Space Coast BUSINESS - Welcome to 2020 by Space Coast Magazines

JAN 2020

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Being Process Driven Author of the Best Seller The Fred Factor, Mark Sanborn, once said, “It is better to be consistently good, than occasionally great.” With all due respect to Collin’s Good To Great, both amateur and professional sports have a plethora of statistics that prove Sanborn’s maxim. In business, there is a marked difference between those enterprises achieving consistently good outcomes, over a prolonged period of time, versus the shooting starts that experience occasional, but often short-lived greatness. Whether it is a Fortune 500 corporation or a start-up working out of a co-working space, a well-defined, steadily executed and continuously improved set of processes is the key to this success. Our cover story is on a law firm that is rapidly growing,

because the founder David Volk, could not understand why all the processes involved in running a law office weren’t fully documented. You’ll find his story fascinating. Also, here at the genesis of 2020, the future of our area and the resurgence of space is on everyone’s mind. So, we give a nod to the rise of space as an investment. Perhaps, like a railroad to the solar system, space ventures may give us the next Cornelius Vanderbilt or Leland Stanford who were both early adopters of the iron horse’s potential.

Eric Wright PUBLISHER ERIC@SPACECOASTMAGAZINES.COM

THIS MONTH’S THEME: Welcome to 2020

FEATURE ELLINGSON & TRIVIUM

COVER STORY DAVID VOLK OF VOLK LAW GROUP

FEATURE INVESTING IN SPACE

UP CLOSE WAYNE IVEY

JA NUARY 2020: 1

EXECUTIVE HIGHLIGHT

SPONSORED

cott Reddig, CEO of Christian Care Ministry, joined the organization in February of 2019. This

26-year Melbourne-based non-profit administers the Medi-Share program, an affordable alternative to health insurance for the Christian community. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Reddig has 31 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry, serving as Chief Actuary with three different companies and Chief Operating Officer for Guide One Insurance, one of the largest insurers of churches in the country. Medi-Share employs more than 700 employees, with 358 at the Melbourne headquarters and the remainder at the secondary location in Colorado Springs and working remotely. Reddig states that his top priority is to make sure that Medi-Share remains a valuable and viable health care solution. “It’s no secret that the health care landscape is constantly changing, including the cost of care. No matter who is in office, health care will always be a hot topic for Americans because it touches us all. My goal as CEO is to strengthen the MediShare program, build awareness of this health care alternative across America and ultimately grow the sharing experience beyond the 400,000+ members who are currently a part of this vibrant community.” It is not just the Medi-Share model of sharing that

Scott Reddig CEO

intrigues Reddig, but the workforce that supports it. “Both are authentic Christian communities that help one another. Both demonstrate Christ’s call to love one another and to live as He encouraged us. It is a model, dare I say a ‘business’ model, for sharing health care needs that isn’t insurance – it’s better than insurance. It is also a model that doesn’t just make this a ‘great place to work,’ but it’s simply the way the workplace ought to be.” 2: SPAC E C OAST B U SI N E S S

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(800) 772-5623 info@medi-share.org medishare.com 4150 W Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32934

JANUARY 2020 SpaceCoastBUSINESS.com

EDITORIAL Eric Wright, Publisher

your interests. your community. your inbox. Get the latest local business & event news.

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Cheyenne McCully, Director of Creative & Print Operations

PHOTOGRAPHY Jason Hook

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michael Candelaria, David Michael Smith, David Smith

ADVERTISING & SALES Lori Reader, Director of Sales lori@spacecoastliving.com

| YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NAME: Yari Fumero TITLE: Junior Loan Officer COMPANY: Shelter Mortgage YEARS IN AREA: 12 YEARS AT COMPANY: 10

Jessica Benitez, Director of Business Development jessicab@spacecoastmagazines.com

Brevard County resident since 2004, Yari Fumero is a native Floridian, born and raised. Working in the mortgage industry since she was very young, she started her career at Shelter Mortgage nearly a decade ago as a Loan Officer Assistant. After taking a break to start a family, she worked in the title industry where she expanded her knowledge to include the title and closing aspect of the home buying experience. Returning to Shelter Mortgage in early 2016, she arrived as a well-rounded and knowledgeable Junior Loan Officer.

| YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NAME: Yari Fumero TITLE: Junior Loan Officer COMPANY: Shelter Mortgage YEARS IN AREA: 12 YEARS AT COMPANY: 10

Yari truly enjoys what she does and it fuels her passion to help individuals and families get into their new homes. She also understands the importance of the huge financial decision that her clients are making, because as she says, “They aren’t just buying houses; they’re buying homes for themselves and their families to enjoy for a lifetime.”

Over the years, Yari has worked closely with realtors and homebuilders all over the east coast of Florida and has built many long lasting relationships and partnerships that have served her well. Bilingual, she has used this to her advantage while working with both her English and Spanish speaking clients. Having grown up in a primarily Spanish speaking home and seeing her parents struggle to communicate helped her understand the need for bilingual loan officers. These skills combined with her extensive knowledge of many different mortgage loan programs has allowed her to help hundreds of families finance their dream homes with little to no money out of their pockets. Se Habla Español. ◆

Vinod Philip, Chief Technology Officer

Yari Fumero Yaresmi Fumero -- NMLS#552492 Shelter Mortgage Company LLC-- NMLS#431223 www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

50]OCTOBER2016 SCBMarketing.com

Natalie Guzman, Account Manager natalie@spacecoastmagazines.com

Vinod Philip, Chief Technology Officer

Yari Fumero Yaresmi Fumero -- NMLS#552492 Shelter Mortgage Company LLC-- NMLS#431223 www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

50]OCTOBER2016 SCBMarketing.com

ADMINISTRATION

Helen Reyes, Director of Operations & Human Resources Michael Kane, Distribution Manager

MARKETING Tasha Macri

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Joseph Duda, Eric Wright For general inquiries call (321) 622-5986. TO SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe online at SpaceCoastBUSINESS.com or send $19.95 for a one-year (12 issues) subscription to Space Coast BUSINESS, 335 Pineda Ct. Ste. 101-104, Melbourne, FL 32941-0901. Please include name, mailing address, city, state, zip code, phone number and email. Please allow 4-6 weeks for subscription to start. Space Coast BUSINESS® 335 Pineda Court, Suites 101-104, Melbourne, FL 32940

