencing between two people we greet, can we be in the same place at the same time? and groups up to 2,000 or more is at hand. If people are I see serious changes on the horizon. Many things able to do their jobs at home by computer, they will! will turn out to be better, many things will be worse. What business would fly an employee to London over In my opinion, prices of these two sectors are headed four days with all associated expense to have meet- down quickly. ings about, let’s say, financial matters? If everything you wish to discuss and accomplish can be done on the Randy Krise, CCIM is the Broker / Owner of Krise computer with video and document distribution, why Commercial Group in Fort Myers and can be reached at wouldn’t you? Do members who comprise your “Of- (239) 633-8672 or randy@krisecg.com.
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We negotiate every day. For rent, for collecting money that is owed to you, for the car you buy, for the food you want at dinner tonight. How good are you at negotiation? Most business owners I know would say they are pretty good negotiators. I would disagree. Chris Voss was the lead hostage negotiator at the FBI. He has since written a book called Never Split the Difference. This is a fantastic book whose underlying premise is the person that has been trained to negotiate will beat his counterpart 90% of the time. According to Voss, the trained negotiator is taught to ask calibrated questions. These are open ended questions that acknowledge (honor) the other side and they let BY TOM you introduce your request withMATTHEWS out looking pushy. Calibrated Guest Columnist questions almost always have the words What or How. Examples of calibrated questions: • What about this is important to you? • How would you like me to proceed? • How can we solve this problem? • How am I supposed to do that? Why questions should not be used. They are aggressive, accusatory and put the other side on the defense. • Why did you do that? • Why are you going to walk rather than drive? • Why didn’t you close the deal? In any conversation, the listener is the winner and the talker is the loser. The calibrated questions are designed to get the other side to talk, to let you know what their objections are and what their goals are. Voss says the two words you are looking for are “That’s right.” These two words allow the negotiation to move forward rather than stuck or running in a circle. This is very different from “you’re right” which are the two words that spell disaster. By saying you’re right, they are throwing in the towel and ending the negotiation. They have not agreed to anything. We all know that emotions drive decisions, not logic and rational thinking. The great negotiators (like Chris Voss) understand this and use it to their favor when employing the calibrated question tactic. Voss identifies many more strategies that help you become a better negotiator.
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2638 Stonyhill Court Cape Coral, Florida 33991 Phone: (239) 945-0551 Fax: (239) 772-0141 Email: steve@dei-fla.com Website: www.dei-fla.com
MAY 2020
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 9
CRE SPOTLIGHT
Investors see deals on the horizon Theresa Blauch-Mitchell, CCIM, brokerowner of Sperry Commercial Global AffiliatesThe Signature Group, has continued to see major deals come together even with the ongoing pandemic. She tells Southwest Florida Business Today a number of buyers and sellers remain engaged in the marketplace. What activity came through your office as the ongoing coronavirus situation unfolded? We had three sales in three weeks that were notable, two of them investor-friendly and one of them for an end user, who will be doing manufacturing and distribution. That is bringing jobs and business to Cape Coral. It’s nice to see there are still those bringing and growing their businesses in Lee County. And the investors are still investing. Any one of them could have pulled out once the virus came in, but they got to the finish line because they could see an end to this on the horizon. The three sales come to about $5.2 million and that’s a nice number. What response have you seen to this environment overall? We are not seeing deals fall through. Buyers, both with investors and end users, many ask for extensions, but they don’t have an outlook of doom and gloom that makes them want to run. People are planning for when things come
back. There is a lot of positioning and repositioning. The investors are already coming out trying to make offers. I’m seeing more interest in finding steals and buying from panicked sellers. But hold steady and hold tight. I see the rainbow and I see the pot of gold Blauch-Mitchell at the end. When do you anticipate the market returning back to ‘normal’ and pre-pandemic conditions? I’m listening to the economists, and one says we’ll be back and kicking in 60 days, and then another says six months to a year. My sense is 60 to 90 days and we will be back in action. The last quarter is going to be stronger than ever. A term I heard from one of my economists is ‘demand shock,’ when the demand starts coming in for every sector and for every industry. Whether it will it be jobs, investors or product, it’s going to come back and come back strong. You have to be ready to meet the demand. Theresa Blauch-Mitchell, CCIM, brokerowner of Sperry Commercial Global AffiliatesThe Signature Group, Contact her at (239) 789-8106 or Theresa@CCIM.net.
