Gulfshore Business December 2024 by Gulfshore Life

Are you ready to protect your legacy?

The current federal lifetime estate and gift tax exemption amounts, absent further legislative action, are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. Are you taking full advantage of today’s higher exemption?

Assessing how these changes may impact your plan will involve in-depth conversations with your wealth management team and estate planning attorney. Any adjustments will require meticulous document preparation.

The holistic, team-based approach at Commerce Trust, consisting of financial and tax planning, investment portfolio management, and trust administration, is designed to guide you toward achieving your family’s goals while safeguarding your legacy.

Connect with the Commerce Trust team at commercetrustcompany.com/estatetax to safeguard your legacy.

Estate Planning for Families: The Family Meeting

By ELIZABETH P. HUGHES, CPA, CFP ®, Financial Planning Manager, Commerce Trust

Deciding when and how to bring family members together to share your vision for how your wealth will be distributed is a very personal, and often difficult, decision. Consider the following suggestions for when and how to bring the next generation of your family together to learn about your estate plan and longterm goals for your wealth.

TYPES OF FAMILY MEETINGS

Every family is unique so one type of family meeting may fit better than another. Consider involving a wealth management professional who can help identify which approach is right for your family. Or ask a member of your wealth management team to serve as an independent third party to mediate the conversation.

Family Councils: Some families create a family council consisting of family members from each generation.

Family Foundations: Others view family meetings as a time to involve loved ones in their family’s private foundation. For many families, it is important for younger generations to get involved earlier rather than later in life.

Family Business Meetings: For family members who are not working for the family business, attending a family business meeting is a way to involve them in the business in a way that will not impact daily operations.

Next-Generation Education: Sometimes, next-generation meetings can be more focused on wealth preservation and financial education.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR FAMILY MEETINGS

Finally, it is common to arrange family meetings to bring loved ones together. Creating a space in which each generation feels able to communicate how they are feeling and that the rest of the family is listening to them sets a positive tone for these conversations.

Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Sometimes it can be beneficial to separate into groups and let family members who are part of the next generation meet as one group.

• You might choose to invite an independent third party (outside the family) to participate in these meetings and help facilitate conversation.

• Plan a meeting at a location away from where family members live. This allows for more family time outside of the meeting if everyone is staying at the same location.

NEXT STEPS

Commerce Trust offers a team-based holistic approach to estate planning that includes facilitating various types of family gatherings. Allowing your Commerce Trust wealth management team to act as a third party in family meetings could allow for a balanced and objective approach to difficult subjects.

Contact Commerce Trust today at www.commercetrustcompany.com/estateplanning to learn more about how we can help you navigate family estate planning conversations so all family members are appropriately included.

The opinions and other information in the commentary are provided as of April 25, 2024. This summary is intended to provide general information only, and may be of value to the reader and audience.

This material is not a recommendation of any particular investment or insurance strategy, is not based on any particular financial situation or need, and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified tax advisor or investment professional. While Commerce may provide information or express opinions from time to time, such information or opinions are subject to change, are not offered as professional tax, insurance or legal advice, and may not be relied on as such.

Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

Commerce Trust is a division of Commerce Bank.

Investment Products: Not FDIC Insured | May Lose Value | No Bank Guarantee

PUBLISHER Carin Keane

PRESIDENT Jim Schwartzel

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Heidi Rambo Centrella

Digital Editor Adam Regan

Associate Editor Kaitlin Regan

Senior Editors Tim Aten, David Dorsey, Therese McDevitt, Nancy Semon

Copy Editor Steve Gill

CONTRIBUTORS

Artis Henderson, Justin Paprocki, James Raia, Bill Wasinger, Sheldon Zoldan

ART

Creative Directors Scott Glick, Jerry Pomales

Photo Editor Mary Rich

ADVERTISING

Associate Publisher Chris Renstrom

CIRCULATION

Director of Audience Development Kerri Nolan

PRODUCTION

Production Manager Martha Leavitt

ADMINISTRATION

Advertising Services Manager Subscriptions & Distribution Kathleen Hill

READER SERVICES

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LEARNING FROM OUR LINEAGE

My parents were raised in a time that focused on family, in a place that was built by family. Their parents instilled in them the values of character, integrity and hard work, and my parents in turn instilled the same value system within their four children. This was a privilege I wouldn’t realize for decades, but I’ve become deeply grateful for it.

Our family spent years moving around the country for my father’s work, from far north in Michigan to deep south in Louisiana, ultimately settling in Oklahoma for the bulk of their time before returning to the same farm in southwest Kansas where my mother was raised. As their children, we were always in tow, learning the different cultures along the way. And also, as children have for millennia, learning about the world and how it works by watching our parents and absorbing what they taught us. We have become who we are today in part because of who they were.

That’s even more true when members of the next generation join the

family business, and begin their livelihoods by building on the foundations set by their forebears. Kirk Fish Company, the Wynn family’s Sunshine Ace Hardware and Lipman Family Farms are all landmark presences in the Southwest Florida business landscape, and each is in at least its third generation, being overseen and guided by the descendants of its founders as a conscious next step in a shared legacy. Bill Wasinger looks at the stories behind these companies’ successes in “Generational Health” on page 28.

One especially adventurous example of multigenerational businesses

could only have happened in a coastal community such as Naples — other folks might feel ties to wide-open ranches or timber-covered mountains, but the Julian family’s hearts are with the sea. In “A Legacy on the Waves” on page 38, Therese McDevitt embarks on an exploration of the mariners’ story in progress, one that has spanned five generations at sea so far and encompasses a consulting business to provide aquatic expertise to film and TV crews, as well as the popular Pure Florida Cruises based at Tin City. Thriving on the water as they have requires considerable effort, but a strong work ethic is as much a part of their trade as the decks beneath their feet.

Family seems a fitting focus for this joyous time of year — all of us at Gulfshore Business wish you and yours a happy holiday season, and the very best for the new year to come. We’ll see you in 2025.

HEIDI RAMBO CENTRELLA EDITOR IN CHIEF

We ARE SanCap Bank Strong

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has stood by Southwest Florida through every storm. We’ve supported our customers, team and community through each one that has swept across our community Together, we’ve rebuilt homes, businesses and lives. It’s not just about banking – it’s about being here when it matters most. No matter how many storms come our way, we will always be here, stronger and more committed than ever. Because this is more than a community – it’s family.

Since Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we’ve donated another $150,000 to support causes supporting hurricane relief including Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, F.I.S.H. of Sanibel- Captiva, Community Housing and Resources, Sanibel Community Association, Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, FMB Strong, Fort Myers Beach Women’s Club and the Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation.

Alongside our entire community, we’re helping rebuild Southwest Florida, making it stronger than ever. You

Complete a look creatively with Felton Hat Co. p_16

By Justin Paprocki

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

NEW HIGH-TECH PATIENT BEDS

Forty new state-of-theart beds were delivered to HCA Florida Englewood Hospital. Hospital officials said the new design supports a positive patient experience with enhanced comfort and convenience, while simplifying how the care team works at the bedside. The beds increase patient safety through fall prevention, pressure injury prevention and continuous monitoring of heart rate and respiratory rate. In addition to wound prevention and healing technology, the beds wirelessly connect to the hospital Wi-Fi network to send nurse calls, room controls, bed alerts and other bed-generated data to the nurse call system, providing real-time patient data so care teams can intervene sooner.

IN THE 239

NewsBites

ENTREPRENEURIAL ADVICE

Find an unexplored niche in the market; “Something nobody else does or something you can do better.”

— Ryan Van Horn, CEO of Custom Packaging & Products

COMING NEXT MONTH

Join us next month as we focus on leadership in Southwest Florida. Melanie Pagan dives into breaking gender barriers in business and how equality is increasing within male-dominated industries, leading to balanced growth.

COLLIER COUNTY / LEE COUNTY / CHARLOTTE COUNTY

NEW CEO

Fort Myers-headquartered Millenium Physician Group announced Tesha Simpson will join the company with more than 900 health care providers across the Southeast as CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Clay Richards, executive chair of the board, will continue to serve as interim CEO during the transition period, company officials said. Simpson most recently served as CEO of Guidelight Health, a national mental health provider she co-founded, since 2023. Prior to joining Guidelight Health, Simpson served as chief operating officer of AMSURG, a company that specializes in ambulatory surgery center services.

EMPLOYEE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The former Super 8 Naples hotel is heading toward transformation into 110 contemporary, fully furnished apartments primarily for Moorings Park employees, with 33 reserved for affordable housing. Collier County Planning Commission unanimously recommended a small-scale amendment to the county growth-management plan to allow 110 affordable housing units on 5 acres at 3880 Tollgate Blvd. in a multifamily development, instead of a commercial use. The recommendation will go before the Board of County Commissioners for final approval.

