Gulfshore Business January 2022

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FLORIDA LAWS 2022

FOCUS ON ENTREPRENEURS

LEADING WHILE ADAPTING

Lawmakers consider legislation affecting business

FGCU creates program for enterprising students

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

Local perspectives on effective management

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & FINANCIAL CONCIERGE

TRUST A N AWA RD-W INNING A DV ISORY TEA M with your finances.

I’m Soren Christensen, Founder of Advanced Wealth Advisors. My colleague Annette White and I are honored to be recognized as the Best Financial Advisory Firm in the Gulfshore Business Best of Business awards for the second year in a row. As fiduciaries, we always put your interest first. Let’s meet to ensure you feel confident about your financial present and future.

FOUNDER & CHIEF PLANNING OFFICER

Focused on giving you financial peace of mind.

TM

AWAdvisors.com 239.455.1100

Contents.

F E AT U R E S

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WHAT TO WATCH

LEGISLATION UNDER

FOR THE KIDS

IN 2022

CONSIDERATION

LIKE ME

Six developments to focus on in the new year

Looking ahead to the 2022 Legislative Session

FGCU’s Sandra Kauanui creates program for students who share her entrepreneurial drive

The law firm Southwest Florida leaders trust.

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Contents.

D E PA R T M E N T S

TakeNote Mood Board P. 12 Spaces P. 14 Makers P. 18 Creatives P. 22 Bookmark P. 26 Trendline P. 28 Economic Commentary P. 30

B2B

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LEADERSHIP Local perspectives on effective management P 90

TECHNOLOGY Local hospitals tap into apps, new devices and other tech-y tools P 94

CORPORATE Hertz takes driver’s seat with pedal to the metal P 96

ENTREPRENEURSHIP Mapy Chavez Askins and autism-focused nonprofit Alcanzando P 100

NEW & EXPANDING BUSINESSES Top leases in Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties P 101

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COMMERCIAL PROJECTS Top sales in Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties

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AFTER HOURS

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HORSEPOWER The big, bountifully equipped Ford F-150 Lariat Hybrid

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P 106

FITNESS Safety tips for getting exercise after sundown P 108

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The soothing, convenient EnviraScape relaxation fountain P 109

WEEKEND GETAWAY Little-known Lake Wales is home to one of the rarest gems in Florida P 112

UNWIND Better health, less stress in 2022

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GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 5

READER SERVICES

EDI T OR IN CHIEF

Heidi Rambo Centrella

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ART Cr eative Dir ec tor Sco t t Glick A r t Dir ec tor s Felipe E che v er r ia , Jer r y P omale s

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A DMINIS T R AT ION

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WEBSITE gulfshorebusiness.com

Volume 27/Number 1, January, 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 .

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Southwest Florida

THOUGHT LEADER OF THE MONTH South Florida since last June, Weiss has

you can sit and have a conversation. It’s a

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amazed at how open and accepting the

act business.

community is with people moving into

How is digital transformation in

the market. People have reached out and

banking impacting customers?

been supportive personally and profes-

Almost 75% of transactions are done

sionally,” said the Midwest native, who

digitally, whether through our mobile

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While a smart digital experience is crit-

How has your experience in Florida

ical, the customer also wants someone

banking with Fifth Third helped in

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your transition?

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Fifth Third Bank 999 Vanderbilt Beach Road Naples, FL 34108 www.53.com

ing the past one and a half years as a credit

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all of our regions and exposed me to best

Fifth Third has often been recog-

practices. It also gave me an understand-

nized for its charitable efforts. Why

ing of the regulatory environment.

is community service important?

Jim Weiss

Jim Weiss may be new to South Florida, but he already knows his way around the state. As the new regional president for Fifth Third Bank, Weiss brings a decade of experience in Florida banking.

Weiss began his time in Florida as a senior commercial banker in Fifth Third’s North Florida region and Tampa’s city president. Most recently, he was a credit risk executive with oversight for middle market, business banking, wealth and asset management, treasury manage-

GUTTER CREDIT

ment, dealer floorplan and asset-based lending.

Though he has only been on the job in

What is Fifth Third’s growth strategy for the South Florida market?

We know we can help create better lives by giving donations and time, es-

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is key as we build out.

Fifth Third is committed, not only

We are building a commercial team in

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the region and have opened seven bank-

as an organization, but also through vol-

ing centers in South Florida in 2021.

unteer hours.

We’ll continue that into 2022 and 2023

It’s an exciting place to call home, and

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with tables, chairs and counters where

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Fifth Third Bank National Association. Member FDIC.

OCTOBER 2018 GULFSHORE LIFE

2

from the editor.

JANUARY 2022

ers must be consistent and predictable while remaining flexible. Brandon Box with Cogent Bank shares his thoughts

Season of Changes

on working within a team environment and adapting to a new workplace culture. Michael Martin, Florida Gulf Coast University’s president, says to start with a fundamental philosophy of how you’re

Last month, we looked back at 2021 with a year in review feature, chronicling Southwest Florida’s tremendous commercial growth, grand openings,

going to lead, and, at the end of the day, HEIDI RAMBO CENTRELLA EDITOR IN CHIEF

new and emerging corporate headquarters and

remember that a leader—while always setting the example—is a servant and, ultimately, a means to an end (pg. 86).

the pandemic’s effects on business throughout

Martin and FGCU are preparing to

the year. But with the ups and downs of 2021 now

celebrate the school’s 25th anniversa-

behind us, this month we’re taking a look forward.

ry this year, and it’s kicking off 2022

As regional growth and development continues

with the opening of the FGCU Daveler

in 2022, we’ll have our eyes on commercial proj-

& Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship

ects taking shape or nearing completion and an

(pg. 56). Sandy Kauanui’s story of rising

increasing focus on infill developments, as well as

through the entrepreneurial ranks has

the labor shortage, inflation and the economy as a

inspired adults and students alike, re-

whole (pg. 32).

sulting in her name being given to the

It’s during times of growth and change that

school she helped found. The entrepre-

leadership is needed most. And perhaps one of

neurship program, while formally cre-

the best quotes of all time comes from the great

ated in 2016, had been an image in her

leader Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you wish

mind well before then, and today she can

to see in the world.” It’s a tall order, but we see it happening every day, even right here in our own backyard.

This month’s leadership issue is packed with inspiring messages from leaders within our community. Bart Zino of PBS Contractors addresses the ever-evolving and generational shifts in

p.56 A STERLING SALUTE Florida Gulf Coast University celebrates its 25th anniversary with an eye on entrepreneurship.

leadership, while impressing upon us that lead-

celebrate with the rest of the community the fruits of her labor.

We’re excited about what the future holds—for both FGCU and the region as a whole. After taking a look at what’s on the horizon for our area, we think you will be too. Welcome to 2022; let’s try to “be the change” and make it a stellar year for everyone.

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

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The Immokalee Foundation's Learning Lab Builds The Next Generation of Construction Professionals

T

the call with the Career Pathways he Immokalee Foundation’s Learning Lab. innovative Engineering & Collier Enterprises generously donated Construction Management 8.3 acres of land for the Foundation’s new Pathway looks to help solve the 18-home subdivision under construction growing need for labor while empowering in Immokalee. They also helped underthe children of Immokalee—where 50% write the cost of the permitting and of the population live at or below the infrastructure work, an investment of poverty line. The Foundation’s Career more than $1 million. The Ray FoundaPathways program—which helps students tion’s $250,000 matching grant provided beginning in middle school explore a significant boost professional career in getting the pathways—provides “These students are learning Learning Lab opportunities and underway. hands-on training valuable skills that will help set “Thanks to the for high-demand them up for a lifetime of success Learning Lab, our professional careers while helping transform the students receive throughout Southhands-on profeswest Florida. The landscape of their community.” sional career specific pathways –

­

experience as they include Engineering earn industry-rec& Construction ognized certificaManagement, tions and credentials,” said Walt BuchHealthcare, Education & Human holtz, Operations Director at The Services, and Business Management & Immokalee Foundation.

Entrepreneurship.

The homes, designed by Stofft Cooney The transformative Engineering & Architects, are being built under the Construction Management Pathway is expert supervision of BCB Homes whose preparing the next generation of skilled in-kind donations exceed $500,000. Once workers in the construction industry. complete, the homes will be sold at According to industry experts, two market value to help support the program. million workers are needed over the next A once-vacant lot is being transformed three years to meet the growing construcinto a beacon of hope and a testament to tion demand throughout the United the Foundation’s ability to create new States. And of the available workers, pathways to success. This extraordinary construction firms say 72% of candidates project not only helps address the need lack the necessary qualifications and for qualified construction workers but is hands-on experience. changing the landscape of Immokalee.

The Immokalee Foundation is answering

THE IMMOKALEE FOUNDATION

Thank You

p_22 Organic beauty of ceramic creations

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

Case Closed AIRLINE-FRIENDLY LUGGAGE FOR YOUR JET-SETTING NEEDS p_12

By James Raia

TakeNote

JANUARY 2022

MOOD BOARD

By James Raia

Case Closed AIRLINE-FRIENDLY LUGGAGE FOR YOUR JET-SETTING NEEDS Station wagons are named after the behemothsized vehicles that once carried passengers and their almost-as-large trundle suitcases to train stations.

Vintage station wagons also often had unlatched bench backseats. If heavy suitcases in the cargo area were suddenly jarred, they could quickly knock the rear bench seat forward and jolt passengers sitting in the forward seats.

Trundle suitcases are still made, but they’re no longer en vogue. The term station wagon is rarely used by carmakers describing their vehicles. And back seats in cars are secured. Suitcases are still transported in cars and trains and on airplanes. But efficiency has replaced bulk in suitcase preferences, notably with increased airline restrictions for weight and shrinking overhead bin space. Less is more.

“A lot of people are carrying on [luggage] when they used to check in,” says Ann Chavez of the TUMI outlet store in Estero. “They’re trying to pack in as much as possible in a backpack and personal item combo.”

Fancy new materials abound—aluminum, ballistic nylon, Cordura, polycarbonate and polypropylene.

Lightweight means everything, including, perhaps surprisingly, sturdiness.

If you’ve got traveling on your mind, here’s a look at four suitcase styles.

Delsey The second-largest global luggage company, Delsey began in 1946 after two French families, which previously made camera and record player cases, combined names.

Delsey luggage is available in Southwest Florida namesake locations, as well as in Belk and Dillard’s stores. New is the Pluggage line of “smart suitcases.”

Available in several sizes, including the 28-inch Spinner Upright, the technology-enhanced luggage includes a dedicated mobile app, USB-port and dedicated power bank sleeve, international tracking, digital scale, battery charge, alert mode and three options for opening—fingerprint, the app or a three-digit combination. The Spinner Upright is constructed of polycarbonate and a scratch-resistant matte finish. It includes soft-touch lining, removable shoe and laundry bags and security and connectivity.

Dimensions: 30.75-by-19.75-by-11.75 inches; 12.6 pounds; $719.99

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Carrying On “A lot of people are carrying on [luggage] when they used to check in. They’re trying to pack in as much as possible in a backpack and personal item combo.”

- Ann Chevez, TUMI outlet store, Estero

Louis Vuitton The Horizon lineup, sold at the Louis Vuitton store at Waterside Shops in Naples, includes the lightweight 55. It’s a four-wheeled carry-on about as far removed as possible from the original trunks made in 1854 by the company headquartered in Paris.

A large external double case allows the interior to lay completely flat and offer a surprisingly large capacity for a cabin-friendly suitcase. It’s made from Taïga leather with a mesh lining and a cowhide leather trim. It has a zip closure with a lock system, four double compact wheels, leather corners and aluminum metallic pieces. And it’s TSA-cabin-friendly.

Dimensions: 15-by-21.7-by-8.3 inches; 7.5 pounds; $4,700

Samsonite The Armage II Carry-On Spinner is new from the world’s best-selling suitcase company. It’s part of what the 112-year-old company founded in Denver calls “road warrior luggage.” Constructed inside and outside from fabric using 100% post-consumer recycled PET bottles, the 22-incher’s features include a TSA-approved cable lock that threads through each zipper pull to secure external compartments. There is also a telescoping Right Height handle to reduce back strain and a TecKit for charging electronics wirelessly.

The FlexPack+System features removable padded packing cubes. They offer uniform compression and modular organization for varied packing styles.

TUMI Functionality meets fashion with the International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On TUMI I Missoni. The Italian motif is the classic zigzag printed onto the Tegris case that includes gold-tone accents. Geared toward weekend getaways and international travel, the carry-on has a 2-inch expansion and printed compression straps. A zippered garment bag, hanger bracket, two mesh pockets and three zip pockets are all tidy.

Exterior features include a split case zip entry to the main compartment with a security zipper, retractable top and side grab handle, bottom grab handle, three-stage telescoping handle, four dual spinner wheels and a built-in TSA combination lock.

Dimensions: 22.5-by-16-by-10 inches; 9.83 pounds; $259.99

Dimensions: 14-by-22-by-9 inches (expanded to 11 inches); 9.2 pounds; $975

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J A N U A R Y 2022 1 3

TakeNote

JANUARY 2022

S PA C E S

B y T i m At e n

Designed for a Sense of Hope ADVOCATE RADIATION ONCOLOGY’S COMFORT-CREATING OFFICE Part of the healing process is mental, and Advocate Radiation Oncology aims to put people at ease both physically and mentally. It’s a goal that extends to the look and feel of its offices.

“When you walk into an Advocate office, even if you don’t see our logo, I’d like to think somebody could tell you it’s an Advocate office. All of our offices have similar tones, similar wood, similar colors, and I think that’s important,” says Dr. Arie Dosoretz, a managing partner of Advocate with his father and sister, Drs. Daniel Dosoretz and Amy Fox, and other local physicians.

Seeing its health care business as a local partner in the fight against cancer, Southwest Florida-based



LET THERE BE LIGHT A skylight [inset] is the focal point of the new Ad-

Advocate targets consistent results and state-of-

vocate Radiation Oncology

the-art radiation treatment, whether patients visit

office in Naples.

its offices in Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, Port Charlotte or on the east coast, Dosoretz said. “When we’re thinking about our building, we 1 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

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ADVOCATE RADIATION ONCOLOGY Location: 1775 Davis Blvd., Naples Learn more: advocatero.com

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 15

TakeNote S PA C E S

are looking at it from two points of view. First and foremost, the top priority is the patient, by far. And, then, of course, the employees and the staff,” he says. “We’re always thinking about the function and thinking about the aesthetics—kind of combined.”

The interior of a long-shuttered restaurant in Naples was gutted to create Advocate’s sixth office, which opened in December. A large skylight, the centerpiece of the office, was added to brighten the 5,700-square-foot

WALL ART Abstract art is replicated with wallpaper to provide a unique treatment at the Naples office of Adovcate Radiation Oncology.

RIGHT ALL ALONG

space. The natural light offers ther-

tractor and architect for the Naples

in the sense that there are some tones

apeutic benefits, aiding the recovery

project. Richard Andisco of Forum

in the color that are warm, and the

process for patients, Dosoretz said.

