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LEADERSHIP: BUILDING SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

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FLORI DA FOREVER?

——— The state is being consumed by

development, but conservation easements are helping to preserve rural lands

[PLUS] FGCU’S E XC I T I N G NEW CHAPTER

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Korunda Pain Management Center “Striving to deliver the highest quality of comprehensive care for those suffering with chronic or acute pain.”

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SPINE AND JOINT PAIN SPECIALISTS Medical Education

SCOTT FUCHS, DO

Physicians Regional Medical Center 8340 Collier Blvd., Suite 307 Naples, FL 34114

• University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, 2006

Board Certification & Advanced Training • Double Board Certified by American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Subspecialty of Pain Medicine • Medical College of Virginia, Pain Medicine Fellowship, Richmond, VA • Temple University, Residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Philadelphia, PA • Castle Connolly’s National Top Doctors, 2023

Medical Education

VIDUR GHANTIWALA, DO 661 Goodlette Frank Road, Suite 103 Naples, FL 34102

• D.O. West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, WV 2018

Board Certification & Advanced Training • Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation by American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation • Fellowship trained in Pain Medicine • University of Vermont Medical Center, Pain Medicine Fellowship, Burlington, VT • Larkin Community Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency, Miami, FL

Medical Education

ZDENKO KORUNDA, MD 4513 Executive Drive, Suite 101 Naples, FL 34119

• M.D. University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia, 1996

Board Certification and Advanced Training • Board Certified in Pain Medicine by American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation • Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, Pain Management Fellowship • Cleveland Clinic Health System, Cleveland, OH, Internal Medicine Residency • Castle Connolly’s National Top Doctors, 2012-2023

Medical Education • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Doctor of Medicine, Little Rock, AR 2015

RICHARD H. STEPHENS, MD 26741 Dublin Woods Circle Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Board Certification and Advanced Training * Board Certified in Anesthesiology by American Board of Anesthesiology • University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, Pain Medicine Fellowship • University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, Anesthesiology Residency • University of Louisville, KY, Internship

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Become a Mentor. Change lives. While many children turn to their parents for advice, the students we support often need a mentor outside their immediate family to help shape who they ultimately become, personally and professionally. English is not the primary language for many of our student’s parents and often, it’s the students who are the first to pursue higher education, go off to college, or seek a career outside traditional agriculture. This makes having a mentor so pivotal in helping our deserving young people achieve their dreams and succeed. Immokalee Foundation mentors often become an extension of a student’s family.

Will you join our family of mentors?

If you... • Believe in the importance of education • Have an interest in making a difference • Are able to commit to twice a month, virtually and/or in person • Possess a caring and positive attitude

...then you need to become an Immokalee Foundation Mentor! Reap the benefits of making a new friend and changing a student’s life — the other life being changed belongs to you.

Real Results 100%

of the students we support graduate from high school.

100%

have a postsecondary plan to pursue a professional career.

93%

89%

complete a postsecondary of Alumni are working in their field of study, surpassing the professional certification national average. program or college education.

ImmokaleeFoundation.org

Sign up to become a mentor today! Contact Yeimi Espinoza at 239.657.2461 or email Yeimi.Espinoza@ImmokaleeFoundation.org.

ZACH BACK! IS

MORNINGS

Zach Maloch Meteorologist

CONTENTS / FEATURES

JANUARY 2024

42 Florida

Forever?

The state is being consumed by development, but conservation easements are helping to preserve rural lands

On the cover

Photo by Nick Shirghio

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

Regenerative Leadership

Building sustainable businesses for the next quarter, and the next quarter-century

CONTENTS / FEATURES JANUARY 2024

in the 239 20

24 20

Makers

Natural goodness, creativity in EKK Candle Art

News Bites

From Southwest Florida

Quenby Tyler’s acumen, determination make Audrey’s of Naples a success

Entrepreneurship

Trendlines

The state’s citrus woes continue

Economic Commentary Paradise in the balance

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

NEWS 74

Leadership

FGCU President Timur on forging partnerships, remaining adaptive

Legislation

Local control over planning, other issues facing state Legislature

Business Spotlight

The Daubmanns’ family of companies found and fill architectural niches

Commercial Real Estate

Top sales in Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties

AFTER HOURS

Horsepower

The 2024 Ford Mustang flexes its muscles

New & Expanding

Top leases in Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties

Wellness

The refreshing power of the midday nap

Unwind

Minding your health to start 2024

Backstory

When tourists came to SWFL by train

JANUARY 2024

READER SERVICES EDITOR IN CHIEF

Heidi Rambo Centrella Digital Editor Adam Regan Associate Editor Kaitlin Regan Senior Editors Tim Aten, David Dorsey, Nancy Semon Assistant Editors Katiuska Carrillo, Samantha Roesler Copy Editor Steve Gill

CONTRIBUTORS John Guerra, Ar tis Henderson, Justin Paprocki, James Raia, Bill Wasinger, Sheldon Zoldan

Office Address 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 Call or text 239.498.8500 gulfshorebusiness.com info@gulfshorebusiness.com Subscriptions Florida residents can subscribe for free online at gulfshorebusiness.com, out-of-state residents can subscribe for $12 a year, call or text 239.498.8500 for more information. Change of address Send old and new addresses and a mailing label, if possible, to Gulfshore Life, 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Visit gulfshorebusiness.com/subscribe to login and update your address, call or text 239.498.8500 or email subscriptions@gulfshorebusiness.com.

ART Creative Directors Scott Glick, Jerry Pomales Photo Editor Mary Rich ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Chris Renstrom MARKETING Director of Marketing and Events Rachel Galante Digital Media Marketing Manager Brittney Kleis CIRCULATION Director of Audience Development Kerri Nolan PRODUCTION Production Manager Martha Leavitt ADMINISTRATION Advertising Services Manager, Subscriptions & Distribution Kathleen Hill

Back issues A limited number of back issues are available for $4.95 each plus tax and postage. Visit gulfshorebusiness.com/backissues. Reprints Visit gulfshorebusiness.com/reprints for plaques and reprints. Contact Us Please send all correspondence to: Gulfshore Business 26101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 Call or text 239.498.8500 WEBSITE gulfshorebusiness.com

Volume 29/Number 1, January 2024, Gulfshore Business (ISSN 1935-8199), is published 12 times a year by Gulfshore Life Media, 26101 Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Florida residents can subscribe for free online at gulfshorebusiness.com, out-of-state residents can subscribe for $12 a year. 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 2023 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. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gulfshore Business, 26101 Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134.

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

“Thanks to LMCU’s commercial loan package, we are now able to reconstruct the substantial bridge system across the river so we can restore freight service to Fort Myers.” – Gordon Fay, Chairman of Seminole Gulf Railway

Seminole Gulf Railway is a member of LMCU. LMCU and Seminole Gulf Railway are not affiliated.

LMCU is proud to provide financing to Seminole Gulf Railway to repair the bridges over the Caloosahatchee River that were wiped out by storm surge during Hurricane Ian.

Call Jay McGregor at (239) 314-0533 to get a custom quote for your next project.

999 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 200 | Naples, Florida 34108 239-325-1800 uhy-us.com

JA N UA R Y 2 0 2 4

FROM THE EDITOR

WRITING OUR NEXT CHAPTERS In some ways, the concept of a “new year” is pretty obviously arbitrary: The weather tends to be about the same Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, anything left on our to-do list at the end of one year is still there at the beginning of the next and the minor aches and pains and cares and woes of everyday life are more than happy to turn the calendar page with us. But there’s something psychologically potent and rewarding about turning that page; seeing the possibilities inherent in the blank weeks and months ahead, embracing the mindset of a fresh start and savoring plans for filling all those days that await. The current moment represents a new chapter for both Florida Gulf Coast University and its recently appointed president, and Aysegul Timur—an economist, an immigrant and the first female head of the university—has plenty of plans to fill her calendar. In a conversation with Artis Henderson on page 74, Timur explains how she intends to make use of her strength in building community part-

nerships, especially with prominent local employers, such as Arthrex, and develop programs that focus on innovation, resiliency and sustainability under her leadership. On the topic of leadership, principles of sustainability are also on the minds of several local executives, specifically how they can be applied to corporations in order to keep a business robust and ready for the next quarter-century, as well as the next quarter. The panoply of disruptions to the workforce in recent years, from a pandemic to hurricanes to fluctuations in the marketplace, have made resiliency and stability higher priori-

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

ties than ever, and Bill Wasinger talks with a suite of area experts about some inspirations and innovations helpful in navigating these economic straits in “Regenerative Leadership” on page 30. Changes in the status quo, it turns out, can be quite beneficial. Of course, there’s no need for a fresh start if you’re already on the right track, and sometimes the old ways are still the right ways. While substantial new developments including Kingston, Florida Farms Development Project, Rivergrass Village and Bellmar Village are in the works to bring more housing, retail and services to Southwest Florida, the state and its inhabitants (people and wildlife alike) are best served by maintaining a balance between growth and conservation. In “Florida Forever?” on page 42, Artis Henderson looks at the concept of conservation easements, a powerful tool for preserving ranchland and protecting wildlife and water resources, limiting the spread of suburban sprawl while enabling family-owned acreages to continue producing as they have for decades; in essence, learning from the past to help create the future we want. Welcome to 2024. Let’s make it a good one. HEIDI RAMBO CENTRELLA EDITOR IN CHIEF

SPONSORED CONTENT

Southwest Florida

THOUGHT LEADER OF THE MONTH

Mark C. Benskin, J.D., MST, LL.M. Tax Florida Market Executive Commerce Trust 4501 Tamiami Trail North Suite 100 Naples, Florida 34103 CommerceTrustCompany.com/Naples

Mark Benskin may be a relatively new face in Naples, but he’s been advising the wealth needs of Floridians and snowbirds who spend time in Southwest Florida for more than 20 years. Mark leads the team of seasoned wealth specialists based in the recently opened Commerce Trust office in Naples. He brings to the role more than 30 years of wealth management and consultation experience at financial institutions and as an estate planning attorney. .

