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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Salute to Small Business
Local entrepreneurs tell their stories in our annual celebration of commerce in Southwest Florida.
Distributed in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs and Naples
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PGD delivers $1.2B economic impact CEO of Punta Gorda Airport Moreover, the FDOT (PGD) James W. Parish was flying study estimated that high with good news when he recentPGD is responsible ly spoke to a local group of commerfor 12,392 local jobs. cial realtors. Florida Department of PGD just conTransportation’s new Statewide Aviacluded another retion Economic Impact Study valcord-breaking month ues PGD’s total economic impact at for passenger traffic $1,275,088,000. The FDOT’s profile in March 2019, with on PGD attributes more than $100 Parish a total of 221,326 Almillion in on-airport impacts and legiant passengers. nearly $573 million in visitor spend- This is a 14.71 percent increase from ing impacts. When combined with March 2018, which was also a rethe multiplier impacts and payroll cord-breaking month. The economic of nearly $419 million, the total eco- impact assessment parallels PGD’s nomic output exceeds $1.275 billion. passenger growth, which reached
1,577,164 passengers in 2018, compared with 182,423 passengers in 2010. When the FDOT study was conducted in 2010, PGD’s economic impact was estimated at $141,383,900, and $219,975,000 in 2014. “PGD’s economic impact increase from 2010 was more than nine-fold,” said Parish. “While our success in attracting low-cost air service is on the forefront of this strong economic valuation, it has also provided a catalyst for the region’s economic growth in industry and tourism as well.”
FINAL STRETCH
Entrepreneurs learn keys to success Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore, Publisher
Commercial Real Estate
A specially focused monthly section exploring the SWFL commercial real estate marketplace.
for Visit Florida, the same as the prior year. The Florida Senate’s budget as of early April called for at least $50 million for the agency. But the state House, while maintaining funding through OcWert tober this year, has called on the sunsetting of the agency after that. State Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, remains confident the agency will see funding next year. He chairs the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee and said the state tourism agency ultimately provides too valuable a service. “Look at what they have done following Hurricane Michael and red tide,” Gruters said. “Look at their ability to get right on the artwaves and let the world know Florida is still open for business.”
Small crowd, bristling with high energy: that was the atmosphere I walked in to when I attended the first graduation for Startup Fast. This entrepreneurial program is an 8-week-long fast-paced high-impact course where startup business owners learn best practices for business viability. The course is presented by the Southwest Florida Enterprise Center (SWFEC) and taught by experienced entrepreneur and business investor Mike O’Donnell, who recently relocated to Southwest Florida. The first graduating class of Startup Fast was extremely successful, leading to the pitch event held at the first graduation. Love noted: 60 people registered for the course; 40 attended the first session; 12 applied to present at the first graduation “Shark Tank” event; eight finished the project presentation and six qualified to “pitch” at the event. First prize was $5,000 cash; a variety of inkind services and products were awarded to the second- and thirdprize winners. The six businesses that “pitched” the panel of three judges were: GMP Cleaning; Booch For Miles; Red Bunny Software; Krazy Krops (which started at the Culinary Accelerator in Immokalee); Sin Sal Water Purification; and Thompson Sports Academy. First place went to Sin Sal, second place to Red Bunny and third place to Krazy Krops.
TOURISM See page 6
STARTUP See page 15
IN THE NEWS
Nominations open for Blue Chip awards
Coordinated and sponsored by McGriff Insurance Services, the Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award program will celebrate its 25th annual program on Nov. 6 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs. AWARD See page 6
SCORE names Becker entrepreneur of year
SCORE Southwest Florida recently honored local business owners and volunteer business experts who offer free mentoring to local small business owners and entrepreneurs making an impact during its Annual Awards Luncheon. Honored at the luncheon: Client Awards Entrepreneur of the Year – Jeff Becker - Can Do U – Jeff Becker was struggling, “trapped in my own head,” before working with SCORE mentor Trevor Pedler. Together they worked on branding, marketing and advertising. “Most importantly, he makes me feel like I’m not alone, which is priceless,” said Becker, a Lee County public SCORE See page 14
AIRPORT See page 12
Photo courtesy Naples, Marco Island & Everglades CVB Tourism officials say visitors love the beaches but it takes state partners to help inform the world what’s available on the Paradise Coast.
Visit Florida future hazy Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Jacob Ogles, Editor
While the beaches of Naples boast wide acclaim, they only attract the tourists who learn of their existence. That’s why Jack Wert, executive director of the Naples, Marco Island & Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau, values partnerships with any who spread the word about the region’s assets. It’s why he’s concerned the Florida House of Representatives more than halfway through the 2019 Legislative session expresses little interest in reauthorizing Visit Florida for the next year. “Visit Florida is hugely important to our marketing,” Wert said. “It’s important related to Collier County specifically, but all of Southwest Florida is really very dependent on the many services they provide.” Newly elected Gov. Ron DeSantis in his first budget proposal suggested the agency receive $76 million next year
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
Capitalize on growing your business.
MAY 2019
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MAY 2019
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
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SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS
Find the fun in overcoming fear of speaking We use public speaking every day, whether talking with one person or 1,000. Even though most people have a fear of public speaking, it can actually be fun. Now you may not believe me on that last part quite yet, but unlocking your potential will help you get there. More often than not, many people have not had formal training in public speaking and therefore can find it difficult to know where to start when creating a presentation. Do you fall into that category? If so, you’re not alone. Below are three tips to help you be your own public speaking guru and create a dynamic presentation: Organization is key Have you ever been to a seminar where you were completely lost as to what the speaker was talking about? Probably. It happens fairly often, unfortunately. Without good organization of a speech, the audience has a hard time following along. There’s an old saying in the speaking industry: Tell them what
you’re going to tell them, then tell them, and tell them what you told them. This rule will serve you well to follow in order to stay on the same page as your audience.
Think of your audience Oftentimes, speakers get wrapped up in the nuances of the speech or what they can get out of doing the speech. However, if you BY BREANNE look at it from the perspective of WINTER what your audience will get out of Guest Columnist your speech instead, you would be surprised at how much that enhances what you, as the speaker, will accomplish. Remember that without your audience, you wouldn’t be there in the first place. Storytime Everyone likes a good story, and your audience is no different. Not only does adding a story into your
speech help gain your audience’s interest, it also helps you to relate to your audience. Usually, it’s the stories that stay with us long after the presentation is over. I can still remember a story a mentor of mine told in a presentation years ago. I knew he was an excellent storyteller, but the way he told his story had everyone on the edge of their seats. Talk about an impactful speech. Whether giving a motivational speech to hundreds of people, talking with a prospective client one-onone or even pitching that next big idea to a board of directors, effective public speaking is a skill that will help you get ahead in business. With just a few tips, you can make an impact with your speech, too.
Speak Up Consulting & Coaching’s CEO Breanne Winter holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communication, with certifications in neuro-linguistic programming and guest services, and 12-plus years experience in public speaking, professional presence and cultivating business skills. Contact her at breanne@speakupcc.com or call (239) 980-3851.
COMPANIES TO WATCH
Fish-Tale Waterfront becomes ocean-friendly restaurant
Fish-Tale Waterfront Dining, one of Lee County’s newest waterfront dining experience, recently announced their participation in the Ocean Friendly Restaurant program through the Surfrider Foundation. As the only designated Ocean Friendly Restaurant in Southwest Florida, Fish-Tale Waterfront Dining adheres to the continued commitment to conserve and protect the ocean, coasts and planet by applying solutions and using alternatives to singleuse products. The Ocean Friendly Restaurants program aims for large scale changes that stop plastic
pollution at the source by transitioning away from single-use plastic packaging. “As part of the Fish-Tale Marina campus, and our continued efforts to provide a clean and resilient Marina, we are pleased to have Fish-Tale Waterfront Dining participating in the Ocean Friendly Restaurant program. Plastic pollution is a top issue affecting the ocean and coastlines, and with all of our help, we can reduce our impact and turn the tide for our waterways,” Al Durrett, of Fish-Tale Marina, said. The Surfrider Foundation is an environmental
e t a br e l Ce
non-profit dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our ocean, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network. Launched in 1984 by surfers, they are now proud to have a diverse group of members and supporters that care about protecting the coast.
To find out more about the Surfrider Foundation, visit www.surfrider.org/programs/oceanfriendly-restaurants. For more information on the new Fish-Tale Waterfront Dining, visit www.FishTaleDining.com.
