Gulfshore Business May 2022

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PRIDE IN THE ARTS

FANTASTIC FUNGI

CHANGES IN LATITUDE

New executive director elevates Naples Art experience

Growing gourmet mushrooms for local restaurants

Affluent Boca Grande big on charm, short on pretension

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

2022

WOM EN IN BUSI NESS STAYING TRUE TO PASSIONS DRIVES SUCCESS

FarmTo-Table Fidelity

__P. 60

The challenge of sourcing locally grown products __P. 48

Why Mangroves Matter Balancing demands to protect coastal vegetation __P. 36

19 YEARS of celebrating SanCap Bank Strong Women

We’re proud to empower and support our female workforce.

Women represent 75% of our team and over 65% of our leadership team.

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

FEARLESS POWERFUL

BEAUTIFUL COMPASSIONATE

DEDICATED INTELLIGENT CAPABLE INDEPENDENT

TENACIOUS INSPIRING

WOMAN

Contents.

F E AT U R E S

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WHY MANGROVES

FARM-TO-TABLE

WOMEN IN

MATTER

FIDELITY

BUSINESS

Protecting coastal vegetation means weighing the demands of development against the needs of the environment

The difference is deliciously clear at restaurants that practice the quality local sourcing they preach

Honoring the women who inspire success, remain passionate in their endeavors

The founnnnion for our conssruccion eggg neees. ppveseeee.com 239.334.2195

Christopher Pope, Florida Bar Board Certified in Construction Law, Frank Pavese, Jr., Keith Hagman, Justin Mazzara, Dillon McColgan

OVER 70 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY

Fort Myers | Cape Coral | West Palm Beach

Our experience is your advantage.

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

Contents.

D E PA R T M E N T S

TakeNote Mood Board P. 10 Spaces P. 12 Makers P. 18 Creatives P. 24 Bookmark P. 30 Trendline P. 32 Economic Commentary P. 34

B2B

P 86

HEALTH CARE The importance of mental wellbeing in the workplace P 90

AGRICULTURE Russell Hollander grows gourmet mushrooms for local restaurants P 94

ENTREPRENEURSHIP Kiran Gill runs SWFL’s only female-owned boutique plastic surgery center P 98

COMMERCIAL PROJECTS Top sales in Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties P 100

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

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AFTER HOURS P 104

HORSEPOWER X4 doesn’t mark the spot for BMW enthusiasts P 106

FITNESS Golf lessons to get out on the greens P 108

WEEKEND GETAWAY Well-heeled Boca Grande big on charm and short on pretension P 112

UNWIND Find your bliss with beach yoga

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

READER SERVICES

EDI T OR IN CHIEF

Heidi Rambo Centrella EDI T ORI A L Managing Editor T im At en Senior Editor Dav id Dor se y Digit al Editor A dam Regan

Office Address 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 Call or text 239.498.8500 gulfshorebusiness.com info@gulfshorebusiness.com

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Volume 27/Number 5, May, 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 .

of

Bright Moments Taking Care of Family, Clients & Community

48

PROFESSIONALS

150,000+ PROJECTS BONO SERVICES $3.5M PRO OF SATISFIED S 1,000 CLIENTS Launching her business shortly after the birth of her daughter 30 years ago, Teri Hansen has been a champion for women in business all along. Her mentorship and heartfelt support has impacted countless women – from those in her family to her many employees and clients.

Additionally, she has given back to the community in ways that benefit everyone – including more than $3.5 million in pro bono services!

Congratulations, Teri, and all the Women in Business honorees!

239.267.2638 PriorityMarketing.com

from the editor.

M AY 2 0 2 2

nominees and recipients of Gulfshore Business’ inaugural awards program

The Pursuit of Passions Some kids grow up believing they know exactly what they want to do in life. They might have an

has been passion.

Each woman expressed her dedication and unwavering passion for her work. All having taken different HEIDI RAMBO CENTRELLA EDITOR IN CHIEF

paths to their successes, their accomplishments are outstanding. They’ve

inherent desire to help people in a health care or

overcome obstacles and challenges;

public policy capacity, or a love of nature guiding

they’ve faced adversity head-on. But

them toward environmental sciences and sus-

what truly stands out is how they’ve

tainability. Some are inspired by adults in their

also helped pave the way for future

life who helped shape their way—maybe a parent,

generations of young women to pur-

teacher, police officer, counselor or coach. And of

sue their own passions.

course, there are many of us who might have de-

The women featured within this is-

sired one path but then went another direction

sue are nothing short of extraordinary.

when facing the proverbial fork in the road.

We hope you’ll find their stories in-

My love for animals and the water during im-

spiring, as well as a testament to how

pressionable years had me wanting to be a vet-

dreams really can become reality.

erinarian or a marine biologist. I quickly learned

In the spirit of honoring these

that the sciences—of any genre—were not in my

women in business, we’d also like to

wheelhouse, but stumbled upon a love for writ-

thank all of the mothers out there; the

ing as a freshman in college. No, writing wouldn’t

women who taught us, who fought for

allow me to heal an injured horse or save the

decades to have a place in the work-

whales, but I could research and write about those topics and others that piqued my interests.

Having a passion for Mother Earth and all her creatures, you can imagine my delight when my own children opted to study environmental sci-

p.60 WOMEN IN BUSINESS Honoring the women who inspire success

force, who broke the glass ceiling, who helped pave our way toward success. If it weren’t for their hard work and dedication—and maybe a bit of guidance now and then—these and future gen-

ences and biochemistry. Those are their passions,

erations of women’s accomplishments

and they’re all in. I couldn’t be more proud.

would have taken longer to attain.

This month, we celebrate women in busi-

Happy Mother’s Day!

ness. And the undeniable theme among all 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

p_10 A Sense of Scents

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

Brian Tietz

Building Pride in the Arts FRANK VERPOORTEN ELEVATES NAPLES ART EXPERIENCE p_24

By Aisling Swift

TakeNote

M AY 2 0 2 2

MOOD BOARD

By James Raia

A Sense of Scents RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EXQUISITE PERFUMES Perfume is polarizing. A little is intoxicating, but too much is offputting. What’s a person to do? Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel thought she knew. The French fashion maven, the founder and namesake of Chanel, once said, “A woman who does not wear perfume has no future.”

Much has changed in the fragrance world since Chanel’s death 51 years ago. The lure of personalized smell is also substantially different today than when it was first practiced

by Egyptians using essential oils, resin, unguents and scents to celebrate prayers and religious ceremonies. It’s unlikely the ancient concoctions were named Black Opium, Mojave Ghost and

Relique d’Amour Released in 2012, the name translates as “Love Relic.” Reviews conjure wild descriptions, despite the company’s assessment of its product as a

You. They’re among current popular perfumes with their mini-

“subtle floral scent with green accents of leaves

decanters as distinctively and boldly shaped as their names. And

and powdery touches of yellow pollen.”

there are the time-tested standards from Chanel, now more than 100 years old, and Guerlain, founded in 1828.

“In my opinion, all kinds of people, even kids, should wear perfume every day,” says Wahi Smaoui, owner of Venus Perfumes

The eau de parfum fragrance notes include fresh herbs, pine, white lily, pepper, oak, incense, myrrh, elemi, musk, moss and waxed wood. All that in a 3.3-ounce bottle?

If unsure, how about how a further company

LLC in Naples. “It changes your mood. When you dress up

enticement? “The smell of an old chapel in a

and you put on some perfume and you are ready to leave the

Cistercian abbey. Cold stone walls covered with

house, you feel good about yourself.” Perfume and its five main

damp moss. The waxed wood of the altar and old

varieties—parfum, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, eau de cologne and eau de fraiche—also have detractors. The scents can be serious allergens. Still, the perfume market is booming. A 5.5% growth rate is predicted in the next three years, according to

pews ornate with carvings. Linseed oil in lamps.

Incense and myrrh discernible in the air.” $165 orizaparfums.com

industry analysts. Fashion icons Marc Jacobs and Gucci have recently entered the market. “I think it is a necessity now,” says Smaoui. “It gives you some joy and happiness. We need that.”

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Mood Changer “In my opinion, all kinds of people, even kids, should wear perfume every day. It changes your mood. When you dress up and you put on some perfume and you are ready to leave the house, you feel good about yourself,” says Wahi Smaoui, owner of Venus Perfumes LLC in Naples.

Chanel N°5

Tuscan Leather

Angélique Noire

Now in its second century, the eau de

A Tom Ford Private Blend, the eau de

Though Guerlain was founded by Pierre-

parfum was “the world’s first abstract

parfum is marketed as merging “primal

François-Pascal Guerlain in 1828, its Am-

fragrance.” It’s still an icon, described as

leather with night-blooming jasmine suede,

ber Floral fragrance (for men and women)

“exuding the very essence of femininity.”

creating a distinctive spin.” It’s warm and

is still a newbie, a teenager of 17 years.

spicy with notes of leather, saffron and

Its top notes are angelica, pear and pink

black suede.

pepper, its middle notes are jasmine and

In 1986, Jacques Polge reinterpreted his predecessor Ernest Beaux’s composition to create a fuller, more voluminous version

The designer’s 12-offering collection

of the offering known for use of aldehydes,

debuted in 2007 and is described by its

the component with hints of almonds. It’s

namesake glowingly: “It’s where I have

available at many area retailers, includ-

the ability to create very special, original

creation? “Half-angel, half-demon, the

ing Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Chanel

fragrances that are unconstrained by the

verdant, crisp and herbal bitterness of

boutiques.

conventions of mainstream scent-making.

angelica is kept at bay by the enveloping

Private blend is designed with the true

sweetness of vanilla. If it were a ballet,

Debuting in 1921, N°5’s eau de parfum is described as a floral bouquet composed around May rose and jasmine, and features

fragrance connoisseur in mind.”

Ford says his perfumes are made in his

caraway and its base notes are vanilla and cedar wood.

How does its maker describe the

it would be Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.”

The perfume’s fanciers wear a scent fur-

bright citrus top notes. The aldehydes

own scent laboratory. They’re promoted as

create a unique presence while the smooth

unisex colognes. Available locally at Sepho-

ther described as a “bittersweet confronta-

touch of bourbon vanilla leaves an incredibly

ra in Estero, Fort Myers and Naples.

tion.” It’s meant as a compliment. Available in local retailers including Dillard’s in Estero.

sensual trail. $146 chanel.com

$163-$365 tomford.com

$360 guerlain.com

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2022 1 1

TakeNote S PA C E S

M AY 2 0 2 2

By Aisling Swift

Del Mar Naples’ Dazzling Debut MEDITERRANEAN INSPIRATION ON FIFTH AVENUE SOUTH

When Café Lurcat and Bar Lurcat on Naples’ posh Fifth Avenue South closed in 2018, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants was too busy to consider another fine-dining spot two blocks away from its then 2-year-old Ocean Prime restaurant.

But developer Phil McCabe urged CMR President and COO David Miller to take a hard look at the distinctive two-story building at 494 Fifth Ave. S. It offered something no other Fifth Avenue building had: Naples’ only second-floor dining option, with outdoor seating.

“I call it the catbird seat overlooking Fifth Avenue South,” Miller says, adding that they worked for a year on a deal before opening Del Mar Naples in late December, making it award-winning CMR’s 97th restaurant. “The building is spectacular. It’s an iconic, stand-alone building.”

Second-floor dining was grandfathered into city codes, making this the only second-floor dining spot on the eclectic, heavily trafficked, pedestrian-friendly street.

“It didn’t have a defined look, but it was sparse and cold,” Mitchell says. “We gutted it … When you looked at it, it screamed Mediterranean.”

So they opted for Mediterranean coastal cuisine, with influences from Italy, Spain and Morocco, due to their success with island bars. They worked with Chicago-based interior design firm Knauer Inc. to create a warm, comfortable, lush space. “We had a vision and Mark (Knauer) is great about listening to our vision and bringing in his own touch,” Miller says.

They ripped out the staircase and took everything down to its studs. They Brian Tietz

opened the first-floor ceilings and painted over the exterior Tuscan yellow with soft white. “The tricky part was the second floor. The ceilings were 20 feet high,” 12 GULFSHORE BUSINESS A R I L2 022022 2

MPAY

gulfshorebusiness.com



REFINED DESIGN Cameron Mitchell Restaurants spent $700 per square foot to refurbish a 9,200-square-foot space to create Del Mar Naples.

G UGLUFLSFHSOHROER EB UBSUISNIENSESS SA PMRAY IL 2022 13

TakeNote S PA C E S

Miller says, adding that they spent $700 per square foot to refurbish the nearly 9,200-square-foot space, or about $6.4 million in improvements.

They brought the ceilings down, added contemporary, slatted woodwork that covers ducts and acoustic tile and added two olive trees in the center.

The old staircase was replaced with a modern, lighted version with wood slats, stone walls and a lighted mural wall. To add warmth, softer candle-inspired pendants hang over tables, while stunning clear glass pendants in varied sizes and hammered copper pendants highlight the two bars, and pinpoint spotlights allow diners to read menus at tables. An Amish carpenter created tables from reclaimed oak, with no hard edges to bruise legs, while chairs throughout feature twine.

There are two floors of dining, a covered patio and second-floor balcony that feature dining tables and soft couches in a cocktail lounge atmosphere, bars on each floor and opens out to the outdoor terrace.

Both floors open to the outdoors, and soft lighting was added to highlight the distinctive curved façade, mak-



NATURAL BEAUTY Olive trees and other live foliage provide a focal point around tables of reclaimed oak in the new two-story Del Mar restaurant Brian Tietz

a 24-seat private dining room that

in downtown Naples.

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

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Banking About Community

We Make

As the president and co-founder of the oldest community bank in Lee County, Robbie Roepstorff has a special place in her heart for Southwest Florida. With over 48 years of banking experience, she began her career in 1974 as a teller and climbed the ranks to become the first female president of a bank in Lee County in 1990.

Now celebrating the bank’s 25th Anniversary, Robbie leads a highly experienced team of banking professionals from four offices in Lee County, providing a personal approach to banking for all customers.

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

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

Robbie Roepstorff, President

TakeNote S PA C E S

ing it a standout at night. “We try to personalize every restaurant we do for This is a new concept designed for Na-

added to porcelain wood tile, increas-

60 colorful planters and maintain

ples,” Miller says, noting it’s nothing

ing the acoustic functionality.

them weekly. Barnwell added white

“Music and people’s voices create

highlights, hung orchids above first-

energy, but you need to be able to

floor diners, brought in hundreds of

hear,” Miller explains.

hardy plants such as bromeliads and

like Del Mar SoCal Kitchen in Ohio.

The

huge

$60,000

Grillworks

hearth, wood-fired grill and expo kitchen allow the chef to be on stage

Local artists’ works add pops of

palms, and designed a stunning en-

as diners watch the hustle and bus-

color. CMR also hired award-winning

tryway that features a calming wa-

tle. There’s also a 500-bottle wine

Naples garden designer Jack Barn-

terfall, curvy pavers, gray stones and

display. Throughout, area rugs were

well of C3 Gardens to add plants and

colorful plants. “They wanted a very

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1

3/16/22

1:17 PM

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Brian Tietz

the market, even if it’s an old concept.



LOFTY AMBITION

Naples, tropical, fun, lush feel,” Barnwell says, adding that

The new Del Mar restaurant space on Fifth Avenue

anything diners walk by and can touch is real, while most

South boasts second-floor dining options, a feature

harder-to-reach plants are faux or silk. “I loved the chal-

not offered elsewhere in downtown Naples.

lenge of having so many different shapes, sizes and styles of planters and working with faux and living plants to make the whole space feel like it all ties together,” he says. “It’s not every day I get to do a project like that.”

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LEARN MORE AT FGCU.EDU/25YEARS G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2 1 7

TakeNote MAKERS

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

M AY 2 0 2 2

By Justin Paprocki

gulfshorebusiness.com

The Way of JBA JAMES BONNER’S MOTORCYCLE MANIA The last several years have been a challenge for James Bonner and JBA Custom Cycles, to say the least. In 2019 his store caught fire.