Tell us about Commerce Trust. What sets Commerce Trust apart from other firms is our team-based approach to helping guide each client on their financial journey. Our team of wealth specialists includes private client advisors, private banking relationship managers, investment portfolio managers, financial planners, and tax professionals. We believe a truly personalized wealth management plan starts with a team specifically designed around each client’s unique needs. Commerce Trust brings a legacy of strength and stability to our Naples location. We have been a leading provider of investment management, financial planning, trust, and private banking services for more than a century. Our private and institutional clients benefit from the insights gained by our experience administering more than $61 billion* in client assets through all market cycles. How does Southwest Florida fit into Commerce Trust’s growth strategy? Though Commerce Trust is rooted in the Midwest, we have served clients who have a second home in or connection to Southwest Florida for years.. The state’s tax-friendly status and focus on protecting assets and preserving wealth have enticed many Commerce Trust clients to ultimately establish permanent residence in Florida. Between the federal estate tax exemption and various income and estate tax strategies currently available to Florida’s high-net-worth residents, we believe this is an opportune time to

*Assets under administration as of Sept. 30, 2023. Investment Products: Not FDIC Insured | May Lose Value | No Bank Guarantee Commerce Trust is a division of Commerce Bank.

grow through our ability to help clients preserve and protect their assets while establishing the legacy they envision for their family wealth. Describe Commerce Trust’s approach to estate planning. When people experience a new level of financial complexity, they often require a more holistic approach to wealth management that incorporates different perspectives. They may have strategies with several financial services firms and seek counsel from separate tax and estate planning professionals. But who is coordinating the tax preparer, the investment advisor, and the estate planning attorney? Too often it’s the client. Our clientele seeks a partner like Commerce Trust with a team of specialists who will collaborate with outside advisors to ensure no one works in a silo, and the experience to synchronize those various strategies into an integrated wealth plan to help our clients grow, protect, and preserve wealth. What role does charitable gifting play in an estate plan? Charitable giving frequently is a key aspect that goes into the estate planning work Commerce Trust does for clients and families. Executing a gifting strategy as part of a comprehensive wealth plan allows families to support charities and causes that matter to them while possibly gaining tax benefits. I often tell clients charitable giving allows you to do well by doing good.

IN THE 239

NEWS BITES / TRENDLINES / MAKERS

ENTREPRENEURSHIP / ECONOMIC COMMENTARY

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The Will and the Way

Quenby Tyler’s acumen and determination Olga Hayes

make Audrey’s of Naples a success p_24 By Artis Henderson

NewsBites IN THE 239

COLLIER COUNTY / LEE COUNTY / CHARLOTTE COUNTY

AI UPDATE To learn how business leaders believe artificial intelligence technology will affect their companies, ResumeBuilder surveyed 750 business leaders at companies that currently use AI or plan to in 2024.

53%

of companies use AI, and 24% plan to start in 2024

37%

of companies using AI said the technology replaced workers this year

44%

of companies said AI will lead to layoffs in 2024

96% 83%

of companies said AI skills will help current employees retain their jobs 14

COMING NEXT MONTH

As we move into the new year, Gulfshore Business will look back at the biggest deals of 2023 in Collier and Lee counties in next month’s issue. David Dorsey will highlight some of the year’s most impressive real estate transactions.

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

Provided

of companies hiring in 2024 said candidates will benefit from having AI skills

ENTREPRENEURIAL ADVICE

LEE COUNTY

RESORT OPENING

“You have to stay in the grind. No matter what, you get up and go to work every day. You keep the same rhythm, you stick to the same schedule. Life is always going to provide you hiccups—a recession, somebody in your life dies, you get a divorce. Your job is to make that hiccup really, really short. Give yourself a day. Drive to the beach, watch TV, go for a walk. But don’t let it take more than that. You’ve got to get back on the horse.” – Kelly Capolino,

Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach at 251 Crescent St. started accepting reservations in December for stays. Margaritaville is known for offering a laid-back, carefree lifestyle inspired by the iconic music and lyrics of the late singersongwriter Jimmy Buffett. The resort sits on 7.25 acres along Fort Myers Beach with direct beach access and views of the Gulf of Mexico. The property boasts 254 guest rooms, six restaurants— including signature concepts, such as JWB Grill, License to Chill and 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar and Grill—and the beachside Fins Up Beach Club. All restaurants, in addition to the 43,000-square-foot Sunset Terrace, are open to the public.

real estate professional

BY THE NUMBERS

Captiva Coastal Cleanup is an annual event that aims to maintain the beauty of Captiva Island. Among participants in 2023 were scuba divers, kayakers, paddleboarders, boaters and people on land, who recovered a range of debris including a hot water heater, a large bench, pool deck furniture, car tires, anchors and construction materials.

150

Local participants

scuba divers

Boaters

Kayakers/ paddleboarders

8,924

pounds of debris collected

JANUARY 2024

NewsBites IN THE 239

COLLIER COUNTY / LEE COUNTY / CHARLOTTE COUNTY

COLLIER COUNTY

LEE COUNTY

PARK VS. RIDE According to a report from travel website UpgradedPoints, it is more affordable to park at Southwest Florida International Airport in south Fort Myers for a long weekend than to use Uber. The website analyzed the economy parking option for a long weekend and a full week at 50 major U.S. airports, as well as the cost of a two-way Uber to and from the center of the nearest city. It also collected data on the average rating of parking options in or near these airports to see if higher-quality parking options result in more expensive costs over time. Parking would cost $33 at RSW for a long weekend, while an Uber comes in at about $56. Week-long parking at RSW will cost $60, the third most affordable weekly parking rate. 16

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

The Greater Naples Chamber appointed Kristina Park, who has more than a decade of leadership within chambers of commerce in Florida, as its new president and CEO. Park will assume her role this month. In her most recent job, Park led Amplify Clearwater as chief operating officer, where she was tasked with promoting and meeting the needs of businesses, tourism and industry and providing leadership for the advancement of economic vitality and equality in northern Pinellas County. The Greater Naples Chamber represents more than 1,000 active members. Michael E. Dalby held the position previously, and announced he was stepping down from the post to accept a position as assistant vice president of innovation, commercialization and economic development at the University of Texas at El Paso.

Provided

NEW CHAMBER CEO

SCIENTIFIC

IMPACT An investment in FGCU is an investment in our students and solutions for water problems affecting Southwest Florida. Your single act of generosity makes an IMPACT. DONATE TODAY fgcu.edu/impact

Joe Pignatano Joins Key Private Bank Key Private Bank welcomes Joseph Pignatano as Senior Relationship Manager, providing banking and financial services to full-time and seasonal residents throughout Collier, Lee, and Palm Beach counties. With 13 years of experience, Joe is committed to building trust and fostering long-term partnerships with clients through transparent communication, understanding his clients’ financial goals, and offering strategic guidance and tailored solutions to meet their unique needs. Joe can be reached at 239-659-8816 and joseph_m_pignatano@keybank.com.

Key Private Bank is part of KeyBank National Association. Bank and trust products from KeyBank National Association. Investment products are: NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE • NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL OR STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCY Key.com is a federally registered service mark of KeyCorp. ©2023 KeyCorp. KeyBank is Member FDIC. 220524-1588028-1265913524

IN THE 239

TRENDLINES

THE ORANGE BLUES The state’s citrus woes continue

The Florida citrus industry continues to struggle. The state with an orange on its license plate has seen its production of the fruit fall dramatically in recent years. Since producing 242 million boxes of oranges in 2004, production has dropped year over year. In 2023, the state was forecast to only produce about 16 million boxes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Acreage devoted to orange, grapefruit and other specialty fruit has fallen by about 37% over the last 10 years. A citrus greening disease first detected in 2005 has wreaked havoc on Florida citrus. Hurricanes also play a role, especially Irma and Ian, which caused big dips in production. While California and Arizona are also major producers of citrus, imported citrus now makes up the bulk of what the U.S. consumes. China, for example, now produces more oranges and grapefruit than the U.S. 18

Getty

By Justin Paprocki

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

YEAR

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

TOTAL ACREAGE IN FLORIDA

524,640 515,147 501,396 480,121 454,973 447,012 430,601 419,452 407,348 375,302 332,256

NET CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS YEAR

-6,853 -9,493 -13,751 -21,275 -25,148 -7,961 -16,411 -11,149 -12,104 -32,046 -43,046

JANUARY 2023

IN THE 239

MAKERS

A PERSONAL PRODUCT CONNECTION Natural goodness and creativity in EKK Candle Art

Eugenya Maier enjoys creating things from scratch—whether cooking for her family or painting on canvas. After spending too much time in supermarket aisles examining ingredient lists on bath products for her two children, she started making her own. The hobby evolved into EKK Candle Art, in which she makes candles and other all-natural products. The WholEmollient line produces body washes, lotions, shampoos and more for adults and children. “I’ve always tried to look for natural products,” she says. “I thought I could make something unique.” Everything Maier makes is free from artificial chemicals and fragrances. Starting with lotions, it took her several months of experimenting with different ingredients to find the right balance, but then she decided to get serious about starting a business. She launched EKK about a year ago. 20

Brian Tietz

By Justin Paprocki

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

About a year ago, Eugenya Maier launched EKK Candle Art, making candles and other all-natural products free from artificial chemicals and fragrances.

JANUARY 2024

IN TH E 2 3 9

Getting her start in graphic design, Eugenya Maier changed career paths and started making her own products after spending too much time examining ingredient lists on bath products for her two children.

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

Brian Tietz

MAKERS

She’s built the business the old-fashioned way, so to speak: She traveled across Southwest Florida, even up to Tampa, and gave away free samples to hotels and retailers. “It was hard, just walking [in] cold, but it worked,” she says. Several hotels, including The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, started offering her products. She further built the business by attending farmers markets and then letting sales grow by word of mouth. She’s found social media a less effective way to build her brand; nothing can quite beat the connection made in person. It’s been a career twist for Maier, who started out in graphic design and painted in her spare time. But she finds a lot of what she does has a similar creative process. Many of her candles look like small sculptures, molded to resemble sea shells or teapots. “It’s hard to get your art out there,” she says. “This is just a different way to do it. I try to incorporate my art into my candles now.” JANUARY 2024

IN THE 239

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Quenby Tyler’s acumen and determination make Audrey’s of Naples a success By Artis Henderson

For Quenby Tyler, artist and owner of Audrey’s of Naples, business and art are inseparable. She painted for many years in Pensacola and sold her work at a boutique she owned with her mother. After Hurricane Ivan wiped out their store, her mother moved to Naples and Tyler followed a few years later. Together they opened Audrey’s, a luxury consignment boutique that has garnered a loyal following among Naples residents. “Even when I was painting and making art, there was always a commercial component,” Tyler says. “It made me excited that somebody would want to buy my artwork. Even

though I was creating art, in my mind I was always thinking about who would want to buy it.” Making money, selling her work to clients—“I’d get a thrill out of it,” Tyler says. Throughout her career, she’s had a good instinct for savvy business moves. When the former location of Audrey’s wouldn’t renew her lease, Tyler set out to buy a building for the shop. This was in 2017, and people told her she was making the wrong move. “Just sign another lease,” they said. But Tyler didn’t listen. She was adamant about owning her own space. “I’ve always been that way,” she says. “I was a very willful child.” As it turns out, Tyler was right. Her purchase was exactly the right decision, and the new location propelled Audrey’s into “another stratosphere,” Tyler says.

“Always follow your gut,” she advises other entrepreneurs. “Plug your ears to any negativity and trust your instincts.” Though she has an excellent head for business, Tyler also recognizes when it’s time to bring in other minds. She said this is a key skill for every entrepreneur. “The beautiful thing is that I know where my deficiencies lie,” she says. “I also know what my strengths are. So, I make sure to have the resources around me that can make up for those deficiencies.” In Tyler’s case, she has a perfect teammate in her niece, Ashley Means. Means steps in to handle the places where Tyler has a blind spot—social media, playlists for the store, technology in general. “Where my skills are lacking, she has those skills in abundance,” Tyler says. “I’m the round and she’s the square. Between the two of us, it’s a magical combination.”