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Space Coast BUSINESS® is a registered trademark of Space Coast Magzines, LLC (“SCM”). The contents of Space Coast BUSINESS, associated websites, and any other print or electronic publications published by SCM or related to the brand, including advertisements, articles, graphics, websites, web postings, photographs and all other information (“content”), are for informational purposes only, are protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published, broadcast or modified in any way without the prior written consent of SCM, or in the case of third party content, the owner of that content. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. SCM does not necessarily endorse, verify, or agree with the content, and makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or usefulness of any content. SCM shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions in the content. ©2020 All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

JA NUARY 2020: 3

EXECUTIVE HIGHLIGHT

SPONSORED

Jim Greer leads the Drug Testing Industry with passion, expertise and a commitment to customer service.

n the movie, Field of Dreams, a whisper of “build it and they will come” was the backdrop of the movie’s theme. James A. Greer (Jim), President and CEO of one of the nation’s leading providers of drug, alcohol and DNA testing uses that same thinking when leading his companies, Accredited Drug Testing and Coastal Drug Testing. Greer, who has been in the drug testing business since 1993, recognizes that having a well-trained staff and an everyday commitment to providing outstanding customer service is crucial to the business’s reputation and success. Greer, who has been recognized over the years for his entrepreneurial spirit, holds a degree from Seminole State College and is a graduate of the Prestigious Cornell University’s Executive Leadership program. Jim is also recognized as an expert in the drug and alcohol testing industry and he currently serves as the Chairman of the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association.

Accredited Drug Testing and its subsidiary Coastal Drug Testing has experienced tremendous growth in 2019 and now has over 2,000 clients including small, medium and large employers. The company’s focus is always on customer service, from the initial scheduling of the test through the results being delivered. Ensuring that employers have the available resources to make the right hiring decisions is a valuable service when meeting the challenges related to employment practices. In addition to drug and alcohol testing, both companies offer background checks, employer drug policy development and other valuable services. Greer credits his company’s success with ensuring that his employees are properly trained and are committed to serving their clients in a professional and responsive manner. For more information, call 407-636-6725 or visit www.accrediteddrugtesting.com.

jim@accrediteddrugtesting.com

James A. Greer (Jim) President and CEO 4: SPAC E C OAST B U S I N E SS

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coastaldrugtesting.com Coastal Drug Testing (Multiple Brevard County Locations) 102 Columbia Drive Suite 106 Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 321-613-0644

FEATURE

Two Companies with the Same Mission – “A Commitment to Excellence” Ellingson Properties and Trivium Luxury Homes Photography by Jason Hook Renderings provided by Ellingson Properties

here is a new alliance in town. Boutique builder, Trivium Luxury Homes, and Ellingson Properties are working together to bring a fresh approach to new residential homes in Brevard. Ellingson Properties has been a leader in Space Coast real estate for over a decade. Founder Greg Ellingson combined his hometown family values, with his understanding of technology as an Air Force officer, to build a company that treats customers as family, while providing the results they would expect from a leader in a world class organization. Located within the Space Coast Business Realty Center, the Ellingson team prides itself on providing comprehensive, tech-savvy service. “Our purpose” states Greg Ellingson, “Is creating a company that our clients recognize being indispensable advocates for achieving their real estate goals.” From the Latin roots tri (three) and via (road), trivium literally means the place where three roads meet. For the members of the company, trivium perfectly defines the moment when their natural paths crossed and the effortless fusion of like mindsets, energy and drive took place. Truth, Transparency, Trust… These are the cornerstones of boutique builder Trivium Luxury Homes. Utilizing over 40 years in the custom home and building industry, Trivium’s goal is to elevate the expectation of what the luxury home building experience should be. A recipe of fresh and inspiring ideas, specialized attention and impeccable execution goes into the creation of each distinct Trivium Luxury Home. Trivium chose to partner with Ellingson Properties to market their boutique homes. “Each Trivium team member wholeheartedly recognizes value in allowing individuals 6: SPAC E C OAST B U S I N E SS

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SPONSORED

to focus and work where they ‘SHINE,’” shares Tina Ranck, development executive of Trivium’s Luxury Homes. “Why would Trivium pull resources away from our core capabilities when we can market and sell our homes with a company that understands and shares the same goals and passions we want to provide to our customers? They have set a high standard for marketing luxury real estate in Brevard along with impeccable reputation and customer loyalty. This newly formed alliance is met with much excitement for our entire team!”

home was designed to support a carefree lifestyle with bespoke living and a barefoot elegance. The 3,326-square-foot home features three bedrooms, a guest suite, a study/flex room and three full bathrooms. Distinctive design and finishes reflect a clean, minimalist aesthetic with an emphasis on function. Several unique design features differentiate this home. The custom front door opens to an artistic wood foyer wall that is not only stunning but also provides privacy to the great room occupants. A clever scullery or service kitchen provides additional storage and workspace hidden from the great room’s view. This space is ideal for discreet food preparation. Organized households will appreciate Trivium’s thoughtfully planned arrival utility area. Conveniently located just inside the garage access to the home, this space provides abundant space for shoes, pet leashes, backpacks, cell phone charging, key drop and much more! Normally found in the most exclusive private residences, these design features

Trivium values quality, creation of a lifestyle, level of service and craftsmanship. To accomplish their goals, Trivium actively manages a balance between price and value. The devil is in the details, and nothing could be truer when it comes to building a home. Curb appeal is important as it sets the first impression of a home. The outside impression then sets an expectation of what will be inside. Trivium understands this and knows that something as simple as selecting a suitable garage door and giving extra extra attention to landscape design is essential. Each detail should reflect the qualities of the home. “Our clients value quality and seek homes with cutting edge design and solid construction, impact resistant windows and doors… energy efficiency, low maintenance products,” says Ellingson. “At the same time, the home should inspire the customer. There has to be an emotional appeal to the design and flow of a home, as they are not all created equal.” Trivium is currently building a luxury pool home in the exclusive controlled access community of CasaBella. This home reflects Trivium’s evolution of the popular great room concept. Trivium understood that by refining the layout and adding a few key elements, the home could better serve its owners. The latest

resonate with form follows function. Of the Trivium / Ellingson Properties alliance, Ellingson reflects “It is a great match in core values as both companies place a high importance on the client’s experience.” Preserving a strong moral compass is the foundation for both companies as well. “Trust and honesty have to be the bedrock for any relationship,” adds Ellingson. Each company treats its teams as family and not merely employees. “We take care of each other and value what each individual brings to the process.” adds Ranck. “Our clients are a natural extension of our business family.” For Ellingson Properties and Trivium, trust is where truth and transparency meet. JA NUARY 2 02 0: 7