It could have been worse; the fire actually ruptured a water pipe that helped put it out.

But he had to operate elsewhere for eight months. Thankfully, through the generosity of his customers and fellow business owners, he was able to get back on his feet. But then, the day of his grand opening ended up being the same as the start of COVID lockdowns.

“Ultimately, we prevailed,” he now says.

The pandemic actually ended up boosting business, as people had a little more time 



BUSINESS PREVAILS JBA Custom Cycles, owned and opErik Kellar

erated by James Bonner, started in Cape Coral and moved to Fort Myers.

and money on their hands—and taking the bike out proved to be a perfect COVID-free excursion. His 12 years in business have seen ups and downs, but overall, considering he basically started from scratch, it’s been mostly ups.

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

TakeNote MAKERS





ONE OF A KIND Erik Kellar

James Bonner never creates the same bike twice at his award-winning JBA Custom Cycles in Fort Myers.

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

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ADVERTISEMENT SPONSORED CONTENT

Southwest Florida

THOUGHT LEADER OF THE MONTH This May, Chanel McGregor will

Receiving the right cancer care often

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means patients must travel far from

staff partner for one of the premiere

home for treatment. The American

distinguished events in Naples: The

Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge program

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provides people with cancer and their

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over eight years.

This year’s Bucket List Bash mission

What’s on Chanel’s bucket list? The energetic

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“The Naples community shows up and gives generously in the fight against cancer, and for that we are so very grateful.”

moment raised funds for ACS research.

professional

While the American Cancer Society

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I’ve always wanted to be.”

Chanel McGregor

an incredible resource.”

celebrate her first anniversary with the

Cancer and cancer research are

As a child, Chanel watched her

bigger than Collier County, but with

grandfather, who had never smoked,

support from the Naples community, we

battle lung cancer and undergo a variety

can fund research nationally, creating

of treatments including surgery to

a ripple effect. “We’re helping people

have his lung removed. The experience

here, but also nationwide, which is

influenced her career path in such a way

a unique, profound opportunity to

that it became her goal to work for the

change the world,” said Chanel. “The

American Cancer Society, the nation’s

Naples community shows up and gives

largest voluntary health organization,

generously in the fight against cancer

because she feels ACS is at the forefront

and for that, we are so very grateful.”

of cancer research, patient care, and advocacy.

Chanel also had the opportunity

While Chanel may have only joined the American Cancer Society a year ago, she is already making an incredible

to experience ACS patient programs

impact

firsthand. “Before I came to American

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Cancer Society, I had a former co-

lives, and lead the fight for a world

worker stay at a Hope Lodge in Ohio,”

without cancer. Congratulations on a

she said. “Several of our co-workers

successful first year, Chanel!

went with her as caregivers and it’s just

on

the

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OCTOBER 2018 GULFSHORE LIFE

2

TakeNote MAKERS

The Fort Myers native had been into all things motorized as a kid: dirt bikes, cool cars and the like. He actually got his first motorcycle—a sport bike—because of, let’s say, his enthusiasm for fast cars.

Actually, he had so many tickets that car insurance was too expensive, he said, only half joking. So he bought a motorcycle from his





OVERCOMING ADVERSITY The pandemic ended up boosting business for James Bonner’s JBA Custom Cycles in Fort Myers.

neighbor, and it sparked a passion.

JBA Custom Cycles started in Cape Coral, then moved to its current location in Fort Myers. It built its reputation mainly by word Erik Kellar

of mouth. Bonner’s bread and butter is repair work, but his custom

Congratulations Bank of America is proud to honor Gerri Moll as a Gulfshore Business 2022 Women in Business Awards Winner. Thank you for being an example of hard work, dedication and continually reaching for excellence.

You’re an inspiration to our future leaders and to us all.

Visit us at bankofamerica.com/local ©2022 Bank of America Corporation | MAP4117394 | ENT-217-AD

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work is what gets him his reputation. His designs have gotten national recognition; he’s taken home trophies from the renowned Daytona Bike Week. Some of his bikes can take up to a year to make and cost six figures.

He compares the process to creating a custom home. You sit and go down each component of the bike, put it in writing, create an illustration, then get to building. “Our customers have faith in what we do,” he says. “We never build the same bike twice. We always look to outdo what we’ve done before.”

Every great team needs a great leader.

Not to brag, but ours is pretty awesome.

Congratulations to Connie Ramos-Williams on being named a 2022 Woman in Business! Our agency shines bright because of your leadership.

Sincerely,

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

TakeNote

M AY 2 0 2 2

C R E AT I V E S

By Aisling Swift

Building Pride in the Arts It’s been almost 18 months since Frank Ver-

Center at 585 Park St. and offering exhibitions,

poorten took the helm of Naples Art, and under

art classes for adults and children, festivals, ed-

his leadership, the 25-year-old downtown arts

ucation events and a summer ARTScool for kids.

center has lured new visitors and donors with

Through outreach programs, it helps under-

blockbuster shows, prompting a 1,600% increase

served and special-needs children by partnering

in attendance.

with nonprofits and Title I schools.

Verpoorten, the executive director and chief

Verpoorten plans to expand children’s and

curator, took over in January 2021 after work-

adult programs. “We just want to broaden the of-

ing as an art consultant following seven years at

ferings by inviting new art instructors to teach a

Artis—Naples’ The Baker Museum, where he’d

compelling selection of subjects or techniques,”

built a reputation for world-class exhibitions.

he says, adding that Naples Art will provide more

He said that appealed to the board of Naples Art,

online classes through Canvas.

which had just gone through a trifecta of issues:

Also on his radar is a small expansion and ren-

the executive director’s departure, water damage

ovation. “It would really be driven by the need

due to the ceiling air handler and closings due to

for more program space, but I also want to con-

the pandemic and renovations.

tribute to the urban landscape with an arresting

“It was a time for the organization to take a

design,” Verpoorten says. “We’re an organization

hard look at where it was and where they wanted

at the heart of this cultural community. We have

to go,” says Verpoorten, who has a dual master’s

an incredible location and if we are to attract peo-

degree and Ph.D. in art history and more than 20

ple, Naples has a lot of financial and intellectual

years of leadership in U.S. and European muse-

sophistication, and some people really want to

ums. “I have to remake the organization in many

come and see great programs.”

ways, and the future is bright. We’re polishing up

That’s what drives the Brussels native. At The

the brand, and I’m proud to have brought a few of

Baker Museum, he and his team were known

my existing donors into its orbit.”

for organizing 15 to 20 exhibitions every season.

At more than 60 years old, Naples Art is Col-

When he took over at Naples Art, he organized a

lier County’s oldest arts organization, operating

small exhibition with works from its permanent

the two-story, 16,000-square-foot von Liebig Art

collection, followed by what he calls a blockbust-

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Brian Tietz

FRANK VERPOORTEN’S WORK TO ELEVATE THE NAPLES ART EXPERIENCE



DRAWING ATTENTION Naples Art Executive Director Frank Verpoorten has worked to recreate the local association since taking over in January 2021.

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

TakeNote C R E AT I V E S

er show, “Keith Haring: Radiant Vision,” which ran from November to Feb. 6.

“That really has done miracles for us,” he says, noting it prompted the 1,600% increase in attendance. “People came from as far as Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Myers and Sarasota because that’s what people want to drive two hours for.

The word’s getting out that these are exciting programs.”

He also noted that blockbuster shows are a must. “Local or not is irrelevant. I’m focused on the quality. You need to have compelling programs to increase attendance, create a buzz in the community and attract financial support,” he says.

The Keith Haring exhibition was followed by “Toulouse-Lautrec: Master of the Belle Epoque,” which opened March 19 and runs through June 12.

“It’s an elegant balance between these kinds of shows,” Verpoorten says, adding that exhibitions could include stellar local es. “But what I don’t want to have is a sequence of exhibitions that are not moving the needle with anyone.”

 

MAKING HIS MARK Frank Verpoorten, executive director and chief curator at Naples Art, has lured new visitors and donors with blockbuster shows.

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Brian Tietz

artists and works from Naples Art class-

We invite you to take business personally.

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TakeNote C R E AT I V E S

Naples, unlike some other areas, does face one difficulty in bringing in major shows: “We live in a hurricane-prone area and for insurance purposes, things get complicated when you have art insured at a high value in your custody,” he explains.

Naples Art is home to the Naples Art Association, which was founded in 1954 to encourage, improve and develop artistic talent and art appreciation in adults and children through exhibitions, education and lectures. Its articles of incorporation also say the association will promote development of high standards of creative arts Brian Tietz

by presenting fine-arts exhibitions.

Congratulations Nancy Dauphinais!

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She has aided in advancing many important initiatives to assist in the recovery of thousands of children, families, and adults that look to DLC for treatment and care each year.

Nancy Dauphinais, LMHC, MCAP

Thank you, Nancy, for your relentless commitment to advancing health, healing, and hope!

Chief Operating Officer

DLCenters.org | 239-455-8500 2 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2

6075 BATHEY LANE | NAPLES, FL 34116 gulfshorebusiness.com

 

POPULAR SHOW “Keith Haring: Radiant Vision” was a blockbuster exhibition featured earlier this year at Naples Arts’ von Liebig Art Center at 585 Park St. in downtown Naples.

“A great thing that I learned in Naples is that for every exotic, hard-to-get special opportunity to bring exhibitions to Naples, there’s always someone in the community who will support it,” Verpoorten says. “That’s because Naples is a pride-of-ownership community. People give to the community they live in— and there’s no better way of ensuring that community continues to thrive artistically.”

CHEERS! TO WOMEN IN BUSINESS

On behalf of the entire Fort Myers Brewing Co. team, congratulations to all the amazing businesswomen in Southwest Florida!

The brewery team raises their glasses in a toast to Jen Whyte, co-founder of Fort Myers Brewing Co., and all of the amazing female business leaders honored with the Women in Business Awards. Our customers and our community are quite fortunate to have these exceptional women on tap!

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

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M AY 2 0 2 2

BOOKMARK

RALPH READS

Timely Thinking CYBER WARFARE AND THE VALUE OF EXPERTISE Nicole Perlroth’s book on cyber warfare, This is How They Tell Me the World Ends, could not be more on point. Russia is attacking Ukraine as this column is being written. The book Sandworm that we featured last year covered Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s power grid and commerce infrastructure. It is now apparent that those

RALPH STAYER, an avid reader and owner/CEO

were only dress rehearsals for the main event,

grid, transportation and supply chain are all

which began in February. The first sentence of

vulnerable. And then there is the big “what

Perlroth’s prologue is prescient: “By the time

if”—can nefarious agents take over some

my plane touched down in Kyiv—in the dead of

country’s nuclear system?

winter 2019—nobody could be sure the attack

Who are these hackers and who do they

Sausage, leads a

was over, or if it was just a glimpse of what was to

work for? These are the best and the brightest

book club in Naples

come.” We now know that it came, but there are

who were hired by our government—specifi-

with about a dozen

far greater implications for the world than what

cally the NSA and the CIA—to find ways to ex-

other high-power

is happening in Ukraine.

ploit operating systems all around the world.

of Johnsonville

Have you ever heard of the term “Zero-Day”?

Our government created a worldwide market

only reads non-fic-

It is a weakness in the software of a computer’s

for these Zero-Days that they dominated. The

tion as a way to

operating system that will allow a hacker to pene-

Snowden and other leaks alerted the world

trate it and employ malware that can lay dormant

to what we were doing, and a new arms race

and hidden for days or months or even years. The

ensued. Zero-Day hacks that used to sell for

hacker can then take over the system and wreak

hundreds of dollars can now sell for millions.

havoc whenever they choose. Russia again shut

Our world is now engaged in a new MAD:

down many of Ukraine’s systems when it be-

Mutually Assured Disruption, as opposed to

gan its attack. If it can shut down Ukraine, why

Mutually Assured Destruction. This book is

couldn’t it shut down our system? The truth is, it

incredibly well researched and written.

friends. The group

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

can. In fact, since we are the most interconnected

We now live in a YouTube world. There is so

country in the world, we are the most vulnerable.

much information at our fingertips that peo-

Our defense systems, our water supply, electrical

ple are encouraged to think they are experts

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in many subjects on which they, frank-

know and learn how to learn. For many

ly, have no clue; a phenomenon per-

students in those colleges, their educa-

haps best summed up by the “I stayed

tion has become “those magical sever-

in a Holiday Inn Express last night”

al years between high school and your

commercial. Tom Nichols’ book, The

first warehouse job.”

Death of Expertise: The Campaign

He tells of people who research

against Established Knowledge and

medical conditions on the internet and

Why It Matters, exposes the trend to-

think they know as much or more than

ward devaluing knowledge and experi-

doctors, and the disastrous outcomes

ence. He doesn’t say so in the book, but

that attitude creates. One of the great-

the inference is that much of the world

the institutions need the money. They

est destroyers of respect for expertise

has reverted to being teenagers again.

allow students to think they are the

is cable news. Since 24 hours is a lot

Nichols is a professor. Some may say

equals of their teachers and will not

of time to fill between commercials,

that this is a self-serving rant, but he

accept grades that are below what they

they bring on well-known people as so-

picks his examples well and he makes

feel entitled to, potentially causing so

called experts who never allow their

many good points. One of his concerns

much unrest that the administration

paucity of knowledge on a particular

is the field of education—he asserts

forces professors to bow to the pres-

subject to prevent them from having a

that many colleges now treat students

sure. This subverts the purpose of col-

strong opinion. This book is timely, en-

as clients rather than students because

lege, which is to learn what you don’t

tertaining and well-written.

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

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M AY 2 0 2 2

TRENDLINE

By Justin Paprocki

EMPLOYMENT

BY INDUSTRY

Small Business, Huge Impact A CORNERSTONE OF THE SWFL ECONOMY

P E R C E N T O F T O TA L EMPLOYMENT FROM SMALL BUSINESSES

Other service industries*

56.1

Real estate and rentals/leasing

42.8

Professional, scientific and technical services

41.2

Construction

33.4

Mining, quarrying and oil/gas exploration

30.8 27

Finance and insurance Administrative/support and waste management

26.5

Transportation and warehousing

25.1

essential to Southwest Florida’s economy—maybe

Wholesale trade

22.7

more so than we thought.

Manufacturing

21.5

Educational services

19.7

Health care and social assistance

18.4

Regional Economic Research Institute. For the sake

Retail trade

16.1

of the report, small businesses were defined as

Utilities

15.8

companies with fewer than 20 employees.

Information

15.5

Accommodation and food service

14.9

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

11.8

Arts, entertainment and recreation

10.9

The mom-and-pop shops along the Gulf coast are

Small businesses account for about 24% of total employment in Southwest Florida, according to a new report from Florida Gulf Coast University’s

Employment in small business has ranged between 25.7% and 23.4% in the 2010s. Statewide, that number stood steady around 19%.

The real estate and professional/tech services industries, in particular, consist largely of small businesses. For both, more than 40% of employment comes from businesses with fewer than 20

Management of companies and enterprises

9.9

* O t h e r s e r v i c e i n d u s t r i e s a r e d e f i n e d a s a u t o r e p a i r, h o m e g o o d s r e p a i r, p e r s o n a l c a r e s e r v i c e s a n d o t h e r s .

employees.

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

M AY 2 0 2 2 B y V i c t o r V. C l a a r

Historic Advancements in Home Labor GENERATIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE GROWTH OF OPPORTUNITY I was born in 1965. Technically that makes me a Gen Xer, but barely. A year earlier and I’d be among the last of the baby boomers. Because I have lived a relatively long life, so far, I can understand what life looked like for Americans like my parents much better than my FGCU students can.

Both of my parents grew up poor and were raised by remarkable single moms. And both were raised in poverty: one in Appalachian Pennsylvania and the other in rural Indiana.