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

Olga Hayes

THE WILL AND THE WAY

After losing their business to Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Quenby Tyler and her mother moved to Naples where they opened Audrey’s, a luxury consignment boutique that has garnered a loyal following among residents.

JANUARY 2024

IN THE 239

Quenby Tyler and her mother, Sonja Tilley, work alongside Tyler’s niece, Ashley Means, Audrey’s luxury brand authenticator who also handles the store’s social media, playlists and technology in general.

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

Olga Hayes

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

“Just get doing it” Tyler skipped the formal training when it came to her endeavors. She never went to art school or got a business degree, yet she’s catalogued a long list of successes in both categories. Her suggestion for established entrepreneurs and those who are considering whether to make the leap into entrepreneurship? “Just get doing it,” she says. Don’t waste precious time perfecting a technique. “What it takes is will and a fire in the belly.” JANUARY 2024

IN THE 239

ECONOMIC COMMENTARY

Will gentrification and declining housing affordability characterize 2024? By Shelton Weeks

As we embark on a new year, the recent migration of wealthy individuals to Florida from other states and simultaneous movement of lower-income households out of the state is a trend that merits serious consideration. In September 2023, an article in RISMedia noted that Florida led the nation in in-migration with 128,710 net new households, according to 2021-22 IRS data. That’s almost 54% more than second-place Texas. This is noteworthy, but the part of the article that truly caught my eye was the differential in average household income for those relocating. Incoming households had an average income of $148,151, while outgoing households av-

eraged $71,840. This represents statewide gentrification on a significant scale. Suspecting these numbers might be more pronounced in Southwest Florida, I asked my colleagues in Florida Gulf Coast University’s Regional Economic Research Institute to pull data for our three coastal counties. The data confirmed my suspicions. The top five states contributing net new households to Florida were New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. While

New York sent the most new households, those moving from the Empire State to Florida had incomes only 50% higher than those moving in the opposite direction, the lowest percentage difference of the group. The households moving from Illinois to Florida had average incomes $215,075 higher than those moving from Florida to Illinois, a difference of 62%. On the surface, the influx of high-income households may seem like something to be celebrated. Their movement to Florida is a clear signal they have figured out what many of us have known for a long time: This is a great place to live. However, continuation of such a dramatic change in the population composition has significant implications with respect to a couple of the Sunshine State’s most

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

Getty; Florida Gulf Coast University

PARADISE IN THE BALANCE

pressing issues: housing affordability and workforce development and retention. While households exiting the state frequently cite high housing costs as a motivating factor, the high-income households moving here see homes in our markets as reasonably priced. These new residents have greater financial capacity, and their activity in our markets puts upward pressure on rents and home

prices. Many of these markets have seen steady declines in affordability, with rents and prices currently far exceeding levels that are within reach of the majority of our workforce. Beyond rising rents and prices, the affordability issue is also greatly compounded by rapidly growing insurance costs. The combination is a perfect storm for declining housing affordability. The implications of this mi-

According to 2021-22 IRS data, Florida led the nation in in-migration with incoming households having an average income about 50% higher than the average income of those leaving the area, representing statewide gentrification on a significant scale.

gratory pattern for workforce development and retention are grave. In addition to making it increasingly difficult for workers to purchase homes or afford rent, the increase in home values provides an incentive for those who own their homes to consider selling and relocating to lower-costof-living areas. Additionally, many new households moving into the area are older, and, as a result, their presence increases the demand for the array of services that make living in Southwest Florida great. It should be noted that the data I referenced are from the 2021-22 tax year. It takes the IRS a bit more than two years to make this information publicly available. Anecdotal evidence suggests the migratory pattern has at least continued, and may have accelerated due to Hurricane Ian and its aftermath. Recognition of this gentrification trend and the potential effects across our markets is critical if we want to preserve the quality of life here in our little corner of paradise. Shelton Weeks, Ph.D., is the Lucas professor of real estate and the Lucas Institute for Real Estate Development & Finance director at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Lutgert College of Business.

JANUARY 2024

/ By Bill Wasinger

R E G E N E R A T I V E

Erik Kellar

B U I L D I N G S U STA I N A B L E B U S I N E S S E S F O R T H E N E X T

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

L E A D E R S H I P Q UA R T E R , A N D T H E N E X T Q UA R T E R- C E N T U RY

JANUARY 2024

AMONG THE PANDEMIC, market fluctuations, worker shortages and hurricanes, many Southwest Florida business leaders are realizing the need to stabilize and strengthen their workforces to make them more resilient and sustainable. To do that, some leaders are embracing the concept of regenerative leadership. “‘Regenerative’ is this idea of creating the conditions conducive for life to continuously renew itself, to transform in new ways and to flourish amid ever-changing conditions. Look at the work that we’re doing globally around agriculture … creating lands that are able to sustain themselves and able to grow fruit and vegetables in ways and in climates that are conducive for it to be replenished over and over again,” says Jason Teeters, a strategist and founder of the consulting firm Jet Set State in Fort Myers. “Regenerative leadership is really sort of taking that same concept into the workforce. How are organizations really thinking about their long-term impact? And the reality of it is this idea of ‘How do you renew, replenish and revitalize your workforce?’ Now, with so many upheavals, there’s been this real shift in the understanding of ‘How do we design our organizations to feel a lot like a living organism, and how are those pieces connected to the bigger picture in the whole system?’” Though the concept of applying agricultural norms to leadership may sound new, it’s based on the idea of biomimicry, in which the models and systems of nature are used to solve complex human issues. And while the desire to build a sustainable business and workforce

has been around for some time, rapidly changing business environments are dictating new approaches and applications for achieving that goal. “We talk about sustainable people, sustainable profits and sustainable planet; the three pillars of sustainability that have been around for a long time. So, when we as an organization want to maintain sustainability, we have to do a lot of forecasting [and] we have to try to be a little bit more agile and adaptive to changing environments,” says Meagan Baskin, director of the Southwest Florida Leadership Institute and Associate Professor of Management at Florida Gulf Coast University. “I think a lot of organizations focus on maybe shorter-term windows, 10 years or five years, on their product lines. But when it comes to people and the sustainability of our workforce, we have to do more deep dives into what is the supply and demand of the resource that we’re utilizing. So, if we’re in the education field, for instance, teachers, [and] we have a shortage, that indicates to me that they haven’t done a good job of forecasting the supply and demand of potential teachers.”

Meagan Baskin Southwest Florida Leadership Institute director

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

Florida Gulf Coast University; Erik Kellar

REGENERATIVE LEADERSHIP

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS ECOSYSTEM New and evolving technology can dictate rapid changes to a company’s goods or services and affect the sustainability of its profits, but for generations, many businesses considered an available workforce to be an endless resource. However, remote work, the pandemic, Hurricane Ian and the worker shortage have all demonstrated the need for regenerative leaders to place greater emphasis on establishing and maintaining a sustainable ecosystem of employees. It may be different for every company, but the recent societal disruptions highlighted the importance of an employer’s role in engaging and nurturing its workforce to maintain their productivity. “Our approach is to really empower our employees because, at the end of the day, the company is not taking care of our customers. It’s individuals within the company that are taking care of customers,” says Brandon Box, president of Cogent Bank’s Southwest Florida market. “We recognized that we want to invest in people, and people want to be invested in. They don’t want to just be in the same role for the rest of their lives; they want the opportunity to grow, and we try to encourage that.” Building a sustainable workforce has become more of a challenge, as the same forces that affect employees also have made it more difficult to maintain a sustainable business. And Box said that’s where the concepts of biomimicry and regenerative leadership are also important for any entity. Even a bank. “Diversity is important in a lot of areas, but from a business channel standpoint, we’ve learned that being too heavily concentrated in any one area … was a good way for a bank to fail. As we learned with Silicon Valley Bank last year, concentration really is the biggest risk to banks,” he says. “To be a sustainable company long term, you have to have a lot of different

Jason Teeters Jet Set State founder

“Regenerative” is the idea of creating the conditions conducive for life to continuously renew itself, to transform in new ways and to flourish amid ever-changing conditions. Some SWFL business leaders are taking that concept to strengthen their workforces.

revenue streams. Going back to the agricultural model, it’s very similar. If you just do tomatoes and you get diseases or infestations that kill your tomato plants, you better hope you have some citrus or some other smaller products to keep the farm going.”

LESSONS FROM THE NONPROFIT SECTOR It may be gaining new traction with many business leaders, but the idea of regenerative leadership, and the goal of building a self-sustaining business, is essentially an organic part of most nonprofit entities. Even though many charitable organizations don’t adhere to the traditional idea of sustainable profit, most nonprofits do follow regenerative concepts to build resilience, workforce stability and longterm sustainability. “We’re mission-based. I think it would be lovely if we achieved our mission and just got

JANUARY 2024

Jason Teeters, a strategist and founder of the consulting firm Jet Set State in Fort Myers, looks at what is being done in the agriculture industry for sustainability and believes some of those concepts can be transferred into the workforce.

Erik Kellar

REGENERATIVE LEADERSHIP

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

JANUARY 2024

REGENERATIVE LEADERSHIP

“We recognized that we want to invest in people, and people want to be invested in ... they want the opportunity to grow, and we try to encourage that.” — Brandon Box, president of Cogent Bank’s Southwest Florida market

Molly RowanDeckart, executive director of Alliance for the Arts, says the organization strives to improve its communities through the arts, which lends itself to regenerative leadership organically.

Erik Kellar

out of the business. I don’t know many nonprofits that get to say, ‘Oh, we solved this.’ So it makes it regenerative by nature, because these missions are aimed at solving a problem and those problems are usually evolving,” says Molly Rowan-Deckart, executive director of Alliance for the Arts, a nonprofit visual and performing arts center in Fort Myers. “Our mission is [to] transform lives and improve our community through the arts. Well, improving our communities through the arts is going to be forever. It’s a never-ending goal. So that kind of regenerative leadership takes place organically, because you have to look at the sustainability of that long-term growth and innovation.” Just as a nonprofit’s mission may evolve, the donors who support it may change, as well. That evolution may be especially noticeable when those donors are affected by the same environmental and market factors that can affect a for-profit business. “I think in any nonprofit, we’re really seeing a big evolution,” Rowan-Deckart says. “Gone are the days of people writing you really large checks. Philanthropy is changing, and the digital application of that has a lot to do with it. If you’re in the 30s or

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

JANUARY 2024

REGENERATIVE LEADERSHIP

SIX HABITS OF REGENERATIVE LEADERS

Inclusive leadership Regenerative leaders are inclusive leaders. This requires that they are self-aware and empathetic, with high levels of emotional intelligence. Equally important are sincerity, personal humility and reflexiveness, which requires the ability to see their own place in and influence on a situation. Strategic leadership Regenerative leaders need to think long term. This entails having a strategic perspective and using foresight tools to help others see the whole while not discounting the future. Caring leadership A regenerative leader is caring and morally driven. They care for

the well-being of humanity and all other forms of life, as well as being guided by a moral compass. They are altruistic leaders who focus on transcending self-interest and promoting the collective or the good of the whole; they are servant leaders. Innovative leadership Realizing a regenerative future will almost certainly be impossible without breakthrough innovation; we need innovative leadership. Leaders with a creative style enjoy playing the role of designer, architect, innovator, game changer and transformer of systems. Courageous leadership Regenerative leaders require moral courage. They need to be convinced that they are fighting for a higher cause and be prepared to challenge the status quo, or even make personal and professional sacrifices to pursue their purpose. SOURCE: CSR International

Getty

Systemic leadership Being a systemic and holistic thinker encompasses the ability to appreciate the interconnectedness and interdependency of the whole system, at all levels, and to recognize how changes to parts of the system affect the whole.