TOURISM & BUSINESS!
J
oin the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau in celebrating the value of tourism and the community collaborations that propel the economic engine of Lee County. To foster and applaud alliances between the tourism industry and the business community, the 2019 Chrysalis Awards will honor recipients in the following categories:
• Business Development • Eco-Innovation • Cultural Achievement
• Education • Sales & Marketing • Business Tourism Leader
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS
MAY 2019
SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS
Framing up for growth Marketing firm driven by
When asked what helped jump start his business into what it is today, Bill Daubmann, vice president of My Shower Door, said, “It is our belief that the awareness brought on by GrowFL and their Florida Companies to Watch initiative was the catalyst of our growth.” Since the mid-1980s, the entire Daubmann family has been involved in the frameless shower door industry. Fast forward 14 years in business and over 72,000 shower doors installed, My Shower Door has quickly become an industry leader both in and outside the state of Florida. For the Daubmann family, their passion lies in their revolutionized design, installation, committed team members and the strategic marketing of their products. “The best part of my journey is that I am able to do this with my family, Donna, Keith and Doug,” Daubmann said. “I have heard other horror stories about family businesses, but they do not apply to us… yet!” In 2015, Daubmann brought the family business to center stage at GrowFL’s Companies to Watch event, which celebrates second-stage companies in Florida. Alongside the
results, clients’ needs
top 50 applicants, My Shower Door was recognized for their high performance in the marketplace and innovative processes, all of which makes them “worth watching.” “Being selected as a Florida Companies to Watch honoree has allowed us to continue our growth and expansion because of our name recognition throughout the state,” said Daubmann. Presented by GrowFL, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation, Florida Companies to Watch celebrates businesses across the state, ranging anywhere from shower doors to gelato. Honorees are selected based on a number of factors including revenue, corporate culture and community support, to name a few. Daubmann’s advice to future business entrepreneurs? “Always do what is right in your heart. It will always work out in the long run.”
CONRIC PR & Marketing is a results-driven enterprise. We know the bottom line is what matters to your business, and we create measurable marketing objectives that help you accomplish your goals. Our award-winning agency offers a full-range of services, from web development to graphic design to messaging. We listen to what you want to accomplish and create plans that provide a roadmap to get there. It’s vital to turn to a marketing agency that has the skill and resources to roll out campaigns that work—and prove it. We provide transparency through analytics, benchmarking and consistent communication that tells you exactly how we’re doing. We performed award-winning media relations and event promotions for the country’s No. 1 high school basketball tournament, giving it the potential to reach over 200 million people. We devised a strategic public relations and advertising campaign for a rapidly growing national franchisor, increasing its footprint by more than 15 new locations in less than a year. We composed and distributed a press release
GrowFL has assisted more than 1000 companies through our Strategic Research and CEO Roundtable programs and recognized 400 successful entrepreneurs through our annual awards program, Florida Companies to Watch.
Start www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com PUBLISHER Karen P. Moore PRINT EDITOR & ASSOCIATE WEB EDITOR Jacob Ogles PRODUCTION MANAGER Jennifer Ogles PHOTO REVIEWER Colleen Scott PRINT AD DESIGNERS C. Robert Brown Jennifer Ogles DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGNER & EDITOR Michelle L. Hudson
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that led to a viral story about the firstever brand licensing agreement between a major international automaker and a restaurant chain. That led to a wait list of more than 300 callers interested in opening one of the restaurants. We’re constantly refreshing our approach and employing best practices to keep you at the forefront and drive consumers to your business. Our team helps you set goals, form a plan and stay on track. We have the talent, experience and collaborative spirit necessary to create brands that energize, galvanize and revolutionize. So, dare to dream big. We’ll give you the support you need to get to the top and stay there. For less than the cost of a full-time marketing employee, we provide a full team of marketing experts at your disposal. Our responsive, personal, hands-on service is affordable, but failing to capitalize on the true potential of your business is not. CONRIC PR & Marketing opened its doors in Southwest Florida in 2007 and provides award-winning creative branding, public relations, digital marketing, graphic design, advertising, writing and publishing services to individuals and businesses across the region and country. Contact info@conricholdings.com or call (239) 690-9840.
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ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH
Art comes to life at NAA
Celebrating its 65th anniversary this season, the Naples Art Association is one of the oldest and most celebrated arts organizations in Southwest Florida. Whether attending a one-of-a-kind event, a three-hour arts workshop, a nationallyrecognized outdoor art show, a stunning exhibit or Yoga at the NAA, there are hundreds of ways to engage, inspire and connect with art at the NAA. With its rich, colorful history that dates back to the organization’s inception in 1954, the NAA is celebrating this momentous anniversary as only it knows how—with an over-the-top, art-filled throwback party called For the Love of Art on Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m. Guests dressed in their best flapper and gangster attire will be transported to an oldfashioned speakeasy for this roaring ‘20s affair complete with delicious cuisine, artist demonstrations and live musical performances—all to benefit the NAA’s youth outreach programs. But art isn’t all painting workshops and celebrations. It is big business in Collier County. Just last year, the United Arts Council unveiled a national survey that found that the arts bring $44 million annually—or $880 million over 20 years—into Collier County. So, supporting the arts will not only lead to an enhanced quality of life in Collier County, but contribute to its economic well-being. And as the home for the arts in Southwest Florida, the NAA takes its mission to expand cultural horizons, broaden education and enrich the community through the visual arts seriously. It strives to include everyone in the community and accomplishes this through many community partnerships. One important partnership is between the NAA and Collier County Public Schools. By partnering, the NAA is able to provide outreach classes for over 400 underprivileged CCPS students so that they may have access to the arts—at no charge to their families. “Through this partnership with the NAA, we are able to reach students that wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to the arts in this way. This outreach program not only provides an outlet for our students, it also provides interaction from instructors who care about the students’ well-being and a sense of community,” said Skip Pardee, district coordinator, fine arts (K-12), office of curriculum and instruction for CCPS. “We tremendously value the work of the NAA and its dedication to our CCPS students. It shares in the idea that through the arts, we can
raise generations of Collier County citizens that are culturally aware and have life-long appreciation for the arts.” In addition, the NAA allows its artists to share their love of art with others. Take, for instance, locally and internationally-recognized artist Loki. Not only does he operate his own custom clothing line called Loki Designz, he also dedicates his time to the NAA by teaching workshops and participating in Naples’ only wearable art show—Scene to be Seen. His motto, “Love is Key”, radiates from his apparel and by sharing his talent with others through the NAA, he has found a way to share what he loves most—design. “Becoming an instructor at the NAA provided a unique opportunity to share my art form, while at the same time helping students learn a fun new artistic expression,” said Loki. “I want my art to offer a connection back to nature, and back to finding your own personal style in each piece.” And finally, the NAA wouldn’t be what it is today without its many dedicated volunteers. Each year, hundreds of men and women assist at outdoor shows, exhibitions, at the front desk, and on the board of directors. When Chris Marrie of HBK CPAs and Consultants enrolled his daughter in school, he and his wife, Jennifer, quickly noticed how little emphasis was given to the importance of arts education in comparison to when they were in school. And for a child like theirs—and most others—who enjoys art and creativity, the Marries knew they needed to find a way to support that desire, so they signed their daughter up for ARTScool at the NAA. The rest, as they say, is history. Marrie has now served as the treasurer of the NAA’s board of directors for the past four years. Marrie doesn’t just believe in the benefits of the arts for individuals, he also knows that a thriving cultural industry provides tremendous economic benefits to the local community. “In addition to the direct benefits of tourism, the availability of cultural activities is often an important consideration for businesses choosing a new location. As the need for a workforce continues to grow, creative culture attracts a diverse population which can help businesses grow,” said Marrie. For more information about the Naples Art Association’s many programs and initiatives and how you can get involved, please visit www.NaplesArt.org.