NEW FLEX WAREHOUSES

GCM Contracting Solutions and Zahra LLC will partner on another project at Enterprise Charlotte Airport Park in Punta Gorda. The Duffie North project is a full-design build that will include two 52,000-square-foot flex warehouse facilities on 10 acres. In the design, two adjacent buildings will share a central truck dock with ample spacing between them. Each unit in the facility will offer racking clearance of 32 feet, with a generic floor plan allowing future tenants to build a custom solution tailor-made to the client’s needs in every unit. Completion of the project is slated for the fourth quarter of 2025.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

COLLIER COUNTY

NewsBites

NCH, FLORIDA BLUE COME TO AGREEMENT

With negotiations going down to the wire, Naples Comprehensive Health and Florida Blue agreed on a new three-year contract that will keep almost 40,000 of the insurance carrier’s members in network with the health care system. There will be no disruption in coverage, and the new agreement brings NCH into alignment with reimbursement rates that other local health providers receive from Florida Blue.

RECORD-SETTING SALE

NEW HEALTH HEADQUARTERS

Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida acquired a new headquarters campus through a $15.5 million transaction. The acquisition includes two buildings totaling 81,941 square feet at 2234-2270 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers, marking one of the largest office sales in Southwest Florida this year. Officials said this move strengthens the not-forprofit organization’s ability to grow and meet the region’s expanding health care needs, while ensuring access for all community members. This includes medically underserved populations, such as migratory agricultural worker families, homeless individuals and other special populations who require health care services.

The post-Hurricane Ian luxury housing market just set a new standard for pricing with a record-setting deal on Fort Myers Beach. A post-Ian built, beachfront home at 5940 Estero Blvd. sold for $11.25 million, a new high for single-family homes on the island, according to John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate’s Grant Group, which listed the property. The previous record had been a 2015-built beachfront property at 4148 Estero Blvd., which sold for $6,175,000 in 2022.

COLLIER

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BACK TO NORMAL?

Statewide growth predicted to slow

By Justin Paprocki

Florida’s economic growth is expected to slow over the next few years. But don’t panic — things are actually just returning to normal.

A study by nonpartisan Florida TaxWatch reports that the state’s real GDP is expected to grow by between 1.6% and 1.9% each year through 2028. This is a slowdown from years past, but it’s more of a reversion to the state’s pre-pandemic growth rates. Also fueling this is a predicted slight slowdown in the state’s population growth during the years to come.

TRE NDLINES

MAKERS

TOPPED OFF IN STYLE

Completing a look creatively with Felton Hat Co.

By Justin Paprocki

Hat bars have started to become quite popular recently — and for good reason. It’s a unique night out: Go with friends, design your own hat and maybe have a drink in the process.

Stacey Felton went to a few hat bars with friends and really got into the creative element of it. After a while, she thought this was something she could try on her own. “I fell in love with the crafting aspect of it,” she says. “I just dove right in.”

Originally from Michigan, Felton has called Fort Myers home for the past 15 years, and now Felton Hat Co. hosts private hat bar events throughout Southwest Florida — and Felton is ready to take the next step up.

Typically, hat bar events are more popular in cities such as Nashville or Dallas, places where a good cowboy hat is practically essential. But Felton has found a similar interest in Florida, especially when she introduced straw hats or beachy headwear more common to the Sunshine State.

After going to some hat bars with friends, Stacey Felton fell in love with the creative process and launched Felton Hat Co. She now hosts private hat bar events throughout Southwest Florida where people can create their own headwear.

At Felton Hat Co. events, customers choose their hat, decorations and even an option for personal branding to create their design.

Kevin Bires

She’s hosted about 40 events, including at breweries and country clubs. She brings the hats (cowboy, fedora, etc.), the decorations (feathers, ribbons, etc.) and even a soldering iron for personal branding. The customers make their selections and leave with their own nifty hat.

And over the two years since she started, her business has started to grow beyond just events. Her next step is creating her own custom hat line. She already has a base of clients who’ve visited her hat bars, and she’s looking to build on that with retail sales online (feltonhatco.com).

Felton has been making her custom hats out of her house, finding time when her two young boys are otherwise occupied. It started as a hobby business, something she could do in her spare time. As her kids got older, it quickly evolved into something more — though she doesn’t want to lose sight of the reason she got started in the first place.

“I really enjoy just playing with the hats,” she says with a laugh. “I’m a crafty person, and that’s why I got into it.”

ECONOMIC COMMENTARY

PLANNING FOR FLORIDA’S EMPLOYMENT FUTURE

As population grows, SWFL must ensure it is meeting workforce needs

By Aysegul Timur and Amir B. Ferreira Neto

There is a lot to love about our lifestyle in Southwest Florida — the coastal waterways, the warm climate and, of course, access to great dining, education, entertainment and amenities. It is easy to see why our area has become known as an outstanding place to live, work, play and retire.

Over the years, this has led to surging population growth. Between 2019 and 2022, the five-county region grew more than 7%, and it is expected to grow more than 30% by 2050. As our population is expected to climb to nearly 2 million people over the next 25 years, our communities need to prepare now for challenges lying ahead. And our biggest challenge will be maintaining a trained, skilled workforce.

Population forecasts show most of our growth will come from people migrating from oth-

er states and countries seeking a slice of the Florida lifestyle. Likewise, our retiree population will continue to grow faster than our working age residents.

Based on recent trends, we can expect the continuous arrival of new residents to bring more jobs. Between 2021 and 2023, our region consistently grew more than 5% in nonfarm jobs, above the area’s historic average of 2.5%. Since then, the region has returned to its historic growth rate. Likewise, Southwest Florida has been closing the wage gap compared to the rest of the state and the nation. This means most job growth is explained by local conditions, and

Southwest Florida is seeing an increase in the concentration of jobs in high-paying industries, such as manufacturing and professional and technical services.

The challenge is that as our population skews older and skilled workers move on to retirement, Southwest Florida needs to be able to reinvigorate the workforce. We have certainly made strides on the percentage of skilled workers in the region, growing from 39% in 2013 to 44.3% in 2022. But there is still a long way to go.

How can we get there? As a society, we need to change how we think about jobs, skills and credentials. This is something we are focused on in higher education.

Built into the mission of Florida Gulf Coast University is a focus on partnering with our regional community, particularly employers, to learn about the job needs of both today and tomorrow. Through these relationships, we are able to complement the curriculum in traditional academic programs with short-term, noncredit learning opportunities that enable students

to earn specific industry certifications, micro-credentials and digital badges.

This is a trend nationally in higher education. It allows colleges and universities to provide students with opportunities to add value to their first jobs right away, proving that they have learned the skills necessary to find career success. With the growth of job opportunities in the area, graduates are more likely to stay local after graduation.

This is the basis for additional and better credentials, and we have work to do.

First, we need to continue to improve the region’s high school graduation rate, which is influenced by experiences students have at the beginning of their schooling. Studies show that students who are well-prepared for kindergarten and third-grade benchmarks are more likely to stay on track throughout their education.

Second, we need to engage those high school graduates in ongoing learning opportunities locally at two-year, four-year or technical training institutions.

Between 2019 and 2022, the region grew more than 7%, and is expected to grow more than 30% by 2050. As Southwest Florida’s population continues to grow, and tends to skew on the older side, there is an increasing need for skilled workers.

Finally, we need to help those students complete their programs on time and connect them to the Southwest Florida workforce.

These steps will help Southwest Florida retain a well-trained and skilled workforce that is responsive to the population growth our region is seeing now and expects in the future.

Aysegul Timur is President of Florida Gulf Coast University, and Amir B. Ferreira Neto is Director of Regional Economic Research Institute at FGCU.

ENTERTAINMENT

MAKE ’EM LAUGH

The ‘golden age’ of comedy reaches SWFL

By Sheldon Zoldan

The business of comedy in Southwest Florida is nothing to laugh about. It’s an industry that draws thousands of people to large comedy clubs and popup one-nighters in restaurants, bars and even an American Legion Post, to eat, drink and laugh.

“It’s a lot of hard work and lots of money, it doesn’t come cheap. There’s no secret sauce,” says Brien Spina, who opened Off The Hook Comedy Club 20 years ago.

Off The Hook in Naples; Snappers, formerly Laugh In, in Fort Myers; and Visani, in Port Charlotte, are the large, long-established clubs in Southwest Florida that attract the biggest club performers.

Some of the more popular pop-up businesses — Caloosa Comedy Productions, Comic Cure, the Library Comedy Club, Coastal Island Comedy, Venturino’s Comedy Club and Florida Repertory Theater — are newer ventures that fill a niche mostly for local, regional and lesser-known comics. They help restaurants, bars, theaters and nonprofits add to their bottom lines.

“It’s pretty much the golden age of comedy right this second, so we’re going to ride the wave — because everybody and their mother is doing comedy, either full-time comedy, pop-up

comedy, one-show-a-month comedy,” says Leonard Kure, head booking agent for the Comedy Zone based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Comedy Zone books comics for Visani and the Florida Repertory Theater in Southwest Florida.

Spina and Nabil Basta, owner of Snappers in Palm Harbor and Fort Myers, started their clubs long before this “golden age.” Basta opened in Palm Harbor in Pinellas County in 1988; Spina opened his club in 2005 on Marco Island.

They are the survivors.

“If you’ve looked at the clubs that have been in Florida over the last 20 years, you’ll probably see several thousand that have opened and closed,” says Richy Leis of Cape Coral. Along with his brother, he owns Comic Cure, a company that books comedians and consults with clubs, restaurants and nonprofits about how to make money with comedy.

Snappers’ Basta said he had a passion for restaurants that offered a variety of entertainment, something that wasn’t happening at the time.

