November 2016 Southwest Florida Business Today

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

We’re All Business

Special Focus on CareerSource SWFL

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S BUSINESS VOICE • 239-573-9732 Vol. 10 No. 1 / NOVEMBER 2016 www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

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

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SWFL LEADERS PAVING THE WAY TO THE FUTURE

Anniversary edition

Read about Southwest Florida businesses — their histories, their success stories and their plans for the future.

IN THE NEWS Salt Island Seaplanes adds Fort Myers, Naples

Salt Island Seaplanes has added Fort Myers as a departure location for its 2016-2017 flight season. Beginning Oct. 26 and running until April 30, Salt Island Seaplanes will now depart from both Fort Myers’s Page Field and Naples Municipal Airport. The ondemand carrier accepts reservation requests and confirms based on flight availability. It operates every day except Wednesdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day. “This year’s flight season will begin in time for our passengers to catch Fantasy Fest in Key West, and we are really excited to now offer flights from Fort Myers,” said Salt Island Seaplanes owner and pilot Jon Rector. “We have had SEAPLANES See page 8

Public invited to coastal preserves meeting

The land management plan for Coastal Preserves, a group of Lee County preserves from Interstate-75 to Cayo Costa, has been written to guide the management of these areas. This plan will be discussed at 5 p.m. Nov. 2 at Lakes Regional Library.

The plan describes the preserves and limited work to be assessed in some areas. No changes to management or public use are planned. After public review, the plan will be placed on an agenda of the Lee County Commission for approval.

Written comments are encouraged and can be given at the meeting at 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers; or comments can be mailed to COASTAL See page 3

Photos by Any Occasion Photography The transportation summit attracted business professionals from all over the state.

Transportation Summit addresses local issues Tackling the region’s transportation problems is a hot topic among Southwest Florida officials and professionals.

How to enable people with safe and convenient mobility instead of automobiles to fulfill their daily needs was the major subject of the Interactive Workshop, the Day 1 portion of the recent two-day Transportation Summit organized by Streets Alive SWFL and the

Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association.

This Interactive Workshop, led by national and international experts, provided local government and business leaders, planners, engineers, real estate agents and landscape architects the hands-on opportunity to create better community designs and transportation networks using national best practice standards.

SUMMIT See page 5

Cape Coral Mayor Marni Retzer listens as Johnny Limbaugh of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization shares his views.

Institute works to improve medical research

CTGRI forms partnerships with area groups, plans initiatives

As recently announced at a press conference, the Clinical and Translational Genome Research Institute (CTGRI), in collaboration with Lee Memorial Health System, the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, and Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), will begin major initiatives related to medical research, education and work force development in Southwest Florida. CTGRI’s initial planned activities include: Helping to make medication selection and dosing safer and more effective for children • In an initial collaboration, CTGRI will be working with Dr. Scott Needle, Chief Medical Officer and Pediatrician at Healthcare Network of

Photos by Any Occasion Photography F. Nicholas Jacobs, FACHE, CTGRI Chairman of the Board of Directors spoke during the conference.

Southwest Florida, to study gene-drug interactions to improve treatments for youth with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Improving adult health care • Working with Lee Memorial Health System cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Paul DiGiorgi to study the use of gene-drug interaction information to better select and dose medications for post-operative cardiac patients to improve post-operative pain relief and reduce mortality.

Educating a 21st century health care work force • Conducting seminars and workshops for physicians from around the world on advanced genomics and precision medicine.

• Seeks to partner with FGCU on a joint continuing education certificate program on advanced genomic technologies for Clinical Laboratory Scientists – a first-of-its kind program in the nation.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

NOVEMBER 2016

Workforce training funds available for employers of all sizes

Funding is available to assist small entrepreneurs as well as large companies to offset the cost of training their workforce. Before we explore the funds available, are you sold that effective training has a positive return on investment?

Trained employees are vital to the success of any organization, no matter the size. Training is essential to productivity, profitability, customer satisfaction and employee retention. In our ever changing workplace, training is required just to stay current. If we, as an organization, want to improve “our game,” we need even more training. Additionally, there are training needs for Onboarding, Cross Training and Succession Planning.

What resources exist in helping to offset training costs? There is a myriad of resources available so please excuse the “alphabet soup.”

On-the-Job Training (OJT) OJT reimburses a business a portion of the cost of training a new employee who is eligible for Workforce Opportunity Investment Act-funded training. Within an OJT, an employer is reimbursed 50% - 75% of the trainee’s hourly wage while they are being trained. The

length of the reimbursement varies from individual to individual based on their specific skill gaps.

Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) IWT grants reimburse 50 percent of direct training costs (up to 75 percent for those meeting specific criteria) to for-profit companies who have been in existence for at least one year and with at least one W-2 employee.

BY PEG ELMORE Some companies choose to use existing employees to train othGuest Columnist er employees and the trainer’s wages can be reimbursed.

Quick Response Training (QRT) QRT grants are available for new or expanding companies in Florida’s qualified targeted industries who expect to hire ten or more employees within in a year of the grant award. New hires must average at least 125 percent of local or state private sector wages and must

produce an exportable (beyond regional markets) goods or services. QRT includes as reimbursable expenses a portion of instructors/trainers’ salaries, curriculum development, textbooks/manuals, online training and domestic travel for trainers or trainees and other costs.

Customized Training This provides funding for pre-employment applicants with the intent of employment once training is complete. Since the participant is not being paid, these tend to be very short training programs. Reimbursable training expenses include the instructor’s/trainer’s salaries, curriculum development, textbooks/manuals, training materials and supplies as well as tuition and fees to approved educational institutions.

If you are interested in training your potential new hires or your existing workforce, please contact CareerSource Southwest Florida to determine if we can help offset your training costs.

Peg Elmore is director of Business Services for CareerSource Southwest Florida. To learn more, visit: www.careersourcesouthwestflorida.com.

ANNIVERSARY

Spada Salon & Day Spa celebrates 5-year anniversary, expansion Celebrating five years under new ownership and a recent expansion, Spada Salon & Day Spa has become Southwest Florida’s largest day spa and a recognized partner in the community.

The 12,000-square-foot spa cares for guests seeking personalized attention and luxurious treatments.