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FEATURE

Service, Not Services [ By Michael Candelaria, Writer ]

Photos provided by GrayRobinson

arge and encompassing with “very deep” roots, GrayRobinson makes an ironclad case that community comes first. For the fun of it, let’s play a game. Call it, “Did You Know?” The subject: GrayRobinson, Attorneys at Law. Almost everybody has heard of the firm, right? OK, at least many people likely have. The point is, the full-service law and lobbying operation has attorneys and government relations professionals throughout 15 offices across Florida and in Washington, D.C., providing services to Fortune 500 companies, emerging businesses, lending institutions, local and state governments, developers, entrepreneurs and individuals. The firm is big. It’s also venerable, dating back to August 1970, when Charles Gray, Richard Adams, Gordon Harris and Richard Robinson — each a distinguished professional in the field — joined their practices to become Gray, Adams, Harris & Robinson P.A. On the other hand, did you know … ? Headquartered in Orlando, GrayRobinson has been in Brevard County since 1990, when it merged with the established firm of Kirschenbaum and Peeples. In 1996, GrayRobinson merged with the Melbourne firm of Nohrr & Nohrr and subsequently moved its Brevard headquarters to Melbourne. Today, the firm’s footprint encompasses the entire county, with 51 local employees — a “very big operation,” described Erik Shuman, managing director of the firm’s Melbourne office, who added, 10: SPAC E C OAST B U S I N E SS

“Our roots here run very, very deep.” Of course, there is the requisite lengthy list of specialty areas, from elder law, probate and estate planning to wealth transfer, trusts, guardianship and more. “Admiralty to zoning” is how Shuman labeled the A-to-Z service areas. Also, as part of its practice, the firm is at the forefront of emerging legal and legislative issues, even issuing electronic updates, or “E-lerts,” advising clients of changes to regulations and policy. During the past decade, there has been plenty of regional and statewide growth, too. Most recently, new attorneys have arrived in the Melbourne office to spur expansion in litigation and real estate. Similarly, last April, a strategic alliance was struck with a firm specializing in employment and labor practice (Thompson, Sizemore, Gonzalez & Hearing). Said Shuman, who joined the firm in 2002: “We’re growing, and we’re excited.” Yet, did you know … ? In reality, GrayRobinson’s most telling tale just might be in community service. Stated another way, the real story could well be in whom the firm serves, and how — not so much in its sheer size or vast scope of legal expertise. Community service. Exhibit A: Through GrayRobinson’s Casual Day for a Cause, employees have raised more than $525,000, simply by dressing down on Fridays. Each week, a different local charitable organization is “sponsored,” with the firm’s

SPAC E C OAST BU S INES S .CO M

employees paying the right to dress casually. The dollars are pooled and presented to organizations such as food distribution centers, homeless shelters, children’s homes, wildlife charities, crisis centers educational programs, programs for the elderly, programs for the disabled and programs for children facing diseases. In addition, during the recent holiday season, all first-grade students at Harbor City Elementary School received gifts, purchased and wrapped by employees, with Santa joining the festivities. That’s been happening for about the past 15 years. “This is individual commitment, and it builds a bond in the office, where we all know we’re working on this together,” Shuman commented about the general giving. A sampling of the organizations benefiting year-round: American Cancer Society, Best Buddies Civilian Military Community Foundation, Junior Achievement, March of Dimes, Daily Bread of Brevard County, Pennies to Protect Police Dogs and the Senior Friendship Center.

COCOA BEACH REGIONAL Chamber of Commerce

Think of the CBRCC when you’re ready to market your business to the local community! Partnership of more than 1,500 local businesses Expanded offices in Viera, Cocoa Beach and kiosk desk in Port Canaveral’s Exploration tower Consists of 80% small business

“This is our commitment to the community,” Shuman continued. “It’s our desire to be part of the community. And it makes us feel good.” In much the same way, that caring and sharing is evident in the firm’s internal operational style, where collaboration and autonomy among the attorneys are chief characteristics. Attorneys work with clients across the state regardless of office locations. From his Melbourne office, Shuman also works on estate planning, guardianship, trusts and estates, elder law and Medicaid planning for clients of the Orlando and Boca Raton offices — exemplifying the type of flexibility that effectively extends the firm’s scope and expertise, Shuman cited. His words: “Whoever is best for the job will be cast for it. … The cases get assigned to whoever has the expertise to handle it.” Meanwhile, attorneys are giving the freedom to “work in their clients’ best interest without having to deal with internal committees and rules,” Shuman said, adding, “I think it makes us very nimble. … This makes for a nice and comfortable place to have a career.” Did you know?

Assists in bridging the gap between big business and small business Fosters a pro-business environment while providing valuable tools and resources to ensure business success

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The Avenue Viera (321) 454-2021 Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Information Office (321) 784-6444 Tourist Information Kiosk, Exploration Tower 670 Dave Nisbet Dr. Port Canveral

CocoaBeachChamber.com JA NUARY 2020: 11

FEATURE

‘Navigation Through Health Care’ Intercoastal Insurance continues to ride rough industry waves by supporting others. [ By Michael Candelaria, Writer ]

indy Dropeski has been part of the insurance industry for more than 35 years, becoming licensed to sell related products back in 1983, not long after graduating from Longwood University in Virginia with a business degree. Yet, as she sits in her Melbourne office today, president of Intercoastal Insurance Inc., Dropeski insists the key to her success doesn’t actually involve insurance. Instead, it’s all about support. “I think the key is providing support,” she said. “And it’s not just buying insurance. It’s providing ongoing support all year. … I want to provide knowledge and service — support in navigating an ever-changing health insurance environment. “The rates are the same. You have to look at what are you going to get from that agency,” she continued. For the record, Intercoastal Insurance handles of a variety of services for individuals, encompassing the “whole spectrum” of protection, including Medicare. “You’re picking a partner to help navigate a complex insurance marketplace. And that partner should be independent without an agenda,” Dropeski commented. “We represent many