“You’d either go to eat or to live entertainment,” he says.

Spina already owned a restaurant on Marco Island, when he decided the sleepy island needed some nightlife.

Brian Tietz

Brien Spina opened Off The Hook Comedy Club 20 years ago, long before the “golden age” of comedy. He says it is a lot of hard work, and it doesn’t come cheap. The club first opened on Marco Island, but has since relocated to Naples, where it hosts 10 to 15 shows every week.

He was from Boston, where comedy clubs flourished, and he thought everyone does music entertainment. “I thought, ‘Hey, let’s try it,’” he says.

He moved the club to Naples in 2013, after outgrowing the Marco location; a move that made sense because most of the customers came from Naples and Fort Myers. He said his audiences travel on average 20 to 40 miles.

Snappers in Fort Myers has changed ownership several times. Basta bought it almost three years ago. His rebranding of the club is a work in progress: He’s finding out what the Fort Myers market wants. Basta started with 100 seats because that’s all the staff could handle. The venue seats up to 150, but he said his biggest problem has been finding good help.

He has changed the menu three times, looking for the perfect customer fit, and is still searching for the right price point in Fort Myers. He has had the most success with dinner and the show for $36 on weekdays and $38 on weekends. “It’s a process, and the process takes time,” he says.

Food is an important part of the profit equation. Snappers and the other clubs make money three ways: tickets, beverages and food sales. Sometimes, the headliner gets all the money from ticket sales and the clubs only make a profit from food and drink sales. Clubs usually have a twoitem minimum.

The audiences are intended to laugh at the comedians but not the food, so the clubs offer sophisticated menus.

“We do everything in-house,” Off the Hook’s Spina says. “We make our own doughs, sauces, cut our own steaks.” The kitchen even bakes the cakes on the menu.

Caloosa Comedy Productions, owned by Rob Churchill, started producing shows at Rosalita’s on Sanibel last year. He offers three nights of shows with national comics twice a month. Churchill is expanding this year, booking shows for Bay Street Yard in downtown Fort Myers and looking to add a show on Fort Myers Beach.

Owners Kelly Crossett and Eric Andreas purchased Visani in 2015, 10 years after it opened. Visani is more restaurant-oriented than some of the other clubs — it may be known as much for its steaks as its comedy — and has a section separate from the comedy club where people can just go to eat. Kure said it has the best food of all the restaurants the Comedy Zone owns or books for.

Visani also is different because the owners don’t book their shows. Crossett and Andreas kept Comedy Zone as the bookers after they bought the club.

Booking comedians is the hardest part of the job. It takes the most work, and is about building relationships, said Basta, who does all his club’s booking. “Lots of politics goes into it.”

The club owners said social media has changed the landscape and created new challenges. Today, it’s TikTok and YouTube moving the needle.

“It’s incredible — there’s guys that sell out that I didn’t hear about six months ago. It’s a wild, wild world,” says Spina, who does all the booking for his club.

You can estimate how many tickets are going to be sold by the number of followers and views a comedian has online, he said.

“We don’t even know who we’re booking, but we’re selling out,” Comedy Zone’s Kure says.

Clubs don’t have to spend much money promoting the shows, Kure said, because the comics do their own promotion with their social media.

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Spina called Southwest Florida an amazing market because he can bring in comics who will attract the 60-yearold to 80-year-old audience, and comics to attract the 18-year-old to 25-yearold audience.

“We can sell out either way,” he says. “It’s really a wide range, broad range.”

Comic Cure’s Leis is one of the reasons for the number of pop-ups. He moved to Cape Coral during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been booking shows at local bars, restaurants and nonprofits. Southwest Florida is a small part of his business, he said, as Comic Cure books theaters in Boca Raton, the Philadelphia area and southern New Jersey, where his brother lives.

“It’s a business; it’s not just fun,” he says.

Comedy Cure puts on its own comedy festivals and has been involved with more than 200 shows in Southwest Florida, and three or four haven’t sold out, Leis said. He’s worked with Rusty’s Raw Bar and Rumrunners — which General Manager Joe Henning said has been putting on shows once a month for almost two years, held at lunchtime during the tourist season and at night in the summer. They’ve been a huge hit, Henning said. The room seats 120 people and all the shows have been sellouts.

Comedy Cure gets the money from ticket sales and the restaurant makes its money selling food and drinks.

“It’s super easy for us,” he says. “We love Richy.”

The agreement and the results have been the same at Rusty’s Raw Bar in Cape Coral. The restaurant

Comedy Cure has worked with Rusty’s Raw Bar and Rumrunners for the past two years, with Comedy Cure making money from ticket sales and the restaurants profiting from food and drink sales.

offers shows during months there’s a fifth Thursday.

“It’s been very successful,” says General Manager Stephanie Garber. “We’ve had great turnouts.”

Rob Churchill, who owns Caloosa Comedy Productions, is having the same success at Rosalita’s on Sanibel. He started producing shows at the restaurant last year, and the shows during the tourist season have sold out. This season, he is offering three nights of shows with national comics twice a month. He said he could add more shows in January.

The restaurant seats about 70 people, said Kim Radloff, the general manager. Rosalita’s gets about 10% of the ticket sales and all beverage and food sales, she said.

Churchill is expanding off the island this year, booking shows for the Bay Street Yard in downtown Fort Myers and looking to add a show on Fort Myers Beach.

Larry Venturino opened Venturino’s Comedy Club in Estero last January at the Embassy Suites. He usually has shows on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, when the larger clubs are closed. Most shows cost $20.

“We might not get the biggest names in comedy, but we get quality acts,” he says.

Gordon Meyers said the same thing. His comics mostly are from Florida, but they are quality performers.

He runs the Library Comedy Club in the Four Points Sheraton in Punta Gorda and has shows once a week during season and every other week the rest of the year. He keeps the ticket sales; the hotel makes money from food and drinks. The room seats 60, and 60% to 70% of the audience order meals, he said.

“It’s a bit of a niche; I do make a little bit of beer money, as I call it. But I’m not looking to expand or to compete with any other club.”

MORNINGS

Corey Lazar

Rachel Cox-Rosen

Zach Maloch

Lindsey Sablan

Taylor Petras

GENERATIONAL HEALTH

FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES FIND SUCCESS THROUGH SUCCESSION

By Bill Wasinger

Kevin Bires

It’s fairly common to hear someone say they “grew up in the business” or that a particular industry is “in my blood.” But for Kelly Kirk, who first went to work with her parents at Kirk Fish Company when she was just three days old, it’s literally true.

“Kirk Fish Company was started by my grandparents in the late ’40s. My grandfather was a full-time fisherman and there was no fish house on Goodland for the fishermen,” Kirk says. “My dad grew up and became a commercial fisherman … and once my grandfather and my grandmother passed away, he inherited the fisheries in Goodland. Shortly after that, my mom and dad and I all went back to Goodland together to just be a commercial processor with a small retail shop. Today, the retail side is more prominent than the wholesale side, but the processing side is one of the few places left in this area that actually process fresh, local seafood.”

The Kirk Fish Company is one of many family-owned businesses in Southwest Florida that have carried on through several generations. Some have stayed small, though many now have multiple locations and a few have even expanded across the state, the region and the continent. But the one thread tying them all together is that, while they’ve all weathered changes and growth in the region and beyond, each started simply with hope and a dream.

Kelly Kirk and her family are the third generation of Kirks running the family fish company. Kevin Bires

GENERATIONAL

FINDING A NICHE

Before heading overseas to serve during World War II, Don Wynn never envisioned returning to Naples to take over the hotel his parents owned at the time. But upon his return, meeting and subsequently marrying a local girl changed all that. Instead, Wynn used a G.I. Bill loan to buy his parents’ hotel, which he later sold to open a grocery store. That ultimately led to what is now known as Sunshine Ace Hardware, according to Michael Wynn, president and Don Wynn’s grandson.

“He built a grocery store on Fifth Avenue, and as that business grew and expanded, he needed a bigger building. He built that across the parking lot … and then rented the old building to a Western Auto Parts dealer. That owner fell on some hard times [and] my grandfather let him out of the lease and took over the business. That eventually became Sunshine Hardware in 1958,” Wynn says. “He had strong customer demand and kept adding more and more hardware items … the basic day-to-day needs of this growing community. Everything he did was based on what he felt was right for the community, and hopefully also made good business sense. Those two businesses were almost foundational elements of any town.”

While Wynn found a successful niche to serve a growing area, it wasn’t his only wise business decision. Joining the Ace Hardware cooperative and becoming Sunshine Ace Hardware gave the company a competitive advantage long before big box stores came to town. And that edge has allowed the chain to grow to 14 locations and more than 500 employees in Southwest Florida, with three more stores opening in 2025. Wynn said his grandfather’s wisest move may have simply been establishing a good business and a good place to work, to build loyalty from both customers and employees.

Kirk Fish Company started in the 1940s in Goodland, and is now one of the only fisheries in the area that processes local seafood.