The state-of-the-art facility boasts 12 hair stations, 20 private treatment rooms (including five couple suites), a steam room, two lounges and a Vichy room. Spada recently unveiled an expanded nail department to accom-

modate up to 12 guests at a time. The spa recently renovated key areas of its interior to reflect a classic contemporary look, adding lighter and brighter colors, lifted ceilings and LED lighting.

Continued improvements will be made through end of year.

Since acquiring ownership in the fall of 2011, Andrew and Judy Williams have elevated the luxurious style of the spa, ensuring that each client receives an unparalleled level of service. The Williams are deeply committed to the community and regularly seek opportu-

nities to give back.

“Through our annual Spada-thon, where our employees give generously of their time and talents, over the course of five years we’re raised more than $130,000,” said Williams. The company’s efforts benefit organizations like the PACE Center for Girls of Lee County, the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida and Valerie’s House.

A blissful retreat for the senses, Spada invigorates mind, body and spirit.

For information, visit SpadaSpa.com.

Judy and Andrew Williams are the owners of Spada Salon & Day Spa.

SW Florida businesses can save up to 14% on health insurance.* With some of the lowest-priced plans in SW Florida, UnitedHealthcare can bring real savings to local small businesses.

For a free quote, visit uhc.com/SWFL Call 1-877-233-0661, or call your broker. *14% savings based on Q1 2016 UnitedHealthcare internal analysis for average price comparison between UnitedHealthcare plans in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties. Not all health plans are available in all areas. Visit uhc.com/employer/small-business to find a list of plans available in your area. ©2016 United HealthCare Services, Inc. Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates.

MT-1060048.0 9/16 ©2016 United HealthCare Services, Inc. 16-2642-A

NOVEMBER 2016

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

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Atilus opens office in expanded location The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce coordinated a ribbon cutting for Atilus on September 28, celebrating an expansion of the business.

Atilus is a full-service digital marketing agency that has been in business for 11 years. Its main goal is to help clients grow their business. Atilus provides clients with web design, web development and online marketing services.

To celebrate the expansion, Atilus is offering a free digital consultation to interested customers. For more information, please contact the Atilus New Client Specialist, Jennifer Coomer, at Jen@atilus.com. Atilus is also looking for qualified individuals to fill several new positions. To find out more, contact zach@atilus.com or call 239-3621271. Atilus is located at 28440 Old 41 Rd. #9, Bonita Springs, FL 34135.

The Five-Star Nationally Accredited Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce strives to serve members,

The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce coordinated a ribbon cutting for Atilus on September 28, celebrating an expansion of the business. promote a region where business can grow and prosper and enhance the quality of life of the Bonita Springs area.

With the support of annual partners including Lee Memorial Health System, Naples Daily News/The Banner, NCH Healthcare System, Physicians Regional Healthcare System and The NewsPress Media Group, the Chamber is

able to focus on their mission of community development. The Chamber operates a fully-staffed 2,000 square foot Visitors and Business Center at 25071 Chamber of Commerce Drive in Bonita Springs, Florida Monday to Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, please call 239-992-2943 or visit www.BonitaSpringsChamber.com.

ANNIVERSARY

Charlotte State Bank helping other businesses grow

Charlotte State Bank & Trust celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2017.

Organized in Port Charlotte in 1987, the bank quickly became known as the area’s Hometown Bank because of the down-home, personal service afforded to individuals, businesses, institutions and nonprofits. The bank has grown into a leader among community-based financial institutions throughout Southwest Florida, offering a complete line of banking products and services, including a full range of residential and commercial real estate loans and business loans and a local trust and investment management division with a full staff of highly educated and skilled team members.

The bank’s commitment to personal service—shown daily in bank offices, on the phone, and online—reaches into the heart of the community, supporting many area charities, community groups and civic organizations, especially those involving education, health and wellness, arts and humanities and community and business development. In addition to direct support such as contributions and gifts, the bank has a dedicated staff that volunteers their time and talent to many local causes.

Looking ahead, Charlotte State Bank & Trust will continue to support the communities through five Charlotte County offices, new loan production offices established this year in Collier and

Lee counties, and a new North Port office set to launch in 2017. The bank’s Collier and Lee county representatives, Cristin Madden and Kim Donnelly, respectively, have a combined total of more than 30 years of experience in commercial lending, business banking

and business development. They are available to help business owners in Collier and Lee counties grow and expand through purchasing, refinancing or leveraging commercial property.

For more information, visit www.charlottestatebankandtrust.com.

Anticipating what’s next... ...is what keeps you and your business ahead of the game.

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Here’s what is ahead for 2016 for Southwest Florida Business Today.

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caintb@leegov.com or to Lee County Parks & Recreation, attn: Terry Cain, 50 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach.

The plan can be reviewed through Dec. 5 at Lakes Regional Library and Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St., Fort Myers. Ask for it at the resource desk. Log on to www.leegov.com/conservation2020 to find the plan onlines and look in the “News” section on the right side of the page.

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

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

NOVEMBER 2016

Chamber presents ‘Cashing in with Process Involvement’ The Chamber of Southwest Florida’s Process Improvement Committee presents “Cashing in with Process Improvement” on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive in Fort Myers. Participants will learn techniques to improve the efficiency of their operations in any business setting including forprofit, non-profit and government organizations.

The workshop consists of a combination of presentations and breakout sessions designed to give participants an overview of process improvement strategies including Lean, Six Sigma, Asset Management and Entrepreneurial Operating System. By optimizing their business processes, organizations will realize better through-put, better customer service, reduced inventories, enhanced capital utilization and higher return on investment.

The keynote luncheon speaker will be Mark Abbott, founder and managing member of VTH Part-

INSTITUTE PAGE 1 Working with companies to help build a vibrant biotechnology industry in Southwest Florida • Working with a nutrition company that wishes to relocate to Southwest Florida; CTGRI plans to provide analytical and clinical trial support for their product development.

According to Jim Nathan, CEO of Lee Memorial Health System: “We fully envision that having the Clinical and Translational Genome Research Institute in our region, collaborating with both FGCU and our leading health care institutions, as an important step forward in transforming Southwest Florida into a world leader in genomics technology, edu-

ners. Abbott has over two decades of experience and expertise with startups and early-stage small and mid-size companies. He has been a founder, lender, investor, CEO, president, board member and leadership coach.