Because their own family lives had their shares of bumps along the way, they did their best to provide a stable home for me and my younger brother, and they made sure that we remained connected to our extended families on both sides. In one stunning instance, I was introduced to my mother’s father when I was already a young adult. It was hard for my mom to do—he was an alcoholic—but she thought it was important that I meet him. And I am glad I got to, once, on that Indiana summer afternoon.

Because my parents grew up poor, I got occasional glimpses of what life looked like for families poorer than mine as I grew up. We were a working-class family (I qualified for reduced-price lunches in school), but many of my cousins lived even more difficult lives economically. I remember visiting the home of one of my dad’s brothers and being stunned at the sight of a wringer washing machine (not an automatic one). And the absence of a clothes dryer meant they really did use those clotheslines outside. At the home of another uncle, I was introduced to going “down the path”: a euphemism for leaving the home to use the outhouse in back.

And these observations were from the relatively modern 1970s. Yet, in that period, housework remained work for most American families—not just poor ones. Even in my own family, where I was blessed with a caring stay-athome mom, housework was a chore. Literally. I remember keeping my mom 3 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2

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company while she worked through piles of ironing, accompanied by the heavy breathing of the steam iron that she manipulated expertly. And dishwashing: We never owned a dishwasher until I was off to college. And my father’s mother—who lived with us full time—washed dishes each night in a wonderful labor of love. She claimed the warm water soothed her arthritis, but I don’t really know.

Yet today, most American families are blessed to possess many modern conveniences, like washing machines and dishwashers, that either didn’t exist in earlier generations, or were luxuries owned only by the rich.

Even earlier generations had to deal with household tasks that today seem unthinkable: chopping wood to fire the stove to cook the evening meal or beating rugs rather than vacuuming them. Or planning carefully so the giant block of ice in the “icebox” didn’t run out at the wrong time.

While the dishwasher and the electric iron, the gas stove and the automatic washer may not seem like thrilling advances, they are. They’re thrilling because advances like these have liberated families, of all shapes and sizes, to explore options that would have been impossible when housework required far more hours of labor than now—and when the labor was much harder. And they have given women, in particular, the opportunity to participate in the labor force at levels that would have been unthinkable 50 years ago.

Entrepreneurial discoveries give us all more choices to live the lives that fit each of us best. Being a stay-at-home parent is a wonderful calling; I’m glad my mom was a stayat-home mom for me. But in 2022, I’m thankful that modern inventions give all of us more opportunities to discover the best work-life balance possible.

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

ENTREPRENEURIAL DISCOVERIES

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

Modern inventions give people more opportunities to

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

find the work-life balance, says FGCU’s Victor Claar.

& Virtue Institute.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2 3 5

WHY

By Artis Henderson

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ROVES PROTECTING COASTAL VEGETATION MEANS WEIGHING THE DEMANDS OF DEVELOPMENT AGAINST THE NEEDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT

ER G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2 3 7

_WHY MANGROVES MATTER devastation: This is a dead place. Or, more accurately, a dying place.

But it won’t be for long.

_DEAD ZONE

In September 2021, a team from the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve broke ground on one of

On a cool Tuesday morning in the

the largest mangrove restoration proj-

middle of December, fog sits heavy

ects in the state of Florida. The Fruit

over San Marco Road, the 10-mile

Farm Creek Mangrove Restoration

stretch of asphalt that connects Mar-

Project will install three 54-inch-di-

co Island and Tamiami Trail. Healthy

ameter culverts beneath San Marco

mangroves line the north side of the

Road, connecting the two sections of

road, the section that borders Fruit

wetlands and returning sheet flow to

Farm Creek. Their foliage is a dense

the mangrove forest. The project is

green, thick and impenetrable. But

budgeted to cost $1.4 million, a price

on the south side of the highway, it’s

many insist is worth it.

a different story. The road has been

Mangroves are essential to South-

preventing water flow between the

west Florida—not just for the health of

two sections of wetlands for decades.

the ecology, but as a barrier to storms.

Though mangroves are one of the most

Biologists, marine engineers and de-

resilient plant species in Southwest

velopers all know this. The problems

Florida—they grow in saltwater, for

arise at the intersection of these com-

Pete’s sake—they need flowing water

peting interests. Even as we create jobs

to survive.

for builders, contractors and trades-

The morning fog adds an eerie still-

men, even as we add more property

ness to the landscape. Tall snags of

value to the tax roll, even as we attract

what once were black mangroves rise

visitors and new residents who funnel

20 and 30 feet in the air. They are dried

millions of dollars into the state’s cof-

out, gnarled and gray, stripped of bark,

fers, we risk sacrificing one of the most

like upright pieces of driftwood. They

important parts of the Gulfshore.

stand in a thin layer of unmoving water that’s yellow and covered with a scrim of foam. Walk 100 yards east, where the water moves and the mangroves are alive, and the air is thick with vi-

_PROTECTING THE ECOSYSTEM

brancy—the chirp of frogs, the smell

Imagine the green propagules of man-

of brackish water, the quick darts of

groves, thick as a finger, long as a pen-

herons and egrets. But in the 64 acres

cil, some with green leaves already

of mangrove die-off, there is no noise.

sprouting from their tips. They drift



NATURAL NATIVES Mangroves protect the shoreline of the chain of islets making up the Ten Thousand Islands off southern Collier County.

No movement. No smells beyond the fetid water. The effect is nuclear in its 3 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2

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along currents in the Gulf of Mexico and make their way to Southwest Florida’s coast, tossed along the shore with the seashells, stretched out like stacks of cordwood. Some few will take root, landing just right, but most disappear into the debris along the shoreline.

For millions of years, mangroves have been doing exactly this—propagating via these stick-like envoys that follow ocean currents to new homes.

Scientists suspect that mangroves first arrived along the Gulf coast somewhere between 66 and 23 million years ago, during the period of time that stretched between the upper Cretaceous and lower Miocene periods. Early mangroves originated in the region that encompasses today’s India and Southeast Asia. The first propagules dropped into the Bay of Bengal before traveling westward toward the horn of Africa, then around the southern tip of the continent, before drifting into the Atlantic Ocean. Eventually they moved northward into the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, where they took root in the warm coastal regions of the Americas.

There, they flourished. Unlike most plants, mangroves thrive in salty environments. They secrete excess salt through their leaves, allowing the uptake of water needed for survival. In coastal environments where even hardy natives are often stunted, the manMangroves are essential to the recreational saltwater fishing industry. The economic impact of saltwater recreational fishing is $9.2 billion, and it supports 120,000 jobs.

grove prospers.

Above water, mangroves provide essential nesting and roosting grounds for coastal birds. Pelicans, herons, egrets and magnificent frigatebirds G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2 3 9

_WHY MANGROVES MATTER

build rookeries in their branches. The trees serve as places to raise young and hide from predators.

Below water, mangroves provide an essential habitat for fish, crustaceans and shellfish. They serve as nurseries for small fry, sheltering young fish as they grow. Ask any weekend fisherman about the best spots for snook, red snapper and sheepshead, and they’ll tell you, “Up against the mangroves.” Without man-

coastline is left bare, exposed to the ele-

groves, Southwest Florida’s recreational

ments, with no protection from the ris-

and commercial fishing industries would

ing tides and fierce winds of the tropical

be decimated.

storms that buffer our region.

“The data is unequivocal,” says Dr. Win

_THE ORIGINAL HURRICANE PROTECTION

Everham, a professor in the department of ecology and environmental studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. “If you protect mangroves, you protect yourself.” An environmental scientist in this

Consider this: Mangroves serve as an

region for the past 25 years, Everham has

essential barrier during coastal storms.

led studies on mangroves in Estero Bay.

According to a recent collaborative re-

“If you get rid of vegetation on the coast,

port between The Nature Conservancy

there’s a price to be paid for it in terms of

and insurance professionals, mangroves

storms,” he says. “Take out mangroves,

prevented $1.5 billion of property dam-

and you’re going to suffer from storm

age during Hurricane Irma. In Collier

surge. That’s not an opinion. That’s just

County, they reduced annual flood risk

the way ecology works.”

to the properties that sit behind them by 25.5%. The thick branches, intermingled root systems and dense foliation all act as a first line of defense against winds and storm surge. Take out mangroves and the



ECOSYSTEM PROTECTION "If you protect mangroves, you protect yourself," says Win Everham (above) of FGCU's Department of Ecology and Environmental Studies.

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

_A COMPLICATED LEGAL MATTER Everyone seems to agree that mangroves are essential to the health of the Southwest Florida ecosystem. They protect local fisheries and birds. They even buffer the coast from devastating hurricanes. So, why is it so hard to protect them?

The answer, as is so often the case in Southwest Florida, is development.

Visitors and new residents love the nature of this region. They adore the water, the wildlife, the green spaces that define the Gulfshore. But they also want a waterfront home with a view.

For years, the state of Florida has tried to balance this demand for unfettered coastal access with the need to protect our state’s fragile marine ecosystems.

In 1996, the Florida Legislature passed the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act, which was intended to simplify years of snarled and opaque regulations surrounding mangroves. The act stated that mangrove trees could not be trimmed, removed or otherwise disturbed without a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The act also prevents the use of any kind of Mangroves protect species that are the basis of a $7.6 billion

herbicide or other chemical to defoliate mangrove trees. Today, the FDEP is in charge of both creating policies

seafood industry, which em-

around mangroves and enforcing pro-

ploys 109,000 people in Florida.

tective measures.

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

_WHY MANGROVES MATTER



ESSENTIAL HABITAT Mangroves form the natural habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife along the Great Calusa Blueway paddling trail in Lee County.

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tiful green sodded lawn that runs down to a vertical concrete seawall and then open water,” he says. “In many cases, they have very little knowledge or respect for the natural systems that constitute Southwest Florida.” It’s the job of those in the private sector—build-

_A DELICATE BALANCE

ers, architects and marine engineers such as Wilson—to protect the fragile ecosystem. Wilson firmly believes that people can accomplish their design

With nearly half a million acres of

objectives while using the natural en-

mangroves along Florida’s coast-

vironment as a partner.

line and an ever-increasing hunger

Take as an example a single-family

for coastal property, a compromise

home on a site with mangroves along

is needed between the demands of

the shoreline. “Some people come in

a healthy ecology and the appetites

with the mindset that they want to

of a growing economy. Hans Wilson,

nuke the mangroves and put in a ver-

founder of Fort Myers-based marine

tical seawall,” Wilson explains. But his

engineering firm Hans Wilson & As-

firm presents better options, such as

sociates, said this is entirely possible.

raising the elevation of the house. This

“People think that we’re destroying

keeps the mangroves in place and still

mangroves left and right in some kind

allows for a view of the water.

of Western free-for-all,” Wilson says.

Another possibility is to trim a win-

“That’s not the case.” In actuality, he

dow in the mangroves in accordance

believes, most people are exercising

with the state mangrove trimming

the proper permitting process.

rules, creating a view for the home-

“People come from other places and

owner while allowing the mangrove

they’re looking for their image of the

system to stay in place. “You keep the

perfect Florida environment—a beau-

mangroves producing detritus, which goes into the water for crabs and fish to use as a food source,” Wilson says.

“And you also allow for oysters and barnacles to remain attached to the mangrove roots, an important component of keeping the water clean, which is what attracts many people to this community in the first place.”

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



BELOW THE SURFACE Gulf snapper and other fish find food and refuge within the prop-roots of red mangroves in the Ten Thousand Islands in southern Collier County.

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_WHY MANGROVES MATTER Mangroves by the Numbers

$7,100 The economic value generated by each acre of mangroves for fisheries, watchable wildlife and the protection of infrastructure, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

$1.5 billion Amount in property damages avoided during Hurricane Irma because of mangroves, according to a study from the Nature Conservancy.

25.5% In Collier County, mangroves reduced annual flood risk by 25.5% to the properties behind them, according to the collaborative report “Valuing the Flood Risk Reduction Benefits of Florida’s Mangroves.”

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



COMMITTED TO PRESERVATION Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve stretches across 110,000 acres of mangrove forest, uplands and protected waters between Naples and Marco Island.

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_WHY MANGROVES MATTER

_ A MITIGATING OPTION But sometimes it’s not possible to avoid cutting down mangroves, as for example

Types of Mangroves

when a lot is oddly shaped. In this case,

The red mangrove is the

a 4,670-acre island owned by the State

most widely encountered

of Florida and situated within the Char-

mangrove in our area. It

lotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve. A joint

marine engineers and builders turn to the Little Pine Island Mitigation Bank,

public-private partnership, the island is a

grows along the edge of

source of credits used to offset unavoid-

brackish water, often border-

able impacts to wetlands in Lee, Collier,

ing the canals that boaters

Charlotte and Sarasota counties.

and kayakers pass through.

The mitigation bank project was

It’s recognizable by its red

launched in 1997 with the aim of restor-

prop-roots, the tangled,

White mangroves are

knob-kneed roots that ap-

ing Little Pine Island, whose wetlands had

found at the highest

pear at low tide.

been destroyed by mosquito ditches in the

elevations near the coast.

1960s. Money raised through mitigation

Unlike red mangroves

credits allowed the island to be restored

with their prop roots and

to its original condition. The project was

black mangroves with

so successful that Little Pine Island is now

their pneumatophores,

part of the Great Calusa Blueway, open to

white mangroves have no identifiable aerial root systems. The leaves are pale green and silver in color, with two glands at Black mangroves sit away from the water on slightly higher terrain than red mangroves. Their most notable features are pneumatophores, black finger-like projections that rise from the soil around the tree trunk.

Florida old-timers call them “dead man’s fingers.”

the base of each leaf for secreting excess salt.

birders, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Money from current mitigation credits is deposited into a trust fund, which pays for the ongoing maintenance of the island.

It’s not an ideal solution, of course. In a perfect world, development and the environment would never collide. But this is the real world where the State of Florida, local builders and property owners are—for the most part—doing the best they can. “The reality is that most people in our community who exercise the mangrove permitting process care very much,” says Wilson. “Not all of them, but the good ones do. And the ones who don’t reflect this mindset? They don’t stay in business very long.”

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2 4 7

FA R M -T O -T A B L E F I D E L I T Y THE DIFFERENCE AT RESTAURANTS LOCAL SOURCING

BY TIM ATEN

IS DELICIOUSLY CLEAR THAT PRACTICE THE QUALITY THEY PREACH

_F A R M - T O - T A B L E FIDELITY

The concept of farm-to-table enterprises conjures up fruits and vegetables full of healthy, nutritious vitamins and antioxidants, fresh-picked and locally grown. Sometimes, though, the food concept popular in Southwest Florida and worldwide may be more show than substance.

Chef David Robbins knows firsthand how difficult it is, in execution, to do a true farm-to-table process from local purveyors. “That’s the biggest challenge in Southwest Florida: just the dynamic where there’s really such a small amount of these actual gentleman farms, so to speak," he says.

“Then they have a short growing season, so you’re stuck with having to buy from industrial purveyors at the end of the day.”

Robbins also knows firsthand how to do farmto-table. He was chef de cuisine for the dining concept Harvest & Wisdom when it opened in 2019 with Executive Chef Allen Fisher at Shangri-La Springs historic resort in Bonita Springs. The organic, farm-to-table restaurant was built from the ground up.

“Harvest & Wisdom's superspecial because we had a 5-acre, actually certified organic garden on site. And a gardener, Cecilia, who actually understands food forest dynamics—and she understood how to grow food 12 months out of the year out of that space,” Robbins says.

The garden is no-till, an all-natural growing method that's easier on the soil and better for preserving micronutrients. Head gardener Cecelia Morales oversees five full-time gardeners.

The restaurant’s seasonal menu included items such as squash salad with shaved organic zucchini and yellow squash, fresh-squeezed lemon juice,

 

CULINARY ROOTS Chef David Robbins, born and raised in Hawaii, developed a deep understanding of where food comes from.

flake sea salt, small batch hand-crafted olive oil, 5 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2

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G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2 5 1

 

SEASONAL CUISINE Harvest & Wisdom restaurant at Shangri-La Springs resort in Bonita Springs benefits from a 5-acre, no-till organic garden on the historic resort's property.

