BUILT MANUFACTURING IN SWFL
Home to over 1,200 manufacturers employing close to 13,000 workers, manufacturing in Southwest Florida is alive and well. From power boats to cutting-edge medical devices and world-class chocolates, these dynamic businesses create value and jobs within the region. The manufacturing sector continues to attract investments and grow at an accelerated rate. And it shows no sign of slowing down.
TO LAS T
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WHAT'S BEING MADE IN S OUTHWEST FLORIDA?
Growth, workforce, and supply chain focus of the SRMA
It has been 14 months since I became the Executive Director of the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association, and we have made great strides in working towards our goal: Improve the productivity and technological performance of the manufacturing sector in Southwest Florida.
We have tripled the number of manufacturing members, firmly implemented a 70:30 ratio between manufacturers and non-manufacturers, and have made valuable relationships with other entities and associations in the region working together for the common good of our economy. Labor and Supply Chain issues were certainly the topics of the year, and while there was/is not a magic bullet, there were steps taken to improve the situation.
We recently formed a Workforce Development Committee, with the focus of getting grade-school students excited about a career in manufacturing. We are working with CTE Directors from the various counties as we need teachers to be excited as well. The committee members want all types of students to be considered successful, whether they go to a four-year university, technical college, or enter the workforce immediately after high school. Who’s considered more successful? The guidance counselor who places 95% of students at a university or the one who places 95% of students in higher-than-aver-
age wage careers right out of high school? I think we all know today’s answer, and that needs to change! We are pursuing two avenues to do that:
The SRMA is encouraging school districts to implement more robotics and automation programs down to the 6th grade level. Imagine a student completing a fluid curriculum from 6th through 12th grade. What manufacturer wouldn’t want to hire that student right out of high school with seven years of training?! Even better if the student continues his/her education at a technical college or university; better still if the manufacturer who hired the student pays for the continuing education!
The SRMA continues to promote its AdoptA-School program giving suggestions on how manufacturers can connect with teachers and students. Examples include student tours (sign up now on the SRMA website to host in October during Manufacturing Month), work-based learning programs, career counseling, etc. A future goal is to have a shared database easily connecting teachers with manufacturers matching needs with desired participation.
As a part of the FloridaMakes network, SRMA members have taken advantage of Connex Florida, an online capabilities database and connection platform. Connex helps your company adapt to changing market demands, connect to an array of resources, and locate new business opportunities by identifying new suppliers and customers.
Lastly, we have introduced numerous manufacturers to each other and to various suppliers making invaluable connections. Yet another benefit of being an SRMA member.
At minimum, please visit our website and sign up to receive our newsletters. It will keep you up-to-date on forthcoming events and manufacturing news. Did I convince you to join the SRMA? Cost cannot be an excuse, as our manufacturing membership is as low as $100.00 for the first year, no matter the size of your business. Visit www.srma.net/why-join-srma/ for more information. Together, let’s make the manufacturing industry thrive in Southwest Florida!
Rob Harris has been in the manufacturing industry his entire professional career, primarily in the printing and signage sector. He has served on many non-profit association boards over the years, from trade/industry associations to youth soccer organizations. He can be reached at rob@srma.net.
SEPTEMBER 2022 Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ® Page 9
The number of employees currently working in SWFL’s manufacturing industry as of 2021 4 0K Yearly Salary (USD) Number of Employees 200300400500600 6 0K 80 K 1 0 0K $50,066 Machinists $
Industrial Production Manager $
Welders $
Industrial Engineers
&
AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGES
99,335
47,742
82,701
M E DIUM CAREERS
S ALARIES
$59,302 MANU FACTURING $54,244 ALL INDUSTRIES Sources: FL Research and Economic Database Application; FL Dept. of Economic Opportunity Data supplied by: CareerSource SWFL 7 00 8 00 • Medical equipment • Medical supplies • Wire products • Hurricane protection • Landscaping supplies • Boat lifts • Boats • Railroad equipment • Mining equipment • Fluid management solutions •Machine tool Manufacturing • Water & Gas filtration systems •Distilleries & Breweries •Concrete • Tooling •Private Label cosmetic manufacturing •Shipping and Containers • Printing and Signage •Motorcycles • Lubricants •Furniture •Chocolates • Frozen Foods •Building Supplieswindows/doors • Custom stainless steel equipment Graphic and banner art supplied by ConRic PR & Marketing
ROB HARRIS
SRMA
Manufacturing thrives as Lee County con�nues its growth
Manufacturing, distribu�on and warehousing con�nue to thrive in Lee County with an influx of businesses reloca�ng and expanding. With a 1.7% vacancy rate, there is a high interest in new space becoming available. Presently, Lee County has more than 2 million square feet of flex and manufacturing space under construc�on and an addi�onal 5 million square feet in various planning stages.