Construction used wallpaper of an

wood also makes things warm. I’m not

The goal is to create a space that is in-

abstract painting by Erin Kaya on one

an architect. I’m not a designer. So, for

viting and inspirational.

windowless wall to create an artistic

me, when I walk through a space it’s,

“Medical offices, especially when

display. “You have one wall that’s like

‘How do I feel?’”

you start saying ‘modern, modern,

a big piece of art,” Andisco says. “That

The space is designed to give peo-

modern,’ can feel sterile and very cold.

is something that is unique for the Na-

ple a sense of hope and a sense that

That’s not what we want,” he says. “I’ve

ples office.”

they are in the right place to heal and

heard it from so many patients at least

Vertical alternative wood louvers

improve, Dosoretz said. “Part of what

once a week and sometimes many

bring warmth and texture into an of-

we try to offer at Advocate is this feel-

times a week. Patients will say to me,

fice space punctuated with light wood,

ing and this sense that we’re going to

‘This place feels so comfortable.’”

glass, blues and golds.

shepherd you through this process

Fort Myers-based Forum Construc-

“The way we do it from the space

and we’re going to help you get to the

tion and Consulting Inc. and Indigo

standpoint, we have a modern, sort of

other side and feel better. And, I think,

Architecture were the general con-

coastal feel,” Dosoretz says. “It’s warm

the space should reflect that.”

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TakeNote

By Justin Paprocki

Brian Tietz

MAKERS

JANUARY 2022

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Black Mangrove’s Growing Reputation CARLOS CASTRO’S WOODWORKING COMPANY FOCUSES ON INNOVATION At first, Carlos Castro was basically willing to work for free. But the work paid off. Now, his stylish woodwork and metal fabrication can be found in some of Southwest Florida’s most popular spots, such as Narrative Coffee Roasters and Veranda E in Naples. He’s built Black Mangrove Woodworks one connection at a time over the last four years.

Originally from the Cancun area of Mexico, Castro moved to Naples with his family when he was 13. After graduating from Barron Collier High School, he went to Lorenzo Walker Technical College to become a mechanic. He got a job at a landscaping company as a 

PERSONAL FOCUS Carlos Castro stays focused on woodworking projects that inspire him.

repairman. On the side, he started doing woodwork and sharing his creations on Instagram. “I got obsessed with it,” he says.

He started to ease his way out of the landscaping job by going part time at first, then dove headfirst into woodworking. He rented a shop in Naples and built a tiny home on the property to live in.

He connected with local business owners and initially worked at very little cost. His first job was at La Colmar Bakery & Bistro in Naples; he reached out to the owner and offered to make a bar top for only a recoup of expenses. The work was well-received, and he went on to get other projects at the restaurant. He’d connect with others GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 19

TakeNote MAKERS

through social media. He had known the owner of Narrative Coffee when the roaster was just serving from a cart. They went back and forth via Instagram once Narrative opened a shop in Mercato, and that led to work doing tables and shelves there and at its new Central Avenue location.

Castro currently works out of a shop in Bonita Springs (and since has moved out of the tiny home). Among his latest projects is a bar top for a new microbrewery called Ceremony next door. He likes doing pieces that are innovative or stylish, something that “pushes the envelope.” He may have missed out on jobs by focusing on unique projects, but he’s stayed focused on what inspires him, and it’s led to a viable business. “I have never been Brian Tietz

focused on money so much,” Castro says. “It’s more about doing something that I love to do.”

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

PURSUING PASSION After dabbling in woodwork, Carlos Castro became obsessed with it.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 21

TakeNote C R E AT I V E S

JANUARY 2022

By Aisling Swift

“M Y H AP PY AC C I D EN T S O F T EN BEC OM E M Y B EST P I EC ES.” —Tracy Gurdian

Through the Fire THE ORGANIC BEAUTY OF TRACY GURDIAN’S CERAMIC CREATIONS Divorce isn’t something many appreciate, but for Tracy Gurdian, the stress, hardship and vulnerability led to finding her passion—and success as an artist.

“That was pivotal,” Gurdian says of her divorce and setting up her business, Tovari Designs. “It was the best thing that could have happened … I would never have found clay, never have had this business, never have focused on my potential.” And never have found her partner of 11 years, John Schrock, who helps with raku, a dangerous Japanese ceramic-firing process.

Gurdian’s art is now sold by luxury retailers, including San Francisco’s Gumps and Manhattan’s Bergdorf Goodman; Curated Kravet, a global furnishings company; and Naples’ Judith Liegeois Designs and Judith’s on Third.

Gurdian’s first passion was modern dance. After graduating from Barron Collier High School, she earned liberal arts and dance degrees, minoring in business, but an injury meant giving up dance. In 1997, married, pregnant and raising a child, she needed a creative outlet. AfBrian Tietz

ter attending an adult-ed ceramics class for 10 years, someone said her work was gallery level. She took it to a posh local gallery. It sold.

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

CREATIVE CONNECTION When she first touched clay she connected with it, Tracy Gurdian says.

TakeNote C R E AT I V E S

“ALT HOUGH I’M NOT DANCI NG A N YMOR E , I’M C H OR EO GRA PHING, IN CL AY.” —Tracy Gurdian

forming her passion into a career. She

“My fascination with raku was

named Tovari after her daughter, Tova

about no attachments,” she says of

(“everything good and beautiful”), and

the carbon-infused, iridescent piec-

her son, Ari.

es. “I love the danger.”

“When I first touched clay, I con-

In 2013, she spent a month in Ja-

nected,” she says, adding that she’s

pan learning another process called

inspired by nature and asymmetry.

kintsugi—repairing pottery with gold,

“Although I’m not dancing anymore,

transforming flaws.

I’m choreographing, in clay.”

She specializes in raku, glazed, bisque-fired pottery baked in a glass



MOLDING SKILLS After 10 years of adult-ed classes, Gurdian was producing gallery-level work.

hose, which can cause cracks.

“Everything I break, I kintsugi,” she says. “My happy accidents often become my best pieces.”

kiln at 1,800 degrees. It requires two

The couple are “huge foodies,” who

people, wearing fire-resistant gloves.

visit top European restaurants, meet-

Schrock rolls a glass kiln outside,

ing with chefs. “In Europe, they fre-

waits 40 minutes, then lifts a pulley.

quently use handmade pieces to dis-

Gurdian, using long tongs, gently re-

play food,” says Gurdian, who began

moves the red-hot pottery and places

creating earthenware serving trays,

it into a newspaper-filled aluminum

plates and vases.

can, which bursts into flames. Schrock

The distinctive look comes from

covers it. They repeat the process until

rolling Italian and French fabrics and

all are burning. After 10 minutes, they

ornate lace into wet clay.

lift the lids, and she sprays each with a 2 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

One of her staunchest supporters is gulfshorebusiness.com

Brian Tietz

After divorcing, she began trans-

gallery owner Judith Liegeois, who began carrying her pieces in 2010, drawn by her enthusiasm. “She was intriguing,” Liegeois says, noting she needed to understand Gurdian’s work to sell it. “She educated me. She understood and studied her craft. I love anything that’s organic and comes from nature.”

Gurdian’s pieces often sell upon arrival. “There’s something rustic, yet glamorous about it,” Liegeois says. “I love how it feels, how it moves. This is an artist who keeps growing and moving. She’s true to herself.”

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

TakeNote

JANUARY 2022

BOOKMARK

RALPH READS

A Compromise and a Contrarian CLOSE-UP LOOKS AT PIVOTAL U.S. FIGURES Brett Baier has written three previous entertain-

broad sense, but the Civil War was fought

ing and informative history books regarding crit-

over slavery. The right to own slaves drove

ical periods in our nation’s past, and the actions

the South’s secession. Southerners ac-

our presidents took to resolve the situations.

cepted defeat by the North, but they abso-

His current book, To Rescue the Republic, is a

lutely refused to acknowledge that their

look back into the Crisis of 1876 that faced Pres-

former slaves now had the same rights

ident Grant at the end of his last term. Baier’s

they had. Shortly after the war ended, vet-

Sausage, leads a

description of Grant’s childhood and early years

erans in southern states banded together

book club in Naples

brings to light a depth of character to the man

to intimidate and murder former slaves

with about a dozen

that might be unfamiliar to most readers. The

and deny them their rights. This forced

other high-power

traits that would make him as great as or great-

the federal government to send in troops

friends. The group

er than any other general this country has ever

to enforce the peace, which in turn, ratch-

only reads non-fic-

produced were revealed and sharpened in the

eted up the hostilities. The mutual rancor

tion as a way to

crucible of war. This is a study of an exceptional

had grown to a fever pitch by the presi-

human being. He saved the union—not just once,

dential election of 1876 between Samuel

by winning the war, but twice, by also winning

Tilden and Rutherford B. Hayes. The cor-

the peace.

ruption in the south resulted in a contest-

RALPH STAYER, an avid reader and former CEO of Johnsonville

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

The sadness and fear that engulfed the entire

ed election because there were two differ-

country during the war morphed into a sense of

ent results in three states. Grant feared

relief and cautious optimism after the surrender

that any action on his part to resolve the

of the Confederacy. People hoped that the coun-

issue would result not in the rebirth of the

try could be unified again. That hope was short-

union, but the rebirth of hostilities.

lived. Some historians tell us that the war was

Was the compromise he helped en-

fought to preserve the union. That is true in a

gineer good or bad? Read the book and

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

gulfshorebusiness.com

decide for yourself. I was so inspired by Baier’s description of Grant that I ordered a copy of Grant’s personal memoirs. I can’t wait to read it.

Peter Thiel is widely recognized as one of the founders of the Silicon Valley technology revolution. His early forays into venture capital led the way to funding many of the applications that enabled the digital revolution rapidly reshaping the world we know and the way we live our lives. The Contrarian by Max Chafkin, which traces Thiel’s life from his high school years to the present, is a very detailed look into his personal beliefs and his business dealings, stumbling start with a currency hedge fund to incredible success as a venture capitalist.

We have all read about Thiel, especially since he came out as a gay Republican and supporter of Donald Trump, but the extent of his business dealings was not apparent. This book is aptly titled; Thiel has never been afraid to go against the grain.

His political philosophy is a great case in point. He is gay and he supports conservative causes. This does not generate an outpouring of love in Silicon Valley. It certainly hasn’t from this author, whose worldview appears more attuned to Bernie Sanders’ vision for our country than much of mainstream America. In fact, one wonders who the contrarian is. Is it Thiel, or is Chafkin simply contrary to everything Peter Thiel does or says? You may ask, “If that is the case, why should I read it and why did you read the entire book?” I am as fascinated by Peter Thiel as I am by Elon Musk. These are driven people who are not looking at how the world is and adapting to it. They picture the world they want to live in and go about creating it. Chafkin has done a diligent job of research and there is much to learn in reading this book. It is well worth reading, just take it with a grain of salt. Remember that it is just as easy to ascribe negative intentions to a person’s actions as it is to impute positive motives, depending upon the observer’s point of view. Read this book, and you decide.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 27

TakeNote TRENDLINE

JANUARY 2022

By Justin Paprocki

Commuter Perspective GRIN-AND-BEAR GRIDLOCK Our trips to and fro are taking longer. But as you’re stuck in the stop-and-go traffic of season, take a deep breath and realize this: It could be worse.

The average time it takes to get to work in Southwest Florida is about 26.5 minutes, according to new data compiled by Florida Gulf Coast University’s Regional Economic Research Institute. That number has been ticking upward since 2012. But it’s still lower than the U.S. average (27.6) and the state average (28.4). And while the state average has gone up 2 minutes since 2012, Southwest Florida’s traffic time is increasing at a much slower rate. If anything, just be glad we’re not in Osceola County, south of Orlando, where drivers spend more than 36 minutes in their car each way to and from work.

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

gulfshorebusiness.com

Average one-way commute time in minutes Title

20 1 2

20 1 3

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Charlot te

2 3.7 2 3.3 2 3 .7 23 .6 24

Collier

2 3.2 2 3.6 2 4 24 24.2 24.5 24.7 24.7

24.7 24.9 24.8

Glad es

2 9.6

2 4 .5

2 5.5

27.5

22.8

25.3

3 3 .7

3 3 .8

Hendry

2 5 .3

2 7.5

2 8 .6

28 .7

28 .5

29.4

28 .1

28 .4

Lee

2 6.6 2 6.9 2 7. 2 27.4 27.3 27.2 27.3 27.5

Southw e st Florida

2 5 .2 2 5 .5 2 5 .9 26 26 26.2 26.4 26.5

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 29

TakeNote

JANUARY 2022

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

By Christopher Westley

The Economy, the Pandemic and FGCU Many moons ago, not long after graduating from Na-

But this began to change when Florida Gulf Coast

ples High, I remember a bittersweet conversation

University set up shop in a largely undeveloped part

with old friends with whom I’ve long disconnected,

of pre-village Estero, thanks to the vision and plucky

over illicit beers at a time when Florida’s drinking age

leadership of Tommy Howard, Ben Hill Griffin III

was still 19. This was the summer before going off to

and Roy McTarnaghan, among others. Now you could

college, and someone declared Southwest Florida an

receive an education as rigorous as the one received

idyllic place for one’s high school years. We all agreed

in Gainesville, and firms, wanting access to this new

how nice it would be to return someday after happy

talent pipeline, moved to the region and increased its

careers, and retire.

capital base. A major selling point for this new uni-

Back then, Reagan-era Naples was beautiful and

versity was its premier business school, which, led

largely undiscovered—a retirement town first with

by Dean Richard Pegnetter, immediately started es-

burgeoning financial, hospitality, retail sectors and a

tablishing relationships with local industry that reap

newspaper everyone read. (Each Naples Daily News

benefits to this day.

masthead had a U.S. flag with the words, “Keep USA

FGCU’s College of Business eventually would be

First.”) One fondly recalls long dinner table conver-

named for the Lutgert family, a fabulously produc-

sations about current events, politics and economics,

tive and important Southwest Florida wealth creator,

based on what Jeff Lytle could fit into that day’s edi-

while Pegnetter’s leadership in expanding Southwest

torial page.

Florida’s human capital base was taken up by many of

Upon high school graduation, if you went to col-

the people he hired or who followed him: Ara Volkan

lege—because not everyone went to college back

and Tanya Benford in accounting, Judy Wynekoop in

then—you likely ventured up to Tallahassee, Tampa,

information systems, Lee Kirche and Raj Srivastava

Gainesville or places out of state from which you’d

in supply chain and logistics, and Shelton Weeks and

launch a career based on your alma mater’s network.

Howard Finch in finance.

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gulfshorebusiness.com



RICHER REGION Today’s local economy is more diversified, keeping talent here that previously was lured away to other regions years ago, says FGCU’s Christopher Westley.

role in leading the way to the regional economy of today. By establishing ourselves as a source of workforce-ready talent, whether in the areas of accounting, supply chain, finance, real estate, marketing, hospitality or even professional golf management, we justify capital investment that makes our region richer, creating opportunity and full careers in Southwest Florida that would not otherwise exist, or would have at least been sucked into the network of a distant and much less connected university.