“My grandfather was always very astute in trying to keep family peace and … he was smart about basically dividing up the family in their respective areas of passion. As the family dynamic grew, people in my generation and others watched how hard the family

GENERATIONAL HEALTH

worked in the business,” he says. “Unlike a lot of other family businesses, where you have a lot of family members that become part of it, they never put that pressure on any of us. They were very clear about the expectations that you will start at the bottom and you will learn all of your positions and they’re going to expect more out of you than anybody else. I like to say that we are a ‘business family’ versus a ‘family business,’ because we recognize the importance of putting the business interest first with the family values as our foundation.”

GROWING THE BUSINESS AS A FAMILY

Max Lipman wasn’t happy with his lot in life: working as a peddler in Brooklyn with a single tomato cart in the 1930s. Though he couldn’t read or write, Max did have a knack for numbers, as did his wife, Ella, who handled the family’s finances. Saving extra pennies and nickels, Ella Lipman finally saved up $100 and told her husband it was time to do something on his own. That $100 was the seed money for what would soon become Lipman Family Farms.

“I like to say Ella was the first investor in the company, but they both had this vision that something more was possible. So, Max began wholesaling vegetables into the Washington Street Market (in New York City),” says Elyse Lipman, CEO of Lipman Family Farms and great-granddaughter of Max and Ella Lipman. “Once he got into the produce space, he saw the opportunity to go to the source. That was the impetus to move the whole family down to Florida and then eventually get into farming. It was, from the very beginning, a family company, and the vision was that they were building something for generations. Those early years, everything went into teaching the kids, building teams and really instilling the value of that notion of building something for the future.”

Now a diversified, vertically integrated company, Lipman Family Farms has more than 3,500

After returning from serving in WWII, Don Wynn used a G.I. Bill loan to buy his parents’ hotel in Naples, which he sold, and opened a grocery store that led to Sunshine Ace Hardware.

While selling tomatoes from a single cart in Brooklyn in the 1930s, Max Lipman and his wife, Ella, saved enough to build what is now Lipman Family Farms, run by their great-granddaughter, Elyse Lipman.

Kevin Bires; Lipman Family Farms

employees with farms, greenhouses, logistics and packing facilities across the U.S. and Mexico.

As the company has grown, Elyse Lipman said the focus on family is still a fundamental part of the business.

“The biggest factor that has contributed to this company’s success really is people. We have over 300 employees who have been with us for over 20 years, and we even have employees who have been here for over 40 years. We have farmers who have been with us for their entire lives, who grew up on these farms and have continued to steward the land and those resources and have trained the next generation of farmers,” she says. “You don’t get people sticking around if you don’t hold true to your values as a company and you’re not consistent in your actions and how you treat each other. Honestly, the culture of this company is a truly special thing, and it’s absolutely connected to the family values of being a family-owned company.”

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Though the industry and the dynamics might be different for every family-owned business, the common goal for these family-owned companies, and many others like them, is to continue building on the legacy established by their founders. Regardless of how large or small a company may be or how many family members actively participate in running the company, it still boils down to the concept of family and growing the business for the next generation.

“We have a really solid group of people who I can see going the next 20 or 30 years with. I can see us all going long-term together and they’re an extension of our family. We were born here, raised here and we’re going to live it out here,” Kirk says. “I hope that we have a long-term fishery to look forward to. I hope that there are fishermen that want to continue doing this. I hope that we’re all able to do it until I’m either ready to pass it on to my son or I’m ready to step away and move on with it. But I don’t want to do anything else, so they’re stuck with me.”

A LEGACY ON THE WAVES

THE JULIAN FAMILY BUSINESS IS THE SEA

By Therese McDevitt

Brian Tietz

A LEGACY ON THE WAVES

“

“As the son of a son of a sailor I went out on the sea for adventure Expanding the view of the captain and crew Like a man just released from indenture” -Jimmy Buffett

For five generations, the Julian family business has been the sea.

Harry Julian, co-founder and owner of Pure Florida Cruises at Tin City in Naples, is the latest in the long line of Julian mariners to build his business on the water, following in the footsteps of his father, Lance, and his grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather.

Together, Lance and Harry bought a cruise and charter boat business at Tin City in 2009 and renamed it Cruise Naples. The family, originally from New Zealand, had already worked together for years in the film and television industry with their company Marine Team International — the Naples-based company has provided marine consulting on locations around the world for films including Titanic, Waterworld, Quantum of Solace and The Beach, and on television series including “Survivor” and “Outer Banks.”

The cruise business, still based at Tin City, is now known as Pure Florida and has grown from two boats to 20, and from nine employees to more than 30. Harry remains at the helm of Pure Florida, which offers nautical experiences including private charters; sightseeing and sunset cruises; boat and ski rentals; and eco-, shelling and dolphin-watching cruises.

Originally from New Zealand, the Julian family has worked on the water for five generations, and now calls Naples home.

Brian Tietz

A LEGACY

Lance — who calls himself “very much the elder gentleman now” — continues to run Marine Team International and recently finished serving on location as marine coordinator on the fourth season of the hit Netflix series “Outer Banks,” which follows the adventures of a bunch of treasure-hunting teenagers and takes place mainly on boats and in far-flung island locales. MTI provides a wide range of maritime services for film and television projects — “basically for everything on, under or next to the water,” as Harry puts it — including transporting crew, operating the camera boat, putting together dive safety teams, underwater construction and surface logistics.

It’s not just Lance and Harry who have built the family businesses: Lance’s wife, Sharon, has been involved since the beginning with Marine Team International. In addition to Harry, she and Lance share two daughters, Sharlan and Hilary, who live in New Zealand with their families and also have been involved with the company at various times. Harry’s wife, Libby, worked with MTI on location in the jungles of Brazil on “Survivor,” which is how the couple met; they have a daughter, Madeline, who graduated from high school this year, and a son, Lance, who is a sophomore.

And on one film project, the 2008 James Bond film Quantum of Solace, Lance and Harry had the opportunity to work together on marine coordination in Panama with Lance’s dad, also named Harry. (One of the younger Harry’s roles on that project was to teach Bond actor Daniel Craig to drive a jet boat.)

Harry remembers working on the Bond film with his father and grandfather fondly as “a remarkable multigenerational professional experience” that helped him understand the generational development of the “Julian mariner.”

It was shortly after finishing Quantum of Solace that Harry and Libby decided they wanted to spend more time in Naples, where Libby

Brian Tietz

Tired of constant traveling, Harry and Libby Julian decided to settle down in Naples. In 2009, Harry and his father bought Pure Florida, based at Tin City.

Pure Florida offers nautical experiences, including private charters, sightseeing and sunset cruises, boat and ski rentals and shelling, eco- and dolphin-watching cruises.

A LEGACY ON THE WAVES

had family, to raise their children and “quit living out of suitcases.” When he bought the cruise business in 2009, Harry’s focus turned in that direction so that he could spend less time on the road with MTI and more time with his growing family.

“That’s what Pure Florida did: It really anchored us,” Harry said recently during an interview at Tin City, steps away from the docks where their boats are moored. “We got sick of traveling, to be honest.”

As Harry has built Pure Florida, Lance has kept MTI going with a crew that he says “has become like family.”

“Getting the right crew [at MTI] was a major, major part of our success,” Lance says. “And they do become part of the family; several members of that crew followed us all around the world.”

On the Pure Florida front, Harry credits his crew of 32 employees with its success, as well, saying that the loyalty and commitment of the team have made the difference as the business went through major hurricanes including Irma, Ian, Helene and Milton, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Harry said he takes “the long game” with his staff, offering higher pay and more hours than some other cruise companies “because we realize people need a steady and stable income.”

“That, I think, brings a certain level of loyalty,” Harry says. “I mean, we have very low turnover for our industry.” He cited as examples five current employees who have been with Pure Florida for eight, nine, 12, 14 and 15 years.

He said the company focuses on helping train employees for roles they may want to play in the future, which he thinks aids in retention.

“For example, say they start off working on jet skis, which teach them the basics of seamanship, good work ethic, how to treat people and communicate — all the important things,” Harry says. “Then they go and [serve as] mate on a boat, then they go on the bigger boat, then they go on the biggest boat of all: the Double

The Julians’ cruise business started with just two boats and nine employees. Today, they have 20 boats and more than 30 employees.

A LEGACY ON THE WAVES

Sunshine. It’s kind of your ‘holy grail’ of being a mate. And then you get your captain’s ticket (license) and you come back down and start on the little boat and then the next boat up, and the next, and that’s your training process. I’ve had probably 10 or 11 people in the last 15 years that have come through the company on that route.”

In addition to building a sense of family at Pure Florida that helps keep staff on board, over the last 15 years, Libby Julian said, the company has become involved in many local charitable projects that keep it involved with the community — including the Freedom Waters program that provides free nautical adventures for local veterans, children with chronic illnesses and other groups that may not have access to spending time on the water.

“I think [Pure Florida] has done a great job of being Neapolitans, part of the community, by being so charitable and making the Gulf everybody’s Gulf,” Libby says. “Because really, if you don’t have a boat in Naples, you’re not going out. There aren’t very many ways to access getting out on a boat; not everyone can afford that. So, we’re a good option.”

As for the future, Harry said it is too early to tell whether any of the kids in the next generation of Julians will find their way to the sea. If they do, he knows that he and Lance will be happy to help them find their way and instill some of the lessons they each have learned — especially the importance of a hard work ethic that has been passed down through previous generations.