“While I enjoy the operations, lending and investing sides of my career, my deep passion is teaching leadership teams how to get more of what they want from their business, and less of what they don’t want,” said Abbott.

Presenters also include Phil Centonze, director of client engagement services for FloridaMakes; Robert Peterson, PhD, consultant, new business development at FGCU Continuing Education; David Reycraft, GIS & CMMS manager for Lee County Utilities; David Rybicki, lean transformation business partner at Lee Health; Dennis McGee with the City of Tallahassee; Dan Eveloff, city president for Regions Bank; Reggie Morgan, COO/principal at DeAngelis

cation, and research.”

F. Nicholas (Nick) Jacobs, FACHE, CTGRI Chairman of the Board of Directors, shared: “Our goal and commitment is to help foster the adoption of new medical technologies and discoveries to benefit our region’s patients. We also wish to help diversify the region’s economy with biotechnology jobs and medical tourism to the area.”

CTGRI was founded as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization to bring a fresh approach to medical research.

Its aim is to accelerate the progress and adoption of existing and nearhorizon medical breakthroughs related to precision medicine and clinical genomics to benefit patients as quickly as possible. For information, go to www.CTGRI.org , email info@ctgri.org or call 239-482-8325.

The growing world of “mobile” demands that you be wherever your customers, clients, members and prospects expect you to be.

Diamond Construction; Trudi K. Williams, CEO of TKW Consulting Engineers; Seth Yoskowitz & Roop Lutchman with GHD; and Bob Munro, president and CEO of AREINA. Member and non-member seating is $50 and includes breakfast and lunch. Table sponsorships are available with seating for eight at a cost of $600. Advanced reservations are required and may be made by calling the chamber at 239-433-4111 or online at www.chamberswfl.com.

The Chamber of Southwest Florida is a regional business membership organization with members in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades Counties.

Chamber members are regional employers and many provide products and services across the region. The Chamber’s “Business Building Leadership” mission is driven by governmental advocacy, leadership development, strategic business information products and membership services.

ANNIVERSARY

MS Center of SWFL marks 16 years

The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Southwest Florida’s (MS Center) mission is to improve the quality of life for people affected by multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. Symptoms of MS range from severe fatigue, loss of vision, pain, muscle weakness, to paralysis of the limbs.

The MS Center provides a comprehensive wellness program designed to help manage pain, improve mobility, and decrease isolation. Services include therapeutic services such as massage therapy, acupuncture and mental health counseling. Insurance is not required.

The MS Center was founded in 2000 by two individuals who have MS. Dr. Debbie Heil and Lisa Luthringer recognized a need for resources and support for people with MS living in Southwest Florida. As the organization grew, the therapeutic services were added. In 2016, the MS Center moved from its location of 15 years in Naples, to Bonita Springs. The new facility is twice the size of the old location. Several new health-focused activities, educational events and support groups have been added. All activities at the Center are provided free of charge.

Kay Jasso, executive director, states: “The Center is experiencing rapid growth since we started our awareness campaign 18 months ago.

We average four new people per week,

The MS Center provides a comprehensive wellness program designed to help manage pain, improve mobility, and decrease isolation. even in the off-season.” Since 2015, the number of registered clients has increased 150 percent. Today 180 people receive direct services, and the Center now reaches over 400 people with MS by providing resources and education.

The MS Center is a local organization, not a national chapter, and is funded entirely by the generous contributions of individuals and businesses in our community. Anyone with MS, who resides in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry or Lee county, may register to receive services.

You can support the MS Center through donations or by attending the annual fundraising event, “A Vintage Affair: Bourbon & Blues… the Party Continues!” Bourbon and wine tasting stations, a seven-piece band, silent and live auctions, are all planned for this exciting evening on March 5 at Quail West Golf & Country Club.

For information about the event, or to find out other ways you can help, visit: www.MSCenterSWFL.org or call Kay Jasso at 239-435-1901.

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ANNIVERSARY

Harbour View Gallery hits milestone

Ten years ago, Harbour View Gallery was a concept that became a reality in the fall of 2007.

The original group of seven founding entrepreneurial artists provided start-up funding and did everything from designing the logo, selecting furnishings and display cases to putting together the governing structure of the business. Their dedication and shared common vision provided the foundation upon which the business has flourished and grown, even during the economic downturn of 2009-2011.

Located in prime space on the Marina at Cape Harbour in Cape Coral, the gallery will celebrate 10 successful years of offering fine art and unique handcrafted gifts created by its artist-member owners and more than 300 visiting local artists who have exhibited work there since the gallery’s inception.

You can find original fine art pieces for home decor and locally handcrafted distinctive gifts for that special person or occasion. Artists represent a variety of art mediums such as paintings, glass art, photography, fine jewelry, sand and paper castings, fabric and metal art, wood carvings and pottery in a wide range of styles and prices.

Harbour View Gallery hosts a popular monthly featured artists program and has selected more than 25 additional area artists working in diverse

You can find original fine art pieces for home decor and locally handcrafted distinctive gifts at Harbour View Gallery. mediums to display and sell their work at the gallery on an extended basis. A public reception is held from 6–8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month in honor of the two artists featured that month.

A full service frame shop on the premises was introduced in the fall of 2013 when the gallery expanded.

Last year, two of the owner-artists instituted a monthly “Sip and Paint” event in cooperation with the Waterside Wine Club, also located at the Marina at Cape Harbour. These eve-

nings, filled with fun and artistry, attract locals as well as visitors to the area. Always striving for distinction, the gallery alternates between canvases, wine or margarita glasses, trivets and ornaments for participants to paint. Other choices will be offered this coming season.

Unlike other cooperative galleries, the artists actually own and manage all aspects of the business. From dusting and cleaning to accounting and public relations, they do it all.

Visitors are greeted each day by one of the gallery owner-artists. The welcoming atmosphere and helpful attitude keep people coming back time after time.

Customers are treated like family and they in turn bring their family and friends to the gallery.

Mary and Ken Tate, frequent visitors from Canada, say: “Harbour View Gallery is a little gem of Cape Harbour. The owner-operated gallery is unique—seven owners, seven views, every day a different artist. And, the visiting artists add even more variety.

We love visiting.”

The public is invited to help commemorate this 10 year milestone with past and present gallery artists and community supporters at a special reception beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2017.