This is how we take business personally, and it was all unforeseen by my friends and me that summer day after high school graduation. Today’s economy is more diversified, keeping talent that was previously lured away to other regions of the country, and I find cause for joy —and a little bit of irony—when meeting recent high school grads eager to work and establish Pegnetter attracted investment and ownership in the Lut-

themselves in careers in our region. They don’t

gert College by the many firms with a vested interest in its

know how difficult that would have been in the

success. Both Moorings Park and Alico Inc. established em-

not-too-distant past, or the role of FGCU, the

inent research chairs devoted to accounting, finance, mar-

Lutgert College of Business, and many thou-

keting and logistics. Wasmer Schroeder funded the signa-

sands of business leaders, educators and risk

ture trading room from which Lutgert’s student-run Eagle

takers, in making it possible.

Fund is managed, with the help of its Bloomberg terminals (provided thanks to the support of Schwab, which recently

Hopefully, they read Gulfshore Business, and now they do.

acquired Wasmer).

There are many, many other such investments and their

Christopher Westley, Ph.D., is the dean of Flor-

stories will be told another time. For now, think of a key eco-

ida Gulf Coast University’s Lutgert College of

nomic lesson of FGCU and the Lutgert College of Business’

Business.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 31

BY GULFSHORE BUSINESS STAFF

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

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The new year will be a time to keep an eye on the bottom line more than ever. Between unsettling inflation, flashback gas prices, a disrupted supply chain and lingering labor shortages, it’s tough doing business anymore, even with Southwest Florida’s promising population and development booms.

So, will 2022 just be a continuation of what we’ve experienced in 2021? “It probably will stay more of the same unless inflation starts to grow at a faster rate than anyone expected,” says professor Christopher Westley, dean of the Lutgert College of Business at Florida Gulf Coast University. “I think with respect to inflation, we haven’t seen anything yet. There’s still a large upward pressure on prices beyond what we’ve seen already. Given that, plus the supply chain problems, which also place an upward pressure on prices, it could be much more significant.

“When the Fed starts acting serious about raising rates and sucking some of this excess cash out of the economy, excess liquidity out of the economy, we probably will continue on the same path we’ve been on for the last couple of years. It’s hard to know what the future will bring.”

Westley expects an economist to come in and clean it up, channeling Paul Volcker, the former Federal Reserve chairman credited with ending the high levels of inflation in the 1970s and early 1980s. The result would be a market correction. “So, will that happen in 2022? I don’t know. It could," he says, not wanting to sound overly dismal. “But maybe it will continue to grow and the stock market will go into the 40s (40,000) within a year.”

REGIONAL REDEVELOPMENT Redevelopment projects dotting Southwest Florida will start taking shape or see completion in 2022. About 6 acres at the corner of Vanderbilt Beach Road and Gulf 3 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

DIVERSIFIED GROWTH Uline's 937,000-square-foot distribution center is going up in Naples.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 35

NEXT STAGE The new Gulfshore Playhouse center is under construction in Naples.

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22 Shore Drive will be redeveloped this year to create One Naples, a mixed-use project that includes two 165-foot-tall condominium towers, three mid-rise buildings, a marina on Vanderbilt Lagoon and a Gulf view of Vanderbilt Beach. The groundbreakings for new villages are expected this year in Collier County for thousands of homes on thousands of acres between Golden Gate Estates and Ave Maria.

Massive resorts also are under construction throughout the region. Sunseeker Resort will see more progress in Port Charlotte. Margaritaville Beach Resort will take shape on Fort Myers Beach. Naples Beach Club, as it has operated for 75 years, will be demolished this year and redeveloped with a Four Seasons hotel as its centerpiece. Great Wolf Lodge also has been greenlighted for a huge resort and indoor waterpark in Collier County.

In downtown Naples, the next stage for Gulfshore Playhouse is underway for a shiny new cultural campus being built in Naples Design District. Meanwhile, the Design District community will start to see some creative changes as the first ideas from its transformation plan are presented and implemented by the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency. A short distance away, The Naples Players plans a $15 million capital project to reimagine its home on Fifth Avenue South.

In East Naples, Rebecca’s and The Maddox, a large wine venue and private-member wine club across from Celebration Park, are projected to open this fall. On the southeast corner of Immokalee Road and Collier Boulevard in North Naples, Founders Square businesses will launch, including eight new restaurants at The Pointe in the first quarter of 2022.

In Lee County, the Bayshore Road corridor east and west of Interstate 75 is surging with residential developments that will start to take shape GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 37

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in 2022. D.R. Horton is building Brightwater, a community with a projected 1,275 homes and an amenity called Crystal Lagoon, a 5-acre swimming hole with a white-sand beach. On the eastern end of Bayshore, D.R. Horton also plans to rezone more than 340 acres of agricultural land to create a 440-home single-family and two-family-attached residential community called Owl Creek. Also in Lee, expect to see incredible residential and commercial growth along the corridors of Alico Road, Bonita Beach Road, Burnt Store Road and Corkscrew Road.

INFILL DEVELOPMENT Infill development will definitely be a real estate trend to watch in 2022. As residential developments continue to spread inland and eastward in Southwest Florida, available land keeps getting more and more scarce. This will prompt the trend of infilling parcels adjacent to already-developed land.

“Infill development is going to become a bigger part of what we will see in Southwest Florida going forward,” says Matt Simmons, a property appraiser with Maxwell, Hendry & Simmons.

“We are running out of easy, viable land for new development. So new projects will have to be sourced from infill properties that are tired and need to be redeveloped.

“Infill development can be more challenging, but it’s also highly desirable because it’s typically tapping into existing infrastructure already in place to serve the end product. It’s also an opportunity to create density closer to our developed core areas, which is a good way to continue to grow without disproportionately burdening our roads.”

One perfect example of an infill development to take shape in 2022 is Odyssey by Soltura, which 3 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

FAMILY LODGE Great Wolf Resorts Inc. is building an indoor water park and resort in Collier County.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 39

broke ground in November off Forum Boule-

made Florida look really good by compari-

vard in Fort Myers, just south of State Road

son.” Of course, being known as the Sunshine

82. This will be a 129-rental home communi-

State helps, too.

ty with a $29 million construction budget. Fl

Uline’s building of a nearly 1-million-

Forum Investors LLC, part of Soltura Devel-

square-foot center here reminds Westley

opment, bought the 12 acres for $650,000 in

how important it is for the regional econo-

February. It’s a long and narrow strip of land.

my to be diversified. “The more diversified

“What was at some time overlooked, buyers

we are, the more we won’t overheat during

are now looking at them,” says Randy Thibaut,

a boom, the less we’ll overcorrect during a

CEO of LSI Companies, a local land broker-

bust," he says. “We are more diversified than

age company. “They’re looking at the smaller

we have been in the past. It’s not all tourism

pieces. It’s important. For me, my message

and hospitality and retirement sector de-

would be that people don’t want density, but

mand. There are more things going on. One

people don’t want sprawl. That means you

really exciting thing is the growth of the sup-

have to take the infill pieces and find the right

ply chain sector down here; that’s a much

opportunities for higher density rather than

more stable industry.”

keeping low density rules in the infill. The infill pieces increase their density rather than

SPORTS BETTING

creating more sprawl.”

Sports betting in Florida lasted a month be-

MORE DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY

bling deal with the Seminole Tribe, ruling in

New development projects are responding to

November it violates Indian gaming law. The

demand, helping to diversify an area overly

tribe’s request to allow wagering while it pur-

reliant upon the hospitality and tourism in-

sues an appeal was also denied, forcing the

dustries. Major new distribution centers for

shutdown of the Hard Rock Sportsbook app.

Amazon and Uline under construction in Lee

Gov. Ron DeSantis negotiated the gambling

and Collier counties, respectively, will pump

deal with the tribe in May, making Florida one

hundreds of jobs into the local economy, pro-

of 33 states where wagering on sports is legal.

viding a buffer in tougher times.

The announcement of the 30-year compact

In 2022, we’re not as diversified as we could

was expected to bring more than $20 billion

be, but we’ve made progress in the last decade,

to the state over the life of the deal. "Despite

FGCU’s Westley said. “Companies have been

the decision, the Seminole Tribe looks for-

leaving these high-tax, highly regulated states

ward to working with the state of Florida and

for Florida because it is a better place to do

the U.S. Department of Justice to aggressively

business. We have no income tax and firms

defend the validity of the 2021 Compact be-

have more say in how regulations are created

fore the Appeals Court, which has yet to rule

and implemented relative to other states,” he

on the merits of the 2021 Compact," Seminole

says. “The first thing that happened is when

Tribe spokesman Gary Bitner says.

Trump passed his tax plan, which meant you

The tribe winning its appeal is just one of

could no longer write off huge chunks of your

the avenues for sports betting to return to the

state income tax. That caused a lot of people

state. Gaming law experts like South Flori-

to take Florida more seriously to move to. And

da-based Daniel Wallach say the most likely

then the pandemic was the second thing that

way is a voter referendum in November 2022.

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fore a federal judge halted its exclusive gam-

Sports wagering in Florida hinges upon Seminole Tribe case.

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DELIVERING JOBS Amazon, which opened this Fort Myers sorting center in 2021, plans more growth here.

Sports wagering industry leaders DraftKings

one position very long as other options be-

and FanDuel put up $10 million each toward

come available," Westley says. “Doesn’t that

getting signatures to put a referendum on

defeat the purpose of stimulus anyway?”

ballots that legalizes sports betting outside

Especially feeling the pinch are small local

Seminole lands. If the proposed referendum

retailers and restaurateurs, already affected

passes, the tribe would lose its exclusivity in

by a minimum-wage jump last fall and facing

the market and open the door for a sea of com-

an additional $1-per-hour increase in 2022.

petitors to enter, including the Bonita Springs

“The smaller mom-and-pop operations and

Poker Room, which is a plaintiff in the lawsuit

the local restaurants already have very nar-

against the tribe.

row profit margins and they don’t have the

A new compact between the state and the tribe where legal wagering can only take place

luxury of raising wages to keep those workers with them," Westley says.

on tribal land is also is a possibility. If in-per-

Ironically, the jobs created with some of the

son sportsbooks at its six casinos become

new development projects may cause more

legal, look for the Seminole Casino Hotel in

staffing shortages in the hospitality indus-

Immokalee to seek to become a go-to desti-

try, at least in the short term. Although many

nation to watch and bet on the biggest sport-

of these new jobs may not come online until

ing events. That will require a build-out of a

2023, the hiring process for them may start at

sportsbook complete with wagering and seat-

the end of 2022, conflicting with the annual

ing areas and multiple TVs.

hiring for the new season a year from now.

LABOR SHORTAGE

MORE INFLATION

Employee shortages, an issue carried over

Wherever you are, you’re feeling the effects

from previous years that is predicted to per-

of inflation. Not only is it likely to continue

petuate through 2022, is a phenomenon pro-

in 2022, but it could even get worse before it

duced from stimulating the economy, FGCU’s

gets better. According to Westley, the infla-

Westley said.

tion we’re seeing also is an indication that the

“We’ve overstimulated the economy. There

economy is being overstimulated.

are so many job openings that in many mar-

“These periods of stimulus have happened

kets the unemployment rate is well below the

since 9/11 when [Federal Reserve Chairman

natural rate because of the overstimulation.

Alan] Greenspan lowered interest rates down

And that places upward pressure on wages,"

to 1% for a two-year period," Westley says.

he says. “The inflation itself is also placing an

“That stimulated a lot of economic activity

upward pressure on wages. I don’t think that

that eventually led to the housing boom and

would have happened if the economy had

the bust. But, when that happened, a lot of

been just allowed to grow and correct on its

that money made its way down to Florida. A

own like it’s trying to do anyway, absent the

lot of it came down to Southwest Florida. As

stimulus. It’s a really, really tight labor market

the economy became stimulated, we became

right now.

way overstimulated. And you can see it hap-

“What’s the point of overstimulating the

pening again right now.”

economy if there’s not enough workers for it?

The overstimulation then is blamed for

And then it just puts an upward pressure on

leading to the dot-com bubble and the sub-

prices and causes workers not to stay in any

prime mortgage crisis, which triggered the GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 43

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JOB OPENINGS Regional labor shortages are expected to linger in 2022.

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

Great Recession, a downturn that acutely affected Southwest Florida.

“We live in a region that overheats during booms and overcorrects during busts,” Westley says. “This area is heavily dependent on the rest of the country’s economy. So, if the U.S. is doing well, Florida is doing really well. If the rest of the country is falling into recession, we’re falling into a deeper recession.

"The analogy economists sometimes use about this is that the economy is sometimes like a zombie, and by just pumping money into it we’re pumping life into the economy, when we really want it to correct. We need industries to shut down and assets converted to other uses. That’s what normally happens during a correction.

We’re putting off that process by continuously stimulating the economy. My point is, as a region, we really react to those policies, so in 2022 I wonder … it can’t go on forever.”

Many people, though, have saved up equity to move it down here, taking advantage of extremely low interest rates. They want to live here, of course.

"During the boom phase, when all this money is coming down here and being spent, it’s going to add to our economic activity, but the problem with stimulating the economy with low interest rates is that people have less incentive to save," Westley said. “So, eventually, things are going to start coming to market and people will not have saved in order to purchase the output and that’s when things start to slow down again. And we’re not at that point yet.

“Given that we live in a region that tends to overheat during the boom, 2022 could be a good year in the short term. But the problem is, when the bust comes, and people stop bringing their equity down here and economic activity slows down, that’s when we’ll probably overcorrect. So, no one has a crystal ball to know if that will be in 2022, 2023 or 2024.”

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 45

LEGISLATION UNDER CONSIDERATION B Y

J U S T I N

P A P R O C K I

4 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

HERE

DEK

GOES

AND

HERE

HERE

AND

HERE

Gutter Credit

By First Last

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 47

LEGISLATION UNDER CONSIDERATION

It’s time to focus on the state Capitol again: The 2022 Florida Legislative Session starts Jan. 11, running through March 11. If that seems early, you’re right. Typically, the regular session starts in March, but this year, it’s been moved up to give time for the redistricting process before the November elections. These two months will be a flurry of activity, so we’ve highlighted some issues that the business community will be monitoring closely.

A solution to affordable housing It’s getting tougher to find an affordable place to live these days. Just about everyone agrees on this—legislators, real estate agents, chambers of commerce and certainly home buyers and renters. Will something actually get done about it this year?

"I've been practicing law for 42 years in Collier County,” says state Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples. “For over 42 years we've talked about the lack of workforce housing in Collier County. This has been languishing way too long."

Keep in mind, though, that the concept of “affordable housing” is relative.