Page 5
SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS SCORE help for your business “Every person has the support necessary to thrive as a small business owner.” That’s a pretty ambitious vision for a chapter of less than 40 mentors who are part of SCORE, a national association with over 10,000 volunteers. We strive to do it every day, with every client, who comes to us seeking free, confidential, one-on-one help from an experienced business owner or executive. We measure our success by whether you succeed—by your definition of success, not ours. Our mentors, all volunteers, come from a broad range of industries, from agriculture and the arts to technology and transportation. We bring skills in marketing, finance and operations to work with startups, small business owners, serial entrepreneurs and dreamers. With each, we listen and we question, we advise and we empathize. We offer encouragement as we work with you to find solutions to your challenges. And with most of BY EILEEN you, we celebrate your successes. BUCHANAN For-profit or non-profit, home-based, Guest Columnist internet or storefront, wholesale or retail, SCORE has a mentor who can ask the right questions to help you find the right answers. Understanding, approachable, knowledgeable, respectful, constructive, professional – these are just a few of the adjectives used by our clients last month to describe their interaction with their mentors. 97 percent of our clients say they would recommend us to a friend, and in a Gallop and Price Waterhouse Cooper survey of SCORE clients, the Southwest Florida SCORE Chapter was again this year rated in the top 3 percent in client satisfaction among more than 300 chapters nationwide. If your business needs help, odds are we can help you. Free. Confidential. As long as you need it. Logon to southwestflorida.score.org to meet with a mentor or to sign up for one of our almost weekly workshops this spring. And if you are ready to share the skills you’ve developed over a lifetime to help small businesses succeed, we need good mentors. Contact us at swflscore@gmail.com. Eileen Steets Buchanan, chapter chair for the Southwest Florida SCORE chapter, is the founder of Fastrak Training, which trained software professionals in government and industry and was recognized in the ‘90s by INC. magazine as one of the 500 fastest growing privately owned companies in America.
Page 6
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
MAY 2019
Florida’s future: growth achieved through collaboration
Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore, Publisher
Tony Carvajal, executive vice president for the Florida Chamber Foundation, recently keynoted the Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance annual meeting, where he shared the Chamber’s 2030 Report & Recommendations, as related to Southwest Florida. The Florida Chamber Foundation is the research and solutions development arm of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Working in partnership with state business leaders, the Foundation advances initiatives that envision a vibrant and sustainable economy in the Sunshine State. In his detailed and comprehensive presentation, Carvajal shared the Chamber report’s findings as related to health care and the need for sustainable and affordable workforce housing, among other items of key importance. Florida’s job gains are growing much faster than the rest of the U.S.: right now there’s 21,169 people looking for work in Southwest Florida and 17,000 jobs available—but the people looking do not have the skill sets for the jobs available. So, Carvajal asks, how do we position our state and our region
TOURISM PAGE 1 Wert feels the same, and notes the grants issued to local tourism organizations after red tide struck Southwest Florida. On top of those grants, the state agency also worked on a regional campaign with Google providing live time updates on red tide blooms on all the beaches along the Gulf Coast. Most important, Wert said, the agency perpetually markets the state’s wide range of attractions and environments to potential travelers from around the globe. “The brand of Florida is hugely im-
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to meet the demands of tomorrow? According to Carvajal, the key to resiliency is competitiveness. “We don’t need to be investing in more reports,” he recommended. “We need to be investing in our communities.” He had lots of gold nuggets to share: while the population may be growing in a certain city/region/ state, the wealth of that city/region/state might be moving elsewhere. For example, he revealed, “Lee and Collier counties are losing wealth to Charlotte County.” And while Florida’s population is growing, he noted, Florida’s talent continues to leave the state. Another nugget: “Today, Florida has one of the most diverse economies in the country; we are well past the 3-legged stool concept (agriculture, tourism and construction).” Would you believe, he asked the audience, that the No. 1 MSA in Florida for industry diversification is Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island? Carvajal added, “Would you be surprised to hear that one of the top counties poised for future growth is Glades County? Maybe, maybe not, but the new
portant to bringing people here,” he said. Without that lift from Visit Florida, it could cost the Naples CVB more each year to market the region worldwide. State Rep. Mel Ponder, R-Fort Walton Beach, has pushed in the House for Visit Florida to stay in operations. But he said Speaker of the House Jose Oliva this year made clear he doesn’t want the agency reauthorized, and few have challenged that in the chamber. Now, Ponder said, it’s time for tourism advocates to press their own representatives for a solution. “I encourage everyone who claims to be passionate about tourism to stay focused on the benefits of the industry to the state,” he said.
airport there will make a huge difference to how that county grows—and how fast it grows—in the future.” He concluded by sharing ways the business community can lead the way for creating the new and evolving path toward prosperity. The key to the future, according to Carvajal, is learning how to utilize the technology-fueled disruption ahead. “The places that are going to win,” he noted, “are those areas that know they must plan for tomorrow. The key is how we work together to accomplish this.” The Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance is a private/public partnership created in 2013. The mission of the Alliance is to be a marketing engine to attract businesses to the five-county region comprising Southwest Florida including Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. The Alliance serves as a non-parochial economic development coordinator for site selectors, real estate consultants and targeted companies, working in collaboration with the local economic development organizations. In addition to external marketing and outreach, the Alliance provides community connections to address regional economic issues. Learn more at www.swfleda.com.
AWARD PAGE 1 The program recognizes small business owners who have overcome adversity to achieve success. Registration for the event is free and available online at 2019BlueChipCommunityBusinessAward. eventbrite.com. Applications for the award are now being accepted. Thriving forprofit companies with their principal office located in Charlotte, Collier or Lee County may apply. Eligible companies must have been in continuous operation for at
least three years under the same ownership and have five to 400 payroll employees. Applications are due by Sept. 4, at which time an independent panel of judges will select five finalists to be honored at the Nov. 6 luncheon. Of the five finalists, one business will be announced as the Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award recipient at the luncheon ceremony. Businesses can nominate themselves or be nominated by a third party. To submit an application, please contact Stacey Mercado at SMercado@mcgriffinsurance.com or (239) 433-7189.
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COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida
Mergers & Acquisitions 2020: DDAI’s local story Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore, Publisher
THE BACKGROUND According to company materials, “In 1945, two entrepreneurial Australian engineers, Gerry Cardno and Harold Davies established Cardno & Davies and the company rapidly became one of Australia’s preeminent engineering firms.” In 1999, the company completed the first in a series of strategic acquisitions. In 2002, the company rebranded as Cardno. By 2012, Cardno was publicly held, and had experienced a period of accelerated growth, particularly in the United States, thanks to the acquisition of a number of engineering and environmental consulting businesses. In July 2018, Cardno expanded its infrastructure services in the United States yet again by acquiring Florida-based civil engineering firm David Douglas Associates, Inc. (DDAI). Founded by David Douglas, the 20-person firm has been providing infrastructure design services to public and private sector clients in Florida’s South and Southwest since 1996. Today, Cardno employs more than 6,000 specialists who work from more than 130 global offices delivering best-practice, community-defining infrastructure, environmental and social projects in more than 100 countries. THE LOCAL BACKSTORY Having been employed at several corporate newspaper companies throughout the 1980s and ‘90s, I
For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com know from a “bottom-up” experience that once the corporation I originally worked for was bought out by/merged with another corporation, the original company was completely absorbed by the purchasing company. Sometimes this happened more slowly and sometimes overnight. But the original company literally disappeared. Such was the way of M&A in those days. You can imagine my skepticism when I learned that locally owned and operated engineering firm David Douglas Associates, Inc. (DDAI) had been acquired by global conglomerate Cardno and owner Douglas assured me that “nothing would change about how DDAI serves its local clientele and markets.” Douglas pointed out, “Cardno is seeking strategic acquisitions based on what the acquired firm brings to the table for Cardno. And that’s what got my attention originally when we spoke to their leadership.” He explained, “Top Cardno management realizes when they are acquiring a firm that the value of the acquired firm to that firm’s clients is what Cardno is seeking/acquiring. Maintaining the value of those relationships is what will help not only the acquired firm’s employees to make a successful transition, but it will ultimately help Cardno continue its success as well.” That sure is a different philosophy from the days of when I left work at 5 pm one day with one boss
and owner and came back the next day to a new logo, a new boss, a new culture, a new pay plan, a new owner. Douglas noted, “This is the way Cardno has strategically grown since 1999: there is no new management team marching in to DDAI to take over.” According to Douglas, he and his team maintain complete control of the process when deciding whether it is better for the client to use local resources rather than Cardno’s resources; for bidding on jobs; setting prices, etc. All of this Douglas and his team will continue to do in the best interest of the firm’s local clients. It appears Cardno leadership is agreed with Douglas on this point. In the company’s most recent 2019 public report, available on the company website, Cardno CEO Ian Ball noted, “We want to continue our philosophy of sensible organic growth to drive business value.” Of course, there are interface changes, Douglas notes, and our work now flows through the Cardno system. Douglas and his team still, however, can choose to use services offered by Cardno or to use local services. “After all,” Douglas noted, “we’ve got great relationships with so many companies in Southwest Florida that we’ve developed over the years, why wouldn’t we want to keep working with these companies whenever possible?” So perhaps on some levels, as we enter the second decade of the third millennium, we are indeed experiencing a kinder, gentler and more relationship-focused age of the M&A.