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL Providing best tools for tenants By Stephanie Martinez Guest Columnist
The coronavirus has presented the world with a challenge and obstacle many businesses have not faced before. As businesses work to strategize how to approach the scenario, we wanted to provide an update on the daily operations of Sunizo Superior Realty Management. As we navigate through the daily changes, most of us are diligently working at home to streamline some sense of normalcy for our tenants and for ourselves. We are a commercial property management company who is seeing the impact of the coronavirus firsthand on the businesses in your
Kingdom Development Ft Myers purchased the 25,794-square-foot office center known as Alico Center located on Daniels Interstate Court in Fort Myers
Kingdom Development Ft Myers purchased the 25,794-square-foot office center known as Alico Center located on Daniels Interstate Court in Fort Myers, from Max FM for $5,875,000. Alico Center is a Class-A office building with notable tenants including Northwestern Mutual, Scott Fisher Enterprises, Industrial Service Solutions and Alico Incorporated. The office center is located at Daniels Parkway and I-75 interchange in Fort Myers. Adam Palmer of LandQwest Commercial represented the buyer. Chris DeVeso with TC Group represented the seller. For the latest news on COVID-19 and its effects on SWFL businesses, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
FORT MYERS sale opportunities GATOR LANES and TER-TINI'S
community, here in Southwest Florida. We are providing information about tools and resources that the government has made available to our tenants. We are also posting this information on our website, as well as on social media. In regard to commercial leasing, there is some positive insight as prospective tenants are still researching spaces, reaching out to us for more information, and filling out applications. Sunizo is also creating opportunities to highlight our tenants. We were already publishing a “Tenant Spotlight” quarterly online, and now we are working on a “Tenant Tuesday” feature providing positive exposure for our SUNIZO See page 10
We Care About SWFL Commercial Realtors With dedicated space for informa�on: • On our website with a Commercial Real Estate sec�on & directory • In our quarterly Commercial RE Market pullout in both the print & digital versions of SWFBT • With zoned and full-run inserts • With guest column opportuni�es • With digital marke�ng op�ons
$3,996,000 | 7050 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Established bowling alley and event center business has been owned and operated by current owner for 41 years. This is a very profitable business. Owner may consider a sale/lease-back for 3 years maximum if buyer would consider redevelopment of the 2.25± acre parcel.
PROMINENT COMMERCIAL SITE
$2,187,000 | Six Mile Cypress Pkwy. & Plantation Dr., Fort Myers, FL
2± acres at the hard corner of Six Mile Cypress Pkwy. and Plantation Dr. near the Minnesota Twins Spring Training stadium. It is adjacent to the new Hope Preserve, a 46-acre commercial developdevelopment with an assisted living center that is open and operational. Ingress will be from both roads.
For more informa�on, call Karen at (239) 770-7527
Randy Krise, CCIM ®
www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
Alico Center on Daniels in Fort Myers sold
Commercial Real Estate Broker Cell: 239.633.8672 Fax: 239.690.4105 Email: Randy@KriseCG.com www.KriseCG.com
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
MARKET PAGE 7 through mid-April. Bringing this back to a forward looking perspective, this is particularly concerning given the headwinds that multi-family was already facing. The increased competition from new projects and rental rates that already pushed the limits of affordability were dynamics in place before this crisis. Buyers of apartment projects over the past few years were paying rates commensurate with these high rental rates and even a small reduction in rental rates could pose a challenge given their acquisition costs. The current crisis is particularly concerning for apartment owners given that a large percentage of Southwest Florida apartments are occupied by tenants employed in tourism, hospitality or service industries, the demographic that’s been hit hardest by the pandemic. Looking toward the residential markets, it’s not business as usual but it’s also not the complete standstill that commercial markets are experiencing. The residential market started to react to the crisis on March 16. From that date forward it was clear from the number of listings being withdrawn from the market and the reduction in pending sales. But again, while it’s easy to feel like nothing is happening, that’s not the case. From March 16 to April 15, the number of pending sales was down
roughly 50% from 2018 and 2019’s pace for the same time period. That’s quite a slowdown, but not a stop. People still need homes and the core reasons to consider a change in residence remain in place. It’s also important to keep in mind the dynamics we’re experiencing are external. This isn’t like the 2008 market correction that was self-inflicted via subprime lending. And typical market corrections are marked by a downward shift in demand and an increase in supply. That’s not the case here either. Listings are being withdrawn at a substantial rate so the risk of a mountain of inventory that marked the 2008 correction also remains low. Finally, it’s critical to remember that while there’s still tremendous uncertainty, there are two elements that we can have reasonable certainly about at the end of this period; low interest rates and a flood of liquidity that could create inflation in tangible assets. Both of these elements are historically huge positives for real estate. No one should have their head in the sand and think there won’t be some serious damage and fundamental change in the real estate markets on the other side. But there will be another side, and what lies ahead will carry with it new opportunities. Matt Simmons is a state-licensed real estate broker with Maxwell, Hendry & Simmons. Contact him at (239) 337-0555 or send him an e-mail matts@MHSappraisal.com.
SUNIZO PAGE 9 tenants. On social media, we want to let the public know about their businesses, any special offers they may have, and how to engage with them during the coronavirus.