For more information, go to harbourviewgallery.com

SUMMIT PAGE 1 According to Ann Pierce, education chair for Streets Alive SWFL, “This group of presenters represents the very best in the nation on the new directions in transportation and community design. People from Key West to Clearwater took advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from them.”

During the Summit’s Day 2 Public Conference, the team of national experts, joined by local regional speakers, gave presentations addressing and answered questions about new patterns in community development and transportation planning, as well as the funding and regulatory changes on the horizon.

Keynote speakers included: Billy Hattaway, District 1 secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation; Ian Lockwood, livable transportation engineer for the Toole Design Group; Dan Burden, innovation and inspiration director for Blue Zones; and Paula Benway, international president of the Institute of Transportation Engineers.

Transportation in the future will not be business as usual because the Florida Department Of Transportation is no longer taking the “one-sizefits-all street design” approach: it is now moving toward a context-sensitive-based approach. Hattaway wants “local governments to understand what this change means in terms of flexibility in design criteria and the relationship between land development patterns and transportation design.”

Sanibel Captiva Bank continues its growth Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has come a long way from its origins as a small bank. Celebrating 13 years in Southwest Florida, it has more than earned its nationally ranked reputation. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better-performing bank anywhere in Florida. In an analysis of 6,000 community banks nationally, the Independent Community Bankers Association recently ranked the bank among the best in the nation.

This doesn’t come as a surprise to the bank’s customers. The community bank has been profitable since its founding in 2003 by sticking to the basics of sound business banking and superattentive customer service. For example, the bank is known for tailoring construction and residential real estate loans so customers can move into their dream homes in Southwest Florida.

In addition to the island-style friendly customer service inside each branch, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has developed mobile banking technology that lets customers pay bills, transfer money

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and make deposits easily from their smartphones.

Customers can withdraw funds free of charge from all Publix Presto ATMs, as well as 55,000 worldwide Allpoint Network ATMs, located in destination retail outlets like Walgreens, CVS and Target.

Close to home, the bank’s charitable endeavors are unrivaled. “We’re proud of the fact that the bank and our 60 employees supported 85 local nonprofit organizations last year, a record that’s hard for any business to beat,” said Craig Albert, president and CEO of Sanibel Captiva Community Bank.

Expanding from its roots on Sanibel, today the bank has five branches in Lee County with $332 million in assets, and it makes loans in Collier County, too. Plans are underway to open additional branch locations in Fort Myers.

“Each year continues to bring growth,” said Albert. “We look forward to serving our customers for the next 13 years—and longer.”

For information, visit www.sancapbank.com.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

NOVEMBER 2016

2016 Award

Al Brown, Glades County School District

Al Brown is the Maintenance Supervisor at Glades County School District. Al is a graduate of Moore Haven High School and has been employed with the District for over 33 years. He has certifications in pest control, waste water, water treatment, asbestos, construction, bus driver; therefore, saving the District money by also performing these tasks rather than seeking contractors. But that is not all he does. Al is part of the Summer Youth Employment Program mentoring process. He feels very strongly about the opportunities for the students. He takes this role seriously and does the best he can in teaching students how to be successful not only in the workplace, but in life. He serves as a positive example to the young men and women he supervises, demonstrating a superior work ethic and with unrivaled devotion to faith, family, and duty. He is patient, kind, understanding, and always encouraging our young people to strive for excellence.

Conditioned Air

Conditioned Air is considered one of the best employers to work for in Southwest Florida. They are also known to be one of the most well-established and reputable companies in Collier County. In January 2014, CareerSource Southwest Florida, Naples, made contact with Human Resources of Conditioned Air to discuss employment possibilities with the On-The-Job Training (OJT) Program.

They became interested in learning more about our services and the Center staff quickly researched Employ Florida Marketplace for candidates to fulfill HVAC Maintenance Technician, Duct Mechanic, Warehouse Associate, and Front Desk positions, with starting pay rate of $13 per hour. OJT contracts between CareerSource Southwest Florida and Conditioned Air began in May 2014 and they have worked together intensively ever since. Conditioned Air has supported 17 OJTs and CareerSource Southwest Florida has made direct placements through other program participants not in need of training services with Conditioned Air.

Champion Awards

In recognition of accomplishments far exceeding expectations for individuals, events or organizations contributing to a quality workforce for Southwest Florida and to the mission of the Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board.

R+L Global-Paramount Transportation Logistics

Also known as R&L Global Logistics/R&L Truckload Services, was formed in Fort Myers in 2009 and has experienced phenomenal growth. Their mission is to make shipping freight easy by offering a ‘one stop shop’ solution for all of their clients. They have expanded to 15 locations across the country since its inception and are still growing.

They provide fully integrated supply chain solutions in the United States and worldwide. In 2015, the company opened a newly renovated, state-of-the art, 27,000 square foot logistics facility and committed to hiring 150 employees over two years. They partnered with CareerSource Southwest Florida to assist with the recruitment of these employees.

The majority of the positions they offer are for Logistics Account Executives and Logistics Account Executive Trainees with all levels of experience.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS JULY 2015-JUNE 2016 Officers: President: Joe Wheeler Vice President: Mike Jackson Treasurer: Ed Bolter Secretary: B.J. Brundage Executive Director: Joe Paterno

Members: Diana Bello, John Boland, Drummond Camel, James Coalwell, Nida Eluna, Martin Haas, Brian Hirsch, Todd Hoffman, Kim Hustad, Brent Kettler, Jim Lamb, Larry Litt, Melvin Morgan, Michael Nagle, Lucienne Pears, Paul Puletti, Aaron Stitt, Geri Yoraschek, Michelle Zech

Photos provided by Any and Mary Anne Z

NOVEMBER 2016

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

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d Ceremony

ny Occasion Photography Zurn, CareerSource

Juan Aguilar

Immediately following high school graduation, Juan went to work in the fields harvesting and picking produce. It is the only job he knew, as he grew up watching his parents wake up and catch the work bus. After over seven years of employment in the fields, Juan came to the realization he did not want this life for himself; he wanted a career. With the help of CareerSource, Juan is now employed as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic earning $19/hour.

Alyssa Romano

When Alyssa came to CareerSource Southwest Florida, she was a quiet, scared, stressed, single mother, who moved to Florida in hopes of receiving assistance for her family. Alyssa quickly picked up software knowledge, improved her typing skills and enrolled in QuickBooks classes—leading her to a Worksite Experience position within the Center. She then secured a Payroll Coordinator position at Florida Cancer Specialists earning $15.50/hour.