What is the wisdom in buying a failing business? QUESTION: I am considering buying a local business that is losing money. Other than acquiring it at a bargain price, what other factors should I consider?
ANSWER: The major factor to consider is why the business is losing money. Unless you possess the management skills to turn the business around, such a purchase is illadvised. To begin, you should develop a written business plan that addresses the key factors that determine the success or failure of any business. The following is a list of factors to consider: • Are the products or services provided obsolete, out of favor or being replaced by new and better competing products?
• Who is the competition? • Is the business in an area that is in decline? Is the building in disrepair? Is lighted and safe parking available to customers? • Is customer BY GRAY service an issue? POEHLER Are the employGuest Columnist ees friendly and helpful? If not, why not? • Is the business taking advantage of the latest innovations in technology? Do they have a viable marketing plan and a budget for advertising? • Is the current management complacent and slow to embrace change? This is a problem with many older
principals who are tired of the daily grind and reluctant to invest more money in the business. • Is cash flow a problem? The business may have increasing sales, but is lax in the collection of accounts receivables (money owed from customers). Customers should understand and agree to prompt payment terms. Creditors want to be paid in a timely fashion, and failure to do so can result in an unfavorable credit rating. Any of the above factors can be resolved with a proactive business plan. They are all good reasons you should place a discounted value on the business being considered. If an all-cash sale is requested from the seller, a sum equal to the depreciated value of current inventory, building, furniture, fixtures
and equipment might be reasonable. However, in the case of a failing business, an earn-out method of payment is desirable. In this instance, the buyer agrees to pay a set percentage of income generated on a monthly or quarterly basis for a specified time. Do all due diligence before signing any contract for purchase, and have the terms and conditions reviewed by both a qualified accountant and attorney, specializing in the purchase and sale of businesses. Gray Poehler is a volunteer with SCORE Naples. Business counseling on this and other business matters is available, without charge, from the Naples Chapter of SCORE. Call (239) 430-0081 or visit naples.score.org/mentors.
We Care About SWFL Looking for a high visibility Commercial Realtors location in Cape Coral? With dedicated space for informa�on: • On our website with a Commercial Real Estate sec�on & directory • In our quarterly Commercial RE Market pullout in both the print & digital versions of SWFBT • With zoned and full-run inserts • With guest column opportuni�es • With digital marke�ng op�ons For more informa�on, call Karen at (239) 770-7527
www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
Attractive Del Prado Boulevard retail/showroom in a 4,450 SF, 2-unit building. High traffic location. Restaurant tenant will stay on. 3,200 SF available for owner or tenant. $775,000 includes extra lot. Jack Britton, CCIM Professional Realty Consultants Office: (239) 573-5318 Cell: (239) 851-2090 E-mail: jbccim@centurylink.net
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
MAY 2019
COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida
CoStar celebrates Power Brokers of Southwest FL CoStar Group, the data/analytics leader of the $17 trillion commercial real estate industry, shared it’s annual list of Power Broker Award recipients, recognizing professionals who closed the highest transaction volume in commercial property sales and leads in their respective markets. In Southwest Florida, 20 firms and 40 brokers were recognized as the most active local dealmakers with this prestigious industry award. The CoStar Power Broker Awards also recognizes lease firms and sale firms and individual awards ranging from lease office, lease retail, lease industrial and sales. The 2018 Southwest Florida Winners are: Top Leasing Firms • Boback Commercial Group • CRE Consultants • Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property SWFL • Investment Properties Corporation • LandQwest Commercial • Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services • Premier Commercial, Inc. • Sperry Commercial Global Affiliates • SVN|Kova Naples • Trinity Commercial Group Top Sales Firms • Coldwell Banker • CRE Consultants • Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property SWFL FL Tombstone ad 3.pdfCorporation 11 2/8/19 12:28 PM • Investment Properties • Land Solutions, Inc.
• LandQwest Commercial • Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services • Mayhugh Realty, Inc. • Premier Commercial, Inc. • Trinity Commercial Group
Top Office Leasing Brokers • Adam Palmer, LandQwest Commercial • Brandon Stoneburner, CRE Consultants • Carlos Acosta, Commercial Real Estate Services of SWFL, Inc. • Enn Luthringer, CRE Consultants • Gary Tasman, Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest • Gretchen Smith, Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest • Jay Crandall, Crandall Commercial Group, LLC • Matt Stepan, Premier Commercial, Inc. • Randal L. Mercer, CRE Consultants • Shawn Stoneburner, Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Top Retail Leasing Brokers • Biagio Bernardo, CRE Consultants • Carlos Acosta, Commercial Real Estate Services of SWFL, Inc. • Gretchen Smith, Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest • Howard Corr, Corr Commercial Advisors, LLC • Jim Boback, Boback Commercial Group • Mike Concilla, Equity Inc • Nicholas Paulus, Invest Florida, LLC • Tara LaRuffa Stokes, Investment Properties Corporation • Theresa Blauch-Mitchell, Sperry Commercial
Global Affiliates • Todd T. Sabin, SVN|Kova Naples
Top Industrial Leasing Brokers • Adam Palmer, LandQwest Commercial • Brock Rasmussen, Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services • Derek L. Bornhorst, Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services • Enn Luthringer, CRE Consultants • Jerry Messonnier, Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services • Jim Boback, Boback Commercial Group • Michael D. Doyle, LandQwest Commercial • Robert Johnston, Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services • Stan A. Stouder, CRE Consultants • Todd Holman, Woodyard & Associates, LLC Top Sales Brokers • Adam Palmer, LandQwest Commercial • Carlos Acosta, Commercial Real Estate Services of SWFL, Inc. • Chase Mayhugh, Mayhugh Realty, Inc. • David J. Stevens, Investment Properties Corporation • Dougall McCorkle, Premier Commercial, Inc. • Gary Tasman, Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest • Matt Stepan, Premier Commercial, Inc. • Michael Carr Sr., Coldwell Banker • Rainer N. Filthaut, IRC International Realty Corporation • Randy E. Thibaut, Land Solutions, Inc.
Forest Country Club opens clubhouse
Lake Michigan Credit Union Commercial Banking announces the following loans: Loan Size ......... $6,500,000 Type of Loan ...... Business Acquisition Business............ Railroad Loan Size ......... $4,200,000 Type of Loan ...... Purchase Medical Office Building Business............ Investment Real Estate Loan Size ......... $4,100,000 Type of Loan ...... SBA 504 Construction/Perm Business............ Car Wash
As part of its mission to provide golf, dining and fitness and expand its presence in the community, The Forest Country Club celebrated its 40th Anniversary with the grand opening of its newly designed 40,000-square-foot clubhouse. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on March 30. The $10-million expansion and remodel project, designed by Humphrey Rosal Architects and furnished by Club Design Group, features a transitional, contemporary design with $200,000 in new landscaping throughout the front and back of the clubhouse. The custombuilt clubhouse spares no details with an upgraded bar and grille, new kitchen, expanded indoor and outdoor dining area, and additional meeting rooms for community events. Upon entering the clubhouse, visi-
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tors eyes will be drawn to the new cupola-style roof and grand views of the award-winning golf course. The dining room will seat 208 for dinner with a 32seat rectangular bar. Lunch and dinner service as well as large club events will be held in this room, with the adjacent Member Lounge being used as the dance floor for large parties and weddings. The open concept will allow conversation and company to flow freely between the dining room and the member’s lounge, located just past the lobby. Members and guests will dine and socialize on resortstyle seating on new covered and sun terraces. Firepits add ambiance and a bit of warmth as members take in the beautiful
GOLF See page 10
Learn more, contact William M. Blevins | EVP Commercial Lending West Florida Region (239) 314-0550 | William.Blevins@LMCU.org 9720 Commerce Center Court Fort Myers, FL 33908 Suite A, Suite B, Suite C
7920 Summerlin Lakes Dr. Fort Myers, FL 33907 LMCU.org | NMLS ID# 1283480
Sande Ellis, CCIM
Keller Williams Fort Myers & the Islands (239) 489-4042 sande@topagent.com
$500,000 2,737 sq ft Office Near Health Park off Bass Rd Owner will vacate or rent one suite 5 parking spaces per 1,000 sq ft Zoned CPD - Commercial Planned Development
MAY 2019
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
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COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida
Countryside in Naples launches renovation Countryside Golf & Country Club in Naples has begun an eight-month, $5.5 million renovation project that will add USGA greens and a new state-of-the-art irrigation system to its 56-acre Arthur Hills-designed golf course. The course renovation continues the momentum of the club’s more than $5-million investment in its new lifestyle, tennis and bocce complex. The recently completed master planned improvement project added a Wellness Center with cardio and strength training equipment, member recreation areas and locker rooms, as well as two HarTru bocce courts and four lighted Har-Tru tennis courts. The club’s private 18-hole course will be re-grassed with Bimini Bermuda grass and Tif Eagle Bermuda grass on the greens, and the driving range will be reshaped with new target greens and synthetic turf stations. Additional plans include reconstructing sand bunkers, thinning overgrown trees and installing new stacked rock retaining walls. Plans also include increasing the size of the greens by 30 percent, modifying the lake and relocating the practice area closer to the first tee, away from the clubhouse. There will also be a larger short game area and putting green.