MAY 2020
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL
Now best time to buy or lease At CARR, the health, safety and peace of mind of our agents, clients and partners is our top priority. With that in mind, we wanted to share our response to one of the top questions we are getting from clients, “What does this mean for me?” Unfortunately, there is a lot of fear in the hearts and minds of many. The problem with buying into fear like this is that we can often times project such a bleak future that we make poor decisions which we would in our right mind never make. Sometimes, those decisions even make the fear a reality. It’s called a selffulfilling prophecy. The truth is, for the last several years, the real estate market has been at an all-time high. Rates have been low, but prices have been high. With the recent turbulence in the economy, rates are even lower, and though real estate prices haven’t corrected at the level of the stock market, this is still the best time in several years to purchase real estate. The same can be said about leasing. With the market correcting and interest rates at historic lows, there has never been a better time to consider real estate ownership. Even if you remain in a leased space, you must make sure that you are paying a fair rate. Keeping track of the dates in your lease can literally be the difference
As we internally work to continue to strive to provide superior service, the coronavirus serves as a reminder of how intimately a community is connected. We are a business that manages the space of businesses. We don’t take this responsibility lightly, as we try to help our tenants, manage our staff, and take safety precautions, we are working diligently to help our
in 10’s to 100’s of thousands of dollars for your business. The best thing you can do is to have a professional track your lease and (at the correct time) help you consider the full market to make sure that you are maximizing the BY JARED profitability on your VANDERSLUIS real estate. Guest Columnist At the end of the day, the current events actually make things more favorable for real estate buyers, but every situation is different. Knowing the market and understanding your situation are imperative to capitalizing on the down market. More than anything, do not let fear drive your decisions. Look beyond the foreseeable future and plan accordingly. One thing is for sure – we WILL get through this. Jared Vandersluis is an agent with CARR, the nation’s leading provider of commercial real estate services for healthcare tenants and buyers. Contact him at (417) 693-2303 or jared.vandersluis@carr.us.
community stay safe, informed and connected. Stephanie Martinez is the Marketing Coordinator with Sunizo Superior Realty Management, headquartered in Fort Myers. She has been with the commercial property management company since 2019. Learn more at www.sunizo.com or call (239) 694-6878.
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MAY 2020
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 11
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL Does my business insurance cover coronavirus?
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL Communication is vital
Question: I have purchased a business owner policy for my retail business. Will my policy cover loss of income from the coronavirus? Answer: A Business Owner policy typically covers physical loss to property caused by a covered peril such as fire, lightning and windstorm, to name a few. Be sure to read your policy documents so you know which perils your insurer helps cover. The policy also provides coverage for business interruption. Business interruption insurance helps protect against lost income after a covered peril affects a business. The Insurance Information Institute offers the following explanation as it applies to a pandemic: “Commercial property policies often include business interruption coverage, which pays out lost income and extra expenses incurred from a covered loss to the insured property. But unfortunately, this coverage probably does not extend to disease outbreaks. Imagine an epidemic causes a factory to shut down because its employees are all sick. Would coverage apply to the lost income? Probably not. The reason is relatively simple: most property policies require some kind of property damage to occur that results in income loss. Sick employees probably don’t count as property damage. The same story applies to contingent business interruption coverage, which pays out lost income resulting from a covered loss to an insured’s customer or supplier. Again: these coverages will probably not extend to lost income from a disease outbreak, since they often require property damage.” Other perils or causes of loss that may not be covered include flood, earthquake, pollution, power failure, nuclear hazard, but some like flood or earthquake
can be added by endorsement or purchased separately. Your insurance agent can advise you. Although business interruptions coverage does not cover all causes of loss, it is still a valuable component of the Business Owner policy. For covered losses the policy will reimburse you for lost income and extra expenses incurred until you can resume normal opBY GRAY erations including: POEHLER • Revenue you’d normally Guest Columnist make if your business was open. • Mortgage, rent and lease payments for the space where your business is located. • Loan payments that you need to make during that time. • Taxes, whether you pay them monthly or quarterly. • Payroll for your employees. • Relocation costs if you have to move to a new or temporary location because of physical damages. No insurance policy will cover everything that can happen. Your SCORE counselor can assist you to establish a contingency plan that will enable you to deal with situations like the Coronavirus. Gray Poehler is a volunteer with SCORE Naples and can be reached at www.Gray.Poehler@scorevolunteer.org. Business counseling is available, without charge, from the Naples Chapter of SCORE. Call (239) 430-0081 or visit naples.score.org/mentors.