The rule of thumb is generally that a home is considered affordable when no more than 30% of a household’s gross income is spent on rent or mort4 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

gage and utilities. And this has become a growing concern in Florida. Roughly 25% of Floridians struggle to pay for housing, according to the Florida Housing Coalition. The pandemic has exacerbated matters further.

The median sale price for a single-family home was around $354,000 in summer 2021, an 18% increase from the previous year. While beneficial for sellers, home ownership has gotten out of reach for many buyers. The median cost of rent was steadily increasing pre-pandemic, hitting $1,250 in 2019.

The supply of rentals, either subsidized or unsubsidized, was also shrinking. Now for every 100 low-income households, there are only 77 available and affordable rental units, according to the coalition.

From a workforce perspective, this makes living and working in Florida all the more difficult. In particular, both the Naples and Fort Myers-Cape Coral metro areas made the Urban Land Institute’s 25 worst areas for finding affordable housing, according to a 2021 study. "If people can't afford to live here, they won't be able to work here," says Tiffany Esposito, SWFL Inc.’s president and CEO. All levels of government have a hand in financing affordable housing or providing assistance to homebuyers, GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 49

LEGISLATION UNDER CONSIDERATION

but recent moves at the state level in

able housing, which would both be a

Florida have put the issue back at the

big boost to the fund (and real-estate

forefront. Last session, changes were

agents who could profit off commis-

made to the Sadowski Trust Fund.

sions from those home purchases.)

Established in 1992, the fund takes a

The move drew the ire of state Repub-

portion of the documentary stamp tax

licans, including Passidomo, who saw

on real estate transactions and sets it

it as undermining their authority as

aside for affordable housing programs,

lawmakers. The criticism from legis-

such as down payment assistance, new

lators, in addition to the challenge of

construction, eviction prevention and

having to collect the signatures to put

more. However, over the last 20 years,

a measure on the ballot, led the Real-

the state Legislature diverted about $2

tors association to abandon the mea-

billion each year back into the general

sure in September. Instead, it pledged

fund, according to a report from the

to work with the Legislature on new

Florida Association of Local Housing

affordable housing programs, includ-

Finance Authorities.

ing down payment assistance to front-

Last year, the Legislature passed

line workers.

a bill that offered both good and bad

If anything, this maneuver may

news for affordable housing advocates.

have forced the issue. "It started an in-

It stopped the so-called “sweeps” of

tense dialogue," says Passidomo of the

the fund, but it also reduced the to-

amendment attempt.

tal amount earmarked for affordable

The legislatures will have to reex-

housing. Now, about half of what was

amine the housing trust to see if it

once promised for affordable housing

meets the needs of today’s workforce,

will go toward programs aimed at com-

she said. The down payment assis-

bating sea-level rise and improving

tance program, for example, is starting

wastewater systems. Still, the $209.2

to become much more costly as home

million approved for the 2021-22 fiscal

prices skyrocket. "The programs have

year for affordable housing programs is

been working, but they haven't made a

the highest amount in 12 years, accord-

big enough dent," she says.

ing to the Sadowski Housing Coalition.

Local chambers of commerce have

Over the summer, the debate over

consistently placed affordable hous-

affordable housing took a turn when

ing on their annual legislative agendas,

the Florida Realtors backed a push to

emphasizing cooperation among state

put an amendment in front of voters

and local governments and private de-

that would require 25% of the docu-

velopers. More specifically, they note

mentary stamp tax go toward afford-

the need for more high-density hous-

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

ing developments. Everyone may have their eyes on that house with the yard, but as sprawl continues inland, land will be gobbled up. The only other option, as Esposito of SWFL Inc. noted, is to build up. Picture a condo development with shops and businesses within

“For over 42 years we've

walking distance. That may require re-

talked about the lack

irk neighbors in the process—but will

of workforce housing in Collier County.”

thinking local zoning restrictions—and be worth it in the long run, she said.

The reason it tops their legislative agenda isn’t just because of the need itself, but the tangential issues it also helps cure. Roads become less con-

-

Sen. Kathleen Passidomo

gested once people don’t have to drive longer distances to work; infrastructure won’t need to be stretched to accommodate sprawl; families' finances become less stressed once they’re not spending so much on housing. "Housing is fundamental,” Esposito says. “It addresses so many other issues."

So, everyone is just about in agreement: There’s an affordable housing problem. The question is whether the state Legislature will take the lead in finding a better solution this session.

VISIT FLORIDA extension The state’s leading tourism marketing agency may get a long-term deal. Sen. Ed Hooper, R-Clearwater, introduced a bill to extend funding for VISIT FLORIDA through 2031. The agency has been the target of criticism in recent years after some decisions, such GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 51

LEGISLATION UNDER CONSIDERATION

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

as signing rapper Pitbull to a $1 million con-

“If people can't afford

tract to promote the state in 2016, that had some lawmakers questioning its purpose.

But the agency has refurbished its reputation

to live here. they

more recently. A report last year by the Office of Economic and Demographic Research showed that for every $1 invested in VISIT

can't afford to work here.”

FLORIDA, the state received $3.27 back in tax revenue. During a recent committee hearing, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Associa-

-Tina Esposito

tion general counsel Samantha Padgett said that VISIT FLORIDA was integral in reviving tourism during the pandemic. As of now, funding for the agency is set to expire in 2023.

It received $80 million from the Legislature last year.

New sales tax holiday Floridians may have two disaster preparedness holidays. Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, proposed legislation to make June 2-6 and Sept. 8-12 sales tax-free for items relating to hurricane readiness. The 2021 tax holiday was May 28-June 6. Items that would be taxfree include flashlights, bags of ice, coolers, batteries, chainsaws, first-aid kits and portable generators.

Data privacy protections Consumer data privacy became a hot topic last session, and may once again emerge this year. Measures championed by House speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Clearwater, would seek to protect consumers in how tech companies use the information gathered about them



online. California, Virginia and Colorado are

DIGITAL PROTECTION

the only three states to have enacted com-

Measures for data privacy

prehensive data privacy legislation. About

are under consideration.

20 states—including Florida—considered it last year. The nonpartisan Florida TaxWatch issued a report last year saying the legislation would cost Florida businesses anywhere from GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 53

LEGISLATION UNDER CONSIDERATION

$6.2 billion to $21 billion to implement protections, and cost annually between $4.6 billion and $12.7 billion.

In its report, Florida TaxWatch noted that it’s in agreement that data privacy is important, but that the costs involved may significantly hinder small businesses. It recommended Florida legislators push for a federal data privacy law that would standardize protections nationwide.

Vacation rental regulation The Legislature is reviving the ongoing battle over how to regulate vacation rental properties. The issue has been a push-and-pull among platforms such as Airbnb, local communities looking to regulate and state officials seeking to provide more uniform standards. Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, and Rep. Jason Fischer, R-Jacksonville, have introduced bills (SB 512 and HB 325) that preempt further restrictions on the local level and would give the state more control, such as giving the Division of Restaurants and Hotels the ability to suspend licenses. Similar proposals made their way through the Legislature last year, but failed to get passed.

Cash requirements at businesses A study by Square Inc. found that



PAYMENT PLANS

cashless businesses have increased

Proposed bills oppose

during the pandemic. The report esti-

cashless society in

mates that nearly 15% of U.S. business-

Florida.

5 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

es are cash-free, but a cashless society may not be on the horizon in Florida.

Two bills (HB 233, sponsored by Rep. Matt Willhite, D-Wellington, and SB 408, sponsored by Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-West Park) would require any businesses operating at a fixed space to accept cash as payment. Both legislators have noted that not all Floridians have credit cards or bank accounts and this would guarantee they have a way to pay for goods and services.

Qualified Target Industry tax break Some interest groups are pushing for the renewal of the state’s Qualified Target Industry tax break. Despite backing from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Legislature did not renew the incentive last year intended to create high-paying jobs. Essentially, qualifying businesses would get tax refunds if they met certain guidelines, such as a $1,000 bonus for each job that pays 150% over the median wage in a particular region. Recognizing some criticism of the program as “corporate welfare,” Florida TaxWatch issued a report last year encouraging the renewal of the program as a valuable way to attract and retain businesses.

The report noted that for every $1 in tax refunds, the state received $5.30 in revenue for businesses involved in the program.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 55

B Y

A R T I S

H E N D E R S O N

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

FOR THE KIDS LIKE ME F G C U ’ S H E R

S A N D R A

K A U A N U I

E N T R E P R E N E U R I A L

C R E A T E S

P R O G R A M

F O R

S T U D E N T S

W H O

S H A R E

D R I V E

DEK

GOES

AND

HERE

HERE

AND

HERE

By First Last

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 57

FOR THE KIDS LIKE ME



ENTERPRISING PLACE Lucas Hall is FGCU's home for entrepreneurs.

It’s cocktail hour in the den of a quiet suburban home in Norfolk, Virginia, in the mid-1960s.

Sandy Kauanui is 16 years old. She hasn’t started college yet; or quit after her first year. She hasn’t launched her own wildly successful financial services firm. She hasn’t yet earned her bachelor’s degree or her master’s or her PhD. She hasn’t started teaching at Florida Gulf Coast University or become the driving force behind its entrepreneurship program. She hasn’t had her name put on the school she helped found: the FGCU Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship. All of that is still in the future.

Right now, she’s sitting on the couch listening to her parents talk business. Her older sister is there, also listening. Her mother’s drinking water with a splash of scotch; her father’s drink isn’t much stronger. Neither is a big drinker, but they honor the nightly cocktail hour as a time for the family to sit down together and talk shop.

Kauanui and her sister are rapt as their parents share details of the dry-cleaning business they own together, 50 stores across Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Newport News.

Though sometimes they’ll go over problems with the business, mostly they exchange ideas about how to grow the company. They discuss the economy, real estate, the stock market and investment securities.

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

FOR THE KIDS LIKE ME

“That’s

the

college early became Dr.

environment I grew up in,”

Sandra Kauanui.

Kauanui says, reflecting on

It wasn’t long before

those early adolescent cock-

Florida Gulf Coast Univer-

“For so many years,

tail hours. “Some parents

sity began recruiting her for

talked about sports or other

I was ashamed

things. We sat around and

that I didn't have

Kauanui and her husband

talked about new business

a degree. I want

were living in California at

opportunities.”

seventh-grade education,”

its nascent business school.

the time. “Let’s go to FGCU

At 16, she was already

Kauanui says. “They want-

my students to

running payroll for 500

ed us to go to college. But I

graduate with

retire,” she said to him. That

employees in her parents’

only survived one year be-

was 14 years ago. Her hus-

company. It was fun for her.

fore I left to come home and

their heads up

When other kids were beg-

start a business.”

high.”

for two years and then I’ll

band still likes to tease her about it. “Those two years

ging to go to summer camp,

And start a business she

Kauanui wanted to work

did. Kauanui launched her

in the family business. She

own financial services firm,

Kauanui laughs at his

was so good at it and found

West Financial, which she

teasing, but she’s serious in

so much energy in the en-

grew over the next two de-

her response: “I wouldn’t

trepreneurial world that

cades to more than 40 em-

have stayed this long if it

college couldn’t compete.

ployees. She sold the busi-

hadn’t been for seeing this

She remembers sitting in

ness in 1996.

vision and creating this op-

-Sandy Kauanui

didn’t work out real well, did they?”

her freshman classes at the

Meanwhile, she was fo-

University of Cincinnati

cusing on her education.

The vision she’s talking

thinking, "This is boring. I’d

She received a BA in inter-

about is what’s known to-

much rather be talking to

disciplinary studies from

day as the FGCU Daveler &

my parents."

Virginia

Wesleyan

portunity.”

Uni-

Kauanui School of Entre-

“My mother and dad

versity, then an MBA from

preneurship. The entrepre-

didn’t have more than a

William & Mary, then her

neurship program was for-

doctorate in organizational

mally created in 2016, but

behavior and entrepreneur-

it was an image in her mind

ship from George Washing-

long before that. “I want-

ton University. After many

ed to create a place for the

years of dedicated academic

kids like me,” Kauanui says,

work, the woman who left

“the ones dropping out be-

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



A DRIVING FORCE Sandy Kauanui's energy for entrepreneurship comes alive at FGCU.

Runway Program One of the most

required to pay the

forward-looking

money back. The pro-

initiatives to come

gram is open to both

out of the School of

FGCU students and

Entrepreneurship is

alumni of any major.

its Runway Program.

Some notable

Launched in 2016,

recipients include

the program serves

FGCU senior John

as a business incu-

Ciocca, the app de-

bator for students,

veloper who created

alumni and veterans.

youBelong, a social

Those who complete

networking platform

the program have the

for those with dis-

opportunity to pitch

abilities; FGCU grad

for non-equity seed

Andrew Townsend,

funding that comes

who created the Cat-

from donors. In

tyshack Café to help

2020-2021, 64 busi-

adoptable kitties

nesses completed the

find homes; and grad

program. Of those, 32

Makenzie Whitaker,

received funding. A

who authored The

total of $142,790 was

Kidney Kronicles to

awarded.

help children and

Each project

“We've seen our entrepreneurship students start businesses, hire employees, generate revenue, pay taxes and get involved in community leadership.”

families understand

pitches for a specific

illness.

amount of capital.

Since the Runway

There is no limit to

Program began in the

how much capital a

fall of 2016, student

project can request,

and alumni partic-

though participants

ipants have gener-

are encouraged to

ated more than $12

only ask for what

million.

they need, and entrepreneurs can pitch again as a business grows and expands.

Participants are not



REGIONAL IMPACT FGCU's entrepreneurship major is one of its top programs.

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

-Michael Martin

FOR THE KIDS LIKE ME

of new entrepreneurs to stay local, creating a hub of innovation.

The program is well on its way to accomplishing this mission. The entrepreneurship major is one of the fastest-growing majors at the university. In the spring,

cause they didn’t think school

62 students graduated from

sive institution is to con-

fit them. For so many years, I

the program. This fall, 98

tinue to contribute in every

was ashamed that I didn’t have

students declared an entre-

way we can to the economic

a degree. I was running a suc-

preneurship major. Entre-

and social development of

cessful business, I had a week-

preneurship students have

Southwest Florida,” Martin

ly TV show, I had a newspaper

launched 472 businesses

explains. “We’ve seen our

clipping come out every week,

since the program’s incep-

entrepreneurship students

and I felt like an imposter be-

tion in 2016, and it was re-

start businesses, hire em-

cause I didn’t have that degree.

cently recognized by The

ployees, generate revenue,

I don’t want my students to

Princeton Review as one of

pay taxes and get involved

have the regrets I did. I want my

the top undergraduate en-

in community leadership.

students to graduate with their

trepreneurship programs in

We’re putting out people who

heads up high.”

the country.

can make a major contribution to the local economy.”

The true impact of the School of Entrepreneurship

An Entrepreneurial Echo System

will take years to fully manifest, Martin acknowledged.

