Gulfshore Business June 2022

P.16

P.102

P.112

X MARKS THE OFFICE

MODELING THE FUTURE

SUCCESSFUL NARRATIVE

Nature inspires thoughtful design for co-working spaces

Innovation Way explores new design ideas for homes

Local coffee entrepreneur takes business leap of faith

SOUTHWEST F LO R I DA’ S BEST VIEW OF BUSINESS

COASTAL CONCERN REELING INDUSTRY

SHORING UP AGING INFRASTRUCTURE __P. 38

Regional commercial fishing industry faces challenges __P. 46

BEST PLACES TO WORK SWFL companies among the cream of the crop __P. 60

19 YEARS of employing Southwest Florida’s BEST people With over 100 team members, we’re proud to be one of Southwest Florida’s Best Places to Work.

Locally Owned and Operated 239-274-6100 | www.SanCapBank.com NMLS #411904

Contents.

F E AT U R E S

Coastal Concern

P.46

P.60

ONE FISH,

BEST PLACES TO

In the wake of the Surfside condo tragedy,

TWO FISH

WORK IN SWFL

engineers, contractors and local lawmakers

The local commercial fishing industry faces daunting challenges despite high demand

Celebrating the top companies to work for in the region

partner to prevent a similar situation for aging buildings skirting the state’s coastline

Robert Exelbierd

P.38

Unnnvering commiimenn o our ccienns.

ppveseeee.com 239.334.2195

OVER 70 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY

Fort Myers | Cape Coral | West Palm Beach

Our experience is your advantage.

Agricuuuurrr | BBnking & Finnnce | Business & Corporrre | Civii Liiigggion | Connominium & HOA’s Conssruccion | Emppoomenn | Environmennnn & er | Esssse PPPnning | Probbbe & Trusss LLnn Use & Loccc overnmenn | MMriiii & FFmiii | Reee Esssse

Contents.

D E PA R T M E N T S

TakeNote Mood Board P. 14 Spaces P. 16 Makers P. 22 Creatives P. 26 Bookmark P. 32 Trendline P. 34 Economic Commentary P. 36

B2B

P 102

INNOVATION Innovation Way explores new ideas in home design at Babcock Ranch P 108

TOURISM Southwest Florida International sets new passenger records P 110

Residential moves in above retail in downtown Naples P 112

ENTREPRENEURSHIP Coffee entrepreneur Caleb MacPherson’s leap of faith P 118

P.26

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Top leases in Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties P 120

NEW & EXPANDING BUSINESSES Top leases in Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties

P.110 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

P.112 gulfshorebusiness.com

Robert Exelbierd; Courtesy of Parkview at Cambier Park; Brian Tietz

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

DRIVE RESULTS

LOVE, LAUGH, WORK HARD

Stay happier, healthier, and more productive by balancing your time between work, community activities, family life, emotional/ spiritual development, and physical fitness.

Be relentless about continuous improvement Regularly reevaluate every aspect of your job to find ways to improve.

Juan Jimenez - 10 years

Robin Mohr - 5 years

EMBRACING

PEOPLE OVER PROFIT THROUGH OUR

CORE VALUES At Sunshine Ace Hardware, we consider our

OWN IT!

Make quality personal. Take pride in the quality of everything you touch and everything you do. Always ask yourself, “Is this my best work?”

Polo Samaniego - 32 years

employees to be like family. We believe in SUPPORT EACH OTHER

Work from the assumption that people are good, and that the intent behind their actions is positive.

Richard Jaklitch- 10 years

diversity and each team member is valued for who they are. Many have worked at our local stores for more than 20 years! Whether it’s volunteering to serve the community or offering helpful, friendly in-store advice, our dedicated staff finds a way to deliver sunshine with a smile, every day.

SunshineAceHardware.com

DELIVER SUNSHINE

JOIN OUR FAMILY

Create a great first impression. Make every interaction be friendly, warm, and helpful. Always identify yourself, use people’s names, and smile.

People make the difference at Sunshine Ace Hardware. Our customers have come to depend on the helpful advice our friendly associates provide.

Sherry Kish - 40 years

Family owned and operated since 1958

James Welch - 20 years

Contents.

D E PA R T M E N T S

AFTER HOURS

P 124

HORSEPOWER Inside the luxurious Lexus RX 450h P 126

FITNESS Awareness for a serious health issue: fatigue P 128

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Fuego Shoes’ dance fever P 130

WEEKEND GETAWAY The Spiegel Grove offers a weekend’s worth of fun for divers, anglers alike P 136 Provided; Courtesy of Lexus; Provided

UNWIND A calmer edge for your golf game

P.130

P.136

P.124

6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

Ass ist in g y ou a n d yo ur f a m il y i n pr o t ecti ng & pr e se rv i n g y o u r fam ily va l u es a n d f in an cial l e gac y

Congratulations Team Dorcey

for being named as one of the

Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida

E S TA TE P L A NN I N G B U S I N E S S P L A NN I NG A S S E T P R O T E CT I ON E L D E R LA W P R OB A TE T R U S T A D MI N IS T R A T I ON

Main Office:

1 018 1 SI X MI LE CYP RE S S PKWY., S T E C F ORT MYERS , F L 3 3 9 66

Satellite o ffices:

Na pl e s L a be l l e P o rt Ch a rl o tt e S a ra s o ta Ta m pa

239- 418 - 01 6 9 W W W. D O RCE YLA W . CO M

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 7

EDI T OR IN CHIEF

READER SERVICES

Heidi Rambo Centrella EDI T ORI A L Managing Editor T im At en Senior Editor Dav id Dor se y Digit al Editor A dam Regan A ssociate Editor K ai t lin Gr eenock le Copy Editor S t e v e Gill

CON T RIBU T ORS A r t is Hender son , L ane Nie se t , Jus t in P apr ock i , Jame s Raia , A isling S w i f t , Bill Wasinger

ART Cr eative Dir ec tor s Sco t t Glick , Jer r y P omale s

Pho to Editor Dennis Wr igh t

ADVERTISING A ssociate Publisher C hr is Rens t r om

M A RK E T ING Dir ec tor of Marke ting and Event s Rachel G alan t e Digit al Media Marke ting Manager Br i t t ne y K leis

CIRCUL AT ION Dir ec tor of Audience Development K er r i Nolan

PRODUC T ION Pr oduc tion Manager Mar t ha L eav i t t

A DMINIS T R AT ION Adver tising Ser v ices Manager/ Reprint Sales K a t hleen Hill

Office Address 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 Call or text 239.498.8500 gulfshorebusiness.com info@gulfshorebusiness.com Subscriptions Subscribe online at gulfshorebusiness.com, call or text 239.498.8500 for more information.

Change of address Send old and new addresses and a mailing label, if possible, to Gulfshore Life, 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134.

Visit gulfshorebusiness.com/subscribe to login and update your address, call or text 239.498.8500 or email subscriptions@gulfshorebusiness.com.

Back issues A limited number of back issues are available for $4.95 each plus tax and postage. Call or text 239.498.8500 or visit gulfshorebusiness.com/backissues.

Reprints Visit gulfshorebusiness.com/reprints for plaques and reprints.

Contact Us Please send all correspondence to: Gulfshore Business 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 Call or text us at 239.498.8500.

WEBSITE gulfshorebusiness.com

Volume 27/Number 6, June, Gulfshore Business (ISSN 1935-8199), is published 12 times a year by Gulfshore Life Media, 26101 Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Subscriptions are free to qualified individuals residing in the United States. For customer service inquiries or to change your address by providing both the old and new addresses, contact: Gulfshore Business, 26101 Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Telephone (239) 498-8501 or email subscriptions@gulfshorebusiness.com. Periodicals postage paid at Naples, FL, and at additional mailing offices. Copyright 2021 by Gulfshore Life Media. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Unsolicited manuscripts without return postage will not be returned. DISCLAIMER: Advertisements in the publication do not constitute an offer for sale in states where prohibited or restricted by law.

P O S T M A S T E R : S e n d a d d r e s s c h a n g e s t o G u l f s h o r e B u s i n e s s , 2 6 1 0 1 Ta m i a m i Tr a i l , B o n i t a S p r i n g s , F L 3 4 1 3 4 .

8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

#HONORTOBUILD

deangelisdiamond.com/join-team

from the editor.

JUNE 2022

tion and the Gulf Council have the task of balancing the interests of commer-

Aftermath and Progress

cial fishermen, recreational fishermen, marine scientists and the species in the Gulf. Last month, NOAA Fisheries approved Amendment 53, which rebalances the allocation of red grouper away

A year ago this month, the unthinkable happened.

The beachfront condo property in Surfside that

HEIDI RAMBO CENTRELLA EDITOR IN CHIEF

from commercial fishermen in favor of recreational fishermen. Now, commer-

collapsed June 24, 2021, has developers in coastal

cial fishermen are allocated 59.3% of the

communities—where weather and exposure have

total quota, while recreational fisher-

taken their toll—proceeding with caution. Long-

men are allocated 40.7%—which results

term safety in building construction is a fraught

in commercial fishermen losing out on

issue, especially considering the continuing rise

630,000 pounds of red grouper a year.

in population across the state, resulting in in-

Read more about the challenges this

creased demand for new housing … which defi-

poses to our local fishing industry on

nitely includes high-rises along the coast.

page 46, and remember to ask your local

Lawmakers were called to action but failed to

grocer and restaurant server where your

act. Since HB 7069 failed earlier this year, ne-

fish comes from. You might be surprised

glecting to address the need for a statewide man-

at the answer.

date to inspect existing buildings and reform

Local industries are always on our

condominium regulations, contractors in South-

minds, and this month it’s in the best

west Florida are working with homeowners and

possible way: This issue of Gulfshore

condominium associations to follow best prac-

Business highlights the Best Places to

tices moving forward. Read more about what the

Work in Southwest Florida. Sixteen

industry is facing, and what’s happening with 40-

companies made the inaugural cut, and

to 50-year-old structures that were built prior to current building codes, on page 38.

While housing continues to be a pressing issue on land, businesses face other persistent challenges at sea. The commercial fishing industry is an important part of the state economy, obviously, but it doesn’t operate in a vacuum. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra-

p.38 COASTAL CONCERN One year since the Surfside condo collapse, what measures are being taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again?

we’re thrilled to share with you a few of each workplace’s secrets to keeping their employees happy and energized, as well as productive (page 60).

Next month, we’ll delve into the numbers from what was, somewhat remarkably, a banner Season for most area businesses. Until then, make the best of summer and the rainy season.

1 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

We’re here for your business.

We know our clients.

And we’re ready to help you, too.

Speak with a member of our team today to discuss your banking needs.

Set up time to talk at wintrustflorida.com/business Wintrust Banking Center supports business of all sizes with a locally-based team that is invested in your success. We’re proud to provide you with services and support built just for the Gulfshore — and we’re proud to have a team of people who know this area well. We hope you’ll come in and say hi sometime and see what we can do for you.

DEPOSIT SOLUTIONS We’ll match you with the best checking account for your business goals.

LENDING SOLUTIONS We’ve designed an easy application process for you, with loan amounts of up to $250,000 with our Easy Access Loan and Easy Access Line of Credit.

AWARD-WINNING WINTRUST SBA TEAM We’re a team of local experts who know the Naples area well, so we can provide you with personalized service.

IN-PERSON, RELATIONSHIP-BASED BANKING When we talk at the bank and get to know each other, we can provide you with personalized guidance.

LEANDRO SOLER Business Banker

As a Naples local, Leo knows what it takes for businesses here to succeed. Leo builds relationships with customers across the Naples area, where he has been a resident for around 20 years.

He appreciates the opportunity to help people.

Wintrust Banking Center is a branch of Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company, N.A

B ANKING C ENTER 3401 Tamiami Trail North | Naples, Florida 239-687-5200 | www.wintrustflorida.com

We invite you to take business personally.

WE DO.

Gina Tran, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Marketing, Lutgert College of Business

At Lutgert College of Business we know the value of business in shaping futures, economies and communities. We make sure that you get personal attention through one-on-one mentoring and small classes to help you succeed.

Professors and business leaders share their knowledge and talents to help you learn and internships allow you to put that knowledge into practice and make contacts for future jobs in the area of your choosing.

Whatever that is.

Because we know that’s personal, too.

Learn more at fgcu.edu/itspersonal

p_22 Phelps family’s jeweled legacy

TakeNote MOOD BOARD | SPACES | MAKERS | CREATIVES | BOOKMARK TRENDLINE | ECONOMIC COMMENTARY

Reagan Rule

X Marks the Office NATURE INSPIRES CO-WORKING SPACE p_16

By Aisling Swift

TakeNote

JUNE 2022

MOOD BOARD

James Raia

Denim Dreams JEANS REIGN OVER THE CASUAL FASHION INDUSTRY Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis were business partners nearly 150 years ago. They used small metal rivets to change the world. The wholesale dry goods businessman and tailor patented the idea of strengthening men’s work pants at their weakest seam locations.

Rivets worked well with denim, the traditional fabric used for workwear. Waist overalls, the original name for the new apparel, became known as blue jeans. The name was

Citizens of Humanity

shortened to jeans by the baby boomer generation in the

Headquartered in Los Angeles, the upscale brand

1960s.

was launched in 2001 by Jerome Dahan, the former

How could Strauss and Davis have ever foreseen the industry they created in San Francisco when they were granted a patent for their new creation in 1873? Men’s and women’s jeans for work and play. Jeans with more holes than fabric, an odd disrespect to the pants’ inventors. Jeans with fashion designers’ signatures and with unusual brand names, Flying Monkey to Rag and Bone, Good America to Citizens of

design chief for Lucky Brand. It’s now available in more than 35 countries and is immensely popular.

John Craig, Anthropologie, Manny’s Finewear, Tinkled Pink, Macy’s and Nordstrom Outlets in Southwest Florida all carry Citizens of Humanity jeans. The brand combines a sophisticated look, luxury detail, comfort, fit and top-line denim.

The company touts its product with the slogan

Humanity. About 460 million pairs of jeans sold in the United

“Before they are in your hands, each pair of our

States in 2021.

jeans passes through the hands of at least 40

“We find that our customers still want to look put together

skilled craftsmen.”

while wearing jeans, therefore anything distressed usually doesn’t sell well,” says Blair DeLongy Sanchez, vice president

citizensofhumanity.com

of John Craig Clothier, the seven-store men’s apparel company with two locations in Naples. “Cleaner-looking washes with less whiskering sell best.”

Jeans rule the clothing industry, with skinny, slim, straight, Provided(4)

bootcut, taper, relaxed, flare and big and tall options. There’s something for everyone.

1 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

Versatile Pants About 460 million pairs of jeans were sold last year in the United States. Blue jeans have come a long way since they were invented as rugged work pants in 1873. Now, denim is popular for work and play for men and women designing up or dressing down.

Joe’s Jeans

Levi’s

Madewell

Joe Dahan was a fashion tycoon at age 18

Change is good, except for some jean purists.

What’s in a name? Apparently, not even

with a men’s sportswear line bearing his

They wear only the original 501s, the Levi’s

Julian Kivowitz, the company founder, knew

name. Twenty-odd years ago, he introduced

style named after a lot number. The originals

where the name came from. A Jewish im-

Joe’s Jeans, a collection of chic styles for

are non-stretch and straight-leg with five

migrant from Eastern Europe who settled in

women. It skyrocketed via different styles

pockets and a button fly. They date back more

New Bedford, Massachusetts, Kivowitz began

for different body types—The Honey, The

than 130 years and are so popular that “501s”

his new life as a grocer. He applied for the

Socialite, The Starlet and The Twiggy.

has been at times a more commonly used

trademark for an apparel company in 1936

term than the brand name.

and opened his first textile plant a year later.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, the brand went nationwide in 2004 and into Europe

Levi’s sells denim jackets and other

Now a subsidiary of J. Crew Group, which

four years later with a shop at Galeries

apparel, but jeans remain its forte. More than

bought the Madewell trademark in 2006,

Lafayette in Paris. Further success arrived in

two dozen men’s and women’s styles are

the company focuses on jeans for women

2010 when Joe’s Jeans introduced the first

available, designated with the company’s

ages 18 to 40. The New York-headquartered

“jean leggings.”

three-digit numbering system, all between

company has 17 retail outlets nationwide

501 and 721.

and offers myriad styles—straight leg to boy

A decade ago, another Joe’s Jeans brand debuted exclusively at Macy’s, targeted

The jeans’ longevity, ownership to global

jeans, maternity to flare.

toward women 18-35 wanting to wear

identity, has prompted a Levi’s vintage

premium denim.

market, primarily sold on e-commerce sites.

to handbags. Its jeans are available in South-

The originals are available nearly everywhere,

west Florida at Nordstrom Rack and Target.

joesjeans.com

Madewell also sells other apparel, T-shirts

from retail outlets to boutiques.

madewell.com levi.com

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2022 1 5

TakeNote S PA C E S

JUNE 2022

By Aisling Swift

X Marks the Office NATURE INSPIRES A THOUGHTFUL DESIGN FOR CO-WORKING SPACE Naples-based Venture X marries professional office design with the calming effect of nature, using earth tones, biophilia and mid-century modern furniture to create a hip, urban co-working space that promotes health and productivity.

Father and son entrepreneurs David and Brett Diamond, who opened the original Venture X in Mercato in 2012, hired Fort Myers-based Studio+ to design a larger, 18,500-squarefoot space on the top floor of the Lutgert Professional Center, just south of Pine Ridge Road at 4850 U.S. 41. Built by DeAngelis Diamond and designed by David Corban Architects, the Class-A professional building incorporates LEED practices and is Certified Gold Standard.

Business members, who range from tech and investment firms to health companies, pay $40 per month for a community membership, while private offices start at $875. The new space opened in April 2021, and franchises are in 14 other states, France and Australia.

As elevator doors open to the third-floor hallway, a staggered-plank, layered, light-oak wall greets visitors with “Venture X” in bright green moss. Sunlight from floor-to-ceiling, insulated windows surrounding the perimeter brightens the space, which features light-oak Courtesy Reagan Rule

planks suspended from delicate wires that hide LED lighting and ductwork.