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

gulfshorebusiness.com

_F A R M - T O - T A B L E FIDELITY passion for ecology at his family’s flower and lei business and all-natural produce farm. He moved to Florida as a teenager and graduated feta cheese and just-picked baby opal basil and

with a degree in cultural ecology from Florida

mint; Circle C Farm lamb sausage with len-

Gulf Coast University.

tiled pigeon peas, pickled fennel, fennel fronds,

The Shangri-La Springs garden in Bonita

pickled mustard seed and demi-glace; and

didn’t close during the pandemic, although the

Circle C Farm bone-in ribeye garnished with

hotel and restaurant did temporarily. Owner

shaved purple carrots, sautéed radishes and

Addison Fischer kept the garden staffed full

seared garlic kale.

time with four or five people to keep grow-

Everything the restaurant used was organic

ing organic produce, but when the restaurant

and free-trade, from the produce grown on site

closed, Robbins parted ways and founded Not

to the wines, sodas, even the spices. Harvest &

A Burger.

Wisdom sourced grass-fed, pasture-raised pro-

After a nearly two-year hiatus, Harvest &

tein such as meats and eggs from Circle C Farm

Wisdom restaurant reopened in January with a

in nearby Felda.

new chef and menu at the hotel, which was built

In August 2017, Circle C Farm was awarded

in 1921 on Old 41 Road. It’s another milestone

the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grant of

in the hotel’s storied past that saw it shuttered

Inspection, making it Florida’s first and only

for more than 20 years before undergoing a

on-farm USDA federally inspected abattoir and

complete renovation and being relaunched a

butcher shop for both red and white meats, and

few years ago.

only one of three in the nation.

Harvest & Wisdom is open for breakfast and

“We are completely grass-fed and grass-fin-

lunch Tuesday through Saturday. Its new or-

ished. And that is absolutely critical,” said

ganic, seasonal menu includes brunch items

Nicole Cruz, owner of Circle C Farm, a family

such as green papaya salad with toasted pea-

owned and operated farm in Lee and Hendry

nuts, green beans, firecracker chili, crispy shal-

counties. “The value of the meat and the lack of stress in these animals translates directly to the meat profile flavors that come after the harvesting process of our meat.”

In addition to producing beef, lamb, pork and poultry, Circle C has several thousand laying hens for egg production. The farm, which promises “from our pasture to your plate,” sells its meat and eggs in a little store just north of Shangri-La Springs in Bonita.

Fresh take Chef Robbins has the experience and ability to create incredible results with fresh produce.

He grew up in Hawaii, where he developed a

_F A R M - T O - T A B L E FIDELITY “There’s this whole scene of plant-based products out there that are overprocessed, industrial junk food. They're full of chemicals, lots and nuóc chãm dressing; and house-made

additives, artificial ingredients,” Robbins says.

vegan burgers with vegan mayo, Dijon mus-

“So, we’re using locally grown organic beets,

tard, garden lettuce, longevity spinach, tomato

quinoa, fresh lentils, whole-grain oats, tamari,

and onion. Its lunch items feature Shangri-La

fermented chili paste. It’s all superfood ingre-

Toast Du Jour, a seasonal selection from the

dients. It’s all high-quality ingredients.”

resort’s garden.

Paying more for organic and healthier food,

Robbins’ new project, Not A Burger, is much

of course, becomes more difficult when faced

more than it’s not. It’s an all-natural superfood

with already-inflationary prices at the grocery

plant-based protein patty made with premium

store and elsewhere.

whole food ingredients. They are 100% vegan,

“It’s always a challenge," Robbins says.

gluten-free, non-GMO and sustainable. Then

“We’re fortunate to be in a demographic like

came Not A Meatball and Not A Cotta, a ricot-

Naples.”

ta-inspired garlic herb, cashew cheese spread.

He’s working on a chorizo crumble and a chick-

Buzzwords

en nugget. “Just really trying to push this more

Although many restaurants, grocery stores and

than just a one-farmers-market business and

businesses in the food service industry promote

make it something substantial,” Robbins says.

their products with popular buzzwords such as

Nevertheless, look for Not A Burger’s tent

fresh, local, organic and farm to table, some of

Saturday mornings at Third Street South Farm-

these places talk the talk but do not really walk

er’s Market in downtown Naples. Burgers can

the walk, so to speak. They make claims that

be grilled to go, or the patties and other plant-

often can't be proven. “It’s inauthentic," says

based products are packaged to take home and

Robbins, who said he is familiar with the term

are available for local delivery and pickup. “We

greenwashing.

actually just incorporated into an LLC called Future Foods,” Robbins says.

Greenwashing, or green sheen, is a form of marketing spin that misleads consumers regarding the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service. There are more green products than ever before … but not all are environmentally friendly.

“It’s farm-to-table restaurants. It’s the plantbased industry at large. There’s definitely a lot of marketing where they use buzz terms to manipulate customer perception,” Robbins says.

“You’re right to be suspicious and you’re right to ask questions. That’s why I encourage my cli-

gulfshorebusiness.com



SUBSTANTIAL SUPERFOOD Chef David Robbins, who creates Not A Burger plant-based protein patties, just incorporated his Naples company, Future Foods LLC.

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

_F A R M - T O - T A B L E FIDELITY that is produced “organically, holistically, sustainably, humanely and as close to nature as possible.” ents and customers to build relationships. Get

The term organic is the only term that’s ac-

to know the farmer, the restaurateur, the chefs,

tually regulated by a regulatory authority, the

the business owner. Hit them up to see if you

USDA. “Technically, a health inspector can go

can tour their space, too. Most of these people

into a restaurant and, if it says organic Inyoni

are happy to, if they’re the real deal.”

tomatoes on your menu, they can technical-

Oakes Farms walks the walk on its thousands of acres in Collier and Hendry counties. “You

ly audit your invoices, if they felt so inclined,” Robbins says.

can source the best product, but you shouldn’t

As USDA-certified organic farmers, Nick and

be able to call it local if it’s not local,” says Alfie

Natalie Batty grow certified organic products at

Oakes, founder of Oakes Farms.

their Inyoni Organic Farm on 10 acres off Im-

Oakes and other local farms invite visitors

mokalee Road in Collier County—without the

out to see what they are growing and how

use of synthetic ingredients as fertilizers or for

they’re growing it. Rosy Tomorrows Heritage

pest control. The local business grows a lot of

Farm welcomes folks to its 100 acres in North

lettuce and baby greens for local restaurants.

Fort Myers. Its open-air restaurant in a tree-

The turnaround time of less than 60 days for

filled dining room is open by reservation only

those greens is good for the farm’s bottom line

Thursday through Sunday.

ahead of cucumbers, eggplants, squash and to-

Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm was found-

matoes, which it also grows. Inyoni seasonally

ed by Rose O’Dell King, who wanted healthy,

provides strawberries, broccoli, Napa cabbage,

good quality food for her family, produced in

orange and purple carrots, green onions, dande-

an honest, wholesome way. She founded and

lion greens, jicama, sweet peppers, Swiss chard

became the first president of Slow Food South-

and herbs such as dill, cilantro and parsley.

west Florida, a local chapter of the worldwide

Operating now for two decades, Inyoni was

organization dedicated to good, clean and fair

there years ago when The Local Restaurant

food. Rosy Tomorrows’ website promotes food

launched in Bed Bath & Beyond Plaza at Airport-Pulling and Pine Ridge roads in Naples.

Chef-owner Jeff Mitchell, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, created a menu filled with locally sourced food fresh from the Gulf and from area farms.

The Battys give Mitchell the opportunity to choose the seeds he wants planted in the farm plot. Mitchell has partnered with Inyoni the entire time since opening with consistent results, especially with seasonal produce such as kale, arugula and spinach varieties.

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

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Mitchell also uses Blue Star Seafood for supplying all the local fish at the restaurant. He tries to source products locally, whether they be from a mushroom farmer or Farmer Mike’s growing business in Bonita Springs.

“We look at it that we are trying to support those people instead of just going to the big box for everything,” Mitchell says.

A new kid on the farm-to-table scene is The 239 Naples, planning to open soon at Mercato in North Naples. The restaurant and bar promises fresh, clean eating with craft cocktails and artisanal foods from the farms and fisheries of Southwest Florida. The 239 is moving into the former spaces of Zoës Kitchen and Taps. Cavo Lounge wraps around it near the middle of the open-air center.

Also in North Naples, the all-organic restaurant and market Food & Thought 2 is planning to launch this spring. Its Fountain Park address fronting Airport-Pulling Road formerly was home to The Founders Market & Bistro, Original Pancake House and Calistoga.

Oakes Farms founder Alfie Oakes is partnering with The Founders’ owner Randy Johns and Anthony High of Marjon Specialty Foods on the new local food venture. Oakes operates the original Food & Thought, marketed as “the organic general store,” in the Gateway of Naples retail center on U.S. 41. Established in 2005, Food & Thought features a 100% organic produce market, cafe, juice bar, coffee shop and retail health food store. Food & Thought 2 will have a restaurant and market, each in individ

GROWING PASSION

ual 6,000-square-foot buildings separated by a large courtyard. Executive Chef Dan Kniola

Natalie and Nick Batty (above) of Inyoni Organic Farm in Naples,

and Executive Sous Chef Raena Hobson have

and Rose O'Dell King (left) of Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm in

created recipes using an abundance of healthy,

North Fort Myers are among the much-respected local growers.

farm-to-table products.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2 5 7

_F A R M - T O - T A B L E FIDELITY

From the farm Oakes Farms covers both ends of the food chain. Its more than 3,000 acres supply stores, restaurants and consumers in Southwest Florida, including its own Seed to Table store. “We probably have 50 or 60 items coming in from the farm, and every single one of them is going to our store and into the culinary department.

It’s all the items that we can grow here,” says Oakes, the owner of the local agricultural conglomerate that feeds thousands.

“Outside of the corporate chains, I think we have the overwhelming majority of the independents in Collier County and a good part of Lee County, as well, with our distribution,” Oakes says. “So, we have a farm where everything that goes to Food & Thought and the front of Seed To Table is all organic, but a lot of what we grow is not organic that goes to other chain stores. The percentage of items is probably 30% of items that we grow are strictly organic. All the lettuces, all the kales, all of our heirlooms are organic; the root vegetables such as onions and radishes and carrots are all organic.”

The end result is a healthier product grown with 100% organic fertilizer and not chemical fertilizers, Oakes said. “It’s grown in real, organic fertilizer that has all the micronutrients in it. So, when you eat it, you’re getting all the micronutrients,” he says.

Oakes, a first-generation farmer, started working a 15-acre piece when he was 19 years old. Frank Oakes, Alfie’s dad and founder of the Food & Thought organic general store, started farming 10 years after Alfie, but he made quite an impression on the younger Oakes.

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

gulfshorebusiness.com

“I used to farm completely conventional when I started farming. My dad had a lot to do with changing my mind on that,” Oakes says.

“He was the first one to ever farm anything organic in the family. I was farming completely conventional, and then he got into organics.”

Frank Oakes started farming in Lee County but never had a big farm, Oakes said. “The biggest farm he ever grew was probably 15 or 20 acres, but he did it militantly organic. He did one row of this and one row of that and he was doing worm castings and doing all his own composting himself on site.”

Oakes feels people can tell the difference when produce is home-grown. “I think the things that people really notice the difference in are the heirloom tomatoes, our vine-ripe tomatoes, the fresh lettuces that are so crisp and fresh; all the stuff that you would make a salad out of, whether it’s onions, peppers, red peppers, all the different varieties of peppers, all the eggplant, squash, the melons—all that type of stuff is so much better when you’re getting it fresh and local.”

Oakes attributes his overall personal health to knowing what he’s putting into his body.

“We don’t really hear that much about how much healthier it is when you get stuff that’s like living within a day or two from the time that you eat it—the living, electric energy that’s in the product—versus something that is a week to two weeks old,” he said.

Oakes feels blessed to be around the farmto-table process, around stuff that’s picked that 

AS FRESH AS IT GETS Oakes Farms, owned and operated by Alfie Oakes (above), has more than 3,000 acres in Southwest Florida. Chef Jeff Mitchell

day, he said. “Almost every day, I’m out on the farm eating something that comes right off the plant. There are health benefits to that beyond

(left), owner of The Local Restaurant, picks what's for dinner at

what I think our medical profession even un-

the 10-acre Inyoni Organic Farm in Collier County.

derstands at this point.”

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2 5 9

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2022 If there is one thing that this year’s class of 10

women in business from Lee and Collier counties have in common, it’s passion.

Regardless of whether they’re talking about banking, accounting, marketing or owning a brewing company, staying passionate about what they do remains a constant. It’s what keeps them going. And it’s what they advise others to follow.

Each one of them has stayed true to their dreams, and that has led them to all kinds of professional and personal successes. As you read the following 10 profiles, we hope that their stories help ignite a passion within you.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2022

Banking on Her Passion

She may have held many of the jobs bank-

da Board of Regents and the Florida Board

ing has to offer, but when she ascended to

of Governors and currently serves on the

her current position in 1997, there weren’t

boards of Artis—Naples and Conservan-

a lot of role models. “You have to imagine

cy of Southwest Florida. She’s also won a

25 years ago, first there weren’t many wom-

slew of awards, both locally and nationally,

Gerri Moll may have worked for Bank of

en in banking in that position, and I was

for her professional and personal contri-

America for 38 years—and been in her

very young. I was 36,” Moll says. “But this

butions. “I realized early on we can’t be

current role there as the bank’s president

is the most welcoming place I’ve ever lived.

successful if the community we serve isn’t

for Southwest Florida for 25 years—but

I think it’s still that way. Everybody’s come

successful. We encourage our employ-

every day still seems fresh for her.

here from somewhere else, so they are very

ees to follow their personal passions and

welcoming to newcomers.”

interests in the community,” Moll says.

“Well, it’s felt like more than one career

And Moll gives back to the community

“Living in Southwest Florida for 25 years,

because I worked in multiple jobs and mul-

that welcomed her as much as she can. She

you just come to understand that this is a

tiple lines of business. It’s a great place to

served two terms on the Leadership Flori-

really special place.”

grow your career,” Moll says. Raised by her grandparents in Lakeland from the age of 10, she credits them for the character traits that have stood her in good stead for more than three decades. “My grandparents instilled in me a work ethic, the importance of education and caring about people. If you love economics and business, and you love helping people, it’s just the perfect career.”

Now living in Naples, Moll said she always has loved the area. “It’s funny; I used to come down here fishing with my grandfather, and I always thought it was the most beautiful place in the world,” she recalls.

After studying finance and economics first at the University of Florida and then at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, she entered a bank training program. Having worked as a server throughout her school days, she said it was good training for some of the jobs she would later hold in banking.

“I joined the training program straight out of college, and you got to spend time in different jobs,” she says. “I loved being a teller. You got to see a lot of people. Our tellers see more people every day than I see in a month. I loved the pace of it.”

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

The Empire Builder It’s safe to say that, along with her chef husband, Fabrizio, Ingrid Aielli has built a restaurant empire in Southwest Florida.

With him in the kitchen and her in the office, the Aiellis have created four of the best—and most popular— restaurants in Naples: Sea Salt Naples (with a branch in St. Petersburg), Barbatella, Dorona Modern Italian Steakhouse and Grappino.

And while Fabrizio handles the menus, Ingrid handles everything else, including the front of the house, public relations, marketing and community engagement.

It would be a mistake to discount how much her savvy business sense has contributed to the couple’s success.

“What started off as a coincidence became my calling. When I married chef Fabrizio Aielli it made sense to team up with my husband and complement his skillset. While he was responsible for the culinary concept, I managed our service staff and took responsibility for our PR and marketing efforts,” Aielli says. “I was blessed that I accidental-

Shelter in Naples. Every year, the couple

ways had a very clear understanding of our

ly was pushed in an industry where I was

hosts a Christmas lunch for Youth Haven’s

responsibilities and expertise,” she says. “As

able to utilize my strengths and evolve, not

charges at Barbatella, with Santa and gifts

you grow as a couple, you also learn from

only as a professional, but also as a person.

for the kids.

each other and know how to fill the gaps.