12: SPACE C OAST B U SI N E S S

insurance plans, and we have no allegiance to any particular plan. … Life can be complex when you’re on your own but it doesn’t have to be an insurance hassle.” Additionally, the firm likens itself to a human resources department for businesses, helping them to select the right insurance plans for employees, along with resolving claims issues, working with insurance carriers to get answers and keeping businesses up to date on an industry that has become increasing complex in the past several years. The thinking is simple: The firm’s research can save valuable time, taking both effort and guesswork out of choosing a benefit plan. “We provide the professional advice and service your employee’s desire and need without requiring you to have an employee benefit expert on your staff,” Dropeski explained about the HR approach. “Now, people need an insurance agent that is going to be a partner in that challenging navigation through health care. More so now than ever before.” Notably, 2014 saw the arrival of the Affordable Care Act,

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which brought a “whole new set of rules,” for employers and individuals. With that came higher prices for coverage and plenty of confusion. Among the early impacts, the ACA made health insurance relatively more attractive to older and less healthy people and relatively less attractive to younger and healthier people. Complicated.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE F O R B R E VA R D.

Not coincidentally, 98% of the firm’s business today comes from referrals by virtue of personal service, Dropeski cited. While her insurance “spectrum” is broad, she has five employees, three of whom have worked with her more than 20 years. To foster greater personal attention, a member of her staff is assigned to each individual or business client.

Dropeski’s personal specialty is group medical benefits, working with employers who have 50 employers or fewer. Helping entrepreneurs and other small-business owners, she pointed out, is near and dear to her. She incorporated her own firm in 1989. “I understand being the owner of the business. I understand the needs and what the owner is thinking,” she asserted. “It’s not a production sale. I try to understand the business model and what [business owners] are trying to accomplish.”

In essence, she added, what she does has changed, as the industry has evolved, but not how she does it. In her words: “The service is the same — personalized.” Dropeski understands the community, too, thanks to decades of volunteering. After moving to Brevard County in the late 1980s, she dove into the deep end of community pool, either running or helping to run the county’s Special Olympics program for 29 years. Consider this: Special Olympics in Brevard provides year-round sports training and competition to children and adults (ages 8 and older) who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. A total of 15 sports serve approximately 950 athletes.

Dropeski acknowledged the heavy work load for her “side job,” but exclaimed, “You’re giving back!” Also, she chaired the board of directors for several regional organizations, including both Easter Seals in Brevard and Bridges BTC, which has provided services and support to adults with disabilities in Brevard for more than 60 years. Currently, she chairs the board for the Bridges BTC Foundation. “Being part of the community is very, very important to me,” Dropeski said. “And you can learn so much, businesswise, from volunteering. … But I have never done it for [business] prospecting. I do it from the heart. “People got to know me and how I do things without having to do business with me.” In turn, people have done business with her, lots of business, in what she describes as an “extensive growth pattern” for Intercoastal Insurance. “We are continuing to expand,” she concluded. “And what is neat, people are calling us.”

T H E E D C O F F LO R I D A’ S S PA C E C O A S T A N D I T S 1 6 2 CO R P O R AT E I N V E S TO R S

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SpaceCoastEDC.org • 321. 638. 2000 6525 3rd Street, Suite 304, Rockledge, FL * Since 2010. Projections reported by company over three-year timeframe from commencement of operations.

JA NUARY 2 02 0: 13

FEATURE

Mark Malek and Scott Widerman Photo provided by Widerman Malek

‘Community Partner’

Founded on friendship and built with a focus on family, Widerman Malek, PL has made quite a name for itself.

[ By Michael Candelaria, Writer ]

ome business brands just develop, with their operational style and approach coming together without a script or set of rules. Such was the case with Widerman Malek, PL. Scott Widerman and Mark Malek met in their second year of law school. Widerman was a full-time day student, while Malek attended at night. So, their chances of meeting weren’t great until Widerman decided to take a night class. And a friendship was born. Following graduation, Widerman returned to his native Brevard County to start practicing law, mainly on land use and civil litigation. Malek remained in Orlando, working as a patent attorney. Often, they would get together for fun and also talk shop, as each grew more experienced in his profession. “Scott and I had a relationship closer than most siblings,” said Malek. Then one day, as Malek described, he called Widerman, and the conversation went something like this: “Hey, man. You want to

14: SPACE C OAST B U S I N E SS

start a firm together?” Malek asked. Widerman’s response went along the lines of “Why not?” During one of their many weekend family gatherings in Cocoa Beach, the friends decided to “give it a go.” The business began in October 2003, headquartered in Melbourne. Today, Widerman Malek, PL is a law firm with national clients and extensive legal offerings — from appellate law, arbitration and copyrights to data security, eminent domain, government contracts and more. Initially, civil litigation and land use (Widerman) and intellectual property (Malek) were the specialties, but others were added as clients sought more assistance in what Malek called “slow and steady” growth. Now, there’s a second office in Orlando, opened five years ago, with a strategic alliance that includes Brazilian attorneys who work at the Orlando office. Yet, not surprisingly, while the firm continues to thrive in the legal arena, which fairly can be labeled (at minimum) as “competitive,” the themes of “family” and “community” have emerged as the cornerstones. Naturally.

SPAC E C OAST BU S INES S .CO M

“We are a family- and community-oriented firm,” Malek asserted, leaving little doubt. “Work is always going to be here,” he explained. “How we spend our time and our treasure are really the two things we have control over in our lives.” That was the thinking from day one, Malek added, citing that both he and Widerman started the firm as parents of young children. “Our focus was on ‘We sure would like to be present in the lives of our children’ and not be the typical 90-hour-a-week attorneys,” Malek noted. “We were focused on our families and the families of those who worked with us. And not making the workplace so stressful that you took that stressful nature home to your family.” Malek goes further on his point: “What’s the use of making money [from overwork] if you can’t spend it?” With many of the firm’s staffers also having children, the lobby features photos of the “WM Kids” — a collage of the employees’ children and grandchildren. “There are people here from the beginning. It’s been really, really fantastic to watch the kids grow and to see them graduate high school and go off to college,” Malek said. A similar focus extends to the community, highlighted by The No Bad Days Foundation, established by the firm to help support children in the county who have medical disabilities but aren’t able to obtain life-enhancing medical devices and other necessities. The primary fundraiser is a kickball tournament held annually in early February. All funds collected from donations go directly to children. Notably, the foundation’s start date mirrors that of the firm back in October 2003. Additional organizations include the Children’s Hunger Project, the United Way of Brevard, the March of Dimes, Junior Achievement of the Space Coast and the Scott Center for Autism Treatment at Florida Institute of Technology, among others. “We’re raising our kids here. So, we need to make this community as good as we can. … It would be completely irresponsible if we did not take part in our own community,” Malek cited. Malek even has recruited attorneys to join his firm based on their passion for community service. One example is Eric Hostetler, who moved from Jacksonville to Brevard in fall 2004 and spent years developing a résumé of local giving before joining the firm in 2013. Hostetler served on the board of directors for the United Way and was chair of the Emerging Leaders, a group of young professionals dedicated to volunteering and supporting the United Way and its agencies. Also, he’s currently president of the Melbourne Civic Theatre. “This [firm] is a great place to work if you have the right mindset, and that mindset is the community and the family unit comes first,” Malek repeated for emphasis.