The pandemic brought unforeseen difficul�es to the world and to our country. An unexpected aftereffect of the pandemic is the bolstered manufacturing and distribu�on growth in Southwest Florida, and specifically in Lee County. With a wave of companies looking to expand in or relocate to our area, due to our business-friendly policies and favorable tax structure, there has been an increased rate of development for flex space and business parks.
CoStar, in its Aug. 2, manufacturing report for Lee County, forecast that the Lee County market remains steady and strong even in a severe downturn . Ini�al short-term delivery is expected to be high as some major construc�on projects reach comple�on, yet most of those spaces are already claimed. The 7 million square feet in the pipeline is expected to sustain demand in the case of a possible slowdown. This industry has a growth of 23% during the last five years and has a projected growth rate
of 15% during the next five. Our area’s Gross Regional Product has more than doubled over the last 10 years from 390 million to over 954 million.
Our supply of talent is below the na�onal average; and the recent housing boom and related rent increases have made recruitment more challenging. To counteract, Lee County is working with local educa�onal partners and CareerSource to bolster our talent-pool development through upskilling, micro and rapid creden�aling, and access to scholarships to be�er develop our exis�ng workforce. We are also working with Hodges University to bring FleetForce, a much-needed CDL licensing school.
Lee County is experiencing an influx of expansions from Europe. Foreign direct investment and reshoring have a direct impact on our area. We have seen expansions with companies from Germany, the United Kingdom and Canada, just to name a few.
We also have local firms looking to expand. ADDMAN Engineering, a 3D prin�ng (addi�ve manufacturing) opera�on is expanding here in Lee County to
boost produc�on and R&D efforts. Two large scale distributors need major expansions, and Storm Smart’s new ownership is ac�vely seeking space to expand and upscale its produc�on facility. Arthrex has also added new space to accommodate con�nued growth.
The Bu�ers Group acquired and is developing the Gulf Landing Logis�cs Center, a new business park located near Alico Road and I-75 that will house more than 2.2 million square feet of warehouse and distribu�on space. Premier Airport Park is also seeing major growth at the business park in the Alico corridor.
It is easy to see that the industrial market in Lee County is flourishing and the demand for this space is strong. We will con�nue to welcome and support this growth as high-paying careers accompany it. For more informa�on, contact our office at (239) 533-6800 or edo@leegov.com.
Dana Brunett possesses over 30 years’ experience in economic development in New York and Florida, managing economic development organizations and small business lending programs. He is currently Business Development Director for the Lee County Economic Development Office. Contact him at (239) 533-6813 or dbrunett@leegov.com.
Page 10 Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ® SEPTEMBER 2022
DANA BRUNETT
LEE COUNTY 2201 Second Street, Suite 500 Fort Myers, FL 33901 239-533-6800 EDO@Leegov com www LeeCountyBusiness com L E E C O U N T Y C E L E B R A T E S M A N U F A C T U R I N G M O N T H Lee
Learn more about Lee County's growth and business climate by visiting LeeCountyBusiness com or contact us directly to see why manufacturers are expanding here and relocating their businesses to our community
County's industrial market is rapidly expanding, with many corporations calling this part of Southwest Florida home Lee County's manufacturing sector continues to expand and diversify, with advanced production in areas such as apparel, maritime, 3-D printing, electronics, food/beverage, medical devices and more
NAPLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Tourism, manufacturing co-exist in business paradise
Collier County’s economy has grown stronger than ever over the past several years, experiencing significant growth in population and business starts. Just a few miles away from world renowned beaches and tourist hubs, manufacturers in the county are aiding this economic growth— producing everything from luxury leather products to lifesaving medical devices and essential consumer goods.
The manufacturing operations in Collier County employ 4,987 workers and collectively contributed $859.2 million to our local economy in 2021, a $59.2 million increase from 2019. Average earnings per job within this sector in the county are $80,174; this is high above the average earnings per job of all collective industries in the county of $70,481. Across the board, manufacturing operations are increasing key metrics that gauge economic health including employment, capital investment, and wages.