What to avoid when creating employee handbook Part 2 of 2 Failing to refer employees to the handbook for answers to their questions and to utilize it as a resource can undermine the potential benefits of your handbook. “Employers will want to review their individual time and attendance policies, including PTO and sick leave,” said Kate Hill, an employment law compliance analyst for Paychex. “(During this coronavirus crisis), the Centers for Disease Control is recommending that employers develop non-punitive leave policies.” Bereavement leave: Be proactive and include a policy on bereavement to ensure consistent treatment of employees and mitigate uncertainty regarding time off during what will likely be a difficult time for the employee. Personal touches: A handbook isn’t exactly “warm and fuzzy,” but it’s a tangible item an employer can add personal touches to help show pride in the company and encourage your employees to be proud to work for the company. Consider including a company logo, a vision statement, or a welcome letter with a signature. But a poorly worded, inconsistently implemented, or inaccurate handbook can invite problems with human resources management and might be an easy target for a plaintiff’s attorney, if and when the business faces employment-related litigation. Here are some common mistakes businesses make when drafting their own employee handbook: Choosing a “one-size-fits-all’ template. All businesses are not alike. Simply copying the contents of another
company’s employee handbook — or downloading a generic version found online — are unlikely to satisfy the HR needs of your workforce. Failure to include at-will disclaimers. Where permitted by law, a handbook should state in clear language that the employment relationship is at-will, and that the handbook itself doesn’t represent BY JONELLE any sort of binding employment GOLDEN contract. A handbook lacking an exGuest Columnist plicit at-will employment statement — outlining the employer’s right to terminate an employee at any time, with or without cause — may prove problematic if faced with a wrongful discharge suit or breach of contract allegation. Including policies that are either too specific or too broad. One of the objectives of an employee handbook is to include policies that address most workplace situations. Rigid policies may be counterproductive, however, because they can eliminate your flexibility in certain circumstances. Overly broad policies, on the other hand, can make employee accountability difficult to identify and enforce. Not explaining policies in reader-friendly language. Wording that’s too technical can cause confusion
TV and radio commercials are featuring numerous messages of reassurance from companies to their customers. Whether it’s a bank, auto manufacturer, clothier or insurance provider, the common themes are either “We’re all in this together” or “We’re here for you.” While external communications are critically important during times of crisis, so too are internal communications. Businesses large and small will benefit from keeping employees informed and engaged during the coronavirus outbreak. The following six guidelines can help businesses develop a strong communications plan during and after the COVID-19 crisis: • Be open and honest: Employees see news reports of business slowdowns and job losses. They are worried about their own BY TERI future, and rightfully so. Be transHANSEN parent as the situation evolves and put employees’ minds at ease by explaining how you are addressing the crisis. • Communicate early and often: News media and social media have been wall-to-wall with coronavirus coverage, and employees are being inundated with information— some factual, some not. Employers should filter out the noise to relay information relevant to their company, region and employees. Research shows many individuals trust their colleagues more than other sources of information. • Meet employees where they are: Many employees are working remotely or in split shifts to minimize physical contact. Use the telephone, email, text or video chat to keep employees in the loop. • Empower managers to engage: Supervisors should be well-versed in company and industry developments, and confident enough to relay accurate messaging and answer employees’ questions. • Recognize special circumstances: There is no one-size-fits-all approach during a crisis. An employee might need to work from home because of a child care situation or need human resources support because a spouse was furloughed. Be flexible. • Show compassion: Tensions run high during a crisis. Keeping a level head and maintaining a human element in communications will always help in the long run. Well-managed internal communications can calm nerves and share valuable information while empowering employees to make informed decisions about their health, safety and well-being. During this challenging period, Priority Marketing is offering complimentary consultations and free resources to businesses and nonprofit organizations in Southwest Florida. For more information, call (239) 267-2638 or email info@PriorityMarketing.com. Teri Hansen, APR, is president and creative director at Priority Marketing. Contact her at teri@prioritymarketing.com For more information, visit PriorityMarketing.com.
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HANDBOOK See page 12
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Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Telephone numbers may be reached via the Florida Relay Service at 711. An equal opportunity employer/program. A proud partner of the American job center network.
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
MAY 2020
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL
Strengthening businesses and communities during the pandemic In March, the world as we knew it began to rapidly change due to the impact of COVID-19. Unlike the viruses that came before it, COVID-19 took both lives and our livelihood as it crippled businesses and our world economy. In Southwest Florida, calendars that were once bustling with social, business and nonprofit events, suddenly became void. This may have brought about a sense of temporary relief to some, while it brought a sense of panic to others. Businesses were soon forced to close, and people asked to stay home in order to stop the spread of the virus. This resulted in job losses, an end to business spending, and a surplus of unpaid balances. Everyone was impacted in one way or another, yet we did what Southwest Florida does. People and businesses came together to support one another. We are stronger, together. CONRIC PR & Marketing was fortunate to have completed its transition to become a telecommuting agency prior to COVID-19. This allowed the company to immediately focus on the needs of its business clients and community first. The CONRIC team quickly scheduled a virtual huddle to brainstorm and strategize ways to help businesses and the community survive and thrive during the pandemic. As a result of that meeting, CONRIC developed the #SWFLStrong campaign and SWFL Strong Facebook group. It also developed a plan to assist businesses host virtual events and webinars, as well as offer free consultations and a low-cost business
booster social media package for struggling businesses. The #SWFLStrong campaign was launched in an effort to keep Southwest Florida businesses, nonprofits and families positive, calm and strong during the pandemic. A SWFL Strong Facebook group was set up to create a safe space online where all members of the Southwest Florida community can unite and connect to BY CONNIE share good thoughts, community RAMOS WILLIAMS information, business developGuest Columnist ments and stories of goodwill. Members of the group let the community know about businesses that are open or closed, family activities or exercise routines they’re enjoying while at home, a special recipe, health tips or even where to buy toilet paper. By the end of its second week, the group had more than 2,000 members and an audience reach of more than 18,000. To keep people connected and events alive and relevant during a time of social distancing and group gathering restrictions, the CONRIC team began working with businesses, nonprofits and organizations to set up virtual events and webinars using online technology. To date, CONRIC has helped to host numerous virtual events and webinars that keep clients and members engaged while staying safe.
