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Southwest Florida area businesses share their milestones, challenges and achievements.
Commercial Real Estate
A specially focused monthly section exploring the SWFL commercial real estate marketplace. Allegiant Air will dive into the hospitality market with the Sunseeker Resorts development in Charlotte Harbor.
IN THE NEWS
Fort Myers tops fastest growing cities list
With the Census Bureau reporting that the South held eight of the 15 cities with the largest population gains in 2017, the personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on 2018’s Fastest-Growing Cities in America as well as accompanying videos. Fort Myers topped the list, while Lehigh Acres came in at No. 7. To determine where the most rapid local economic growth occurred over a period of seven years, CITIES See page 15
Five finalists selected for Blue Chip Award
McGriff Insurance Services announced the five finalists for the annual Blue Chip Community Business Award. The finalists include: Community Resource Network of Florida; Myerside Resort and Cottages; NGALA Wildlife Preserve; Reliable Permitting & Business Support Services; and Zirilli’s Chilly Treats. The five finalists chosen by an independent panel of judges will be recognized at the award ceremony luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 1 at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa. One will be designated as the Blue Chip Award winner.
BLUE CHIP See page 15
Allegiant outlines Sunseeker plans Special to SWFBT Jacob Ogles, Editor The first question Matt Beelner, Sunseeker Resorts vice president of sales and development, fields in a room is usually the same. Why would Allegiant Air, an ultralow cost airline, develop a luxury resort? “You fly airplanes. A resort doesn’t have wings,” Beelner mimics. “Why use your money that way?” There’s many answers to that question. Beelner told most of them to commercial real estate agents gathered
for Real Estate Investment Society’s October luncheon. In short, airlines have the sort of data on travelers and their habits that would make tourism officials salivate. The company knows travelers originating destination, how and when they get to their hotels, and their spending habits. And incidentally, they spend a lot. Beelner said while plenty of Allegiant flyers travel because they need cheap tickets, many more choose to save on airline tickets so they have hundreds more to spend at resorts.
SWFL firms make Florida’s ‘Companies to Watch’ list GrowFL announced this year’s 50 Florida Companies to Watch honorees, a statewide competition that identifies companies expected to see significant growth over the next several years. The list included: ArgoTrak (Naples); AXI International (Fort Myers); Benseron Hospitality (Naples); Oasis Senior Advisors (Bonita Springs); and Vectra Digital (Fort Myers). The companies were selected from more than 500 nominees for Florida Companies to Watch, a program hosted by the economic development organization GrowFL, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation. The winning company’s management team, competitive market position and strong community involvement were among several factors that put them in contention for
the award. “These stand-out companies are all led by entrepreneurs, and have demonstrated their capacity and intent to grow,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL executive director. “They also all have critical intellectual property or a niche position that gives them a competitive edge in their markets,” he said. “This is a strong group of companies that deserve this special recognition given annually to the state’s top second stage companies,” said Dr. Chris Morton, GrowFL Advisor Board chairman and CEO of NanoPhotonica, a 2015 honoree. Second-stage companies are defined as those with six to 150 full-time employees and between $750,000 and $100 million in annual revenue. There are many GROWFL See page 14
RESORT See page 15
Miranda to head SW Fla. market for SunTrust Bank SunTrust Banks announced it has appointed Fermin “JJ” Miranda as the bank’s Southwest Florida Market president. Miranda was most recently with Cadence Bank, where he worked in Business Banking as part of the local leadership team in Sarasota and Manatee counMiranda ties. He will be based in SunTrust’s Sarasota office. “JJ will be key to leading the growth of our Commercial Banking business in Southwest Florida,” said Tim Schar, Tampa Bay Market president for SunTrust. “His more than 20 years of
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
NOVEMBER 2018
ANNIVERSARY
M&M Multimedia documents a decade in region
This year marks the 10th anniversary of M&M Multimedia, an integrated digital marketing company in southwest Florida. Over the past decade the company has grown and evolved to help businesses in the region build awareness, drive new leads, and achieve long-term growth. CEO Mike Haley recently sat down to discuss the journey. Question: Mike tell us how it all started. Answer: To be honest, we started doing what we knew how to do at the time, which was video production. That’s where most of my background and training was. So in the early days, as content marketing and social media was just beginning to emerge, we helped companies develop video content that would tell their story and connect with customers.
Question: Tell me some of the services M&M Multimedia provides today. Answer: Our strength is digital lead generation and interactive media in the Southwest Florida region. We know this area and we know how to reach customers. We specialize in web design, content marketing, search engine marketing and search engine optimization, graphic design, writing, programming, social media strategy—pretty much anything a business needs to build awareness and grow. Question: What is important for businesses to understand about marketing today? Answer: Mainly that the game has changed. Digital marketing has altered the way businesses communicate with customers. There are more outlets and channels available today than ever before.
Customers have more options than ever before so competition is stiff for most businesses. Brands need someone who knows how to get the right messages to the right people the right way. Question: So what should a company look for in a marketing partner? Answer: Results, first and foremost. That’s what every businesses care about. They want transparency and they want to know what’s working and what’s not. They also want a marketing partner who brings ideas and can give them ongoing value—that means continued awareness and lead generation that leads to new sales and sustainable growth. To learn more about MM Multimedia, call Haley at (239) 234-1734 or visit www.mandmmultimedia.com.
SWFL Regional Technology Partnership awarded IBM grant SUNTRUST PAGE 1 The Southwest Florida Regional Technology Partnership is the recipient of a discretionary grant from IBM. The funds are being invested in three initiatives including local high school robotics programs and student participation in the FIRST Robotics Competition. Second, funds support the local National Center for Women and Information Technology Aspirations in Computing program for more than 100 young women attending several area high schools to recognize their achievements in coding and using technology throughout the school year. Several of these students went on to compete in
the Women in Technology national event. Third, the grant is applied toward the design and delivery of Raspberry Pi curriculum for more than 40 participants to learning the basics of coding and create a home media server. The class is designed for both youth and those adults seeking to build new skills to improve employability in the current job market. “In addition to the financial support from the grant, IBM volunteer resources have also participated in several Tech Talk events produced by the Southwest Florida Regional Technology Partnership held each
month to connect the business and education communities together on key and relevant technology topics,” said Beth F. Tracy, IBM Corporate Citizenship Manager. “This is an area of the country, like many others, seeing huge challenges in attracting and retaining technology skills across many industries and market segments,” says Linda Lyding, SWFL Regional Technology Partnership board member and retired IBM Vice President, Global Technology Services. “The IBM discretionary partnership grant has made a significant difference to the Southwest Florida region and our communities.”
banking experience will be critical to our clients and teammates. Miranda is well positioned to lead the delivery of our One Team approach in the market and is well aligned to our purpose of Lighting the Way to Financial Well-Being,” Miranda brings a wealth of local knowledge and community involvement in Southwest Florida. He currently serves on the University of South Florida SM College of Business Advisory Board, the Bradenton Economic Development Corporation Board, and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast Corporate Board.