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

JANUARY 2024

REGENERATIVE LEADERSHIP

40s age range, you don’t give $20,000 anymore because you don’t have it to give. But what we’re seeing trend-wise is that people have to connect to whatever it is that you’re doing, and they tend to give more frequently and much lower amounts throughout the year. So that tells us we consistently need to make strong connections with the community in order to earn that trust and build it in a way that they want to part with their hard-earned dollars a few times a year.”

APPLYING CONCEPTS OF REGENERATIVE LEADERSHIP

Brandon Box, president of Cogent Bank’s Southwest Florida market, believes building a regenerative, sustainable business could be as simple as sowing what you want to reap.

Erik Kellar

Since every business and every business leader is different, applying the principles of regenerative leadership and striving for a sustainable business and stable workforce isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. But in broad terms, Box believes building a regenerative, sustainable business may be as simple as sowing what you want to reap. “A lot of little seeds planted is going to bear a lot more fruit than one big tree. Similarly, one big tree may produce a little bit of oxygen, but if you have a whole forest, even though they’re smaller trees, you’re going to have a lot more oxygen being put out to the atmosphere,” he says. “None of us are perfect bankers, but what we’ve tried to do (at Cogent) is if everybody does a little bit more and everybody is a little more productive because of the investment that leadership has made in that employee, the organization as a whole is going to be a lot better positioned over the long run. If everybody just gets a little time and energy, the organization’s going to be a lot more successful.”

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

JANUARY 2024

——— By Artis Henderson

FLORI DA ——— The state is being consumed by development, but conservation

Nick Shirghio

easements are helping to preserve rural lands

FOREVER?

JANUARY 2024

“THIS IS A WIN-WIN FOR EVERYBODY.” It’s a Friday afternoon in July, 93 degrees, and the sky above Tiger Bay Ranch outside Arcadia is the color of old denim. Judge Don Hall is giving me a tour of the ranch in a Cam-Am Side-by-Side, but if I weren’t here, he’d most likely be on horseback. In addition to being a rancher, Hall is a circuit court judge for DeSoto County. On our tour, he’s wearing a white cowboy hat and dark Ray-Ban sunglasses, and he looks like the kind of man you wouldn’t want to tangle with, in or out of court. Hall’s family has owned this ranch for 85 years. His children—both attorneys—are the fourth generation to work it, and they help run daily operations on it. Hall won’t tell me how many acres the ranch covers—“Asking how many acres a man owns is like asking how much money he’s got in the bank”—but he will tell me it’s a 2-by-6-mile parcel. “We know what we have and we’re lucky to have it,” Hall says. The ranch hasn’t changed much in the last 200 years. It’s a mix of pine flatwoods and open prairie with native grasses,

Forty acres slated for residential development in Lehigh Acres sold for $4 million.

stands of cabbage palms and clumps of saw palmetto. Here and there, live oaks are draped with Spanish moss. It’s what naturalists call a dry upland system, once perfect for raising cattle but now more valuable as the future site of tract homes. It’s the kind of land that developers are desperate to get their hands on. But thanks to the state’s conservation easement program, this land won’t be developed. The Hall family agreed to enter into a conservation easement with the state of Florida on a portion of the ranch. As part of the deal, the family gets to keep its land and maintain it as a working ranch. And in exchange, Tiger Bay will never become the kind of suburban sprawl that’s eating this state. “We’re not anti-development by any means,” Hall says. “We’re just making sure there’s a balance.” Conservation easements are a good deal for the state of Florida. They help maximize the state’s conservation footprint while keeping the maintenance costs with the landowners. At Tiger Bay, the Halls do a controlled burn every two to three years on rotation. They partner with agencies to protect Florida’s natural resources and water quality. After Hurricane Ian in 2022, they continue to restore the property. “If the state owned this land outright, taxpayers would have to pay for all of that,” Hall says. “This is a win-win for everybody.”

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LSI Companies Inc.; Nick Shirghio

FLORIDA FOREVER?

DeSoto County Circuit Court Judge Don Hall’s family has owned Tiger Bay Ranch for 85 years, and his children are the fourth generation to work it.

JANUARY 2024

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

Nick Shirghio; Top Of Mind Public Relations

Tiger Bay Ranch hasn’t changed much in 200 years. It’s perfect for raising cattle, and it’s the kind of land that developers are eyeing.

FLORIDA FOREVER?

“I HAD THIS CRAZY IDEA.” idea,” Saunders says. “I felt like

Gov. Lawton Chiles and Dean Saunders in 1994 at the signing of the Green Swamp Authority

In 1984, when Dean Saunders was 23 years old, Lawton Chiles—then in the U.S. Senate—hired him to serve as his agricultural liaison to farmers and ranchers. Saunders was an eighth generation Floridian with a degree in citrus management from the University of Florida and his own family background in agriculture. During one of his long drives through the middle of the state, he looked out the car window at rows of orange trees as far as the eye could see. And he had the sudden thought: One day this will all be houses, and I’m going to hate that. That’s when Saunders started to wonder if there was a way to pay landowners not to develop their land. “I had this crazy

we didn’t need to buy everything. We could protect the land by buying the development rights. The property would stay in the hands of private landowners, and that way the state wouldn’t have to pay to manage it, so the dollars would go further.” In 1992, Saunders was elected to the Florida Legislature, where he set about making his crazy idea a reality. He encouraged legislation to buy the development rights to land around the Green Swamp area in the middle of the state to test if the government and landowners could work together in the interests of conservation. The project was so successful that he decided to take it statewide. After serving four years in Tallahassee, Saunders left the Legislature for personal reasons and decided to go back to what he knew best: real estate. He specialized in conservation easements, and he’s spent the last two decades on his personal mission of conserving land for future generations in a way that makes financial sense for landowners and taxpayers. In May, he helped broker a deal with the state of Florida for $97 million that would protect 38,848 acres of ranchland from development. Saunders brokered 18,427 of those acres for approximately $45 million.

Dean Saunders, founder, managing director & senior advisor at SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate

“IF WE HAD A BILLION DOLLARS, WE COULD SPEND IT AND THEN SOME.” “Ecologically speaking, other than pristine natural lands, ranchlands are the most important lands in the southern Florida ecosystem,” says Julie Morris, director of the Florida Conservation Group, a Manatee County-based nonprofit that guides ranchers through the process of private land conservation, especially conservation easements. “Ranches most closely mimic the vast grassland savanna that historically covered the southern peninsula. If we want to conserve species like the Florida panther, the Florida black bear and the Florida grasshopper sparrow, those species all live on ranchlands.” JANUARY 2024

FLORIDA FOREVER?

In a perfect world, the state would simply buy more conservation lands outright. But the limiting factor is money: There’s never enough of it. In order for Florida to achieve its conservation goals— including preserving habitats where endangered species live—it needs a mix of both public and private lands. That’s where conservation easements come in. According to Morris, there’s no shortage of landowners willing to sell the development rights to their land. “If we had a billion dollars, we could spend it and then some,” she says. “What we need is funding.” And that funding—finally—is on the way. In June 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis approved $850 million for the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a program started in 2021 to preserve millions of acres of wildlife 48

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The Florida Conservation Group; Nick Shirghio; WINK News

Julie Morris, director of the Florida Conservation Group

habitat, including ranchlands. A large part of that money is earmarked for Collier County. He also dedicated $100 million in recurring funding to Florida Forever, the state’s conservation land program and one of the largest public land acquisition projects in the country. And in September, the governor and cabinet approved another $141 million for the protection of properties within the Florida Wildlife Corridor through the Florida Forever and Rural and Family Lands Protection programs. These projects will expand the corridor by more than 42,000 acres. Seventeen thousand of those acres border Big Cypress National Preserve and are crucial for Everglades restoration. This has Morris hopeful for the future of land preservation across the state. “Conservation easements are an excellent mechanism to conserve our wildlife and water resources in a cost-effective way,” she says. But will it be enough?

“AN UNSUSTAINABLE PATH OF DEVELOPMENT.”

The Hall family entered into a conservation easement with the state of Florida on a portion of the ranch, and as part of the deal, the family keeps its land and maintains it as a working ranch, meaning Tiger Bay will never be developed.

In Lee and Collier counties, undeveloped land is being transformed at a breakneck pace. Some notable projects include: The Kingston development, a 6,000-acre project off Corkscrew Road, will include 10,000 dwelling units, 240 hotel units and 700,000 square feet of comJANUARY 2024

In June 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis approved $850 million for the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a program started in 2021 to preserve millions of acres of wildlife habitat, including ranchlands. 50

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

Nick Shirghio

FLORIDA FOREVER?

JANUARY 2024

mercial space. The acreage was once farmland, and it borders critical conservation areas, such as the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed, or CREW, and the Imperial Marsh Preserve. The Florida Farms Development Project on the south side of Corkscrew Road will transform 5,208 acres of agricultural fields, upland and wetland habitat into 5,208 residential units, 100,000 square feet of commercial space and 240,000 square feet of amenity area. Construction is scheduled to begin this year on Rivergrass Village, the billion-dollar development from Collier Enterprises off Oil Well Road, east of Golden Gate Estates. The project will cover 1,000 acres of former farmland. Bellmar Village, also from Collier Enterprises, is set to add 2,750 homes on 1,000 acres to eastern Collier County starting in 2024. The first homes should be ready by 2025. The development will go up on rural lands that serve as prime Florida panther habitat. Forty acres of undeveloped land in Lehigh Acres was sold for $4 million in May 2023. The deal was brokered by Justin Thibaut and Randy Thibaut of LSI Companies, a Southwest Florida-based real estate and development firm. The Lehigh property is slated for residential development. Fifty acres of residential land in North Fort Myers also was sold in May by Justin Thibaut and Randy Thibaut of LSI Companies. 52

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

Brian Tietz

FLORIDA FOREVER?

The Kingston development, a 6,000-acre project off Corkscrew Road, and The Florida Farms Development Project, a 5,208-acre project on the south side of Corkscrew Road, will bring both residential and commercial use to the land. JANUARY 2024

According to Rob Moher, president and CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, eastern Lee and Collier counties are not equipped for the amount of development planned.