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL
‘Touch free’ alternatives protect customers, employees Businesses that offer exceptional customer service can thrive in any industry, location or economic climate. The coronavirus, however, has thrown a wrench into operations for companies that value face-to-face interactions with customers and business partners. For most business leaders, that is the part of our jobs we enjoy most. However, public health experts and government officials have advised social distancing as a means of controlling COVID-19. Target Roofing & Sheet Metal has responded to the global pandemic by creating “touchfree” alternatives that minimize, or even eliminate, the need for personal contact and in-person meetings. Business owners, property managers and homeowners associations can now manage their entire roofing process through virtual means: • Inspections: In most cases, Target Roofing’s Haagcertified inspectors can conduct a roof survey without needing an individual on hand to provide access to the roof. In cases where that’s not possible, such as a midrise or high-rise building, inspectors can use either an aerial drone that records HD images and video, or satellite imagery and pictometry to take precise measurements and note areas of concern. • Virtual presentations: Teams typically present findings and a proposed scope of work to clients from the board room. Now, Zoom conferencing allows Target Roofing’s team to have those conversations virtually
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and offer screen sharing to review digital binders. • Online documents: In lieu of signing on the dotted line with a pen at the office, Target Roofing is now accepting signed documents via fax or email, as well as electronic signing through a secure digital platform. Many businesses have temporarily closed or have directed their employees to work remotely. With BY CASEY rainy season rapidly approaching, CROWTHER though, time is of the essence for Guest Columnist roofing repairs and replacements. One of Target Roofing’s core values is responsiveness, so as soon as social distancing became “a thing,’ the company began developing touchfree alternatives to keep employees and customers safe while still moving forward with roofing projects. Casey Crowther is president of Target Roofing & Sheet Metal, a licensed and insured commercial roofing specialist based in Fort Myers. For more information, visit TargetRoofers.com or call (239) 344-7496 at Priority Marketing. Visit PriorityMarketing.com for more information. Contact her at teri@prioritymarketing.com or (239) 267-2638.
For the latest news on COVID-19 and its effects on SWFL businesses, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com This is actually the perfect time to develop your company’s key messaging and distribute your marketing messages online as everyone is tuned into social media and Internet platforms 24/7. To answer that call to duty, CONRIC’s digital marketing team is working overtime to help businesses stay relevant, survive and thrive once the pandemic passes. It’s offering clients a low-cost digital marketing package to help struggling businesses. The business footprint of the world maybe forever changed even after the pandemic slows. We need to be prepared for what could be our “new norm.” Remember that we are all in this together, and that together we will adapt and overcome this. Are you ready for a helpful hand up during this difficult time? Call (239) 690-9840 ext. 1001 or email info@conricpr.com to schedule your free virtual business marketing consultation today. Together, we are #SWFLStrong. Connie Ramos Williams is the Chief Marketing Officer and President of CONRIC PR & Marketing, an industry leader in branding, public relations, digital marketing, advertising and website development. Contact her at Connie@ConricPR.com or call (239) 690-9840 or visit ConricPR.com.
HANDBOOK PAGE 11 and make enforcement of your policies a source of employee discontent. It’s important that policies are stated in simple, clear language. Failing to include an anti-harassment policy. Regardless of your company’s size, be proactive in this area by developing a policy against harassment in the workplace. Be sure to include reporting procedures and a commitment to timely investigation of any reports of harassment in the workplace. Overlooking a policy on company rules regarding the use of computers and social media. If you want employees to know you have the right to monitor their email communications and social media activity, prominently set those expectations of privacy in the employee handbook. Not engaging a labor and employment attorney to review the handbook. An attorney well versed in employment law is an invaluable resource for assessing the language and policies stated in the handbook. It’s important to know your document is current in regard to applicable employment laws, accurate with regard to your policies and comprehensive where necessary. There are other common mistakes, such as failing to incorporate changes in relevant local, state and federal employment laws, and neglecting to review the handbook’s contents at least once a year. Rather than risk committing such errors, many businesses opt to join forces with a professional employer organization (PEO) to outsource a full gamut of HR functions, including the creation of a customized employee handbook with clearly stated and legally reviewed policies. HR professionals at Paychex recommend not cramming the employee handbook full of procedures and copies of forms as examples of what to use and, instead, suggest making it a policy-related manual. This can lead to omissions of critical content that should be included. Once an employee handbook is in place, upholding the policies outlined in it is crucial. Jonelle Golden is a Senior Human Capital Management Consultant for PayChex One. Contact her at jkgolden@ paychex.com or call (239) 936-7013, ext. 5230728
CONGRESS PAGE 1 people with information about COVID-19. Candidates spent on food drives and philanthropic efforts rather than on normal construction of voter databases or standard political ads. Whatever the spending goes toward, it’s likely millions more will be spent before the August primary and hundreds of thousands will be spent still before the November general election.