NOVEMBER 2018
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
ANNIVERSARY
Continuing changes with health care Advance Medical Naples is celebrating 30 years in the industry by spinning off a new health care service called Health Evolution. The new company changes the way traditional health care works by improving the doctor-patient relationship and making health care simple and affordable and effective. It is a great program for individuals, families, young professionals, service industry workers and part time workers as well as for employers looking to provide health care for employees. Health Evolution, an affordable direct primary care program, provides an effective insurance alternative or supplement. “At Advance Medical our goal has always been to put the patient first, providing each individual with the best care to help them achieve optimal health and wellness,” said Dr. Gregory Leach, Advance Medical of Naples and Health Evolution founder. “After seeing a need in the healthcare industry, we thought why not implement our approach to create an effective, affordable solution to insurance regulations that can make it difficult for patients to get the care they need.” After 30 years of dealing with insurance regulations disrupting provider-patient relationships, Advance Medical thought there must be a better way for patients to receive the necessary care to maintain health and wellness. “The goal of a family physician is to create caring relationships with patients and assist them in making the right health care decisions,” Leach said. “What better way to celebrate 30 years of exceptional medical service, than creating a program that gives back to patients and can provide them the opportunity to vastly improve their current healthcare options.” To celebrate the new health care company, there will be an open house on Nov. 5 at the Naples office. The hours are 7-9 a.m. or 3-7 p.m. During the open house, people can learn more about how it works and how they could benefit. Anyone considering enrolling in the program or who are just curious
to know more will be able to get their questions answered. Employers can also learn about how they can offer this service to their employees, both full and part time. Health Evolution is a membership program that offers direct primary care. It puts the patient first and provides a direct relationship between the physician and the patient. The patient pays a monthly BY LORI-ANN fee, starting as low as $69, to have MARTELL direct access to a doctor whenever Guest Columnist they need it as well as basic health care services. Pricing is transparent and varies based on age groups. There is also a one-time enrollment fee of $79. The monthly fee covers unlimited office/virtual visits with a healthcare provider. There are no hassles of copays or deductibles, and no insurance necessary. As part of the plan, patients receive wellness visits, ongoing care for health issues, urgent care, sports and school physicals and access to other low-cost providers, labs and imaging services. There are other services available at ‘a la carte’ pricing available to members as well. Advance Medical of Naples will continue to provide family health care services and urgent care at its Goodlette Road location in Naples. For more information, visit the website at advmednaples.com, call (239) 5667676, or email info@advmednaples.com. To find out more about Health Evolution, visit healthevolution.net, call (239) 260-3201 or email membership@healthevolution.net. Lori-Ann Martell, LPN, CMPE, is the Practice Administrator for Advance Medical and Health Evolution. She has been instrumental in launching the new company. Contact her at lmartell@advmednaples.com or (239) 254-3104.
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Space Florida looks for presenters at new forum
The Florida Venture Forum, in partnership with Space Florida invites businesses to register and apply to present at the first Florida Aerospace Capital Forum on Nov. 14 at the Guidewell Innovation Center in Lake Nona. The purpose of the event will be to broaden the spectrum of early-stage Florida-based aerospace companies and entrepreneurs, (as well as non-Florida entities with commitments to relocate), while engaging the industry with the Forum investment community, including, private equity, venture capital and angel investors. In addition to the opportunity to present before an audience of active equity investors, selected presenting companies meeting designated criteria will compete for the Accelerating Innovation Award, offered by Space Florida. The AI Award offers a cash prizes totaling $100,000 ($50,000 to the Grand Prize Winner, $30,000 to 1st Runnerup and $20,000 to 2nd place) to eligible Florida companies or those companies seeking to relocate or establish a presence in Florida. There is no cost for companies to apply. Presenter applications will be reviewed and companies chosen by a selection committee made up of active venture capitalists and investors. Selected companies will be required to pay a registration fee of $99 for the first conference attendee and a $25 exhibit table fee. Presenter and AI Award eligibility criteria and event details can be found on the Forum’s website: www.flventure.org.
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
Pelican Wire named state ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ Pelican Wire was named Manufacturer of the Year in the Small Business category at the 2018 Manufacturers Association of Florida “MAF Exchange” conference and awards banquet. Pelican Wire was selected from over 50 nominees spanning numerous industries and cities throughout the state. “What a tremendous honor for all the Employee-Owners of Pelican Wire to receive such a prestigious statewide award from the MAF and the panel of judges, who are also peers in the manufacturing space,” said Pelican Wire President Ted Bill. “We take great pride in representing our home community of Southwest Florida at the State level.” This year’s event was hosted at the Vinoy Renaissance in St. Petersburg. This is the second time Pelican Wire has won the ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award. It also won in 2014. “The application process is very thorough, and our judge’s criteria touches almost every aspect of a business, including company culture, measurable growth & responsible resource management, to name a few. To win this award is truly a distinction of excellence. Pelican Wire has won twice in five years, a feat accomplished by less than a handful of companies across the State of Florida.” said MAF Executive Director Amanda Bowen.
NOVEMBER 2018
ANNIVERSARY
Fiber Solutions marks its 20-year anniversary
Fiber Solutions Technology Contractors is celebrating 20 years of success and growth in the technology industry. The company has grown from a small home office, oneman operation in Fort Myers to a multi-million-dollar company doing business across the U.S. With the headquarters remaining in Fort Myers and a Regional Zone Office in Atlanta, the company serves clients on a local, regional and national level. “We are pleased and fortunate to maintain and expand our Southwest Florida workforce and client base while continuing to expand in other areas of the country,” said Rodney LaVoie, president and CEO. “The technology industry is always changing and keeping pace with innovation is challenging. We are proud of our continued growth and have been successful in expanding our brand into many other LaVoie products and services.” Fiber Solutions, founded in 1998 by LaVoie, has installed more than 2 million miles of cabling, enough to crisscross the country more than 600 times. The company has expanded services to include not only fiber optics and structured cabling but also commercial audio and video, electronic security, engineering and design. The company has developed expertise in some specific areas including: hospitals and major healthcare facilities; corporate enterprise; retail with multiple locations; manufacturing; and universities. Hospitals and healthcare facilities have come to rely on Fiber Solutions’ knowledge of their special requirements for patient health and safety. Locally, Fiber Solutions has worked with Lee Health on many of their major projects, including the Golisano Children’s Hospital. The $242-million project included a new seven-story Golisano Children’s Hospital and renovation of HealthPark
Fiber Solutions has installed more than 2 million miles of cabling, enough to crisscross the country more than 600 times. Medical Center. A fundraising campaign raised $100 million for the 128-bed children’s hospital. Fiber Solutions, which supports many local organizations, contributed $50,000. “We were honored to be part of a project that provides such a great service to the community,” LaVoie said. “Children of Southwest Florida are finally able to receive quality, life-saving treatments locally.” Fiber Solutions’ clients include national Fortune 500 companies, Southwest Florida-based enterprise companies such as Chico’s FAS, and other enterprise organizations in the Southeast and throughout the country. Company headquarters have remained in Fort Myers, although satellite offices have been opened in several locations. The company leadership has expanded to a board of directors including LaVoie, Frank Mambuca and Josh Lippert. LaVoie, a native of St. Petersburg, serves as president and CEO and oversees the daily operations. The company plans to continue expansion in the future. For more information about Fiber Solutions, visit the website at fiber-solutions.com or call (239) 561-6814.
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Studio+ celebrates 7 years, carpet launch By Tanya Bentz Guest Columnist We recently celebrated our 7-year anniversary and the release of our private label carpet line, the Persona collection. We hosted the Anniversary Party in our headquarters in Fort Myers celebrating our accomplishments and project success over the past year with 200-plus of our favorite clients, contractors, family and friends. Guests had a wonderful time interacting with our staff at each vignette designed around the eight colorways in the collection: Adventurer, Intellectual, Nurturer, Naturalist, Purist, Islander, Visionary and Healer. As you were greeted at the entry, guests selected which persona they wanted to be for the evening, helping bring the story of each persona to life. We are extremely excited to offer the addition of private label flooring as it will complement our current integrated services: Architecture, Interior Design, Surfaces and Lean Design services. Studio+ works in several commercial markets including healthcare, senior living, worship and education. We exist to transform the lives of those we touch while contributing to our Southwest Florida community. Our 7-year anniversary and carpet launch has been a memorable milestone for our team, and we are eager to see what we will achieve in 2019. Tanya Bentz is marketing manager for Studio+. Learn more at wearestudioplus.com. Contact her at tanyab@wearestudioplus.com or (484) 358-9889.