Leveny Vilsaint

Leveny entered the U.S. in 2003 and enrolled in “English as a Second Language” classes at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW). When Leveny’s family lost their home in 2008, he went to work at a local department store but could not sustain the needs of his family.

So he returned to FSW and received his Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Care, passed his State Board exams and is now a Respiratory Therapist earning $26.90/ hour.

Achievement Awards

In recognition of personal accomplishments far exceeding expectations for individuals participating in Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board programs who have successfully overcome barriers on the way to economic self-sufficiency.

John R. Catania II

John first visited CareerSource Southwest Florida in a job that could not lead to selfsufficiency. Due to a severe family event, John was traveling between states, threatening his continued education at FSW. But John completed his training, received his State License and began as a Registered Nurse at Bayfront Hospital. He was quickly promoted three times; he was most recently personally selected by the department head to work in the ICU. He is now enrolled in the accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing degree program at FSW and is currently earning $33/hour.

Elcar Roge

During high school, Elcar took dual classes to earn nursing prerequisites.

After high school, Elcar worked in retail and fast food earning a small income that could not lead to self-sufficiency.

She found CareerSource Southwest Florida which assisted her in getting into a LPN Program. Upon completion of this program, she began full-time work with Consulate Health. She is currently enrolled in the Registered Nurse program at FSW and is currently earning $22/hour.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

The Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board, Inc. was established in 1998 as a regional entity to provide workforce services to the five counties of Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee. The Board, d.b.a CareerSource Southwest Florida, delivers a variety of employment and training programs through a network of full-service One-Stop Career Centers in Port Charlotte, Immokalee, Naples, Clewiston, and Fort Myers with satellite offices in Cape Coral and LaBelle. The Board also operates a variety of community based workforce development initiatives such as Destination Graduation. For more information visit us at: www.careersourcesouthwestflorida.com

Page 8

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

NOVEMBER 2016

Tips to shift client interest to add to your share of pie

Editor’s Note: Part 2 of Share Shifting, continued from October issue

Second, the meaning of the adjective radical is “not bound by traditional ways or beliefs.” Here are the “must dos” of a seasoned business unit’s radical salesperson and marketer.

1. No stone goes unturned in your search for new leads and clients; 2. No sales idea is too silly or stupid to try; 3. You sell to everyone, every day, no matter what their size; 4. You sell more than you market; 5. You utilize yield management techniques; 6. You just do not leave collateral, you collect a database for follow-up; 7. You go down swinging and then get back up for another round; 8. You are always in “selling mode;” 9. You network, not just talk to people; 10. You are “it,” no one but you can make it happen; 11. When you fail, you succeed by learning from it; 12. You start your day with a goal and focus on its achievement; 13. You look for ways to sell to prospects that others are not; 14. You carry your business cards with you every-

where; 15. Wherever you go you see a future client; 16. No matter how many nos they have given you, you write down phone numbers from passing businesses on the street; 17. You see customer obstacles as an opportunity to get testimonial referrals from them by meeting their expectations; you

BY TOM work on the probability theory; MARQUARDT 18.

You radiate confidence Guest Columnist and bring direction to clients; 19. You take ownership of your sales 100 percent; 20. You are out finding new revenue generation that your competition never knew existed and selling to them before they do; 21. You see doors of opportunities, not slammed ones in your face; 22. You are asking for the sale every time, in all possible ways, with each client you communicate with; 23. You are a relentless “door knocker” and grassroots marketer; 24. You look at your sales reports for new business that purchased from you;

25. You drive the desire and passion for each sale with every presentation; 26. You fight tooth and nail to retain a client and make new ones every day when you come into work; 27. You smile until it hurts, just to go to bed and wake up to attack your business leads all over again tomorrow!

Are you ready for the challenge? Are you ready to become a radical salesperson and marketer for your business unit? Why not? Are you afraid to get a little emotional about your sales and marketing? Only emotional selling sells to clients on a regular basis with consistency. No one wants an order taker in their sales department; your product line is not that special to afford you that luxury. If you are not emotional about the product line that you represent, your sales will never reach full capacity.

Oh, by the way, the above sentence is the longest sentence in this article. Do you know the reason why?

Because it is aggressive and unconventional and “not bound by traditional ways or beliefs,” just like what a radical sales and marketer for your business unit needs to be.

Go be radical today!

Tom Marquardt is co-owner of Platinum PEO Resources, of Fort Myers, specializing in human resources and benefits. For more information, call 239-561-2591 or go to PlatinumPEOresources.com

Isley opens forensic accounting and business consulting practice R. David Isley, CPA, CFE, CFF has opened a sole practice focusing on litigation support, forensic accounting and business consulting services.

A Lee County resident since 1958, Isley has nearly four decades of financial management and business operations experience. He holds bachelor’s degrees

in finance and accounting from the University of South Florida. He is a certified public accountant, a certified fraud examiner and is certified in financial forensics. He is a member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Association of Cer-

Prime Office SPace

tified Fraud Examiners.

During the past four years, he has provided expert testimony and depositions in numerous cases in the 20th Judicial Circuit for Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties, the Middle District of Florida and the 15th Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County.

Prime O ffice SPace PAGE 1 S uited tO YOur NSEAPLANES eedS Suited1601 tOLeeYSOur N eedS treet, river diStrict, fOrt mYerS Featured Property Newly

a lot of demand to be able to service the Fort Myers

renovated office building area, and with this new, convenient location, we will in the heart of be theable River District to better accommodate travelers on the west of Downtown Fort Myers, Florida. coast of Florida.”

Modern art deco design. Adjacent Passengers on Salt Island Seaplanes will enjoy to new library and community views of the scenic plaza. Over 8100 square feet total, Ten Thousand Islands and pristine Florida Bay before available in three units of 2348 to touching down on water in Garri2988 square feet.

Call now 1601 Lee Street, River District, ForttoMyers have build-out son done to meet Bight, justyour northeast of Fleming Key. From there, needs.

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Historic Conch Harbor Marina in Key West.