However, local manufacturers are not insulated to labor force challenges. In the past year there were over 1,000 unique job postings for manufacturing positions. Given this, our community is working to fill employment gaps through investing in workforce training, including Immo-
kalee Technical College’s Center for Manufacturing Excellence (CME).
section of Collier Boulevard and Interstate 75) and the Arthrex Commerce Park in Ave Maria, as future advanced manufacturing hubs.
This will ensure that our community will have suitable space for existing and new manufacturers to establish and scale their operations in Collier County so they can continue to drive economic growth.
MELANIE SCHMEES
The most recent updates at the CME include the purchase of three additional robotic arms through a generous donation from Collier Community Foundation, which allows the Center to offer students a simulation of a fully automated facility—from raw materials to packing. The Center is also offering new trainings including a CNC production specialist program, and dual enrollment offerings for Naples High School students. Recently, the Center received an apprenticeship grant to form a manufacturing apprenticeship program, starting with machining and advanced manufacturing.
Given this favorable growth, there is a focus within the community on what the future of manufacturing might look like in Collier County. This vision considers our economic development zones which include Golden Gate City, Immokalee, Activity Center No. 9 (spanning the inter-
CAREERSOURCE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
At the Chamber, we work in concert with local government, educational institutions and other key stakeholders to ensure that every business, including our manufacturers, has the access to the resources that they need to growth and thrive in Collier County.
Melanie Schmees joined the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce in March 2019. Prior, she served as a compensation analyst at HealthCare Appraisers. As Director of Business and Economic Research at the Chamber of Commerce, she conducts business retention and expansion visits, heads economic research and analysis initiatives and coordinates with governmental, utility and not-for-profit organizations critical to economic growth marketing, services or contacts. To contact her, email melanie@napleschamber.org
CareerSource serves manufacturing and all of its components in the region
As a Manufacturer, are you maintaining or growing a manufacturing company, moving one to Southwest Florida or star�ng a manufacturing opera�on/ company? Then we need to talk!
CareerSource Southwest Florida is a non-profit organiza�on that services the Manufacturing industry and all its components in the 5-county area of SW FL. We are part of a statewide employment and training network. We connect manufacturers to qualified candidates and other resources like the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Associa�on (SRMA). We have partners throughout the community to assist with anything Manufacturing including mul�-county educa�onal system that includes technical programs geared for the manufacturing industry.
We also fund Training. Can’t find qualified candidates? May I suggest building your own inhouse bench of employees by hiring candidates that do not have all the skills for that posi�on –CareerSource Southwest Florida may be able to offset a por�on of the wages for that new trainee of up to 6 months or up to $7,000 per hire to offset the costs of training that individual. This will allow you to train the new hire the correct way and you are ge�ng a diamond in the rough to shape the new employee. Talking about Grants, we assist
BILL WELCH
Manufacturers to State Grants that reimburse a manufacturer for a por�on of all training costs that occurs within that contract year. There is also statewide assistance with organiza�ons like FloridaMakes, which helps manufacturers expand market opportuni�es, develop customized business strategies, adopt best prac�ces and assess opportuni�es for new technology and training and has a registered appren�ceship program for manufacturers.
There are other services and programs that CareerSource Southwest Florida offers based on your par�cular needs as a manufacturer. We can help with job descrip�ons, recruitment, applicant pre-screening. We can help with hiring events, use CareerSource Southwest Florida’s 5 Centers for training or interviewing. We have access to the latest Labor Market informa�on for Manufacturers at our finger�ps. Bringing or moving a new employee into the area, CareerSource Southwest Florida can assist the spouse/partner with career services to help with closing the offer and ge�ng that new employee on board.
Did you need help with connecting with other community resources & partners? CareerSource Southwest Florida can assist, based on your par�cular needs, including introduc�ons to Economic Development offices, Small Business Development Center, Banking/ Loan needs, Human Resources needs, Insurance needs, Supply Chain needs to name a few of those resources.
Most manufacturers in Southwest Florida are small to medium size in both sales and number of employees. Every individual one hires is a cri�cal one and CareerSource Southwest Florida can assist with that process and offer sugges�ons, advice, and support.