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

Nick Shirghio; Erik Kellar

FLORIDA FOREVER?

Rob Moher, president and CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida

“It’s a lot under development,” says Rob Moher, president and CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. “There are 14 to 18 large-scale projects in eastern Lee and Collier counties that are either filing for permits, starting construction or in the process of being built. About 32,000 new homes are being considered for development. This area is not equipped for that kind of growth. It’s an unsustainable path of development.” As construction continues to push eastward, eating up the rural lands in its path, Southwest Florida runs the risk of becoming another version of Florida’s east coast—a vast, uninterrupted sprawl of strip malls and gated communities. “We‘re all going to feel the effects of that,” Moher says, “as we lose the reason people moved here in the first place.” JANUARY 2024

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ESTABLISHED 1984

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1984

Celebrating 15 Years of TLC:

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A little history of B&I Contractors, Inc. Founded in 1960 B&I Contractors, Inc. was founded in 1960 by Gordon & Ira Harbuck. At the time, there were no Mechanical Contractors in SWFL. When Gordon retired in 1987, he considered a sale to a national firm but chose to sell to the ESOP. B&I has been Employee-Owned ever since. Gary Griffin was President of B&I until October 2023 transitioning to CEO when Jason Grabowski took the helm of President & Chief Operation Officer. In 2023, revenues were $188 Million and today we have over 860 employees. B&I continues to be financially sound and invests back in the company. Our two largest markets, Healthcare and Education, continue to be strong, presenting us with continued success.

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Since his arrival in 2019, Paul Hiltz, FACHE has spearheaded transformative changes at NCH, emphasizing top-quality care for our community. Through strategic partnerships with renowned organizations like the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), ProScan and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, NCH is now bringing specialized care closer to home. Thanks to his leadership and dedication to our patients, staff, and community, NCH is evolving into an Advanced Community Healthcare System™. This growth involves attracting leading doctors, the Graduate Medical Education program, expanding research and clinical trials, the Judith and Marvin Herb Family Simulation Center and collaborating with esteemed partners who share our commitment to exceptional healthcare in Southwest Florida. These collective efforts have earned NCH national recognition, as a top 100 hospital. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to our patients, staff, and community.

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Four Generations of Leadership & Serving Our Community A Naples native, Michael Wynn was staff accountant, controller and CFO before assuming the presidency in 2005. The fourth-generation family business leader has built Sunshine Ace Hardware into one of Florida’s largest familyowned home improvement retailers with 15 hardware, paint and gift stores under its umbrella... with more on the way. Known for friendly, knowledgeable associates who thrive in a positive workplace culture, Sunshine Ace offers signature brands, competitive prices and modern conveniences like online ordering and curbside pickup. The company continues exploring ways to better serve the community, like introducing Ace Handyman Services of Southwest Florida, which creates a comprehensive, one-stop shop for home repair and maintenance.

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1984

MOVE

Overseeing all aspects of Matern’s Southwest Florida

WE MOVED

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SEE YOU AT OUR NEW SPACE!

of engineers responsible for

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designing and managing a wide variety of projects. A

We’re excited to share that we’ve moved to a new location to better support our growth.

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members. He is a strong advocate

values the input of his team for professional development and encourages his team to grow. Todd’s leadership style is

Matern Professional Engineering is a full-service mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, technology, energy, and commissioning engineering firm.

instrumental in maintaining Matern’s Fort Myers office. Under

Todd Griffith, PE, Sr. Vice President 239.332.1187 TGriffith@matern.net

this new chapter and the opportunities it will bring.”

CONNECT WITH US www.Matern.net|

his leadership, this office continues to grow. “Our new office is poised to support growth. We are excited for —Todd Griffith

1984

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

NEWS

LEADERSHIP / LEGISLATION / CRE / NEW & EXPANDING

LEADERSHIP

FGCU’s Exciting New Chapter President Timur on forging

partnerships and remaining adaptive p_74

Brian Tietz

By Artis Henderson

NEWS

FGCU’S EXCITING NEW CHAPTER President Timur on forging partnerships and remaining adaptive By Artis Henderson

Aysegul Timur is the second economist in a row to serve as president of Florida Gulf Coast University. At her confirmation hearing, she called FGCU the “leading economic engine of Southwest Florida,” pointing to its role as one of the largest employers in the area and also a prime contributor to the next generation of the local workforce. “FGCU alumni are employed across the region,” Timur tells Gulfshore Business. “The majority are citizens of this community. They stay here, they live here, they raise their families here.” As Southwest Florida grows, she said, so does the university. After earning her Ph.D. at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Timur began working at Hodges University as a teaching assistant before moving into administration. She was then hired at FGCU, where she served in the office of the president as the assistant vice president of strategic initiatives. She was promoted to vice president and vice provost of strategy and program innovation before being nominated for the presidency. Throughout her time at FGCU, Timur has shown a passion for growing and training the next generation of Southwest Florida’s workforce. “Workforce development drives economic development and prosperity,” 74

she says. “Investing in human capital is the best way to prepare students to be good members of their community.” Timur, who took over leadership of FGCU on July 1, is FGCU’s first female president and first immigrant president. She is originally from Turkey, and brings a uniquely international outlook to her presidency: “I grew up where two continents meet—Europe and Asia—and then I moved to a third continent, the United States [in North America]. I want to bring opportunities to our students and faculty for

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

international collaboration. This will offer a different perspective on the things we want to do and give us the sense of thinking outside the box.” Timur has said that one of her main strengths is building partnerships, and in her role as president, she intends to lean into that strength. The university has an ongoing relationship with Naples-based medical device company Arthrex, thanks in large part to her efforts. Arthrex president and founder Reinhold Schmieding was present in the room when FGCU trustees interviewed all four candidates for the position of president. He spoke publicly in favor of Timur, acknowledging that more than 500 FGCU graduates were now Arthrex employees because of her leadership. “Arthrex is one of our strategic employer partners in the region,” Timur says. “We even have an Arthrex day on

Brian Tietz

LEADERSHIP

Aysegul Timur, Florida Gulf Coast University’s first female president, served as the assistant vice president of strategic initiatives in the office of the president, and was promoted to vice president and vice provost of strategy and program innovation before being nominated for the presidency.

campus [when] the Arthrex leadership comes and talks to our students and explains what kinds of careers are available in the medical device industry.” Under her leadership, this relationship is slated to expand. New projects with the medical device company are in the works “all the time,” Timur says, including research partnerships and internship opportunities. The university has already developed an industry-specific micro-credential in the medical device industry with plans to offer more in the spring. “We are the primary workforce and talent pipeline to the medical device industry in Southwest Florida,” Timur says. While her focus is on this area, Timur’s vision for this collaboration extends beyond the region. At the end of July, she visited Arthrex’s European headquarters in Munich and spoke to the team there about advancing the possibility of international internships and research possibilities. “It’s a continuous conversation,” Timur says. “Arthrex is growing. We are growing. And we

have something in common—innovation. Arthrex is all about innovating new products. FGCU is very innovative in terms of creating new programs to prepare our students for tomorrow’s workforce.” This push to innovate has led the university to create two dynamic new schools in the last few years, both specifically tailored to the region. The Water School, founded in the wake of the disastrous algal bloom of 2018, responds to the need to protect local water quality. “Water quality is key to the economic development of this region,” Timur says. “Tourism, hospitality— these industries rely on clean water, so protecting water quality is very much in alignment with our mission as a regional comprehensive university.” The School of Entrepreneurship, launched in 2016, similarly aims to contribute to the local economy. “Over 90% of businesses in Southwest Florida are small businesses,” Timur says. “With both the Water School and the School of Entrepreneurship, we are preparing our stu-

dents to be good stewards and good citizens of this community.” The Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging under FGCU’s Marieb College of Health and Human Services also responds to the direct needs of Southwest Florida, specifically the aging population. “Look at the demographics of the region,” Timur says. “We need to find better ways to align with the senior population here. The Institute for Positive Aging is about the well-being of the community and aligning with the growth of the region.” She points to the jobs that alumni might take in this industry, including in health care and at senior living facilities, and anticipates that FGCU will be a direct pipeline to the jobs needed to sustain these industries. Another prime focus for the university under Timur’s leadership will be developing programs focused on sustainability and resiliency. “Look at our region in the last five years,” she says. “Two hurricanes, one global pandemic. How do we take lessons from these experiences and turn them into programs where we continue to learn and create new knowledge? We want to be proactive in helping businesses create sustainability and resilience plans.” Timur is confident the university is in a prime position to accomplish its goals. “We are a young university,” she says. “We are only 26 years old— just imagine the energy we have. The economics and demographics of our region are changing, and we are constantly responding and innovating. We are nimble and flexible.” Her tenure comes at exactly the right time for the university, she believes. “Over the past 26 years, FGCU has had the right leadership at exactly the right time. Now I am honored to be working with our faculty, staff and students for the next chapter.” JANUARY 2024

NEWS

LEGISLATION

ON THE STATE AGENDA

Local control over planning and other issues facing Legislature

Months before the Legislature opened its 2024 session, Tallahassee lawmakers extended by two years a law that bans Lee, Collier and other Southwest Florida counties and municipalities from adopting changes to comprehensive plans and land-development regulations. The extension—part of a special legislative bill in November—limits planning efforts in Collier, Charlotte, Lee, Manatee, Sarasota and five other counties. The extension was written into HB 1C, which provides $416 million in recovery money for oyster farmers, cattle ranchers and lumber operations hurt when Hurricane Idalia came ashore at the panhandle in August. The bill also adds $176.17 million to the My Safe Florida Home program, which provides up to $10,000 in matching grants to help homeowners reinforce roof-to-wall connections, upgrade roof coverings and strengthen windows and doors. 76

Getty

By John Guerra

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

Before the Legislature’s 2024 session, Tallahassee lawmakers extended a law by two years that bans Lee, Collier and other Southwest Florida counties and municipalities from adopting changes to comprehensive plans and land-development regulations.

JANUARY 2024 3

NEWS

LEGISLATION

Paul Owens, president of 1000 Friends of Florida, warned lawmakers that extending 2023’s Senate Bill 250 prevents Gulf Coast counties from hardening buildings in areas prone to flooding, among other proactive measures, for the next three years.