5,887 square6309 feet, can divided. $12c per foot. , SOuth fOrt mSeaport, cbe OrPOrate Ourt YerS

Long known as one of the most reliable workhorses of general aviation, Salt Island Seaplanes’ Cessna 206 amphibious seaplane can maneuver in and out of tight strips or stretches of water with ease and safety.

The seaplane features four passenger seats for ample capacity and can accommodate larger parties in mulsq. ft. available. Build-out tiple trips. At a cruise speed of 125 mph, guests arrive SaNd dOllar real eState / BuSiNeSS dePOt allowable! in Key West in just over an hour. teiNBOrN , larrY S lic. real eState BrOker Rent teRms “Whether it’s a creative business lunch trip, a surWand e Listen , We aRe Carenegotiable.

6309 Corporate Ct #205 prisedengagement, girls weekend or guys fishing trip, S and dollar Phone: r eal239-433-1343 e State / BuSineSS epot Fort Myers, FL 33919 Email: bizdepot@aol.com larry SteinBorn , lic. real eState Broker travel by seaplane is an exciting experience,” Rector We Listen, We Care!

Other Available Properties Locate your • 6309 Corporate Courtoffice - Office with - 936 to other professionals in foot. the 2,500 sq. ft. from $8 per square quiet in the middle Sansetting Carlos Blvd.

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Isley is also a frequent speaker and guest lecturer for the Florida Institute of CPAs and Florida Gulf Coast University’s Forensic Accounting classes. He was a member of the United States Navy from 1971 to 1976.

For more information or to contact the firm, email davidi@rdicpa.com.

added. “Along with free parking and no hassle boarding at the private aviation terminal at Fort Myers’s Page Field or the commercial terminal at the Naples Airport, our guests are on to their destination and adventure in no time.”

Rector’s enthusiasm for aircraft and flying as a teen spurred a career spanning 34 years and 27,000 hours of flying experience. His experience includes duty as a law enforcement pilot as well as shuttling executives around the country piloting corporate jets and 25 years flying for a nationally known airline. He has 16 years of experience flying floatplanes.

One-way flights to Key West are $220 and $440 for round trip. Salt Island Seaplanes also offers charter flights to other destinations upon request, and prices vary.

The Salt Island Seaplanes Fort Myers pick up and drop off location is the private aviation terminal at Page Field Base Operations, located at 5200 Captain Channing Page Drive. The Naples office and terminal is located at 574 Terminal Drive.

For information, call 239-263-7258, visit www.saltislandseaplanes.com or send an email to info@saltislandseaplanes.com or

Phone: 239-433-1343 Fax: 239-433-5137 Email: bizdepot@aol.com

The quality and breadth of services you need. The close personal attention you want.

8010 Summerlin Lakes Drive | Fort Myers, Florida 33907 HBKS (239) 433-7533 | HBK (239) 482-5522 3838 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 200 | Naples, Florida 34103 HBKS (239) 263-1960 | HBK (239) 263-2111 Insurance products are offered through HBK Sorce Insurance LLC. Investment advisory services are offered through HBK Sorce Advisory LLC, doing business as HBKS Wealth Advisors. NOT FDIC INSURED - NOT BANK GUARANTEED - MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL - NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY

hbkswealth.com | hbkcpa.com

NOVEMBER 2016

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 9

ANNIVERSARY

Best Home Services marks 36 years HBK offers essential services

After 36 years of operation, and after working alongside our mom and dad since we were 12 years old, we are proud to carry the tradition of instilling our family values into all we do every day.

Best is not just a company name. It’s an outcome. It’s the result of decades of adhering to our foundational code of ethics and Golden Rule. You do not just get to call yourself “best.” You have to become the best in terms of the customers, employees and communities you serve.

This anniversary, we are reminded of some of those achievements, such as being voted one of the “Best” companies in southwest Florida 2008-2016 by The News-Press Readers Poll, Angie’s List Super Service Award and the hundreds of customer reviews posted online resulting in a 4.8/5.0 Google star rating.

Recently we surpassed the 100-employee milestone and we continue to add technicians and other staff to sustain our growth into new markets like Sarasota and Manatee counties. Best Home Services offers competitive pay and benefits that include paid holidays and vacation, health insurance, 401k matching plan, uniforms and extensive training pro-

grams both in classroom and external quality control and field training.

Our family values extend beyond our employees and the hundreds of people who invite us into their homes every day to solve an electrical, plumbing or air conditioning problem. These values also feed our belief in the importance of being a good corporate citizen. Best Home Services invests regularly in worthy causes such as disadvantaged youth, cancer awareness, hunger and more.

In a world of big box marketing and multi-chain franchises, Best Home Services understands that nobody cares more about you than family, and at its core, our company is just a family who takes care of other families. On this anniversary we are thankful for our loyal customers and we promise to continue to serve at a high level for years to come.

Though the profession is being painted as a daredevil job in the new film “The Accountant,” it’s not necessarily action-packed… though that doesn’t make it any less essential in everyday life. And as a proud member of our team since 1982, it’s my pleasure to tell the real accounting story of a small firm with humble beginnings in the little city of Youngstown, Ohio in 1949, which became a Top 100 accounting and wealth management family of financial services firms.

The truth is that our growth has been steady and constant over time.

What began as a single accounting office with a handful of dedicated professionals has expanded into an industry-leading firm able to meet and exceed the needs of individual and business clients with equal competence and acumen. The key is we work tirelessly to gain and maintain client trust. Our wealth management and planning services are provided under strict quality assurance. Our licensed professionals take the time to offer hands-on, personalized service that’s supported by the national and

Chadd & Keegan Hodges are owners of Best Home Services based in Naples, Florida, with a team of more than 100 staff providing air conditioning, plumbing and electrical services. For information, call (239) 284-1472 or visit www.getbest.com

global resources of our BDO USA affiliation.

The collective intelligence of our nearly 400-member team specializes in a wide range of tax, accounting, audit, business advisory, financial planning, and other business support services from offices in five states. We deliver industry-specific expertise in manufacturing; healthcare, including long-term care; real estate and construction; automotive dealerships and not-for-profit organizations.

Simply, HBK combines the technical resources and expertise of a large national accounting and professional consulting firm with the personalized attention of a local company. We are financial specialists with a passion for excellent customer service and a collective desire to grow and thrive in our own company.

We work hard to build and keep the confidence of those whom have chosen us to be their trusted advisors.

