Business Observer 12 08 16

Page 1

DECEMBER 8, 2016

BUSINESS OBSERVER

And the winner is ... INSIDE: Find out who was the champion in this year’s Standing O Awards, the Observer’s Business Excellence campaign. Florida Hospital Flagler Halifax Paving Realty Pros Assured Fields of Daytona A&G Bookkeeping Adams, Cameron Co. Realtors Coastal Cloud C u n n i n g h a m Oil Del’s Garage D.G. Meyer, Inc. ESP Travel Leaders Family Life Center Florida Medical Hearing Gateway Bank Gerling Travel Hayward Brown Flagler, Inc. Mitchell Noel, Inc. Murray & Murray Insurance, P.A. Realty Pro Title Salon Salon S e l b y Realty Take Action Properties Underwood Construction Vystar Credit Union Windsor Senior Living F lag le r County Chamber of Commerce Ameris Bank Jeff Evans State Farm Palm Coast Ford Florida Hospital Flagler Halifax Paving Realty Pros Assured Fields of Daytona A & G Bookkeeping Adams, Cameron Co. Realtors Coastal Cloud Cunningham Oil Del’s Garage D.G. Meyer, Inc. ESP Travel Leaders Family Life Center Florida Medical Hearing Gateway Bank Gerling Travel H a y w a r d Brown - Flagler, Inc. Mitchell Noel, Inc. Murray & Murray Insurance, P.A. Realty Pro Title Salon Salon S e l b y Realty Take Action Properties Underwood Construction Vystar Credit Union Windsor Senior Living Flagler County Chamber of Commerce A m e r i s Bank Jeff Evans - State Farm Palm Coast Ford


BUSINESS OBSERVER

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

Welcome to the 2016 Standing ‘O’Awards

JOHN WALSH PUBLISHER

The Florida Chamber of Commerce estimates that by the year 2030 the Central Florida region will require an additional 170,000 new jobs based on population migrating here. Do you realize, we are closer to the year 2030 than we are past the year 2000? So, one would ask, “Who is going to create and provide all those new jobs by 2030?” Our local businesses, that’s who. Locally, between Palm Coast and Ormond Beach, there are nearly 8,000 local companies and businesses. Most of these businesses currently employee fewer than 10 people. Most are considered small businesses. But it is our small businesses who drive our local economy. It is these small businesses who create jobs. Are our local businesses prepared for the future? Will they be able to provide the jobs and careers our future neighbors will require? Local companies committed to business excellence will be in the best position to take advantage of the opportunities our future growth will provide. The Observer is proud to salute our local businesses committed to excellence with our fifth-annual Standing O Awards for Business Excellence. The participants in this year’s Standing O Awards understand the value of business excellence. These businesses understand that profit is important, but they

know excellence goes beyond the bottom line. Excellence requires a clear vison and strategic planning. These businesses measure and track all aspects of their operations and use the data to confirm they are heading in the right direction. These businesses have great leadership not only in their companies but many are also community leaders. Businesses committed to excellence have great customer focus and engagement. These businesses understand a good process will trump good talent. These are the businesses who will create these new jobs. These businesses will continue to project and confirm that Palm Coast and Ormond Beach are great places to live, play and work! HOW THE AWARDS WORK

This year, we had 32 businesses participate in the Standing “O” Awards in Business Excellence campaign. By participating in our campaign, these businesses make a bold statement to our community. They are telling their customers, other businesses and even competitors that they are committed to excellence. To participate, businesses submit an application with supporting information in seven disciplines: Strategic Planning, Information and Data Management, Leadership, Customer Focus, Process Management, Community Relations and General Business Performance. The data is entered in a standardized performance matrix for scoring. Businesses that achieve the highest score in each of 10 different industries are the winners. The industries are as follows: Financial Services, Health Care, Home Based Business, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Non-

profit, Professional Services, Retail, Technical Services and Small Business (five or fewer employees) and the Overall Winner.

WHO IS COMMITTED? Meet the people who run these award-winning businesses in your community.

IS THIS A POPULARITY CONTEST?