NOVEMBER 2018
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
NOVEMBER 2018
Summit Broadband acquires Litestream assets in Southwest Florida
Summit Broadband has finalized the acquisition of the Collier County assets of service provider Litestream Holdings. The agreement brings 3,720 customers in 14 residential communities throughout the Naples area to Summit Broadband and allows Litestream to focus on its continuing operations in Northeast Florida where it owns its own fiber network. “Summit Broadband has been steadily building on its established reputation of focusing on customer service and is growing rapidly in Southwest Florida,” said Paul Rhodes, CEO at Litestream. “Unique among the independent service providers in Collier County, they own their own fiber system, which is an important foundation for service strength and flexibility in an era where all services increasingly come down to broadband. Additionally, their man-
agement greatly impressed me with their focus on the customer, and they have been exemplary to work with throughout this transaction.” “This purchase continues the growth and success of our company and positions us very well for the future in Southwest and Central Florida,” said Mark Lipford, COO at Summit Broadband. “It further solidifies us in the residential market in Southwest Florida and reconfirms our commitment to the customers of that market for our Residential Line of Business.” Litestream customers will have access to all of the Summit Broadband voice, video and internet products Summit Broadband has provided for years to other communities in the area. The solutions run on the company’s fiber-based network and
ANNIVERSARY Pilot Club celebrates 65th anniversary The Pilot Club of Fort Myers will be celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2019. It is a nonprofit organization whose mission is working with youth development and leadership, brain safety and fitness, and caring for families in times of need. The club’s motto is “Do More, Care More, and Be More.” Members are in the community during events providing and properly fitting children with bicycle helmets, distributing about 1,000 each year. They go to schools as part of the brain minders program, using puppets and interactive stories to teach children about brain safety. Members also assist children in the Impact program, Children’s Network of Southwest Florida, and the I Will Mentorship
program. Members initiated and continue to support the Project Lifesaver program with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Their largest project has been establishing and assisting the Gresham-Kite Pilot Scholarship House at Florida Gulf Coast University fourteen years ago, where 17 female students live rent free each year. The focus of the Pilot Club of Fort Myers is helping organizations seeking to improve the quality of life for individuals with brainrelated disorders through volunteer activities, education, and financial support. For information about the Pilot Club, contact the president, Fran D’Alessandro, (239) 332-1140.
are supported by their world-class customer care team. During the transition, customers will have the opportunity to review their current level of service and select new features and packages from the Summit Broadband portfolio to enhance their internet, phone and TV experience. The company plans to have all customers and properties integrated into the Summit Broadband system by the end of the year. Residents can expect a smooth transition, with Summit Broadband representatives available at storefronts, town halls and on site at scheduled events by their respective homeowners’ association. After the conversion, the Summit Broadband Customer Care team will be available 24/7 to answer questions and provide assistance.
ANNIVERSARY Placeres marks 30 years at Naples agency Preferred Travel of Naples is honored to announce Olga Placeres, CFO and Agency Manager at Preferred Travel of Naples, is celebrating her 30-year anniversary with the agency. Placeres joined Preferred Travel in 1988 in the accounting department. Now as manager and CFO, she assists the staff and is involved in all aspects of the clients travel planning processes. “When I met Wilma Boyd for the first time, I thought I was accepting a job in accounting. I had no idea that this was a monumental meeting that would alter the course of my life both professionally and personally,” said Placeres. “With Wilma’s mentorship, I discovered my passion for travel and the business. 30 years later, Wilma is still my mentor, business partner and best friend.” Preferred Travel has a team of more
than 50 award-winning travel experts and is Southwest Florida’s largest fullservice travel agency. “I will never forget the day that I ‘acquired’ Olga when I Placeres purchased another agency. Keeping her turned out to be one of the smartest decisions I ever made,” said Wilma Boyd, president and CEO of Preferred Travel. “After working with Olga for a short while, I could see her potential; I encouraged her to learn the different aspects of the business. Without her business knowledge and her gift of working with others, Preferred Travel would not be where it is today. Thank you, Olga, for your 30 years of service and dedication.”
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
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COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida
What’s the economic impact of robotics; virtual offices; grocery delivery? “Multi-family development led us out of the recession for the first time in many cycles,” Brian Bailey, with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, told a recent gathering of the Commercial Investment Professionals. According to Bailey, and it comes as no surprise to Southwest Florida residents, the population continues to grow in Florida. Job growth also continues while unemployment has reached all-time lows. Regarding the apartment and rental market, while development in this sector continues to be well ahead of long-term averages nationally and locally, most of the growth continues to occur in the luxury market. On the flip side, affordable housing continues to be in short supply, both nationally and locally. He observed, “Folks can be spending 50 percent of their income on housing these days.” In the industrial market, growth is matching historical averages nationally, and he foresees this trend continuing into 2019. “It’s a very tight market,” according to Bailey, “and I’m not sure how long this phase will last.” Not surprisingly, with the continued evolution of the virtual employee, the demand for office space is down while construction costs are on the rise. The only exception here, which is good for Southwest Florida, is medical office, which continues to be a healthy office space sector. Bailey shared that the long-term average amount of office space per employee is 250 square feet: in 2018 this average has
“
These changes mean more opportunities for commercial real estate (i.e. retrofitting) and puts the onus of continuing education on all of us. – Brian Bailey, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
“
Special to SWFBT Karen Moore, Publisher
dropped to 210 square feet. “Now,” Bailey shares, “in a technology office, the average might be 100125 square feet per employee.” In the very near future, he adds, an architect could be allocated as little as 40 square feet. So of course, employers and employees are using office space more efficiently and co-working space growth continues. This sector accounted for only 4.3 million square feet of office space in 2008; by 2017 that number skyrocketed to 24.9 million square feet. Lease duration is also on the rise here. But, as the various types of employers settle into the “new reality” of office space and how it can best be used for team development and workflow efficiencies, Bailey believes there may be a downward shift coming in the co-working space sector. Regarding retail, Bailey points out, “Many malls are at risk of closing,” Bailey points out. “Nothing but big changes here and big changes will continue in this sector for the foreseeable future.” As a result, he notes, square footage is just a fraction of the longterm average in this sector.
FGCU breaks ground on recreation center Florida Gulf Coast University officially broke ground on a new Recreation & Wellness Center in October. The two-story building will feature a double gymnasium, group fitness room, multipurpose room, strength and fitness room and cardio deck, as well as an observation concourse, administrative suite, exterior event plaza and exterior fitness area. The 47,737-gross-square-feet facility is slated to open in the spring of 2020 and will cost roughly $15 million to construct. Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony at the campus’ South Village site, FGCU Board of Trustees Vice Chair Robbie Roepstorff said there are five critical ways the new center will benefit students. “Exercise improves memory,” she said. “Exercise improves and increases focus. It improves mood. It also releases stress and exercise promotes
brain development.” The Recreation & Wellness Center will help the campus recreation department reinforce the impacts that a healthy student life has on student success. The additional physical space gives the department the ability to grow its programs and activities. “This [new center] is where students come to build relationships with their fellow students,” said Amy Swingle, director of FGCU campus recreation. “They get a sense of learning, a sense of well-being and others. They also get to build relationships and a connection to the university that’s usually very personal and positive.” In addition to Swingle and Roepstorff, FGCU President Michael Martin and his predecessor, President Emeritus Wilson Bradshaw, along with Student Government Association President Jalisa White, celebrated the new building.