Barry Holes is a CPA and Principal in Charge of the SW Florida Region. For information, go to www.hbkcpa.com.

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SWFL’s Largest Flooring Supplier And Installer Carpet, Tile, Hardwood, Laminate And Vinyl Planking Commercial And Residential

Board Certified Intermediary Certified Exit Planning Advisor

Selling Craftsmanship Since 1989 12890 Metro Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33966 www.Floorcrafters.biz

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Page 10

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

NOVEMBER 2016

ANNIVERSARY CONRIC looks past its first decade Pierside Grill serving beach for 20 years When CONRIC PR & Marketing hand-up to the community in terms

was founded, Southwest Florida was in the clutches of the mortgage collapse that signaled the beginning of a deep economic recession. The fullservice public relations and marketing agency approaches its 10th year in business with gratitude for the rich opportunities and community connections that allowed it to contribute to a more vibrant future for its clients and the region. As CONRIC continues to grow, it continually reaffirms its commitment to personal and professional ethics. With every milestone and pinnacle of success, clients’ trust and confidence become only more precious.

Connie Ramos-Williams founded CONRIC in 2007 with an emphasis on nurturing relationships and providing meaningful connections. CONRIC has grown steadily, attracted and maintained top talent, expanded service offerings, received multiple industry and community awards, produced historic community events and cutting-edge projects and ushered clients past increasingly significant milestones. The CONRIC team has provided a robust

For the past 20 years, PierSide Grill and Famous Blowfish Bar has been an icon on Fort Myers Beach, best known for family-friendly dining and amazing sunset views. PierSide Grill and Famous Blowfish Bar opened its doors on Oct. 28, 1996, nestled in the heart of Times Square, right at the entrance to the Fort Myers Beach Pier, serving as a convenient dining location for beach-goers.

In its 20-year span, PierSide Grill and Famous Blowfish Bar has fulfilled more than 360,000 orders of burgers, more than 230,000 orders of beach bread and nearly 140,000 orders of fish sandwiches. With happy hour extended to 3-6 p.m. daily and recently launched daily specials, including Shrimp and Ribs Sundays, Mango Mondays and Tacos and Tequila Thursdays, customers can now enjoy new and enhanced dining experiences. Additionally, the restaurant and bar recently launched a live webcam and custom Weather Underground station, providing guests a 270-degree view of Fort Myers Beach

of marketing support, volunteer hours and donations to nonprofits that make a difference right here at home.

“As CONRIC approaches its 10th year in business, it’s extremely gratifying to come to work each day and know that with every project we’re working on for clients and friends, and every event we promote or attend, we can touch lives in a positive way, impact companies ROI and overall success, and generally bring a smile to those around us,” said Ramos-Williams.

CONRIC’s team of nine dedicated individuals represent Southwest Florida’s top talent across the fields of media relations, graphic design, copywriting, digital messaging, brand awareness, web development, publishing and strategic planning. The synergy between these dynamic experts results in a full complement of multi-channel branding, marketing, public relations and advertising services to clients across a wide range of industries that provides a real return on investment.

Contact Conric at (239) 690-9840 or go to www.ConricPR.com

and the ability to view current weather conditions and forecast in advance, helping beach-goers better plan and prepare for their beach outing.

PierSide Grill and Famous Blowfish Bar has continued to evolve over the years. A variety of marketing efforts have been utilized to raise awareness and visibility of the dining destination, and in 2015, interior and exterior renovations to the restaurant and bar were revealed. Additionally, the company has actively supported events that boost local tourism, fundraising to support the community’s production of the biannual firework celebrations, and serving as a venue for the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest and hole sponsor for the Putt & Pub Crawl event.

PierSide Grill and Famous Blowfish Bar is honored to serve the many residents and visitors of Fort Myers Beach for the past two decades, and looks forward to the next 20 years of continued service.

For information, call 239-765-7800 or visit www.piersidegrill.com.

IN BUSINESS SINCE 2008

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1949

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NOVEMBER 2016

ANNIVERSARY

Local pro’s passion is helping others Susan Bennett Marketing & Media is celebrating its 25th anniversary of helping Southwest Florida businesses and non-profit organizations succeed.

Susan Bennett, an accredited and certified public relations professional with more than 35 years’ experience, founded the Fort Myers-based company that carries her name in 1991. Since that time, Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, has become one of the most respected marketing firms in Florida with more than 200 awards from the Florida Public Relations Association, including the organization’s highest honor for the best public relations campaign in the state.

Susan Bennett Marketing & Media is a full-service public relations and marketing firm offering innovative marketing and public relations campaigns, media relations, fund-raising, results-driven marketing analyses and plans, digital strategies, website and video development and social media management.

Bennett Bennett attributes the firm’s longevity to its passion for helping others and its deep connections within the community that have been fostered over her long career.

“We owe our success to the strong relationships we have formed with our clients, most of whom have been with us for 10 or more years, as well as our creative partners who help us design marketing, media and fund-raising plans that get results,” Bennett said.

“Our clients’ goals become our goals and we work tirelessly to help them achieve those results.”

Susan Bennett Marketing & Media has represented hundreds of businesses and non-profit organizations during the past quarter century ranging from medical, banking, restaurants and higher education to commercial enterprises, non-profit organizations and large public service events, such as the Community Prayer Breakfast for 1,400 people.

Bennett is the founder of the Grande Dames Tea for the PACE Center for Girls, Laughter Is the Best Medicine Comedy Night for SalusCare, Inc., and the Founders’ Society of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. Bennett estimates her firm has donated more than $1 million in in-kind professional assistance to area non-profit organizations and helped raise more than $70 million for area non-profits and capital campaigns.

“Be good, do good and goodness will follow is my motto,” she says.

Prior to opening her company, Bennett was a Gannett executive, member of the launch team of USA TODAY and former marketing director, editor and reporter of The News-Press. She is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and a Master of Arts degree in mass communications.

For more information, call 239-277-5255 or email sbennett@susanbennett.biz.

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 11

Five finalists chosen for Blue Chip Award BB&T Oswald Trippe and Company announced the five finalists for the annual Blue Chip Community Business Award. The final five businesses, chosen by an independent panel of judges, will be recognized at the award ceremony luncheon on Nov. 3, and one will be designated as the Blue Chip Award winner. The five businesses are: King Fisher Fleet, Old 41 Restaurant, Billy’s Rentals, Papa Joe’s and Spatini Tea Bar. King Fisher Fleet, operating more than 30 years out of Fishermen’s Village Marina and Shopping Mall in Punta Gorda, offers sightseeing cruises and fishing charters.