Because each Manufacturer is different and each one has different needs CareerSource Southwest Florida customizes our rela�onships to meet those individual needs. So give us a call so we start a conversa�on on how CareerSource Southwest Florida can be of assistance to your manufacturing concern..
Bill Welch is the Business Services Director with CareerSource Southwest Florida with 30 years of experience in staffing and consulting employment services. Since 2001 he has helped business start and grow in Southwest Florida. Contact Bill at (239) 931-8200 or wwelch@ careersourcesouthwestflorida.com.
Stewards of the Economy
for Collier County
We
Our goal is to create a prosperous community for all. napleschamber.org
SEPTEMBER 2022 Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ® Page 11
work each day to cultivate economic opportunity for all through strategic partnerships, advocacy, and leadership.
JOIN OUR MISSION
Exponen�al growth ready to land in Glades County soon GLADES
Glades County is poised for exponen�al growth in the next 5-10 years.
The county is inves�ng in infrastructure development in prepara�on for that expected growth. County officials and business leaders are working on ge�ng high speed broadband to the area, extending city sewer lines into less populated areas and a�rac�ng manufacturers to America’s Gateway Logis�cs Center, a 600+ acre mixed use industrial site on US 27.
Tradi�onally, manufacturing in Glades County has been centered on companies which have their roots in the predominantly agriculture-based economy. The state’s largest fer�lizer company, Wedgworth’s Inc., with headquarters in Belle Glade, produces 150,000 tons of fer�lizer yearly at the Moore Haven plant. Central to Wedgworth’s decision to relocate their produc�on facility’s opera�ons to Glades County was the county’s centrality to their exis�ng customer base, the availability of a site with four-lane highway frontage, potable water and rail.
Other manufacturers have followed suit.
Sco�s Miracle Gro acquired Lykes 7L Brands Mulch plant and its trade-marked eucalyptus mulch, doubling their workforce and expanding to include new warehousing for their Miracle Gro line of po�ng products. Their Palmdale site serves much of southern Florida south of Orlando.
In 2016, Maxant Bu�ons relocated their aluminum bu�on manufacturing opera�ons to Moore Haven and started produc�on in January 2017. Maxant acquired Mike’s Aluminum Products in 2018 and is now Maxant Metals.
In 2014, Quikcrete acquired the justcompleted Greencore mortar mixing and bagging plant in Ortona, growing their workforce from 10 to 22 employ-
COUNTY
ees in just over a year.
Other manufacturers in Glades County include Vulcan Materials, which produces sand for Florida golf courses as well as road and bridge projects; Oldcastle Greenleaf, a leading producer of mulch; and Cemex, which produces the redimix for the Port of Miami Tunnel at the Glades County plant. Access to the raw materials from which they manufacture their products and centrality to their customers are making Glades County a hub of manufacturing and distribu�on in South Florida.
Governor Ron DeSan�s granted the County $5.8 million in October 2021 for iTECH Glades, which opened for classes in January 2022. iTECH is operated by the Collier County School District and this partnership has allowed Glades County to boast a technical college within its boundaries.
With no sales tax on manufacturing equipment and no personal income tax on the state level, combined with affordable real estate, an aggressive local op�on tax abatement and 12% overall opera�ng cost savings compared to urban markets, more companies are discovering that Glades County is the land for opportunity for their manufacturing and logis�cs opera�ons to expand or relocate.
Rosemary Fllori received her B.A. in political science from the University of Florida and was hired as the Executive Director of the Glades County Economic Development Council in September 2021. Contact her at rfllori@gladescountyedc.com or call (863) 946-0300.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY
Long ignored, Charlo�e County shines as place for manufacturing
Our secret is out. For a long time, Charlotte County has been passed over for larger neighbors to the south and north, but no longer. Charlotte County has been discovered. That’s wonderful news for Economic Development as we showcase our community to businesses, developers, builders, and investors from across the country.
Sunseeker Resort started this trend. This concept was originally conceived 10 years ago by Allegiant Travel Company. They chose Charlotte Harbor from the dozens of destinations served by Allegiant Airlines. A $600-million-plus investment in our community to include 785 keys, 19 unique-concept restaurants, bars and cafes on an elevated boardwalk open to the public, 60,000-square-foot conference facilities, and 1,300 jobs. Scheduled to open in May, Sunseeker will forever change how residents enjoy the beautiful Charlotte Harbor.