NABOR hosts MLS Tech Conference Naples Area Board of Realtors hosted its first MLS Tech Conference on March 22 at the Naples Conference Center. The day-long event included 15 technology exhibitors, 32 classroom presentations by leading industry vendors, and a keynote address by Nobu Hata, Director of Digital Engagement at the National Association of Realtors. “Turnout was amazing and the mood was very upbeat,” said NABOR President Jeff Jones. “Members came out in force and were excited to learn about the technology available to them and all the services that can help them reach, connect and serve clients better.” The exhibit hall included booth participation by: Builders Update, Commercial Real Estate Committee, Elevate, Form Simplicity, Homes.com, HomeSnap, IMAPP, Matrix, NABOR Realtor Store, RatePlug, Realtor.com, RPR, ShowingTime, Supra and Zillow. The breakout sessions were very popular and well attended. They included presentation topics like “Getting Started with RPR,” “BuildersUpdate: How to Find New Construction Data,” “Homes. com Presents Quality Lead Generation,” “HomeSnap Pro: Top Tools to Master in Minutes,” and “Elevate: Social Media Bootcamp.” Daniela Brewer, an agent with Grice Realty said she was happy she attended the technology conference because “it was exactly what I needed.” Brewer added, “It’s a struggle to understand which of the services available in the market today are the right ones to implement.” Among the
For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com vendors she visited, Brewer was impressed with BuildersUpdate because its interface is simple to understand and has the ability to capture client registration data, and HomeSnap because it’s interactive. Many attendees enjoyed a lunch break under a tent on the front lawn. Delicious food was provided by two visiting food trucks and the low humidity and mild temperature lifted spirits before the keynote address. The MLS Tech Conference concluded with a significantly provoking presentation by Nobu Hata, who told Realtors, “If you think a website will take you out of business, you’re wrong. This is a brick and mortar business.” He also assured Realtors to “stop worrying about what your competition is doing and focus on being better than the technology.” When serving young customers, Hata warned “don’t be too explainy. Over explaining is losing the new generation of buyers. Be authentic and talk like a human being.” Hata encouraged attendees to “give people information they didn’t know to Google” like the nearest daycare centers, data on jobs or great doctors in the area. He concluded by telling everyone that personability is a key asset technology can’t deliver and to make the term Realtor “be a verb!”
Economic impact of agribusiness in SWFL Secure Your Future With If you live in Southwest Florida, there’s a good chance you’ve come across a variety of stories related to the economic impact and sustainability of agribusiness in the area. Agribusiness has taken off over the past couple of years, with no slowdown in sight. Florida Gulf Coast University’s Lutgert College of Business is in the process of creating a new Center for Agribusiness. Furthermore, and every bit as exciting, the school is looking into offering an agribusiness minor, which will help develop more talent for the industry. The primary goal of the new Center for Agribusiness is to act as a resource for the agriculture industry in Southwest Florida. Florida Gulf Coast University President Mike Martin is excited about the growth in this area, noting the following in a press release: “As a great regional university, FGCU is committed to connecting with and serving the leading sectors of Southwest Florida’s economy. Agribusiness certainly fits this criteria. We want every FGCU student who sees a career in agribusiness to have the opportunity to do so. And we want all FGCU students to appreciate the significance of agriculture and agribusiness to the region’s future.”
Collier County Collier County is also doing its part, thanks to its popular Florida Culinary Accelerator @Immokalee. Operated under a partnership with Economic Incubators Inc. and the county Office of Business & Economic Development, the program provides commercial kitchen space to its members. Also, there are a variety of mentors associated with the program, all of which help with things such as business plans, industry planning, food safety and nutrition among other areas.
Also in Collier County, Oakes Farms is one of the largest independently owned agribusiness operations in South Florida. It maintains a diversified portfolio of services that reach a global market. Services include: farming, packing, shipping, retail markets, food service and seafood distribution. Glades County Just the same as Collier, Glades County is devoted to the economic development of agribusiness. It’s website states the following: “We have been working to diversify our economic base beyond agriculture, striving to develop a three-legged stool for economic development, continuing with ag as long as ag is sustainable, while encouraging related agribusiness development, including fertilizer production, mulch and lawn care product manufacturing and warehousing and production of building materials and supplies ranging from golf course sands to redimix, mulch to mortar.” Even though Glades County is diversifying its economic base, agribusiness is still a big part of development in the area.
Your Own Business
Businesses Available Manufacturing $750,000 Internet Marketing $325,000 Sign Company $225,000 Retail Seafood $49,000 Hair Salon $7,500 Restaurants from $50,000
Contact Larry Steinborn,
Lic. Real Estate Broker Sand Dollar Real Estate / Business Depot (239) 433-1343 or bizdepot@aol.com 6309 Corporate Ct. #205 Fort Myers, FL 33919
It’s Your Future. Own It.Selling your Business is our Business!
Hendry County The Hendry County agricultural community is one of the most robust in the state, with it utilizing more than 72 percent of its land to support the production of fresh vegetables, sugar and citrus. Agribusiness is growing in many parts of the country, with Southwest Florida leading the way. It’ll be fun to see how the industry grows in 2019 and beyond. Learn more about the Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance at swfleda.com
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
MAY 2019
COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida
Whatever your plan, have a back-up
In my humble opinion, planning ahead is the number one most important step to take when making any major business decision. The first thing to do is discuss with your family how this decision will affect your future. The second thing to do is to think about a back-up plan. If you’re starting or buying a business, make sure you have enough cash not only for a down payment but for a rainy day as you never know what curve balls life can throw you. My rule of thumb is to never spend more than half of your personal liquidity on a project. When selling a business, consider the tax consequences and what you will do with your life post sale. I have seen many sellers start off by being excited with collecting their funds and riding off into the sunset only to get bored after six months and be unhappy. After all, one can only play so much golf or take so many vacations. The entrepreneurial spirit never dies. The next thing to do is write a business plan (or life plan if you are selling your business). Do not try to do this alone. There is a free service through the Small Business Devel-
opment Center in every county in every state in the U.S. Lee and Collier County’s SBDC is located on the FGCU campus in The Lutgert School of Business and their phone numBY TOM ber is (239) 745MAIALE 3700. Set up an Guest Columnist appointment and a business planning expert will guide you thru the process of writing a business plan and preparing projections in a format that is acceptable to a bank. And this service is free. If you are selling a business, it is probably best to prepare one year in advance and make sure your tax returns are completed by March 15 and show the true profit of your company, which will allow you to price it correctly and help the buyer obtain a loan. The same applies for filing personal taxes by April 15 if you are buying or starting a business. The worst thing you can do is walk into a bank
with stale, dated financial info. Along the same lines, pull your credit report and clean up any erroneous items that appear on your report, or if necessary, correct any issues you have with creditors well in advance of a loan application. I could go on and on about this topic but I am limited to 500 words, so I will leave you with this. Like my February article discussed, form a solid advisory team. A business broker, SBDC representative, CPA, attorney and banker will be among the experts you will need to get you started and cross the finish line. I would be honored to be a part of your team. So give me a call and we can get the planning started.