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that hard work ethic,” Harry says, “and also don’t fall into the trap of doing everything how your father did it, because my dad never did anything exactly as my grandfather did it. I haven’t done anything exactly how my dad did it, but I’ve taken the lessons and history of not just these three generations, but the numerous ones prior that made me who I am today. Hard work is something the Julian family never had a choice in.”

PRIVATE SCHOOLS HANDBOOK p.

GUIDE TO BUSINESS & COMMERCIAL BANKING p.

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED BUSINESSES p. 67

PRIVATE SCHOOLS HANDBOOK

Community School of Naples Where Excellence Meets Opportunity

Nestled on a beautiful 77-acre campus in the heart of Naples, Community School of Naples (CSN) is dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of learning, fostering character, and encouraging academic excellence in students from Early Learning through Grade 12. CSN offers a vibrant curriculum paired with individualized attention that allows students to cultivate intellectual curiosity and critical thinking in a nurturing environment.

At CSN, students thrive in state-of-the-art facilities with access to rich extracurricular offerings, including the arts, athletics, and numerous club opportunities. We believe education goes beyond the classroom, enabling students to explore and grow in every aspect of their lives.

13275 Livingston Rd. Naples, FL 34109 (239) 597-7575 communityschoolnaples.org

Head of School:

Dr. David J. Watson

NOTEWORTHY OPPORTUNITIES AT CSN

• CSN Scholars Program: An exceptional opportunity for students to specialize in Creative, Human Performance, Global, or STEM fields. Graduates of this rigorous program earn a special designation on their transcripts.

• AP Capstone Program: This research-intensive, argument-based program sharpens students’ analytical writing and research skills through AP Seminar and AP Research courses.

• Junior Experience: A transformative two-week program that includes Adventure Bound outdoor education, Career Bound job shadowing, and College Bound workshops, preparing students with practical leadership, career, and college readiness skills.

• The Juliet Collier Sproul Center for Community & Global Impact: A hub for service learning, where students are encouraged to make meaningful contributions to their communities, the environment, and the world.

Explore these opportunities and more at CSN. Visit our website at www. communityschoolnaples.org to learn more about the enriching experiences awaiting your child at Community School of Naples.

Evangelical Christian School

8237 Beacon Blvd.

Fort Myers, FL 33907

(239) 936-3319

goecs.org

Head of School: John M. Hunte

Evangelical Christian School was founded in 1973 with the mission to provide students in preschool through grade twelve an excellent academic education in an environment that honors the Lord Jesus Christ and to challenge students to reach their highest potentials mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually.

In 2024, we expanded to two campuses, with the Beacon Campus for Preschool –8th Grade and the Colonial Campus for 9th – 12th Grade. We are Sentinels with two campuses, one family, and one faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

ECS Sentinels are encouraged to strengthen skills and build confidence through various athletics, art, and extracurricular clubs and programs. ECS is a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) and offers a competitive athletic program with twenty different sports for boys and girls in 6th through 12th grade. Our Fine Arts Department has award winning music, theatre, and art programs, as well as concert band and orchestra.

We want to meet you and share the ECS experience! Please contact Melissa Bizier at mbizier@goecs.org to schedule a tour of our campus.

First Baptist Academy

3000 Orange Blossom Drive

Naples, FL 34109 (239) 597-2233, ext. 300 fbalions.org

Head of School: Dr. Ryan Dupeé

Director of Admissions: Nate Foster

At First Baptist Academy, our mission is to partner with parents to develop students with Christian character and a biblical worldview, equipping them for life, learning and leadership. Our FBA students have unparalleled opportunities to excel in academics, athletics, and fine arts. We recognize each child is created with a unique personality and purpose, and our dedicated teachers provide an environment where every child is engaged and challenged to grow. We welcome you to tour our campus and learn more about being part of the FBA family.

Royal Palm Academy

16100 Livingston Road Naples, FL. 34110 (239) 594-9888 royalpalmacademy.org

Head of School: Michael Bussman Director of Admissions: Corinne Merriman

Royal Palm Academy is an independent Catholic school that provides a rigorous education, partnering with families to teach the mind, educate the heart, and form the character of tomorrow’s leaders. We create a supportive environment where students explore their interests, find joy in learning, and grow in confidence. Our challenging curriculum fosters academic excellence and inspires each student to reach their highest potential. By partnering closely with parents, we support every child’s academic, social, emotional, and spiritual needs, ensuring they are wellprepared for lifelong success. Discover an education that forms compassionate, driven, and successful individuals. Come see where students thrive!

Seacrest

Country Day School

7100 Davis Blvd

Naples, FL 34104

(239) 793-1986

seacrest.org

Head of School: David Mahler

Seacrest, established in 1983, is a private, college-preparatory, school in Naples, Florida, serving students from early learning through 12th grade. Known for its experientiallearning, place-based curriculum, Seacrest fosters intellectual engagement and character development in a close-knit environment with small class sizes. Seacrest recently appointed a new head of school, David Mahler who brings over 30 years of experience in independent education and a visionary, student-centered approach. Mahler’s leadership promises to build on Seacrest’s strengths in leadership, STEAM, academics, arts, and athletics, guiding the school into an exciting new chapter of growth and success.

Seacrest Country Day School fuels intellectual engagement, teaches ownership of the educational experience, cultivates quality of character, and inspires students to lead lives of significance.

Our Students are Known, Nurtured & Loved

6000 Goodlette-Frank Rd N Naples, FL 34109

6000 Goodlette-Frank Rd N. Naples, FL 34109 (239) 325-2123

6000 Goodlette-Frank Rd N Naples, FL 34109 (239) 325-2123

(239) 325-2123

TVSNaples.org

TVSNaples org

Head of School:

Dr Dennis G Chapman

Dr. Dennis Chapman

Head of School:

Dr. Dennis G. Chapman

Dr. Dennis G. Chapman

Director of Enrollment Management:

Director of Enrollment Management: Tonya DuBois

Tonya DuBois

Director of Enrollment Management: Tonya DuBois

Director of Enrollment Management:

Tonya DuBo

Discover The Village School of Naples, where innovative education meets timeless values. We are proud to be an AP Honor Roll Platinum rated school for 2 consecutive years Our comprehensive Early Childhood through Upper School curriculum nurtures students’ academic, spiritual, and personal growth With small class sizes, individualized instruction, and an emphasis on STREAM, the arts, and athletics, we empower students to excel in all areas of life Our commitment to character development, through Christ Skills and weekly chapel, fosters responsible, compassionate leaders. Experience the difference at TVS, where each child is known, nurtured and loved. Now enrolling for the 2024-2025 school year.

for

Discover The Village School of Naples, where innovative education meets timeless values. We are proud to be an AP Honor Roll Platinum rated school for two consecutive years. Our comprehensive Early Childhood through Upper School curriculum nurtures students’ academic, spiritual, and personal growth. With small class sizes, individualized instruction, an emphasis on STREAM and athletics, we empower students to excel in all areas of life. Our commitment to character development, through Christ Skills and weekly chapel, fosters responsible, compassionate leaders. Experience the difference at TVS, where each student is known, nurtured and loved. Limited spaces available - visit our website and apply now: tvsnaples.org

Discover The Village School of Naples, where innovative education meets timeless values We are proud to be an AP Honor Roll Platinum rated school for 2 consecutive years Our comprehensive Early Childhood through Upper School curriculum nurtures students’ academic, spiritual, and personal growth With small class sizes, individualized instruction, and an emphasis on STREAM, the arts, and athletics, we empower students to excel in all areas of life. Our commitment to character development, through Christ Skills and weekly chapel, fosters responsible, compassionate leaders. Experience the difference at TVS, where each child is known, nurtured and loved Now enrolling for the 2024-2025 school year

consecutive years. Our comprehensive Early Childhood through Upper School curriculum nurtures students’ academic, spiritual, and personal growth. With small class sizes, individualized instruction, and an emphasis on STREAM, the arts, and athletics, we empower students to excel in all areas of life Our commitment to character development, through Christ Skills and weekly chapel, fosters responsible, compassionate leaders Experience the difference at TVS, where each child is known, nurtured and loved Now enrolling for the 2024-2025 school year

Discover The Village School of Naples, where innovative education meets timeless values We are proud to be an AP Honor Roll Platinum

of Naples

Bishop Verot Catholic High School

5598 Sunrise Drive

Fort Myers, FL 33919 (239) 274-6700

bvhs.org

Principal: Suzie O’Grady, MPA, Ed.S.

Founded in 1962, Bishop Verot Catholic High School educates the minds and hearts of all students in an innovative and communitycentered learning environment, preparing them for lives of faithful service to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Our rigorous college preparatory curriculum prepares students for success in college, earning them over $15 million in scholarship offers annually. With over 26 different competitive sports and 30 extra-curricular clubs and activities offered, students are able to build an impressive resume for the college application process as well as learn valuable social and time-management skills. Bishop Verot utilizes state of the art technology and has been recognized by Apple as a distinguished school for continuous innovation in learning, teaching, and the school environment. The implementation of a Community/House system has not only enhanced the community of Bishop Verot, it offers numerous student leadership opportunities. Schedule a private tour today to learn more about Bishop Verot Catholic High School and joining the Verot family.