Across the harbor, Punta Gorda reviews plans for the City MarketPlace. The site has been dormant since 2004 when Hurricane Charley destroyed a grocer-anchored center. GEIS Companies out of Cleveland designed a mixed-use project encompassing five buildings with 364 residential units and 41,000 square feet of retail/office space in the heart of downtown. Residents and shopping experiences will boost the charm of our only incorporated municipality.
In November 2020, Charlotte County Commissioners passed a Mixed-Use Zoning Ordinance that allows greater density and higher heights on larger parcels adjacent to major arterials. It worked. The owner of the Promenades Mall, an older grocer-anchored strip center on Tamiami Trail, submitted plans to repurpose the mall into Parkside Village. Preliminary plans show this $100-million project will include 1,100 apartments over 174,000 square feet of office/medical office over 360,000 square feet of walkable retail –a true vertical mixed-use development.
A potential use of the Mixed-Use Zoning Ordinance will likely attract national devel-
oper interest as owners of the 1 million square foot, Port Charlotte Town Center Mall market the mall and its 54acre site for sale. Our office had several discussions with interested parties with a vision for the future.
Residential development exploded across the county. Kolter Land Group has taken the Murdock Village property, formerly owned by the county, and created West Port. The West Port community has five national homebuilders constructing over 2,000 homes, apartment developers lined up for several hundred units, and a commercial development ready to provide retail opportunities in a walkable setting around the County’s Centennial Park.
Charlotte County is home to the tenth fastest growing master-planned community in the country – Babcock Ranch. As the nation’s first solar-powered town, Babcock Ranch set records with over 2,000 homes sold. As the project rapidly moves forward to a future population of 60,000, residents live in 19,500 homes with over 6 million square feet of commercial space on 18,000 acres of developable land.
Our mission is to attract businesses/industry to grow the county’s job base to diversify our economy and tax base. We are fortunate to have several thousand, industrial-zoned acres surrounding our Punta Gorda Airport for just that purpose. The Enterprise Charlotte Airport Park (“ECAP”) is home to dozens of aviation, distribution, and manufacturing companies with dozens more in the works. I equate it to the dominoes we set up as kids, where all are lined up and as soon as one falls it triggers the rest. Here are a few of the “dominoes” we are working…
Page 12 Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ® SEPTEMBER 2022
DAVE GAMMON
ROSEMARY FLLORI
See page 14
CHARLOTTE
HENDRY COUNTY
Workforce collabora� on feeds business growth in Hendry
Manufacturing has been growing in Hendry County in recent years, thanks in part to a collabora� ve effort by leadership, educa� onal facili� es, and developers. Tradi� onally known for its agricultural commodi� es, it may surprise people to learn that there is an ac� ve manufacturing community in Hendry producing products that include everything from pharmaceu� cal equipment to space explora� on devices.
With major projects on the horizon, county leadership recognized the need for industry diversifi ca� on. To make Hendry invi� ng and sustainable for manufacturing growth, a holis� c approach took into considera� on policy reform, workforce development programs, and fast paced permi� ng. This has led to a signifi cant increase in exis� ng business expansions, reloca� ons into the county, site readiness, and a pipeline of skilled workers.
Industrial parks in the county have seen a considerable increase in interest since 2020. The Jack Paul Industrial Park in LaBelle and Long Hammock in Clewiston offer almost 1,000 acres combined of space along major state highways. As the Airglades Interna� onal Airport project con� nues to develop, the county along with exis� ng land-
owners, has been rezoning proper� es along U.S. 27 from agriculture to commercial which will create opportunity for commercial and industrial growth along the highway. This rezoning will allow proximity for expor� ng products throughout the State, the Americas, and the Caribbean.
In the City of Clewiston, marke� ng efforts contributed to increased ac� vity which helped complete the sale of all remaining city-owned proper� es within the Commerce Park Industrial District (CPID) in 2021, including addi� onal lots created by the subdivision of a larger 10-acre tract. This is a milestone achievement for the city as the development of the proper� es is expected to be impac� ul with the poten� al crea� on of an es� mated 300 new jobs, private investment projected in the $30-40 million range.
To prepare for the growing workforce needs the manufacturing community is crea� ng, Hendry County’s Workforce Educa� on and Adult School is focusing on helping adults transi� on into high
demand careers. They provide industry-standard cer� fi ca� ons and state of the art equipment.