But he’s confident that the results will be greater than

When Kauanui set out to create

FGCU’s president, Mi-

expected. “We’ll look back

FGCU’s entrepreneurship pro-

chael Martin, has seen the

with real pride at this in-

gram, she wanted to establish

enormous benefits of the

novation that came out of

a system that would promote

program both to the uni-

FGCU with an impact no

what she calls “echoes in the

versity and the Southwest

one could have predicted.”

community.” Her goal: gradu-

Florida community. “One of

ates would stay in Southwest

the things we intend to do

No one? Well, one person.

Florida, start their businesses

as a regional comprehen-

“We can be the next Sili-

here and then echo their suc-

con Valley,” Kauanui says.

cess back to the university. This

“Who’s to say not?”

would encourage the next wave GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 63



NURTURING IDEAS

FOR THE KIDS LIKE ME

The Incubator opens doors to product and app development.

edge our students thirst for,” Cartwright says. “Re-

You Can Teach Entrepreneurship

al-world practitioners who have sold a business or who are in the middle of scaling a business have much more

Tim Cartwright, a partner at

connection to the business

the wealth management firm

world.”

Fifth Avenue Family Office and

This kind of practical,

recent chairman of the FGCU

hands-on

foundation, remembers sitting

essential to what Kauanui

with Kauanui in the Lutgert

and the School of Entrepre-

College of Business long before

neurship set out to achieve.

connection

is

FGCU had an entrepreneur-

to the School of Entrepre-

“At one point in time, peo-

ship program. The two were

neurship. “The only way we

ple thought you were either

brainstorming ideas to improve

were going to be successful

born an entrepreneur or

the university and enhance the

was if the person who led

not,” Cartwright says. “But

local community. What would

this initiative had the entre-

we know now that you can

be really special, they decided,

preneurial mindset to push

teach someone how to think

was to have an entrepreneur-

through boundaries and

and act entrepreneurially.”

ship degree. That’s when Kau-

commit the kind of energies

As it turns out, an en-

anui leaned forward. “I’m will-

necessary to scale growth,”

trepreneurial mindset is

ing to take on that challenge,”

Cartwright

important even for those

she said.

Sandy.”

says.

“That’s

students who don’t start

Since that moment, Cart-

One of the greatest assets

their own businesses. Many

wright has watched Kauanui

Kauanui has brought to the

School of Entrepreneurship

go from teaching a class on

entrepreneurship program,

grads go on to work for For-

entrepreneurship to receiving

Cartwright believes, is that

tune 500 companies. “The

approval for an entrepreneur-

she’s an entrepreneur first

entrepreneurship degree is

ship minor then an entrepre-

and an academician second.

a different way of learning,”

neurship major to creating her

That means Kauanui focus-

Cartwright says. “Our stu-

own entrepreneurship pro-

es on hiring adjunct faculty

dents know how to identify

gram separate from the college

with

experi-

real-world problems and

of business to constructing a

ence; she’s less concerned

find solutions. And these

building on campus dedicated

with where they got their

big companies are saying,

degrees and more interest-

‘We want to hire problem

ed in what they’ve done.

solvers.’”

real-world

“That’s the kind of knowl6 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

“Our students know how to identify real-world problems and find solutions. And these big companies are saying, 'We want to hire problem solvers.'”

-Tim Cartwright

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 65

“This woman is fierce.

She's an absolute force.”

-John Ciocca

FOR THE KIDS LIKE ME

high school, and by the time he got to FGCU he’d already

The Spark

launched a successful social networking site for peo-

On a typical Friday during the

ple with disabilities called

school year, FGCU senior John

youBelong. Now he’s work-

Ciocca is on the first floor of

ing on Purple, an online fi-

the new School of Entrepre-

nancial platform for those

neurship building in front of a

FGCU’s School of Entre-

whiteboard. His buddies and a

preneurship students are

Yet rather than finding

few professors are there, wind-

unlike any other students

his college classes boring,

ing down from the week. This

on campus. Ciocca remem-

Ciocca has stayed engaged

is how they unwind: Somebody

bers the time he found

at the School of Entrepre-

calls out the idea for a startup

himself inside the wrong

neurship. That’s because

business. Ciocca writes it on

classroom. He’d stumbled

the program has an energy

the whiteboard. They riff on

into an accounting class in-

and a vibrancy. He calls it “a

the idea for a while—expand-

stead of an entrepreneur-

spark.” That spark is more

ing, challenging, questioning.

ship class. The lights were

than just the students and

Someone calls out a second

off. The students were all

the new building, Ciocca

business idea. Ciocca writes it

on their phones. No one

said. It’s Kauanui herself.

on the board. They weigh this

spoke. “They were sitting

The first time Ciocca met

one, too. When another group

there like mummies,” Cioc-

Dr. K, as he calls her, he said

of entrepreneurship students

ca says. “I sat down, looked

to himself, “This woman

walks by, Ciocca invites them

around and said, ‘This isn’t

is fierce.” Now, after four

over: “Hey, come hear our

my class.’”

years of seeing her in ac-

with disabilities.

pitches.” The second group

That feeling—“this isn’t

tion, he understands why

joins the first, and a mini-pitch

my class”—is exactly what

the program has been so

session unfolds. “Those are

Kauanui was talking about

successful. “She’s an abso-

some fun times,” Ciocca says.

when she set out to create

lute force.”

“It’s not structured. We just let

the entrepreneurship pro-

our brains run free.”

gram six years ago. Ciocca is the kind of student who,

Gutter



like Kauanui, might have

SOARING LIKE AN EAGLE

thought college was boring

FGCU has experienced incredi-

compared to the real world.

ble growth in its first 25 years.

He was designing apps in GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 67

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& Cohen Education Center

The Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen The Holocaust Museum & Janetits G. 20th and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center is celebrating Anniversary as

Center is celebrating 20th Anniversary aEducation committed community partner,itsstriving to improve as the a committed community partner, striving to improve quality of life for Southwest Florida students, citizensthe quality of lifebyfor Southwest Florida students, citizens and visitors promoting respect and empathy towards and visitors by promoting respect and empathy towards others. Its wide range of education programs teach the

others. Its wide range of education programs teach the lessons of the Holocaust to inspire action against bigotry, lessons of the Holocaust to inspire action against bigotry, hatred and violence. For more information, please hatred and violence.

For more information, contact President and CEO Susan Suarez. please contact President and CEO Susan Suarez.

Become an "Upstander" Today!

Join the thousands of SWFL students and visitors who have been inspired by our programs to take a stand against bigotry and hatred in their communities. These "Upstanders" know the positive difference one person can make. Your own simple act of kindness towards someone can have a lasting impact. We invite you to become an "Upstander" today and make a difference in your community.

The Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd., Ste. 108 Naples, FL 34110 www.HMCEC.org 239-263-9200

Darcy Eikenberg, PCC

As As aa credentialed credentialed coach, coach, Darcy Darcy Eikenberg Eikenberg helps helps leaders leaders and high-performing professionals strengthen and high-performing professionals strengthen their their careers careers even even amid amid constant constant change. change. Her Her strategies strategies generate more clarity and confidence—plus generate more clarity and confidence—plus aa dash dash of of courage courage for for our our complex complex lives lives at at work. work.

Her Her latest latest book, book, “Red “Red Cape Cape Rescue: Rescue: Save Save Your Your Career Career Without Leaving Your Job,” teaches unconventional Without Leaving Your Job,” teaches unconventional

secrets secrets for for professional professional and and personal personal success success right right where where you are, just as you are. you are, just as you are.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Milestone Anniversaries

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022

73

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

SPONSORED CONTENT

Celebrating 25 Years of Better Banking

Thomas Edison once said, “There is always a better way. Find it.”

In 1997, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands was founded on the belief that there is a better way of banking, where banking isn’t just about the numbers.

As the oldest locally owned bank in Lee County, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands made a commitment to be an independent community bank with an undeniable interest in the future growth and well-being of the area, serving businesses and families for the long term.

Looking back on 25 years of service, this commitment stands true, as demonstrated through on-site decision making, individual– ized offerings and community roots that only a local bank can provide.

At Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands, banking is about the customer with personalized solutions, meaningful relationships and exceptional service. Experi– enced professionals work with customers to provide the products, services and technologies that fit their unique needs.

Furthermore, banking with Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands has a distinct feel, starting with the concierge’s warm greeting, plates of fresh-baked cookies and the familiar

faces of employees who know customers by name. Best of all, customers can call to speak with a banking professional and never encounter an impersonal voicemail during banking hours.

Commitment to the community has also remained part of the culture at Edison National Bank, starting at the top with President Robbie Roepstorff and CEO Geoff Roepstorff.

Throughout its history, Edison National Bank/ Bank of the Islands has continued to support over 100 nonprofits, championing causes that serve education, wildlife and coastal habitat preservation, children’s welfare and more.

As it enters its 25th year in business, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands remains dedicated to serving customers and Southwest Florida with a better way of banking—yester– day, today and tomorrow.

EDISONNATIONALBANK.COM CLEVELAND AVENUE: ( 239 ) 466-1800 RIVER DISTRICT: ( 239 ) 334-4668 BANKOFTHEISLANDS.COM SANIBEL: ( 239 ) 472-7211 CAPTIVA: ( 239 ) 395-0248 MEMBER FDIC EQUAL HOUSING LENDER BANK OF THE ISLANDS IS AN OFFICE OF EDISON NATIONAL BANK

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WE MAKE BANKING ABOUT YOU!

Celebrating

Cleveland Avenue Office

25 YEARS OF BETTER BANKING

There is always a better way...

FIND IT! – Thomas Edison

Bank of the Islands - Sanibel

Since opening in 1997, Edison National Bank/ Bank of the Islands has taken inspiration from our namesake’s famous words, striving to go above and beyond to exceed your expectations.

We believe better banking means personalized solutions, meaningful relationships, exceptional service and community roots that only our local bank can provide.

As the oldest locally owned community bank in Lee County, we are celebrating our 25th anniversary with a renewed commitment to delivering remarkable banking services to our valued customers every day in every way.

Bank of the Islands - Captiva

To learn more about our customer services and convenient locations, please visit EdisonNationalBank.com or call 239.466.1800.

River District Office

An Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC | Bank of the Islands is an office of Edison National Bank.

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

SPONSORED CONTENT

PBS 9.6875x11.75_ad.indd 1

A new legacy.

On December 1, 2021, PBS Contractors introduced their new President and CEO, Tim Dupre. While it was a significant change, it was a strategic and thoughtful decision.

When Russell Budd first went into business in 1986, he was determined to position PBS as an employer and company of choice. He wanted an exciting culture for his team, he wanted to produce great work for his clients, and he wanted to support and give back to the community.

He did all of that and more. In 2015, the PBS Purpose Statement was born: We Build Better Lives for our Team, our Clients, and our Community.

12/3/21 5:02 PM

Now, 35 years later, Russell, who has been carefully working on his succession plan, is ready for the future and next generation of the company. He is proud to hand the reins over to new leadership and a very qualified Tim Dupre. Russell knows, without a doubt, that Tim aligns with the core values and vision he has worked so hard to build and is the perfect leader for the company and team.

Tim shares the sentiment. “I am excited to join the organization and build upon the legacy that PBS Contractors has established over the last 35 years,” says Tim. “Joining a company that focuses on building better lives made the decision an easy one.”

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PBS 9.6875x11.75_ad.indd 1

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Priority Marketing The Story Behind the Numbers

12140 CARISSA COMMERCE COURT, SUITE 201 FORT MYERS, FL 33966 ( 239 ) 267-2638 PRIORITYMARKETING.COM

In 1992, Teri Hansen’s daughter Anna was born, and that is what inspired her to start her own business—Priority Marketing. The agency’s 46 employees—including Teri and Anna—will soon celebrate 30 years of success as they continue to provide outstanding results for clients through turnkey marketing, advertising, public relations and digital marketing strategies. Here’s more of the story behind the numbers: 30 Years In three decades, Priority Marketing has helped 1000s of brands succeed. During this time, the Southwest Florida landscape has changed dramatically, and the agency takes great pride in being part of the growth and innovation that continues to transform our region.

46 Professionals While some team members have been with the firm for up to 26 years, other team members

bring extensive experience from outside of the agency setting. Led by seasoned agency directors, it is the unique combination of knowledge and skills that makes a difference.

Today, Priority Marketing is the largest full-service marketing agency in Southwest Florida!

150,000+ Projects Talk about experience…Priority Marketing has gained the highest level of expertise through passionate hard work and dedication to getting the job done…rather, more than 150,000 jobs done! That’s critical to implementing a truly integrated marketing strategy because a single team that is adept at working cohesively toward common goals gains efficiency and effectiveness in the process. We’re well prepared to serve as an extension of your team, seamlessly collaborating with all partners. $3.5M Pro Bono Services When we say generosity is one our most important values, we mean it, and giving back to the community has always been a priority for our agency. We are honored to have helped propel the mission of more than 200 charitable organizations!

Are you ready to put the power of numbers to work for your brand? Contact Priority Marketing today!

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POWER IN NUMBERS They say there’s power in numbers, and as Southwest Florida’s LARGEST marketing, advertising and public relations agency offering the MOST comprehensive services for the LONGEST amount of time, we’d have to agree!

30

YEARS

46

PROFESSIONALS

150,000+ PROJECTS BONO SERVICES $3.5M PRO SATISFIED CLIENTS 1,000S OF Founded 30 years ago, Priority Marketing’s team of more than 46 savvy creatives and mastermind strategists bring thousands of years of combined experience and expertise to your brand. Plus, we do it all in-person, face-to-face every day from our powerhouse headquarters.

If you’re ready to flip the switch to turn on your brand, look no further than Priority Marketing…

We have everything you need, and so much more!

239.267.2638 PriorityMarketing.com GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022

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MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

SPONSORED CONTENT

Stock Boasts Two Decades of Residential Craftsmanship

Virtually anywhere you go in Southwest Florida, you’ll find world-class communities bearing the distinctive brand of Stock Luxury Homes and Stock Custom Homes.

With more than seven decades of building experience, the Stock family name has long been synonymous with quality real estate.

Last year, the company celebrated its 20th year in Southwest Florida and remains committed to the tradition of excellence that has shaped it from its very beginning.

Stock Development’s homebuilding division has been acknowledged locally and nationally with more than 500 awards for its outstanding communities, product design, amenities, and overall quality.

Stock Development has been on BUILDER magazine’s “BUILDER 100” list of the top 100 homebuilders in the United States for several years. The company has also received local “Community of the Year,” “Builder of the Year” and “Developer of the Year” multiple times.

In 2021, the company received another

national accolade by reaching the number 49 spot on Pro Builder Magazine’s 2021 HOUSING GIANTS LIST. “It is an amazing achievement for a familyowned development company in Naples to be among the top 50 builders nationally,” said Claudine Léger-Wetzel, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Stock Development.

Stock gives buyers unparalleled residential choices. One Naples is a one-of-a-kind resortstyle community coming soon to the Naples Vanderbilt Beach area. Stock Custom Homes and Stock Luxury Homes build magnificent homes in many of Florida’s most highly regarded communities, while Stock’s Luxury Apartment Living division has reimagined the appeal, offerings and cachet of the upscale rental lifestyle.