Purchased by a local Bonita Springs resident seven years ago, the popular breakfast and lunch Old 41 Restaurant is best known for its home-cooking and extraor-

dinary customer service.

Billy’s Rentals is the largest bicycle rental business on Sanibel and Captiva Island. Participating in many community events, fundraisers and conservation efforts, it is a well-respected and trusted philanthropic business in the community.

Established in Cape Coral more than 25 years ago, Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant is a family-owned and operated restaurant that serves high quality Italian food while bringing the community together.

Located on Sanibel Island, Spatini Tea Bar is a unique organic salon and spa that serves a wide variety of organic iced or hot tea while providing hair care, massages, facials and nail services that protect client health and the environment.

ANNIVERSARY

Would you be willing to sleep in your car?

Almost daily I get asked, “Adam, I’m thinking of quitting my day job and following my dreams— where should I start?” And I always respond in saying, “Before we go any further, I have to ask you: are you willing to sleep in your car?”

For those that are close to me, they know the significance of my asking this, but for those that don’t, here goes: When I began my business at the young age of 23 years old, I did so without hesitation and without much thought of what would happen if I couldn’t sustain living as I had with a safe and steady paycheck coming in. Needless to say, after just three months into my business and having only been paid one time to speak, I was dead broke. The bills kept coming in and piling up, but the money was not.

I moved my belongings from my one-bedroom apartment that I could no longer afford and put them in a small storage unit. What was left over, I placed in

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the trunk, back seat, and front seat of my car.

Then, the unimaginable happened. I had no money left in my bank account and nowhere to go. Embarrassed, frustrated, ashamed, and fearful, I surely didn’t want to call on my friends/family at this time because most of them had advised me against following my dreams in the first place.

So, instead of reaching out to anyone, I slept the next nights from the front seat of my car parked in a Wal-Mart park-

ing lot.

At the time, it felt like the most humiliating of CAR See page 12

Page 12

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

NOVEMBER 2016

Inventor enlists backers for FlipTowel to fight sweat Gym workouts, hiking, yardwork and all sorts of physical activity bring plenty of sweat, but Gulf War veteran Keith Basik’s new invention can make the distraction and irritation it causes a thing of the past. FlipTowel provides an innovative solution to an age-old problem, and with a new crowdfunding campaign, early adopters can enjoy physical activity with greater ease and bring a long-awaited solution from prototype to market.

Hidden within a wrist sweatband similar to those worn by runners and tennis players, the machinewashable microfiber towel is quickly unfolded and secured with a loop over the fingers so users can effortlessly wipe sweat from the neck, arms, forehead or anywhere it shows up without having to pause activity. When not in use, the super-absorbent FlipTowel easily returns to the wrist area with the aid of lightweight, strategically placed magnets. Hygienic and unobtrusive, FlipTowel means the end of sweat stinging the eyes, hanging towels on workout equipment or trekking to the gym lost-and-found.

Visitors to www.Fliptowel.net/kickstarter will discover an informational video on this product, along with details on a Kickstarter campaign. A limited run

CAR PAGE 11 circumstances and I felt like more of a failure than ever before. I finally swallowed my pride and called upon some friends who were kind enough to take me in over the coming months.

I jumped from couch to couch for awhile and picked up a part-time job scrubbing golf clubs at a local country club for $10 an hour.

I was convinced that I would never speak to an audience again. I was convinced that everyone who told me

Keith Basik developed FlipTowel based on his own experience as a runner and workout enthusiast. of 2,500 prototype samples will be manufactured for a December delivery date, but people can still preorder and be a part of the first major production run in March 2017. Kickstarter backers will enjoy exclusive previews of various product bundles, including two sizes and four colors of the FlipTowel, a limitededition U.S. Army insignia FlipTowel, T-shirts and more. Backers will also get the opportunity to pro-

it couldn’t work was seemingly right.

And I was also convinced that I’d work this dead-end job until I could again land a “real job” and get back to living a “safe and comfortable life.”

However, after much reflection, seeking the right mentorship, having the courage and humility to ask myself the tough questions and getting back in touch with my ‘WHY,’ I began to build some traction in my business. Over the past two years, I’ve spoken to over a hundred audiences and a few thousand people have heard my message. I don’t share this for a boost of my ego, nor

vide research and development feedback to Basik.

Born in Chicago, Basik grew up on Marco Island, then attended West Point Academy, where he played football and graduated as Second Lieutenant. As an Army Ranger and Bradley Fighting Vehicle Commander, he served in the Gulf War with the 1st Cavalry Division. Upon leaving the service, Basik became a mortgage brokerage CEO and real estate developer.

It was during a race on a hot day the FlipTowel concept was born. Four years later, Basik is ready to introduce the product to consumers who like to discover great products ahead of the general public and get a “kick” out of helping someone launch something cool. The Kickstarter campaign goal is $15,000, and a patent is pending. Basik has worked with students from both the University of Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University on this product.

Basik said: “In a world of high-tech gadgets, there’s a consumer marketplace eager for simple design that solves everyday problems. I created FlipTowel because I wanted to enjoy my workouts and runs more. Everyone sweats, but we don’t have to be resigned to discomfort or carrying a bulky towel around or using our hands or T-shirts.”

for your sympathies, but instead, to ask you: “Are you willing to sleep in your car?”

Look, I recognize that everyone who sets out to build a business or pursue a dream is not going to have to endure sleeping in their car.

However, the reason I ask this question is because I want future entrepreneurs to be 100 percent certain that they’re willing to ‘potentially’ experience similar (if not worse) circumstances.

Entrepreneurship is not easy. Fol-

lowing your dream is not easy. It’s hard—real hard. But, if you’re willing to face ‘hard,’ if you’re willing to live in uncomfortable situations/circumstances, if you’re willing to fail time and time again; face rejection, embarrassment and uncertainty, then it just may in fact be the path for you!

Adam James is an acclaimed speaker based in Southwest Florida who helps individuals make small shifts in daily habits to enhance overall effectiveness.

For information, call (412) 779-5977 or visit www.AdamJSpeaks.com.