The State of Florida recognized Hendry County’s Workforce Educa� on and Adult School programs as having the highest growth in the State in 2021. This year, the school was awarded $783,613 from the State, a signifi cant improvement from the $125,000 that was allo�ed 5 years ago. This includes an 83% growth in their workforce programs. The welding program is one of the most ac� ve programs at the school and educators o�en partner with local businesses to ensure the graduates are workforce ready upon gradua� on.
As Hendry con� nues to grow and develop, we con� nue to build partnerships that will provide opportuni� es for businesses, working residents, the County, and the region. Working with the SRMA not only provides that opportunity, but it allows our manufacturers the resources and networks to be successful on a larger scale.
Keitha Daniels is the Director for the Hendry County Economic Development Council. She has worked for the Board of County Commissioners over the past seven years with a focus in economic development. To contact her, email keitha@hendryedc.com
SEPTEMBER 2022 Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ® Page 13
KEITHA DANIELS
Suture manufacturer finds home in SWFL SUTUMED
Sutumed Corpora�on is one of the business leaders in surgical sutures in the worldwide market. Having its corporate headquarters in Fort Myers, Sutumed is sourcing 73 business partners in over 40 countries around the globe with their medical and veterinary products. Sutumed’s product por�olio includes all ranges of surgical sutures, from general surgery to specialty lines for ophthalmic, cardiovascular, orthopedic, dental, microsurgery, and plas�c surgery.
The story behind this successful family-owned company, with more than 35 years in the business, relies on the founder and principal stockholder of the company, Juan Gamboa He has also been a respected member of the Lee County community for almost 20 years. Juan saw an opening opportunity to source customers with an affordable product that maintains its integrity and quality, a combina�on that, at that �me, was challenging to find since renowned brand leaders dominated the global suture market. S�ll, Sutumed was able to compete and create its name in the market, making it today a favorite to many surgeons because of its ease to use and
consistent quality.
Sutumed’s current focus remains on growing their veterinary suture market in Florida, especially in the SWFL region, with their product branded Veter. Sut is widely available through specialized veterinary e-commerces and regular distribu�on channels. Addi�onally, the Sutumed brand product line is being used by specialized surgeons at several surgical facili�es in SE Florida, mainly in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Sutumed con�nues to focus on offering its specialty product line to local surgeons in SW Florida, especially in the Fort Myers and Naples area.
For more information, contact us at info@sutumed.us or (239)590-8484.
CHARLOTTE PAGE 12
Cheney Brothers, a broadline freight distributor, has proven Charlotte County is ideal for servicing markets from Tampa to Naples to all the communities west of Lake Okeechobee. Other distribution companies are taking notice. FedEx is under construction on a 250,000-square-foot distribution facility. Equus Capital Partners, a national industrial developer, purchased 29 acres across from FedEx and broke ground on a 378,000 speculative distribution facility.
Charlotte County has always been limited with space in available buildings so any spec product helps attract new or expanding existing businesses. A development being built in four, 40,000-square-foot increments recently opened their first phase and had such success in leasing that they have started phase two.
How about aviation? Charlotte Technical College’s Aviation Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics school opened last year and received a $3 million state grant to expand. Buzz about this school from the aviation industry is amazing. With available land, a growing airport, and these prized graduates, dozens of aviation businesses have Charlotte County on their radar.
We are confronted with two major issues. Number one, workforce and number two, housing alternatives for that work-
force. We launched a campaign to attract qualified, dedicated professionals to our region – we call it PCS to Charlotte County. Partnering with our larger employers, we are contacting military personnel who have given notice to end their military careers and introducing them to the opportunities and quality of life available here in Charlotte County.
As housing affordability continues to price area workers out of our market, our office introduced an affordable living alternative to help businesses attract and retain employees. Think smaller units, fully furnished, and equipped, with utilities included all at a rental rate affordable to our nurses, teachers, sheriff deputies, distribution and manufacturing workers and students. We organize roundtable discussions with several larger employers and qualified developers to meet the needs of the businesses while providing a feasible return on the developer’s investment. The county will maintain its small-town charm but look different while providing employment opportunities and activities for a younger generation.