WHAT CAN Chamber Membership DO FOR YOUR BUSINESS? • Business support and development resources • Networking events, including monthly business breakfasts, business after hours events, council events, and more • New business opportunities • Access to professional development, including seminars and workshops • Participation in councils and committees pertaining to your field • Complimentary listing in Melbourne Chamber Member Directory on website and app • Complimentary Traffic Catcher website • Exclusive advertising and sponsorship opportunities to other chamber members as well as the community • Representation on governmental issues • Advocacy for a strong business community

Contact the Chamber today for more information.

1005 East Strawbridge Avenue Melbourne, FL 32901-4782 Tel: (321) 724-5400 www.MelbourneRegionalChamber.com

“We want to be known as a community partner.” JA NUARY 2 02 0: 15

FEATURE

Inspiring the Next Generation My day volunteering with JA [ By David Michael Smith, Contributor ]

n February 2019 I joined the Board of Junior Achievement (JA) of the Space Coast. It was my first interaction with JA, but then I made a surprising discovery. When I spoke to my father, he shared that when he started with Sears in the early 1960s, involvement with JA was part of the corporate culture and he participated with them for a year.

Beach at Mrs. Tomacari’s third and fourth grade class.

So that Board members receive first-hand experience with the impact of JA, part of Board Responsibility is participating in the various programs JA offers. One of those programs is the JA Leadership Speaker Series. This unique opportunity allows professionals from every imaginable sector of business to “inspire the next generation workforce with your story.” Practically speaking, most young people have no idea what a particular career entails, from being an electrical engineer to a CPA. I spoke at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary in Cocoa

However, when you have a great class of inquisitive, funny and smart students, who are genuinely interested, it is far easier than you can imagine. I started with a brief background of my work and life experience. I’m the General Manager for Seaport Canaveral Corp, the petroleum terminal in Port Canaveral. We provide most of the gasoline in the region, as well as Jet Fuel for Orlando International Airport, Bunker Fuel for various cruise companies in Port Canaveral and we also have several renewable fuels we distribute.

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Since it was my first time, I was a little nervous, not speaking in front of people, but in trying to find the right message to motivate the students and to connect with eight and nine-yearold’s. Not only about my current role, but of the opportunities, risks and challenges I faced to get where I am.

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Sharing the Journey I’ve been lucky enough to work with great companies and in several different countries. I’ve worked in Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Aruba, Canada, Netherlands, Turkey and the U.K. during my career and each position contributed to my role today. I graduated with a Political Science degree, which usually surprises people, seeing as I became involved in the petroleum industry, in various roles, for more than 25 years. I explained to them that as a young person, originally from Philadelphia, I went to Aruba, to work on the marketing side of the industry, as well at the refinery. As life evolved, I got married to a Dutch woman and have two beautiful children who are dual citizens. The students had many questions. They wanted to hear about

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all the steps Seaport Canaveral is taking to remain a sustainable business, like installing solar panels, converting to clean burning fuels, preparing for regulatory changes for fuels for the cruise ships. I was pleased to see that the students (rightly so) are very concerned about the environment and how business needs to adapt. There were plenty of fun questions as well. After I explained

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that my wife and children were Dutch, they asked me if I could speak it. I told them, “only nursery rhymes,” so I had to sing to them as well. I hadn’t laughed so much in a semi work-related activity in years. That’s the great thing about JA, that students want to learn, listen and ask. Maybe what is most surprising is they are genuinely interested in you. They want to understand how to be successful, how to grow, find their niche and contribute. I will definitely do it again, as it is fun, it is exciting, it is different, it is JA. What is more, you don’t have to be a Board Member to participate. Just be willing and take the plunge. Jaspacecoast.org

David Michael Smith is the General Manager for Seaport Canaveral Corp, and Island Project and Operating Services, LLC, VTTI B.V. David has been in the Petroleum industry for 25 years, in various roles in Terminals, Refineries and Marketing. Responsible for Operations of Seaport Canaveral, as well as two new U.S. Virgin Islands Storage facilities to supply superheated propane gas to power plants in St. Croix and in St. Thomas.

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JA NUA RY 2020: 17

COVER STORY

David J. Volk of Volk Law Offices Built to last, built to win [ By Eric Wright, Publisher ] Photography by Jason Hook

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hether you are building a house, buying a car or hiring an attorney, there are certain things you look for. These include thoughtful planning, great materials and excellent craftsmanship.

to help them with a problem or opportunity,” Volk said. “Then, you have to set high standards for the work performed. Which means you need a great team with great tools.”

Reflecting on these qualities, David Volk of Volk Law Offices commented, “I’m in my 33rd year of trying to get better and better at achieving what clients want and expect. My parents were entrepreneurs. I know what they wanted. I worked for them from the time I was 12 years old and had my nose in everything they did, because the main office was in our home. Tax returns, bills, agreements and letters were all there for me to see.”

Around the time he opened Volk Law Offices, Volk was given a manual from a client entitled Representing First Union (the banking giant that eventually merged with Wells Fargo). It was full of very specific guidelines, and like an engineer with a technical manual, Volk loved it. It caused him to ask a simple question, “Why don’t we have a manual like this to cause us to analyze and describe our standard procedures?”

That connection and admiration for entrepreneurs and business owners is a passion for Volk. “I know their life is not easy, but these are the people I love working with and never want to disappoint. In a sense, they are my heroes and I am just here to help ensure their success,” he said.