Interesting trends are developing in retail to “backfill” the reduction in traditional retail space. Bailey points out that mall developers are turning to, for instance, medical professionals and grocery-anchored retail centers. In the grocery sector, however, it remains to be seen how the increase in grocery delivery impacts foot traffic in the brick-and-mortar grocery store. And, he notes, as more retail businesses become “commoditized,” (i.e. book and music stores,) the rate of change in the retail sector will continue to accelerate. Robotics, too, will continue to influence processefficient businesses, he notes. “Flippie (the robot) can make 2,000 hamburgers per day and shows up on time with no need for employee benefits.” He shares another example of accelerated change: “A few years ago the cost of a driverless vehicle was $200,000: today the cost is $1,000 per vehicle.” So, he points out, these things aren’t just coming, they are already here. “While the rate of change is accelerating,” he says, “these changes mean more opportunities for commercial real estate (i.e. retrofitting,) and puts the onus of continuing education on all of us.” In closing, Bailey stated, “At this point, the U.S. economy is poised for continued growth. An accelerated rate of change may be the new normal in certain sectors. Student loans are close to an all-time high while affordable housing continues to elude us. A recent survey found that two thirds of economists expect the next recession to begin in 2020. Who really knows?”
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
NOVEMBER 2018
COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida
Seagate Development recruits Meeks as COO Seagate Development Group announced it has recruited Mike Meeks as Chief Operating Officer. Meeks will be responsible for the day-to-day operations, overseeing the execution of corporate strategies, aligning and prioritizing company investments, and ensuring operational excellence across the company. A 30-plus year building industry veteran, Meeks brings with him a wealth of experience in all aspects of construction operations, including recruiting and development, purchasing, customer service and product development. Prior to joining Seagate Development Group, he was employed at PulteGroup as Regional Vice President of Construction Operations, managing and developing operations teams throughout the United States. “We are pleased to welcome Mike to Seagate’s executive team,” said James Nulf, Partner of Seagate Development Group. “His proven leadership and commitment to excellence align nicely with our corporate strategies and will be instrumental in achieving the company’s overall objectives and goals.”
Hertz, Everblades announce arena agreement Hertz and the Florida Everblades announced they have entered into a naming-rights agreement, renaming the home of the Everblades hockey team to “Hertz Arena.” The agreement entails updating the facility’s interior and exterior with the Hertz logo and other branded signage, further strengthening Hertz’s commitment to Southwest Florida and Estero, where the company is headquartered. “Establishing strong roots in Southwest Florida has been very important to us since relocating our world headquarters to Estero in 2015,” said Hertz President and Chief Executive Officer Kathryn Marinello. “So many of our employees and customers live, work and travel here. We’re proud to call Estero our home and committed to making a positive impact in the community, which includes this exciting new partnership with the Everblades and the many special events thousands of people will enjoy at Hertz Arena.” “The Florida Everblades are extremely pleased to enter into a naming-rights agreement with Hertz,” said Florida Everblades President Craig Brush. “We are about to embark on our third decade in Southwest Florida and to be a partner with such a prestigious company is a dream come
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Hertz and the Florida Everblades announced they have entered into a naming-rights agreement, renaming the home of the Everblades hockey team to “Hertz Arena.” true. We look forward to a long-term relationship – one that will allow us to continue to serve the community for years to come.” In addition to serving as the home of the Florida Everblades ECHL AA Premier Hockey League team for the past 20 years, the approximately 7,000-seat arena hosts hundreds of concerts, entertainment and sporting events each year. “Hertz is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, marking a new era for our company and iconic brand,” said Hertz Chief Marketing Officer
Jodi Allen. “As we continue building our legacy of providing exceptional service and a wide selection of premium vehicles, we’re also enhancing how people experience the Hertz brand. With the addition of several new travel, sports and entertainment partnerships earlier this year, and now through Everblades hockey and the many events hosted at Hertz Arena, we’re able to help people create more memories than ever before.” The proposed design for the exterior of Hertz Arena is subject to approval from the Village of Estero.
Get red tide relief for your small business Small businesses in Southwest Florida felt the negative economic impact of the latest red tide disaster. Some businesses have been directly impacted due to actual red tide blooms near their businesses located in coastal areas. The businesses most directly impacted include restaurants, boating, fishing, lodging and water sports. Coastal areas that are not directly impacted by red tide blooms are also feeling the adverse effects due to negative perception. Red tide decreased tourism in this region during our slow season, and could have a huge impact on the fall and winter tourism and snow bird season. Even businesses miles from the coast experienced a decline in sales due to the negative perception and decreased tourism. I recently spoke to one of my clients at the Tin City Marina in Naples. Although that part of Naples is clear from the red tide, his sales are down 47 percent from the same time last year. He believes that the red tide will have a more severe economic impact than the hurricane—and he was out of business for 4 months after Irma hit. Gov. Rick Scott and the United States Small Business Administration announced that federal low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) have been made available to qualifying small businesses in Florida counties that have been adversely affected by red tide algal blooms and toxic algal blooms respectively. The EIDLs will be available to
small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses, as well as private nonprofit organizations affected by red tide algal blooms and toxic algal blooms in Lee and Collier BY TOM counties. MAIALE Eligible entiGuest Columnist ties may qualify for loans up to $2,000,000 with the purpose of meeting working capital needs caused by the disaster. Rates on these loans are as low as 3.385 percent for small businesses and 2.5 percent for nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. These loans are not provided by banks. They are provided directly from the SBA. You can may apply online at DisasterLoan.sba.gov. SBA Customer Service Representatives will also be available at Disaster Loan Outreach Centers to answer questions about the disaster loan program. The center for SWFL applicants is located at the City/County annex on 1825 Hendry St. in downtown Fort Myers. Their hours are 9 am - 6 pm M-F and 10 am - 2 pm on Saturdays. Applications and program information are available by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955. RED TIDE See page 10
NOVEMBER 2018
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
Page 9
COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida
EHC begins My Shower Door headquarters, Luminary Hotel
EHC, a construction company that provides pre-construction, earthwork, and infrastructure services, announced beginning development of two new high-profile projects in Fort Myers: MY Shower Door North American Headquarters/D3 Glass Manufacturing Plant and Luminary Hotel & Co. MY Shower Door/D3 Glass Chris-Tel Construction awarded EHC with the development of the new MY Shower Door North American Headquarters and D3 Glass Manufacturing Plant. The building will be used by MY Shower Door to house its corporate offices, training facilities and distribution. In addition, the facility will be used by D3 Glass for manufacturing, tempering and laminating of glass. Located in Fort Myers off Alico Road, the seven-and-a-half-acre campus will feature the 60,000 square-foot multi-purpose building with the option to expand another 10,000 square feet. EHC is providing pre-construction, erosion control, clearing, pond excavation, import fill, earthwork, subgrade base and asphalt paving as well as site concrete including sidewalks and curbing for the project. “The facility will include a stateof-the-art glass manufacturing plant, the first of it’s kind in Southwest Flor-
Renderings show the future MY Shower Door North American Headquarters and D3 Glass Manufacturing Plant. ida and the first new glass manufacturing plant since D3 Glass started in 2012,” said MY Shower Door President and D3 Glass Partner Bill Daubmann. “The new headquarters and manufacturing plant provides us with the ability to grow both regionally and nationally.” Founded in 2003 by the Daubmann family, MY Shower Door is the only provider of Frameless Shower Enclosures that manufactures, measures, designs, installs and warranties its
own products. Also family-owned, D3 Glass is an expanding business specializing in the fabrication and tempering of flat glass products. Both companies have received numerous awards and accolades through the years. Luminary Hotel EHC is working with Manhattan Construction Group for Mainsail Lodging & Development on Luminary Hotel & Co, a new downtown Fort Myers hotel adjacent to the Har-
borside Convention Center. The site construction company is performing earthwork and earthwork-related activities for the hotel’s foundation. According to Luminary Hotel & Co., the 12-story waterfront hotel will be the area’s first hotel in the prestigious Autograph Collection® of Marriott International. Overlooking the Caloosahatchee, Luminary will feature a wide array of guest amenities, flexible meeting and event space and unique dining and retail outlets.