I honestly never thought of doing anything

“Our family not only takes pride in be-

else. The hospitality (business) allowed me

ing a part of the Naples community, but we

to follow my two passions: connecting with

also believe that it is our responsibility to

people and allowing me to be involved in

take action and give back to the people who

philanthropy.”

have been supporting us for so many years,”

“No matter what you do, if you want to

Aielli says. “They inspire and motivate us to

achieve great results in your career, you

be our best version.”

need to put in a lot of work, be open mind-

And Aielli is certainly involved in philanthropy. She and Fabrizio are heav-

Constant communication and the focus on a common goal is key.”

But for Ingrid, her work is a real labor of love—in more ways than one.

ily connected with the Naples Children

Of course, working so closely with your

ed and relentless,” she says. “This requires a

& Education Foundation and the Naples

husband can be challenging, but the Aiellis

lot of energy, which you can only put into

Winter Wine Festival, as well as many oth-

have their various responsibilities down pat.

something you are passionate about, some-

er local causes, such as the Youth Haven

“At times it can be challenging but we al-

thing you really love.”

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

something together. The regulars that have been with us a while like to know how far we’ve come,” Whyte says. Then she adds a little advice for budding entrepreneurs.

“I wouldn’t worry about starting small.

It keeps you nimble and helps you get your idea off the ground,” she says. “There’s opportunity everywhere. I look around now and I see opportunity everywhere. If you have something that you are passionate about, if you have something that can bring joy and help people, just go do it.”

Her own business acumen showed through during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whyte quickly adapted to continue operations and keep her team intact. Innovative strategies during COVID grew packaging by 81.5%, achieving overall growth, albeit small, when compared with 2019-2020 distribution. A sampling of her efforts includes shifting operations to to-go and expanding packaged products; diversifying with the launch of the area's first line of locally crafted spiked seltzer beverages; selling mer-

A Good Head on Her Shoulders

chandise and offering odd projects to boost staff income; and stopping her and her hus-

Jennifer Whyte doesn’t mind taking risks.

band's salaries to ensure staff continued to When her husband, Rob, had the idea of

ers,” the 44-year-old Jennifer Whyte says.

turning his homebrewing hobby into a

“And the people of Lee County have really

business, Jen had the entrepreneurial know-

embraced Fort Myers Brewing Company.”

receive health benefits.

They even kept up a brewing company tradition: an annual visit from Santa. This

how and pioneering spirit to create a busi-

It started off slowly but gained steam

ness plan and launch a new company. And

quickly. When they started, they had a cozy

in 2013, the Fort Myers Brewing Co., Lee

1,500-square-foot space. These days, they’ve

“I can’t overstate how proud a moment

County's first craft brewery and taproom,

graduated to 22,000 square feet, annually

that was, to see kids and adults starting

was born.

time, however, Santa was in a life-size snow globe. Customers loved it.

producing 16,000 to 17,000 barrels of brews

to act normal again,” Whyte says. “To me,

“I love our business. I love the people we

such as Gateway Gold, Chocolate Peanut

that’s what Fort Myers Brewing is about. It’s

get to be surrounded by every day. We have

Butter Porter, FML (Fort Myers Light) and

about bringing people together and bring-

great employees. We’ve made some really

Tamiami Tan.

ing joy to the community. That was my

good friends. And we have great custom-

“We were very scrappy. And we hobbled

6 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2

proudest professional moment.” gulfshorebusiness.com

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2022 Of Passion … and Purple Porsches You could say that Karen Mosteller, man-

low people to define their path to do what

band of 29 years, Chip. Most days, though,

aging partner at the accounting and con-

they want to do,” she says. “It’s never been

she’s always on the go, often visiting with

sulting firm of Markham Norton Mosteller

a job. It’s always been fun. It always was

clients. “I am one of those CPAs who can’t

Wright & Company, owes her career to a

a place that I looked forward to on Mon-

sit in the office,” she says.

purple Porsche.

days. It’s always been home.”

Mosteller has stayed passionate about

Did she ever get that Porsche?

her profession, and she advises future gen-

Back when Mosteller was in high school in

“I don’t drive a Porsche. I drive Mus-

erations of women in business to follow

Cape Coral and a member of Future Busi-

tangs,” says Mosteller, who is a certified

her lead. “Truly do what you are passionate

ness Leaders of America, Gail Markham,

health care business consultant, as well as a

about. Follow your passion and, at the end

the firm’s founding partner, came to speak

certified public accountant. “Mine is blue.

of the day, if you love it, you will end up

to students about IRAs. When the young

I have had four of them.”

where you want to be and on top,” she says.

Mosteller accompanied Markham to her

When she wants to relax and get away

“I’ve loved it and I’ve been passionate. I

car, she was hit with inspiration. “I walked

from it all, she goes RVing with her hus-

could never imagine doing anything else.”

her out to her car, and I saw that she had a purple Porsche,” Mosteller recalls. “I said, ‘Whoa, mama! I want to do what she does.’”

On a visit to the firm shortly thereafter, Markham hired Mosteller on the spot as an intern/file clerk. That was in 1986, and Mosteller has been there ever since.

It seems she always had her sights on her future role. “At 18, I told Gail I wanted to be partner,” Mosteller recalls saying to her mentor. “You know what? I guess I was so naïve. I am that type of person who if you tell me I can’t do something, then I go out and do it. The moment I opened my mouth and said this is what I wanted to do, Gail made a path for me so that I could do this.

Gail really gave me direction and advice.”

In fact, it’s what Mosteller describes as the family atmosphere at the firm—one of the largest in Southwest Florida, with offices in Fort Myers and Naples—that has kept her there for 36 years, she says. “I started when there were 13 of us, and now we have more than 50 people. We watch each other’s backs. We’re really like a family. We al-

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2022 The Internationalist Although her father was an accountant,

What’s it like going all virtual? “I love it.

she was one of 18 women professionals to

Marie Grasmeier never dreamed of be-

We’re much more efficient. We still have our

contribute to the national collaborative

coming a certified public accountant as

client contact. And it gives us more time,”

book project Wealth for Women: Con-

a kid. Nor a certified management ac-

Grasmeier says. “We’re always available. I

versations with the Team That Creates the

countant. Nor a chartered global manage-

think we are more responsive because we

Dream.

ment accountant. Now she’s all three (and

are virtual, as well.”

When she first opened her company in

Grasmeier practices what she preaches to

2009, she felt as if she was one of only a few

her clients. She personally invests and also

women running an accounting firm. But in

“I always thought I was going to be pre-

assists other investors in her role as manag-

the 13 years since then, a lot has changed.

med, and then I did an internship in a hos-

er of RealinFlorida, a consulting firm for

“Being virtual has helped more women

pital, and I didn’t like it,” says Grasmeier, the

international real estate investors that she

come into the business and be able to bal-

founder of Grasmeier Business Consulting.

co-founded with her husband John. And

ance their work and family life.”

trusts and estates practitioner, too).

“I just switched to the college of business.”

Now, Grasmeier specializes in assisting foreign investors with their U.S. tax and compliance needs and enjoys working with entrepreneurs through the entire lifecycle of a business, from startup to succession planning. While she provides tax planning, compliance and traditional accounting services, Grasmeier offers real estate investment services by specializing in the tax benefits and tax ramifications of real estate investing. “I knew that if I opened my own business, I could serve my clients better than I could at someone else’s firm,” she says. “It turned out to be true.”

Born in South Korea, raised in Sweden, educated right here in Florida and now living in Naples, Grasmeier has 1,500 or so clients from all over the world, many of whom are real estate investors with holdings in the state. But her client base isn’t the only thing that’s international about her business. Grasmeier manages and mentors team members in a 100% virtual and paperless environment and provides opportunities for accountants both locally and globally.

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

Community Minded Nancy Dauphinais, chief operating officer at the David Lawrence Center in Naples, has a strong sense of community, and it comes out in everything she does. Having worked at the nonprofit DLC, which provides mental health services to children and adults, for more than 16 years in a variety of jobs, Dauphinais has seen a lot of changes over time.

“One of the things that I enjoy about the David Lawrence Center is that we’ve been in the community for 50 years, and I want to see us continue to be the hub for mental health care over the next 50 years,” she says.

“I love being part of an organization that has a mission to save and change lives. Every day we get to help individuals who are really suffering. For other individuals who may not have severe symptoms, we’re able to improve their lives. It’s very rewarding.”

As COO, Dauphinais, herself a licensed mental health counselor, oversees all clinical programming at the center, which includes

Dauphinais also manages DLC's partner-

years. We’re really impacting the entire fam-

40 individual programs and 330 clinical and

ships with Collier County Public Schools,

ily. In delivering treatment for children, we

administrative staff. Unfortunately, since

Collier County Sheriff 's Office, the Collier

find that children can get better at a faster

the COVID-19 pandemic, DLC has seen an

County judiciary and dozens of local non-

rate than adults. Their brains are really re-

uptick in demand for the center’s services

profits. But one of the most rewarding as-

ceptive. That helps them to be very resilient

that mirrors state and national trends.

pects of her job is being able to make a dif-

and to recover well.”

“I think that we are seeing a dispro-

ference in the lives of children and families.

In fact, for Dauphinais, working at DLC

portionate demand for crisis services. We

“Working with children and families is

is the culmination of lifelong ambition to be

would prefer to see a greater demand in

really important and rewarding. The earlier

seeking outpatient services instead of a

we can intervene in mental health challeng-

“It’s been a passion for me. I wanted to

greater demand for inpatient and crisis ser-

es, the better we can impact the child and

make an impact on others’ lives. I always

vices,” she says. “At some times, we’ve seen

mitigate long-term effects. It’s a great invest-

wanted to do something in the helping sec-

upward of increases of 45%. That is consis-

ment in the future of the community,” she

tor, and I knew it would involve psychol-

tent with trends being seen in Florida and

says. “It’s been really rewarding for us to be

ogy,” she says. “Winding up at the David

across the country.”

able to grow our children’s services over the

Lawrence Center has been a blessing."

able to help those in need.

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

er in the digital marketing space nationally. That‘s where our greatest growth is, and that’s where we are hiring for most of our new roles.”

Just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Ramos-Williams had another one of those feelings. Something told her to forego the 6,500-square-foot office space the company was eyeing and eventually set up the firm so everyone could work remotely. It was no whim; she researched her options carefully. By September 2019 she was sure she was right. One month later, the company was transitioning staff to work remotely.

Within six months, the pandemic hit the United States. “What a blessing that was. I had many of my friends in business and at other agencies calling when that pandemic hit and were, honestly, a little panicked.

We just were blessed to be working that way when the pandemic hit,” she recalls.

At that time, the firm went into overdrive, checking on clients, reaching out to the most vulnerable ones, delaying billing and working to make sure none of them successfully weather the financial storm

would close their doors permanently. The

and aid them in getting back on their feet

company started a Facebook page and be-

When Connie Ramos-Williams is struck

once the economy rallied. It turns out she

gan broadcasting the SWFL Strong podcast

by intuition, you’d be well advised to

was right again, and CONRIC pr + mar-

to spread a message of solidarity through-

follow it.

keting was born. Ever since, the firm where

out the community. “We told them, ‘We’re

she’s the president and chief marketing offi-

all in this together, and as a company, we are

cer has been going strong.

going to support you as much as we can,’”

Connie Ramos-Williams’ Sixth Sense

Back in 1999, she was convinced that the region was ready for its own type of parenting

“I would say that the vision I had when

magazine, so she created Southwest Florida

we started was staying very true to being

Parent & Child. Well, she was right, and she

local and staying very true to creating mar-

by the pandemic herself. She contracted

eventually sold the successful publication to

keting. And there were a lot of businesses

COVID-19 in October 2020 and spent a

Gannett five years later.

she says. “It was wonderful to help others.”

Ramos-Williams

wasn’t

untouched

who needed extra help. We really want to

week in the hospital. Still, she remained

Then in 2007, during the height of a re-

see everybody succeed during a very diffi-

confident in herself and her firm. “Honestly,

cession, Ramos-Williams thought the time

cult time,” she says of CONRIC, which now

I don’t know what it was, I felt like we had

was right for a different kind of marketing

has offices in Fort Myers and Naples. “Our

a handle on it,” she says now. “I felt like we

firm, one that would help local businesses

vision for the company now is to be a lead-

could go through anything.”

6 8 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2

gulfshorebusiness.com

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2022 Banking in Her Blood If you ever needed proof that trail-blaz-

vasive species about five years ago. “Geoff

shy of $550 million in assets. “We nev-

ing local banker Robbie Roepstorff is

and I are real environmentalists, and if we

er wanted to come out big. We wanted

no pushover, you’d be wise to remember

don’t keep the animal population intact,

to stay a community bank and serve the

that she hunts pythons for fun.

we are really going to have issues.”

people of the area.”

Roepstorff ’s real claim to fame is

She and her husband of 29 years have

“Oh, my gosh. I didn’t intend to get into it,”

co-founding with her husband Edison Na-

banking in their blood. She serves as the

Roepstorff says with a laugh.

tional Bank, the oldest locally owned and

bank’s president, and Geoff serves as the

“My husband, Geoff, was gung-ho and

chartered community bank in Lee County,

CEO. They even met and married while

wanted to go. It was the last day of the

in 1997, and then the Bank of the Islands

working together at a bank. Now their

challenge, and it was Valentine’s Day. I

on Sanibel a year later.

focus is on providing the best services

said, ‘You are not going to go down there

“It’s been the best decision that we made

they can—always with a human touch—

by yourself,’” she explains about how she

in terms of our careers, let me tell you,”

to their local customers through their

first became involved in hunting the in-

she says of Edison, which now has just

four branches.

“I truly believe our customers know our mission, and they know they are going to get to talk to a person. We still don’t have voicemail on our phones,” Roepstorff says.

“You are always going to talk to a person when you call our bank. And you have the senior management right here making all the decisions.”

When it comes to the next generation of women entrepreneurs looking for their shot, she offers some advice that’s always worked well for her.

“You always, always want to balance family and career. Family is everything.

We always say God, family, business. That’s first. The second thing I would tell them is to observe and listen. Watch what is going on in front on you. And listen when someone is talking to you,” Roepstorff says.

“And the third thing I would tell them is you need HIT: honesty, integrity and trustworthy,” she adds. “If you can’t prove yourself in those three areas, it doesn’t matter how well you know your business, you won’t succeed.”

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

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2022 Days of Wine and Poses bottle purchased to a local nonprofit, with

el photography, and I take photos wherever I

Sarah Newcomb stays pretty busy hold-

customers able to pick their choice of three

travel. I have them up in The Wine Room, and

ing down three jobs.

local charities being highlighted at that time.

people can buy them right off the wall. I don’t

“They not only get the support, but it’s great

do as much of it now because I’m working so

She’s the sole owner and operator of The

advertising for them,” Newcomb says. “It gives

much. But, again, it’s one of my passions.”

Wine Room, a tasting room/retail establish-

me the chance to talk about these nonprofits

For others out there who’d like to turn

ment/event space in downtown Fort Myers

and make people aware of the organizations.”

their passions into businesses, her advice is

that she opened in 2020. She has her own

Newcomb’s photography business comes

simple. “Go for it,” Newcomb says. “I think

photography business, S. Newcomb Pho-

from an interest she developed for the artform

people get so nervous about what could hap-

tography, which she set up in 2016. She also

as a teen. “I love photography. I started doing

pen that they don’t take risks. We would nev-

works as administrative specialist at the Lee

photography in high school with film and

er get anywhere without taking a risk. Just

County Department of Transportation. And,

switched over to digital,” she says. “I love trav-

take the chance.”

she is pursuing an MBA in her spare time.

How does she do it all?

“I don’t sleep. I like to stay busy, and I like to be productive,” says Newcomb, who lives in Cape Coral. “Everything I do I am passionate about. That’s my personality.”