1 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com



BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN A biophilic design studio created plant walls in the new space for Naples-based Venture X to foster wellness by connecting nature and productivity.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 17

TakeNote S PA C E S

“Everything here is based on keeping it as natural as possible, so it’s a calm environment and very welcoming,” says sales director Kathryn Parker, adding that it received Blue Zones certification.

“David’s idea was to bring the outside in.”

Valerie Marino, design principal at Fort Myers-based Studio+, said the space represents a refined light-industrial aesthetic, with exposed concrete ceilings and walls and reclaimed timber floors. Wellness features include touchless entries, touch-free faucets and hand dryers and an HVAC system with interior-duct UV lighting and advanced filters.

“At a time when health and wellness is on everyone’s mind, the design concept intends to bring the outdoors in by incorporating live vertical gardens and bio walls, sustainable wood finishes and an abundance of natural light,” Marino says. “Given the orientation of the building and its 360-degree access to natural sunlight, we took planning to ensure all working areas received views of the outdoors.”

Courtesy

careful consideration of space

1 9 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

Signature Logos

ACCELERATE Commodities USA Division WITH SCOTLYNN Transport Group

“

It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, you have to take care of the people who take care of you.

— Ryan Carter, Co-Founder Scotlynn USA

SOLUTIONS DELIVERED BY DRIVE.

Delivering Excellence Since 2010

”

TITLE GOES

Scotlynn USA is one of the fastest growing asset-based logistics HERE companies in North America. Scotlynn operates a state-of-the-art fleet of refrigerated tractor trailers, freight brokerage services to assist clients ship time-sensitive products, and manages LTL refrigerated shipments for clients within the State of Florida. Our passion, integrity andInfo commitment goes here in red to superior service drives us to accelerate your business.

Sollestium et quam,

verae volore eicae.

Dam cullibus, tem

Offices in THREE

CITIES NATIONWIDE

alique esci tem rerum qui consece

aquaessimil ipsam, PASSION DELIVERING uta voloris et facest CAREERS DRIVING moloruptatis autat arum ea aut id ut

10201 N ILLINOIS ST SUITE 505 INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46290

omnis ullest adi ipis dit velit ped unt pe offictibus mo qui nosam rerrumquid qui invenditia debis non natur sitist que

CULTURE ni to est porem aut

3407 W DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD. SUITE 275 | TAMPA, FL 33607

Take your career to the next level working with driven, competitive, personable ullanimusresilient, a quodipeople.

tati ad que nonseni

tasperferum, cumMANAGEMENT

Experience leaders a passion for building quas with acimusciunt and motivating world-class, high-performing evel ma velessintus teams.

siniet ut offictur?

Beatecullant estrum BE DRIVEN

Work for a company that gives you a platform to discover what drives you to success.

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

9597 GULF RESEARCH

#BUCKLEUPTOBE...

LANE | FORT gulfshorebusiness.com MYERS, FL 33912 | 239-210-3000 | SCOTLYNN.COM | INFO@SCOTLYNN.COM

TakeNote S PA C E S

award-winning biophilic design stu-

ers-based Interior Plant Scapes provides weekly maintenance.

Herman Miller office chairs are provided at desks and cubicles,

“Furniture, artwork, lighting and

while casual mid-century modern

to promote wellness, a connection

other materials were carefully select-

oak and walnut furniture—consoles,

to nature and productivity. Potted

ed to duplicate a mix of office and the

tables and seating from West Elm

tropical plants decorate seating areas

comfort of home-based working,” Ma-

and Restoration Hardware—are in

and botanical pieces sit atop tables,

rino says, noting that common-area

common areas.

shelves and consoles. The event space

materials and finishes reflect the Ven-

The café and communal break room

features various tropical plants, while

ture X brand. “The 70 private office

contribute a sense of community, Ma-

tall cacti line windows of two plush

spaces allow tenants to customize, giv-

rino said, by offering local craft bever-

lounges with expansive cream-colored

ing them the freedom to express their

ages, including free Narrative Coffee

sectionals and armchairs. Fort My-

own brands.”

Roasters cold brew, Flying Eagle Kom-

Courtesy

dio, created plant walls and accents

Reagan Rule

Miami-based Plant the Future, an

2 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com



NATURAL INSPIRATION Fort Myers-based Studio+ designed the new Naples office for Venture X, which features plant walls and an abundance of other greenery.

bucha and coffees from The Java But-

tual meetings and whiteboard walls.

And when members need to relax,

In a 30-person training room, large

there’s a private wellness-medita-

purchase food, snacks and beverag-

cushions sit on stadium-seating plat-

tion room with plants, a salt lamp

es at the café, which opens out to an

forms, and the Podcast Room features

and an armchair. “Peace” is written

expansive lounge with plush white-

oak paneling, acoustic felt walls and

in dripping moss and a sign urges

cloth sectionals and chairs, and func-

state-of-the-art live production audio

“Just Breathe.”

tions as an after-hours event space for

and video equipment. Four “phone

“Members want to walk into an en-

125 people.

booths” lined with acoustic felt and

vironment where they can work and

Three spacious conference rooms

magnetic holders for phones and

be passionate with like-minded peo-

offer tables up to 14 feet long, transpar-

headsets allow private conversations.

ple,” Parker says. “Venture X gives you

ent cream-colored privacy curtains,

For those who exercise or ride bikes to

an opportunity to be conversational,

TVs, phones, digital equipment for vir-

work, showers are provided.

or to choose your own spot to work.”

©2022 CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

ler. Members can swipe debit cards to

Achieve more than you believed possible.

We’re proud to be named one of the 2022 Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida.

WEALTH ADVISORY | OUTSOURCING AUDIT, TAX, AND CONSULTING



SENSE OF COMMUNITY

Fort Myers | 239-226-9900 Naples | 239-262-8686 CLAconnect.com

Venture X outlined in bright green moss welcomes visitors to the Naples co-working company while the brand’s event space features tropical plants with cream-colored sectionals and arm chairs in two plush lounges.

Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 21

TakeNote MAKERS

2 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

JUNE 2022

By Justin Paprocki

gulfshorebusiness.com

Sparkle on Demand THE PHELPS FAMILY’S JEWELED LEGACY In the front are the diamond earrings, the gold rings, the custom-made pendants, all under glass. In the back is the machinery that creates so much of it.

William Phelps Custom Jeweler has been a mainstay at The Village Shops on Venetian Bay since 1988. John and Jennifer Phelps now run the shop, but its roots go back decades to when John’s father, William, started selling jewelry out of a tent in his yard in New Hampshire. He moved his business to Texas and then Florida, growing it each step of the way.

John moved from Texas to join the family business (he actually met his wife Jennifer at his going-away party) and the couple have run it since 1998.

Most of what they create can be done in



Erik Kellar

CUSTOM CREATIONS “You start with an idea and finish with a

house, sometimes in less than a day. The process often starts with a computer program

gorgeous piece of jewelry,” says John Phelps of

that visualizes the piece if they’re coming up

William Phelps Custom Jeweler in Naples.

with it from scratch. That design then can be GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 23

TakeNote MAKERS





CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION Most of what they create at Williams Phelps Custom Jeweler in

2 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

Erik Kellar

Naples can be done in-house, sometimes in less than a day.

gulfshorebusiness.com



SHINING EXAMPLES William Phelps Custom Jeweler creates rings, necklaces and earrings at its store in the Village Shops on Venetian Bay in Naples.

transferred to a 3D printer that produces a near-exact replica. Then, the final piece can be cast and set in their workshop.

They pour and mold custom seaside pieces, such as the popular sand dollars and sea life pendants that they’ve been selling for 30 years. They can redesign old jewelry; they get plenty of customers who come in with a piece that was stylish 30-40 years ago—but not so much today. They can duplicate pieces, such as for a customer who recently lost an earring. They simply made a mold of the existing one to create the pair.

“After all these years, it’s still really rewarding,” John Phelps says. “You start with an idea and finish with a gorgeous piece of jewelry.”

At Integrity Employee Leasing, it’s our mission to work as fairly and honestly with our employees as with our clients and vendors. It’s why you can trust each team member to deliver quality, responsiveness and results as we provide our business partners with full-service, customized PEO solutions that save time, money and stress.

After all, Integrity isn’t just part of our name – it’s engrained in the way that we do business.

Put a proactive partnership with Integrity to work for you today.

(941) 499-7084 | IntegrityEL.com GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 25

TakeNote

JUNE 2022

C R E AT I V E S

By Aisling Swift

The Natural Element STICKS & STONES AND ENDURING BEAUTY dolly, Cori Craciun carefully sands a 170-pound Indonesian raintree slab, smoothing areas where she’ll attach a curved, black metal pedestal.

They never stop. Nature grounds you.

“The stones, too. They have all these benefits,” she adds.

She carefully chisels, cuts and sands the slabs to retain the tree’s natural

The 6-by-3-foot live-edge table was

edge. Knots and cracks are filled with

commissioned by a customer who fell

brown epoxy, so they remain visible

in love with the two pieces—the stark

while creating a smooth surface. “You

contrast of the contemporary pedestal

can stain it a different color, but they’re

against the raw wood’s rustic beauty.

beautiful the way they are,” she says. “I

Craciun creates her distinctive live-

do whatever the wood tells me.”

edge and petrified wood furniture in-

Looking at her artistry, you’d think

side a 1,700-square-foot studio behind

she’d been handcrafting wood for de-

her shop, Sticks & Stones Collection,

cades, but she opened her shop in 2018

in the Naples Art District, where she

after teaching herself the craft.

combines her love of natural wood and

Ever since she was a child playing

large gemstones. The shop features

in the woods, mountains and rivers of

everything from tables, consoles and

Transylvania, nature inspired her. She

gemstones to sculptures, paintings

immigrated to the U.S. in 1999 after

and accent pieces, such as mirrors,

seeking political asylum in Hungary.

vases and bowls.

Romanians here were tile installers,

“It’s bringing nature into your

so she learned the trade. “I was always

home,” Craciun says. “It’s like a focus

handy with tools,” she says. When her

for your house. You need a natural ele-

sister, Daniela, asked her to be a part-

ment. Nowadays, people run, run, run.

ner in Daniela’s restaurant in North

2 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

Anna Nguyen

Lying on her back on a cushioned

gulfshorebusiness.com



NATURAL INSPIRATION Cori Craciun creates distinctive live-edge tables, petrified wood furniture and art from nature at her Sticks & Stones Collection studio and shop in the Naples Design District.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 27

TakeNote C R E AT I V E S

Naples in 2009, she renovated the space and did everything but cook.

But her passion kept calling. “I was looking for a piece of wood to put one of my rocks on. I saw a picture of a teakwood table and loved it. I said, ‘Oh my God. It just goes together. Mother Nature created it,’” she says. “Then a lightbulb went off.”

She researched live-edge and petrified wood furniture and learned from epoxy and paint suppliers and manufacturers. When the sisters closed their restaurant after eight years, she opened her shop the following year.

Craciun, who is president of Naples Pride, sources gems from suppliers and shows, and also creates pieces from tamarind, lychee and liana, a vine. Petrified wood is created when a volcano erupts, covering everything with ash. Water seeps into the wood, stone. “This piece is 25 million years old,” she says of a colorful, undulating stump table.

 

INVITING NATURE HOME Inspired by the natural beauty of rocks and wood, Cori Craciun creates home decor and art at her Sticks & Stones Collection studio and shop in Naples.

2 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

Anna Nguyen

decaying it and transforming it to

TakeNote C R E AT I V E S

Before the pandemic, she used to fly to Indonesia for slabs, and planned to visit Thailand. Now she selects slabs through What’sApp, using videos and photos.

What’s next? She plans to incorporate stones into wood pieces with clear epoxy.

Artist Chrissy Noonan, who taught Craciun abstract painting years ago, Anna Nguyen

saw her gift and urged her to follow her passion.

“When she invited me to the gallery to see what she’d done with rocks

We are honored to receive the distinction of being recognized as one of Gulfshore Business' Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida.

800.775.8526

info@IronRidgeUS.com

IronRidgeUS.com



RAW PASSION Cori Craciun’s craftsmanship combines her love of working with natural wood and large gemstones.

and wood, I was just astounded,” Noonan says. “She crafts these raw materials into beautiful tables. The first time I saw the petrified wood, I knew I absolutely had to have a console table.”

She bought two petrified wood pieces for her living room and a large blue onyx that reminds her of the Gulf. Noonan, who now displays Craciun’s art at the shop, explains: “The amount of love and attention, craftsmanship and detail she puts into it and the stones she purchases is just perfection.”

OUR PEOPLE. OUR FOUNDATION.

r e t c a r a h C l a n o i t p e c x Built On E Construction Management | General Contracting | Design-Build Fort Myers • Naples • 239-561-4141 • www.owen-ames-kimball.com

CGC1528725

TakeNote

JUNE 2022

BOOKMARK

RALPH READS

Local Voices an avid reader and owner/CEO of Johnsonville

This month we have two books written by authors from the Naples/Fort Myers area, both with

Sausage, leads a

a common theme: overcoming adversity. Adver-

book club in Naples

sity is rapidly becoming a worn-out cliché due to

with about a dozen

its overuse by sports figures, but there is no bet-

other high-power

ter word to describe the conditions encountered

friends. The group

by the people in these two books. We start with

and many others. But for every young man

only reads non-fic-

Fourth Down in Dunbar by David Dorsey, a local

who made it, there are many great athletes

tion as a way to

writer who spent 20 years as a sports reporter for

who didn’t. This book is a collection of stories

the Fort Myers News-Press, and who is currently

about these young men and the conditions

senior editor of Gulfshore Business magazine. He

they faced in their childhoods.

keep learning and sharpening the mind. Every month, Stayer shares the latest page-turners earning a permanent spot on his ever-expanding bookshelves.

is a long-time resident of Fort Myers and knows his subject well.

The common themes that run through the book regarding this neighborhood are

Dunbar is an area in Fort Myers that gets its

single mothers, drugs, improper role models

name from its high school; a new Dunbar High

and the transition from segregation to inte-

was built after the old one was shuttered. This

gration that began in the late ’60s. The story

area has produced an extraordinary number of

starts with Pompey Green, Karl Morrison and

athletes that have made it to the NFL, including

James Stephens. They were the first African

Deion Sanders, Jevon Kearse, Earnest Graham

Americans to earn college football scholar-

3 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

Provided(2)

RALPH STAYER,

GRIPPING PERSONAL STORIES OF OVERCOMING TRUE ADVERSITY

wanted to appear like a normal family and Fidler knew instinctively they would not believe him, so he learned to submerge his feelings behind a wall of silence. His mother was an alcoholic.

She worked various jobs and engaged in prostitution as a sideline. There were always strange men coming and going and Fidler could hear the activity through the thin walls of their house. His mother was a mean drunk who verbally and physically abused ships from Fort Myers. They set the

athletes. They outnumber the athletes

Fran and his sister Kathy. He also hid

example for others to follow; they

100-1 and they were trapped in Dun-

this behind his wall. He didn’t have

showed that there was a path out of the

bar with not much chance to escape.

any friends, because he couldn’t talk to

low-income community that did not

They are in this book and are a part

others for fear of revealing something

involve drug dealing. Drugs were ev-

of it. These are powerful stories that

about himself and his life.

erywhere in Dunbar, and dealing them

bring to life the difficult circumstanc-

He turned to sports in high school,

was easy money. There were very few

es that far too many of our youth deal

becoming an excellent swimmer be-

jobs available and dealing drugs was

with daily. This book is well worth

cause he put all his energy into the

tempting when young people saw the

your time, and it will increase your un-

sport. He had chances to swim in col-

dealers flashing big bank rolls and lots

derstanding and empathy.

lege, but couldn’t make himself fol-

of gold. The common denominator for

low through, so he started to focus on

those who avoided the drug and prison

Fran Fidler lives in Naples and is a

Iron Man contests—but the years of

scene was positive role models: They

fitness trainer. His book, Tiny’s Wall,

repressing his pain caught up to him.

had someone in their lives who they

was sent to me by a fellow ND class of

He became an alcoholic and almost

could look up to and emulate. That was

’65 graduate who works out with Fran.

died, but what could have ended his

usually a coach, but there were other

Fidler grew up in the projects of

life became a blessing instead. Fidler

South Boston, and was sexually abused

is an amazing man. He taught himself

Some great athletes made it and oth-

from the age of 4 until he was 16 by his

to write so he could tell his story in

ers didn’t—but think of all those young

uncle, who threatened him if he told

his own words. It is a compelling story

people, boys and girls, who were not

anyone. Fidler acquiesced. His family

about forgiveness and rising above.

men who also filled that need.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 33

TakeNote TRENDLINE

JUNE 2022

By Justin Paprocki

RANKING THE MOST STRESSFUL JOBS Think you’ve got a stressful job? Just be thankful you’re not a urologist. (And our sympathies if you are one.)

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks the most stressful professions in the country, and urology tops the list, followed by a variety of other health care and front-line jobs. What exactly qualifies a job for a high ranking?

According to the bureau’s Occupational Information Network, it’s mostly about “accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.”

For what it’s worth, most residents in Southwest Florida don’t work in high-stress jobs, according to financial research firm Smartest Dollar. Its study looked at the highest stress jobs (meaning a ranking of 90 or above on the bureau’s rating scale) and totaled the percentages for major metro areas in the United States. In Naples, about 6.6% of residents were in high-stress positions, while about 7.2% of Fort MyersGetty

Cape Coral residents had stressful jobs.

Statewide, that figure stood at about 7.8%.