Here’s a look at other bills the Legislature will tackle in its session, which begins Jan. 9 and ends March 15. LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONTROL • HB 267 would require local governments to create a program to expedite approval of residential building permits. For instance, the bill would reduce the application approval process from 120 days to 9 days—barring incomplete applications that require more information from the applicant. Allows an application to be deemed

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

approved if municipalities fail to meet any of the time frames. The Florida League of Cities opposes this bill. • SB 500 reverts to local government the ability to regulate such recyclables as polystyrene products used as fast-food containers, plastic bags, wrappings and other items that are not biodegradable. Gulf Coast beach communities have passed laws requiring local restaurants and other businesses to serve biodegradable paper straws and cups, but at this point, state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services rules preempt local governments in this matter. • SB 386 requires local governments to reduce parking requirements necessary for development approval

1000 Friends of Florida; Getty

So far so good, but Section 15 of the bill extends for two years, from 2024 to 2026, a developer-friendly provision in last year’s Senate Bill 250 that prohibits local governments hit by Hurricane Ian from raising building fees or adopting “restrictive or burdensome” changes to comprehensive plans and land-development regulations. Nor may those counties—nor any municipality within those counties— propose or adopt any moratorium on construction, reconstruction or redevelopment of any property damaged by Hurricane Ian. Paul Owens, president of 1000 Friends of Florida, warned lawmakers that Section 15 prevents Lee and the other Gulf Coast counties from hardening buildings in areas prone to storm surge or flooding. Nor could those counties ban construction in the most dangerous areas. There was a year left on the ban; the new law would add two more years to it. “It would prohibit [Lee and other counties] from adopting or even proposing more proactive measures to their comprehensive plans or land-development regulations for the next three years,” Owens told the House Fiscal Policy Committee in November. “We urge you to restore the same planning authority to local leaders in the 10 counties. Don’t withhold their ability to save their residents’ lives, protect vulnerable property and be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.” Despite comments by Owens and other opponents, the bill passed the Senate on Nov. 8; the governor signed it Nov. 13.

dwelling unit is located within a flood zone established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

for “Live Local” developments where at least 75% of the residential units will be affordable for at least 30 years and the development is located within half a mile of a major transportation hub.

GULF COASTLINE BILLS

• HB 49 allows 16- and 17-year-olds to work the same number of hours as a person 18 years of age or older. It also prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing curfews on minors that are more stringent than those listed within the bill. • HB 473 filed by Rep. Mike Giallombardo (Lee County) would protect counties, municipalities, commercial entities and third-party agents from liability in the event of a cyberattack, provided they comply with designated cybersecurity standards. • HB 57 would limit county commissioners to eight years in elected office “notwithstanding the terms of any county charter to the contrary.”

PROPERTY INSURANCE REFORM • SB 102 creates a Property Insurance Commission. Part of the Legislature’s ongoing efforts to reform the troubled Office of Insurance Regulation, the bill also calls for the election, rather than the appointment, of the insurance commissioner; bans property insurance carriers from claiming insolvency in Florida if they are active in another state; and other reforms. • SB 178 creates a “non-adversarial” procedure for property insurance

Paul Owens, President, 1000 Friends of Florida

disputes. “There is a particular need for an informal, nonthreatening forum for helping parties to resolve claim disputes” between property owners and insurance companies, according to the bill’s authors.

LANDLORDS AND TENANTS • HB 31 and SB 64 are virtually the same. Both bills limit rental increases to 30% and once a year. The bills would also authorize landlords to terminate rental agreement or bring action for noncompliance even if tenant provides partial payment of past-due rent. • SB 38 This flood zone notification bill was filed by State Sen. Linda Stewart in response to the massive destruction to uninformed renters’ property during Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. The bill would require landlords to disclose in writing to a tenant whether the

• SB 32 would delegate mangrove protection to local governments; a local government, however, must demonstrate that it has sufficient resources and procedures for the adequate administration and enforcement of a mangrove-regulatory program. • HB 163 would require local governments, as a condition to obtaining Department of Environmental Protection dredging and beach restoration permits, to notify adjacent local governments when they intend to conduct analysis for such projects. It provides fines for violations. • SB 298 would authorize the DEP to provide Lee, Collier and other coastal counties with grants to fund saltwater intrusion vulnerability assessments. Seawater from the Gulf is entering wells that tap into the freshwater aquifer. Farmers can’t water crops with aquifer water that is saline, for instance.

CONSUMER PROTECTION • SB 304 would prohibit house moving brokers from claiming to be actual movers without first registering with the state. The bill would require brokers to make specified disclosures before providing services. JANUARY 2024

NEWS

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

THE GLASS EMPIRE By Sheldon Zoldan

My Shower Door owner Bill Daubmann, his wife Donna and two sons have plenty to be proud of as they celebrate their 20th anniversary in business— but it’s the future that gets them most excited. The company has spent millions of dollars in the past decade on equipment to expand its business to manufacturing and selling other high-end glass products, in addition to shower doors. “It’s opened up a whole other world for us,” says Keith Daubmann, one of Bill and Donna’s sons. “And we’re really looking forward to tackling whatever that next is.” Keith’s diagnosis in 1986 for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer, was what turned his parents into entrepreneurs. Bill quit his part-time job as a hockey referee because of the extensive travel, as well as his job as an electrical technician. He and Donna started their own company, Unique Storage Systems, so they could work from their home in Springfield, Massachusetts. Daubmann became the larg80

est dealer of closet shelving in Massachusetts and Connecticut over the next six years. Then the economy took a hit, and they needed something to augment revenue. “One builder came to me and asked if we would do shower doors. He could not get anyone to do shower doors, and I did not know the first thing about it,” Daubmann says. Fortunately, he knew enough to sign a licensing agreement with a friend of a friend who made shower doors. He then started learning everything he could. He continued with closets and shower doors until he sold the business in 2000 and moved to Naples, after a hockey friend suggested Southwest Florida. “We just absolutely fell in love with it,” he says. Daubmann dropped closets and started My Shower Door in 2003 in Naples. The company moved to Fort Myers in 2010 and into its new Alico Road building in 2019. The company employs about 185 and has grown to 10 showrooms in Florida, with two more

Community Involvement Bill Daubmann and My Shower Door believe being involved in the community is important. He is the chairman of the Florida Jobs for Grads program, and is on the advisory board of Florida Gulf Coast University’s School of Entrepreneurship. The company sponsors a wide variety of programs: 10 Make-A-Wish wishes Sports programs, from traveling baseball teams to SWFL PGA chapter Workforce Signing Day in conjunction with Lee County School District and SWFL Inc. Estero High School Culinary Department Hurricane Relief Book and School Supplies Drive Golisano Children’s Hospital Giving Tree

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

Craig Hildebrand

The Daubmanns’ family of companies found and fill architectural niches

My Shower Door owner Bill Daubmann and his family are celebrating their 20th year in business. His son Keith Daubmann is responsible for their offshoot business My Architectural Glass.

JANUARY 2024

NEWS

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Bill Daubmann’s seven keys for a sustainable business

Core People. Assemble a great core team whose members have separate skills and are committed or financially invested.

Marketing. You must get your name out to the public. Build a great website.

New Opportunities. Always look for new opportunities geographically or vertically.

Good Accounting Staff. Get a good accounting staff or outsource to a reputable firm that can help you with financial decision-making.

Building Relationships. Every relationship is vital in business, and every interaction could lead to another great relationship.

Treating Staff Like Family. As important as your customers are, your staff is as important, if not more important.

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

Community Giving. Be involved in community giving, either with your time or financially, as consumers want to do business with genuine people who care about the community that they serve.

Craig Hildebrand

planned. It has sold its business model to six companies across the country. It projects revenues of $40 million in 2023, Daubmann said, and regularly is listed among Inc.’s 5,000 fastest growing private companies. “You don’t know how many times I tell people I have a company called My Shower Door and they say, ‘You make a living out of making shower doors?’” Daubmann says. But about 65% of revenue comes from the shower door business. It’s amazing what he’s been able to accomplish, said Max Perilstein, a glass industry consultant who has known Daubmann for five years. “This is a tough industry,” he says. “He has been able to do things nobody’s ever been able to think about doing.” Most glass companies are mom and pop shops, Perilstein said. Daubmann has built his business into a chain. “He’s done it on a higher end,” Perilstein says. “He’s not selling someone a tiny piece of glass for their garage door. He’s selling relatively expensive shower enclosures.” Daubmann said the goal is to expand nationally. “Every time I travel, I see all the usual suspects in all the cities, and I say, ‘There’s no reason why there can’t be a My Shower Door in all these cities.’” Daubmann plans to construct another office on Alico Road that can be used as a

BRINGING HOME THE AUTOCLAVE How do you move an 88,000-pound piece of machinery from outside Los Angeles to Fort Myers? With great difficulty. D3 Glass ordered an autoclave, an oversized oven that looks like a submarine, in 2020. It cost $980,000 and took 50 weeks to build instead of the scheduled 42. Shipping the machine from Valencia, California, to Fort Myers cost another $75,000 and plenty of headaches for Bryce Holbert, D3 Glass plant manager, who oversaw the delivery in October 2021. Holbert had to get permits from every state the truck drove through because the autoclave was so large and heavy. Each permit specified a window of time, so if the truck was ahead of schedule it would have to wait, and if it was behind schedule Holbert would have to refile—which could take a couple of hours to a couple of days, he said. It didn’t take long for the truck to fall behind schedule. Tires kept blowing out, one or two a day, and nobody could figure out why, Holbert said. Multiple times, the blowouts happened in remote areas of Arizona,

New Mexico and Texas, where the driver had long waits for help to get new tires. Holbert remembers getting a call on a Friday evening saying that the truck had blown maybe its sixth or seventh tire, but the driver had figured out why: The load wasn’t properly balanced. The truck was in west Texas, 100 miles from the nearest town, so they had to find a crane service to come out and lift the autoclave off the truck, reposition it and change all the tires. Then they had to refile for permits. One problem was solved, but it wouldn’t be the last. Holbert received another phone call a week later from the truck driver. He had to be in Houston the following Tuesday, so he was dropping the autoclave off at a rest area in the Florida Panhandle and leaving. Holbert had to scramble in order to hire security guards to stay with the autoclave for the weekend, and find another carrier. The rest of the trip— somehow—went without incident. “It ended up arriving in our building one month and one day after it left Valencia,” Holbert says.

training center if the company begins offering franchises. Branching Out The family created the second arm of the business, D3 Glass, in 2013. The offshoot— named for Bill and his sons Keith and Doug—allowed the company to make its own products and do fabrication for other businesses. “It was a brilliant move, but it was a tough move because people don’t usually do that,” Perilstein says. “I can count on one hand how many people had done that; buy all the equipment and do it themselves.” The company would have had more of a struggle during the pandemic if it hadn’t controlled its own destiny, he said. D3 Glass opened a new world for the Daubmanns, Keith Daubmann said. They began making other glass products, including office partitions, glass railings and wine closets. But builders were having a hard time getting architects to sign off on jobs because the product said My Shower Door, Bill Daubmann said. The answer was to create My Architectural Glass. “That’s my baby, that’s my responsibility,” Keith Daubmann says. “The glass industry in the past, in my opinion, has not adapted with the times as fast as some of the other niche industries. We see an oppor-

tunity of technology merging with glass,” he says. The company made a $3 million investment in buying an autoclave machine—a large, pressurized oven weighing 88,000 pounds. The machine is needed to make bullet-resistant glass, electrified glass and any laminated products, Keith Daubmann said. My Shower Door created its brand initially through traditional radio and television advertising, he said. It since has turned to social media with its Facebook, Instagram and YouTube posts. Bill Daubmann tries to post several times a day and sees social media as an important element in getting the word out. Keith Daubmann has gone one step further with My Architectural Glass: He decided not to spend any money on advertising, getting the word out on social media instead. The experiment has worked. Not only has he spent zero dollars for advertising, two social media sites are paying the company because they are able to monetize the sites, Keith Daubmann said. The company’s next 20 years are in good hands with Daubmann’s sons running the show, but don’t expect the 68-year-old to retire. “I’ve thought about retiring,” he says, “and I’ve taken extended vacations, but it’s in my blood.” JANUARY 2024

NEWS

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE By Adam Regan

COLLIER COUNTY

Jones Loop BDE LLC purchased 10.48 acres in the Enterprise Charlotte Airport Zone at the corner of Jones Loop and Piper Roads, lots B, D and E, in Punta Gorda from Jones Loop Investors LLC for $3,068,366. Adam Bornhorst, Derek Bornhorst, SIOR, CCIM, Bob Johnston, SIOR, and Jerry Messonnier, SIOR, of Lee & Associates NaplesFort Myers represented the seller, and Randy Krise of Krise Real Estate Group represented the buyer. Soldi Masari LLC purchased a 19,720-squarefoot commercial office/ retail building at 208 Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda from III LS LLC for $1.75 million. Christi Pritchett, CCIM, of LSI Companies Inc. represented the seller, and Chris Grant of RE/MAX Anchor Realty represented the buyer.