That’s a good thing because that passion helps to fuel her 14-hour workdays. And with The Wine Room growing in popularity, those days probably aren’t going to get a whole lot shorter. “I wanted my own brickand-mortar business that I loved and was passionate about,” Newcomb says of The Wine Room. “I could incorporate my passion for business and my love of the community. Well, I also have a passion for wine.

Why not combine all three?”

Although she opened during the COVID-19 pandemic, the business has been a resounding success, offering patrons wines from all over the country and around the world, including the specialty wines such as Cape Coral Cabernet, Caloosahatchee Chardonnay and Music Walk Merlot. “My first year in business was amazing,” she says. “Every dollar I had, I was able to dump back into the business.” Well, not every dollar. Newcomb donates 3% of every 7 0 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2

Playing for Keeps When Teri Hansen does something, she does it for keeps.

Her public relations firm, Priority Marketing in Fort Myers, celebrated its 30th year in business this past April. She’s also celebrating her 21st year cancer-free after being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2001.

And, just for good measure, this year is her 41st wedding anniversary.

“That is exactly right. I am a committed person. I think that really does describe me.

I am a person who is dedicated and committed,” says Hansen, a Fort Myers native. “I think that is why we are here 30 years later.”

Over the years, Priority Marketing, where Hansen is president and senior creative director, has won more than 150 awards for its work (with Hansen winning a slew of individual awards herself). The firm’s clients comprise a broad spectrum of industries, including hospitality and tourism, retail, health care, senior living, construction, legal, financial, government, education and locally owned businesses.

Aside from being one of the largest local

45 members strong, about 75% of them

with others, don’t be impatient as you

PR companies, Priority Marketing is also

women, with many of them being long-

build your career and don’t focus on fi-

Southwest Florida's premier agency for

standing employees. “My team here, we

nancial rewards.

nonprofits and actively represents dozens

are family. Every single day I receive en-

“Always consider opportunity over

of charitable organizations.

couragement and support in everything

money. Evaluate something based on the

“I am so grateful for the opportunity

that I do. I have employees that have been

opportunity it provides you, not what

of serving so many amazing clients and

here for 26 years, 20 years. I love them

it’s going to pay. Focusing on money is

businesses in this community and in

and care for them and we have all grown

short-sighted,” she says. “I would not

helping businesses grow and helping so

together,” she says. “I love watching them

trade a higher paying job for the oppor-

many nonprofits. That is the reward for

grow, supporting that growth. I am so

tunities that were afforded to me to be

me,” Hansen says. “I have never had a de-

proud of having a part in their lives. To

able to grow and to have exposure into

sire to do anything else. I love coming to

mentor them, coach them and advise

the community. I tell young people all the

work every day. I love this business. My

them, that is a huge reward, too.”

time, ‘Look at what is going to give the

passion hasn’t waned.”

Priority Marketing’s staff is more than

Hansen offers this advice for future entrepreneurs: Don’t compare yourself

most opportunity. Money follows you in your career.’”

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2 7 1

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W HO ’ S WHO I N C OM MERCIAL CONTRAC TO RS

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2 7 3

WHO’S WHO IN COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS

SPONSORED CONTENT

For over 35 years, PBS Contractors has been building better lives for our team, clients, and community, and we are always looking for great people to support our mission.

If you are looking for an atmosphere where team members are valued and respected for the skills they bring and the contribution they make, come join our team! If you are a client-focused, selfstarter hoping to join a team of like-minded professionals, then come build with us. If you like to work hard and want to give back to your community, then PBS Contractors wants you.

The PBS Way includes a set of 28 Fundamentals which are daily practices that make our unique culture come to life. These fundamentals set us apart from other contractors and help drive our extraordinary success.

Naples and all Southwest Florida will continue to grow, and PBS looks forward to being its Concierge Builder along the way. Whether it’s commercial projects like Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs, Bonita Springs Poker Room, or a custom luxury residential home, we are committed to excellence for our clients and our community. We welcome you to join our award-winning team on the journey.

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G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2 7 5

WHO’S WHO IN COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS

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Gary Griffin, B&I Contractors For over 60 years, B&I Contractors, Inc. has developed into Southwest Florida’s leading commercial and institutional mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractor—capable of handling the most challenging jobs and delivering on its promise of quality, innovation, and value. Embracing technology as the greatest change agent has driven the optimization of our communication tools and project management platforms, while specialized programs such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) have enabled us to enhance our manufacturing capabilities allowing us to automate more of the construction process.

B&I has been able to cultivate a strong customer base guided by our belief in relationships, not jobs. By nurturing and encouraging long-term relationships, we offer value that helps our customers’ businesses succeed. We also recognize that our employee-owners are our greatest asset. Providing training and a career path to reach personal and professional goals is key in our objective to bring all our current employees to their full potential.

Our mission would not be complete without giving back. Making an impact in the communities we serve, while engaging our employees in causes they really care about, is one of the best ways to strengthen our company culture and core values of Quality, Integrity, Teamwork and Safety.

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WHO’S WHO IN COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS

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The Evolution of Construction Delivery Methods Like all industries, change is coming to the construction industry. Historically, the upfront design process had oftentimes limited the involvement of the general contractor until after the building plans were complete at which time, they were then hard bid in the market.

Typically, a project was awarded to the lowest responsive bid and contracted under a Stipulated Sum. In many cases, the project owner was left to decipher proposals for accuracy and thoroughness while hoping that the plans and specifications accurately conveyed all requirements of the project.

We are seeing a shift to a more holistic approach from the inception of a project. Owners are engaging a qualified construction manager who assists throughout the design phase of the project and acts as the general contractor during construction. There is also a move to Cost-Plus Fee Contracts. Cost-Plus offers the appeal of “open-book” contracting and provides the opportunity to return all or part of the savings when the costs come

in below the guaranteed maximum price.

There is tremendous value of this upfront partnership among the owner, design consultants, and contractor teams in the overall project constructability, transparency, schedule and cost.

GCG Construction, Inc. has a tremendous amount of experience with the AIA Construction Manager as Constructor delivery method and has achieved great success with their clients. “GCG believes that upfront collaboration and transparency is critically important and is how we do business,” states Owner, Teely Byrd.

Their commitment to this philosophy has earned their company a preferred Construction Manager role among repeat national and local clients. This mentality paired with well-organized and innovative construction management systems and technology ensures that GCG will continue to be an industry leader in the everevolving construction industry.

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G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2022 7 7

WHO’S WHO IN COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS

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Throughout every project we complete, it is our desire to continually raise the bar for what clients should expect from the Construction Management Industry. This is reflected in the relentless service we provide our clients, which is rooted in our value proposition: SAFETY | We will be first amongst our peers in our commitment to creating safe working environments.

QUALITY | We will deliver the highest quality workmanship and overall product in our marketplace.

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This mentality has proven successful for our 40-year relationship with Florida SouthWestern State College. During that period, we have completed over 200 projects on FSW’s four campuses. We are extremely grateful for the partnership we have with FSW and look forward to continuing in the collaborative relationship we have cultivated.

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Unparalleled Customer Experience, On-Time, On-Budget, and Professional Service with a Personal Touch!

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G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2022 7 9

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ARCHITECTURAL FIRM GUIDE

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BSSW Architects Deliver World-Class Senior Living The need for senior living options continues growing with 95 million Americans predicted to be 65+ by 2060.

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With over four decades of hospitality design experience, BSSW Architects recognizes the importance of quality, security and peace of mind during one’s golden years. With extensive experience in senior facilities across a full continuum of care, BSSW integrates remarkable style with superior functionality. Moorings Park at Grande Lake in Naples, for example, is a BSSW-designed amenity and residence tower centered in a community of over 300 residential units that provide five-star living with high-end accommodations, upscale dining, entertainment and healthy living venues. Designed around a modern coastal theme with beautiful lake and golf course views, the project created an assortment of independent and assisted living options, as well as health and rehabilitative facilities.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

headquarters and many others. Stofft

at Stofft Cooney Architects and is the

Cooney Architects is a proud supporter

Head of Commercial Architecture in

and is committed to giving back to the

the Naples office. Renée has over three

community that has provided many

decades of experience developing a

opportunities for them. Stofft Cooney

variety of building types which include

Architects works and donates to several

an extensive list of institutional, com-

non-profits that support causes that are

mercial, and healthcare projects. Her

dear to the firm, such as:

passion for the profession shows in her

RENÉE ZEPEDA

leadership and creativity of the built

• STARability

environment focused on improving the

• Immokalee Foundation

lives of communities.

• Naples Senior Center

AIA, NCARB, LEED, AP

has allowed her to lead architectural

Renée’s knowledge and talented involvement at Stofft Cooney Architects projects such as the Naples Senior

• The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) • The Shelter for Abused Women and Children Naples

Center headquarters, as well as NCEF

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p_94 The business of beauty

2

B. BUSINESS 2 BUSINESS

H E A LT H C A R E

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

C O M M E R C I A L R E A L E STAT E

NEW & EXPANDING

 A G R I C U LT U R E

Fantastic Fungi

MAY 2022

GROWING GOURMET MUSHROOMS FOR LOCAL RESTAURANTS p_90

By Artis Henderson

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

Business 2 Business

M AY 2 0 2 2

H E A LT H C A R E

Taking a Stress Rest THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE

By Bill Wasinger

The same factors that are influencing the hospitality and service industries are making an impact on many other business sectors, as well. And although an employee’s stress and anxiety may be less noticeable in a work-from-home office or warehouse environment, it can still affect the bottom line. For most employers, mitigating those effects should start with learning more about—and understanding—stress and mental illness.

Though the pandemic may be slowly fading from view, em-

“Anxiety is a mental illness. [Mental ill-

ployers are still dealing with lingering effects such as the

ness] is not just bipolar disorder or schizo-

worker shortage, supply-chain issues and inflation. Howev-

phrenia. Depression, trauma, PTSD, ob-

er, for many businesses, employees’ mental wellbeing, and

sessive-compulsiveness; all these things

how it’s managed in the workplace, is having a more signifi-

are mental illnesses that fall under the

cant impact on operations than ever before.

umbrella of stress,” says Esther Mugom-

“A lot of restaurants are … wondering where they’re going

ba-Bird, a board-certified psychiatric

to find workers right now. The people that are working are

mental health nurse practitioner with

working hard,” says Kathy Stephan, operations manager for

NCH Physician Group—Center for Behav-

Hospitality Group Holdings, which operates several casual

ioral Health. “Be aware and understand

dining concepts in Cape Coral, including Fathoms Restau-

that mental illness exists and is affecting

rant & Bar, The French Press, Gather and Black Salt. “Most

your employees. What can you do to alle-

of the stress comes from the shortage of workers and put-

viate the stress as well as be available?”

that we do have.

While awareness of workplace stress and triggers is important, another signif-

“You really want to keep everybody in the right state of

icant element in improving mental well-

mind to make the wheels turn and everything work togeth-

being in the workplace is to understand

er,” she says. “Having an employee that’s stressed creates a

the stigma surrounding mental illness.

little bit more tension, and that can trickle down the line to

To overcome that stigma, Mugomba-Bird

the other employees. Once we see it, we say, ‘Why don’t you

said, employers also should try to be more

take this next day off?’”

engaged with their employees.

8 6 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2

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Gutter

ting more responsibility and more hours on the employees



MENTAL BREAK Staff shortages trigger workplace anxiety, which can affect the bottom line of a business.

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

Business 2 Business H E A LT H C A R E

“The biggest thing in mental health

mental health and engaging employ-

we’ve ever been in our lives. We’re not

is that lack of support. Inclusion is very

ees to acknowledge their mental well-

open on Mondays at all now because of

important. People like to be listened

being are ideal first steps, Mugom-

the shortage of staff and not wanting to

to. Ask people, ‘What are you going

ba-Bird said. But whether the triggers

overwork our workers,” Stephan says.

through? Let me understand.’ Allow

are in the workplace or elsewhere,

“I find myself on the floor and at the

that person to openly talk to you with-

actively looking for signs of employees

front of the house checking in on my

out feeling all the repercussions,” she

struggling with their mental health,

staff all the time. It’s just listening to

says. “We need to talk about [mental

and taking action to help those work-

your staff and making sure that they’re

health]. We need to acknowledge it as

ers, is hugely important as well. It’s a

in a good state of mind. It’s better to

just another illness … just as we look at

lesson that Kathy Stephan has taken

kind of face it head-on and recognize

any other condition when somebody

to heart.

that maybe these people just need a

has high blood pressure or diabetes.”

Moving beyond the stigma around

“Shortage of staff is probably our

tiny bit of a reprieve … to give them a

main trigger and … we’re busier than

little bit of a mental break.”

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

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Southwest Florida’s nonprofits and their important missions.

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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S BEST VIEW OF BUSINESS

Business 2 Business A G R I C U LT U R E

M AY 2 0 2 2

By Artis Henderson

Fantastic Fungi It’s harvesting day at Care 2 Grow farm, the

His farm has two climate-controlled ship-

2.5-acre property in Golden Gate Estates

ping containers, plus a 48-foot tractor trailer.

where Russell Hollander grows gourmet

“My footprint to produce what I produce is

mushrooms for the local wholesale and re-

small compared to other crops,” he says. “It’s

tail market. Inside a refrigerated shipping

very efficient.”

container whose atmosphere feels like a cool,

He grows between 120 and 200 pounds of

damp forest, Hollander, 41, is dressed in a pair

mushrooms each week, but he could sell five

of blue jeans and a T-shirt with a picture of a

times as much. In the next few years, he plans

mushroom on it. “Trust me,” the shirt says,

to up his yield to 1,000 pounds a week. The

“I have good morels.” He walks down the

market can bear it. His only limiting factor

line, naming the mushrooms he grows: lion’s

right now is time. “We don’t have any chairs

mane, golden oyster, black pearl king oyster,

here,” he says, gesturing around the farm.

hen-of-the-woods, shiitake. He talks about

“Nobody has time to sit down.”

fungi with the kind of knowledge and enthu-

Despite the challenges of the pandemic over

siasm that would put most Ph.D. holders to

the last two years—especially to the restau-

shame. “Fungi are part of the soil, they’re part

rant industry—Hollander has maintained a

of us and they’re an amazing, amazing part of

steady business. He sells his gourmet mush-

our health,” he says.

rooms to local restaurants in bulk. Though

Since the documentary Fantastic Fun-

he takes orders for specific fungi, most of his

gi came out in 2019, mushrooms have been

chef clientele prefer a mixed box—a pound

having a moment. Consumers have become

of whatever mushrooms Hollander has har-

more and more interested in the health and

vested that week. “Chefs like to be creative,”

culinary benefits of fungi, and enthusiastic

he says. “They enjoy the challenge of some-

mycologists such as Hollander are produc-

thing new.”

ing a ready supply. Originally a carpenter by

When he sends over a mushroom they

trade, Hollander started growing mushrooms

haven’t tried before, they’ll ask him how to

casually in 2015. “That’s when I kind of fell in

prepare it. Then they’ll test-run the ingre-

love with fungus,” he says. He started growing

dient in a new dish and see how well the dish

them more seriously in 2019, and launched

sells. From there, they’ll adjust their future

his business in 2020.

orders accordingly.

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

Brian Tietz

RUSSELL HOLLANDER GROWS GOURMET MUSHROOMS FOR LOCAL RESTAURANTS



NATURAL ENTHUSIASM Despite the pandemic, Russell Hollander has maintained a steady business growing gourmet mushrooms to sell in bulk to area restaurants.

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

Business 2 Business A G R I C U LT U R E



GROWING BUSINESS

Care 2 Grow, a small mushroom farm in Golden Gate Estates, plans to significantly increase its yield in the next few years.

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

gulfshorebusiness.com

Hollander’s client list reads like a who’s-who of the local farm-to-table scene—Organically Twisted, Nosh, The Local, Inyoni Farms, The Claw Bar, Cafe Nutrients, Rosy Tomorrows, The 239. He also sells direct to consumers once a week at the Third Street South Farmers Market. The business-to-business experience is more natural for him, he says. “The chefs already know me, and they know they want my mushrooms. The farmers market gives me more exposure, but I have to be a salesman.”