MAY 2020
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
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C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL
The Stockdale Paradox: Confront the brutal facts during a crisis When working with clients at the beginning of the EOS process the first book we read together is Good to Great, by Jim Collins. In chapter four, Collins introduces the “Stockdale Paradox” — a reference to Admiral Jim Stockdale, who was the highest-ranking US military officer in the Hanoi Hilton prisoner-of-war camp during the Vietnam War. Tortured over 20 times during his eight-year imprisonment from 1965 to 1973, Adm. Stockdale lived out the war without any prisoner’s rights, no set release date and no certainty as to whether he would even survive to see his family again. Adm. Stockdale shouldered the burden of command, doing everything he could to create conditions that would increase the number of prisoners who would survive, unbroken while fighting an internal war against his captors and their attempts to use the prisoners for propaganda. At one point, he beat himself with a stool and cut himself with a razor, deliberately disfiguring himself, so his captors couldn’t film him as an example of a “well-treated prisoner.” Additionally, he exchanged secret intelligence information with his wife through their letters, knowing discovery would mean more torture and perhaps death. Adm. Stockdale instituted rules that would help fellow prisoners deal with relentless torture (no one
IRS PAGE 1
can resist pain indefinitely). His “step-wise system” helped his men survive torture sessions by sharing insignificant information with captors every few minutes — which gave them a goal to fixate on. The Admiral also developed an elaborate internal communications system to reduce the sense of isolation their captors tried to create. The prisoners used a BY ROSS five-by-five matrix of tap codes GIBBS for alpha characters. Tap-tap was Guest Columnist the letter “a” tap-pause-tap-tap equaled “b,” tap-tap-pause-tap was “f,” and so on. At one point, during an imposed silence, the prisoners mopped and swept the central yard using the code, swish-swashing out “We love you” to Stockdale, on the third anniversary of his captivity. After his release, Stockdale became the first threestar officer in the history of the Navy to wear both aviator wings and the Congressional Medal of Honor. Collins wondered how Adm. Stockdale was able to survive this period of captivity without knowing how the story would end. “I never lost faith in the end of the story,” he said,
extensions. API clients who choose to opt-out of these extensions need to notify API in writing as soon as possible. Only deadlines currently scheduled to occur between the dates of April 1-July 15, 2020 are extended. Notice 2020-23 does not address deadlines that fall before or after this specific time period, most importantly identification or exchange completion periods that ended before April 1 or pending exchange periods that end after July 15. This Notice does not reference Sec-
safe-harbor reverse 1031 exchanges. Therefore, if the end of a taxpayer’s 45-day Identification Period or 180day Exchange Period in a deferred exchange or the parallel periods in reverse exchanges under Revenue Procedure 2000-37 falls between April 1 and July 15, the applicable period is automatically extended to July 15, unless a taxpayer chooses to opt-out of the
when I asked him. “I never doubted not only that I would get out, but also that I would prevail in the end and turn the experience into the defining event of my life, which in retrospect, I would not trade.” Finally…I asked, “Who didn’t make it out?” “Oh, that’s easy,” he said. “The optimists.” “The optimists? I don’t understand,” I said, now completely confused given what he’d said earlier. “The optimists. Oh, they were the ones who said, ‘We’re going to be out by Christmas.’ And Christmas would come, and Christmas would go. Then they’d say, ‘We’re going to be out by Easter.’ And Easter would come, and Easter would go. And then Thanksgiving, and then it would be Christmas again. And they died of a broken heart. This is a very important lesson. You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end—which you can never afford to lose—with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.” Stay the course and confront your issues. I’m here to help in any way I can. “Help first” is one of my core values, so I take great pride in helping others with no strings attached. Here to help! Ross Gibbs is a Certified EOS Implementer. Contact him at rossgibbs@heitraction.com or (612) 760-6866.
tion 17 of Revenue Procedure 201858, which provides an extension of 120 days or until the date specified in the Notice, whichever is later. It is uncertain and not clear in Notice 2020-23 if the 120-day deadline extension provided in previous IRS Disaster Relief Notices applies. Finally, some taxpayers were seeking IRS extensions of dates falling after the date of the FEMA and Stafford Act declaration on March 13. Other taxpayers were hoping for a deadline extension to apply from the
date of the FEMA disaster declaration on Jan. 20. At this point in time, taxpayers should make decisions based upon known IRS guidance. Asset Preservation does not know whether additional guidance will be released by the IRS addressing these and other uncertain issues, but will provide further updates if additional relevant guidance is released in the future. API strongly urges taxpayers to consult with your legal and/or tax advisors regarding your specific 1031 exchange transaction.
IN BUSINESS SINCE 2017
1999
THE SWFL BUSINESS DOCTOR • • • • •
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Page 14
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL
SWFL company manufactures protective guards Amid deep safety and health concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, Southwest Floridabased MY Shower Door/D3 Glass is stepping up and building glass health guards that can protect businesses, their employees and the community. Bill Daubmann, president and founder of MY Shower Door / D3 Glass, said the company is ramping up production of these protective health guards of custom sizes for rapid delivery. These guards can be a great deterrent in preventing the spread of COVID-19 through direct droplet transmission. The guards can be installed in register aisles, at cashier counters and in food areas. Office space—both permanent and temporary—can be fabricated with large-glass panels where individuals can work, be protected and separated from the public. These made-to-fit guards are a responsible solution for businesses scrambling to find the best protections possible for their work environment and also for the public, according to Daubmann. “Our technology and manufacturing capabilities allow us to build solutions for businesses trying to keep their environment, their employees and the community safe,” Daubmann said. “MY Shower Door/D3 Glass is committed to helping our community get through this crisis and try and prevent the spread of this deadly disease.” For more information about MY HEALTHGUARDS, go to MYShowerDoor.com or call (239) 689-8402.