The experience inspired him to create his first procedures manual, which he continues to improve, adding other manuals as needed. “Every aspect of how you work will affect your outcomes,” he explained. “How we answer the phone and screen potential clients, to how our documents are electronically named and filed, to our methodology in preparing for a hearing or trial are among the written procedures. We want to standardize our work product, and this can include utilizing the combined experience of our veteran lawyers to sharpen procedures, so that we don’t have to reinvent the wheel on each case.”

Volk Law Offices is completing its 25th year in business and is on a rapidly ascending arc, mainly because of Volk’s disruptive approach to building a law business. “To survive and thrive in changing economic times, you have to have certain foundational principals. First and foremost, embrace the fact that people are trusting us

Sharon Fitzpatrick, Barry Baker and David Volk

JA NUA RY 2020: 19

COVER STORY

Back Row (L to R): Christian Anderson; Nicholas Gieseler; Steven Gieseler; David Volk; David Jones; Melisa Stetler; Sharon Fitzpatrick Front Row (L to R): Bryan Yarnell; Victoria Mack; Michael Dujovne; Barry Baker; Tracy Wales

Growing with the Client in Mind The wrong kind of growth can be as perilous for a business as no growth. “Adding more attorneys or paralegals or administrators to a bad organization just makes it more unmanageable,” Volk observed. Instead, Volk has focused his practice on assembling and creating a process driven team, rather than a loosely organized law practice which is simply a collection of sole practitioners sharing expenses. Developing processes, regardless of what the business is, becomes a force multiplier. Why? Because it systematizes and accelerates certain work with the efficiency of an assembly line. With standard processes implemented, the team’s creative and analytical abilities can be focused on solving the more existential challenges. “I have always asked, ‘Is there a better way to do this?’ Which used to drive my dad crazy when I worked for him back in West Virginia. He would say, ‘Just do it the way I said,’” Volk recalled. However, it was something he could never get away from. Once he started practicing law, the idea that a firm that didn’t systematize how a client’s case was analyzed, strategized and tactically built was astounding to him. “Because we developed processes to work up cases, we are less likely to get lost in the discrete tasks and will strive to keep the view from ten thousand feet in mind,” 20: SPAC E C OAST B U S I N E SS

Volk said. “This also helps us evaluate if the case is likely to go to trial or can be settled fairly.” Needless to say, any system’s success is dependent on the capabilities of the practitioners. For this, Volk looked for experience in the other members of his firm and not just availability and a law degree. At Volk Law, the team has been practicing lawyers are very experienced commercial law litigators with most having over twenty years’ experience.

From Practice to Game Day Law firms are often called a “practice.” However, what defines a lawyer’s reputation is when he or she moves from the practice field of legal knowledge to the actual game day experience in court or across a boardroom table in negotiations. Granted, a seasoned attorney like Volk will use all his skill to help a client equitably settle out of court, but it is his track record of success in the courtroom that often tips the scales in negotiating a settlement. What is more, in commercial litigation, clients are paying for legal services by the hour, win or lose. Therefore, unless the representing attorney is motivated to be as cost conscious as possible, the only winner in this type of legal action can be the attorneys. “A cost benefit analysis is essential before pursuing any case and it should be done at each step in the process, with the question being, ‘How do I achieve value added?” Volk

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explained, adding that his family business history and undergraduate degree in accounting also causing him to intuitively think on those lines. But he said his greatest motivator is he does not want to let his client down. “I want them to know I did everything possible to win their case,” he said. Believe it or not, representing clients can even be a little fun. Once, Volk was in a deposition involving a small business owner against a large corporation. The opposing counsel asked his client the same question repeatedly, for which he received the same answer. To add to the intimidation factor, the attorney claimed he had a bad back, so he stood during the proceedings, attempting to tower over the table and Volk’s client. As he became more agitated at the responses, he finally said, with appropriate dramatic bluster, “You won’t answer my question. Well, I am going to keep asking that question if we have to stay here all night!” Volk’s client was a pretty tough guy and unfazed by this display. Volk looked calmly at the attorney and said, “I don’t know about you, but my client and I are leaving at 5 o’clock.” He ultimately settled the case in his client’s favor perhaps because the other lawyer realized Volk and his client would persist regardless of what maneuvers would occur.

Another of Volk’s recent clients was a young married couple that had their first baby shortly before the eightday trial. His clients had purchased a riverfront house with a cracked foundation, which would have cost the client hundreds of thousands to repair. Volk won the case, including attorney’s fees to be paid by the seller. “In the trial we showed a video of the couple’s weighted baby carriage and marbles rolling across the floor,” he said. “We just wanted the sellers to do the right thing.” They ultimately had to. Some of the cases he has won or settled have saved his clients millions of dollars. The real differentiator is not whether the case is large or small. It is the dedication he and his team have to clients’ interests from initial analysis to advising what their options and risks are to make the process understandable and ensuring regular communication. Volk Law’s thoughtful planning, extensive experience and craftsmanship in how a case is pursued proves Robert Frost often quoted maxim, “A jury consists of twelve persons chosen to decide who has the better lawyer.”

David J. Volk, Esq.

Barry K. Baker, Esq.

32 Years Business Litigation Experience

22 Years Litigation Experience

15 Years Board Certified-Business Litigation

6 Years Employment Law Experience

Michael E. Dujovne, Esq.

Bryan J. Yarnell, Esq.

28 Years Real Estate & Litigation Experience 12 Years Board Certified-Real Estate

Marine Corp jet pilot

23 Years Complex Commercial Litigation Experience Harvard Law, former Navy nuclear physics instructor

Brian D. Solomon, Esq. 31 Years Business & Civil Litigation Experience 16 Years Construction & Workers Compensation Experience 15 Years Board Certified-Construction

Steven G. Gieseler, Esq. 15 Years Constitutional Law & Property Rights Experience 22 United States Supreme Court cases

Michael P. Sapourn, Esq. 24 Years Insurance & Compliance Experience Certified Insurance Counselor Certified Risk Manager

Nicholas M. Gieseler, Esq. 12 Years Environmental Law & Land Use Experience 22 United States Supreme Court cases

David A. Jones, Esq. 34 Years Complex Commercial Litigation Experience JA NUA RY 2020: 2 1

FEATURE

Investing in the Final Frontier A constellation of opportunities? [ By Sebastian Northside ]

ransportation breakthroughs, and the exploration they spawn, have always been profit generators, from new ship technology, to trains, automobiles and then aircraft. The question many are asking today is, will declining launch costs, advances in technology and rising public-sector interest position space exploration as the next trillion-dollar industry? It was over a half a century ago that Neil Armstrong said those fateful words, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.â&#x20AC;? Since we left footprints on the moon, human space exploration has largely centered on manned low-Earth orbit missions and unmanned scientific exploration. But now, high levels of private funding, advances in technology and growing public-sector interest is renewing the call to look beyond the sky.