To see all that Stock has to offer, please visit the Stock Development website at www.stockdevelopoment.com.

Email at info@stockdevelopment.com or call (239) 592-7344.

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There’s a lot that goes into our name.

Q STOCK is celebrating 20 years of innovation, award-winning design, quality construction and an impressive portfolio of homes in the area’s most desirable locations. As the leading developer and builder of luxury residences in Southwest Florida, the STOCK name has always been synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship and incomparable lifestyle.

Whatever your dream, and wherever you want to live, we have a beautiful collection of places to call home throughout Florida.

Q We’re proud to introduce Stock Residences, our luxury condominium division, with the launch of One Naples at Vanderbilt Beach.

Q 2639 PROFESSIONAL CIRCLE | SUITE 101 NAPLES, FL 34119 | 239.592.7344

StockDevelopment.com FLStockDevelopment

StockDevelopment

BROKER PARTICIPATION WELCOMED. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. NOT AN OFFERING WHERE PROHIBITED BY STATE LAW. PRICES AND COMMISSIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

SPONSORED CONTENT

AJS Realty Group, Inc. AJS Realty Group, Inc. has provided unsurpassed full service commercial real estate expertise throughout Southwest Florida for 30 years.

AJS leads the way in offering commercial real estate services that are tailored to the unique needs of each client.

It has been an honor to serve our numerous, loyal, clients in the many facets of commercial real estate including Sales, Leasing, Property Management, Consulting and Tenant Relations.

Together with our clients, over the past 30 years, we have experienced incredible growth and change in SW Florida. We are proud to have provided, knowledgeable, dependable and strategic, commercial real estate expertise to help make Southwest Florida the special place it continues to be!

AJS Realty Group, Inc. has provided unsurpassed full service commercial real estate expertise throughout SW Florida for 30 years.

AJS Realty Group, Inc. • 5020 Tamiami Trail N • Suite 112 • Naples, Florida 34109 8 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

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It has been an honor to serve our numerous, loyal clients in the many facets of commercial real estate including Sales, Leasing, property management, consulting and tenant relations

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

SPONSORED CONTENT

From idea to impact: FGCU Turns 25 In roughly the time it takes to raise a college graduate, Florida Gulf Coast University grew a university and created an invaluable resource for Southwest Florida.

We helped fill the region’s need for teachers and nurses. We researched area waters, started new businesses, expanded affordable mental healthcare, volunteered and innovated, entertained and contributed $600 million to the economy each year.

We’ve made more of an impact in our first 25 years than some accomplish in a lifetime. We’re go-getters.

And we’re just getting started.

10501 FGCU BLVD. S..

FORT MYERS, FL 33965 ( 239 ) 590-1000 FGCU.EDU

JOIN THE CELEBRATION!

FGCU DAY Saturday, February 12 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Florida Gulf Coast University is turning 25 and we’re holding a big event to mark this milestone. Everyone’s invited to this free event where you can:    

Learn to code Take a golf lesson Watch young entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas Enjoy live music and dancing

Try out some beer being made on campus, meet PBS Kids’ Nature Cat and Arthur and check out all that’s new at your university.

There will be lots of fun, food and festivities. Don’t miss it!

Plan your day at fgcu.edu/fgcuday

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2 83

p_94 Hertz takes driver’s seat

2

B. BUSINESS 2 BUSINESS

LEADERSHIP TECHNOLOGY C O R P O RAT E C O M M E R C I A L R E A L E STAT E

 ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Dream Maker

JANUARY 2022

MAPY CHAVEZ ASKINS AND NONPROFIT ALCANZANDO p_96 Brian Tietz

By Artis Henderson

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JANUARY 2022 85

Business 2 Business

JANUARY 2022

LEADERSHIP

Leading While Adapting

By Bill Wasinger



FUNDAMENTAL PHILOSOPHY Leaders are the means to an end, not the end, says FGCU President Michael Martin.

LOCAL PERSPECTIVES ON EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT Given the lingering effects of the pandemic, the worker shortage and supply chain disruptions, many businesses currently are facing an array of unprecedented challenges. However, in spite of those external influences, some local leaders say they’re looking internally as they adjust their leadership styles to better adapt to the needs of their employees.

“I start with the basic supposition that leadership methods and skills evolve all the time. What worked for my dad didn’t work [for me]. And then what worked for me 25 years ago doesn’t work for me today,” says Bart Zino, vice president of Naples-based PBS Contractors. “As new people come into the workforce, they’re bringing their own demographics with them, their own normal, natural biases, whether they’re familial, cultural [or] peer group-oriented. So, leadership has to constantly evolve … to respond to who you’re trying to lead. So once you get past that and you realize that it’s an evolution, you’ve got to read, you’ve got to educate yourself and you’ve got to stay current, because most of these articles are written for the generation that is in front of them today.”

While generational shifts in the workforce may be compelling business leaders to evolve, establishing an ideal workplace cul8 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

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EDUCATING STUDENTS, EMPOWERING LEADERS Florida Gulf Coast

sponsibility ... is to

University Presi-

let the outstanding

dent Michael Martin

people that you have

credits much of the

demonstrate how

school’s growth to

outstanding they can

his predecessors.

be on behalf of the

But he’s also learned

institution. You look

a few things about

around at some of

leadership in his 50-

the things that have

year career in edu-

happened here; I

cation.

think they’ve hap-

For me, you’ve got

pened because the

to start with a fun-

entire administration

damental philosophy.

understands that

When you’re going to

that’s what we do.

lead the institution,

A leader is a ser-

where are you going

vant, never forget

to take it? The next

that. You’re a means

part of that is, ex-

to an end. Not the

cellence is a journey,

end. So I always

not a destination. So,

tell people, if you’re

if you believe that

coming here for the

fundamental princi-

sake of being held in

ple, then every day

high esteem, if you’re

you come to work

coming here for a

(and) your leadership

big office, if you’re

is about making the

coming here for a re-

institution better at

served parking place,

doing its fundamen-

you miss the point.

tal responsibility. And

The point is, great

you let that be widely

leadership serves

known, so no one has

others through the

to guess what the

process of being a

point is.

leader.

I believe my re-

—Michael Martin

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 87

Business 2 Business LEADERSHIP

ture—especially in the age of workfrom-home and hybrid offices—is also an important component of modern leadership, said Brandon Box, president of Cogent Bank’s Southwest Florida market.

“I feel like culture is huge,” Box says. “If you go back to a sports analogy, teams win championships. And so, when you sort of lose that team attitude and team environment, I think it impacts a business’ reputation, results and market share. I think it’s very difficult to create and maintain a culture when you’re working remotely, unless you make it more of a defined and specific effort to bring the team together. But at the end of the day, people still have to interact with people pretty steadily to have the culture rub off on one another. And that can be difficult if you’re not working next to one another.”

Just as technology allowed the pivot to remote work during the pandemic, it may also be making it more difficult for employers to find and hire qualified candidates now as many workers are reassessing how and where they work. And that challenge, Brandon Box

Box said, is requiring business leaders to not only change their workplace cul-

Bart Zino

ture, but modify how their employees work, as well.

“There are a lot of opportunities for young people to be entrepreneurial Gutter

today,” he says. “But it is a challenge (for employers), because folks have 8 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

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

EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP Connecting with people you lead is important, says Cogent’s Brandon Box and PBS Contractors’ Bart Zino.

BUILDING A BETTER LEADER

more of an option than just going the corporate

Bart Zino began

think the key word

working for his father

for leaders today is

in the construction

“flexibility.” So, the

business in 1979.

other thing that I try

vironment? Now, if you have a better [or] differ-

Now the vice pres-

to engage with, and

ent way to do something, those are things where

ident of PBS Con-

I think is important,

we want to capture that sort of entrepreneurial

route. I think the key is, how do you leverage their entrepreneurial desire into a corporate en-

tractors, Zino said

is situational aware-

thought process and empower people. But at the

his experience in the

ness, which applies

industry has also

same time, (we also want to) kind of give them

to your own personal

taught him how to be

style of manage-

the opportunities and some of the benefits that

a better leader.

ment and, therefore,

go along with being part of a bigger organization.”

Ultimately, whether the leadership trends

I think the thing

leadership. There

leaders have to ex-

are many styles of

ude is consistency.

leadership ... and you

I don’t want to say

need to know what

predictable because

situation you’re in,

that implies stagna-

with whom you’re

tion, but I think they

working and which

have to be predict-

style to apply for that

ty to connect with the people you lead. And to do

able in process and

situation. Sometimes

that, Zino said, it’s incumbent upon the leader to

predictable in think-

you need to be a

be flexible enough to focus on the needs of his or

ing so that you’re not

coach. Sometimes

her employees.

catching your people

you need to build

by surprise. You don’t

consensus. Some-

want to be whimsi-

times you need to

cal. You don’t want to

have a people-come-

come in on Monday

first kind of attitude.

and then, on Tues-

Sometimes you’ve got

day, you have a new,

to be the guy at the

shiny object. There’s

front of the line that

some pent-up and

says, “Hey! Come with

built-up frustration,

me. This is where

and management and

we’re going. This is

leadership is held to

what we’re doing.”

a higher standard. I

—Bart Zino

focus on evolving for a changing workforce or creating more entrepreneurial opportunities in the workplace, both Box and Zino agree on one common denominator. That is, regardless of whatever external influences might be in play, effective leadership will always require the abili-

“Leadership isn’t about taking charge, and it’s not about dominating,” Zino says. “I’ve learned … the value of emotional intelligence (EQ) as a leader. You’ve got to know your people. You have to have a finger on the pulse of who they are.

Leadership is actually, in many ways, counterintuitive. You’ve got to get away from what motivates you. You’ve got to get away sometimes from what works for you to what works for them. And then that gets us back to emotional intelligence and being in touch with your people. It still comes down to people, always.”

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 89

Business 2 Business TECHNOLOGY

JANUARY 2022

By Beth Luberecki

Health Care Goes High-Tech LOCAL HOSPITALS TAP INTO APPS, NEW DEVICES AND OTHER TECH-Y TOOLS TO BETTER TREAT PATIENTS Technology has made it easier than ever to order food, drive a car and attend work meetings from the comfort of your couch. The story’s the same for local hospital systems, which are taking advantage of the latest and greatest medical technology to train staff and treat patients. Here’s a look at some of the cool new things going on at local hospitals.

REPLICATING REAL-WORLD SCENARIOS Medical professionals need to keep educating themselves on new techniques, technologies and preparation strategies for any scenario that may arise. It’s all in service of treating human patients, but actual human beings often aren’t the best option for learning and practicing skills.

That’s why NCH Healthcare System’s new Judith & Marvin Herb Family Simulation Center is such a game-changer. The only multidisciplinary simulation center between Tampa and Miami, it allows NCH staff to receive vital training and skill refreshing in as close to a real-life setting as possible.

Using realistic, high-tech mannequins, staff can run through medical scenarios or procedures in a safe way that comes pretty darn close to an actual encounter with a human patient. “The mannequins can talk, cry, have a seizure,” says Hope Goodwin, the center’s simulation operations manager.

“You can use a real-world crash cart and defibrillate them. You can do pretty much anything you can on a real human.”

The center’s Anatomage Table serves as another education tool with a major wow factor. “When people walk through the center, it stops them 9 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

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

GAME-CHANGING TECHNOLOGY A life-size 3D visualization allows NCH staff and patients to view anatomy in new ways.

in their tracks,” says Dr. Douglas W. Harrington, the medical director of NCH’s Simulation Center.

The life-size 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection tool operates as easily as an iPad and allows users to explore the anatomy the way they would with a cadaver. It’s not only helpful for NCH staff, but can also be used for patient education.

“Instead of a patient being handed a piece of paper about their pacemaker, we can bring the patient over to the Simulation Center and show them on this large-screen TV exactly where the pacemaker is, what it looks like and what would happen if there was an emergency,” says Harrington.

The ultimate goals of all this impressive technology? “Improve efficiencies, improve outcomes and improve patient satisfaction,” says Harrington.

NCH’s Simulation Center is currently operating out of an 8,000-square-foot facility and will move into a brandnew, state-of-the-art, 10,000-squarefoot space in mid-2022.

NEW AND NOTABLE TREATMENT OPTIONS Local hospitals are tapping into new technology to make surgeries and medical treatment easier and more effective for patients. At NCH, surGULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 91

Business 2 Business TECHNOLOGY

geons can remove brain tumors by making just a penny-sized incision and using high-tech, microscopic tools, allowing many patients to go home after just 24 hours in the hospital. Spinal surgeries can now be done with incisions the size of a fingernail using an endoscopic approach.

“The principles are the same for both: less blood loss and quicker recovery time,” says Dr. Edison P. Valle Giler, a neurosurgeon at NCH, who said NCH is the only hospital in the area using these techniques and tools.

“They’ve been true advancements in neurosurgery.”

Physicians Regional Healthcare System is part of a clinical trial studying Abbott’s Aveir dual-chamber leadless pacemaker. Traditional pacemakers require a surgical incision that can take weeks to fully heal, but this new device is implanted using a much less invasive, catheter-based procedure that has a recovery time of just a few days.

Any patient who needs just a pacemaker (not a defibrillator) is eligible



STATE-OF-THE-ART SIMULATION High-tech mannequins allow interactions that replicate real-life situations.

for consideration for the new device, which reduces the risk of infections 9 2 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

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since it doesn’t require surgical incisions. “It’s very exciting,” says Dr. Kenneth Plunkitt, a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist at Physicians Regional. “We’re one of, I think, maybe a couple of centers in Florida [involved in the trial].”

NCH Healthcare System launched the NCH Research Institute in 2021 to help its physicians take part in cut-

“ W E’R E SEEK I NG TO SERV E PH YSI C I ANS IN ALL SP EC I ALT I ES A ND SUP P ORT TH EM I N A DVANC I NG TH EI R A B I LI T Y T O TR EAT T H EI R PAT I EN T S.” —Linda Martin

find innovative ways to provide great care to our community,” says Cindy Drapal, system director of the Neuroscience Service Line for the public health system. “It’s really about getting the patient the care they need quickly so we can help prevent them from being unnecessarily admitted to the hospital.”

Physicians Regional makes use of

ting-edge clinical trials. The institute

two apps to more effectively treat

“will do so many things for NCH and

stroke patients. The first, a pre-hospi-

for Naples, in general,” says Linda

tal screening tool called Mango devel-

Martin, the institute’s director. “The

ship with DispatchHealth. Lee Coun-

oped by Physicians Regional neuroin-

clinical trials will provide the doctors

ty residents can use DispatchHealth’s

terventional radiologists Dr. Nasser

with treatment options not available

app or website to schedule in-home

Razack and Dr. Mazen K. AbuAwad,

anywhere except through clinical

visits to address issues ranging from

helps paramedics determine wheth-

trials. … We’re seeking to serve phy-

congestive heart failure to eye and vi-

er patients are having a type of stroke

sicians in all specialties and support

ral infections.

caused by a large vessel occlusion

them in advancing their ability to treat their patients.”