3 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

STRESS LEVEL

O C C U PAT I O N 92 92 92 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90

100

Urologists

99

Film and Video Editors

98

Anesthesiologist Assistants

98

Judges, Magistrate Judges and Magistrates

98

Telephone Operators

97

Acute Care Nurses

97

Obstetricians and Gynecologists

97

Public Safety Telecommunicators

96

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

96

Nurse Anesthetists

96

Nurse Midwives

96

Transit and Railroad Police

95

Arbitrators, Mediators and Conciliators

95

Meeting, Convention and Event Planners

95

Patient Representatives

94

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

94

Art Therapists

94

Chief Executives

94

Correctional Officers and Jailers

94

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

94

Healthcare Social Workers

94

Midwives

94

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

94

Special Education Teachers, Middle School

93

Critical Care Nurses

93

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare

93

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers

93

Funeral Home Managers

93

Lodging Managers

93

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

93

Mental Health Counselors

93

Physician Assistants

93

Psychiatric Aides

93

Respiratory Therapists

93

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

92

Animal Control Workers

92

Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products

92

Dietetic Technicians

92

Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire and Ambulance

92

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

92

Hospitalists

92

Marriage and Family Therapists

92

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

92

Neurologists

Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers Prosthodontists Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Actors Air Traffic Controllers Biomass Power Plant Managers Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Coroners Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners Data Entry Keyers Detectives and Criminal Investigators Firefighters Hearing Aid Specialists Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan Pharmacists Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians Producers and Directors Real Estate Sales Agents Veterinarians Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary Athletes and Sports Competitors Chefs and Head Cooks Claims Adjusters, Examiners and Investigators Compliance Managers Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Educational, Guidance and Career Counselors and Advisers Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators Investment Fund Managers Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education Naturopathic Physicians Passenger Attendants Phlebotomists Psychiatric Technicians Quality Control Systems Managers Social and Community Service Managers Sound Engineering Technicians Subway and Streetcar Operators Surgical Assistants

Editor’s Note: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics develops stress ratings for 872 professions. The highest rating is 100 (urologist) and the lowest is 37 (couriers and messengers).

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2022 35

TakeNote E C O N O M I C C O M M E N TA R Y

JUNE 2022 B y V i c t o r V. C l a a r

Sustaining Season GENERATIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE GROWTH OF OPPORTUNITY “Season” is one of the defining features of Southwest Florida. And since the pandemic, Season with a capital S is even bigger. Consider how passenger travel through the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) rebounded during the pandemic.

After falling to an all-time monthly low of 53,379 passengers in April 2020, RSW set new monthly records in the last eight months of 2021—May-December—leading to an all-time yearly high of a whopping 10,322,434. And that was during a pandemic.

As you might expect from those non-Season travel numbers, our Season this year was strong. Despite abbreviated, last-minute spring training schedules due to the lockout in Major League Baseball, we had a Season! The traffic was terrible, Costco and Walmart were packed and restaurants were full on weeknights. These minor annoyances are reassuring signs all is right with Season in SWFL, pandemic or not … for now.

At the same time, the return of Season put additional pressure on some preexisting weaknesses that threaten the event as we know it. And if we don’t begin working today to ensure its long-term vitality, we do so at our peril.

You don’t have to have a Ph.D. in economics to know where the pressure points are. And those pressure points are the ones that affect most directly the parts of our labor force that make Season a delight: our waitstaffs, our cooks, our kayak and paddleboard guides, our massage therapists and our hotel desk and housekeeping staffs.

And scores of others. Without them, Season isn’t Season as we’ve known it. Instead, it’s just a fancy camping trip near the beach, even if you own your own condo.

What are some challenges faced by these workers who make Season great? We know what they are because the pandemic has exacerbated them.

For starters, we have little housing for sale. And what is on the market is expensive.

For example, according to FGCU’s Regional Economic Research Institute, active listings for Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties fell 60% from January 2021 to January 2022. And in the same period, housing prices continued to soar. That same year, single-family home prices rose by 27%.

Dennis Wright

Now, high home prices aren’t necessarily bad if families in the area can afford them. Some economists use the ratio of median home prices to median household in3 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

come, or PTI, as an indicator of affordability. And according to Freddie Mac, economists use 3.5 as a baseline for a “normal” PTI. That would mean the median home price is 3.5 times the median household income. But putting together PTI values for Lee and Collier counties using U.S. Census estimates of median incomes and January home prices paints a dark portrait of housing “affordability”: Lee County’s PTI is 6.8, and Collier’s is 10.3.

This is not sustainable—not if what we mean by sustainable is a Season that works well for all. Or, to think of it another way, if what Season means to a typical snowbird is good service, tolerable traffic and good values, we’re sunk.

You also don’t need an economics degree to know that when home prices soar, so do rents, because high prices drive would-be buyers into the rental market.

Adding insult to injury, our housing regulations and requirements make it difficult for workers to afford to live where they work. So they have long commutes, buy more gas, add to traffic and pollute more. They live where they can pay the rent, not where it’s convenient.

To make Season sustainable will require comprehensive reforms of local zoning ordinances and other restrictions such as minimum lot sizes and setback requirements. A market-based solution to our sustainable future is our best path forward.

But if we don’t begin making changes right now, the market will also sort things out. And I fear how that story will end.

Victor V. Claar is an associate professor of economics in the Lutgert College of Business at Florida Gulf Coast University, 

SEASON OF REASON A market-based solution to Southwest Florida’s sus-

where he holds the Truist Distinguished Professorship in Free Enterprise. He also serves on the Research Advisory Council

tainable future is the best path forward, says FGCU

of the James Madison Institute, and the board of the Freedom

economics professor Victor Claar.

& Virtue Institute.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 37

CONC

IN THE WAKE OF THE SURFSIDE CONDO TRAGEDY, PARTNERING TO PREVENT A SIMILAR SITUATION

3 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

Robert Exelbierd

C OAS

TA L ERN

ENGINEERS, CONTRACTORS AND LOCAL LAWMAKERS ARE

FOR AGING BUILDINGS SKIRTING THE STATE’S COASTLINE.

By Lane Nieset

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 39

_COASTAL CONCERN

Florida’s population has jumped from around 3 million in 1950 to more than 22 million people today—and this number has continued to skyrocket since the pandemic. Between July 2020 and July 2021, Florida became second in the country for most residents gained, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. As demand for housing rises, so do costs, but in a state with among the most residential condominium units, the housing issue isn’t centered solely around new builds—aging buildings on the coast are just as much of a problem.

“I’ve done a lot of retrofit work on condos on Sanibel Island throughout the years where the weather, exposure and salt have taken a toll,” says Michael Sheeley, president/partner of Fort Myers-based MK Architecture. “The imperative thing for large concrete buildings on the coast is that associations must have a regular maintenance and inspection program to consistently repair exposed concrete and steel don’t think there’s a magic number to



predict whether that building will last

RISING POPULATION

20 or 50 years.”

The fourth of five high-rise towers for Kalea Bay in North Naples is being

In Florida, out of the roughly 1.5 million condominium units, nearly

built on the Gulf coast to meet housing needs in fast-growing Southwest Florida.

4 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

Robert Exelbierd(3)

through the life of the building, and I

131,773 are between 20 and 30 years old, while more than 105,000 are more than 50 years old. Most communities don’t require periodic structural inspections or post-occupancy building safety inspections of multifamily buildings. But, nearing the one-year anniversary of the Surfside condo collapse—which, according to The New York Times, was partially caused by crumbling concrete on the ground floor and corrosion to the rebar that provides structural support—there has been more conversation about the safety of high-rise construction.

“As contractors, we have been working hand in hand with the condominium associations’ management to ensure that the proper waterproofing techniques are adhered to whenever the homeowner wants to replace or install balcony tile,” says Mario Valle, senior relationship manager at PBS Contractors, a Southwest Florida concierge builder. “This is something we have been doing for a long time. Everyone in construction in Southwest GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 41

_COASTAL CONCERN

Florida understands that water intrusion is one of the biggest issues that causes structural damage, and we are all working as an industry to follow best practices.”

However, one bill everyone recently had their eyes on, safety and inspection bill HB 7069, failed to pass. “Lobbyists for the management companies publicly supported the bill, and were active in trying to reach a compromise,” explains Allan Douglas, executive director of the Florida Engineering Society, or FES, and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida, or ACEC Florida.

“From the state perspective, it means everything remains status quo. There remains no statewide mandate to inspect condominium regulations, including reserves to ensure the condo has adequate money to keep the building maintained or repaired.”

Robert Exelbierd(3) Provided(4)

existing buildings and no reforms to

4 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

The bill proposed that inspections for condos three stories or taller that are within three miles of the coast would be required when they reach 25 years of age (and every 10 years thereafter), and inspections for those beyond three miles from the coast would be required when buildings reach 30 years of age. If the bill passed, one of the main benefits would have been removing language in the Florida Statutes that allows condominium associations to waive their reserve requirements any time they choose.

“Although required by law, roughly half of the condominiums in the state have no reserves due to this provision, and this almost certainly means that these buildings are not being properly maintained and kept in good repair,” Douglas says. “Unless steps are implemented at the local government level, 

such as the recertification programs

GROWING PAINS

in Miami-Dade and Broward, there

Michael Sheeley, president of MK Architecture, says lack of

are only a few municipalities that have

planning and foresight to anticipate population growth is a

moved to implement similar provi-

major hindrance in Southwest Florida.

sions, and most of the state remains unregulated.”

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 43

_INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS Charlotte County –

bridges have been deemed

Punta Gorda Metropolitan

“structurally deficient”—

Planning Organization, or

the lowest of three ratings

MPO, as well as Lee and

a bridge can receive—and

Collier County MPOs, have

this includes the bridge

implemented a 2045 Long

over the Lido Canal in Cape

Range Transportation Plan.

Coral, meaning it needs

Over the next 25 years,

to be replaced or repaired

the plan outlines ways to

in the next six years. With

improve the infrastruc-

the help of the American

ture network and provide

Rescue Plan Act, which

a long-term investment

was passed last year, Lee

framework to account

County will build a new Big

for current and future

Carlos Pass Bridge, which

transportation needs and

will be one of the largest

requirements of each area.

road projects planned for

“The Southwest region

the county in the next two

of Florida is indeed grow-

years. Part of the $91.8

ing quickly, and future in-

million in spending from

frastructure development

the funds, the pass is the

in Southwest Florida not

first in a series of infra-

only includes its roads and

structure developments

bridges but is multi-modal

ready for replacement.

in structure by also focus-

Also on the list: the Cape

ing on seaports, rail, trails

Coral Bridge westbound

and airports,” says FDOT

span and Midpoint expan-

District One Secretary L.K.

sion and enhancement.

Nandam. “The Florida

“Transportation is our big-

Transportation Plan is

gest issue [in the region],

updated every five years,

and we see it every day on

so for this reason, the con-

the roads,” says Michael

versations between FDOT,

Sheeley, president/part-

District One and our part-

ner of Fort Myers-based

ners in Southwest Florida



MK Architecture. “I think

are ongoing and flexible to

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

the lack of planning and

allow for instances when

Building a new Big Carlos Pass Bridge will be one of Lee Coun-

foresight to anticipate the

additional funding sources

ty's largest road projects in the next couple of years.

growth of the population is

or opportunities become

a major hindrance.”

available.”

4 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

Robert Exelbierd(1) Provided(2)

In Southwest Florida, 19

_COASTAL CONCERN

people who aren’t really there, and the delay in materials has exacerbated the whole construction process,” he says.

“I would say we have challenges for the next 10 to 20 years given the growth of the population.”

MK Architecture currently is working on a lot of multifamily projects, and for one condo in Bonita Springs, Sheeley said he steered clients toward local materials to avoid supply chain issues.

While current building codes may

Recycled wood and other reused ma-

result in longer-lasting structures, the

terials can lead to green architecture,

number of those needing housing con-

as well as alleviate or eliminate the

tinues to grow, which means “higher

cost or delay in shipping. Tesla Solar

density and higher prices, in my opin-

Roof tiles and the Powerwall compact

ion,” Douglas says. “There will most

battery system, meanwhile, form one

likely be many structures in the 40- to

option that can replace generators and

50-year-old range that will need to be

lead to a smaller footprint than tra-

taken offline in years to come due to

ditional solar panels, and can be con-

lack of maintenance, which will only

trolled 24/7 through mobile monitor-

add to the problem.”

ing. Another perk is design intended

_GREENER FUTURES

to last and withstand rough weather conditions. “I think that we are trending in the construction, architecture and design market toward more sus-

As supply chain issues continue and

tainable buildings, which will help ev-

building demands rise due to the up-

eryone over time,” Sheeley says. “In-

tick in new residents, construction is

creasing energy efficiency, collecting

slowing, which Sheeley said may be

rainwater … things like that could be

a self-correcting fix. “Every subcon-

done and haven’t been done as well as

tractor and contractor is trying to hire

they should be.”

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 45

ONE FISH, THE LOCAL COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY FACES DAUNTING CHALLENGES DESPITE HIGH DEMAND

BY ARTIS HENDERSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIK KELLAR

T WO FISH

_O N E F I S H , TWO FISH

Fresh Local Seafood It’s just after noon on an unseasonably warm Friday in early spring. Naples has had a string of cold days and now this hot one, but no one standing in line in front of Mike’s Bait House in East Naples seems to mind. The line extends from the street, where cars are parked nose-to-bumper. It snakes through the parking lot and winds beside a black extended-cab Chevy. In the back of the truck, two young men from Dilly’s Fish Co.—owned by Tim “Dilly” Dillingham—lean over Grizzly coolers.

“What’s the difference between a lane snapper and a red snapper?” a man in line calls out.

“A red snapper’s going to be a little more firm,” one of the young men in the back of the truck answers. That’s Dominick Biagetti, Dillingham’s righthand man. Biagetti serves as boat captain and crew, and he helps with offloading and delivery. He has a seascape tattooed on his leg, an underwater reef scene with a turtle and a moray eel.

“How about a mangrove snapper?” the man on the ground calls back.

“The mangrove snapper is going to have a thicker bloodline.”

“A what?”

“A bloodline.” Biagetti pulls a mangrove snapper out of the cooler and leans over the side of the truck to show him what he means.

The other young man pulling fish out of the coolers is Ethan Olah, a mate on Dillingham’s boat and one of the most accomplished spearfishermen in Florida. “The giant fish he shoots on my boat are unbelievable sea monsters,” Dillingham tells me later.

Beside the black Chevy, a white board lists the day’s catch: red grouper, gag grouper, almaco jack, banded rudderfish, red snapper, mangrove snapper, vermillion snapper, triggerfish, lane snapper. In

 

GIFTS FROM GULF Fishermen from Dilly's Fish Co. clean their fresh catches for customers who line up at Mike's Bait House in East Naples.

4 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 49

 

SEASONAL HARVEST Stone crab claws are iced down to preserve their freshness at Kirk Fish Co. in Goodland and then sold at the fishery's wholesale and retail markets.

5 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

_O N E F I S H , TWO FISH

that are virtually at our front door. That’s why people come to Dilly’s from three counties, cash in one hand and a cooler in the other, happy to stand in line all morning for a shot at buying fresh local seafood. The once-a-week market in front of Mike’s

line, a man in loafers cranes his neck to read. “What

Bait House accounts for about 20% of Dillingham’s

else is crossed off besides the black grouper?” he

business. The other 80% goes to many of the finest

asks. Behind him, two men are also reading the

restaurants and country clubs in Naples.

board. “They’ve got stone crab, too,” one of them says to his buddy.

“I’m not real wild about stone crab,” the buddy says. “I’d rather have lobster.”

In the bait house parking lot, Biagetti holds up a triggerfish for the woman at the head of the line.

“Is this your first trigger?” he asks her. The woman nods. “The skin’s really tough,” he says. “You got to

“You know, I wouldn’t order it in a restaurant,”

almost clean it backward. Start at the butt, come

the first man says. “It’s just so dang expensive. But

underneath, run all the way down. Otherwise, you’ll

at a place like this … ”

dull your knife 10 times over trying to cut through

At the head of the line, a man with an Eastern European accent is discussing the fish he’s about to purchase. “It’s six pounds,” a young woman dressed in a black visor and white sun shirt says, pulling the fish off the scale. That’s Alex Plonka, Dillingham’s long-time girlfriend. She runs the sales at the fish market. “Do you want us to clean it for you?”

the skin.”

Everybody within earshot leans forward, listening as if he’s speaking from the gospel.

“You must eat fish a lot,” the woman buying the triggerfish says to him.

Biagetti pauses for just a moment to shake his head. “We sell out every week.”

“Please,” the man says.

“Skin on or skin off?”

Long Hours, High Costs

“Skin on and keep the head.”

At his weekly fish sale, Dillingham stands at the fish

In the line that extends to the road, people stand

cleaning station behind Mike’s Bait House filleting

and sit on coolers. Young couples in yoga clothes.

fish for his customers. He looks, at 46, like a man

Older gentlemen dressed for golf. Women in Tod’s

who has enjoyed a life on the water; tanned and

and designer sunglasses. A dachshund on a leash

strong, with the kind of easy-going vibe that comes

looks around curiously. Some people have brought

to those who spend their days surrounded by waves

snacks; they plan to be here a while. Others open their coolers and compare interiors. “Oh, there’s my cast net,” one man says. The air smells vaguely like mosquito spray. Then the wind shifts and there it is—the smell of fresh fish, not fishy at all but like the sea itself.

One of the strangest paradoxes of Southwest Florida is that we’re a community perched on the edge of the Gulf, yet so much of our seafood is imported from other places. Some of it comes from Mexico and Central America; some of it comes from Europe; some of it comes from the Pacific Northwest. Not much of it comes from the waters

_O N E F I S H , TWO FISH

ing—especially our time frame—is pretty rare.”

Dillingham and his crew make only daylong and overnight trips, ensuring that their fish is never more than one to two days out of the water. He runs a 27-foot Onslow bay boat with twin

and salt air. Though Dillingham grew up fishing

300-horsepower Mercury Verado engines—he

in Michigan, he’s relatively new to the Florida

never named it, so it goes by “Dilly’s Fish Co.”—

commercial fishing business. This is his eighth

that’s docked in front of his house on the Im-

year as a fisherman focused on a variety of grou-

perial River. He makes one to two fishing trips

per and snapper species (as well as cobia, Afri-

each week, depending on weather. Each trip is

can pompano, porgy, hogfish, triggerfish, almaco

usually two days offshore.

jack, yellow jack and amberjack). Before that, he

Dillingham’s trips start before sunrise. Some-

spent two years diving for lobster. And before

times he, Biagetti and Olah are joined by his

that, he got up every day, put on a suit and tie

friend Kevin Weber or his dad, Ron Dilling-

and went to work in the financial industry. But

ham—aka Jurassic Dilly. Their objective: Get as

he didn’t love corporate life. “It just wasn’t me,”

far offshore as they can, as quickly as possible.

he says.