Dave Gammon has been with the Charlotte County EDO since 2016. He, and his team of four – Kay, Joshua, Amanda and Janet – enjoy the challenges and opportunities associated with Economic Development as they work with new and existing businesses.
Page 14 Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ® SEPTEMBER 2022
Owner Juan Gamboa with his family at home.
MY
/ ARCHITECTURAL GLASS
MY Shower Door/D3 Glass opens first Architectural Glass
MY Shower Door / D3 Glass is an award-winning industry leader known for state-of-the-art manufacturing, design, and quality workmanship. Founded in 2003, MY Shower Door, was dependent on glass manufacturers un�l we launched D3 Glass in 2013. This move was a game-changer, allowing us to manufacture our own glass and expand with fabrica�on and tempering over the past nine years. We currently make and install frameless shower doors for nine MY Shower Door loca�ons as well as other glass shops in Florida. Other products include bulletproof glass, decora�ve glass, wine closets, glass staircases, office par��ons and more.
Even in the face of economic setbacks such as the early 2000s recession following the dotcom bubble burst and 9/11, the 2008 recession, and the recent turmoil caused by COVID-19, we con�nue to strive, expanding our services and our footprint. The company has grown from a Naples showroom and 56 employees in 2014, to 180 employees in 2022, as well as the addi�on of D3 Glass and showrooms in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples (2), Sarasota, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando and Boca Raton. The firm also has affiliate stores in Oklahoma City, Okla.; Edmond, Okla.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minn., and York, Pa.
Manufacturing our own glass has given us the op-
portunity to take things even further with our newest division, MY Architectural Glass. MY Architectural Glass provides custom architectural glass solu�ons designed and installed with an emphasis on brilliance, durability, and func�onality. In May of 2022, MY Architectural Glass opened the first Architectural Glass showroom in Florida giving designers, contractors, and homeowners a place to not only see our products but collaborate on a design with our team. We manufacture, design, install and warranty all of our products.
Understanding each client’s project is the most important aspect of our business. We want to ensure that every detail is covered so our customers have complete confidence that their project is in good hands. With our industry knowledge, we work with each customer to ensure the best glass design solu�on for their project is proposed. We are commi�ed to innova�on and look at each project as an opportunity to con�nually raise the bar in the glass industry and strive for perfec�on in every aspect of our business.
Understanding each client’s project is the most important aspect of our business. We want to ensure that every detail is covered so our customers have complete confidence that their project is in good hands.
Very few companies in the U.S. have completed as many jobs and have such high ra�ngs as we do. The company has received local, regional and na�onal recogni�on for business accomplishments and products, including the 2022 Top 50 Glaziers in the U.S. by Glass Magazine, and as a six-�me honoree of Inc. magazine’s Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing and most successful independent businesses in the country. For more informa�on, visit MYShowerDoor.com.
Bill Daubmann is President and Founder of MY Shower Door, D3 Glass, and MY Architectural Glass, an awardwinning nationally recognized designer, installer and manufacturer of customized residential and commercial glass products. The company is known for its handson approach and collaboration with clients to truly understand and exceed their expectations. For more information, visit MYShowerDoor.com, email info@ myshowerdoor.com, or call (239) 596-3255.
MY Architectural Glass provides high-quality wine closets, glass railing systems, and glass office partitions for the discerning customer who expects nothing but the best. Our unique architectural glass solutions are designed and installed with the same high-quality service experience that made our sister company, MY Shower Door, the standard in the industry.
» Interior/exterior Glass Railings
» Interior Glass Entry Doors
» Exterior Wind-screen Systems
» Elaborate Staircases
» Cabinetry and Shelving
» Wine Closets and Cellars
» Office Partitions
» Backsplashes
SEPTEMBER 2022 Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ® Page 15
BILL DAUBMANN
SHOWER DOOR / D3 GLASS
239-288-5583 | MyArchitecturalGlass.com 13500 Tamiami Trail N., Suite #7 | Naples, FL 34110 Contact us today to see what we can custom create for you. MY Architectural Glass
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Door-To-Door Service
Free Estimates
Craters & Freighters of Southwest Florida
1136 Pine Island Rd. Suite 71
Cape Coral, FL 33909
Ft. Myers 239 772 3100
Bradenton 941744 5508
Naples 239 774 5700
Sarasota 941 366 5600
www.cratersandfreightersswflorida.com
Page 16 Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ® SEPTEMBER 2022