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According to an article released by Morgan Stanley Research, “The investment implications for a more accessible, less expensive reach into outer space could be significant, with potential opportunities in fields such as satellite broadband, high-speed product delivery and perhaps even human space travel. While the most recent space exploration efforts have been driven by handful of private companies in recent years, discussions of a sixth branch of the U.S. military—the ‘Space Force’— along with growing interest from Russia and China, means public-sector investment may also increase in the coming years.”

2020: A Space Odyssey As we stated earlier, a single transformative technology shift often can spark new eras of modernization, followed by a flurry of complimentary innovations. In 1854, when Elisha Otis demonstrated the safety elevator, few had the foresight to see its impact on architecture and city design. But roughly 20 years later, every multistory building in New York, Boston and Chicago was constructed around a central elevator shaft. What is more, the race was on to build higher and higher. In the same way, consider the development boom in Florida, following the innovations in affordable air conditioning. Today, development of reusable rockets may provide a similar turning point. “We think of reusable rockets as an elevator to low Earth orbit (LEO),” said Morgan Stanley Equity Analyst Adam Jonas. “Just as further innovation in elevator construction was required before today's skyscrapers could dot the skyline, so too will opportunities in space mature because of access and falling launch costs.” Privately held space exploration firms have also been developing space technologies, with ambitions such as manned landings on the moon and airplane-borne rocket launchers that could launch small satellites to LEO at a far lower cost, and with far greater responsiveness, than ground-based systems.

Impetus From the Private Sector While private-equity projects, like SpaceX and Blue Origin, have grabbed most of the headlines in recent years, public-sector interest has also grown. In August 2018, NASA announced crews for manned flights to the International Space Station (ISS) on commercially developed U.S. rockets. The flights would be the first time that the U.S. has flown manned missions to the ISS, since the shuttle program was retired in 2011. This will likely be an important milestone for the relationship between private enterprise and the U.S. government in the space domain, attracting high levels of media and investor attention. Also last year, the Trump Administration announced plans to create a U.S. Space Command (including a Space Operations Force and a Space Development Agency). This development could benefit the U.S. Defense Department—as well as the aerospace and defense industries—and help focus and accelerate investment in innovative technologies and capabilities. Near term, space as an investment theme is also likely to impact a number of industries beyond Aerospace & Defense, such as IT Hardware and Telecom sectors. Morgan Stanley researchers have estimated that the global space industry could generate revenue of more than $1 trillion by 2040, up from $350 billion, currently. Yet, the most significant short- and medium-term opportunities may come from satellite broadband Internet access. JA NUA RY 2 02 0: 23

Staggering the Imagination Beyond the opportunities generated by satellite broadband Internet, with companies like OneWeb, the new frontiers in rocketry offer some amazing possibilities. Imagine rocketing around the globe at the dizzying speeds of frictionless space, rather than the snail-like pace it takes for typical flight from the U.S. to Asia. Mining equipment could be sent to asteroids to extract mineralsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all possible, theoretically, with the recent breakthroughs in rocketry. With the balance we have come to expect from investment analysts, Jonas cautions that â&#x20AC;&#x153;history is 24: SPAC E C OAST BU S I N E SS

littered with cautionary tales" of investing in satellite and other space-related companies, noting that stocks have been volatile and several such companies failed in the 1990s. Understandably, many investors would rather think about nearer-term themes that are actionable and can impact their portfolios in the more foreseeable future. However, initiatives by large public and private firms suggest that space is an area where we will see significant development, potentially enhancing U.S. technological leadership and addressing opportunities and vulnerabilities in surveillance, mission deployment, cyber and artificial intelligence.

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FEATURE

Friends of Children of Brevard Supporting those who need it most [ By David Smith, Contributor ]

he mission of Friends of Children of Brevard is to improve the lives of the abused, abandoned and neglected children of Brevard County and to support their advocates, the Guardian Ad Litem Program. As a nonprofit 501 C3 organization, Friends of Children of Brevard supports children who have been removed from their home due to no fault of their own. Often when children are placed in foster care, they leave their current residence unexpectedly and are not able to take many personal items with them. Our organization provides tangible items to the children and their interim caregivers that are not normally provided by government agencies. Items often provided consist of: clothing, shoes, beds, bikes, diapers, school supplies, luggage, holiday gifts, as well as financial contributions for opportunities such as summer camps, swimming lessons and access to other normal childhood activities. Friends of Children of Brevard fills in gaps for items that the Florida Department of Children and Families does not offer, such as bunk beds for a grandmother who acquires temporary custody of her grandchildren after the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drug-addicted mother has been arrested.

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Guardian ad Litem In addition to our direct support of abused children, Friends supports the Guardian ad Litem Program. This important program provides volunteer advocates for abused children. These volunteers are assigned by the court and offer Judges the critical information they need by making independent recommendations. Guardian ad Litem volunteers focus on the needs of each child and continue to advocate on behalf of the child until he or she is placed in a loving permanent home. Research shows children paired with a volunteer are much less likely to languish in long-term foster care, are moved less frequently and are more likely to be placed with their siblings. Once in the foster care system, foster children often face additional moves from one placement to another, often causing children to have difficulty in school and need extra support. Transportation is usually an issue for our children, which is it is best to send tutors to the children at their placements or neighborhoods. Alternatively, a gas card could be provided to the foster parents to offset transportation costs. Although some schools do provide

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tutoring, students who are bus riders or must walk home with siblings would not be able to take advantage of inschool programs.

Facts About Tutoring The following facts support the need for after school tutoring: • Children in foster care are more likely to change schools during the school year, be in special education classes, or fail to receive passing grades over their peers. • High school dropout rates are three times higher for foster youth than other low-income children. • The high school graduation rate is approximately 50% for foster children. • Over 40% of school-aged children in foster care have educational difficulties. • Foster children have a 2.5% graduation rate from a 4-year college compared with 24% of the general population.

gift cards. Currently the expenses for the birthday club are projected at about $10,000 per year, but it is money well spent to give a child a sense of belonging and importance when all they have known is suffering and neglect. One of our biggest events of the year is the Holiday Project. This is a huge undertaking by our board and volunteers to provide up to 4 gifts for each child in care. In 2019 we were at 3,000 gifts, the bulk of which came from the community. Where there is a shortfall in gifts, Friends provides funding in order that the children’s wish list can be completed as much as possible.