Overall: Realty Title ......................................................3B

The scoring is completely objective and based solely on the business performance matrix score. One way this year’s results demonstrate our objectivity is in the Hospitality category. You will notice if you look at the table of contents to the right that there are two winners: Travel Leaders and Gerling Travel. We have never had a tie like this before, but the numbers don’t lie: These companies had the same scores. Next year, we will have to come up with a tiebreaker system, but for now, we are pleased to share stories about both of them, as both deserve to be recognized. On the pages in this section, we are pleased to present our 2016 Standing O Award Business Excellence winners, including the Overall champion, Realty Title, on the facing page. It is our intention that the success of our Standing O Award campaign will ignite more local businesses to commit to business excellence so that our community becomes recognized as an excellent place to do business. That will attract a quality work force, which in turn attracts even more quality businesses to our community. The bottom line is this: Our community is an excellent place to live, play and do business!

Financial Services: A&G Bookkeeping Services .....................4B-5B Hospitality: Travel Leaders ................................................6B Hospitality: Gerling Travel .................................................7B Health Care: The Windsor ....................................................8B-9B Manufacturing: Halifax ...............................................................10B Nonprofit: Family Life Center ........................................11B Retail: Fields Auto Group.........................................12B-13B Professional Services: Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors .. .........14B Small Business: Salon Salon......................................................15B Technical Services Del’s Garage.....................................................16B-17B

The bottom line is this: Our community is an excellent place to live, play and do business!

The mortgage process and loan options were unmatched by any other lenders in the area.

The Gateway Bank team exceeded our expectations with their prompt service and assistance throughout the lending process. We highly recommend Gateway Bank to our friends, family and business associates.

- Bill Navarra, Broker Realty Pros Assured

Happy Holidays

from the staff at Salon Salon

224577

We are proud to do business with Gateway Bank! At Gateway Bank, we’re here to help you accomplish your goals. Where high end hair meets affordable beauty.

We take the time to get to know you and to help you grow your business with our exibile and unique nancial solutions. Stop in, give us a call at (386)-947-5400 or visit our website at GatewayBankFL.com.

3 FLORIDA PARK DR N, SUITE D | PALM COAST, FL 32137

(386) 283-5673

Port Orange • Daytona Beach • Ormond Beach

222573

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

2B


BUSINESS OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

OV E RAL L CH AM P ION

OrmondBeachObserver.com

Billie Joe Kaler in front of her Realty Pro Title office in Ormond Beach.

REALTY PRO TITLE Billie Jo Kaler made a gutsy decision to open Realty Pro Title during the height of the mortgage crisis in 2008, but it paid off tremendously. BY THE NUMBERS

6

years in business as owner of Victory Title in Flagler County (20042010)

years as President and Co-owner of Realty Pro Title in Ormond Beach

3

Employees as of January 2015

5

Employees as of January 2016

178%

increase in revenue January to September 2016, compared to same period in 2015

136%

increase in net profits January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

55-60

Closings per month on average

Billie Joe Kaler opened her first title company, Victory Title in Palm Coast, during the boom of 2004. She bought out her partners in 2007. During the height of the mortgage crisis, she partnered with Bill Navarra of Realty Pro Assured to create Realty Pro Title in Ormond Beach. She explained what most would consider a contrarian move when we sat down with her in the firm’s reception area. I KNEW IT WAS TIME TO INVEST WHEN …

“Bill (Navarra) and Buzzy (Porter) came to me and asked if I wanted to open a title company for them when they were opening Realty Pro Assured. I owned Victory Title in Palm Coast, which I started in 2004. Volusia County was where I live, and I was excited to be back in the Volusia County market. When they approached me, things were slow and I was able to take the time to open and

“My team means everything to me. They are the people I laugh with, work with, and succeed with. They are what makes Realty Pro Title successful and why I look forward to coming work.” BILLIE JO KALER

develop the company, while I still had my office in Palm Coast. I closed that at the end of 2010. We just started growing so much down here, that I wanted to give it all my attention so I could expand. “I think it helped a lot knowing who I was going into business with, and believing a lot in their vision. I’d worked with them so long and I knew we worked well together. I was confident in myself, and I was confident with the ties I had in the community.” THE BEST ADVICE I EVER GOT WAS …