Canterbury School

8141 College Parkway

Fort Myers, FL 33919 (239) 481-4323

www.canterburyfortmyers.org

Head of School: Rick Kirschner

To experience Canterbury is to appreciate inspiring teachers, coaches, and mentors rigorously preparing students for a world of unlimited possibilities. The foundation of our school is based on four tenets: academics, leadership, character, and service. These tenets work in conjunction with key aspects that create a great “prep” school—a strong honor code, exceptional academics, a wide range of co-curricular opportunities, and meaningful relationships. Each year Canterbury’s SAT and ACT scores far surpass local, state, and national results. Canterbury students are a sure bet among colleges and universities.

WHAT STARTS AS A School ... BECOMES A SECOND Home.

A Pre-K3 through Grade 8 School of Excellence

Saint Andrew Catholic School

1509 SE 27th St. Cape Coral, FL 33904 (239) 772-3922

www.standrewcs.org

Principal: Mrs. Bambi Giles

Providing an Exceptional Education through Faith and Community Since 1989

Catholic Traditions - Academic Excellence Respect for God’s Earth and It’s Cultures

STREAM Certified Since 2019 (STEM enhanced with Religion and Art)

Tuition Assistance Available

1509 SE 27th Street | Cape Coral, FL | (239) 772-3922 | www.standrewcs.org

For nearly four decades “Building Faith, Hearts and Minds” has been the motto and impetus in providing an exceptional education at St. Andrew Catholic School.

Faith – Through Catholic traditions and Gospel values, students develop as principled, caring and balanced individuals, respected as children of God.

Hearts – New families say that St. Andrew has an inviting family atmosphere. Whether collaborating in the classroom or through community service, students open their hearts, demonstrating open-mindedness and a connection to others. Teachers are dedicated professionals in partnership with families.

Minds – A cornerstone program, STREAM, facilitates the building of minds. STREAM integrates Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art and Math, further enhancing the curriculum and nurturing inquiring life-long learners.

Saint Ann School

542 8th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102 (239) 262-4110 • www.stann.net

Principal: Micah O’Connor

Enrollment Director: Tracy Farley facebook.com/saintannschoolnaples

Since 1956, Saint Ann Catholic School has provided excellence in the education of spirit, mind, and body. With class sizes capped at 20, our dedicated teachers offer personalized attention, ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive. We maintain high academic standards through a well-rounded curriculum that includes honors, gifted, and resource classes, technology integration, band, choir, art, music, foreign language, P.E., Lego Robotics, and competitive sports. These programs foster intellectual growth, creativity, and critical thinking, preparing students for a successful future.

Rooted in the teachings of Christ, our certified teachers follow the Diocese of Venice Academic Standards, nurturing each child’s potential in a faith-filled, disciplined environment. Saint Ann students not only excel academically but also grow spiritually and morally through service, leadership, and community involvement, developing the skills they need to serve in God’s kingdom and make a positive impact in the world.

St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School

2730 53rd Terrace SW Naples, FL 34116 (239) 455-2262

www.saintelizabethseton.com Admissions@seseton.org

Principal:

Mrs. Maria Niebuhr, M.Ed.

From the first day of PreK to 8th grade graduation, our students receive a well-rounded education nurturing their spiritual, intellectual, physical, social, and moral development. We provide a solid foundation for students to take their place in society as valuable and successful members of the kingdom of God. In partnership with our families, we offer a challenging curriculum in a joyful, faithfilled learning community. Take a tour and discover why Seton students love their school!

Excellence in Catholic Education in Naples since 1981

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School

Academic Excellence

Character

Values

Family

Service

Dedicated Teachers

Patriotism

Proven track record for student learning and life success since 1981.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School

2055 Heitman St. Fort Myers, FL 33901

(239) 334-7707

2055 Heitman St. Fort Myers, FL 33901 (239) 334-7707

stfrancisfortmyers.org

Principal: John Gulley

Education that Nurtures Faith and Minds PK3 through 8th Grade

Welcome to St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, nurturing young minds and hearts since 1938. Our school provides exceptional Catholic education, rooted in Gospel values. We empower our students’ growth by offering a challenging curriculum that uses cutting-edge educational practices and technology. Our classrooms feature advanced learning tools, preparing students for tomorrow’s challenges. From the first day, we teach our students that academic excellence and strong Christian values go hand in hand. Our guiding principle is expressed in our mission: “To be like Christ in all that we think, do and say.” This mission guides us to shape the minds and hearts of our students for a bright future. If you’re looking for a school that upholds your family’s values while fostering academic brilliance, join the St. Francis Xavier Catholic School community in shaping tomorrow’s leaders.

Financial Aid and Scholarships Available

•

• Blue Ribbon School accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference.

• 86 years of shaping over 6,200 young minds through academics and Catholic values.

• Modern classrooms and playgrounds.

• Robotics program, extra-curricular activities in athletics and the arts.

(239) 334-7707

2055 Heitman St. Fort Myers, FL 33901 (239) 334-7707 stfrancisfortmyers.org

stfrancisfortmyers.org

Pastor: Father Steven Clemente Principal: John Gulley

Schedule a tour today to explore our curriculum, faith formation programs, and extracurriculars. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Blue Ribbon School accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference.

2055 Heitman St. Fort Myers, FL 33901

Pastor: Father Steven Clemente Principal: John Gulley

Financial Aid and Scholarships Available

St. Michael Lutheran School

3595 Broadway Fort Myers, FL 33901 (239) 939-1218

Principal: Mrs. Kati Miser

Saint Michael Lutheran School is now accepting applications for Infants – Grade 8 for the 2025-26 school year. Attend an Open House on Wednesday, January 29, 6:00-7:30pm. Meet the staff, visit classrooms, and see what makes SMLS a place to call home. We are located at 3595 Broadway in Fort Myers. Email info@gsmlcs.org or call 239-939-1218 to learn more or schedule a tour. You can also visit us at www.smlcs.org. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

• A ministry of Saint Michael Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

• Boundless opportunities in academics, fine arts, and athletics

• Exceptional & dedicated teaching staff

• NLSA & Cognia accredited

• Christ-centered atmosphere

• Enrolling infants through grade 8

• Serving Fort Myers community since 1956

Thrive Academy

3301 Chiquita Blvd. S. Cape Coral, FL 33914 (239) 910-0712 thriveacademyfl.org

Thrive Academy is an innovative autism specialty school catering to each student’s unique talents, interests, and strengths. Providing the highest quality educational, vocational and clinical support, we strive to ensure every student reaches their maximum potential and thrives.

• Individualized approach to learning

• Standards-based instruction that focuses on academics, safety, social and life skills

• Dedicated staff provide a nurturing and supportive environment for all students

• Clinical support from Registered Behavioral Technicians (RBT’s), Board Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBA’s), and Occupational Therapists

We’re hosting open house opportunities on December 19th and March 3rd for interested families. Reserve your spot today!

For more information or to enroll: www.thriveacademyfl.org (239) 910-0712

info@fi-florida.org

Break the Box: DFCU Offers Flexible Business Financing

If your business doesn’t fit into their box, we’ll build one for you. At DFCU Financial, we believe business owners are the backbone of our community. That’s why we take the time to truly understand your business and tailor solutions that fit your unique needs—because we know one size never fits all. Whether you’re looking to tackle immediate challenges or plan for future growth, DFCU Financial is your partner through every stage of your business journey. We offer SBA 7(a) & 504 loans, equipment financing, and working capital lines of credit to keep your business running smoothly. When you need financing for expansion, acquisitions, or construction, our business bankers are there to guide you through it all. At DFCU, we don’t rely on formulas—we rely on relationships. Let’s work together to fuel your success. Learn more about our flexible business financing options today.

(813) 864-1898

dfcufinancial.com/businessloans

A 27-year History of Banking on Business

As Lee County’s oldest locally owned and managed community bank, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands makes banking about the customer through personalized solutions, meaningful relationships and exceptional service with the stability of an FDIC-insured, nationally chartered bank.

For 27 years, Edison National Bank’s team of banking professionals have empowered our community’s business leaders and residents to reach their goals with loans and mortgage services to serve the region’s evolving commercial and personal banking needs.

Demonstrating its commitment to excellence, the bank maintains the Exceptional Performance Designation from BauerFinancial, a distinguished recognition reserved for banking institutions that have earned the highest 5-Star Superior rating for more than 10 consecutive years.

Edison National Bank stands ready to offer sound, secure banking services that enable Southwest Florida’s business community to grow and thrive.

You can bank on it.

Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC

466-1800

Like Thomas Edison, we believe there is always “a better way.” It’s why we founded this bank – to serve as a trusted financial partner, navigating with customers through times of prosperity as well as when unique situations arise.

Whether you need business or personal banking and lending, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands is well positioned to offer personalized financial services that combine the best of good banking traditions with innovative, safe solutions for the modern user.

IncredibleBank: Where Family Values Drive Business Success

Hello, I’m Sergio Nascimento, Market President for IncredibleBank in Florida. Since 1967, IncredibleBank has been a family-owned institution, deeply rooted in the values that make family businesses thrive. At IncredibleBank, we understand that family is at the heart of every business. Business owners have families, employees have families, and our staff often becomes like family to each other.