Fort Myers announces permit fee reduction The Fort Myers City Council recently voted to cut building permit fees by 50 percent for one year beginning in October. “It is our hope that this significant fee reduction will encourage additional economic development activity and job creation in the city,” said City Manager Saeed Kazemi. In addition to the building permit fee reduction, a comprehensive fee study conducted by MGT Consulting Group recommended adjusting other building and development fees
Cushman & Wakefield expands into Collier Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida expanded its operations into Collier County. A new office is located in the Wilson Professional Center Building in Naples. The expansion allows the company to better serve its clients throughout Naples and the surrounding area. Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida provides commercial real estate solutions in every stage of the real estate process. “We are excited at the opportunity to have a larger presence in the Naples area”, said Gary Tasman, CEO and Principal Broker. “Commercial real estate is strong in Southwest Florida and our new location positions us for growth, all while continuing to build relationships with our current clients and providing the exceptional service our company is known for.”
to align with annual costs. The results of the study were presented in a special workshop on August 13, and suggested future modifications to the city’s planning, engineering and fire inspection fees. Recent population increases have pushed the city’s population to more than 80,000 residents. “It’s a transformative time in the city,” said Kazemi. “There is positive momentum in the development community and it is in our best interest to remain competitive with our fee structure.”
BCB Homes acquires Dickson Roofing Custom luxury homebuilder BCB Homes announced it acquired Dickson Roofing, a roofing and sheet metal contractor. The Naples company specializes in residential and commercial roof replacements and repairs, inspection services and new construction. Established in Oklahoma in 1976, Dickson Roofing founder and owner Les Dickson, moved operations to Naples in 1984 to begin remodeling and tower construction of the Edgewater Beach Hotel. Dickson serves on the Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Association’s Tile Committee responsible for code regulations of roof tile applications. “We are pleased to be a part of the well-respected BCB Homes family,” said Dickson. “Our many years of experience combined with BCB Homes’ reputation for building excellence make for a great partnership and overall superior customer experience for our clients.”
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Page 10
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
NOVEMBER 2018
COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida
Marquee Cinemas undergoes renovation Stiles announced Marquee Cinemas, located in the Coralwood Shopping Center in Cape Coral, has launched its renovation of the Coralwood 10 location. Scheduled for completion in mid-November, Marquee’s new features will offer Cape Coral and surrounding areas a one-of-a-kind movie experience. Once complete, each auditorium will feature over-sized, luxury electric-powered recliners featuring roomy armrests with cup holders and an elevated footrest. With the new seating comes the inclusion of reserved ticketing, allowing patrons to purchase their seat prior to the movie either online, at the box office or at Marquee’s ticketing kiosk. Guests can purchase tickets, grab dinner at one of Coralwood’s diverse eateries and return to find their seat waiting for them. Additionally, lobby and theater interiors are being updated featuring a warm, contemporary, city-chic color palate. Phase one of the renovation is currently underway, consisting of new seating and new carpet in auditoriums 1-5, and is expected to be complete by fall. Phase 2 will follow and will include restroom renovations, new carpet in the lobby, wall
coverings and new paint. The theatre will remain open during the remodel. “The new upgrades will offer patrons a premium experience not currently offered in the market. We want the newly-renovated Marquee Cinemas to be a welcome retreat for guests to relax and feel right at home as they enjoy a movie,” said Robin Shumate, director of marketing for Marquee Cinemas. “Our goal is to provide our customers with the best in entertainment. We are proud to have served the Cape Coral area for the last 15 years.” Jill Gull, vice president of Stiles Realty, was an integral factor of securing Marquee Cinemas in the center. “We are pleased to have a longlasting relationship with Marquee Cinemas and are excited for their renovation,” she said. “We wish them continued success at Coralwood Center.” Coralwood Shopping Center is a 343,000-square foot regional shopping center located at the corner of Del Prado Boulevard and Veteran’s Parkway in Cape Coral, situated on the Gulf Coast between Sarasota and Marco Island. It is anchored by JCPenney, LA Fitness, HomeGoods, Bealls Outlet and Ulta Beauty.
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Lyons Title & Trust opens new office
Lyons Title & Trust, a Naples-based title insurance company, recently opened its third office in an executive suite on 5th Avenue South. Lyons Title & Trust was founded in January 2009 by Attorney Richard D. Lyons. The company retains 80 years of combined real estate experience in the local market. While they are new to 5th Avenue, they are veterans to the Southwest Florida real estate market as they have been working with Collier, Lee and Charlotte county residents for nearly a decade. The Lyons team provides closing, title, processing, and escrow services, working with buyers, sellers, lenders, etc. to ensure all of the legalities are taken care of for the completion of a sale. The 5th Avenue storefront will be the company’s third location, already having offices in Bonita Springs and North Port.
RED TIDE PAGE 8 DO NOT procrastinate applying for this loan! I will apply my Big Mistake Little Mistake Theory. Little mistake is you take out this loan, pay a little bit of interest, then pay it back quickly because you are not adversely affected by this bloom long term. Big mistake is you don’t apply and your business can not sustain the downturn, you run out of working capital, and in a worst case scenario… you go out of business. If you have any questions or want to chat about any other of the SBA loan programs, give me a call at 239-288-9966. Tom Maiale, First Federal Bank SBA Lending Vice President and Business Development Officer, is a 17-year SBA Lending veteran with SBA Training from The National Association of Government Guaranteed Lending and The U.S. Small Business Administration. Contact him at (239) 288-9966 or tmaiale@cbcnationalbank.com.
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NOVEMBER 2018
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
Page 11
ANNIVERSARY
Sugar-reduction process changed by Pyure 10 years ago Pyure Brands, maker of organic, non-GMO Stevia plant sweeteners, announced its 10th anniversary. To celebrate the brand’s 10th anniversary, CEO and Founder Benjamin Fleischer and Pyure Brands announced their pledge of $50,000 to the Florida Gulf Coast University Institute of Entrepreneurship program. Pyure’s five-year, $10,000-per-year commitment is in recognition of the FGCU alumnae at Pyure whose contributions have been extraordinary. Fleischer hopes to advance the Pyure Brands and FGCU partnership in the years to come so that more students can benefit from a life-changing, academic experience at FGCU. “The secret about artificial sugar has been out for some time, evidenced by their declining sales,” said Fleischer. “But now, informed consumers are navigating the differences between Stevia products. The Pyure Brands, makers of Pyure Organic Stevia, does everything differently, from harvesting the highest quality leaves, to our steeping process, to our commitment to providing the best sugar-free alternatives for our consumers and manufacturing partners. Our growth is a testament to what we at Pyure have known all along, that by using organic, calorie-free, sugar-free sweeteners, you can still maintain a healthy lifestyle while not sacrificing taste. “My team has stood by this brand through personal hardships, recently delivering product while reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Irma and, in the beginning years, without guaranteed pay, because they believed in the product and understood the value this brand was bringing to the marketplace. I couldn’t do it without them.” The privately held company Pyure Brands has achieved many successes throughout its 10 years. Notable highlights in the calendar year 2017:
To celebrate the brand’s 10th anniversary, CEO and Founder Benjamin Fleischer and Pyure Brands announced their pledge of $50,000 to the Florida Gulf Coast University Institute of Entrepreneurship program. • 2017 sales had a 39-percent increase versus 2016. • In Walmart, Pyure Organic Stevia saw a 33.3-percent increase in dollars versus YA, making it No. 1 in growth versus all competitors in the Stevia-based sweetener market, and an increase of $100,000 in sales, more than Splenda, Truvia, Sweet-N-Low and Stevia-in-the-Raw combined. • Also in Walmart, Pyure Organic Stevia saw an increase in sales of all six SKUs, including an increase of 36 percent for the most popular 16-oz. original variety. • The brand debuted new sugar-free products for their consumers, including Maple Flavored Syrup, Honey Alternative and Organic Liquid Stevia Extract with Vanilla Flavor, and introduced a new ingredient for commercial customers, Pyure Ingredients, Pyure Trio. Pyure Brands did have some hurdles to overcome
throughout this journey. The biggest challenge was finding the perfect source of stevia. In order to be a game changer in the industry, Mr. Fleischer knew that he needed to find an ingredient that would meet the natural standards of the brand and deliver what consumers were looking for—a sugar substitute that actually tasted good. The ingredient research and market exploration began in 2008 and in 2010 Pyure Brands launched its first retail product of Pyure Organic Stevia 40 count stevia packets, before Stevia was known as a sugar-free alternative in the marketplace. Now in its 10th year, Pyure Organic Stevia is a power player whose innovation, commitment to a superior product and dedication to its employees resulted in new product launches in 2017 and increased sales that outpace those of their once intimidating competitors.