He might be hesitant with sales, but Hollander’s natural enthusiasm for his produce is contagious.

Inside the converted trailer, he inspects the different mushrooms in various stages of development.

In addition to the fungi destined to be stirred into risotto or folded into ravioli, he also grows medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, a flat, coppery-brown mushroom used in traditional Eastern medicine to boost the immune system. Hollander creates a powder from it that can be served in medicinal teas. The powder, plus tinctures he makes from other mushrooms, is one way he manages the highly variable nature of his industry. “It’s farming,” he explains, “so I don’t have a guaranteed harvest. And mushrooms are super perishable.”

He’s had to figure out how to balance sudden bumper crops against unexpected setbacks. A recent problem with his sterilization machine, for example, cost him $5,000. Plus, he has to adjust to the seasonal restaurant demands of Southwest Florida. Tinctures and powders, which keep better and store longer than fresh mushrooms, are just one way he’s devel-

Brian Tietz

oped to counteract these problems.

But for Hollander, the motivations behind his business aren’t simply financial. “I do this because I love it,” he says. “Mushrooms are not only delicious, but they’re a functional food. And the connections they form feeding our human community run even deeper.”

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2 9 3

Business 2 Business

M AY 2 0 2 2

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

By Artis Henderson

The Business of Beauty KIRAN GILL RUNS SWFL’S ONLY FEMALE-OWNED BOUTIQUE PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER When Dr. Kiran Gill left an established plastic surgery office to launch her own boutique practice, she took what she calls “a leap of faith.” That was in 2018, and in four years she hasn’t regretted the decision. “I love being my own boss,” she says. “It’s hard work for anybody to own their own business, but it’s awesome.”

Like many women—especially women entrepreneurs—Gill occupies multiple roles as she moves throughout her day. She’s a surgeon, helping her patients achieve their aesthetic goals. She’s the owner of a busy medical practice, which takes time outside her clinical duties. And at home she’s a wife and mother, which she calls “a full-time job, despite the great help my husband gives me.”

Still, she’s able to laugh at life’s impossible moments, like when her son asked why his school art project wasn’t spectacular. “Everyone else’s pumpkin was 3-D,” he said. “All we did was paint it.” In times such as these, Gill reaches out to her own mother, also a physician. Her mother just gives her a wry smile. “Now you know how I felt,” she says. Even with superhuman abil-

I’m never comfortable sitting still.”

9 4 G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2

Erik Kellar

she’s giving it her best shot. “It’s a lot of juggling, but

Reagan Rule

ities, Gill admits that no one can do everything … but

gulfshorebusiness.com



WORK-LIFE JUGGLING Dr. Kiran Gill wears multiple hats daily as a surgeon, medical practice owner, wife and mother.

HOT TIP: EMPHASIS ON BRANDING “You need to establish yourself and who you are as a brand,” Dr. Gill advises other entrepreneurs. “Then you need to be consistent with it.” That’s one of the biggest reasons she’s leaning into a boutique feel with her beauty institute. “We want our patients to have a personal experience with everyone they meet, from the top down.” She stays on-point with this brand image in everything she does, from the name of her clinic to the way she remembers her patients’ names to whom she hires to work the front desk.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2 9 5

Business 2 Business ENTREPRENEURSHIP



OFFICE EXPANSION Reagan Rule

Dr. Kiran Gill, owner of Naples Aesthetic Institute Boutique Plastic Surgery and Skin Spa, brings a special skillset to her practice.

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

gulfshorebusiness.com

Nationally Recognized.

Locally Invested.

Since 1868.

Since launching her boutique surgery practice in 2018, Gill has

Business | Wealth Management | Personal

expanded her office, adding two more surgeons to her roster. She’s changed the name of her business from Aesthetics in Plastic Surgery

by Kiran Gill to the Naples Aes-

busey.com/wealthmanagement

thetic Institute Boutique Plastic Surgery and Skin Spa. And last year, she launched her own medical-grade skincare line.

As a woman who owns a business in aesthetics, Gill brings a special skillset to her practice. Most of her client base is female, and she can relate to their concerns around their changing and evolving bodies. “I’m growing with my patients,” she says, “and there are things I intimately understand”— such as having children and what it does to the female body. “I used to be a Division I athlete. Then I had three kids.” She confides, “I’ve had a tummy tuck. I know what it did for me and how it made me feel.” She shares this knowledge with the women who come to her practice, and her vulnerability and honesty ultimately make her a stronger businesswoman.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2 9 7

Business 2 Business

M AY 2 0 2 2

COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

By Adam Regan

Cook Legacy LLC purchased a freestanding office/warehouse building at 6201 Lee Ann Lane in North Naples from Interface Collaborative Group LLC for $2,627,760. Gary Tasman and Shawn Stoneburner of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida represented the seller.

939 2nd Ave. N. LLC purchased 3,600 square feet of retail space at 939 Second Ave. N. in Naples from M & M Enterprises Inc. for $1.85 million. David J. Stevens, CCIM, of Investment Properties  Meadowcreek Mobile Park Inc. and Napco Construction Co. purchased a 65,000-squarefoot office property at 2675 Winkler Ave. in Fort Myers from DKM Property Holdings LLC for $8.9 million. George Vukobratovich and Jim Doane with Welsh Companies FL Inc. represented the seller, and Adam Palmer with LandQwest Commercial represented the buyer.

Corp. represented the seller, and

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

Barron Collier Partnership LLLP

1406 LLC purchased 3,380 square

bought 3.828 acres of vacant land

feet of warehouse condo space

COLLIER COUNTY

Patrick Fraley, CCIM, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the buyer.

Vicki Lee Aman Family Trust

Naples Owner LLC purchased

at 2096 Tamiami Trail E. in East

in the Enterprise Design Center

and Twin Oaks LLC purchased a

15.08 acres at 4670 Santa Bar-

Naples from Southern Corner-

East project, 3573 Enterprise Ave.,

4,964-square-foot commercial/

bara Blvd. in Naples from Strohl

stone Properties Inc., Gingercrest

Suites 64, 65, 86 and 87, in East

retail property at 122 Nesbit

Family LLC for $10.5 million. Bill

Inc. and Racetrac Inc. for $5.85

Naples from 3573 Enterprise LLC

St. in Punta Gorda from RJA for

Young and Biagio Bernardo of Lee

million. Craig D. Timmins of

for $825,000. Eric Edwards of Land-

$1,194,000. Justin Thibaut, CCIM,

& Associates Naples-Fort Myers

Investment Properties Corp. rep-

Qwest Commercial represented the

and Christi Pritchett of LSI Com-

represented the buyer and seller.

resented the seller, and David J.

buyer and seller.

panies Inc. represented the buyer

Stevens of Investment Properties

and seller.

Corp. represented the buyer.

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

gulfshorebusiness.com

LEE COUNTY Southern Exposure Studios LLC

Cubazul Travel Services Inc. pur-

LM Bruner Lane LLC purchased

Bonita Beach Road Ventures

purchased 2,508 square feet of

chased 0.42 acres of vacant land

2316 Bruner Lane in Fort Myers

LLC purchased 1.5 acres at 4750

commercial space at 5405 Taylor

at 2100, 2110 and 2120 Santa

from 7050 Pennsylvania LLC for

Bonita Beach Road in Bonita

Road, Suite 2, in North Naples

Barbara Blvd. in East Naples from

$2,979,000. Gary Tasman and

Springs from Quinn Ruelle for

from Mitchell H. Fogelman for

Joseph Mianecki and Dolores

Gretchen Smith of Cushman &

$2.1 million. Thomas Webb,

$650,000. Christine McManus,

Mianecki for $360,000. Christine

Wakefield Commercial Property

CCIM, MSRE, of Lee & Associates

CCIM, SIOR, of Investment Prop-

McManus, CCIM, SIOR, of Invest-

Southwest Florida represented

Naples-Fort Myers represented

erties Corp. represented the buyer

ment Properties Corp. represent-

the buyer.

the buyer and seller.

and seller.

ed the buyer and seller.

Matthew and Jodi Martell purchased a 10.15-acre

 DH Squared Properties LLC purchased 4,600 square feet of office space at 775 First Ave. N. in Naples from Women’s Healthcare Physicians Properties LLC for $3.15 million. Patrick Fraley, CCIM, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the buyer, and Dennis Bowers of Compass Florida LLC represented the seller.

agricultural property and a 3,608-square-foot estate home at 19500 Armeda Road in Alva from Latt and Deana E. Armeda for $899,999. Justin Thibaut, CCIM, and Christi Pritchett of LSI Companies Inc. represented the buyer and seller.

BWP Holdings Group LLC purchased 5,176 square feet of commercial space at 17520 Rockefeller Circle in Fort Myers from Tempo El. Calvario for $815,000. Chloe Maros with Select Real Estate represented the buyer and seller.

Playful Pooch Ranch LLC purchased 8951 Nalle Grade Road in North Fort Myers from Michael L. Ball and Gayle M. Jones for $798,000. Gary Tasman and Gretchen Smith of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida represented the buyer.

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

Business 2 Business

M AY 2 0 2 2

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

By Adam Regan

COLLIER COUNTY JFT Flooring and Handyman

Gilgan Family Holdings leased

space at 3200 Bailey Lane, Unit

Drive, Suite 1, in North Naples

Services Inc. leased 7,500 square

a 4,500-square-foot industrial

117, in North Naples from South

from Tamiami Newgate Ltd. Matt

feet in Lakewood Plaza, 4221

space in Collier Park of Com-

Florida Growers Association

Stepan, CCIM, and Jeffrey Clapper

Tamiami Trail E., Unit 104, in East

merce, 2960 Horseshoe Drive S.,

Inc. Gary Tasman of Cushman &

of Premier Commercial Inc. repre-

Naples from Kendall Perrine LLC.

Units 400-600, in East Naples

Wakefield Commercial Property

sented the lessee, and Tara Stokes

Thomas Webb, CCIM, MSRE, and

from Helios Colliers LLC. Dave

Southwest Florida represented

of Investment Properties Corp.

Michael Mahan of Lee & Associ-

Wallace, CCIM, SIOR, and David

the lessor and lessee.

represented the lessor.

ates Naples-Fort Myers repre-

Wallace of CRE Consultants rep-

sented the lessor and lessee.

resented the lessor and lessee.

Thesen Asian Bistro leased

Results Care LLC leased a

2,978 square feet of retail

1,600-square-foot retail space in

Suncoast Dental Center renewed

space in Restaurant Row, 6821

Heron Place, 4184 Tamiami Trail

4,862-square-foot industrial

its lease on a 4,500-square-foot

Collier Blvd., in East Naples from

N., in Naples from Heron Plaza LLC.

space in Collier Park of Com-

office space at 13040 Livingston

Advanced Southwest Group LLC.

Fred Kermani, CCIM, AIA, of CRE

merce, 2975 Horseshoe Drive

Road, Unit 3, in North Naples from

Mike Concilla and Laura Cari of

Consultants represented the lessor

S., Unit 700, in East Naples from

Livingston and Pine Ridge LLC.

LandQwest Commercial repre-

and lessee.

Helios Colliers LLC. Dave Wallace,

Eric Edwards of LandQwest Com-

sented the lessor and lessee.

CCIM, SIOR, and David Wallace of

mercial represented the lessee.

ARQAI LLC leased a

Distinctive Residential Construc-

1,456-square-foot office space in

Just Like Family Home Care LLC

tion PLLC leased a 1,625-square-

Collier Park of Commerce, 3050

leased 3,114 square feet of office

foot space at 5137 Castello

Horseshoe Drive N., Suite 100A, in

CRE Consultants represented the lessor and lessee.

CNI Consulting Inc. leased a

East Naples from Helios Colliers  GTS Group US LLC leased 1,010 square feet of office space at 5150 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 206, in Naples from Tamiami Newgate Ltd. Tara L. Stokes of Investment Properties Corp. represented the lessor, and Thomas Webb of Lee & Associates represented the lessee.

LLC. Dave Wallace, CCIM, SIOR, and David Wallace of CRE Consultants represented the lessor and lessee.

Acopio International LLC dba Acopio Coffee leased 1,356 square feet of retail space at 5100 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 100, in Naples from Tamiami Newgate Ltd. Tara L. Stokes of Investment Properties Corp. represented the lessor, and Felipe Arcila of Kova Commercial represented the lessee.

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

gulfshorebusiness.com

JP Morgan Chase Bank National Association leased a 1,986-square-foot office in Renaissance Center, 9530 Marketplace Road, Suite 210, in Fort Myers from Brookwood SFL LLC. Randal Mercer of CRE Consultants represented the lessor and lessee.

 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Financing LLC leased a 10,414-square-foot office space at 7811 University Pointe Drive in Fort Myers from CDW 7811 University Pointe Drive LLC. Randal Mercer of CRE Consultants represented the lessor, and Brad Knop of JLL represented the lessee.

Trusted Insurance Agency Inc. leased 1,765 square feet of office space at 8260 College Parkway, Unit 204, in Fort Myers from

LEE COUNTY

Fountain Court Ltd. Gretchen Smith and Hanna Ray of Cushman

Aramark Uniform & Career

West Coast Properties LLC. Gary

Commercial represented the

& Wakefield Commercial Property

Apparel LLC leased 10,000 square

Tasman and Gretchen Smith of

lessor and lessee.

Southwest Florida represented

feet of industrial space at 5421

Cushman & Wakefield Commer-

Division Drive in Fort Myers from

cial Property Southwest Florida

CMG Mortgage Inc. leased a

CDW 5421 Division Drive LLC. Gary

represented the lessor.

2,019-square-foot space at The

Mentus Behavioral Health LLC

Offices at Coconut Point, 23190

leased 1,729 square feet of

Tasman and Shawn Stoneburn-

the lessee.

er of Cushman & Wakefield

AeroCare Holdings LLC leased

Fashion Drive, Suite 215, in Estero

office space at 12651 McGregor

Commercial Property Southwest

a 4,000-square-foot office in

from Chuck and Buffet LLC. Matt

Blvd., Unit 3-301, in Fort Myers

Florida represented the lessee.

Metro Commerce Center, 11270

Stepan, CCIM, and Jeffrey Clapper

from Gulf Stream West LLC. Gary

Metro Parkway, Units 6 and 7, in

of Premier Commercial Inc. repre-

Tasman and Gretchen Smith of

BX Fort Myers LLC leased a

Fort Myers from Metro Commerce

sented the lessor, and Kevin Her-

Cushman & Wakefield Commer-

7,408-square-foot, two-building

Center LLC. Randal Mercer of

man of Herman Commercial Real

cial Property Southwest Florida

car dealership at 3388 Fowler St.

CRE Consultants represented the

Estate represented the lessee.

represented the lessor.

and 2451 Hunter St. in Fort Myers

lessor and lessee.

from Ideal Florida Auto Holdings

Core Cleaning Services Inc.

Jersey Mike’s leased 1,600

LLC. Fred Kermani, CCIM, AIA, of

First Presbyterian Church of

leased a 2,000-square-foot

square feet of retail space in

CRE Consultants represented the

Bonita Springs Inc. leased a

office in Metro Commerce

Pine Island Crossing, 1751 NE

lessor and lessee.

2,469-square-foot space at Por-

Center. 11270 Metro Parkway,

Pine Island Road, in Cape Coral

ter Building, 9696 Bonita Beach

Unit 4, in Fort Myers from Metro

from Pine Island Crossing LLC.

Alliant Insurance Services Inc.

Road, Suite 203, in Bonita Springs

Commerce Center LLC. Randal

Bob Pekol of LandQwest Com-

leased 4,084 square feet of office

from Porter Group Limited

Mercer of CRE Consultants rep-

mercial represented the lessor

space at 1520 Royal Palm Square

Partnership. Matt Stepan, CCIM,

resented the lessor and lessee.

and lessee.