We are conscientious of family in every decision we make, ensuring that our support for business owners and their employees is both thoughtful and impactful. Our brand is centered around family values, aiming to make the lives of our clients truly incredible. Whether it’s through personalized financial solutions or community-focused initiatives, IncredibleBank is committed to fostering an environment where family businesses can flourish.

Join us at IncredibleBank, where we believe that strong families build strong businesses. Together, let’s make your business journey incredible.

Sergio Nascimento Market President, Florida IncredibleBank

Hoffmann FAMILY OF COMPANIES

Naples Princess Hertz Arena

Naples Trolley Tours Segway of Naples

Everglades Excursions

Naples Transportation & Tours

Old Corkscrew Signature Golf Course

Naples Beach & Marco Island Water Sports

Miss Naples Catamaran

BeneCard PBF: Proud family-owned member of the Southwest Florida community

For nearly a decade, BeneCard PBF has proudly been part of the Southwest Florida community, with its corporate offices and state-of-the-art pharmacy located in Bonita Springs. Founded over 40 years ago as a family-owned and operated pharmacy benefit facilitator, BeneCard PBF was established by a pharmacist who believed in prioritizing patients. This commitment is reflected in the original corporate mission: “Clients and Members, Always First.”

In 2024, BeneCard PBF remains a thriving, family-owned and operated prescription benefit facilitator, serving clients nationwide while steadfastly adhering to its original corporate mission.

As a benefit facilitator, BeneCard PBF offers superior pharmacy benefit plans tailored to the unique needs of our clients and their members, all while serving as a trusted and reliable partner.

Southwest Florida is home to more than 100 of our BeneCard PBF colleagues, and we are grateful to be part of a community that aligns so well with our long-standing corporate values. 1

John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate, founded in 1958, is Southwest Florida’s oldest and leading luxury residential real estate brokerage. Family-owned and operated, it consistently holds the top market share across Collier and Lee counties. Named Christie’s International Real Estate’s 2023 Affiliate of the Year, the firm is nationally recognized for its 65+ years of industry expertise and offers global exposure to buyers. With more than 850 agents and staff across 22 offices, John R. Wood specializes in luxury real estate throughout the region.

(239) 262-1900

johnrwood.com

Mayhugh Commercial Advisors

Since 1975, Mayhugh Commercial Advisors has been a trusted family name in Southwest Florida commercial real estate, offering comprehensive sales, leasing, and property management services. Our family-owned and operated business exemplifies dedication and commitment, ensuring that every client receives the highest level of service. Leveraging both national and local networks, we maximize exposure and opportunities for our clients. With deep market knowledge, strong relationships, and unparalleled expertise, Mayhugh Commercial Advisors guides clients through the distinct real estate landscape of Southwest Florida. We take pride in delivering dependable, personal service and results that reflect the strength of our family legacy.

brought

MY Shower Door

For over 21 years, MY Shower Door has set the standard in personalized shower solutions, earning over 4,500 five-star reviews across its 10 immersive showrooms. President and Founder Bill Daubmann believes it’s crucial to keep their strong family values and helpful customer service, ensuring every customer’s vision is realized. “Our team is all in-house,” Bill says, “from our friendly showroom staff to our own experienced installers and glass manufacturing facility, we’ve got you covered.” Visit any of their nearby showrooms to touch and feel stunning, full-size displays, exclusive hinges, and more.

Naples (239) 596-3255 | Fort Myers (239) 337-3667 myshowerdoor.com

STOCK Development, based in Naples, FL, is a premier developer and builder of high-quality residential and commercial real estate in Florida. Led by a dynamic group of highly skilled executives, STOCK excels in acquiring, financing, developing, building, marketing, and managing Florida’s most sophisticated residences, retail space and mixed-used properties. With over 20 years of excellence, STOCK is celebrated for its commitment to quality, innovation, prime locations, and outstanding design.

Founded in 2001 by K.C. and Brian Stock, this family-owned company upholds a legacy of success through exceptional integrity, enduring quality, and superior customer service.

(239) 592-7344

From exquisite luxury branded properties and award-winning residential communities to impeccably

Sunshine Ace Hardware

Modern hardware stores with 1950s-era customer service

The big box stores and online marketplaces of today relinquished customer service to bygone eras. That isn’t the case at Sunshine Ace Hardware. When Don Wynn founded the company in 1958, customer satisfaction was his top priority.

Fast forward to today, and Michael Wynn – company president and grandson of Don – emphasizes customer service over KPIs. He wants associates to treat customers like family while displaying the same core values that transcend generations, things like caring for your neighbor, being humble and building honest relationships.

Today, the Naples-based company has 16 hardware, paint and gift stores under its umbrella, including two Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware stores in Manatee County; three additional Sunshine Ace Hardware locations are under development in Southwest Florida. As a proud family-owned business, Sunshine Ace Hardware takes great satisfaction in maintaining “small town advantages,” such as friendly service, strong values and community support, while offering “big city” advantages like a large inventory of products at competitive prices as well as in-home repair services. SunshineAce.com

To our community for shopping local.

To our customers for investing in us, so we can invest back into our community.

To all our outstanding team members who have worked tirelessly during the pandemic and after Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton on the frontlines. They have never wavered in their commitment and dedication.

Since 1938 the Wynn Family has been serving Southwest Florida.

Thank

Wynn Family Picnic-Cambier Park 1949

Preferred Travel & Company has been a community staple for over 40 years, thriving as a family-owned business dedicated to creating memorable journeys. Their commitment to exceptional service and expertise sets them apart. As a trusted resource for travelers, their team of over 80 travel professionals offer personalized itineraries and added value, bringing a special touch to every travel plan. Preferred Travel takes great pride in elevating your travel experience.

AfterHOURS

HORSEPOWER / WELLNESS / UNWIND / BACKSTORY

HORSEPOWER ROAD TO UTOPIA

A scarce showpiece of a luxury hypercar p_78

By James Raia

HORSEPOWER

ROAD TO UTOPIA

A scarce showpiece of a luxury hypercar

As a young man, Horacio Pagani worked for Lamborghini, and progressed from sweeping floors to chief engineer. But Pagani grew weary. His career wasn’t advancing as quickly as the luxury machines created by the renowned Italian automaker. An Argentinian native who moved to Italy as a teenager to work in the automotive industry, Pagani decided to make his own cars. The namesake handmade marvels of exotic design and scarce supply are revered by the

By James Raia

public and other hallowed manufacturers.

The first Pagani was unveiled in 1998, six years after the company was founded near Modena, Italy. The company first brought its vehicles to the United States in 2011. Its third hypercar, the Utopia, debuted in July as a roadster and previously as a coupe.

Still run by its founder and his two sons, Pagani’s cars are manufactured in such small quantities — about 400 of its supercars in 26 years — that deal -

erships are scarce, with the carmaker sometimes collaborating with Bugatti, Ferrari and Lamborghini to have enough inventory to showcase.

Three of the handful of the carmaker’s dealerships are located in California. Pagani of Miami opened in October 2023 and is located on the Prestige Imports campus in North Miami Beach. Its showcase is as much Pagani furniture and attire as it is the hypercar.

FACTS & FIGURES

Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 2.8 seconds

Airbags: Unavailable Gas mileage: Unavailable

Horsepower: 864

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $3.3 million

Price as tested: Unavailable

Manufacturer’s website: pagani.com

Warranty: Three years complete, complimentary vehicle maintenance

Pagani’s biggest annual spotlight is The Quail, Pagani

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A Motorsports Gathering. Several Pagani models are annually displayed at one of the prestige events during Monterey (California) Car Week.

Starting with a yearly offering of a few cars, Pagani now makes between 50 and 60 vehicles per year, mostly non street-legal. The estimated manufacture of about one car per week is the responsibility of nearly 300 people. Horacio Pagani signs every new vehicle.

Like other niche rare carmakers, new Paganis are primarily sold in advance, often to the carmaker’s previous buyers. The Utopia will be limited to 99 closed coupes and 130 roadsters.

Christopher Pagani, the younger of the two sons and the company’s marketing director, explained its approach.

“All the components are built in-house,” he says. “It’s a hand-crafted car; you’re not going to find robots making your car. It’s like going back to the Renaissance.”

That’s not to say there’s no place for technological innovation; the cars feature what Pagani calls its “Cyber Tyre,” Pirelli-made tires fitted with sensors that provide information to the car’s stability control systems.

The car’s chassis is a mixture of titanium and carbon fiber and has a clamshell configuration with doors that swing

upward. The Utopia has a sculpted shape and doesn’t have wings or spoilers. The alloy wheels are 21 inches in the front, 22 inches in the back.

Its design also features a Pagani signature — side mirrors that protrude from different locations, depending on the model and trim. The carmaker uses four designs, all giving the appearance of thin floating appendages or the wings of a bird in flight. The mirrored frames have been described as teardrops or shaped like a beautiful woman’s eyes.

Despite its robust appearance, the Utopia weighs only 2,882 pounds. The Utopia is only about 450 pounds

heavier than a Mazda MX-5 Miata. It features a V12 engine and a 7-speed pure or automated manual transmission, it has a top speed of 217 mph.