The men fish all day and most of the night, us-

He moved to Naples in 2001 to work in the

ing both rod and reel and spear, aided by scu-

mortgage industry. After the collapse of the real

ba equipment that lets them dive 110 to 200

estate market in the mid-aughts, he took a job on

feet deep. Sometimes they’ll lie down for two

Big Pine Key. That’s where he came across a guy

to three hours in a couple of bean bag chairs

who owned a commercial lobster operation. The

on the boat, but they’re up at first light to fish

two got to talking. Dillingham was a certified

and dive again. They fish until the boat is full

scuba diver, the guy could use some extra help,

or they start to run low on ice, then they head

so Dillingham started spending his weekends

back to shore just after dark on the second day.

diving for lobster.

Most trips run 35 to 40 hours from the time

He quickly realized that there was a need

they leave the dock to the time they motor back

for fresh local seafood in the Naples area. “The

in. “It’s a hard job,” Dillingham says. “We get

key word is fresh,” he says. “Most seafood being

our asses kicked out there.”

served in restaurants is coming from Mexico and

These trips come at a high cost. In March,

other places in Central America. What we’re do-

he paid more than $1,000 to fill the boat’s tank with gas. That same month, an electrical fire offshore did enough damage that the boat had to be docked for days. And the increasing price of licensing and quotas is slowly eroding his already slim margins.

It’s this last item that has Dillingham the most concerned. He worries that the costly regulations on commercial fishing in the Gulf of Mexico will destroy his business. In fact, he thinks they might ultimately doom the entire industry.

gulfshorebusiness.com

 

SALT LIFE Kirk Fish Co. is one of the last working waterfront fisheries in Collier County.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 53

_O N E F I S H , TWO FISH

my. According to a 2016 report from the Florida Department of Agriculture, the most recently available data, Florida’s seafood accounted for 3.16% of total annual agricultural receipts

An Industry on the Rise … and Fall

for the state. Florida ranked 11th in the Unit-

For those of us who grew up in the coastal com-

ed States for fresh seafood production. Florida

munities of Southwest Florida, commercial

fishermen caught more than 80% of the nation’s

fishing was an ever-present part of life. On Fort

supply of grouper, pompano, mullet, stone crab,

Myers Beach, the guys who worked at the fish

pink shrimp, spiny lobster and Spanish mack-

houses turned up at the grocery store in their

erel. That translated to upward of 87 million

white rubber boots, a lit cigarette in hand. The

pounds of fresh seafood, with a dockside value

elementary school was filled with the kids of

of $237 million. The seafood industry supported

shrimpers. The fleet was always coming and go-

more than 4,000 jobs. But it still struggles.

ing from the wharf. But those days are long over.

Florida’s commercial fishing industry peaked

Regulations’ Chokehold

in the 1950s. Afterward, commercial fleets be-

The Gulf of Mexico’s fisheries are managed by

gan to face a number of threats: Cheap imported

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-

seafood flooded the market; the price of gas sky-

ministration. NOAA takes recommendations

rocketed; regulations went into effect to protect

from the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management

depleted Gulf fisheries.

Council, one of eight U.S. regional fishery man-

“It’s an industry where fishermen face sig-

agement councils established by the Fishery

nificant challenges,” says Dr. Shelton Weeks,

Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The

director of the Lucas Institute for Real Estate

Gulf Council is made of 17 voting members from

Development and Finance at Florida Gulf

the states that border the Gulf of Mexico—Flor-

Coast University. “The big positive when you

ida, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.

think about fishermen here in Southwest Flor-

NOAA Fisheries and the Gulf Council have

ida is the quality of the product. Our fresh local

an impossible task: balancing the interests of

seafood is world-class. That ultimately keeps

commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen,

them viable.”

marine scientists and the species that populate

Today, the commercial fishing industry re-

the Gulf. Their policies and recommendations

mains an important part of the Florida econo-

rarely sit well with commercial fishermen such as Dillingham, who often see their votes as a vote against commercial fishing. “If things continue down the path they are on, we will no longer have commercial fishing in the Gulf in 20 years,” Dillingham says.

He makes a good case for it. In May 2022, NOAA Fisheries announced that it approved Amendment 53, which reallocates red grouper quota away from commercial fishermen in favor of recreational fishermen. Prior to the amendment, commercial fishermen were allo-

5 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

THE DISAPPEARING WATERFRONT

cated 76% of the total quota, while recreational fishermen were allocated 24%. Amendment 53 changes that to 59.3% for commercial fishermen and 40.7% for recreational fishermen,

Kirk Fish Company in

effectively stripping commercial fishermen of

Goodland is one of the

630,000 pounds of red grouper. For Dillingham,

last working waterfront

who relies on red grouper as part of his product

fisheries left in Collier

list, that means he’s now paying $3.25 a pound

County. Today, Kelly Kirk

to lease red grouper quota. Last year, he was

runs the fishery with her

paying 75 cents a pound.

family. She’s watched the

“I understand why people hate commercial

industry change drasti-

call asking for pompano,

cally over the last eight

tripletail or mahi—fish

decades. Kirk’s grandfa-

that live in the Gulf but

ther was a commercial

aren’t fished commer-

fisherman in the Gulf in

cially here like they once

the 1940s. Her parents

were. They see it on local

the Gulf. Gulf fishermen are out here sacrific-

started Captain Kirk’s

menus and assume it’s

ing everything.”

stone crabs and seafood

a locally caught fish.

The fact remains, however, that without

market in Naples in 1990.

Between regulations

regulations, the Gulf of Mexico would be

Now the business has

and the dying out of the

fished to death.

shifted to Goodland with

fishermen who targeted

a wholesale and retail

them, these fish aren’t

market. The Kirks work

pulled from local waters

with a fleet of local com-

anymore.

mercial fishermen, inde-

If the industry is to

pendent contractors who

survive, consumers will

sell their catch exclusive-

need to be educated, Kirk

ly to the fish company.

said. Diners should ask

fishing,” Dillingham says. He points to documentaries including Seaspiracy from Netflix, which profiles overfishing in the world’s oceans. “But that’s not what’s happening in

Red Snapper: A Case Study The Gulf has been fished commercially since settlers first put down stakes in Florida. According to NOAA, 10 pounds was the common average for red snapper in the mid-1800s. But by the end of the 19th century, scientists and fishermen saw a depletion of red snapper off

Demand for fresh local

where their fish is coming

fish definitely exists, Kirk

from when they go out to

said, but it’s a matter

eat, and shy away from

Gulf in order to find fish. After World War II, the

of education. “We get a

farm-raised and import-

red snapper population in the Gulf of Mexico

million calls a day looking

ed seafood. “We have

took a significant hit. Better technology and big-

for fish that’s not com-

endless opportunities for

ger boats meant commercial fishing could pull

mercially targeted in our

fresh local seafood,” she

heavier loads. At the same time, the Gulf shrimp

area,” she says. People

says. “It’s coming right

industry was expanding. Trawling shrimp nets

out of our local waters and supporting fishermen and our communities.”

Florida’s coasts. Boats had to go deeper into the

scooped up juvenile red snapper as bycatch, and the breeding population of snapper plummeted. To make matters worse, recreational fishing was booming. Before 1950, recreational fish-



LEGALLY ACCOUNTABLE In addition to accounting practices behind any business,

erman reeled in fewer than 500,000 pounds of red snapper a year. Forty years later, they were

commercial fisherman must account for every pound of

landing more than 5 million pounds a year. By

seafood caught and sold to meet government regulations.

1990, the red snapper population in the Gulf of GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 55

_O N E F I S H , TWO FISH

Mexico hit its lowest level, below the numbers needed to sustain itself.

That’s when NOAA Fisheries and the Gulf Council stepped in and instituted regulations to reduce overfishing of the red snapper population. These included limiting the number of fish that can be harvested, restricting the number of commercial and recreational fishing licenses, limiting the size of fish that can be kept, creating shortened fishing seasons, limiting the types of fishing gear and, with collaboration and input from commercial fishermen, launching the Individual Fishing Quota, or IFQ, program.

The red snapper IFQ program began in January 2007 as a single-species program dividing the existing red snapper quota into percentage “shares.” Those shares were then distributed to commercial fishermen already in the business, based on historical landings data for certain qualifying years. The goal of the IFQ program was to rein in overfishing and make commercial fishermen more accountable. The system provided a way to count and validate every pound of IFQ fish landed, which helped ensure that fishermen didn’t exceed sustainable science-based quotas.

When new guys, such as Dillingham, want to get in on the game, they must lease allocation.

“For somebody like me who’s a smaller guy just coming into the industry, it can be tough,” Dillingham says. He pays as much as $4.50 a pound just for the right to catch red snapper. By the time he subtracts fuel and labor costs, his profit may only be a dollar per pound.

“These days, the most successful fisherman is not the one who knows how to find the fish,” says Dr. Ava Lasseter, an anthropologist with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.

5 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com



FISHING QUOTA Commercial fishermen wanting to catch and sell red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico must lease or buy shares per pound for the right to do so.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 57



COSTLY CLAWS Maritime regulations in the Gulf are partly responsible for increasing the per-pound prices for most seafood sold at local markets.

5 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

_O N E F I S H , TWO FISH

“It’s someone who has savvy business skills and can find the allocation to catch the fish.”

Eric Brazer, deputy director of the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance, admitted that the IFQ program adds another expense to a commercial fishing trip. But it’s made great strides in protecting the Gulf from overfishing while ensuring that commercial fishermen can make a living. Now, the increased market stability created by the program lets fishermen build long-term, profitable business plans. “It’s the cost of doing business to catch these species,” Brazer says. “Just like someone invests in their boat or their boat's technology, if they want to land and sell red snapper they need to invest in red snapper. And they can do that by leasing or buying shares.”

Brazer says the conservation measures appear to be working. “There’s a hell of a lot of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico these days.”

But that’s small comfort for Dillingham and other local commercial fishermen, who struggle under the weight of the Gulf’s regulations.

“They’re crushing us,” Dillingham says.

I

t’s just after 5 p.m. and Dilly’s Fish Co. is closing up shop for the day. Dillingham and his crew sold more than 300 pounds of fish, and they’re beat. They spent the last

48 hours fishing, unloading and selling. Everybody is due for some hard-earned rest. They’ll take the next day off, maybe two. Then Dillingham will start scanning the weather reports.

If the skies are clear and the tides in his favor, he’ll fuel up the Onslow and round up his crew.

They’ll head back out on the open water, rods at the ready, spearguns cocked, an ocean of fish waiting to be caught.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 59

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Photography By Brian Tietz

An accounting firm. A construction company. A law office. A paving stone manufacturer. A hardware chain. What do they all have in common? They are among this year’s Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida.

Each workplace has its own personality and its own unique reasons for being a great place to work. But they all show that the Gulf isn’t just a wonderful place to live; it’s also a fantastic place to do business. The way these businesses treat their employees says a great deal about the way they treat their clients and customers. And by the results of this survey, no one seems to have anything but superlatives to say about them.

How is a company selected as a Best Place to Work? To be chosen as among the cream of the crop, Southwest Florida companies apply to the Best Companies Group of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, an independent research firm specializing in identifying and recognizing great places to work. BCG administers the program in which local companies pay an application fee and complete a two-part survey—one for employers that details company policies, practices, benefits and demographics, and another for employees that includes an in-depth set of 77 statements they are asked to respond to on a scale of 1 through 5. This section of the survey also includes two open-ended questions and seven demographic questions.

Who can participate? Any publicly or privately held business, government or nonprofit entity having a facility in Southwest Florida and a minimum of 15 full-time or part-time employees working in the region or reporting to a local regional office. Each enterprise must be in business a minimum of one year.

From the information collected, BCG analyzes the results and creates its list of Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida. Gulfshore Business does not participate in the selection process.

The companies chosen are as much a surprise to us as they are to our readers. To find out more about the process, or to apply, please go to BestPlacesToWorkSWFL.com.

In the meantime, please join us in honoring the 16 companies that have been selected this year to join the ranks of the Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida. Who knows? Maybe

Getty

you’ll find your own company on the list.

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA OV E R A L L R A N K ( 1-1 6 ) RANK

COMPANY

EMPLOYEES IN US

EMPLOYEES IN SWFL

CITY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

HBK CPAs & Consultants

448

61

Warrendale

Iron Ridge Insurance Services

15

15

Fort Myers

DeAngelis Diamond

187

106

Naples

AIM Engineering & Surveying, Inc.

148

73

Fort Myers

Wright Construction Group, Inc.

53

53

Fort Myers

Integrity Employee Leasing, Inc.

46

46

Port Charlotte

Dorcey Law Firm

28

27

Fort Myers

Sunshine Ace Hardware

448

316

Bonita Springs

CLA

6,937

67

Timonium

O-A-K Florida, Inc. | Owen-Ames-Kimball Company

48

48

Fort Myers

11 12 13 14 15

First Horizon Corporation

6,100

179

Naples

PBS Contractors

39

39

Naples

TriCircle Pavers, Inc.

110

65

Fort Myers

AccuData Integrated Marketing

58

53

Fort Myers

Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida

28

28

Fort Myers

Scotlynn USA

292

207

Fort Myers

16

6 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

STATE

INDUSTRY

YEAR FOUNDED

PA

Accounting

1949

FL

Insurance - Non-Healthcare

2011

FL

Construction

1996

FL

Engineering

1980

FL

Construction

1946

FL

Employee Services - Other

2005

FL

Legal

2007

FL

Retail

1958

MD

Accounting

1953

FL

Construction

1982

FL

Banking

1864

FL

Construction

1986

FL

Manufacturing

2002

FL

Advertising/PR/Marketing

1992

FL

Real Estate

2009

FL

Transportation

2010

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 63

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

HBK CPAs & Consultants

City: Warrendale, Pennsylvania Website: hbkcpa.com Year founded: 1949

CEO: Christopher Allegretti Industry: Accounting Employees in SWFL: 61

standings of associates, as well as yearsof-service awards and a bonus program,

internal company bucks for peer-to-peer

HBK is an award-winning Ohio-based

awards that can be cashed in for firm

financial services firm with offices in

merchandise, employee appreciation din-

Fort Myers and Naples that specializ-

ners, company-wide holiday celebrations,

es in tax, accounting, audit, business

trivia game nights and other internal con-

advisory, valuation, financial planning,

tests and time off in addition to holidays

wealth management and support ser-

and regular paid time off.

vices. Though it’s become one of the na-

“HBK recognizes that our people per-

tion’s largest independent accounting

form at their best and are most productive

and professional consulting firms, HBK

when they enjoy a balance between work

gained our No. 1 spot by focusing on the

life and personal life. We offer flexible

human factor in business.

work schedules, provide an atmosphere of

“Over the years, we have grown our firm

mutual respect and open communication

with people with knowledge and talent,

and encourage camaraderie,” the compa-

but just as importantly, who enjoy each

ny spokesperson says.

other and working—and playing—togeth-

“Community engagement is an import-

er,” a company spokesperson says. “These

ant part of our culture and a cornerstone

past few years of dealing with, and work-

of our corporate responsibility efforts. We

ing through, the pandemic have revealed

serve our communities and support char-

that firm personality, how we have sup-

ities under the banner of HBK Cares, a cor-

ported each other and worked together

porate initiative,” the spokesperson adds.

on behalf of our clients, how faithfully and

“Each office commits to programs in their

thoroughly we have lived up to our motto,

area that meet the needs of the commu-

‘Working Together Sets Us Apart.’”

nity and compel the people in that office.

Besides offering competitive benefits

And we support many and varied charities,

packages, flexible work accommodations,

including March of Dimes, American Heart

open PTO and extended holidays, as well

Association, Red Cross and the American

as a committee that monitors the compa-

Cancer Society.”

ny's diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, there are all sorts of small touches that make HBK special.

There are frequent workshops and seminars, paid sabbaticals and a mentorship program to enhance the professional 6 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

1

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 65

2

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Iron Ridge Insurance Services City: Fort Myers Website: ironridgeinsurance.com Year founded: 2011 CEO: Norman Lutz Industry: Insurance (Non-Healthcare) Employees in SWFL: 15 organizational dedication to further employee education and professional Iron Ridge Insurance Services, a bou-

advancement and a flexible-schedule,

tique independent property and casu-

four-day workweeks provide a healthy

alty insurance agency headquartered

work-life balance without sacrificing

in Fort Myers, has a unique view of its

career progression.”

workforce. It embraces the four-day,

Along with its abbreviated workweek

32-hour workweek, with many positions

and flexible work arrangements, Iron

having the option of being done at the

Ridge offers competitive salary and

employee’s home.

benefits, encourages breaks through-

“Every employee is provided the re-

out the day, allows for flexible time off,

sources, responsibility and authority to

holds company-sponsored holiday cel-

contribute to the team. Our philosophy

ebrations, provides paid, on-the-clock

is to learn by doing. To be daring. To be

employee

committed. To envision a better way to

cultivates an atmosphere of “respect

serve our clients and our team,” accord-

and appreciation,” says the company

ing to the company website.

spokesperson.

education

and

generally

Or, as a company spokesperson put

“The core of our culture is mutual

it: “Friendly and respectful colleagues,

benefit. Everything we do, every relationship, must be mutually beneficial,” according to the company’s website.

“Our work must benefit our customers, our agents, our agency, our vendors and our carrier and broker partners.”

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 67

DeAngelis Diamond City: Naples

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Website: deangelisdiamond.com Year founded: 1996 CEO: David Diamond Industry: Construction

Employees in SWFL: 106

ny encourages a healthy work-life bal-

ance and an atmosphere of respect and trust among its workforce.