BABCOCK PAGE 1 “The response has been phenomenal. We have a small army working on this – every little bit we do helps, and it’s going right to the front lines,” said Fischer. To date, the “Babcock Ranch Mask Squad” has produced 2,855 masks. Babcock Ranch resident and health care worker Reva Franks Walters expressed her gratitude on the Babcock Ranch Residential Association’s Facebook page, where she shared “We can’t thank you sewers enough for the masks! We work at a catheterization lab and have to wear masks around all patients. These are life savers.” “I am beyond proud of our community for the way they’ve come together and offered to help,” said Fischer. “We are so lucky to live in a community where we’re taking care of our own.” “If you’ve ever visited Babcock Ranch, you’ve undoubtedly experienced our unique and welcoming sense of community,” said Syd Kit-
MAY 2020
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL
Find capital to quickly fund your business By Stephen Kolton Guest Columnist
Southwest Florida-based MY Shower Door/D3 Glass is stepping up and building glass health guards that can protect businesses, their employees and the community. For the latest news on COVID-19 and its effects on SWFL businesses, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com son, chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners, developer of Babcock Ranch. “Neighbors are like family here. I’m proud of our mask makers, who exemplify the true spirit of Babcock Ranch.” To watch the Babcock Ranch Mask Squad in action, visit https://bit.ly/BRMaskSquad. Babcock Ranch was created by Kitson & Partners with respect for the natural environment and the philosophy that smart growth and sustainability work hand in hand. Half of the town’s 18,000-acre footprint is set aside as greenways, parks and expansive lakes, providing recreation and scenic backdrops for Babcock Ranch’s homes and the Founder’s Square downtown district. For more information about Southwest Florida’s new hometown, located just northeast of Fort Myers off Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31, contact a Babcock Ranch Town Ambassador at 941-235-6901 Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit www.BabcockRanch.com.
There are a few ways a business can get equipment, trucks, trailers, etc. with ease, and also working capital, for continued cash flow. Equipment leasing programs are a great way for businesses to acquire the machinery needed to increase production. A fixed monthly payment to meet your budget, which can be 24, 36, 48 or 60 month terms, with you having ownership at the end. The process is very easy, with a one-page application, up to $150,000 without any financials required. Decisions made the same day usually, and the paperwork is minimal. So within days, completion of the lease is finalized. New or used equipment, for all industries, which would include the construction, HVAC, restaurant, industrial, as well as many others. Trucks, trailers and vehicles used for business can be leased, new or used, with many options available. And you own at the end of the term. Benefits to consider equipment leasing include 100% tax deductible terms, low monthly payments (compared to purchase), save bank lines of credit for future need, and preserve your capital, etc. Working capital is available for immediate cash flow. One-page application, no financials, and funding within days. Shorter term than leasing, but most companies are approved because of the flexibility of credit. Many in the food industry utilize this process to get quick money. So if the bank has rejected your credit, one of these two programs could be of help to your business. Any further questions, please visit equitiesfunding. com, or call (239) 747-9955. Stephen Kolton is the President and Founder of Equities Funding Group. You may contact him at (239) 747-9955 or Equities@att.net.
MCKENNEY PAGE 3 high quality masks they provided to us.” McKenney has also embarked on an aggressive education campaign with their Caregivers, mailing educational information and providing gloves and disinfectant spray to each of them and having them complete safety COVID-19 Questionnaires. Home Care is an essential medical service, the ability to keep our elderly safe at home and out of the hospital and other facilities is more important now than ever. Contact McKenney Home Care at (239) 325-CARE(2273) or www.mckenneyhomecare.com.
IN BUSINESS SINCE 2008
1977
Proud to Support our Troops
2011 Gator Stamping is an ISO 9001:2008 registered company
STAMPING
INTERNATIONAL, INC. FROM PROTOTYPE TO PRODUCTION • Fabrication • Assembly • In-house powder coating • Laser CHRIS BETHUNE, Sales Consultant c.j.sales01@gmail.com
2011
1998
Ready to take your organization to the next level? Don’t just hire any management consultant.