Fire add another minor league affiliate In conjunction with A-League Arena Football, the Gulf Coast Fire have announced another player personnel partnership, this time with the Fort Pierce Bengals football organization. The purpose of the alliance is to assist in the development of players in the South Florida area that potentially may play for the Fire and other A-League teams. The Bengals play in the Florida Champion Football League, which boasts teams playing throughout the state. The Fire begin their first season in May and are already under way with their recruiting. In an effort to find the best players, and help them develop, the A-League has created a plan to implement a minor league farm system throughout the Southeast. As assigned by the A-League, The Bengals will serve as an official affiliate developmental team to the Fire. The Fire season will begin in May, playing their home games in the Germain Arena (soon to be Hertz Arena), in Estero, and competing in the A-League. The Fire announced the hiring of Brent Burnside as Head Football Coach. The 2017 AAL Assistant Coach of the Year, Burnside had his hand in arena football for nearly two decades. Burnside has spent 10 years as a player and the last seven as the director of Player Personnel and defensive coordinator with the Florida Tarpons. “Having worked with Coach Burnside for the past 7 season, I’m excited to see him take the reigns as Head Coach in southwest Florida. He has been a huge asset over the years, and we expect big things from him with the Fire” Said President of Football Operations Michael Taylor.
Before turning Pro, Burnside attended Missouri Western State from ‘96-’99 where he was named 1st team all conference Defensive Back and was tied for the national lead in interceptions. As a pro he was named the 2004 ArenaCup MVP while helping the Florida Firecats to an AF2 title and has aided in putting together 2 Championship teams with the Florida Tarpons, once in 2013 and again in 2015. “I’m excited for this opportunity to lead the Fire. I was blessed with the chance to coach for a great organization like the Tarpons, and look forward to building the Fire at Hertz Arena. We will play an exciting brand of football with an infusion of local, and regional talent. My goal is to not only lead a group to a winning tradition, but also entertain the loyal fans in SWFL.” added Head Coach Brent Burnside. In addition to helping guide the Tarpons to those championships, Burnside serves as the Defensive Coordinator at Moore Haven High School where his team finished the 2017 season with an 11-1 record and State regional final appearance. As personnel director he has seen numerous athletes advance to the next level (NFL, AFL, CFL) that includes 4 NFL rookie minicamp invites after the 2012 season (DE Josh Long/Chargers) (DB Willie Williams/Eagles) (WR Dwayne Frampton/Jets) and (DB E.J. Whitley/Giants). Following the 2016 season QB Austin Trainor earned a spot on the Atlanta Falcons training camp roster. Burnside resides in Labelle with his wife Sonia and 2 children (Brionna, 11) and (Brent Jr., 8).
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
NOVEMBER 2018
ANNIVERSARY
Local web design, marketing agency marks 13 years Atilus, a full-service web development and digital marketing firm, celebrated its 13-year anniversary on Sept. 21. Atilus was founded in 2005 by two Florida Gulf Coast University students, Zach Katkin and Harry Casimir. Originally named “Unique ID Web Design,” Casimir and Katkin changed the name in 2007 to “Atilus,” named after Casimir’s grandfather. What first started as freelance work for Casimir and Katkin turned into a full-service digital agency, offering web design, web development, digital marketing and web hosting. The company was originally started in Casimir’s apartment in Bonita Springs and has since moved
into its own commercial space. It now employs eight full-time staff, most of whom are also Florida Gulf Coast University graduates. Atilus’ clients include many local companies in the Southwest Florida area, but also include companies all over the country across many different industries. “It’s been incredible to think about the growth we’ve seen over the last 13 years. We’re so thankful for those year and look forward to continue to service more clients in the digital space,” says Casimir. “We also need to thank the people that helped make us a success over the last 13 years: our clients, our partners, our friends, and most importantly, our team.” Atilus frequently engages with the Southwest
Florida community through local events and charity sponsorships. As they started at the university and majority of their staff are graduates, the company is very involved in the Florida Gulf Coast University community. Cofounder and CTO Harry Casimir serves as a Board Member on the FGCU Foundation Board of Directors. Kristen Bachmeier, the Director of Operations, serves on the Marketing Advisory Board for the Lutgert College of Business and frequently returns to the FGCU campus to speak to FGCU students. Atilus has worked on over 1,500 projects and serves clients nationwide. For more information, visit www.atilus.com.
ANNIVERSARY
Tech in a Flash continues its evolution Tech in a Flash has come a long way since its origins as a mobile break-fix computer business. I can’t help but to reflect on its growth over the past 7 years. I started the business in 2011, just as remote support was catching on among tech-savvy users. Looking to make a change in the way computer repair services were delivered and received, I started Tech in a Flash in hopes to market a flash drive that contained remote software that would allow technicians to connect to and service your computer from across the internet. Essentially a technician in a flash drive. My dream of simplifying the process of delivering great tech services has been realized by the clients that we get to service in 17 different states, and even some internationally. Granted most of our client base is in Southwest Florida, we are not limited by our geographic location. With the mainstreaming of remote support, we are capable of starting a fix on our client’s computers before they are even finished explaining the problem. Now Tech in a Flash has taken on a completely different meaning to our clients. The company has continued to evolve over the years, introducing new services to allow businesses to be more
proactive about their technology. We have developed advanced automation systems for preventive maintenance and remote monitoring of our client’s critical systems, which allows them to focus on their business and leave the technology to us. Our focus is to assist our customers by leveraging technology in a way that increases productivity, limits down-time and reduces any technological burden. BY MATTHEW As we celebrate “another trip REBSTOCK around the sun” in business, what we Guest Columnist are really celebrating is the wonderful relationships we have built with so many amazing people. Our clients’ success means a great deal to us, and we take great pride in the trust our clients give us. It is our wish to continue our role as a Trusted IT Advisor as we live up to our slogan, “Making I.T. Simple!” Matthew Rebstock is the owner of Tech in a Flash. Contact him at (239) 244-9600 or at matthew@techinaflash.net.
Genesis Global introduces ABBI: digital business assistant Genesis Global Technologies, authors of Advantage Anywhere, announced the debut of the world’s first (and currently only) voice recognition sales and marketing business assistant, ABBI. ABBI listens to you and obeys your commands, navigates, takes notes and even completes your emails, completely with your voice. “You’ve heard of Alexa for your home, and Siri for your
phone. We are ecstatic to introduce ABBI for your business,” said Mona Hilton, Genesis Global Technologies CEO. “The era of the old-fashioned business software is over. We’re happy to introduce ABBI, the intelligent business assistant of the future.” “ABBI makes me WANT to login! She’s sassy… and it’s much fun interacting with her,” Hilton said. Advantage Anywhere debuted ABBI 1.0 during a live webinar.