Aerie Lane opens in Bonita Springs
Aerie Lane is helping Southwest Florida residents “Gather. Create. Repeat.” with a do-it-yourself craft studio on South Tamiami Trail in Bonita Springs. Owner Cherie Rodriguez recently held a ribbon cutting. Aerie Lane offers DIY workshops, private parties, fundraising events and more that help participants create home décor projects and crafts. It is currently offering two special promotions: book a workshop online and receive a 15-percent discount with the code Chamber15, or book a private event with eight guests to receive a workshop for free. For information, call (239) 676-1022 or visit SWFlorida.AerieLane.com.
Tom Maiale, First Federal Bank SBA Lending Vice President and Business Development Officer, is a 17year SBA Lending veteran with SBA Training from The National Association of Government Guaranteed Lending and The U.S. Small Business Administration. Contact him at tmaiale@cbcnationalbank.com or (239) 288-9966.
GOLF PAGE 8 Southwest Florida sunsets. The renovation also boasts modern guest amenities such as the Hydro Tennis courts, Fitness Center and Wellness Studio featuring advanced workout equipment, dynamic group fitness classes and OnDemand Fitness
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LARRY STEINBORN, Broker BizDepot@aol.com 6309 Corporate Ct. #205, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Enn Luthringer, CCIM Partner | Investment Specialist Six Mile Cypress Corporate Park 12140 Carissa Commerce Court Suite 102 Fort Myers, FL 33966 T 239.481.3800 x235 F 239.481.9950 C 239.994.3703 enn.luthringer@creconsultants.com www.creconsultants.com/go/ennluthringer
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MAY 2019
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
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SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS
Does your business need AI? Hint: Yes it does We call her Ada. Ada stands for “AI Driven Advertising” and she works 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Custom software agency Stickboy Creative in Fort Myers built the platform known as Ada to use artificial intelligence, big data analytics and machine learning to assist its marketing firm Vectra Digital in running digital advertising campaigns for franchises and other businesses. Through Vectra, Ada allows business owners to leverage cutting-edge technology to optimize their digital campaigns, manage online reputations and forecast consumer trends without the extreme cost usually associated with these platforms. Does your business need artificial intelligencebased marketing? The answer is: Absolutely. Whether you have hundreds of locations or one, having AI at your fingertips gives you an edge like
no other in Southwest Florida and beyond. Ada analyzes thousands of lines of data streaming in to best optimize a campaign based on algorithms that are unique to businesses. Data streams are layered and analyzed with varied options selected, tested and optimized. The ultimate goal is to provide customers with the BY HARRISON exact Google, Facebook or othAMBS er digital ads at the exact right Guest Columnist time to fulfill a conversion. Did we mention Ada writes her own ads? Ada, in fact, has many capabilities, as she: • Writes, creates and manages ads; • Manages online reviews • Provides insight into customer sentiment
SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS Hearing loss diagnosis is complex Questions about your hearing? Get your answers from experienced clinicians. “When it comes to taking care of hearing loss, experience really matters,” states John Hoglund of Hoglund Family Hearing and Audiology Center. “Most people do not fully understand how complicated hearing loss can be. There are so many factors involved including the type of loss, how long the loss has been present, sensitivity to loud noises, balance and vertigo issues, as well as ‘ringing ears’ and other head noises. “Hearing loss has many causes, and impacts patients’ lives in many ways. Clear data to the brain is critical for keeping strong cognitive ability and untreated hearing loss dramatically influences patients’ memory. You need somebody with experience and knowledge that keeps you, the patient, completely informed of the entire process and will work with you to find the best solution for your lifestyle and budget.” Hoglund continued, “We are very proud of the and level of experience between our Audiologists and Hearing Instruments Specialist makes a huge difference in your clinical outcome. My wife Patricia and I and our top two Audiologist
have well over 120 years’ experience between us in helping the hearing impaired. “Any of us— or in some cases all of us—are accessible to every patient who BY PATRICIA & JOHN HOGLUND visits our Practice. We have Guest Columnist Audiologists that have seen every pathology you can imagine, including surgical ears, vertigo Patients, Meniere’s disease Patients, single-sided deafness cases and a lot of Patients with tinnitus or ringing ‘ears.’ We opened the area’s first Tinnitus Clinic four years ago and have changed the lives of many people who are were told by previous practitioners that nothing could be done to help them and they had to just learn to live with it.” Hoglund Family Hearing & Audiology Center is family-owned and operated, founded by John and Patricia Hoglund in 2003 Reach us at tina@hoglundfamilyhearing.com or (239) 494-8652 to schedule a Free Hearing Test. For information, go to www.hoglundfamilyhearing.com.
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• Analyzes and gives the same powerful and comparative insight into your performance and that of your competitors • Provides deep local market data by using the latest in natural language processing technology Vectra Digital’s mission with Ada is to significantly increase digital advertising ROI with a dramatic decrease in manual interaction. Vectra’s development and implementation of Ada allows Vectra to not only enhance a traditional industry but also drastically alter the way the industry will be in the future. Are you ready for Ada? She will likely be your Employee of the Year. Harrison Ambs is the chief strategy officer at Vectra Digital — a full service, high-tech marketing firm — in Fort Myers. Contact him at (239) 234-2566 or harrison@vectradigital.com or
COMPANIES TO WATCH
Culture of excellence sets firm apart Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co., P.A. is a public accounting and consulting firm with offices in Fort Myers and Naples. Our firm has been providing topof-the-line service to clients, team members, and our community for 40 years. Due to the desire of our team to meet the needs of clients in a variety of areas, MNMW has expanded our service offerings as trusted advisors beyond the traditional accounting and tax services for businesses and individuals. We also serve clients in the specialized areas of construction business consulting, elder care services, forensic accounting, human resources consulting, litigation support, marketing and public relations consulting, mediation services, medical practice consulting and technology consulting. What sets MNMW apart is our culture and commitment to excellence. It’s not just something we say, it’s our P.R.O.M.I.S.E., created and lived out by our team and to our clients to: Act PASSIONATELY, Be RESPECTFUL, Seek OPPORTUNITIES, Serve as a MENTOR, Lead with INTEGRITY, Provide Outstanding SERVICE, and Strive for EXCELLENCE. Our firm has been recognized for its service to clientele, as well as for the culture we provide internally with our team. Our team is passionate about praising, supporting and encouraging each other; and that attitude carries over into how our clients are treated. When working with MNMW you are not just a client, you become part of our family. Our experts
work with each person and/or business to define their unique needs and strategize on the best course of action to provide the maximum results. Recognizing the importance of giving back, the firm encourages team members to identify an orBY ANGELA ganization/cause they COOLEY are passionate about, Guest Columnist and then invests in their involvement. Collectively, team members contributed more than 2,600 hours to civic engagement in our local community through the firm in the past year. The culture of MNMW is what has helped our firm grow to become a leading organization in our community. Because of these many attributes, we feel that MNMW will continue to be a ‘Company to Watch’ for years to come as we work tirelessly to ensure our team, clients, and community always have the best experience in working with us. Angela Cooley provides consulting and tax services with a specialized focus in serving the construction industry. She works with her clients to guide them in successful tax and strategic business planning. Contact her at (239) 433-5554.
SWFBT SellS!