2190-80 Kirkwood Ave LLC purchased 13,020 square feet of commercial space at 2180-2190 Kirkwood Ave. in East Naples from 2190 Kirkwood LLC for $4.35 million. Rob Carroll, CCIM, MAI, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the seller, and Rene Vivo of Vivo Real Estate Group Inc. represented the buyer. Jericho Drive LLC purchased 21,300 square feet of commercial space at 5450 Shirley St. in North Naples from LRP General Partnership, Lynne R. Lesson and Kim A. Kirby for $4.35 million. Christine McManus, CCIM, SIOR, and Rob Carroll, CCIM, MAI, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the buyer and seller. 5610 Strand Boulevard LLC purchased 1.23 acres of vacant land at 5610 Strand Blvd. in North Naples from Wells Fargo N.A. for $3,011,000. David J. Stevens, CCIM, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the buyer and seller.

LEE COUNTY

GCLI Management Inc. purchased 8.34 acres in Alico Trade Center, 9021 Alico Trade Center, in Fort Myers from Three Oaks 59 LLC for $5,269,678. Chase Mayhugh, SIOR, CCIM, and Justin Ankney, CCIM, of Mayhugh Commercial Advisors represented the buyer and seller. Par Investments I LLC purchased a 6,750-squarefoot retail space on 3.78 acres at 15700 S. Tamiami Trail in south Fort Myers from Highway 41 Holdings LLC for $2.5 million. Gary Tasman and Lane Boy of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida represented the seller.

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

Drake Ready Mix Inc. purchased 4.3 acres at 2970 Rockfill Road in Fort Myers from FM Largo Holdings LLC for $2.25 million. Chase Mayhugh, SIOR, CCIM, of Mayhugh Commercial Advisors represented the seller. 3040 Del Prado Blvd S LLC purchased a 7,452-square-foot office building at 3040 Del Prado Blvd. S. in Cape Coral from 10 West 90th Street LLC for $1.7 million. Gary Tasman and Gretchen Smith of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida represented the seller.

WINK News; Premier Commercial Inc.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

9696 Bonita LP purchased a 26,000-square-foot office building at 9696 Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs from Porter Group LP for $4.6 million. Matt Stepan, CCIM, of Premier Commercial Inc. represented the seller.

Royal Southwest Holdings LLC purchased 14 multifamily condominium units at 17760 Park Village Blvd. in Fort Myers from Island Park Village, Section 1, Condo Association for $1.3 million. Thomas Webb, CCIM, MSRE, of Lee & Associates NaplesFort Myers represented the buyer, and Rebekah Sidener of Local Real Estate LLC represented the seller.

3960 Canal LLC purchased 8.1 acres at 3960 Canal St. in Fort Myers from FL Star Investments LLC for $1,135,000. Chase Mayhugh, SIOR, CCIM, and Justin Ankney, CCIM, of Mayhugh Commercial Advisors represented the buyer.

4444 Tamiami Trail N LLC purchased a 6,980-square-foot building on 0.53 acres at 4444 Tamiami Trail N. in Naples from 4444 Tamiami Venture LLC for $2.45 million. Brock Rasmussen of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers represented the buyer and seller.

JANUARY 2024

NEWS

NEW & EXPANDING By Adam Regan

COLLIER COUNTY

Naples Realty LLC leased 3,007 square feet of office space at 6435 Naples Blvd., Suite 201, in North Naples from SES Real Estate Holding LLC. Clint L. Sherwood, CCIM, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the lessor, and Tony Mangione of Trinity Commercial Group represented the lessee. Skin Wellness Physicians LLC leased a 2,633-square-foot space in Island Plaza, 664 Bald Eagle Drive, Suite 650, on Marco Island from Island Plaza Investments LLC. Bill Young and Biagio Bernardo of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers represented the lessor and lessee.

EuroNaples Design Group dba Claudia Leah Design/Decorating Den Interiors leased 2,042 square feet of commercial space at 5405 Taylor Road, Suite 19, in North Naples from SES Properties LLC. Christine McManus, CCIM, SIOR, and Lauren A. Griswold of Investment Properties Corp. negotiated this transaction. LEE COUNTY

JR & Co. Inc leased a 25,400-square-foot space at 2443 Rockfill Road in Fort Myers from The Lee Family Trust. Thomas Webb, CCIM, MSRE, of Lee & Associates NaplesFort Myers represented the lessee, and Madison Sawatzky of Colliers International represented the lessor. LiquiGlide Inc. leased a 14,905-square-foot space in Meridian Business Campus, Building B at 16140 Parallel Drive, Unit 2, in Fort Myers from West GC LLC. Adam Bornhorst, Derek

Bornhorst, SIOR, CCIM, Bob Johnston, SIOR, and Jerry Messonnier, SIOR, of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers represented the lessor and lessee. K2IQ LLC leased a 5,658-square-foot space in Southwest Florida Business Center, 7830 Drew Circle, units 3-5, in Fort Myers from Carroll Partnership LLP. Adam Bornhorst, Derek Bornhorst, SIOR, CCIM, Bob Johnston, SIOR, Jerry Messonnier, SIOR, and Meaghan Schmitt of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort

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

Myers represented the lessor, and Austin Smith of Trinity Commercial Group represented the lessee. Cornerstone Builders of SW Florida Inc. leased a 4,560-square-foot space at 2855 Work Drive, Unit 9, in Fort Myers from 2853 Industrial Partners LLC. Adam Bornhorst, Derek Bornhorst, SIOR, CCIM, Bob Johnston, SIOR, and Jerry Messonnier, SIOR, of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers represented the lessor.

Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers; CRE Consultants

PBH Pac & Con US LLC leased 4,000 square feet of commercial space at 2025 Seward Ave., Suite 103, in North Naples from Jon C. Cook. Christine McManus, CCIM, SIOR, of Investment Properties Corp. represented the lessor and lessee.

Keep LLC

leased a 2,400-squarefoot space in Charleston Square at 1400 Gulf Shore Blvd., Suite 184, in Naples from Charleston Square of Naples LLC. Bill Young and Biagio Bernardo of Lee & Associates Naples-Fort Myers represented the lessor and lessee.

Appliance Outfitters LLC leased a 3,600-square-foot retail space at 11120 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers from 11120 S Cleveland Ave LLC. David Sepulveda of CRE Consultants represented the lessor and lessee. Agency Administrators Inc. leased a 2,260-square-foot space at 9696 Bonita Beach Road, Suite 204, in Bonita Springs from Porter Group LP. Matt Stepan, CCIM, of Premier Commercial Inc.

represented the lessor, and Michael Casella of RE/MAX Affinity Mercato represented the lessee. Amputee Associates LLC leased a 1,253-square-foot retail space at Orion Center, 6631 Orion Drive, Suite 110, in Fort Myers from Baryl Orion Center LLC. Matt Stepan, CCIM, of Premier Commercial Inc. represented the lessor, and Jared Vandersluis of ARC Medical Realty LLC represented the lessee.

Behavior Management Center Inc. leased a 3,000-squarefoot office space at 4226 Del Prado Blvd. in Cape Coral from Rayford Properties Inc. Enn Luthringer, CCIM, of CRE Consultants represented the lessor, and Yoamne Molina of Liongate Realty represented the lessee.

JANUARY 2024

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HORSEPOWER

after hours

WELLNESS / UNWIND / BACKSTORY

Faena Miami Beach

UNWIND

A Balanced Beginning

Minding your health to start 2024 p_94 By Artis Henderson

AFTER HOURS

HORSEPOWER

The 2024 Ford Mustang flexes its muscles By James Raia

Only a few new cars have debuted in half-year models, and it hasn’t occurred in more than 30 years. The most well-known example of a fractured name is likely the 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang, the iconic muscle car known by a mid-year moniker but never marketed as such by the manufacturer. The carmaker’s longesttenure vehicle debuted at the New York World’s Fair as a 1965 model in April 1964. A few months later, the manufacturer made modifications but the updated cars were still 1965. The changes eventually prompted experts to designate the differences with the earlier model acquiring the half-year qualifier. Available since the summer of 2023, the 2024 Mustang marks the first year of the car’s seventh gener-

ation. Date nuances aside, the so-called Pony car is 60 years old. It’s had work done, some of it good, some bad. But like many aging stars, the icon remains robust and unmistakable. The 2024 Mustang ’s five available trims range from the base EcoBoost to the top-line Dark Horse. The reviewed EcoBoost Premium Convertible is equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine. It has 315 horsepower (five more hp than the 2023 model) and a standard 10-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed manual from previous EcoBoost models is defunct.

With its loud exhaust growl and appearance, the new Mustang sounds and looks like a performance car should, with the bravado to awaken neighbors—and it accelerates accordingly. Like all Mustangs, the new edition is all about driver involvement. It’s a muscle car, with a wide stance, a long snout, big tires and attitude while powering down the road. The Mustang features nothing subtle. The convertible retains several signatures from the original, including a red (Rapid Red Metallic with a tinted clear coat) exterior and its contrasting Onyx black interior and ragtop. One popular 1965 edition featured a Poppy Red exterior, a black interior and a black cloth top. The first convertible roof was manually operated, of course. For 2024, it’s automated and operates smoothly, up or down, in a few seconds. Some remembrances of yesteryear remain, notably vast Mustang badging throughout the car. It’s also

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FACTS & FIGURES Acceleration:

0-60 mph, 4.5 seconds

Fuel economy:

21 mpg city, 32 mpg hwy

Horsepower: 315 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $43,500 Price as tested: $49,200

Manufacturer’s website: ford.com Warranty:

Bumper to Bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/ unlimited miles; Roadside Assistance, 5 years/60,000 miles

Ford

WILD HORSES

featured as night safety lighting on the ground outside both doors. But modernization reigns, dominated by the 12.4-inch digital instrument panel that extends to a 13.2inch infotainment screen. Combined, all prompts originate on the horizontal monitors. Cloth upholstery is standard, with vinyl, contrasting stitching and leather seat inserts available as upgrades. Safety features are extensive. The new Mustang, in all trim levels, includes the Ford Co-Pilot360 system as standard equipment. It features automatic emergency

with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, forward collision warning, lane-centering assistance, rear automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic warning. Adaptive cruise control and speed sign recognition are available. An active suspension feature, available on some models, is worthy. It mitigates potholes, with the vehicle minimizing how much the tires drop when negotiating road obstacles.