Blue Sky Therapy acquires Estero center Blue Sky Therapy, a leading provider of physical, occupational and speech therapy, with clinic locations throughout Ohio and Florida, recently acquired Florida GulfCoast Physical Therapy in Estero, joining Waterworks Total Rehab in Naples and Absolute Physical Therapy in Bonita Springs. “We are so happy to have Florida GulfCoast Physical Therapy under the Blue Sky umbrella and to continue to grow our top of the line physical therapy services in Florida,” said Renee Halfhill, CEO and president of Blue Sky Therapy. “We are excited to integrate Florida GulfCoast’s team into the Blue Sky family, allowing us to continue our mission of maintaining the highest level of patientdriven quality care. We are also excited to have the opportunity to provide our current patients, new patients and referral sources in Southwest Florida with an innovative and patient-focused practice like Florida GulfCoast.” Blue Sky Therapy now has over 1,500 active employees and dozens of professional partnerships.
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NOVEMBER 2018
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
Page 13
ANNIVERSARY
Sunshine Ace Hardware delivering sunshine for 60 years Sunshine Ace Hardware has grown tremendously since our humble beginnings in 1958, when my grandfather, Don Wynn, established the company in Naples. Since its opening, Sunshine Ace Hardware has provided a retail experience that is like no other, centered around exceptional customer service, and a brand that is known for its expertise in home repairs and dedication to serving the community. As the third-generation leader of Sunshine Ace Hardware, I can’t help but reflect on the growth of our company and the significant impact we have had on the community over the last 60 years. Sunshine Ace was built on a foundation of core values which have fundamentally driven our success and growth throughout the years. Today, we are one of the largest family-owned home improvement and outdoor recreation retailers in Southwest Florida with nine locations in Collier, Lee, Charlotte and Pinellas counties, as well as two Sunshine Commercial Paint locations in Collier County. Our growth is a direct result of the 350 talented and car-
ing team members who go above and beyond to offer a smile and solution to each of our customers. Our extraordinary team has expanded to offer more support to local businesses, with our business-to-business program and commercial paint service. Our core values guide every decision we make. Our service value, “Deliver Sunshine,” is BY MICHAEL one that we take special pride WYNN in. Our superior customer serGuest Columnist vice has received recognition over the years, including having seven of our nine stores ranked in the top 50 most helpful Ace stores in the nation, a testament to our dedication to a one-of-a-kind retail experience. We’ve brought sunshine to our community by supporting local nonprofits and businesses, including supporting the Southwest Florida Muscular Dystrophy Asso-
ciation with $236,000 and more than $13,000 in support of two fundraising initiatives that helped locals recover from the region’s recent water quality crisis. Our dedication to making an impact in Southwest Florida has also sparked many community events, like our first-ever Big Green EGGFest, which raised $25,000 in support of five local organizations. We’ve also been a constant ray of sunshine for our neighbors during hurricane season, by offering monetary relief and supplying necessary tools and supplies to assist in all stages of the storms. Just as we have done the last 60 years, we will continue to strive to be a constant shining resource for the community for many years to come. Michael Wynn is the president of Sunshine Ace Hardware, one of the region’s largest family-owned and operated home improvement and outdoor recreation retailers in Southwest Florida. Learn more at www.SunshineAce.com.
ANNIVERSARY BCB Homes celebrating 25 years
The booth for Nicole’s Casual Art
Business fair preps students for workforce The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Leadership Collier Foundation, an affiliate of the Chamber, brought the Naples Children’s Business Fair to Collier County on Oct. 20. The event took place at Gulf Coast High School in the outdoor courtyard, where community members attended a fun-family event and shopped at over 100 youth-run businesses in support of our student entrepreneurs. Community members had the chance to vote for the “most original business idea,” “highest business potential,” and “best presentation/creativity.” Local leaders served as judges and presented awards in five age groups and one student will have the chance to win the “Sunshine Award” –a chance to display and sell their product or service in a local Sunshine Ace Hardware store.
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The booth for Max’s Paracord Bracelets. The Naples Chamber and LCF will work with participants post-event to help continue their professional growth, connect them with business leaders and provide support on their entrepreneurial journey.
BCB homes is celebrating its 25-year anniversary of luxury home building in Southwest Florida. The company, preferred by clients for its efficient approach to the quality construction building process, also provides remodeling and estate management services. Located on Enterprise Avenue in Naples, BCB Homes has been a part of the Naples community since its inception. Founded by a group of second-generation home builders, BCB Homes was formed with a vision of raising the building standards in Southwest Florida. In constant pursuit of quality, the company approaches each residence as an opportunity to create a home that matches and enhances the client’s lifestyle. By applying an open dialogue throughout the building process, BCB Homes makes the building experience enjoyable and easy, all while allowing the company to build 25 percent faster based on the City of Naples data. And with a focus on providing an unparalleled level of service, a relationship with BCB Homes begins well before construction and extends long past home completion. Beginning solely as a new construction services provider, the company has expanded to offer remodeling and estate management services, as well as other construction and remediation services. With a staff of over 120 employees, BCB Homes has built and remodeled over 350 homes throughout Southwest Florida. Building in Southwest Florida’s most prestigious communities, BCB Homes’ innovative processes, craftsmanship and attention to detail, set the industry standard for the highest quality construction available. Customization, exquisite designs and the finest materials, paired with a personalized customer experience have been the hallmark of BCB Homes’ success in exceeding clients’ expectations. “Achieving such a meaningful milestone demonstrates our commitment to both, excellence in the building process and exceeding our clients’ expectations,” said Joe Smallwood, CEO of BCB Homes. “We will continue this trend without compromising our principles and traditions with a goal of celebrating another 25 years.” For additional information, call (239) 643-1004 or visit bcbhomes.com.
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
NOVEMBER 2018
It’s important for small businesses to give back to community By Dr. Sandra Agle Guest Columnist With all the struggles that small businesses encounter, it often becomes difficult to find the time to give back to the community that supports your business. Since our customers create handmade products, we found several avenues to support. Operation Gratitude sends Care Packages filled with entertainment, handmade items, non-perishable snacks, and personal letters of appreciation to U.S. Troops, First Responders, Veterans, Military Families, Wounded Heroes and their Caregivers. Since 2005, they have sent out over 2 million such packages and continue to do so today. It is very easy for a small business to participate. You can produce a meaningful Employee Engagement Event at your site! Operation Gratitude will source and ship products to you to create Care Kits, Paracord Survival Bracelets and Battalion Buddies.
ANNIVERSARY TLC Marketing marks 10 years TLC Marketing & Creative Services celebrates 10 years of business in January. We are a full-service boutique marketing, public relations and event planning firm located in Bonita Springs. In 2017, we became a Florida Certified Woman Owned Business, something we are especially proud of. Celebrating 10 years in the business is a major accomplishment and we are excited for the next 10 years. We will continue to grow the business while making sure all of our clients are taken care of, full circle. Capping off our 10-year anniversary, we received the 2018 Small Business of the Year Award from the Bonita Springs Area Chamber. Our goal is to continue to build upon the accomplishments we have made in these past 10 years and continue to better serve our clients for. To learn more about our services and to sign up for our quarterly newsletter visit the TLC Marketing & Creative Services website, www.tlcmarketing-events.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
You can also gather your team and write letters of gratitude to Troops, New Recruits, Veterans and First Responders. We at Hooked On Ewe Yarn Shop have knitted and crocheted over 175 scarves for our military troops overseas. Just fill out a corporate form at https://www.operationgratitude.com/corporate-partnerships/contact-us/ and they will provide you with all the information you will need on how you too can help. We also have small groups that gather to knit and crochet for charities. They provide babies in local hospitals with warm hats, prayer shawls for the elderly members of their church, and homeless people with blankets. It is amazing how something as simple as a blanket can have such a positive impact on someone in need. It puts not only a smile on the recipients face, but on the giver’s as well. Hospitals have such a need for volunteers, and the list is endless of how your business can help. Wom-
en In Need organization provides housing, help and hope to New York City women and their families who are homeless and disadvantaged. Through comprehensive programs, WIN helps individuals find shelter, supportive permanent housing, job training, domestic-violence services, alcohol and substance abuse treatment and child care and offers the tools and guidance that allow families to return to their communities and live independently. There is no better feeling than sharing a talent or kindness. Extending our reach beyond our simple business has given us, and our customers, many hours of happiness. Dr. Sandra Agle was an educator in the Lee County School District for 42 years. After she obtained her Doctorate, she taught at Florida Gulf Coast University working with intern teachers. Upon retirement in 2015, she opened Hooked On Ewe Yarn Shop. Contact her at (239) 247-1080.