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS
Software to take business out of this world
When you log into Google to leave a review for that Users can “explore” their reviews, delectable piece of chocolate cake or that disastrous hotel honing in on any topic. stay, there is a lot more that happens once you hit “Post.” Want to know in general what peoBrand identity. SEO. Customer satisfaction. Future ple like or don’t? We surface the top revenue. Everything is affected. performing keywords and their modiStickboy Creative, which is known for custom softfiers. ware in Fort Myers, found the majority of reputation Do you want to know why soft management platforms and services to be lacking. So we drink sales are down? Type in “drink”, tackled it and came up with a solution that businesses of and the Explorer could tell you cusall sizes will be giving five stars. tomers think your drinks are “watery”. Our software allows businesses to take thousands of Stickboy also wanted to dig deeper. BY BRYANT their reviews, social posts and comments from all loca- JACKSON What is one of the biggest factors tions and aggregators and put it in one place. of success? Competition. Guest Columnist Then comes the Stickboy magic. Our proprietary data collection enWe take all that data, add a layer of artificial intelli- gine gathers the same insights for your business as it does gence and detect patterns in customer sentiment to gener- for your competition. This is more than just looking at ate actionable analytics. Google and reading your competition’s reviews. This is When data goes through our proprietary natural lan- a full insight report that will help guide your decisionguage processor: making process and marketing. Each review gets broken out into tokens (words) and How do you rank against your competitors? phrases. There’s no more guessing. Phrases and tokens are rated for sentiment based on their relation to the words surrounding them. For exam- Bryant Jackson is the Head of Software Development at ple, the phrase “rude delivery driver” represents a highly Stickboy Creative in Fort Myers. He helps companies negative experience. locally and nationally by developing custom software Sentiment is calculated through our software and as- and mobile applications with a focus on artificial intelsigned to each token, phrase and review. ligence, big data and machine learning. Contact him at Now comes our proprietary Keyword Explorer. bryant@stickboycreative.com or (239) 206-1193.
MAY 2019
AIRPORT PAGE 1 Beyond PGD’s strong partnership with Allegiant and airline-related revenues, the airport has continued to see growth in aviation and non-aviation business activity. He notes, “Ironically, Hurricane Charley, which greatly impacted Charlotte County in 2004, really spurred the airport’s recent growth.” Out of PGD’s 84,113 operations (takeoffs and landings) in 2018, 87 percent were primarily general aviation flights, along with air taxis and military. Nearly all of PGD’s commercial hangars onsite are leased and there is a waiting list for t-hangar rentals. Driven by the continued growth, the Charlotte County Airport Authority (CCAA) plans to relocate its general aviation facilities to the north side of the airport so that commercial air service operations have room to expand from its existing footprint. Airport management recently updated its Master Plan, which outlines short-term, intermediate and long-term projects for the airfield, commercial passenger terminal, general aviation facilities and support facilities. Parish shared, “At PGD, we’re about function, not fashion, because our primary goal has been and continues to be, the low airfare driver for Southwest Florida. Any future airport development needs to fit our low-cost model.”
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
Page 13
Government approved tax credits - Do you qualify?
If you go to the IRS website (IRS.gov) and type “Business Tax Credits,” you’ll be led to a page with a long list of federal tax credits. The Florida Department of Revenue website (Floridarevenue.com) has a link “Tax Incentives for Businesses” with more than 25 State tax credits. As a business and economic development professional, I have been told most business owners don’t file for their credits, because they don’t know about them, and their tax CPAs don’t calculate the myriad of government approved business tax incentives. CPAs are a trusted advisor and they specialize in doing your personal and business taxes. I highly recommend using a CPA if you are a business owner. It is important though to understand that while tax CPAs focus on your personal and business taxes, they rarely calculate the 7,000 government-approved tax incentives. Business owners should not expect your CPA to know if you qualify or you don’t, as they are not specialists in tax incentives. There are over 5 million words in the tax code and understandably most CPAs want to stay in their lane, allowing tax incentive specialists to calculate your business tax incentives. Because many small business owners misunderstand this, they are leaving billions of dollars on the table that the U.S. Congress has set aside for them. The Fortune 1000 companies have been cleaning up on these incentives (Fortune: “According to The Week, Amazon ended up paying – 1 percent rate” in 2017 federal income tax.) Guess who has been subsidizing this? That’s right, American small and medium-sized businesses owners. So how do SWFL business owners get their fair share of these government approved tax credits? There are consultant groups with tax incentive CPAs with Masters in Taxation, MBAs and engineers who focus on helping business owners file for their tax credits and get back overpaid taxes. They cut through
the red tape, and the mystery of how to fill out tax credit forms. If you qualify, these are lucrative credits that can help you invest back in your business, pay for your children’s education or do with as you please. After all, you worked hard for your money. Work Opportunity Tax Credits get overlooked by most employers. It’s a shame because business BY RICK owners can receive up to $9,600 PERRY per employee. Just make sure you Guest Columnist apply at the time you hire a U.S. Veteran, disabled or long-term unemployed. There are Qualified Research Expense credits for developing new or improved products, processes or formulas; developing prototypes or models; developing new technology, developing or improving software, building or improving manufacturing facilities; and streamlining internal processes. Too good to be true? Well the CPA Journal in 2017 wrote “the PATH ACT of 2015 permanently extended the R&D tax credit and expanded its provisions.” This was enacted by Congress to include small businesses. A business is not audited simply because it takes a tax credit. Either the business exhibits the behavior that qualifies for the tax credit or it doesn’t. If you own a business in Southwest Florida and are looking to take advantage of tax credits, like R&D, ask yourself: Do you Make, Modify, Invent, Innovate, Create or Make Better any aspect of your business? If so, you may qualify. The CPA Journal explained that in regard to the R&D Credit, Qualified Research Expenses are amounts paid for wages, supplies, contract and basic research. Up to 9.1 percent of a company’s annual eligible costs can be applied, dollar for dollar,
For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com against its federal income tax liability, according to CFO Magazine. CPA Journal continued, “To qualify as a research according to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC 41), the taxpayer must show that the activities: • are intended to resolve technological uncertainty at the outset of the project. • rely on hard science, such as engineering, computer science, biology. physical science; • relate to the development of a new or improved business component, defined as a new or improved products, processes, internal use computer software, techniques, formulas or inventions to be sold or used in the taxpayer’s trade or business; and • substantially all constitute a process of experimentation involving testing and evaluation of alternatives to eliminate technological uncertainty.” There are a lot of companies in Southwest Florida that fit these qualifications; including hiring engineers and designers, improving processes, redesigning existing or creating new products to improve your business in Southwest Florida. Do you own any of these companies: Construction, trades, architecture, engineering, interior design, software, technology, biotech, medical surgery, dentistry, agriculture, landscape designer or manufacturer and other manufacturers of almost anything. If you do, are you ready to get your overpaid taxes back? Rick Perry is an independent business consultant for American Benefits Exchange. He has helped over 300 companies with tax incentives and market development. Perry is managing member of Your Strategy Partners, an economic development consulting firm in Bonita Springs. Contact him at rick@yourstrategypartners.com.
SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS
Tech guides Terraces of Bonita Springs’ seniors to the future The future belongs to those who embrace technology. In Southwest Florida, our senior population is taking that future into their own hands and minds. The continual adoption and evolution of technology is an exciting change we are seeing in local senior living communities. Tech advances have allowed an increase in engagement and connection with residents and staff. A prime example is the luxury senior living community The Terraces of Bonita Springs, where residents can now make reservations for dinner while waiting for a doctor appointment, or sitting in the cart on the fifth hole of the golf course with their smartphone. Dedicated to providing the utmost in hospitality, The Terraces’ executive director Sam
Guedouar recognized the need to enhance the dining experience and worked with IT provider, ITVantage to bring advanced technologies to the growing community. ITVantage also introduced an adBY WENDI FOWLER vanced platform at the community that Guest Columnist allows residents to log in and make reservations for the valet, salon, yoga, bus trips and more. Residents at The Terraces are ahead of the tech learning curve by welcoming the technology to their daily lives. “Alexa, what’s the weather?” “Al-
exa, call my daughter, Ann.” These are a few of the commands given to that evergrowing voice technology that seniors are adapting to readily. Seniors are also embracing the Smart Home technologies with automated lights, blinds, temperature, plus prompts to eat and take medicine. Technological advances are allowing senior living communities to provide better health monitoring. This helps to prevent significant health issues and falls, provide telemedicine, better communication with family and even more efficient and productive care. For 17 years, ITVantage has been a locally owned and recognized leader for exceptional IT service to Senior Living Communities, Healthcare and Hospitality industries.
“Our priority has always been for the highest level of data security and HIPAA compliance in senior living communities,” commented Jeremy Stakely, ITVantage president and CEO. “But the senior population today is revolutionizing the way they want technology used. They want the fastest fiber internet, digital TV, fitness tracking watches and on-demand information. Our ITVantage consultants are experienced to assist Senior Care Communities with their infrastructure to make that happen.”
Wendi Fowler is director of Marketing and Communications for ITVantage. She has been in the IT Consulting industry for over 23 years in Southwest Florida. Learn more at www.itvantage.com or call (239) 600-6068.