With its small-batch availability, Pagani remained Italy-centric for several years. It first tested expansion in Great Britain, France and Monaco before entering the U.S. and further enhancing its global prestige.

“Somehow, the car is a vision from a dream my father had since he was a young child,” Christopher Pagani says. “To drive the cars that have our name gives us a sense of respect.”

Starling Hendriks

Jeanette Lombardi

SOUND AND STABILITY

Hearing loss can mean loss of balance for seniors

By James Raia

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute of Aging are located in separate states and about 700 miles apart. Federal agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the organizations have different responsibilities, but their research and findings can overlap.

The Atlanta, Georgia-based CDC recently released a study that determined one of every three people in the Unit-

ed States age 65 or older annually “experiences a fall.” Headquartered in Baltimore, the NIA reported two years ago approximately one in three individuals in the U.S. between ages 65 and 74 has hearing loss.

The age-related circumstances are not mutually exclusive. Several universities and medical organizations have released studies indicating that hearing loss is a substantial factor in older adults falling. Three million emergency

department visits, 950,000 hospitalizations and 32,000 deaths are related to the predicament, according to the CDC.

Echoed by the medical community at large, the related statistics between hearing loss and falling among older adults are an increasing concern. According to the CDC, many of the incidents are preventable.

Sreek Cherukuri, an otolaryngologist in Chicago, has patients nationwide — including in Southwest Florida — via his invention, ClearCast conversation amplifying earphones. He stressed the importance of understanding the connection between hearing loss and falling.

“The ear is an important organ for both hearing and balance,” Cherukuri says. “Those with decreased function of the ear suffer from both hearing loss and balance dysfunction. Hearing loss can reduce awareness of your surroundings, leading to a higher risk of falling.”

Many medical experts similarly understand the connection between hearing loss and an increased potential for falling among those age 65 and older.

“Although these two statistics (hearing loss and falling percentages) may not seem to share much in common, they are closely linked,” says William Even, a clinical audiolo-

According to studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute of Aging, there is a connection between hearing loss and falls, with one in three people over age 65 having a fall and one in three people over 65 experiencing hearing loss.

gist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. “It has long been known that some less common inner ear diseases can directly affect both hearing, as well as balance. However, more recent research demonstrates a correlation between more common types of hearing loss and a risk of falls.”

Mild degrees of hearing loss can cause up to a threefold increased risk of falling, Even explained. With increased degrees of hearing loss, the chances of falling also increase.

Researchers have also suggested those with hearing loss may have decreased spatial awareness of the environment around them. Hearing loss also introduces an increased cognitive load as the brain struggles to interpret sounds, leading to fewer cognitive resources to help with balance and stability.

Older adults can be proactive, beginning with an appointment with an audiologist to determine current hearing levels or hearing loss. The results will allow an audiologist to

recommend devices and personalize fittings and settings. Wearing the devices consistently provides patients with the most benefit — though devices shouldn’t be worn while showering, sleeping, swimming or in severely loud environments.

Cherukuri suggests additional actions: Exercise is important to improve strength and balance. Physical therapy helps an unsteady gait. In home and office environments, remove trip hazards and install railings on stairs and nonslip mats in showers.

The Florida Department of Health includes hearing loss in its literature

for elder care, specifically falling. It’s categorized with other concerns, impaired vision to inactivity and chronic condition to medication levels. It suggests regular hearing exams and exercise programs such as tai chi and yoga can improve leg strength and balance. Appropriate shoes with a proper fit, grip and foundation are also keenly preventative. High heels, flip flops and no-grip socks worn without shoes can affect mobility and increase fall risk.

Maura K. Cosetti, an associate professor of otolaryngology at Mount Sinai in New York, is a head and neck surgery expert, specifically among the aging.

“Elderly patients have several factors that put them at greater risk of falling, and hearing loss is a significant and under-recognized contributor,” Cosetti says. “Age-related hearing loss is prevalent, affecting up to two-thirds of those over the age of 70, and should be considered and checked in those at high risk for falls.

“Balance is complicated and involves the coordination of many different sensory inputs. When people fall, doctors typically focus on vision issues, check for neuropathy in their feet and bone issues, and fully ignore issues related to hearing.”

UNWIND

LOBSTER SEASON

By Artis Henderson

This December, we’re pouring a chilled glass of champagne (or two) and toasting the ocean’s tastiest crustacean

FLORIDA LOBSTERING IN FULL SWING

Few things get Florida divers and fishing enthusiasts more excited than the yearly spiny lobster season in the Florida Keys. The season runs from Aug. 6 to March 31 every year, with a two-day sport season in late July and a single day in mid-July open only to Florida residents. In December, we’re smack in the middle of the annual season, which means the initial surge has died down but the lobster population hasn’t been depleted.

Experts will tell you the best lobstering is in the middle Keys, which make an easy weekend trip from the Gulfshore. Book a place in Marathon or Islamorada, hire a fishing charter and pack your tickle stick. Scuba divers will have access to a wider territory, but snorkelers can get lucky too; plenty of lobsters are found in less than 10 feet of water.

Most importantly, don’t forget the details. A recreational

saltwater fishing license is required to collect lobster, as is a lobster permit. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is serious about minimum size limits and daily bag limits, as well as no-take areas in protected sanctuaries and National Parks. This keeps the lobster population healthy and productive for future generations.

Getty; Little, Brown and Company

THE LOBSTER

Twenty years ago, luminary David Foster Wallace published his essay “Consider the Lobster” in Gourmet magazine, and that single piece of literature has gone on to be discussed in literary seminars and Wallace circles for two decades. The piece still feels fresh, equal parts funny and heartbreaking, with Wallace’s signature touches of ire and vulnerability. It and his other essays in the collection by the same name make for fine reading.

A BRIGHT BEVERAGE FOR FEASTING

Culinary superstar Chef Raj Holuss recently joined Naples’ Sails Restaurant as head chef, and he’s featuring a delectable lobster salad as part of his eightcourse tasting menu. To accompany the dish, he recommends La Fraise Amère, a bright, citrusy cocktail whose herbaceous bitterness pairs well with the salad’s fresh basil and tomato jus. To make one at home, shake over ice:

2 oz Tulchan gin

3/4 oz Aperol

3/4 oz Zucca Rabarbaro

3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

2 fresh strawberries, muddled

1 egg white

CELEBRATE THE FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES WITH LOBSTER

Though the Christmas goose has its place in plenty of yuletide tales, it’s seafood that takes a starring role in Italian traditions. The Feast of the Seven Fishes is celebrated on Christmas Eve and features a variety of frutti di mare. Traditionally, the spread includes clams, calamari, mussels, shrimp, scallops and a variety of fish, large and small, including cod and halibut. Not every Feast of the Seven Fishes includes lobster, but it can certainly play a part in the festivities. We love a good stuffed lobster tail or a hearty lobster fra diavolo.

Backstory

SWEETNESS STORY

The rise of Florida’s sugar supremacy

By Justin Paprocki

Sugarcane has been a part of the Florida landscape for centuries. But it wasn’t until recent years that it turned into Big Sugar.

The Spanish introduced sugarcane to what later became Florida back in the 1500s. The British tried to grow sugarcane commercially pre-Revolution in the New Smyrna Colony (now New Smyrna Beach). But early attempts kept faltering; despite the tropical climate, the soil quality wasn’t conducive.

In the 1920s, sugarcane farming started to take root. A big reason: The controversial decision backed by the federal government to start building a canal system that drained the Everglades south of Lake Okeechobee to free up quality farmland. Investors such as General Motors co-owner Charles Stewart Mott started buying up land. Mott, in particular, purchased Southern Sugar Corporation near Clewiston in 1931. He renamed it United States Sugar Corpora-

tion, which remains a top sugar producer today. (Pictured are laborers in Clewiston harvesting sugarcane in 1941.)

Still, domestic sugar was slow to take off. In the 1950s, only about 175,000 raw tons of sugar were produced annually in the state, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Then the Cuban Revolution changed everything. An embargo following the rise of Fidel Castro blocked imported sugar from the nearby country. Domestic sugar production boomed to about 572,000 tons within four years.

Sugar production in Florida has only increased, concentrated in the three-county area south of the lake. Ecologically, it has caused a host of environmental issues ranging from the harmful effects of farming runoff in rivers and lakes to the air pollution from sugarcane fires — but Florida remains the top sugar producing state in the country, generating more than 17 million tons annually.

Quick Access to the World’s #1 in Orthopedics

ORTHOPEDICS NOW

Brought to you by HSS at NCH, Orthopedics Now offers quick and convenient access to orthopedic experts who will provide exceptional care for your orthopedic needs. No appointment needed. Most major insurance plans accepted.

Conditions treated:

• Back and neck pain

• Bone, joint, or muscle injury within the past few days

• Bracing and splinting

• Injury to hand, wrist, or shoulder

• Joint aspirations

• Osteoarthritis

• Possible broken bone (closed fractures only)

• Possible sprained knee, ankle or foot

• Sports injuries

• Swollen joints

Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM | 1285 Creekside Blvd., Naples, FL

To learn more or schedule an appointment, scan the QR code or call 239-624-1700.