Comfort and convenience features include sixway power lumbar seating for the driver and a fourway setting for the passenger. Ambient lighting, automatic climate control, heated and cooled seating, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and two smart charging USB ports add to the well-stocked vehicle’s offerings. Push button and remote starts, nearly a half-dozen driving modes, rearview

camera, universal garage door opener and a wireless charging pad are all part of the mix. The Bang & Olufsen sound system includes 12 speakers. With its options, the 2024 Ford Mustang, in its EcoBoost Premium Convertible format, costs about the same as a pristine offering from 1964 1/2 or 1965. What’s old often remains coveted or maybe more desirable, particularly in enduring automobiles.

NO JA VN EM UA BR EY R 2023

AFTER HOURS

WELLNESS

FYI ON Z’S The refreshing power of the midday nap By James Raia

According to a 2022 study by sleepfoundation.org, it was determined the average nap time is 60.2 minutes, and adults nap an average of 94.3 days per year.

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Getty

Cats get it. Curled up in a ball, on their backs, in a box, perched or upright, felines know how to nap—and they do it a lot, as they wish, often in 15- to 20-minute spurts and sometimes with one eye open. It’s healthy for cats’ well-being. Napping as much as five hours per day allows the animals to conserve energy and recharge for their next hunt. Instinct rules, whether the cats are wild or domesticated. It’s the same in some ways for humans, minus certain nonshared traits between the species. We can do “cat naps,” and they’re healthy, sleep experts report—with the universal adage “everything in moderation” applicable. According to the Mayo Clinic, the renowned academic medical center, “napping offers various benefits for healthy adults.” As relaxation or because of insufficient sleep, taking a nap (with both eyes closed) can be beneficial for improved well-being. But there’s a caveat: Just like many good things, napping in moderation is good, but too much can prove detrimental. Sleep experts—including specialists from the Mayo Clinic, the American Heart Association and Harvard Medical School—espouse the benefits of napping. The Mayo Clinic recommends considering napping as a part of a consistent daily routine. Napping also can be helpful after sleep loss from working longer than normal hours or after experiencing fatigue. A 2022 study commissioned by sleepfoundation. org determined the average nap time is 60.2 minutes, but only 43 minutes in adults ages 55 and older. Adults nap on an average of 94.3 days per year. Slightly more than 56% of nappers feel groggy after waking up.

SLEEP EXPERTS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Comprehensive Sleep Care of SWFL 5272 Summerlin Commons Way Ste. 603, Fort Myers cscsleep.com, 239.444.8969 Florida Lung & Sleep Associates 14651 Palm Beach Blvd. Suite 105, Fort Myers floridalung.com, 239.369.3333 Fort Myers Sleep Lab 13813 Metro Parkway Ste. F, Fort Myers millenniumphysician.com/ location/fort-myers-sleep-lab, 239.936.1343 Growing Room Child Development Centers 25151 Bernwood Drive, Bonita Springs growingroomchilddevelopment.com/location-fort-myers-fl, 239.495.0045 Sleep Disorders Center 1865 Veterans Park Drive, Suite 301, Naples sleepcenternaples.com, 239.254.1233

Michael Grandner, a medical-review panel member and director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona, believes napping has cognitive and physical benefits and can provide a boost of nutrition. “Think of a nap like having a snack between meals,” he says. Researchers at the American Heart Association cite four major benefits of napping: increased alertness, attitude adjustment, improved memory and better creative mindset. And then there’s saving money. “You probably know that energy drinks and too much coffee aren’t good for you and aren’t as good for your brain as a nap,” the association states in its napping guidelines. “But have you calculated how much money you’d save by replacing costly trips to the cafe with free naps?” A recent report by researchers at Harvard Medical School determined that getting the best benefits from napping requires planning. Napping in the early afternoon is best, because our bodies experience a natural circadian lull. Comfort and brevity make a difference. Napping for approximately 20 minutes is likely ideal to avoid grogginess when you awaken. A short nap can also help not have difficulty sleeping at night. A quiet, dark comfortable location helps the ease of napping, but make sure a napping routine is not because of a medical issue, and consult a physician if napping is excessive. Matthew Walker, director of the Center for Human Sleep Science at UC

Berkeley, wrote the book Why We Sleep. He details in a passage that “humans are biologically predisposed to ‘biphasic’ sleep, a pattern of sleeping for long stretches at night with shorter naps in the early afternoon.” For proper napping, Walker recommends certain key guidelines: Put personal device screens away, make the room dark, cool and quiet, nap horizontally and nap before 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Late afternoon naps can interfere with nighttime sleep. Individual factors, such as your required hours of sleep, sleeping schedule, age and medication use, also can play a role in determining the best time of day to nap. Create a restful environment. Nap in a quiet, dark place with a comfortable room temperature and few distractions. Despite napping’s benefits, drawbacks exist, including sleep inertia and underlying medical issues. Some people just can’t sleep during daylight hours or have trouble sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings. Sleep inertia, the groggy or disoriented feeling after waking up from a nap, can interfere with continuing your daily routine. Nap too long and not only is returning to your pre-napping situation more difficult, it may trigger insomnia. Most importantly, after napping, give yourself time to wake up before resuming activities—particularly those that require a quick or sharp response. Only cats need to do that when chasing prey or to prevent getting caught when they are prey. JANUARY 2024

AFTER HOURS

UNWIND

A BALANCED BEGINNING Minding your health to start 2024 By Artis Henderson

WORD-WISE: ADAPTOGEN “Adaptogens are plants and mushrooms that help your body respond to stress, anxiety, fatigue and overall well-being. You can take adaptogens by adding them to food or beverages or take them as tinctures. Adaptogens bring your body back to a steady balance by managing both physical and mental stressors.” —Cleveland Clinic

For a wellness-themed weekend away, the Tierra Santa Healing House inside Miami Beach’s lush and luxurious Faena Hotel offers a dreamy sanctuary. The spa features one of the largest hammams (steam baths) on the East Coast, plus an array of treatments for the body and soul. Tierra Santa pulls heavily from traditional South American healing practices and uses ethically sourced indigenous ingredients. Try its signature Tree of Life treatment, which combines sacred oils with a hot stone massage, or the Pranic Healing package with palo santo and sound bowls to balance the chakras. It’s a zen-filled way to start the new year.

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Faena Miami Beach

RETREAT

Faena Miami Beach; Getty; Penguin Random House

With the sins and excesses of the holiday season behind us, the new year offers an opportunity for better health. Let’s get started.

FOR THE NIGHTSTAND

Ultra-Processed People: Why We Can’t Stop Eating Food That Isn’t Food by Chris van Tulleken This eye-opening look at the history and culture of ultra-processed food is for fans of Fast Food Nation and The Omnivore’s Dilemma. In Ultra-Processed People, medical doctor and author Chris van Tulleken tells us why we can’t stop eating food that isn’t, well, really food. Ultra-processed food—which often comes wrapped in plastic and has at least one unpronounceable ingredient—is linked to inflammation, cancer, anxiety and depression. Yet it represents the nutritional mainstay for millions of people globally.

TONICS

This January, consider skipping the booze and sticking with wellness brews instead. Uber-cool Remedies Parlor in the Gardner’s Park neighborhood of downtown Fort Myers has a fantastic selection of alcoholic-free health tonics. Its top picks:

DRAM Apothecary Each can of these sparkling seltzers is made from clean, whole, organic plant ingredients. Try the popular cardamom and black tea or lavender and lemon balm flavors. For a healthy and chilledout experience, opt for the adaptogenic seltzers, which come infused with 25 mg of CBD.

WHO’S COUNTING? 1.2 gallons

36 pounds

Amount of yogurt the average American eats per year

Amount of cooking oil the average American consumes per year

Kin Euphorics These non-alcoholic, functional beverages contain adaptogens, nootropics and botanics. There’s one for every vibe—heart-opening, beauty boosting, energizing and soothing.

De Soi Aperitifs This sparkling, effervescent line of non-alcoholic aperitifs was co-founded by pop star Katy Perry. Swap out your favorite liqueur for the brand’s signature Champignon Dreams, made with reishi mushrooms and passion flowers, or a bottle of Purple Lune, blended with ashwagandha and tart cherry juice.

3.3 pounds Yearly butter consumption of the average American Source: Pew Research Center’s survey on food and nutrition attitudes (2016)

3,000 to 4,000 steps

Average number of steps most Americans take in a day Source: Mayo Clinic

6.8 hours Average number of hours most Americans sleep a night Source: Gallup

JANUARY 2024

AFTER HOURS

Backstory

RIDING THE RAILS

Remembering the days when tourists came to SWFL by train

The Orange Blossom Special chugged into Naples with great fanfare. About 600 travelers were inside its posh passenger cars, including Florida Gov. John W. Martin and Seaboard Air Line Railway President S. Davies Warfield. Hundreds had lined the tracks in anticipation of the first train to pull into the still unfinished Naples Depot. Concert bands heralded its arrival. It was Jan. 7, 1927, and the train industry was in its heyday. The train industry first laid tracks in Florida pre-Civil War. In the 1880s, though, railways started to boom as industrialists, such as Henry Flagler and Henry Plant, expanded their train lines down the coasts of the state. By 96

1900, about 3,000 miles of track existed in Florida. It helped spur the trade of goods including phosphorus, produce and lumber. It brought in thousands of Northern tourists, who often stayed in luxury resorts built by Flagler and Plant. The first train to stop in Southwest Florida came into Punta Gorda in 1886. The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad expanded down into Fort Myers in 1904. In the roaring ’20s, both the Atlantic Coast Line and Seaboard Air Line Railway ran through Naples. Eventually, train service reached Marco Island and Everglades City. The heyday of the Orange Blossom Special and its glamorous ilk were

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rather short-lived, as the Great Depression stymied expansion plans, then automobiles and eventually air travel replaced rail as the primary mode of tourist transit. By the 1960s, rails were mainly reserved for freight. But the memory of the golden age lives on in such places as the Naples Depot Museum (colliermuseums. com) that took the place of the abandoned train station. Songwriter Ervin T. Rouse memorialized train travel in a song called “Orange Blossom Special” in 1938. The song has become a bluegrass standard, with Johnny Cash and other famed musicians singing the line “I’m going down to Florida/ And get some sand in my shoes.”

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