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
MAY 2019
Distinguished Entrepreneur Award finalists announced The Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University recently announced the 2019 finalists for the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award of SWFL. The 18 finalists were selected from a pool of 66 nominees from the five-county area of Southwest Florida. They are: Reema Batia, Stickboy Creative; Tyrone Belford, 4 Corner’s Creative; Ryan Carter, Scotlynn USA Division; Brian Chapman, Chapman Insurance Group; Rafael J. Feliciano, Food Idea Group; Catina Fletcher, Diamonds Haircare; Rochelle Graham-Campbell, Black
Onyx World/Alikay Naturals; Teri Hansen, Priority Marketing; Timothy Hoffman, Hospitality Group Holdings (HGH); Samuel Lewis, Wear The Fund; Martin Ndungu, Medicab Transportation; Michael Peterman, VeraData; Key Powell, Key Security Services; Brian Rist, Storm Smart; Marilyn Santiago, Creative Architectural Resin Products (CARP); Samantha Scott, Pushing the Envelope; Caryn Smith, Driven by Design; and Jordi Tejero, CRS Technology Consultants. Each year, the FSBDC presents the Distinguished Entrepreneur award to business owners
from Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties who have overcome obstacles, grown their business through new technologies or assisted other small businesses via mentorship and civic leadership. The three awards given are Distinguished Entrepreneur; Innovator of the Year and Advocate of the Year. “We celebrate the business owners that took an idea, grew that idea into a business and created a positive impact on the economy in the Southwest Florida community,” said FSBDC Regional Director Lois Knox.
SCORE PAGE 1 school teacher who created Can Do U in 2017 to provide motivational programs to high school students and administrators. The company has been engaged throughout Florida and six other states including Alaska, has earned recognition in national media and various educational publications, and is profitable and debt-free. Veteran Owned Business of the Year – Charles Gilbert, C.W. Gilbert Construction Company – Following 17 years working in construction, Gilbert established C.W. Gilbert Construction Company in Fort Myers in 2018. He worked with SCORE mentor Frank Costello, a retired industry expert in construction and government contracting. Costello helped Gilbert streamline his payroll process so Gilbert can focus on the quality of his company’s work, safety protocols, material purchasing and bidding new projects. C.W. Gilbert Construction Company specializes
Charles Gilbert, right, with his SCORE mentor Frank Costello in structural concrete, masonry and interior carpentry work. Gilbert and Costello plan to continue working together on pursuing private and government contracts in South Florida. Business of the Year – Stacey Kroll and Stephanie Steffens, Sisters for Seniors – Sisters for Seniors is an in-home companion care and
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homemaker service that provides extra help for seniors wishing to age in their homes. It is co-owned by sisters Stacey Kroll and Stephanie Steffens, providing services in Sarasota and Charlotte counties. “Our business would not be the caliber it is today without the mentorship we received from SCORE,” said Kroll. SCORE mentor Pat Loftus “encourages us to think outside the box and keeps us accountable for the business goals we set in order to grow our business.” Since its launch in 2014 in Venice, the company has grown to 28 part-time employees and is continuing to grow profitably with yearover-year doubling of client services while achieving excellent customer satisfaction reviews. The business is poised for continued growth this year. The sisters have worked with SCORE since 2016, and plan to continue working with Loftus to set new goals, launch new services and apply non-owner resources for some business functions. Volunteer Awards Volunteer of the Year -Bill Boehmer Mentor of the Year - Dave Hamblett Volunteer Service Awards - Men-
toring, Service to SCORE Southwest Florida and the Community Bill Boehmer - 10 years Bryan Hays - 10 years Dave Hamblett - 5 years The luncheon keynote speaker was technology entrepreneur, angel investor and startup mentor Michael O’Donnell. He mentors for StartupNOW, a business accelerator program run by Broward College, and for Startup FAST, a new accelerator launched by the Southwest Florida Enterprise Center in Fort Myers. O’Donnell shared his own SCORE success story from his first venture as an entrepreneur and credited his SCORE mentor with helping him to raise $3 million for an electronic printing business in just six months. He said that a startup without an advisor is much like trying to find a destination without a map. “The startup community is like GPS for entrepreneurs,” he said. O’Donnell recognized the many complementary organizations showing support at the luncheon and noted that it’s vital to work together to create a corridor of support for small business. Other speakers included: Mike Love, Director, Southwest Florida Enterprise Center; U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) District Director Victoria Guerrero and SBA South Florida Lead Economic Development Specialist Althea Harris; Event Sponsor IBERIA BANK’s Sean Friend; and SCORE Southwest Florida District and Chapter executive members and mentors Ralph Warmack, Eileen Buchanan, Pat Loftus, Trevor Pedler and Frank Costello; and Mary Landry, vice chair, SCORE Association Board of Directors. SCORE Southwest Florida is rated in the top 3 percent of all Chapters in client satisfaction for 2017 and 2018. In 2018, SCORE Southwest Florida mentored 372 unique clients and conducted 22 local workshops.
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“Our first ad in the first issue of Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY landed us a sale that more than paid for the price of the ad campaign, and is delivered directly to our target market. Thank you, SWFBT!” We’re ALL Business
MAY 2019
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
Page 15
SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS
Sagewood Institute - a new concept for health and wellness The newly opened business is providing a new approach to health and wellness by bringing healthy aging practices, whole body and mind wellness, plus, beauty treatments to one location. Sagewood Institute’s expert board-certified physicians and licensed practitioners from a variety of disciplines will help clients look and feel healthy as they age by using cutting-edge research and techniques. The team will offer wellness, anti-aging and beauty regimens helping to provide a full concierge-like experience. Joaquin Hernandez, IMD, the Institute’s visionary founder, is a Cuban native who lived without the luxuries of modernism in healthcare and learned firsthand how important functional medicine is for a healthy life. After moving to the United States, he saw a pattern of patients being treated with an emphasis on quantity
STARTUP PAGE 1 The Southwest Florida Enterprise Center is a business incubator dedicated to assisting start-up and early-stage businesses to succeed. It provides businesses with a physical location from which to operate and technical assistance to owners to help them build a strong and longlasting business. One of the presenters was so passionate about how they expressed the need for their business that it literally brought a tear to my eye. The closing line of their business presentation aptly expresses what every entrepreneur “with a fire in their bellies” passionately believes about how to make their business a success: “Discipline plus dedication plus determination equals ‘Da Bomb’!”
over quality; Sagewood Institute’s goal is to change that. Hernandez and local surgeon Dr. Brian Smith have partnered to open the pioneering facility that specializes in an integrative approach. The Institute will strive to educate the public on effective and proven peerreviewed research on healthy aging. Free health and wellness lectures and Hernandez seminars, delivered by area and national experts, will occur throughout the year. In-depth consultations will be offered to ensure patients receive professional guidance on services, which could include integrative health assessments, hormone balancing, minor surgeries, nutrient IV treatments, PRP and stem cell therapy, lymphatic drainage treatments,
For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
acupuncture, micro-needling, nutritional analysis, stress reduction and other lifestyle directives that will help prevent diseases associated with aging. Additionally, Sagewood Institute’s aestheticians will provide the latest advanced beauty treatments. Using in-person and tele-medicine consultations, the Institute’s team will take a cohesive approach that will combine history, physical exam and laboratory results to develop personalized recommendations for a client’s healthy aging journey. Sagewood Institute is located at 801 Anchor Rode Drive, Suite 304, in Naples. For more information visit www.sagewoodfl.com or call (239) 434-9710.
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Architectural Metal Flashings: A Growing Success
Congratulations to Cape Coral-based Architectural Metal Flashings, named an Entrepreneur of the Year nominee by Business Observer due to the manufacturer’s continued growth and commitment to giving back to the community. During the last two years, the company offered hurricane assistance locally and in Puerto Rico. Owners Jeff and Darla Bonk grew up in Southwest Florida, so “our roots are here. We’re honored to be part of the community,” he says. “It’s a privilege and honor to be nominated.” The company, based at North Cape Industrial Park, has already been recognized for excellence by the state. It is expanding its staff to keep up with steady demand at the rising Babcock Ranch community and beyond. “Business is doing exceptionally well,” he says. Cape Coral is a growth hotspot in Southwest Florida. Contact our team today to learn about relocating or expanding in this prime location.
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
MAY 2019