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Bernadette Collier
Licensed Insurance Agent
239-939-6500 ext. 3233 bcollier@aaasouth.com
" Cover your home and car the right way with Triple A”
1986
Selling your business is our business
Buyers are looking for profitable businesses to purchase
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(239) 433-1343 LARRY STEINBORN, Broker
SAND DOLLAR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS DEPOT BizDepot@aol.com 6309 Corporate Ct. #205, Fort Myers, FL 33919
MAY 2020
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 15
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL Stickboy waives IT fees to help local businesses work remotely Stickboy has waived its expert tech support and remote setup fees for two months to help local businesses that are not fully prepared for the challenge COVID-19 has demanded: A truly remote workforce, “I grew up in Fort Myers. The well-being of our community and the success of local businesses has deep meaning to me,” said Josh Zachritz, Director of Operations at Stickboy. “The world is forcing us to work remotely, and we are answering in a big way. Stickboy is offering free services that will undoubtedly help businesses weather this difficult economic climate and the new stayat-home order.” Stickboy is offering free tech support for two months in Southwest Florida. Whether or not businesses have an IT company, the experts at Stickboy will help resolve any technology issues to make sure productivity doesn’t lag. If companies do not have a plan to work remotely, Stickboy is also waiving its labor fees to set up remote capabilities. According to a recent Gartner snap poll, 54% of HR leaders implied poor technology and/or infrastructure is the biggest obstacle to effective remote working. Stickboy takes away those barriers and helps keep businesses operating at full capacity. Elite Electrical is one local company that took advantage of Stickboy’s offer to help once remote work became a necessity. The large company needs to keep operations running smoothly— es-
From left: Jordan Azis, Lead Technology Advisor; Josh Zachritz, Director of Operations; and Bryant Jackson, Chief Technology Officer discuss Stickboy’s response to helping businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak and Florida’s stay-at-home order. Stickboy is offering free tech support for two months in Southwest Florida and waiving its labor fees to set up remote capabilities. For more information, please visit stickboy.ai. pecially because it is deemed an essential business. “Our technology partner Stickboy was able to have all of our computers remotely accessible in minutes,” said Shannon Fitz, Chief Financial Officer of Elite Electrical in Fort Myers. Stickboy is an award-winning technology firm that is optimizing businesses with custom soft-
ware, mobile applications, process automation and advanced IT solutions. Its team is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies for businesses large and small, helping increase efficiencies and scale growth. Stickboy can be reached at (239) 206-1193, hello@stickboy.ai , and stickboy.ai.
C19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL
Surviving economic downturn: Marketing on a shoestring budget By Nancy Frede Guest Columnist
Creative thinking can be an important and effective marketing tool in these challenging times. Let’s explore the inexpensive ways even sometimes FREE ways to promote your business. For example: • Create a business card you can email or insert into email as a picture with a special offer to a targeted prospect list. • When trade shows come back, hand out lots of business card. • Partner with other businesses to give out a directory of resources of which you are one of the vendors. • Put magnetic signs on your car. • Join professional, local chamber, biz chats and social media groups on Facebook to network with other businesses and your customers/prospects. • Volunteer to speak at local or online group meetings and workshops.. • Talk with local colleges, local chambers, Rotary, Kiwanis to offer workshops in your area of
For the latest news on COVID-19 and its effects on SWFL businesses, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com expertise • Participate in community-service events to meet more customers and expand your networking. • Get free publicity by sponsoring a communityservice event of your own. • Write short articles on your area of expertise and send them to local companies for print and online publications. • Promote yourself as an expert source, and let local media know you’re available for interviews. • Listen to local radio talk shows, and when the topic is within your realm of expertise, call in and offer your opinion. • You can get a free page on Facebook to market your business, that is free. Make sure you list your site on the many on-line networking sites so that it links back to your business website. • If you don’t have extra dollars to be at a street fair or trade Walk the floor with plenty of business cards and connect with someone at each booth if
Did you know ...
that SWFBT highlights:
• • • •
Breaking Business News B2B Events Calendar Commercial Real Estate Directory Professionals who are “Going Places”
... and much more at
www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
possible. Follow-up with them either by phone, mail or email and consider working on a referral program for leads. • Encourage your customers to sign-up for your email newsletters and special offers. • Always thank your clients for being a client and ask for referrals. And refer their business to others when possible. • If you are new in your business or promoting a new product, contact everyone you know and tell them that you now have a business. • Make time for telephone calls or Zoom meetings to learn about someone else’s business and they learn about yours. • Purchasing without breaking your bank account - you can purchase business cards, magnets, magnetic signs, large posters plus much more from Vistaprint.com, GotPrint.com, Overnightprints. com and of course your local Staples, Office Depot and print shop. Nancy Frede is The Business Coach and a resident of Cape Coral. You may contact her at (508) 380-3737 or nfrede@aol.com or visit www.boothcamp.com.
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Page 16
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
MAY 2020
WE MAKE BANKING ABOUT YOU!
STANDING STRONG…
To gether
Now more than ever, relationships matter. As Lee County’s oldest
community bank, we’ve spent nearly 25 years building
relationships with customers and giving back to our local community. During this
time of uncertainty, we’re
working diligently to do our part, serving as the trusted and responsive banking
partner that customers need and showing our heartfelt
dedication to protecting and empowering those we hold
dear. Discover the difference a local banking relationship
can make at Edison National
Bank and Bank of the Islands. We continue to stand strong together and make banking about YOU.
Lending Team – From left back row: Geoffrey Roepstorff, CEO CEO;; John Ammons, Vice President, Cleveland Avenue Office Manager; Liz Aurensan, Vice President, Lending; Robbie Roepstorff, President. From left middle row: Darrin Grotrian, Asst. Vice President, Lending, Sanibel-Captiva Asst. Office Manager; Kim Nyberg, Vice President, Professional & Executive Banking; Greg Blurton, Vice President, Sr. Commercial Loan Officer. From left front row: Leah Kirby, Kirby, Vice President, River District Office Manager; Willy Ocasio, To learn Vice President, Sanibel-Captiva Office Manager; Pam Edwards, services Vice President, Lending.
more about our customer and convenient locations, please visit EdisonNationalBank.com or call 239.466.1800.
An Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC | Bank of the Islands is an office of Edison National Bank.