ANNIVERSARY
Naples fashion boutique held celebration to mark milestone Cypress & Palm Boutique Owner Katy Harwick celebrated the women’s retail store’s one-year anniversary. Harwick introduced the retail experience with fashionable apparel, accessories and gifts that make women feel they are the best-dressed person in the room. Naples native Harwick celebrated this momentous occasion with her and her staff in May 23. “As I reflect on this past year, I can’t help but feel thankful. I owe this amazing achievement to my staff
and my customers. I look forward to embarking on our second year and all of the success to come,” said Harwick. Cypress & Palm Boutique is named after trees in Harwick’s favorite places, Florida and Italy. In honor of the one-year anniversary, she made a donation to Naples Botanical Garden. Harwick’s fashion experience ranges from time in Milan and London to working with Burberry, White House Black Market and Chico’s.
GROWFL PAGE 1 programs and incubators promoting start-up businesses; GrowFL is the only Florida program that focuses exclusively on second-stage companies. The 50 companies named the 2018 Florida Companies to Watch generated nearly $1 billion in revenue and added nearly 1,000 jobs between 2014 and 2017. Together, the companies project a 50 percent increase in revenue and 40 percent increase in job growth in 2018 compared to 2017. “We are thrilled to have Vectra recognized as an innovative company that empowers its employees,” says Matt Bernhardt, CEO of Vectra Digital. “This is a double honor for us because our other company, Stickboy
GrowFL recognized its 50 Florida Companies to Watch honorees. Tammie Sweet from GrowFL stands with Tracy Hanavin and Timothy Evankovich of Oasis Senior Advisors of Bonita Springs. Creative, was named a GrowFL Com- year will be one to watch.” Companies named to the list will be panies to Watch last year. Our clients are our inspiration to want to break officially recognized Feb. 9, at the Straz out of the cycle of iteration. This next Performing Arts Center in Tampa.
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NOVEMBER 2018
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
Page 15
RESORT PAGE 1
Naples Mayor Bill Barnett; John Schmieding and Lisa Gardiner of Arthrex, Employer of the Year; and Niccole Howard of CCCR.
CCCR announces winners of family friendly awards Collier Child Care Resources announced the winners of the 19th Annual Family Friendly Business Awards which recognize organizations in Collier County with policies and benefits that assist employees in raising their family, such as flex time, maternity leave and health insurance. Two organizations received further recognition as “Employers of the Year” for showing special commitment to family friendly policies and innovative practices. In the large business category (50 employees or more), Arthrex was named “Employer of the Year” and NCH Healthcare System was the runner-up. In the small/medium business category (49 employees or less), PBS Contractors was named “Employer of the Year” and Quarles & Brady was the runner-up. Organizations were selected for a Family Friendly Business Award by receiving a qualifying score on an application they submitted detailing their family-friendly policies and practices. The 2018 Family Friendly Business Award winners are: ABN Law, Arthrex, Artis-Naples, Ave Maria School of Law, Avow Hospice, Bailey’s General Store, Bonita Bay Club, Brooks Insurance Services, Brown & Brown of Southwest Florida, Children’s Montessori School, City of Naples, Collier County Board of Commission-
ers, Collier County Clerk of Circuit Court, Collier County Health Department, Collier County Public Schools, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Community Health Partners, Community School of Naples, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, David Lawrence Center, Dr. Marilyn J. Varcoe and Associates, Family First Legal Group, First Choice Insurance of Naples, First Florida Integrity Bank, Florida Skin Center, Food Idea Group, FORZA Child Development Center, Fun Time Early Childhood Academy, Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, Guadalupe Center, Gulf Coast Charter Academy South, Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, Heavenly Day Preschool, Il Primo Pizza & Wings, Lipman Family Farms, MaidPro Naples, Meals of Hope, Moorings Park, Naples Daily News, Naples Floral Design, NCH Healthcare System, Neapolitan Family Publishing, Path2Freedom, Inc., PBS Contractors, Precious Cargo Academy, Quarles & Brady, Royal Palm Academy, Sanibel Sea School, Spherion Staffing, Storm Smart, Studio 8 Dance, The Greater Marco Family YMCA, The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, The Players Club & Spa, Trades of Hope — Nancy Sustersic CE, Universal Commerce Promotions, Vineyards Country Club, William C. Huff Companies, and Youth Haven.
CITIES PAGE 1
rate decrease. The “Fastest-Growing Cities in America” list in order includes: Fort Myers; Midland, Texas; P e a r l a n d , Texas; Bend, Ore.; McKinney, Texas; College Station, Texas; Lehigh Acres; Mount Pleasant, S.C.; Enterprise, Nev.; and Irvine, Calif.
WalletHub compared 515 U.S. cities across 15 key metrics. The data set ranges from population growth to college-educated population growth to unemployment
BLUE CHIP PAGE 1 In 2009, Community Resource Network of Florida began service in an effort to provide continuation of care to individuals with developmental needs in the area through an array of services that include personal care services, personal supports/in-home support, companion services, transportation, respite, life skills program, speech therapy and occupational therapy. With 22 rooms and cottages across three properties, Myerside Resort and Cottages serves as a prime destination and provides quality accommodations to tourists and vacationers in Fort Myers Beach. NGALA Wildlife Preserve, located in Naples, is an animal sanctuary built
in the elegant safari style of a bygone era. The preserve provides the ultimate destination for executive galas, weddings, and other events, as well as the opportunity for guests to encounter exotic wildlife while enjoying authentic entertainment and fine dining. Reliable Permitting & Business Support Services is located in Naples and has more than 21 years of experience in providing high-quality customer support services during the permitting process to residential and commercial builders. Today, the business is in full operation with six functioning departments. Zirilli’s Chilly Treats is a small, family-owned business located in Cape Coral. They specialize in making delicious, dairy-free Italian Ice with real fruit in a variety of flavors.
“More often than not, they are booking because that route is closer to where they live and much more convenient than the larger airports with traditional carriers,” he said. Of course, the nearby Punta Gorda airport has an Allegiant gate. Passengers coming to Sunseeker from an Allegiant flight to Southwest Florida will land 10 minutes from the resort. Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor will include a resort hotel, condo towers, restaurants, bars, shops and marina on 22 waterfront acres. It is under construction and scheduled to open in the fall of 2020. In addi-
tion to more than 500 hotel rooms on property, the resort will boast about 180 condo units. Beelner figures the project has about 780 keys in total. The resort looks to modernize the resort concept, with Hulu and Netflix streaming in 65-inch television sets in every room. The resort will have oversized showers and high-speed internet for tablet users. Beelner expects Allegiant travelers will make the bulk of travelers to the resort. As for condos, sales points between $640,000 and $1.1 million show the real estate market Sunseeker hopes to seize. “While that does seem on the higher end, we don’t think its outside the price range,” Beelner said.
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY
NOVEMBER 2018
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