There are plenty of additional ben-

Over the past three decades, DeAngelis

efits, as well. The company offers paid

Diamond Construction has gone from an

Costco and Sam's Club memberships,

award-winning local builder with offices

a 401k plan with company match and

in Naples and Fort Myers to a national-

additional profit-sharing match, refer-

ly recognized firm that’s licensed in 37

ral bonus program, two paid volunteer

states. Its company motto is “The Honor

days, adoption assistance, Veterans

to Build.” And there’s a lot of pride that

Day off for veterans who are employ-

comes with that—just ask the folks who

ees, monthly wellness reimbursement

work there.

and plenty of PTO. The firm also features

“Our purpose is to have a positive

food trucks every other Wednesday,

influence in the lives of everyone we

Popcorn Mondays, birthday celebrations

meet,” a company spokesperson says.

the first of every month, remote work

“We have a culture that embraces diver-

options for administrative employees,

sity, innovation, creativity, collaboration,

discounted entertainment benefits, a

servant leadership, inspiration, exper-

shop to purchase company gear, free

tise and fun. Our DeAngelis Diamond

snacks and drinks, an annual beach

Academy helps team members develop

Christmas celebration and a yearly chili

their career and personal goals so they

cook-off.

can become top in their field and enrich

The company clearly puts a lot of

their lives through continued learning

stock in its employees. “It is truly our

opportunities.”

people, who are consistently unleashing

Aside from the academy, there are a

their peak performance,” the company

slew of benefits and perks for employees

spokesperson says, “who make us who

to enjoy. They include competitive com-

we are and give us the ability to reach

pensation, educational reimbursement

new heights.”

for certifications, birthday paid time off, 11 paid holidays, employer-paid health insurance and maternity/paternity/miscarriage time off. Generally, the compa6 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

3

4

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA AIM Engineering & Surveying Inc. City: Fort Myers

Website: aimengr.com Year founded: 1980 CEO: Jerron Hull Industry: Engineering

Employees in SWFL: 73

ed to the festivities. In autumn, there’s Fall Fest, with a cornhole tournament, a lunch provided by local food trucks and

The management at AIM doesn’t like to

a farmer's market.

leave things to chance. “AIM is inten-

As far as the work week goes, AIM

tional about creating an environment

offers a flexible work schedule and has

in which our employees feel good, work

updated its policies to reflect the pan-

hard, play hard and are absolutely val-

demic so that employees can work from

ued,” a company spokesperson says.

home when needed. “We value our em-

The full-service engineering, planning

ployees and their comfort levels around

and surveying company in Fort Myers

others,” says the company spokesper-

offers employees lounges with ping-

son, “so we do not push for them to

pong, foosball tables and video games

be in the office.” When they are in the

and sponsors group walks. In off hours,

office, the company offers training and

there are sports teams and trivia groups

resources through a sponsored LinkedIn

for employees. The company has regu-

Learning account, along with produc-

lar employee-appreciation luncheons,

tivity, time management and leader-

year-of-service awards and employee

ship workshops, seminars and classes.

spotlight recognition of those workers

There’s also tuition reimbursement for

who go above and beyond the call of

advanced or post-graduate degrees.

duty. And around holidays, there’s al-

Employee voices are important at

ways a celebration, giving employees

AIM. For instance, there’s a committee

an excuse to dress up for the occasion;

of employees who review insurance op-

at Christmas, family members are invit-

tions on a yearly basis to find those that are best for the company as a whole.

And its HR department is always looking to improve the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 71

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Wright Construction Group Inc. City: Fort Myers Website: wcgfl.com Year founded: 1946 CEO: Fred Edman Industry: Construction Employees in SWFL: 53

They keep things simple at Wright Construction Group, a Fort Myers-based, family-owned construction firm that celebrated its 75th anniversary last year.

It’s all there in one of the company’s mottos: “Wright from the start.”

Sure, it offers solid pay and benefits to employees. And like other compa-

“The culture at Wright Construction

nies on this list, it has monthly employ-

would be one that’s very warm. Family

ee recognition awards, holiday parties

in its orientation; caring in its orien-

and the like. But it’s that family feel and

tation. Lots of long-term employees,”

spirit of collaboration that really sets it

CFO Mitch Bueltel says in a video cele-

apart and cultivates a company culture

brating the company’s diamond jubilee.

of growth, care and quality work.

“It’s not uncommon to have employees

President

Fred

Edman

inherited

who’ve been there well over 20 years

stewardship of the firm from his father

because it’s a good place to work. It’s a

Ron. Now Fred and his wife, Kelly, remain

warm environment. It’s a culture that’s

the sole owners and have brought their

focused on quality and great care for

own family into the company. “When we

their clients.”

come, we bring an army, and that army can do just about anything,” Fred Edman says in that anniversary video. “They all work together, everything that they do.

And they put their giftings together and make it all work. It’s really fun to be a part of.”

7 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

5

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 73

6

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Integrity Employee Leasing, Inc. City: Port Charlotte

Website: IntegrityEL.Com Year founded: 2005 CEO: Robert Hensley

Industry: Employee Services Employees in SWFL: 46

Integrity Employee Leasing is a full-service professional employer organization headquartered in Port Charlotte and operating throughout the South that handles payroll administration, human resources services, workers’ compensation, risk management, bookkeeping,

There’s the break room filled with

online payroll processing, insurance

snacks and drinks, and the conference

products and more. Integrity, however,

room equipped with an Xbox, games and

puts a lot of stock in its people, and the

movies. There are the monthly lunches,

company tries to show it in all sorts of

regular birthday celebrations and onsite

ways.

visits by a massage therapist. And there

The company offers flexible work-

are the Secret Santa celebrations at

days, provides a generous bonus the

Christmas along with employee appreci-

week before Black Friday, contributes a

ation days for families, years-of-service

401K match of 6%, offers annual medi-

awards and peer-to-peer employee-of-

cal bio screening free of charge as part

the-month recognition. According to a

of its health benefits and provides paid

company spokesperson, it’s important

life, paid short-term and long-term dis-

that the Integrity workforce get to know

ability insurance.

each other and spend time together in a relaxed environment.

With both its customers and employees, it seems that Integrity aims to live up to its name.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 75

Dorcey Law Firm City: Fort Myers

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Website: DorceyLaw.com Year founded: 2007 CEO: Joshua O. Dorcey Industry: Legal Employees in SWFL: 27

While the work may be fast-paced at the Dorcey Law Firm—an award-winning Fort Myers practice that specializes in estate and business planning, asset protection, probate and elder law—the team there still takes the time and care

remove a layer of that stress, then we

to give the office a relaxed feel.

have the ability to transfer your family

The office itself has a down-to-earth,

for another generation.”

laid-back vibe, which mirrors the rela-

The company offers an annual week-

tionships the firm forges with its clients.

end retreat for employees and their fam-

The firm has been honored for its work

ilies, holiday parties and work anniversa-

environment, its legal acumen, its eth-

ry and birthday celebrations, as well as

ical standards and its business sense.

paid sabbaticals. It also provides dental,

“We believe that the most stressful

vision and telehealth coverage; online

time in the life cycle of a family is when

identity protection; a 401K, with the firm

they lose a loved one,” the company’s

matching a percentage; generous PTO;

website says. “If we have the ability to

up to eight flex days to work remotely and bonus opportunities. “Our clients become family and our team, who are vital to our practice, also become family,” the firm’s website asserts. “We believe in giving back to our community and support over 50 local charities.”

7 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

7

8

7 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Sunshine Ace Hardware City: Bonita Springs

Website: SunshineAce.com Year founded: 1958 CEO: Jerry Wynn Industry: Retail Employees in SWFL: 316

as sports day, trivia day, themed T-shirt day, smile power day, good neighbor If you are going to work at Sunshine Ace

day, relaxation day, scavenger hunts and

Hardware—a third-generation, fami-

community event days. Employees are

ly-owned chain of 11 hardware stores

celebrated by annual Core Value Awards,

headquartered in Bonita Springs—it

a peer-to-peer recognition program

pays to be passionate about what you do.

that awards associates who embody

“We hire for passion because it makes

each of the company’s 10 core values,

happier, more engaged team members

and team appreciation week—an entire

and ultimately loyal customers,” says a

week dedicated to specific awards and

company spokesperson. “The philoso-

recognizing all employees with daily ac-

phy has always been to first take care

tivities, games, gifts and personalized

of the team, who will take care of the

thanks from all levels of the company.

customers. They, in turn, will take care

There are also years of service awards,

of the business. One of the core values is

presented to all employees meeting

‘love, laugh, work hard.’ Team members

milestones for every five years they

love working at Sunshine for many rea-

have been with the company. Workers

sons; the most common being that they

can also count on their teams in times

are treated as family members.”

of challenge with associate grant assis-

That family feel includes company-sponsored weekly visits from food

tance programs, loans, PTO donations and other special-care solutions.

trucks, holiday celebrations and month-

“We love the support we provide to

ly “have fun at work” days in which em-

one another in the good times and in the

ployees can dress up for such events

bad,” says the company spokesperson.

“We count on one another for more than just work—we are family.”

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 79

CLA

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

City: Timonium, Maryland

Website: claconnect.com Year founded: 1953 CEO: Jennifer Leary Industry: Accounting Employees in SWFL: 67

CLA, or CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, is an accounting, advisory and consulting firm and the eighth largest company of its kind in the United States. Its local offices are located in both Fort Myers and

gift card, as well as a CLA Family Mem-

Naples. “CLA’s purpose is to create op-

ber Service Recognition Program, which

portunities for our clients, people and

celebrates work anniversaries at every

communities,” according to a company

five-year increment and personal mile-

spokesperson. “Our promise is to know

stones, such as weddings, birthdays and

you and help you. CLA fulfills this prom-

births. There are monthly social events,

ise by instilling a culture that is built on

various potlucks, volunteering events

trust and transparency. CLA encourages

and a family appreciation month cele-

curiosity and is committed and dedi-

bration in June. There’s also a fantasy

cated to providing the flexibility, choice

football league, young advisory council

and mobility that fuel each individual’s

and “Biggest Loser”-style weight loss

inspired career.”

challenge. It offers resources for career

To help the firm follow that credo,

growth, as well as military leave oppor-

the company offers a Growth Network

tunities to those with obligations to the

of the Year Recognition Program, with

armed forces.

a $1,000 bonus for each employee, and

As far as the workday goes, CLA offers

the Florida Growth Network Challenge,

flexible hours and opportunities to work

with monthly winners awarded a $100

at home—with all appropriate equipment provided and all meetings and trainings having virtual and in-person options. And as far diversity, equity and inclusion, Forbes magazine last year recognized the firm overall as being one of the publication’s top 500 Best Employers for Diversity.

8 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

9

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 81

10

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA O-A-K Florida, Inc. |

Owen-Ames-Kimball Company City: Fort Myers

Website: owen-ames-kimball.com Year founded: 1982

work events to build teamwork and mo-

CEO: Matthew Zwack

rale. There are also office-wide lunch-

Industry: Construction

es and picnics, years-of-service award

Employees in SWFL: 48

ceremonies and annual Christmas parties that also serve to build the feeling that the employees all constitute one

O-A-K Florida Inc. | Owen-Ames-Kimball

big team.

Company is a Fort Myers-based com-

“We listen to each other. We under-

mercial construction management and

stand that working separately doesn’t

general contracting firm that has of-

mean working apart,” according to the

fices in both Florida and Michigan and

company website. “Harry Truman put it

has completed projects in 39 states.

best, ‘There is no limit to what can be

It’s 100% employee-owned, so naturally

accomplished if it doesn’t matter who

there’s a lot of focus on the type of work

gets the credit.’”

environment the company engenders.

O-A-K also offers strong benefits,

“We work hard to give our team mem-

flexible hours and generous parental

bers a great work-life balance and pro-

leave benefits, as well mentoring op-

vide a family atmosphere at O-A-K,” a

portunities, tuition reimbursement for

company spokesperson says. “From

business education workshops and

lunches and celebrations with staff to

conferences and a profit-sharing pro-

family events to bring our work life and

gram. “The qualities that empower our

home life together in harmony, we're a

people to be their best are the same

people company providing construction

qualities that create great leaders,” the

project management to our partners

company’s website says. “Ownership

and clients.”

means more than financial investment,

The company allows pets to accom-

too. It means we care A LOT. Being em-

pany their owners to the office to help

ployee-owned contributes to our excep-

relieve workday stress, and regularly

tionally low turnover rate and our ability

holds employee lunches and outside

to attract top talent. That translates to a great team dynamic, transparency in communication and accountability for our actions.”

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 83

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

First Horizon Corporation City: Naples

Website: firsthorizon.com Year founded: 1864 CEO: D. Bryan Jordan Industry: Banking

Employees in SWFL: 179

formalized structure for associates to sit down with their managers to discuss progress, goals or any other needs to

First

Horizon

Corporation—a

Na-

help fulfill the balance of work and life.”

ples-based bank with branches all over

First Horizon offers a generous family

Southwest Florida, as well as around

leave program and a variety of flexible

the rest of the country—is not shy about

work options. It gives out Firstpower

wanting to be a great place to work. In

Awards, which recognize employees

fact, it’s one of the bank’s guiding prin-

who go above and beyond the call of

ciples. It says so right there on the web-

duty to assist customers or colleagues,

site, along with the other touchstones

and provides a Diamond Circle recogni-

of its singular Firstpower corporate cul-

tion program for top sales performers

ture: build strong relationships, deliver

that includes an annual incentive trip.

results, give back and exhibit fortitude.

Its service anniversary rewards pro-

“First Horizon’s culture has support-

gram honors employees who celebrate

ed the balance between work and home

milestone service anniversaries (begin-

for decades—so much so that when our

ning at five years) by giving them points

‘Firstpower’ culture was created in 1991,

that can be redeemed for a broad range

‘family matters’ was one of the three pil-

of merchandise. There are spirit days,

lars that defined the new way of doing

brown bag lunches and team dinners

business within the company. Our First-

throughout the year.

power culture is a ‘three-legged stool’

The company is dedicated to diversity,

supported by family matters, empow-

equity and inclusion—not as a separate

erment and continuous improvement,”

initiative, but as a matter of day-to-day

according to a company spokesperson.

operations. It also offers a formal men-

“To ensure associates have the support

toring program and associate resource

needed to help them fulfill their job re-

groups, which provide opportunities for

sponsibilities as well as their personal

networking, education, community out-

and family priorities, quarterly check-

reach, professional development and

ins were introduced to provide a more

training forums around relative topics.

“Our associates are our most valuable asset,” the company spokesperson says, “and we strive to provide an environment that best supports them and their families.”

8 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

11

12

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PBS Contractors City: Naples

Website: pbscontractors.com Year founded: 1986 CEO: Tim Dupre

Industry: Construction

and camaraderie. There are brown-bag

Employees in SWFL: 39

lunches, chair massages, food trucks, barbecues, after-hours happy hours, ice cream socials—typically five events

The motto of Naples-based PBS Con-

on five days to encourage team building

tractors—which builds custom luxury

and having fun at work. Of course, family

homes and commercial projects—is

members are also invited to corporate

“We build better lives for our team, for

events. In addition, there are various

our clients and for our community.” Ac-

holiday parties and quarterly meetings

cording to founder Russell Budd, who

that include a fun theme and recog-

recently turned over the reins to the

nition of employee contributions and

company, “Our team comes first for a

milestone anniversaries.

reason. A happy team equals happy clients, and a happier community.”

On a more serious note, the company also supports community projects

That sentiment is supported by the

that are important to individual team

company’s 28 fundamental principles

members, whether that’s through par-

that are supposed to guide every as-

ticipating in various activities or direct

pect of the business. They include such

financial giving. It also offers everything

tenets as “Do the right thing always,”

from time-management workshops to

“Listen generously,” “Assume posi-

financial education seminars along with

tive intent” and “Take responsibility for

its generous benefits. In an effort to live

achieving results.” The 28th rule per-

up to a commitment to help employees

haps has as much to do with the work

maintain a healthy work-life balance,

environment at PBS as any of the oth-

the company maintains flexible work

ers. It’s simply, “Have fun.”

hours and tries to keep overtime non-

And to make sure no one forgets that

existent.

rule, every 28 weeks it gets reinforced

That commitment to its employees,

by the company holding its twice-annu-

its belief that a happy team plays an im-

al Fun Week, which includes daily activ-

portant role in producing happy clients,

ities or meals that promote team spirit

its establishment of a work ethos that adds meaning and value to its efforts and its feelings of responsibility to the community all make PBS a special place to work.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 87

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA TriCircle Pavers Inc. City: Fort Myers Website: tricirclepavers.com Year founded: 2002 CEO: Bill de Deugd Industry: Manufacturing Employees in SWFL: 65

When you go to work at TriCircle Pavers, a paving stone manufacturer company with locations in Fort Myers and Bartow, you’re among friends. Employees there say the feeling of friendship, teamwork

permits us to be a tightly knit group that

and empowerment is apparent the mo-

feels it can rely on one another when

ment you come on board at the 20-year-

necessary. We feel as if the company is

old, family-founded company.

concerned with us and they are always

“The family atmosphere is evident within the company and proven by the longevity

of

TriCrcle's

asking what they can do for us.”

The firm’s managers are active in the

employees—

business and are in regular contact with

demonstrated with several employees

the employees, often checking in with

that have over 20 years of employment

them daily. The team there regularly

with TCP,” says a company spokesper-

holds potluck lunches in which workers

son. “TCP strives to have our employees

all bring in dishes to share, and employ-

make independent, problem-solving de-

ees are recognized for their accomplish-

cisions. TCP is a small company, which

ments on a monthly and yearly basis.

Plus, employees are urged to enjoy their work and the environment—especially on holidays when everyone is encouraged to dress up in costume. “It is fun to work here,” the company spokesperson says.