Blvd., Unit 160, in Fort Myers from

and Jeffrey Clapper of Premier

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

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

Power Isn’t Everything X4 DOESN’T MARK THE SPOT p_104

By James Raia

AfterHours HORSEPOWER

Power Isn’t Everything X4 DOESN’T MARK THE SPOT FOR BMW ENTHUSIASTS The 2022 BMW X4 M and the more powerful X4 M Competition are siblings among a handful of vehicles competing in the high-performance sport utility vehicle niche. It’s a difficult automotive segment to fathom. What’s the purpose of a family-oriented vehicle with 503 horsepower and acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds? Is there a racetrack SUV series? Is there a need for such speed en route to soccer practice, the grocery store or a weekend getaway?

Apparently, more means better. The updated BMW X4 M is the most expensive choice in the 2022 field that includes its sibling the BMW X3, Genesis GV70, Mercedes-AMG GLC43 or GLC63, Porsche Macan and Volvo XC60.

The new model features several exterior upgrades, including a revamped front bumper, headlights and taillights. The rear is also redesigned with full-LED taillights, a sport-oriented exhaust trim, horizontal turn signal bars and vertical air intakes.

As the priciest vehicle in its class, the BMW X4 M features a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Competition trim pushes the centerpiece of the higher-performance option to 503 horsepower. It also features a heated steering wheel, front and rear heated seats, parking assist,

M AY 2 0 2 2

By James Raia

FACTS & FIGURES Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 3.3 seconds Airbags: 6 Fuel economy: 15 mpg city, 20 mpg hwy Horsepower: 503 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $74,395 Manufacturer’s website: bmwusa.com Price As Tested: $90,645 Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 4 years/50,000 miles; Corrosion, 12 years/ Unlimited Mileage; Complimentary Maintenance, 3 years/36,000 miles

head-up display, gesture control and a rearview camera.

The head-up display projects “deep” into the front window as if it’s a 3D view.

It’s an eye-pleasing view, a keener perspective than many head-up screens.

Technology is further impressive with the standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. All models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Wi-Fi hotspot and a wireless smartphone charging pad are featured in the optional Executive Package. A Harman/Kardon 16-speaker stereo is standard.

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

gulfshorebusiness.com

Open-road, high-speed driving has

Seating is satisfactory for four

With its substantial starting price,

long been a BMW forte, and the X4

adults, tight for the advertised five

the $7,000 Competition Package

M adheres to the carmaker’s repu-

passengers. Part of the BMW’s at-

addition, $4,500 add-on for the po-

tation. It’s a freeway beast, maneu-

tractiveness is its sloping roofline—it

larizing Malachite Green Metallic

vering through traffic with authority.

doesn’t reduce interior headroom,

exterior paint and $2,250 for the

But true to the German automaker’s

but the configuration of the front and

Executive Package, the new X4 M ad-

tradition, the ride is somewhat stiff

back seats and the vehicle’s head-

vances to more than $90,000.

and every bump is felt, notably for

rests presents a problem. While they

If driving were limited to high-

backseat occupants.

are adjustable, the headrests in their

speed travel on the German Auto-

Despite its power, the X4’s driving

standard position appreciably ham-

 bahn and similar transportation

traits are hampered by an awkward

per the view through the X4’s small

TITLE GOES wonders, the BMW X4 would rule

shifter. It’s difficult to switch driv-

oval rear window.

HERE AND HERE the road and its price could be jusOther info goes here

ing modes from automatic shift-

While made with top-line leather

tified. But real-life motoring is far

ing to using the small red “paddle”

and configurable in numerous set-

shifter buttons tucked behind the

tings, the front seats are stiff, with

more complicated.

What the luxury, here.

steering wheel.

odd design curves.

and here and here and

sporty SUV reveals is that performance is sometimes overrated.

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2 1 0 5

AfterHours

M AY 2 0 2 2

FITNESS

By James Raia

Joy on the Links GOLF LESSONS TO GET OUT ON THE GREENS Southwest Florida is often called the Golf Capital of the World. It’s a worthy moniker considering the area’s more than 150 golf courses have more golf holes per capita than anywhere else in the United States. A hearty percentage of the 1.3 million locals are golfers, who get to choose their preference from lake courses with island holes to natural landscape layouts with varied trees, grasses and wetlands. The names are as varied as the properties—Old Corkscrew in Estero to Treviso Bay in Naples.

As much as golf has grown, there must be area residents, youth and adults, who don’t play the game or haven’t for a long time. How and where do they start? It ain’t easy. Ben Hogan, the 64-time PGA Tour winner who died in 1997 at age 84, was considered among the best ball-strikers in the history of golf and most meticulous students of the game. He was renowned for his poignant quotes.

“I don’t believe there is anything like a natural golf swing,” Hogan once said. “A golf swing is an unnatural thing, and it has to be developed.”

Plenty of instructors know the game well, and they know how to teach it. Bobby Clampett, co-founder and CEO of Impact Zone Golf in Naples, succinctly states golf’s major issue, a stumbling block to many considering the game. “The



reality is that the game is too hard,” says Clam-

DRIVING SCHOOL

pett, a former PGA Tour and PGA Tour Cham-

A golfer practices at West Bay Golf Club in Estero (above).

pions player. “What I’ve really noticed is that

Bobby Clampett of Naples’ Impact Zone Golf tees off (top).

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

gulfshorebusiness.com

SWING TIME 10 FACILITIES IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA THAT OFFER GOLF LESSONS

Andy Scott School of Golf 12300 Kelly Greens Blvd., Fort Myers; 239.699.3985; andyscottschoolofgolf.com Durland Golf School

durlandgolf.com

2464 Vanderbilt Beach Road

1040 Collier Center Way #13, Naples; 239.236.5536;

ing into the grocery store pull-

believes in the Doppler radar

ing items off the shelf thinking

monitoring system, which mea-

[that] without a recipe, they’re

sures every aspect of a student’s

going to create a great meal.”

movement. It’s data-driven, not

students of varying abilities. Fit-

behind a golfer and records data

ness and biomechanics instruc-

and graphics for the student and

239.849.3352;

tion to improve body function

instructor to analyze.

golfdoctorusa.com

and swing performance are keys.

Jeremy Wells, director of play-

23001 Coconut Point Resort Drive, Bonita Springs;

Swing analysis, properly fitting

er development at Cypress Lake

Raptor Bay Golf Club

clubs and video footage are also

Golf Club in Fort Myers, gives golf

23001 Coconut Point

common in teaching golf.

lessons to players of all ages and

GolfTec brings golf to newbies

abilities. He utilizes bio-mechan-

with an introductory session.

ics to evaluate a student’s game

It includes swing evaluation or

explains and cause and effect re-

club fitting and determining a

lationship in swings. Wells knows

new student’s level, including

of what he teaches; he’s a former

newcomers. It’s “your first step

full-time touring pro with several

to better golf,” states the website

victories on his resume and still

tee2greengolfservices.com

of the company with locations in

competes when he’s not teaching.

Naples and Fort Myers, as well

At Raptor Bay Golf Academy

West Bay Golf Club

as throughout the United States

in Bonita Springs, Chris Pais, di-

4606 West Bay Blvd., Estero;

and five other countries. Pricing

rector of instruction and PGA

239.444.2310;

for its one-on-one golf lessons

teaching professional, stresses

westbayclubs.com

239.390.4600; raptorbaygolfclub.com Tee 2 Green Golf Services Blvd., Suite #236, Bonita Springs; 239. 877.1544;

impactzonegolf.com Jeremy Wells Golf Instruction

of Katie Detlefsen Dahl, who

of a laptop, the device is set up

27499 Riverview Center Impact Zone Golf

academy is under the direction

issues. They’re like a person go-

in Southwest Florida, instructs

#510, Naples; 239.514.4653; golftec.com

how to assess and correct their

video reliant. Roughly the size

Resort Drive, Bonita Springs; GolfTec

learn or better their games. The

Clampett’s business, like others

Mike Calbot International Golf Academy

7335 Premier Drive, Naples; 239.784.2208;

the average golfer doesn’t know

for juniors and adults varies by

golf lessons as “better golf and

Myers; 804.931.6299;

location, with recommendations

more fun.” It offers individual and

jeremywellsgolf.com

based on a student’s skill level and

group lessons and varies from ju-

goals. GolfTec instructors are cer-

nior golf to corporate clinics. Vid-

tified personal coaches with ex-

eo and written lesson summaries

pertise in golf mechanic analysis.

are included, and long- and short-

West Bay Golf Academy in Es-

game techniques are emphasized

239.272.9631;

tero utilizes TrackMan technol-

in lessons that include TrackMan

sowerwinegolf.com

ogy and video feedback to help

and several additional modern

new and experienced golfers

technologies.

6767 Winkler Road, Fort

Jim Sowerwine Golf Instruction 4450 Pelican’s Nest Drive, Bonita Springs;

G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2 1 0 7

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

M AY 2 0 2 2

By Artis Henderson

Changes in Latitude WELL-HEELED BOCA GRANDE IS BIG ON CHARM AND SHORT ON PRETENSION It’s no surprise that posh yet understated Boca Grande has been attracting members of the glitterati for decades. The Bushes were known to vacation here, and so was Katharine Hepburn. Tucker Carlson, Tom Brokaw and Harrison Ford have all been spotted on its pedestrian-friendly streets. But unlike other Florida enclaves for the wealthy and famous, Boca Grande is free of strut.

Flip-flops are the footwear of choice. A pair of Wayfarers is practically mandatory. The draw here is exactly the kind of laidback Florida charm that has been bringing visitors to the Gulfshore for more than a century.

WORLD-CLASS SPORT FISHING The tiny fishing village of Boca Grande stepped onto the national stage in the late 1800s when upper crust gentlemen discovered that the Boca Grande Pass offers some of the finest sport fishing in the world. Wealthy sportsmen from the United States and Great Britain made their way to the barrier island, intent on fishing for the mighty tarpon, a top-notch game fish.

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

gulfshorebusiness.com

Today, Boca Grande Pass still offers some of the best sport fishing around.

Capt. Chris Slattery of Reel Intense Inshore Charters (5800 Gasparilla Road, 941.468.1618,

reelintenseinshore.

com) has a reputation as an elite sport fisherman and guide. He’s won several local fishing tournaments, and his charters regularly reel in 100-pound tarpon. Capt. Andrew Herzog at Big Bully Fishing (6499 Gasparilla Road, 941.661.0304,

bigbullyfishing.com)

also takes his charters to just the right spot. His knowledge of local fishing is vast, and he works closely with NOAA and FWC. A NIGHT IN THE SOCIAL REGISTER For a weekend trip to Boca Grande, a stay at the Gasparilla Inn (500 Palm Ave., 800.996.1913, the-gasparilla-inn. com) is a must. The original hotel 

was built in 1911. It began as a modest

GULF GETAWAY

structure, but was soon expanded to

Boca Grande in Southwest Florida has been providing visitors

become a world-class resort, adding

with laidback charm for more than a century.

on a beach club, a golf course, tennis G U L F S H O R E B U S I N E S S M AY 2 0 2 2 1 0 9

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



OFF THE BEACH For a weekend trip to Boca Grande, a stay at the Gasparilla Inn (above) is a must. Grab a bite to eat at The Pink (right).

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

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courts and a croquet lawn. Today, the 137-room grande dame offers guest rooms, cottages and villas outfitted with tasteful tropical décor. Take note: The inn’s dining room has a formal dress code during the winter months from December to April. Jackets are required for dinner, though ties are optional.

CATCH A BITE Like many Florida vacation spots— even the well-heeled ones—eating out is mostly a casual affair in Boca Grande. For an easy breakfast or lunch option, visit the Loose Caboose (433 4th St. West, 941.964.0440, loosecaboose.biz). Located in the historic train depot, the Caboose is a local institution. Don’t miss Tuesday’s meatloaf night.

The Pink Elephant (491 Bayou Ave., 941.964.4540, the-gasparilla-inn.com) is known affectionately around town as The Pink. It features popular sandwiches on its lunch menu and a seafood-focused dinner menu. Explore the pink-themed cocktail list with its fresh and fun concoctions, and especially try the Spicy Elephant, which has jalapeno tequila, triple sec, watermelon puree and fresh lime juice. With the Gasparilla Inn just a short walk away, it’s OK to indulge.

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

AfterHours

M AY 2 0 2 2

UNWIND

By Justin Paprocki

Stretched Out on the Sand FIND YOUR BLISS WITH BEACH YOGA Close your eyes and imagine you are heading into a downward dog pose, the sounds of waves against the shore filling your ears and the morning sun warming your skin.

Now, open your eyes and stop imagining. You can actually make it happen.

Year-rounders sometimes take the beach for granted. It can be a

Bonita Springs

Marco Island

hassle to get to and is frequently

Yes! Yoga Location: Bonita Beach yesyogafitness.com

Marco Island Yoga Location: South Beach (Search “Marco Island Yoga” on Facebook)

busy with tourists. So, why not give yourself a reason to head to the place that probably drew you down here to begin with?

Beach yoga has been trendy over the last few years, with studios offering classes all along the Gulf coast. Fees are generally $10-$25 for a session (or just a donation in some cases). Just make sure you’re not forgetting to bring a towel, yoga mat, sunscreen and water.

And definitely check schedules, because locations and frequency tend to change after season.

Cape Coral Florida Yoga Academy Location: Cape Coral Yacht Club floridayogacademy.com

Naples

Fort Myers Beach

Donation Yoga Naples Locations: Lowdermilk Beach, Miramar Beach, 18th Avenue South Beach donationyoganaples.com

Fort Myers Beach Yoga Location: Near Newton Beach Park fortmyersbeachyoga.com

Lo’s Yoga Location: Vanderbilt Beach losyoganaples.com

Naples Beach Yoga Locations: Lowdermilk Beach, 8th Avenue South Beach naplesbeachyoga.net Thai Chi, Yoga and the Healing Arts Private sunset sessions karenmcneil.net Sanibel/Capitva Ambu Yoga Location: Captiva public beach ambuyoga.com

Becky Lang Fitness Location: Near Edison Beach Hotel beckylangfitness.wordpress.com

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS HELPING YOUR BUSINESS When it’s time to grow your business, choose a local team that has your best interests at heart.

We’re an award-winning team of local SBA experts who know the Naples, Florida area well, and our personalized service reflects that local commitment. When you come in and speak with us, we’ll help match you with the account that meets your business goals. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of our Easy Access Term Loan,1 which can help you secure up to $250,000 for equipment upgrades, replacements, additions, and more. We invite you to come in and speak with us any time.

TARA FEDORKO Senior Vice President, Market President Tara is committed to offering a full-service banking experience, and she’s enjoyed watching the Naples team grow. She volunteers at the Rotary Club of Naples and is on the board of the gift giving committee at the Naples Botanical Gardens.

WENDY AGUILERA Vice President Wendy is committed to developing our team and to giving back to the community. She volunteers at the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, and at local chambers of commerce.

Find out more at wintrustflorida.com/business

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

Wintrust Banking Center is a branch of Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company, N.A. 1. Easy Access Term Loan. Requires company’s primary checking account to be with the bank. Business must be in operation and in business for 12 months or more. Subject to underwriting guidelines. See a personal banker for details.

NCH NAMED AS ONE OF AMERICA’S

TOP 100 HOSPITALS

BY HEALTHGRADES

NCH RANKS BETTER THAN 98% OF ALL HOSPITALS NATIONWIDE* The NCH Healthcare System has received the Healthgrades 2022 America’s 100 Best Hospitals Award™. This notable distinction places NCH in a small, elite group of hospitals who are in the top two percent of nearly 4,500 hospitals assessed nationwide for superior clinical care and patient outcomes for the treatment of the most common conditions and procedures as measured by Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems.

For more information on the award-winning services of the NCH Healthcare System, please visit NCHmd.org.

*Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for years 2018 through 2020 and represent 3-year estimates for Medicare patients only.