Giving a Special Day Our most recent project is the Birthday Gift Club. Many of our children have never had a birthday party. We help celebrate each child’s birthday by giving their Volunteer Child Advocate a $25.00 gift card for the child. They could buy a gift, take the child shopping, buy a cake, take the child out for a meal, or to the movies. Many of the Advocates purchase gifts themselves out of their own funds, but more than half request the birthday club

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JA NUA RY 2020: 2 9

UP CLOSE with

WAYNE IVEY Brevard County Sheriff

[ By Eric Wright, Publisher ] Photography by Jason Hook

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he correlation between safe and crime-free communities and economic growth is recognized worldwide. One of the chief advocates of that outcome is Sheriff Wayne Ivey. He has been described as colorful, engaged and certainly outspoken. His video encouraging citizens to arm themselves as the best way to defend their life and property against criminal activity, has been viewed by over five million people throughout the country. Ivey, however, points to the effectiveness his department has had in keeping Brevardians from being the victims of a crime as his most important accomplishment.

EW: When you ran for Sheriff the first time, what was your most significant goal, and looking back, how would you appraise your progress?

EW: Since taking office the Sheriff’s sphere has expanded significantly. Explain the expansion and how the County has benefitted?

WI: We pledged to work to lower Brevard’s crime rate, by being aggressive in law enforcement, but of equal if not more importance, by being aggressive in building a partnership with our communities. As an organization we are now 1500 strong, but when you partner with the community you are 600,000 strong.

WI: There are several factors that have facilitated our growth. First, we assumed the security and law enforcement duties for Port Canaveral – we contract those services. Secondly, we took over animal services, including shelters and control. Third, we took over school services, which initially was a small piece, but post-Parkland it has expanded considerably.

We have a slogan, “It takes a community to protect a community.” The citizens themselves are the best network of crime prevention we have; we can’t do it by ourselves. Our mantra to them is, “If you see something, say something.” This is also the reason we have such a strong social media presence. Myself or one of my staff can speak at community groups, which we love to do, but we are reaching a small percentage of our community. With social media, and the various campaigns we do, we are reaching, involving and engaging hundreds of thousands. Our Facebook following has grown from 99 when I became Sheriff, to 125,530. The real proof is in the measurable outcomes. Crime has dropped 30%, it could drop to 34-35% in the unincorporated areas of the county under direct oversight. Even with our population increase, in 2019 our number of reported crimes was the lowest in almost 40 years. But the outcome we are so thankful for, are the members of our community that come up to our deputies and thank them, buy them lunch or kids that bake them cookies. Our citizens love us, trust us and protect us, as much as we love, trust and protect them.

Add to that the growth in the county population and one of the most significant partnerships we have, which is with our municipal police departments. We support them, not only on calls, but with our aviation units, our marine units and K-9 units. All working K-9 units in Brevard are trained at our facilities, we even train K-9 units outside of Brevard. EW: You have a reputation for solving crimes by preventing them from happening. What are the most significant initiates you have been able to take with regard to crime prevention? WI: Every component of this agency is vital to me, but there were two sectors that I decided to personally oversee and be hands-on with when I became Sheriff. Those were crime prevention and community relations. The reason was, our number one priority was to prevent people from becoming the victim of a crime. What follows is that community relations and community outreach was one of the best ways of accomplishing that goal. By educating and informing our community, through a host of programs we have started, from home security surveys, to seminars to prepare high school students to be security conscious when the go to college. Again, one of the most effective ways we have engaged is through social media. The JA NUA RY 2020: 3 1

The real proof is in the measurable outcomes. Crime has dropped 30%, it could drop to 34-35% in the unincorporated areas of the county under direct oversight. – Wayne Ivey

outreach and community policing capabilities of social media are astounding. We post a missing person report that will immediately reach 20,000 people. We add a lot of humor into what we do, but people know when we are being funny and when we are serious. On the serious side, I did an on-scene video where I told our citizens to arm themselves. The next day I got a call from Fox News and I didn’t have a clue what is was about. That video reached 2 million in less than 24 hours and today has reached over 5 million to date. EW: You are an advocate for youth intervention, what can the community do to give “at risk” kids a better chance? WI: We have a program called, “It is time to be a parent again.” Parents are the most important individuals in steering the direction of a young person. I shouldn’t be the chief law enforcement officer in a child’s life. Yet many parents have been scared into believing they are powerless and have no authority; we want to change that. We have another program called BAM, Brevard Attitude Modification, for kids 10 to 17 years old. It starts at 6 a.m. at the courthouse before the Judge. The judge asks them why they are there and every time the first one gives a smart-alecky remark, and by the time that judge is through with that first one, the next one is saying, “I’m here because I’ve messed up my life.” The judge sentences them to a day at BAM, where they get a day of training in discipline and life skills, they even have the opportunity to hear from some of our inmates. 32: SPACE C OAST B U S I N E SS

EW: Cybercrime is one of the most devastating wrongs facing businesses of all sizes. What is being done locally, statewide and nationally, and how do you partner with the business community? WI: Florida ranks No. 1 in fraud nationwide, particularly against seniors. When I came into office, we launched an economic crimes unit that focuses on identity theft, credit card fraud, etc., which is joined with our cybercrime’s unit, which includes attacking Dark Web activity like child pornography and abduction. We also started a legislative initiative to stop “revenge porn,” where someone would post images and statements about an ex-spouse, ex-friend or co-worker. With the way background searches are done for jobs, these can be devastating. We can’t stop the posting of an image, that is protected by the first amendment, but you now you can’t attach identifiers, like a name or address. What is surprising is the first two times this legislation failed, but on the third time we succeeded. Why it took three times I don’t know. Often it is our business community that alerts us to all manner of criminal activity, they are our gate keepers. When there is a crime, they often provide video surveillance that helps to solve the crime. Also, we do lunch and learns for employees that businesses sponsor to alert and protect them from crime. The idea that “It takes a community to protect a community,” touches every business, every citizen and every organization.

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