8 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

13

14

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA AccuData Integrated Marketing City: Fort Myers

Website: accudata.com Year founded: 1992 CEO: Pat Wiley

Industry: Advertising/PR/Marketing

families in the mix, offering free and

Employees in SWFL: 53

discounted tickets to family-friendly entertainment and events and extending invitations to family members for

At AccuData Integrated Marketing in

corporate events. All of this makes for a

Fort Myers—which offers its clients

fairly relaxed office environment.

industry-leading data resources, so-

But it’s not all fun and games at Accu-

phisticated modeling and analytics and

Data. The investments that the compa-

robust email and digital marketing ca-

ny regularly makes in its staff also make

pabilities—maintaining a healthy work-

this company one of the best places to

life balance while providing innovative

work. There are on-site personal de-

data solutions is a top priority.

velopment and/or stress management

Working extra hours is discouraged,

workshops, seminars and classes. Em-

or at least kept to a minimum. And activ-

ployees are equipped with the training

ities meant to bring the staff closer to-

and tools they need to feel comfortable

gether are the order of the day, ranging

in their positions, but also are provided

from the annual office Olympics, “Health

with a great deal of autonomy in how

Month” initiatives and quarterly blood

they go about their job duties. Since

drives to biannual toy drives for local

the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,

hospitals and quarterly charity drives

the company has updated its telecom-

for local non-profits. Not only does the

muting policies to be available to more

company offer comprehensive medical

employees and created a defined hybrid

coverage, it provides workers with daily

program, i.e., working in the office two

reminders to take a walk and organizes

days per week and three from home.

weight-loss challenge groups.

Recognition is also an important

There are regular “beer cart” Fri-

part of engaging the workforce, so the

day festivities and holiday celebrations

company sponsors the monthly “Cherry

such as ugly sweater contests, the Ac-

on the Top” award for operations em-

cuScream Halloween party and yuletide

ployees who go above and beyond their

decorations made from office supplies.

normal duties, as well as an annual Core

And the management is quick to include

Values honor for workers who embody the high ethical standards, strong work ethic and close community involvement the company holds dear.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 91

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida City: Fort Myers Website: cpswfl.com Year founded: 2009 CEO: Gary Tasman Industry: Real Estate Employees in SWFL: 28

and beyond in delivering outstanding Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial

customer service to our clients, ven-

Property Southwest Florida is one of the

dors and not-for-profits that we touch.

most familiar firms in the region’s real

People make a business, and [our] team

estate industry. “Cushman & Wakefield

makes our business the best.”

Commercial Property Southwest Florida

And recognizing the efforts of that

has been a driving force for economic

team is important at the firm. That’s why

development, county improvement and

it offers the Above and Beyond award,

sustainable quality of life in Lee County

given monthly at a company meeting

and Southwest Florida,” according to a

from one employee to another. The pre-

company spokesperson.

vious month’s winner is responsible for

“The company has been good stew-

assessing who goes above and beyond,

ards of Lee County, (and) continual-

and awards it with input from their su-

ly reinvests in our employees and the

pervisor to ensure specific guidelines

community to make a positive impact.

are met. There are regular employee

The company’s strategic approach and

holiday potlucks or company-sponsored

clear vision always has, and continues

lunches, pizza parties after its bimonthly

to, support and promote Lee County,”

“Keep Lee Beautiful” trash pick-ups and

the spokesperson adds. “By giving [our]

a monthly happy hour after all company

team great benefits, excellent growth

meetings. The company offers mentor-

opportunities and a safe and fun working

ing opportunities and leadership training.

environment, I know that we go above

And the goodwill goes beyond company get-togethers and training. Depending on the firm’s performance, it also offers summer and year-end bonuses to employees.

9 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

15

16

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Scotlynn USA

City: Fort Myers

Website: scotlynn.com Year founded: 2010

achievement. “The purpose-built space

CEO: Scott Biddle

is a game-changer when it comes to

Industry: Transportation

creating a fun, productive and enjoyable

Employees in SWFL: 207

place to work,” says a company spokesperson. “We want to build a positive workplace that inspires innovation, and

The three-story, 60,000-square-foot

we encourage employees to give back to

Fort Myers headquarters of transpor-

strengthen the communities where we

tation and logistics company Scotlynn

live and do business by matching volun-

USA, which also has offices in Tampa

teer hours with earned time off.”

and Indianapolis, was designed with its employees and recruitment in mind.

Scotlynn’s employees matter a great deal to the company. In fact, 90% of the

The complex includes a gym, a bas-

company’s leadership has been pro-

ketball court, a walking trail, a cafeteria

moted from within its ranks. Manage-

with indoor and outdoor eating areas and

ment not only wants its workers to feel

enough workspaces to accommodate

good about where they work, it mentors

more than 400 employees. There’s also

them with professional training in order

an on-site barber, car wash, dry clean-

for them to grow in their current jobs

ing, food service and snack shop. The

and aspire for higher offices. Scotlynn is

building is also the setting for friendly

also serious about diversity, equity and

Nerf-gun wars, as well as billiard, ping-

inclusion, as well as outreach to veter-

pong and foosball battles and bas-

ans in its recruitment policies. The com-

ketball or kickball tournaments. There

pany has a synergy team that focuses

are fun weekly and monthly awards, as

on cultural diversity and improving the

well as celebrations for milestones and

work environment for every staffer.

“Scotlynn has a strong vision, mission statement, core values and code of ethics that all Scotlynn USA employees are expected to follow and embody,” says its company spokesperson. “Our values guide our competitive and compassionate company culture. We believe you have to work hard to play hard.”

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 95

SPONSORED CONTENT

GUIDE TO EMPLOYEE BENEFIT BROKERS p. 97

9 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

___ J U N E

2 0 2 2

A GULFSHORE BUSINESS SPECIAL REPORT & GUIDE

E MPLOYE E BENEFIT BROKERS

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 97

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT BROKERS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Jonathan Brooke Vice President

Taking a technology-forward approach toward your Human Capital & Risk Management Needs.

The landscape of Employee Benefits has drastically changed since the pandemic. Organizations are increasingly adopting a more forward-thinking technology approach for

•

Web Based Benefits • Administration & HRIS Platform 24/7 Online HR Resource Center Live HR Consulting Client Risk Management Portal

• • •

Employee Benefits • Health • Life • Dental • Vision • Disability • Supplemental

239.270.5009 11215 Metro Parkway Building 1 | Suite 4 Fort Myers, FL 33966

Jonathan Brooke

Vice President

Jonathan.Brooke@Acentria.com

their benefits administration. The transition to digitizing benefits administration allows your company to be more efficient, while offering a compliant solution to manage the ever-changing world of employee benefits. It also allows for increased management efficiencies and culture. Employers that optimize their human capital management report higher levels of employee satisfaction with their benefits program, which leads to higher retention rates. Allow the team of professionals at Acentria Insurance to offer a holistic solution to optimizing and managing all of your human capital needs.

Supercharge Your Benefits Package Partner with us today and offer your employees valuable insurance protection for themselves and their families.

Combined Insurance/CHUBB

Our Supplemental Benefits

• Hospitalization

Help provide extra support when the unexpected happens

• Accident • Critical Illness

Support your employees and their families when they face financial worries

• Disability

Stand out to job seekers and retain your top talent

• Life

Come at little to no cost to your business

Contact: Lance Ganis, Account Executive Our Supplemental Insurance Categories

Phone: 352-362-7111 Email: Lance.Ganis@Combined.com

Accident

Critical Illness & Cancer

Disability

Life

For more information on how we can enhance your benefits package, contact Lance Ganis at 352-362-7111 or lance.ganis@combined.com

This brochure is for illustrative purposes intended for Employers.

9 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT BROKERS

SPONSORED CONTENT

employee benefits

Don & Marletta Short

DONALD W. SHORT

Let’s talk about Employee Benefits for your business. We represent the best health and life plans in the nation. We would love the opportunity to review your current plans and quote on new plans for your business.

& ASSOCIATES LLC

We are employee benefit brokers representing the best group health and life plans in the nation. Our emphasis on employee benefits and our independent status provides you a unique opportunity to find the best health and life benefits at a reasonable cost.

Don & Marletta Short

Donald W. Short Associates LLC

&

We have built our company around three principals: Quality, Integrity, and Value. We are conscious of your needs and situation. These basics have produced many satisfied clients over the past 40 years.

martyshort527@msn.com || www.donaldsohrtinsurance.com 239-395-8754 Office | 913-338-3347 Cell SINCE 1984

OneDigital delivers strategic advisory consulting on employee benefits, wellbeing, human resources, pharmacy consulting, property and casualty solutions, as well as the retirement and wealth management services to more than 85,000 employers across the nation. Our clients tell us the reason they chose OneDigital over our competitors is because the holistic approach we are taking to address the top five things that are most important to employees (benefits, compensation, development, employee experience and culture).

This approach assists in helping Employers to creatively solve for “locking down” their current employees and jumpstarting their recruiting strategy with outside the box ideas to set them apart from other employers.

For inquiries please contact: LYANN GYURICH, Business Development Executive direct: 239-301-4338 27200 Riverview Center Blvd, 2nd Floor Bonita Springs, FL 34134 lgyurich@onedigital.com | onedigital.com

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2022 9 9

Starling Hendriks

Emma Osborne

Jeanette Lombardi

Essential to Your Business

Helping Individuals with Wealth Management Since 1976, Bond has worked with Collier County individuals who rely on us for high net worth trust and estate and financial planning.

For more information go to bsk.com.

4001 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL 34103 • 239.659.3800 • BSK.COM

TOP NURSING SCHOOL IN FLORIDA

FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY IMAGINE WHAT WE CAN DO IN THE NEXT 25.

LEARN MORE AT FGCU.EDU/25YEARS

p_110 Boutique living in Naples

2

B. BUSINESS 2 BUSINESS

I N N OVAT I O N TOURISM R E S I D E N T I A L R E A L E STAT E COMMERCIAL PROJECTS NEW & EXPANDING

 ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Successful Narrative

JUNE 2022

COFFEE ROASTER’S LEAP OF FAITH

Brian Tietz

p_112

By Artis Henderson

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JUNE 2022 101

Business 2 Business

JUNE 2022

I N N O V AT I O N

By David Dorsey

Modeling the Future INNOVATION WAY EXPLORES NEW IDEAS IN HOME DESIGN Most model home tours offer a quick, somewhat desultory peek at the garage. That’s not the case at Babcock Ranch’s Innovation Way: A look inside seven of the nine garages along Hammock Lane, aka “Innovation Way,” reveals state-of-the-art technology not available in current homes for sale.

There are batteries that can power the entire home for up to 24 hours in the event of a power outage. There are tankless water heaters. There are electronic gizmos from which homeowners can monitor their own electricity usage, shutting off dormant appliances or areas of the home that aren’t requiring power.

One of the garages even has an electrical hookup that can charge the new Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck.

Or, in the event of a power outage, the fully charged truck can return the favor, by powering the entire house for 12 to 24 hours.

Southwest Florida’s three largest home builders agreed to collaborate for the first time on developing more eneran invitation from Babcock Ranch and agreed to partner with Florida Power & Light, which will spend the next two years monitoring the energy usages of the seven homes and

Robert Exelbierd

gy-efficient homes. D.R. Horton, Lennar and Pulte accepted

1 0 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com



INNOVATION MOTIVATION The intent behind the innovative thinking at Babcock Ranch was not to do something cool, but to do something practical.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 103

Business 2 Business I N N O V AT I O N

comparing them to the two control homes. “It will be done with apps and computers,” says Stevany Cole, project manager for FPL. “We’ll be doing a lot of testing; seeing how they can better support the home comfortably.”

Lennar built five homes, including the two control homes, while D.R. Horton and Pulte each built two. Each house is in the 2,000- to 2,400-square-foot range and has different brands of accessories, lighting systems, sound systems and appliances. Even the insulation and some of the construction techniques vary from model to model.

Lennar built a “deconstructed house,” where some of the drywall remains open, so visitors can see the internal piping, air ducts and other innovations lying behind them.

“The idea was born in 2019,” says Tom Hoban, CIO and president of Kitson & Partners, hit, it was coming into shape. That slowed us down a little bit.”

Lennar and Pulte joined the collabora1 0 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

Robert Exelbierd

which owns Babcock Ranch. “Before COVID

tion first. D.R. Horton came aboard in September 2021 and built its two models within 64 days, says Kyle Knight, D.R. Horton’s director of operations.

“We’ll come in here and crush ’em,” Knight jokes of Pulte and Lennar, the first two national home builders at Babcock Ranch. D.R. Horton led the nation with 82,000 homes built in 2021. Inside the D.R. Horton model called the “Condale,” there is Deako-branded lighting, a Sonos-wired sound system, Carrier-branded “infinity air purifier” air conditioning and a Moen-branded “smart shower.”

The shower turns on at the push of a button with a temperature gauge instead of the traditional hot/cold knobs. The house is insulated with Core Foam injected into the spaces between the concrete block.

The homes also have varying styles of construction to study. “It’s wood panel on the second floor,” Dave Meyers, Lennar’s director of operations, says of one of those five homes.

“There’s a cable system that holds and ties down the wall more efficiently. We all needed to find our own niche, and we all want to help 

COMBINED ENERGY Southwest Florida’s three largest home builders — D.R. Horton, Lennar and Pulte — collaborated in an effort to develop more energy-efficient homes at Babcock Ranch.

advance the building industry. That’s part of the living laboratory.”

Another one of the Lennar homes has a Greyter-branded water efficiency setup. InGULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 105

Business 2 Business I N N O V AT I O N



SMARTER HOMES Appliances and electronics at model homes in Babcock Ranch are designed to showcase energy conservation ideas.

side the garage, there’s a 30-gallon water tank that collects runoff water from the shower and baths and repurposes it to become toilet water. That’s supposed to save consumers about 20% to 30% in water usage. ers,” says John Bell, vice president of business development for Greyter. The incentives, collaborating with local and state gov-

2022 GIVING GUIDE: BUSINESS GIVES BACK Don’t miss out on the

Giving Guide, showcasing

Southwest Florida’s nonprofits and their important missions.

For more information visit: gulfshorebusiness.com/givingguide GIVING GUIDE:

Business Gives Back

P R E S E N TE D B Y

Robert Exelbierd

“What we’re able to do is drive incentives for the develop-

HOW WE INSURE WILL ALSO ASSURE. Insurance is all about protection from loss. So proper coverage is an absolute necessity, especially in today’s litigious times.

We take protection 360 degrees further with risk management.

By identifying vulnerabilities, we can eliminate or reduce risk of accidents, injuries and lawsuits.

nt

| Busin es

ernments, could mean expediting per-

Pe

rso n

ce

|

rance | nsu sI

Risk Manage m

Be eassured you’ve chosen the right partner in us.

al Insu

ran

I R M S i s n o w A s s u r e d Pa r t n e r s

mits to build. “Our solutions give them a little bit of leverage.”

Pulte has a Pentair-branded water conditioning system with a three-part filtration device; a “Flo by Moen” smartwater shutoff valve that detects leaks; and a Rinnai-branded recirculating, tankless water heater that so far is unavailable to consumers. The Leviton WiFi-enabled load center tells the homeowners where they are spending their money on electricity.

“What’s going on here are lessons for the rest of the country,” says Syd Kitson, CEO of Kitson & Partners, which bought and created Babcock Ranch.

“Innovation Way, that’s what this street is,” Hoban says. “It’s a lot of learning.”

It all began when the different stakeholders convened. Hoban called it the “Innovation Summit.” “We had a bunch of forward-thinking folks in the room,” Hoban says. “To their credit, everyone bought into it. What can we do to pragmatically showcase this? The intent was not to do something cool; the intent was to do something practical.”

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 107

assuredpartners.com/naples | 239-649-1444 8950 Fontana Del Sol Way, Suite 200 · Naples, Florida 34109

Business 2 Business TOURISM

JUNE 2022

By Kaitlin Greenockle

The Sky’s the Limit SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL SETS NEW PASSENGER RECORDS International

The traffic leader in March was Delta

Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is bus-

Florida

with 284,407 total passengers, followed

ier than ever. In the first quarter of

by Southwest with 254,061 passengers,

2021, it ranked as the 30th busiest

United with 197,294 passengers, Spirit

U.S. airport with more than 5.5 mil-

with 188,373 passengers and American

lion travelers passing through secu-

with 180,542 passengers. The airport

rity. Now, it has broken into the top

also had 12,168 aircraft operations,

25, ranking 24th with more than 3

which was a 6.1% increase compared to

million travelers in the first three

March of last year.

months of 2022, according to TSA

Ranking at 24, Southwest Florida

Daily Reports and Bureau of Trans-

International Airport is just behind

portation Statistics.

Philadelphia and Salt Lake City, both of

In January, February and March of

which had slightly more than 2 million

this year, the airport already has seen

travelers in January and February. Fort

3,708,480 passengers, which is about

Myers is in front of Austin and Washing-

a 44% increase from last year’s num-

ton (D.C.) National, which had nearly 1.8

bers. That’s about a 1.6% increase

million travelers each.

in passenger traffic compared to pre-pandemic numbers in 2019.

As a local comparison, Sarasota Bradenton Airport, which is comparable to

More than 1.5 million passengers

Southwest Florida International Air-

traveled through RSW in March

port with 11 airline partners and 53 non-

alone, which was a 30% increase com-

stop destinations, has seen slightly more

pared to March of last year. “March

than 1 million passengers in the first

2022 was the busiest month in the

three months of 2022.

39-year history of our airport, as well

RSW set a new record in 2021, serving

as the best month recorded at Page

more than 10.3 million passengers. “Cur-

Field in nearly 40 years,” says Ben

rently, there is considerable demand for

Siegel, CPA, C.M., executive director

leisure travel and people are eager to

of the Lee County Port Authority.

visit Southwest Florida to take advan-

1 0 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

Courtesy of RSW

Southwest

gulfshorebusiness.com

tage of its beautiful beaches, fantastic weather and the welcoming atmosphere of our region,” says Victoria Moreland, Lee County Port Authority chief communications and marketing officer.