The goal of the service is to prevent unnecessary ER visits and hospital

(LVO), the cause of most bad outcomes and deaths from stroke.

The institute is involved in 15 ac-

admissions. A medical team arrives

The second, Viz.ai, uses artificial

tive trials studying such things as the

at a patient’s home within a few hours

intelligence to read brain images and

SOLVE-CRT, an implantable device

of the request, with all the tools and

determine if a patient has LVO but

that regulates the heartbeat for pa-

equipment needed to assess and treat

still has salvageable brain tissue that

tients with heart failure. “It’s about

the issue. If additional medical care is

makes them a candidate for stroke

the size of a grain of rice,” says Martin.

needed, the team coordinates that.

intervention. “It has really increased

“This device is amazing.”

No referrals are required for a pa-

tremendously the efficiency of stroke

tient to use the service, and Dispatch-

diagnosis

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

Health accepts a variety of insurances.

Razack. “When you have a stroke,

Patients in need of medical attention

Lee Health is the only DispatchHealth

the clock starts ticking. We want to

can now arrange for an at-home visit

partner between Tampa and Miami.

get our patients on the table as soon

thanks to Lee Health’s new partner-

“Lee Health is always trying to

and

treatment,”

says

as possible.”

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 93

Business 2 Business

JANUARY 2022

C O R P O R AT E

By Tim Aten

Hertz Takes the Driver’s Seat RENTAL CAR GIANT HAS PEDAL TO THE METAL After veering off the road in 2020, Hertz was back in the driver’s seat in 2021 and poised for a sharp turnaround in 2022 as business, fleet and leisure travel—sidelined by the pandemic—are rebounding with an increased demand for rental cars. Investors are betting on Hertz Global Holdings continuing to benefit from more travelers hitting the road again.

In addition to Hertz, Estero-based Hertz Global Holdings also operates the Dollar and Thrifty vehicle rental brands. Last year was full of milestones for the rental car giant—and not all positive. What a difference a year makes.

When COVID-19 caused many people to shelter in place and work from home early last year, business collapsed for the rental car market. Hertz filed for bankruptcy in May 2020. At the end of October 2020, the century-old company was delisted by the New York Stock Exchange and began trading only on pink sheets as an unlisted security, not traded over the counter nor listed on a major stock exchange.

2021 TIMELINE Feb. 26 In released financial results for 2020, Hertz Global Holdings’ revenue was $5.3 billion with a net loss of $1.7 billion.

March 2 Hertz files proposed plan of reorganization with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

More than a year later, Hertz was uplisted again in November 2021.

This followed last summer’s exit from Chapter 11 and last fall’s

March 30 Hertz completes sale of Donlen fleet management company to Athene Holding for $891 million.

announcement of a new interim CEO and a major investment in an electric vehicle rental fleet, supercharging the reorganized company on a freshly paved route.

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May 24 Hertz survey claims family summer road trips are back.

June 30 Hertz completes Chapter 11 restructuring process and emerges from bankruptcy with a new board of directors.

April 3 Hertz selects equity capital sponsor for its exit from Chapter 11.

May 4 Hertz receives revised reorganization proposal for Chapter 11 exit.

May 7 Company reports firstquarter revenue of $1.3 billion and net income of $190 million.

May 11 Hertz selects $6 billion bid from Knighthead Capital Management, Certares Opportunities and Apollo Capital Management to provide equity capital for company’s reorganization plan.

Aug. 9 Company reports net loss of $168 million, including $633 million in reorganization expenses, despite stronger secondquarter financial results.

Oct. 5 Mark Fields, former Ford Motor Co. president and CEO, named interim CEO of Hertz.

Oct. 25 Hertz announces investment in the largest electric vehicle rental fleet in North America and one of the largest in the world, including an initial order of 100,000 Teslas by the end of 2022 and a new EV charging infrastructure.

Oct. 25 NFL champion Tom Brady teams up with Hertz for its EV marketing campaign.

Nov. 1 Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweets that his electric vehicle company has yet to sign a contract with Hertz.

Nov. 2 Hertz claims Tesla agreement remains “on plan” and that delivery of electric vehicles already began.

Oct. 27 Hertz partners with Uber to make up to 50,000 Tesla electric vehicles available to lease by 2023 through the Uber network.

Nov. 9 Uplisted company begins trading as HTZ on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, while ceasing to trade under HTZZ on the over-the-counter market.

Oct. 27 Hertz partners nationally to sell used rental cars through Carvana’s online transaction technology.

Oct. 28 Company reports strong third-quarter results with total revenues of $2.2 billion, up 19% from the 2021 second quarter.

Nov. 9-12 Public offering of 44,520,000 shares of common stock by Hertz shareholders.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 95

Business 2 Business ENTREPRENEURSHIP

JANUARY 2022

By Artis Henderson

Dream Maker MAPY CHAVEZ ASKINS AND AUTISM-FOCUSED NONPROFIT ALCANZANDO Like many entrepreneurs, Mapy Chavez Askins launched her nonprofit in response to an unmet need. In her case, that need was centered around autism. She saw a significant gap in the services provided and the services required, especially for Spanish-speaking families. Chavez Askins, originally from Peru, has a PhD from Columbia in behavior analysis and the education of children with autism. She’s passionate about helping autistic children, so she stepped in to fill that gap.

Chavez Askins, 51, launched Alcanzando in 2008. Her goal: to provide a resource for Spanish-speaking parents of children with autism.

Over the last 13 years, Alcanzando has reached more than 6,000 families in the United States, Latin America, South America and Spain.

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

FILLING A NEED Passionate about helping autistic children, Mapy Chavez Askins stepped in to Brian Tietz

make a difference.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 97

Business 2 Business ENTREPRENEURSHIP

DON’T FOLLOW THE MONEY Chavez Askins’ advice for other entrepreneurs is unequivocal. “Don’t give up on your dreams because somebody tells you it’s going to be hard,” she says. “Don’t listen if they say you should go get a job somewhere established. Don’t follow the money. Follow the dream.”



DREAM WORK The rewards of her work justify the long Brian Tietz

hours and late nights, says Mapy Chavez Askins.

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Even after so much success, Chavez Askins still runs into the same ques-

says. She laughs. She hasn’t seen a boat

work. Don’t go in thinking it’s going to

in years.

be easy or that it won’t take a lot.”

tion. “You have a PhD from Colum-

“A lot of people have the erroneous

But for Chavez Askins, the rewards

bia?” people ask her. “Why don’t you

idea that as an entrepreneur you get

of her work justify the long hours and

go get a job with a big charity? You’ll

to take time off whenever you want.

the late nights. She has a list of success

make 10 times what you make run-

No, as an entrepreneur it means that

stories from grateful parents, many

ning Alcanzando.” But Chavez Askins

I’m having dinner and I’m jotting

of whom tell of children transformed

shakes her head. She doesn’t want to

down the things I have to do tonight.

through patience, dedication and the

compromise, she tells them. She won’t

I go on vacation, and I have to say,

resources Alcanzando provides. “If I

follow someone else’s rules. “As an en-

‘Hold on. I’ll be right back. I have to

worked for a company, if I took the safe

trepreneur, I have the freedom to do

return a call.’”

route, I wouldn’t have that,” she says.

what I really want to do. I get to follow my own dreams.”

Chavez Askins believes the four-

“Making a thousand calls during vaca-

hour work week is a myth. “I bought

tion, working on my to-do lists during

Yet following her own dreams is a

the book, I have it somewhere,” she

dinners—it’s all worth it. I don’t want

lot more work than most people real-

says. “But entrepreneurs have to know

to wake up 10 years from now saying. ‘I

ize. “Everybody thinks I’m out sailing

that you’re purposefully putting your-

wanted to do this, but I didn’t.’”

on my boat every day,” Chavez Askins

self in a position where it’s a lot of

Here We Grow Again!

The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Southwest Florida is a local community center for those living with MS, a chronic debilitating disease, for which there is no cure. The center’s free services offer help to reduce the difficulties experienced with activities of daily living, by providing case management, classes that improve mobility and balance, art therapy, support groups, and more.

In 2021 we served 360 registered clients, plus another 200 callers and visitors seeking information, resources, or just needing to talk.

We estimate that there are over 5000 people living with multiple sclerosis in Southwest Florida, with more and more moving here every day. The growth and the need will continue. Contact us to find out more about our organization and the important work we are doing. www.mscenterswfl.org.

Join * Donate * Volunteer

The MS Center is not a chapter of a national organization. It is a local charity serving local people.

Business 2 Business C O M M E R C I A L R E A L E S TAT E

LEE COUNTY

New & Expanding COLLIER COUNTY Stantec leased 9,771 square feet of office space in the Kraft Center at 3510 Kraft Road, Unit 200, in Naples from Kraft Office Center LLC. Laura Cari and Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR, of LandQwest Commercial represented the landlord.

P-Fit North Naples leased a 4,500-square-foot space in the

Collier Center Way, 1040 Collier Center Way, Unit 14-17, in Naples from Forefront Collier Venue LLC. Brock Rasmussen and James Walls of Lee & Associates Naples-Ft. Myers negotiated the transaction.

United Community Bank dba Seaside Bank & Trust leased a 2,540-square-foot space at

3200 N. Tamiami Trail, Unit 100A, in Naples from Coppertop LLC. Michael J. Frye, CCIM, with RE/MAX Realty Group Commercial Division represented the lessee, and Eric Edwards with LandQwest Commercial represented the lessor.

Millennium Physicians Group LLC leased 2,948 square feet of office space 860 111th Ave. N., Suite 3-5, in Naples from Lamvest888 LLC. Tara Stokes of Investment Properties Corp. represented the lessee and Steve Wood of LandQwest Commercial represented the lessor.

 Nosh on Naples Bay leased a 5,615-square-foot retail space in Naples Bay Resort, 1490 Fifth Ave. S., Suite 101, in Naples from Naples Bay Properties LLC. Stan Stouder, CCIM, of CRE Consultants represented the lessee and Clint Sherwood of IPC represented the lessor.

Gator Gypsum Inc. leased a 30,000-square-foot industrial space in I-75 Bayshore Road Industrial Park, 17550 East St., in Fort Myers from 17550 East Street LLC. Derek Bornhorst, SIOR, CCIM, Bob Johnston, SIOR, and Jerry Messonnier, SIOR, of Lee & Associates Naples-Ft. Myers represented the lessor, and Jim Boback, CCIM, of Boback Commercial Group represented the lessee.

Land-Ron Inc. leased 27,000 square feet of warehouse space at 11803 Metro Parkway in Fort Myers from Bellino Management LLC. Chase Mayhugh SIOR, CCIM of Mayhugh Commercial Advisors represented the lessor and lessee.

Lee Memorial Health System leased 24,174 square feet of medical office space at 12600 Creekside Lane in Fort Myers from ARHC LMFMYFL01 LLC. Chase Mayhugh SIOR, CCIM, and Bryan Burchers of Mayhugh Commercial Advisors represented the lessor and lessee.

Golden Manufacturing Inc. leased an 18,619-square-feet of space in the Interstate Court Industrial Condominiums, 7904 Interstate Court, in Fort Myers from 7904 Interstate Court LLC. Derek Bornhorst, SIOR, CCIM, Bob Johnston, SIOR, and Jerry Messonnier, SIOR, of Lee & Associates Naples-Ft. Myers represented the lessor and lessee.

gulfshorebusiness.com

Business 2 Business

JANUARY 2022

C O M M E R C I A L R E A L E S TAT E

By Adam Regan

St. Matthews House Inc. purchased 10,187 square feet of commercial space at 4535 Domestic Ave. in Naples from Domestic Holdings LLC for $1,810,000. Christine McManus, CCIM, SIOR, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the lessor and lessee.

Commercial Projects  R e d f i s h I I I L L C purchased 3.86 acres at 4067 Ninth St. N. in Naples from Jeffrey S. Hoffman for $11,500,000. LandQwest Founding Principal John Mounce and Jessica McEvoy of LandQwest Commercial represented the buyer.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

COLLIER COUNTY

J&D Investments of Broward LLC bought 18.21 acres of agricultural property at 339900-39990 Cook Brown Road in Punta Gorda from Connied Inc. for $435,000. William Rollins, CCIM, ALC, and Hunter Ward, CCIM, of LSI Companies

4006 Progress Ave. LLC purchased 13,500 square feet of commercial space at 4006 Progress Ave. in Naples from McDabe located for $2 million.

Christine McManus, CCIM, SIOR, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the seller and William V. Gonnering, CCIM, SIOR, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the buyer.

Inc. negotiated the transaction.

Women’s Care Center Inc. purchased 3015 Tamiami Trail E. in Naples for $1,260,000. Gary Tasman and Gretchen Smith of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida represented the buyer in the transaction.

LLC. Stan Stouder, CCIM, of CRE Consultants represented the lessee and Clint Sherwood of IPC represented the lessor.

Andrew DeSalvo, ALC, of Premier Commercial Inc. represented the buyer, and Dan O’Berski of Trinity Commercial Group represented the seller.

LEE COUNTY Dejana Realty of Maryland LLC purchased two industrial warehouses totaling 54,000 square feet at 13351 Saddle Road in Fort Myers from DRSW LLC for $7,350,000.

Bruce Micciche, CCIM, LandQwest Commercial represented the seller in the transaction.

Loal Properties LLC purchased a 3,300-square-foot office on a 0.42-acre lot at 1570 Shadowlawn Drive in Naples from Dwight and Linda Yerger for $930,000.

Brock Rasmussen and James Walls of Lee & Associates Naples-Ft. Myers negotiated the transaction.

2KS Investments LLC purchased 26.62 acres at 5990 Luckett Road in Fort Myers from Luckett Industrial LLC for $6,500,000. Derek Bornhorst, SIOR, CCIM, Bob Johnston, SIOR, and Jerry Messonnier, SIOR, of Lee & Associate Naples-Ft. Myers negotiated the transaction.

Willow Park Investments LLC purchased a 1.01-acre land condo at Capital Center, located at the northwest corner of Golden Gate Parkway and Airport-Pulling Road, in Naples from Dorset Associates LLC for $850,000.

Matt Stepan, CCIM, and

Lee Memorial Health System purchased 18.14 acres at 2810 SW. Pine Island Road in Cape Coral from the Michael House Trust for $2,835,000.

Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR, of LandQwest Commercial represented the buyer in the transaction.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 101

David Lawrence Centers

02

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MARCH

11:30am - 1pm

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Arthrex One Conference Center

Chaired by Garrett & Diana Richter

GUEST SPEAKER: Solomé Tibebu Solomé Tibebu is a behavioral health strategist who is passionate about frontier technologies and solutions transforming mental health, equity and access. She is the founding Fund Director for The Upswing Fund for Adolescent Mental Health and is also the founder and host of the Going Digital: Behavioral Health Tech summit.