On the global scale, Southwest Florida International Airport has a preliminary rank of 105 for 2021.

The final rankings for global and regional airports will be published in the fall by the Airports Council International. The airport served 10,322,434 passengers in 2021, which was a 72.66% increase from 2020, according to Airports Council International.

Southwest Florida International Airport has 14 airline partners with 60 nonstop cities. It serves Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties and is expanding its terminal to improve airport efficiency and provide passengers with more amenities 

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS March 2022 was the busiest month in the 39-year history of Southwest Florida International Airport.

and options. The $331 million expansion project started in October 2021 and is expected to take three years to complete.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 109

Business 2 Business

JUNE 2022

R E S I D E N T I A L R E A L E S TAT E

By Tim Aten

Upstairs, Downstairs RESIDENTIAL MOVES IN ABOVE RETAIL IN DOWNTOWN NAPLES Boutique, mixed-use developments are the rage in downtown Naples. A floor or two of upscale condominiums above a ground floor of high-end retail and office space has long been common on Fifth Avenue South, but now this popular vertical combination of residential and commercial is quickly expanding elsewhere in the city.

One of the best examples is Parkview at Cambier, a new three-story development of four luxury condos completed this year at 675 Eighth St. S., across from Cambier Park. That corner of Eighth Street South and Seventh Avenue South is the former site of the Chapel Grill restaurant and the original location of First Baptist Church.

The redevelopment project pulled out all the stops for upscale living. With about 6,700 square feet of total living space per unit, each ultra-exclusive residence features more than 3,900 square feet under air with outdoor living space, a three-car garage, a personal elevator and a private rooftop area with full kitchens, bars, spas and firepits. A common area includes a heated pool, tiki bar, putting green and pingpong and pool tables. The state-of-the-art smart homes feature coastal contemporary designs, custom cabinetry and millwork, retractable storm shutters and dedicated generators for each residence.

“I think it’s the nicest Naples has seen. Mine is unique in a lot of ways,” says developer Frank Meak. “I knew I had something very special. The people who bought it bought it in a blink and didn’t give it a moment’s thought. They said it was the nicest product they’ve seen in Naples.” square foot, meaning units sold for $7.5 million. The last unit is expected to fetch substantially more.

Provided

Still, Meak was astonished at the record sale price of $1,950 per

1 1 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2



BOUTIQUE LIFESTYLE Stella Naples and new mixed-use properties on Eighth Street South in Naples provide luxury living above highend businesses.

“Truthfully, it did surprise me a little bit,”

idents more because they are leading the

Meak says. “But the market has gone crazy

charge for what’s going downstairs,” Kep-

and the demand is huge.”

ple says, adding that high levels of interest

The two floors of residential are above the

have been shown for commercial units by

ground floor of private garages and two retail

high-end medical businesses, financial and

units, both operated by local clothing design-

wealth management offices, an upscale

er and tailor Dominic Lacquaniti: D.Lacquan-

boutique and a small bakery/coffee shop.

iti Bespoke custom clothier fronting one side

Even with prices starting at more than

of the building and D.Lacquaniti Bespoke

$2 million, at least eight of the 10 two- and

Shoes on the other.

three-bedroom condos with private rooftop

“He’ll do extremely well there,” Meak says.

decks have already been purchased. Expect

“I had a lot of demand for the retail, but I was

to see similar projects as more opportuni-

very fussy about who was getting the retail

ties become available in the community,

because I didn’t want high traffic.” And that’s

Kepple said. “I do see it as a trend moving

another common thread of these new down-

forward,” he says. “They’ve seen the success

town projects: The privacy of the residential

with the sellout and the numbers.”

units is respected by signing commercial tenants with lower traffic.

These boutique, mixed-use projects are a way to achieve scale and density, Kepple

That’s also the goal of Jonathan Kepple,

said. “People want quality; they want scale

a commercial real estate specialist with

with high-level finishes and they’ll pay for

Diversified Real Estate Group in Naples.

it. It’s all about the value.”

Kepple is curating commercial clients for

Three or four more of these three-story ur-

Stella Naples, a redevelopment project by

ban projects are planned or near completion

The Brookline Companies that will feature

on the eastern side of Eighth Street South

10 luxury residences on two floors, above a

between Fifth Avenue South and Central

small collection of shops and offices on the

Avenue in Old Naples. Last summer, Water-

ground level, at 82 Ninth St. S. For nearly

side Builders announced the completion and

75 years, that space of less than an acre on

sellout of one of those projects, SoCe Flats,

the corner of U.S. 41 and First Avenue South

which has 18 residential units above 4,200

was the site of Sea Shell Motel. Vertical

square feet of first-floor commercial units at

construction on Stella Naples started this

101 Eighth St. S. The chic new space—SoCe

spring for a projected opening in the first

is short for South of Central—has attracted

half of 2023.

businesses such as House of Blondes salon

“We are trying to cater toward the res-

and Face Foundrié facial bar.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 111

Business 2 Business

JUNE 2022

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

By Artis Henderson

Successful Narrative COFFEE ENTREPRENEUR CALEB MACPHERSON’S LEAP OF FAITH When Caleb MacPherson, now 28 and the founder of Narrative Coffee Roasters, and his wife Megan moved to Southwest Florida from Ottawa seven years ago, the couple spent their weekends traveling to Orlando, Tampa and Miami just for a good cup of coffee. “It felt like everything in Southwest Florida at the time was like a ’90s airport coffee shop,” MacPherson says. He was used to an elevated approach to coffee. Locally, all he could find was unsatisfactory.

Eventually, MacPherson’s wife got tired of hearing him complain. She gave him an ultimatum: Either do something about it or shut up. So he started looking into coffee roasters—a high-quality, commercial-grade roaster would cost him $2,400. The newly married coupled had $3,000 in the bank. “My wife believed in me enough to let me empty our savings,” MacPherson says. “If she didn’t push me, Narrative wouldn’t be here today.”

MacPherson started off roasting coffee beans in their Fort Myers apartment in 2016. He focused on unique coffees from around the world and gave his beans a light to medium roast, letting the coffee’s natural sweetness shine.

he launched a mobile espresso cart in 2018. He opened his

1 1 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

Erik Kellar

ation into a warehouse in north Cape Coral. From there,

Brian Tietz

Soon, he had enough wholesale business to move his oper-

gulfshorebusiness.com



HOMEGROWN PROGRESS What started as a home-brewing operation grew into a successful local business with two retail shops for Narrative Coffee Roasters.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 113

Business 2 Business ENTREPRENEURSHIP

first retail shop in Mercato in 2018, and a second shop on Central Ave-



FRESH FLAVOR

nue in 2021. “It was a long, arduous process to get where we are now,”

Narrative Coffee Roasters roasts beans

he admits.

in view of customers at its second shop

MacPherson began his business when he had little to lose, and he says that has made all the difference. “A lot of entrepreneurs fail to re-

at Eleven Eleven Central in downtown Naples.

alize that it’s never going to get easier than when you have nothing,” he Brian Tietz

says. “Now we have two shops, a roasting company, two children and a business partner. If we fail now, it’s the end of the world for us.”

1 1 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

Business 2 Business ENTREPRENEURSHIP



MAKING COFFEE Using beans from around the world, Caleb MacPherson gives them a light to medium roast to let their natural sweetness shine.

AN HONEST LOOK Before would-be entrepreneurs take the leap, MacPherson suggests they take an honest look at their motivations. “We live in a culture where everyone wants to be an entrepreneur,” he says. “But no one talks about what you have to sacrifice to make it happen.” For someone who likes weekends off and a good worklife balance, entrepreneurship may not be the best route. “Make sure it’s what Brian Tietz

you really want before you venture out and bring your family on board.”



TITLE GOES HERE AND HERE Other info goes here and here and here and here.

At OnTrack Training, we help small business owners, entrepreneurs, leaders and managers, who are concerned about employee performance and commitment to the business. We do this by helping them: • improve their leadership skills, • resolve differences/conflicts

• delegate appropriately, and • build strong teams

This results in a more supportive organizational culture where employees are more engaged in the business, serve customers at a higher level, and increase revenue.

Nicholas J. Scalzo 10849 Stonington Ave. Fort Myers, FL 33913 (516) 241-3801 njscalzo@ontracktraining.com

Depending on your needs, we will design specialized training, consulting, or interpersonal skills or leadership coaching to provide you and your team with practical strategies to overcome your challenges and meet business goals.

Interested in learning more about how we can serve you and your organization? We welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

Some of our superior tools are:

SOME FATHERLY ADVICE When MacPherson was deciding whether to launch his own business, he called his dad for some advice. His father laughed. “I have no idea what you should do,” he said. “I can promise you this: If you don’t do it, the world’s not going to end.

But you’ll spend the rest of your life wondering what if. If you can live with that, then it’s not worth it. If you can’t—if it’s going to keep you up at night—then you have to do it.” ai165091621529_11863 Gulfshore Josh Ware.pdf

1

4/25/22

3:50 PM

LMCU is pleased to welcome Josh Ware, Vice President of Commercial Lending “I’m proud to provide Southwest Florida business owners an exceptional financing experience and help them achieve their goals. LMCU has a tremendous reputation, and I look forward to helping grow our commercial lending relationships in Fort Myers.”

We’re ready to finance your next project. Call today to get started and experience the LMCU difference.

Josh Ware Vice President Commercial Lender (239) 314-0574 Joshua.Ware@LMCU.org LMCU.org/JoshuaWare

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 117

Business 2 Business

JUNE 2022

COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

By Adam Regan

West Side Realty LLC purchased a 35,400-square-foot single tenant building on 5.08 acres at 4655-4661 Laredo Ave. in Fort Myers from Sox Development Inc. for $5.5 million. Derek Bornhorst, SIOR, CCIM, Bob Johnston, SIOR, and Jerry Messonnier, SIOR, of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers represented the seller, and Doug Coller of Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT represented the buyer.

Chiquita Land LLC purchased a 54.51-acre site at 600 Chiquita Blvd. S. in Cape Coral from Chiquita Falls Corporation for $4.75 million.

Fred Kermani, CCIM, AIA, of CRE Consultants represented the seller, and Alan Dinenberg of Legend  Genesis Commercial Group purchased the 6,528-square-foot Steinway Piano Gallery building, which sits on 1.18 acres, at 28751 S. Tamiami Trail in Bonita Springs from JZGB LLC for $2.9 million. Bill Young and Biagio Bernardo of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers represented the seller, and Scott Allen of Tower Commercial Real Estate represented the buyer.

Properties represented the buyer.

Vrai Tabernacle de Jesus Christ Inc. purchased three buildings totaling 53,224 square feet on 4.64 acres at

COLLIER COUNTY

LEE COUNTY Rail Head 239 LLC purchased

2120-2150 Collier Ave. in Fort Myers from Word of Life Ministries Inc. for

4,560 square feet of commercial

Midland 1031 LLC, Q1 for Willeck

$3,475,000. Stan Stouder, CCIM,

Taylor Road LLC purchased

space at 1474 Rail Head Blvd. in

DE LLC and 371 Main Street DE

of CRE Consultants represented

10,000 square feet of commercial

North Naples from 1474 Rail Head

LLC purchased 3400 Lee Blvd. in

the seller, and Highlight Realty

space at 6000 and 6026 Taylor

Inc. for $1.15 million. Rob Carroll,

Lehigh Acres from IronCrest LLC

represented the buyer.

Road in North Naples from Janalis

CCIM, MAI, of Investment Proper-

for $7.2 million. Gary Tasman and

Inc. for $3.75 million. Christine

ties Corp. represented the buyer,

Shawn Stoneburner of Cushman

McManus, CCIM, SIOR, of Invest-

and John Paulich IV of Trinity

& Wakefield Commercial Property

ment Properties Corp. represent-

Commercial Group represented

Southwest Florida represented

ed the buyer and seller.

the seller.

the buyer and seller.

1 1 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

Provided

6000 Taylor Road LLC and 6026

gulfshorebusiness.com

4222/44 Edison Avenue Property

RR Copperhead LLC purchased

Road in Cape Coral from P.E.

$1,475,000. Randy Thibaut, ALC,

LLC purchased a 36,240-square-

45.17 acres known as Copperhead

Properties of Pine Island LLC for

and Hunter Ward, CCIM, of LSI

foot building on 1.85 acres in

Golf Community, Copperhead

$2.35 million. Gary Tasman and

Companies Inc. represented the

the Eastern Industrial Park,

Drive in Lehigh Acres from LSG

Shawn Stoneburner of Cushman

buyer and seller.

4222/4244 Edison Ave. in

Florida Holdings Co. for $2.8

& Wakefield Commercial Property

Fort Myers from J. McCarthy

million. Bill Young and Biagio

Southwest Florida represented

Homestead 40 LLC purchased

Properties LLC for $3,442,800.

Bernardo of Lee & Associates

the buyer and seller.

39.75 acres of agricultural

Brock Rasmussen of Lee &

Naples-Fort Myers represented

Associates Naples-Fort Myers

the buyer and seller.

represented the buyer, and Dan

property at 250 Homestead Road Intergold Investments

S. in Lehigh Acres from Conita

LLC purchased an 8.5-acre

Prevatt as successor trustee of

Miller of Colliers International

Pine Island Holdings LLC

commercial property at 3971

the William R. Flint Trust for $1.4

represented the seller.

purchased 9-15 Pine Island

Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers for

million. Randy Thibaut, ALC, of LSI Companies Inc represented the

 Fort Myers RE LLC purchased a marina with sales office, boat slips and pier on 0.35 acres at 18650 San Carlos Blvd. on Fort Myers Beach from Marina Mike’s Boat Club and Rentals for $1.25 million. Thomas Webb, CCIM, MSRE, and Michael Mahan of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers represented the seller, and Eddy Dingman of Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT represented the buyer.

buyer and seller.

Asset Preservation Inc., intermediary for Michael and Rocio Johnson, purchased 2692 Oak Ridge Court, units 701-704, in Fort Myers from 2666/2682 Oak Ridge Ct LLC for $1,125,000.

Gary Tasman and Gretchen Smith of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida represented the seller.

Pine Island Holdings LLC purchased 19 NE Pine Island Road in Cape Coral from Gregory E. Guyan for Ernest Guyan Trust, David A. Guyan and Chase Guyan for $1.1 million. Gary Tasman and Shawn Stoneburner of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida represented the buyer.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 119

Business 2 Business

JUNE 2022

N E W & E X PA N D I N G

By Adam Regan

CHARLOTTE COUNTY F45 Fitness Port Charlotte West

Strada Place, in North Naples

North Naples from Sutton Place

Suite 3, in Naples from Eagle View

leased a 3,300-square-foot

from PR Mercato LLC. Ed Boeder

Investors LLC. Rob Carroll, CCIM,

Investors. Hamish Williams of AJS

space in Charlotte Square, 2150

of SWFL Properties LLC repre-

MAI, of Investment Properties

Realty Group represented the lessor

Tamiami Trail, units 19 and 20,

sented the lessee.

Corp. represented the lessor, and

and lessee.

in Port Charlotte from Regency

Bill Wolf of NAP Southeast LLC

Centers. Brock Rasmussen, Brent

Rupesh Brahmbhatt leased

Westerfield and Matt Heiderman

a 4,690-square-foot space in

of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort

Wiggins Pass Crossing, 13500

StudioFit Fitness leased 4,239

feet of office space at 8360 Sierra

Myers represented the lessor, and

Tamiami Trail N., units 13 and

square feet of retail space at

Meadows Blvd. in East Naples from

Kayla Weiss of Coldwell Banker

14, in North Naples from Coneco

3078 Tamiami Trail N. in Naples

8360 Sierra Meadows MOB LLC.

Commercial NRT of Punta Gorda

Realty LLC. Bill Young and Biagio

from FCRCG 3060 Tamiami LLC.

Hamish Williams of AJS Realty

represented the lessee.

Bernardo of Lee & Associates

Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR, and Eli

Group represented the lessor and

Naples-Fort Myers represented

Lauber of LandQwest Commercial

lessee.

the lessor and lessee.

represented the lessee.

COLLIER COUNTY

represented the lessee.

Suncoast Integrated Medical Center LLC leased 3,350 square

Artificial Grass Warehouse leased Blue Ocean Medical Ventures LLC

Leas Shea’s leased 4,500 square

Art of Dermatology PLLC leased

2,000 square feet of commercial

leased a 5,016 square-foot-office

feet of restaurant space at

3,717 square feet of office space

space at 4573 Enterprise Ave., Suite

on the third floor of Mercato, 9110

6340 Naples Blvd., suites 1-3, in

at 2500 Goodlette-Frank Road,

4, in East Naples from 4573 Enterprise LLLP. William V. Gonnering,

 The Naples Players Inc. leased 5,600 square feet of office space at 700 Fifth Ave. S., Suite 200, in Naples from Fifth Avenue of Naples Inc. Clint L. Sherwood, CCIM, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the lessor and lessee.

CCIM, SIOR, and Christine McManus, CCIM, SIOR of Investment Properties Corp. represented the lessor and lessee.

Brooks Burgers leased a 1,520-square-foot retail space in the Pavilion, 871 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 24, in North Naples from Regency Centers. Brock Rasmussen, Brent Westerfield and Matt Heiderman of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers represented the

SL Brew LLC leased a 1,015-squarefoot space in North Collier Industrial

gulfshorebusiness.com

Prtovided

lessor and lessee.

Properties Inc. Derek Bornhorst, SIOR, CCIM, Bob Johnston, SIOR, and Jerry Messonnier, SIOR, of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers represented the lessor and lessee.

Amazon III Inc. leased a 2,225-square-foot space in Alico Commercial Park, 17081 Cam Court, Unit 7, in Fort Myers.

Brock Rasmussen and James  T.Y. LIN International leased 2,500 square feet of office space at 2400 First Street, Suite 200, in Fort Myers from Florentine Commercial II LLC. Gary Tasman and Gretchen Smith of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida represented the lessor and lessee.

Walls of Lee & Associates Naples-Ft. Myers represented the lessor and lessee.