As a former anxious teen, Solomé founded and ran the non-profit AnxietyInTeens.org for 10 years.

Solomé will speak on how technology is utilized to expand access to mental health treatment, and will also touch on the impact of technology on youth mental health.

Individual Tickets, Sponsorships, Tables, and VIP Tickets available now at:

DLCSoundMinds.org For more information contact: donorcare@dlcenters.org or call (239) 304-3505 Education Sponsor: Media Sponsor: David Lawrence Centers is a nonprofit organization, Registration# CH2888, Tax ID# 59-2206025. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES

BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

DAV I D L AW R E N C E C E N T E R S F O R B E H AV I O R A L H E A LT H | 6 075 BAT H E Y L A N E | N A P L E S , F L 3 4116

p_108

p_106

Zen for the win

Safety after sundown

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

A Workhorse Elevated THE BOUNTIFULLY EQUIPPED FORD F-150 LARIAT HYBRID p_104

By James Raia

AfterHours HORSEPOWER

JANUARY 2022

By James Raia

A Workhorse Elevated THE BIG, BOUNTIFULLY EQUIPPED FORD F-150 LARIAT HYBRID The Ford F-Series of pickup trucks has been at the top of the automotive world so long, the manufacturer

FACTS & FIGURES

could slide along for a few years without worry. But that hasn’t happened. Trucks dominate yearly sales figures, and Ford likes its perch. It tweaks its trucks, offering variations of variations. It keeps ahead of rivals and doesn’t flinch.

With semiconductor shortages continuing to delay 2022 models, 2021 F-150 models are still new 18 months after debuting. And new for 2021 is the Ford F-150 4x4 SuperCrew Lariat Hybrid. It’s offered in three cabs, three bed lengths, six powertrains, six trims and the performance-oriented Raptor.

The F-150 Hybrid is equipped with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

It’s a heavyweight, totaling 5,794 pounds. Its cargo capacity is 52.8 cubic feet. The hybrid adds a 47-horsepower electric motor, redefining the truck. It’s now the highest-output F-150 in the current lineup. A 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery is positioned under the truck’s bed.

While in electric driving mode, the F-150’s usually calm nature acquires a persistent whine. With its plush interior, spaciousness and top-line technology, the F-150 is far removed from the work trucks of yesteryear. But utilitarian traits remain: The Ford’s shifter bar defines a tough grind, never shifting smoothly.

Like any good work truck, the F-150 bounces over

Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 5.4 seconds Airbags: 6 Fuel economy: 24 mpg city; 24 mpg highway Horsepower: 420 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $50,980 Manufacturer’s website: ford.com Price As Tested: $68,765 Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/ unlimited mileage; Roadside Assistance, 5 years/60,000 miles; Hybrid Battery, 8 years/100,000 miles

blips on city streets and never glides over any road irregularly. The exception: flat roads at freeway speeds.

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The F-150 cruises more like a luxury

ing, leather upholstery, dual-zone

for charging power tools, small ap-

sedan than a workhorse with a heavy,

automatic climate control, pow-

pliances and other accessories. It’s

multi-function tailgate and a towing

er-adjustable pedals, remote start

available in 2 kW, 2.4 kW and 7.2 kW,

capacity of nearly 13,000 pounds.

and remote tailgate release. Some

with the latter only available with the

Convenience equipment is plentiful:

cool, small features also help push

3.5-liter hybrid powertrain.

a 12.5-inch infotainment screen and

the F-150 ahead of the competition.

With its improved gas mileage,

instrument gauges, massive sunroof,

A phone and tablet holder are part

near-luxury interior and versatility,

heated steering wheel and heated and

of the tailgate, as are bottle openers.

the 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat Hybrid

cooled seats. And there is a power

A measuring stick is also positioned

is a pickup truck worthy of purchase

tailgate with a step, 360-degree cam-

along the length of the tailgate.

for other than its workhorse defini-

era, fold-out work area and running

And arguably the best addition: the

tion. It’s a modern mobile apartment.

boards. The Lariat trim also features

Pro Power Onboard. It’s an in-bed

What a shame to use it solely as an au-

a class IV trailer hitch, LED bed light-

power system with a series of plugs

tomotive ranch hand.

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 105

AfterHours

JANUARY 2022

FITNESS

By James Raia

Light up the Dark SAFETY TIPS FOR GETTING EXERCISE AFTER SUNDOWN Although it’s no guarantee of absolute safety, wearing reflective gear should be the top priority when exercising before or after sundown. It’s particularly important during winter months when days are shorter. Runners, walkers, cyclists and all who exercise before dawn and after dusk should adhere to a simple motto: “Light up the dark.”

Dozens of options—vests, flashlights, blinking shoes, reflective strips, armbands, bike lights, reflective wheels—are available at most recreation-oriented retail and online merchants, apparel stores and via mail-order catalogs. Amphipod, Nathan and Black Diamond are among several companies specializing in reflective running gear. Bontrager, Topeak and Trek gear their night exercise products toward cyclists. Some products are ideal for multiple exercise groups.

“I highly recommend the Amphipod Strobe Plus LED Reflective Xinglet; it provides excellent 360-degree reflection,” says Russ Kozar, owner of the Fort Myers location of Fleet Feet, the national fitness chain stocking athletic shoes, apparel and accessories geared toward runners. “Pair that with an Amphipod Flash dot LED



REFLECTIVE OPTIONS When exercising before dawn or after dusk, ‘see and be seen’ is the motto to remember for dark runs, walks and rides.

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NIGHTTIME ADVICE Beyond reflective gear, exercisers training in the dark will be well served to adhere to common-sense guidelines: Run against traffic.

It’s easier to avoid traffic if you can see it.

Don’t wear dark colors at night.

White running attire is the easiest to see at night, but orange and yellow are also appropriate. Black, brown, dark blue or green are not recommended.

Run behind vehicles stopped at intersections.

Even if a car or truck has stopped at a stop sign, there’s no guarantee the driver has seen you.

Choose lighted routes.

When walking or running near your work or home, choose broad, well-lit streets and paths. Avoid cutting through parks, parking lots or narrow, dim streets, even if it means going the long way around.

Let your ears hear.

Leave the headphones at home when you exercise, particularly at night. Wearing headphones diminishes an athlete’s ability to hear a car horn as well as human and animal voices.

Wear a billed cap, clear glasses or a helmet.

The bill of a cap will hit an unseen tree branch or another obstacle before the obstacle hits your head. Clear glasses will protect your eyes from bugs and other unseen obstacles.

clip. Use reflectors for total visibility

Vary routes.

A potential attacker can watch for exercisers’ patterns and loom in a particularly dark or isolated area.

on the darkest mornings and nights.”

Avoid unpopulated areas.

Also steer clear of poorly lit or deserted streets and overgrown trails.

the reflection or glowing light when

Carry a cell phone and identification.

we know, being seasoned runners,

Use strength in numbers.

Run or bicycle with a partner or in a group, such as a local cycling or running club.

Make connections with passing cars.

Try to make eye contact and acknowledge a driver.

Finally, trust your intuition.

If you are uneasy about a person or a location along your route, trust your feelings and avoid what is making you anxious. It could save your life.

While any reflective gear helps, wearing it on your arms and legs, rather than on your trunk, is also important. Drivers are more likely to see it’s more noticeably in motion.

“See and be seen is the motto for dark runs and walks,” says Kozar. “As nobody is paying attention like they should. Being lit up makes you more likely to be seen.”

Exercise in the dark presents potential vision problems for drivers, but runners, walkers and cyclists also have poorer performance in non-daylight hours. Potholes, branches, wire fences, slippery surfaces and parked vehicles are all difficult to see.

“What we sell the most of is a twoin-one pack by Lezyne,” says Alex Blackwood of B.C. Bikes in Naples Park. “It’s a $50 pack. It’s a front light and a rear light. They are 200 lumens each with multiple settings and rechargeable with a USB wall plug. It’s a great light to see where you are going and for people to see you. For a $50 price point, it’s pretty unbeatable.”

GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 107

AfterHours

JANUARY 2022

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

By James Raia

Stress relief is a good thing. EnviraScape by Homedics does it right and makes it personal with its Silver Springs Relaxation Fountain. Ideal for a bathroom sink, office desk, tabletop or convenient small space, the mini-fountain features a three-tiered waterfall, natural stones and a basin.

A power cord, adapter, pump cover, water pump, fountain base and a set of natural rocks are included.

Fill the basin to the water line, add the rocks as you wish to the tiers or basin, plug in the power cord and turn it on to enjoy the sounds of a soothing water stream. The pump circulates the water, keeping it clean and free of algae buildup. The fountain also has an illuminating feature for night use. Use it during a yoga session or a nap.

It’s not quite the sound of a gentle brook, but it’s close. And everyone needs a little Zen, right?

Y

&

W

Zen for the Win

N

O R T

H

NEW O T E

Dimensions: 8.1-by-7.25-by-8.25 inches; weight: 1 lb. $24.99 homedics.com

THE SOOTHING, CONVENIENT ENVIRASCAPE RELAXATION FOUNTAIN

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AfterHours

JANUARY 2022

By Artis Henderson

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

Hidden Beauty LITTLE-KNOWN LAKE WALES IS HOME TO ONE OF THE RAREST GEMS IN FLORIDA In the near-center of the state, equidistant from the rolling waves of the Atlantic and the flat waters of the Gulf, sits Lake Wales, built on the banks of its eponymous lake and home to fewer than 15,000 people. The area is most famous for its geography—the sandy hills of the Lake Wales Ridge, which form the highest point in the state of Florida. It’s here, among the sand hills and the fish camps, that an astonishing feat of architecture and landscape design was constructed in the late 1920s. Today, Bok Tower Gardens encompasses 250 acres of meticulously crafted gardens and one of only 185 carillon towers in North America. Together, the gardens and their singing tower form one of the most astonishing and transcendent destinations in all of Florida.

A BIT OF HISTORY Bok Tower Gardens (1151 Tower Blvd., Lake



LIVING HISTORY

Wales; 863.676.1408; boktowergardens.org) was

Bok Tower Gardens in Lake

created under the direction of editor and author

Wales features natural and

Edward Bok. Bok helmed Ladies’ Home Journal

man-made beauty.

beginning in 1889 and transformed the magazine into one of the most successful publications of its era. Throughout his life, Bok was obsessed GULFSHORE BUSINESS JANUARY 2022 109

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

with beauty. He championed the Arts and Crafts movement at the turn of the century and was an early promoter of Frank Lloyd Wright. “Wherever your lives may be cast,” he said, “make the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.” Bok died in 1930 and is buried in the gardens at the base of the tower.

THE CARILLON TOWER The heart of Bok Tower Gardens is its singing tower. Designed by some of the most renowned architects of the early 1900s, it combines Art Deco and neo-Gothic design. The face is made of coquina stone brought from St. Augustine. Elaborately carved friezes feature scenes from Florida wildscapes—cranes, pelicans, flamingos, seahorses and jellyfish. The tower holds 60 bells of cast bronze. In the winter months, a full-time carillonneur plays live concerts twice daily.

HOW TO VISIT Bok Tower Gardens is open 365 days a year. The carefully crafted landscape highlights a variety of habitats and features, from quiet pathways intended for contemplation to pollinator gardens that feed the birds, butterflies and pollen-loving insects that are essential to Florida ecosystems. During the spring bloom, the gardens are vibrant with azaleas, camellias and magnolias. Need a break from all that manicured lushness? Visit the three-quarter mile Pine Ridge Nature Trail.

A habitat for longleaf pine and turkey oak, the trail features a preserved portion of native Florida habitat. Watch for gopher tortoises as well as the endangered and nonvenomous eastern indigo snake.

TAKE SOME REFRESHMENT An entire day can pass in tranquil bliss at Bok Tower Gardens. Thankfully, visitors don’t need to leave the property



to recharge their batteries; The Blue Palmetto Cafe features

REFRESHING RESPITE

light breakfast and lunch fare, plus a selection of beer and

The Outdoor Kitchen and Kitchen

wine. Don’t miss the cafe’s fresh-made sandwiches, salads and homemade soups. For the best garden sipping, enjoy a sparkling mimosa.

Garden at Bok Tower Gardens offer culinary lessons amid Florida flora and fauna.

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AfterHours

JANUARY 2022

UNWIND

By Justin Paprocki

A Resolution for Relaxation BETTER HEALTH AND LESS STRESS IN 2022 Make a New Year’s resolution that you’ll actually get excited about this year. No more gym memberships that go unused, no more unrealistic weight-loss goals. Resolve to relax more in 2022. After all, that’s the winning formula to a successful New Year’s resolution: Find something that feels like a reward, not a chore. Here are a few ideas that might spark that resolution that finally sticks.

Sleep more Here’s an easy one. Lack of sleep can snowball Find a yoga buddy

into plenty of issues, including weight gain,

It’s one thing to sign up for yoga classes, but such commitments

heart disease and anxiety disorders. Adults need

often fall by the wayside. Your best bet is to bring a buddy. It helps

at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Make a res-

keep you honest, and those last-minute, “I don’t feel like it” bail-

olution to schedule sleep like you schedule an

outs aren’t so easy when you know you’ve got someone coming to

appointment. Set an alarm for not just when to

pick you up. Find a friend who wants to embark on the yoga jour-

wake up, but when to slide into bed.

ney with you. It’s not just finding a time to relax, it’s making time to catch up with a friend, as well.

Walk more The first step to better health and less stress is,

Do a digital detox

well, a first step. If you’ve fallen out of a work-

It’s easier than trying to lose a few pounds, but afterward, you’ll

out routine, one of the best ways to start again is

feel as though a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. A digital

doing what’s simple: Walking. And the best way

detox is a way to cleanse your technology routine. Excessive dig-

to stay on course is to join a club. The Southwest

ital use can lead to sleep loss or even depression, so set limits to

Florida Blue Zones Project hosts moai walking

how much you go online. Take notifications off your phone. Put it

clubs in which small groups get together each

on silent for parts of the evening. Limit your social media use to

week to walk and talk. It’s a mild workout, all

30 minutes a day. An app such as Offtime can help with this.

while meeting new people.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S JANUARY 2022 112

TEXT “GB” TO (239) 498-8500 FOR A

FREE

SUBSCRIPTION

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S BEST VIEW OF BUSINESS

NCH HEALTHCARE SYSTEM PRESENTS

Mark your calendar for an elegant evening of inspiration and fun!

Saturday, April 2, 2022 The Ritz-Carlton, Naples 63rd NCH Hospital Ball Benefitting

Judith and Marvin Herb Family Simulation Center Chaired by

Dr. Doug and Dianna Harrington Honoring Excellence in Patient Care

Physician of the Year & Nurses of the Year Cocktails & Dinner • Silent & Live Auctions • Fund-a-Need • Music & Dancing THE HEALING GARDEN NAMING SPONSORS

P R E S E N T I N G S P O N SO R

A D GRACIOUS LY S PONS ORED BY

For information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities: nchmd.org/hospitalball • (239) 624-2019