Wolverine Management LLC Center, 1040 Collier Center Way,

and William Mass of Mass Realty

hoeh US Real Estate Holdings.

leased a 2,119-square-foot

units 14-17, in North Naples from

represented the lessee.

Enn Luthringer, CCIM, of CRE Con-

office in University Park, 12800

sultants represented the lessor

University Drive, Suite 275, in Fort

and lessee.

Myers from Uccello University

Forefront Collier Venture LLC. Brock Rasmussen and James

1-800-Pack-Rat LLC leased a

Walls of Lee & Associates Na-

42,220-square-foot space at

ples-Fort Myers represented the

3641-3661 Ironbridge Blvd. in

The Granite Place Inc. leased

Consultants represented the

lessor and lessee.

Fort Myers from Amigos Fort

a 13,350-square-foot space

lessor and lessee.

Myers LLC. Derek Bornhorst,

in the Alico Commercial Park,

SIOR, CCIM, Bob Johnston, SIOR,

17081 Cam Street, units 8-13,

Simple Crypto Solutions LLC

and Jerry Messonnier, SIOR, of

in Fort Myers from Lnmt Cam

leased a 1,775-square-foot office

Lee & Associates Naples-Fort

Court LLC. Brock Rasmussen and

at 3800 Colonial Blvd., Suite 103,

79,081-square-foot freestanding

Myers represented the lessee,

James Walls of Lee & Associates

in Fort Myers from Haub Real

building in Suncoast Commercial

and Michael Concilla of Land-

Naples-Fort Myers represented

Estate Holdings LLC. Enn Luth-

Center XII, 9351 Laredo Ave.,

Qwest Commercial represented

the lessor and lessee.

ringer, CCIM, of CRE Consultants

in Fort Myers from EastGroup

the lessor.

LEE COUNTY ARichelieu America Ltd. leased a

Properties LLC. Derek Bornhorst,

LLC. Enn Luthringer, CCIM, of CRE

represented the lessor, and Jeff Access Medical South LLC leased

Forsythe of Lee & Associates represented the lessee.

SIOR, CCIM, Bob Johnston, SIOR,

Alpha Tile leased a

a 6,000-square-foot space in

and Jerry Messonnier, SIOR, of

17,325-square-foot industrial

Country Lakes Business Park,

Lee & Associates Naples-Fort

space at 10898 Metro Parkway,

5701 Country Lakes Drive, units

Myers represented the lessor,

Unit A, in Fort Myers from Eben-

18-20, in Fort Myers from EB

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 121

P.16

P.104

P.114

X MARKS THE OFFICE

MODELING THE FUTURE

SUCCESSFUL NARRATIVE

Nature inspires thoughtful design for co-working spaces

Innovation Way explores new design ideas for homes

Local coffee entrepreneur takes business leap of faith

SOUTHWEST F LO R I DA’ S BEST VIEW OF BUSINESS

COASTAL CONCERNS REELING INDUSTRY

SHORING UP AGING INFRASTRUCTURE __P. 38

Regional commercial fishing industry faces challenges __P. 46

BEST PLACES TO WORK SWFL companies among the cream of the crop __P. 60

The GO - TO R E SOU RC E f o r t he regi o n’s business news.

Deli v e re d to y o ur i nbo x t w i ce a day o n weekdays.

SIG N UP AT GU L F SH ORE B U SINE SS. C OM/ NE WSLE TTE RS

gulfshorebusiness.com

p_130

p_136

Deep blue exploration

Relax for the links

AfterHours

U N W I N D | H O R S E P O W E R | F I T N E S S | N E W & N O T E W O R T H Y | W E E K E N D G E TAWAY

Hybrid in High Style INSIDE LUXURIOUS LEXUS RX 450H p_124

Courtesy of Lexus US

By James Raia

AfterHours HORSEPOWER

Hybrid in High Style INSIDE THE LUXURIOUS LEXUS RX 450H One of the pioneering hybrid luxury SUVs, the Lexus RX 450h has maintained its status as among the segment’s best choices for 15 years. It’s even better for 2022.

Continuing the fourth generation that debuted in 2016, the five-passenger people mover has only a few upgrades—because few changes were needed. New color choices inside and outside are offered and fog lights are a stand-alone option. For discerning tastes, the limited-production RX 450h Black Line returns, but only 400 units are available. Beyond the special edition, the 2022 Lexus RX 450h is available in base and F Sport trims. All three have hybrid powertrains based on a 3.5-liter V6 engine. All-wheel drive is standard. An extended-length version called the RX 450hL has three rows of seats.

The RX 450h belongs to the unofficial category of vehicles requiring little adaptation from occupants. The driver and passengers feel like they belong. Seats are positioned ideally in the handsome, spacious cabin. The experience is further enhanced with a surprisingly quiet ride, particularly for an SUV. While not the quickest in its class, the 450h advances without hesitation. Its hybrid engine provides a smooth, steady ride that glides over road imperfections. It feels good on the road, with easy steering. The 450h received a suspension upgrade in 2020. If U-turns are required in tight situations, the SUV handles all challenges.

Throughout its lineup, Lexus vehicles offer a near-exhaustive list of stan-

JUNE 2022

By James Raia

FACTS & FIGURES Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 7.8 seconds Airbags: 6 Fuel economy: 31 mpg city, 28 mpg hwy Horsepower: 308 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $53,820 Manufacturer’s website: lexus.com Price As Tested: $61,650 Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 6 years/70,000 miles; Hybrid Component, Hybrid Warranty, 8 years/100,000 miles, Free Maintenance, 1 year/10,000 miles; Corrosion, 6 years/ unlimited miles; Roadside Assistance, 4 years/ unlimited miles

dard features. The base RX 450h equipment highlights include 18-inch alloy Courtesy of Lexus US

wheels, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, nine-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon and Alexa integration. The Mark Levinson sound sys1 2 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

tem, an industry standard, provides

Lexus manufactures cars with a

petitors, the area isn’t restricted by

purpose. Materials are first-class,

design obstructions thanks to the

Rain-sensing windshield wipers, a

used in a well-orchestrated, smooth

vehicle’s 40/20/40-split folding rear

wireless mobile phone charger, pow-

design with all parts ideally posi-

seats. The total space holds lots of

er-folding outside mirrors, a power

tioned, from the real wood used for

luggage, groceries, golf clubs, soccer

liftgate, keyless entry and push-but-

accents in the cabin to the ease with

equipment, etc. The towing capacity

ton engine start and dual-zone auto-

which the rear seat slides and re-

 is 3,500 pounds.

matic climate control, satellite radio

clines. It’s like driving while sitting in

and six USB ports are also standard.

an interior decorator’s family room.

superior sound.

TITLE GOES price of a Given that the average

AND HERE new car in theHERE United States is now Other info goes here

Lexus is at the forefront of technolo-

Utility is still important in vehi-

about $45,000, the modern-looking,

gy with its Enform service, safety, re-

cles called SUVs. The RX 450h has 16

mote and Wi-Fi connected services

cubic feet of trunk space—and while

sporty 2022 Lexus RX 450h, partichere.

accessible through an application.

that’s not as spacious as some com-

and here and here and

ularly the F-Sport trim, is a bargain, all things considered.

GG UU L FL F SS HH OO RR E EB B UU SS I NI N EE S S SJ U MNAY E 2022 125

AfterHours

JUNE 2022

FITNESS

By James Raia

The Fight Against Fatigue AWARENESS FOR A SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUE A good night’s sleep is a universally accepted component of well-being, but it often proves elusive. Lack of appropriate sleep and sleep deprivation have consequences, including the inability to focus, mood changes and productivity lapses.

Defining a good night’s sleep is also misunderstood. The National Sleep Foundation, established in 1990 in Washington, D.C., quantifies a proper daily rest with four factors: falling asleep in less than 30 minutes; waking up no more than once a night; falling asleep for the second time in a night in less than 20 minutes; and sleeping for at least 85% of time designated for sleep, which should be 7 to 9 hours per night.

Being tired also is often associated with fatigue, but they’re not the same: Everyone gets tired. But fatigue, one of the most prominent symptoms of COVID-19, is a continuous lack of energy, whole-body tiredness not improved by sleep.

“Oftentimes, we make excuses for why we feel a certain way,” says Jacqueline Romero, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Regain and Sustain Wellness in Naples. “With I am fatigued because I haven’t eaten,’ but then you eat and



you’re still tired. Fatigue will generally worsen progressive-

TIRED VS. FATIGUE

ly. It may wax and wane, but it doesn’t get better. You find

Fatigue is not improved by sleep and causes wide-rang-

that it either stays the same or it continues to worsen.”

ing symptoms, such as headaches and hallucinations.

1 2 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

Getty

fatigue, you really can’t find a reason because, ‘OK, maybe

Acute fatigue lasts a month or

are characterized by an achieve-

less; chronic fatigue is long-lasting,

ment-oriented and perfectionist

sometimes six months or more.

personality,” the editors write.

Both types can be triggered by

“Such tendencies coupled with

medication, stress, depression,

self-criticism drive these individu-

fibromyalgia (widespread muscle

als to work beyond the point of ex-

pain) and autoimmune diseases,

haustion in a way that may initiate

lupus or rheumatoid arthritis—

or perpetuate chronic fatigue.”

and can prohibit normal daily function and quality of life.

Chronic fatigue syndrome affects as many as 2.5 million people

“If it’s something that continues

in the United States. But its suffer-

for more than a week to two, then

ers can help themselves with im-

it’s something to be concerned

proved mental organization, pri-

about; you should probably see

oritizing and completing tasks and

your physician,” says Romero.

household chores or work projects.

Fatigue

symptoms

wide-ranging:

can

headaches

be

The key is to determine what’s re-

to

alistically feasible to complete.

loss of appetite, blurry vision to

Mindfulness also is important.

muscle weakness, slow reflexes

“A lot of times we just assume

to hallucinations. Mental blocks,

what we are feeling is normal and

lack of motivation, irritability,

that everyone else is feeling what

stress eating and insomnia also are

we’re feeling,” says Romero. “Ev-

common fatigue dilemmas. Mental

eryone has stress, right?”

exhaustion can be problematic

She cited patients who are

short-term or long-term; if not

working at least 14-16 hours daily.

treated, chronic mental fatigue

They don’t question being tired,

can lead to anxiety, burnout and

because how could they not be

limited physical endurance.

tired? But what they may not re-

In work and home environ-

alize is how cumulative stress can

ments, reasons for mental fatigue

prevent the body from restoring

vary. It can manifest with “mind

itself over time.

clutter” to overcommitting and

“The goal is to focus on an in-

procrastination to perfectionism.

tense awareness of what you may

According to Medical News To-

be feeling,” says Romero. “Pay-

day, the British online medical

ing attention to what is happen-

news publication, perfectionism

ing to you at the moment, with

is a common contributing factor

interpretation or judgment. It

to mental fatigue.

involves breathing and guided

“Studies indicate that many chronic fatigue syndrome patients

imagery. The goal is to relax the body and mind.”

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 127

AfterHours

JUNE 2022

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

By James Raia

Y

&

O T E

FUEGO SHOES’ DANCE FEVER



$110 fuegodance.com

David Bowie, Dan Fogelberg and the Arctic Monkeys all sang songs about dancing shoes with meanings as diverse as their individual styles. Fuego Shoes makes footwear to dance to the artists’ music, or any tune, with ease.

Founded in 2019 in Philadelphia by dancer Kevin Weschler, Fuego Shoes are minimalists’ nirvana.

They’re lightweight sneakers built for spin ability and touted as “the perfect balance between slip and grip.” Two inverted pivot points on the soles of both shoes promote “seamless turning.”

While emphasizing dancing, Fuego Shoes is a lifestyle brand. They’re versatile tennis shoes, good for dancing in a class or outdoors—or anytime, really.

“Not only do we dance in class, but we also dance through life,” says Weschler. “With Fuego, you can dance whenever and wherever.”

Available in white and black, in various patterns, and in men’s and women’s sizes 3-14.

1 2 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

Provided

N

W

NEW

O R T

H

Hot Stepping

TEXT “GB” TO (239) 498-8500 FOR A

FREE

SUBSCRIPTION

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S BEST VIEW OF BUSINESS

AfterHours W E E K E N D G E TA W AY

JUNE 2022

By Artis Henderson

Deep Blue Something SPIEGEL GROVE OFFERS A WEEKEND’S WORTH OF FUN FOR DIVERS, ANGLERS ALIKE Twenty years ago this month, the Spiegel Grove reached its final resting place. The 500-foot Navy dock landing ship, originally commissioned in 1955 and named for the Ohio estate of former President Rutherford B. Hayes, was intentionally sunk off the coast of Key Largo in June 2002. The goal was to create an artificial reef for diving and fishing. Today, the ship sits in 130 feet of blue water.

Over the last two decades, the Spiegel Grove has become one of the most spectacular wreck dives off the east coast of Florida. Fisherman also seek it out for deep-water hauls of grouper, snapper and other reef fish. For anyone looking for a weekend in or on the water, the Spiegel Grove offers an exciting option.

GETTING THERE A number of dive operations operate out of the Key Largo and Islamorada areas. Conch Republic Divers (90800 Overseas Highway, Tavernier; 305.852.1655; conchreProvided

publicdivers.com) has a top-notch reputation and makes regular runs to the Spiegel Grove, including private and 1 3 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

small-party trips. A visit to the former Naval ship drops down to 100 feet below the surface, so scuba divers will need their advanced open water certification. For those who already have their basic certification, an advanced open water course can be folded into a dive on the wreck.

For anglers, the Spiegel Grove offers some of the best fishing in the Keys.

Hire a local charter captain who knows the right spots to drop a line. Captain Jordan Edinger at Key Largo Fishing Adventures (99701 Overseas Highway, Key Largo; 305.942.9982; keylargofishingadventures.com) has excellent boats and an even better reputation.

He takes his clients to the Spiegel Grove for grouper, snapper and hogfish. At the end of the day, the captain and his crew will clean and bag the 

fish—just in time for dinner.

SUNKEN SHIP The Spiegel Grove, a 500-foot Navy dock landing ship,

BACK ON DRY LAND

was intentionally sunk 20 years ago off the coast of Key

When it comes to dining out, the

Largo to create an artificial reef.

Keys knows seafood. In addition to GULFSHORE BUSINESS JUNE 2022 131

AfterHours W E E K E N D G E TA W AY



WRECK DIVERS Provided

Home to many reef fish, the Spiegel Grove provides scuba divers with an historic experience 100 feet below the surface.

1 3 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

AfterHours W E E K E N D G E TA W AY

an extensive fish-focused menu, Lazy Days in Islamorada (79867 Overseas Highway, Islamorada; 305.664.5256; lazydaysislamorada.com) will cook up a fresh catch. Choose between grilled, fried, blackened or broiled, add a side and homemade tropical bread and it’s a feast in this casual waterfront setting.

If you’re in the mood for a break from the island-casual dining options, Chef Michael’s (81671 Overseas Highway, Islamorada; 305.664.0640; foodtotalkabout.com) brings an upscale flavor to this part of the Keys. With extensive experience in fine dining, the restaurant’s chefs bring a gourmet take to local seafood. Don’t miss the lionfish creole, which is not only delicious but helps eradicate invasive lionfish from nearby coral reefs.

WATER BED Though this part of the Keys has plenty of standard hotel options, a watery weekend away calls for something more distinctive. Airbnb and VRBO in houseboats and private yachts, the water is never far away.

gulfshorebusiness.com

Provided

have got it covered; with nightly stays

AfterHours

JUNE 2022

UNWIND

By Justin Paprocki

Relax for the Links A CALMER EDGE FOR YOUR GOLF GAME Golf can be the definition of relaxation—until that pond starts acting like a magnet for your drives.

Don’t let a bad round ruin your day; instead, train your mind and body for maximum success and enjoyment out on the course. A variety of out-of-the box techniques can help your golf game. They may not make you into the next Tiger Woods, but they might give you a mental and physical edge.

MASSAGE When you get down to it, the golf swing is one of the most unnatural movements the body can make. The

ity, such as downward dog and warrior. Like in golf, you’ll want

twisting and force it requires to get a tiny ball 300

to focus on your movement and extension of each pose. Naples

yards straight down a strip of grass can be a literal

yoga instructor Laura Grabinski has specialized golf yoga rou-

pain in your back. Spas now offer massages dedicat-

tines on her site. losyoganaples.com

ed to golfers, focusing on areas most affected. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort’s “golfer’s relief” massage is

MEDITATION

concentrated on the shoulders, lower back and back

If your mind isn’t right, neither will be your swing. Try medita-

of the legs. ritzcarlton.com

tion beforehand. It won’t necessarily fix your swing, but studies

YOGA

problem-solving by subduing the panic that sometimes sets in

The best golfer is the relaxed golfer—body loose and

during challenging times. And while just one session won’t cure

head clear. Many pros, such as LPGA champ Mi-

all, the practice of meditating regularly (as little as 15 minutes

chelle Wie, have taken to yoga to help improve their

a day, according to some studies) can help flex those mental

game. The key is finding the right routine. Focus on

muscles that will make you a little less anxious in life and a little

static poses that build strength, flexibility and stabil-

more focused on the course.

1 3 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J U N E 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

Provided

have shown meditation can help improve concentration and

Named A Gulfshore Business ‘Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida’ for 2022

N A P L E S | 3 8 3 8 TA M I A M I T R A I L N O R T H | S U I T E 2 0 0 | N A P L E S , F LO R I D A 3 4 1 0 3 | ( 2 3 9 ) 2 6 3 -2 1 1 1 FO R T M Y E R S | 8 0 1 0 S U M M E R L I N L A K E S D R I V E | FO R T M Y E R S , F LO R I DA 3 3 9 07 | ( 2 3 9) 4 3 3 -7 5 3 3

hbkcpa.com

Thanks for the love, Naples & Ft Myers Congratulations to First Horizon Corporation/First Horizon Bank on recently being selected as one of the Gulfshore Business 2022 Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida!

firsthorizon.com

©2022 First Horizon Bank. Member FDIC.