“It’s business not personal. “Barbara Lemmon (another title agent in town) told me this when I started. I think that the hard part about the business is this is where everything comes together with your Realtors and your lenders. We are the last thing people see. A lot of frustration goes into buying a house, so in the end, we get the brunt of it. “You have to remember that they’re not directing it to us personally, but they’ve been going through this house buying process for the last couple of months.” WHAT MY EMPLOYEES MEAN TO ME …

“My team means everything to me. They are the people I laugh with, work with, and succeed with. They are what makes Realty Pro Title successful and why I look forward to coming work. I could not do it without them. Here in the office, all of us are integral to make closings happen. There is no one job that is more important than the other because everybody’s job is important part of the whole. Everyone in the office will touch every file in one way shape and form.”

EVERYTHING CHANGED WHEN …

“I had children. It was no longer about me and the need to succeed was even more important. I have two kids, 17 and 18. Before that it was all about me and what I have to do, and then you have kids and it’s not about you, you have two other people who are relying on you. I think my perspective and outlook, and how I worked every day, changed. But I still have to work.” MY HERO IN BUSINESS IS …

“My dad. When my dad was a teenager, he started working for a company as a janitor, and he worked his way up to become president of the company. Then he decided he didn’t want to do that, so he bought a struggling plumbing business. It just didn’t succeed. He had to file bankruptcy and he lost everything. “So he went back to work again at another factory. It was tough to watch him struggle, but he always had a positive attitude and he always had a smile. He’d say, ‘It’s OK, I can still work, I still have my wife and kids.’ He went to work every day. He just took ownership of that company. He’s a hard worker; he goes to work at 3 in the morning and works 12 hours a day, seven days a week.” “So I had a role model. Since I have kids, I am a morning person and I tend to be at the office at 6:30. I try to leave by 5 so I can be home with them, even though they’re older.”

PROFILE n 1275 W. Granada Blvd. 5A, Ormond Beach n 672-3840 CEO: Billie Jo Kaler What they do: Realty Pro Title is a full-service title company that offers expert services to complete the sale of property. Working with real estate agents, lenders, buyers and sellers, they use their experience and expertise to coordinate the closing transaction in a professional and smooth manner. Origins: Kaler moved to Florida from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, when she was 11 years old. A graduate of Mainland High School, she has been in the title business for almost 20 years. She partnered with Bill Navarra of Realty Pro Assured to start Realty Pro Title in 2008. Awards: The company received the Outstanding Community Service Award from Daytona Beach Area Association of Realtors 2015. They were named among the top producing agents for Westcor Land Title in Florida for 2014 and 2015.

3B


4B

BUSINESS OBSERVER

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

A&G BOOKKEEPING SERVICES Even as a young boy in Ecuador, Oscar Alvarado wanted a business of his own. His dream came true when he started a Palm Coast accounting business.

n 160 Cypress Point Parkway, A102, Palm Coast n 585-2020 President: Oscar Alvarado What they do: Payroll, taxes, and bookkeeping. The main goal is to have customers do their accounting through A&G so that everything is ready to go during tax season. Tax services include individual (Federal and all States), Corporations (S & C), Partnerships and LLCs, Nonprofits, Homeowners Associations, Employment, sales tax, property tax returns and payroll. The firm is multilingual: Spanish, Portuguese and Russian. Origins: Founded in 2009 as a home-based business by Oscar Alvarado and Juan Godoy that soon moved to Hargrove Lane and then to St. Joe Plaza. A second office was opened earlier this year in European Village and three months ago the main office was moved to City Marketplace. Awards: 2015 Standing ‘O’ Award

F IN AN CIAL S E RV ICES

PROFILE

A&G Bookkeeping Services won a Standing O Award in 2015, and readers learned that Oscar Alvarado was a talented chess player, who likes puzzles and loves numbers — not bad traits for a man who makes his living as an accountant. His personal story is also inspirational. He was born in Ecuador and didn’t see his father for 11 years after his father moved to the United States to support the family. He joined his father in New York when he was a teenager, and he admits that sometimes he was a handful. After a stint in the Navy, he attended Stetson University and worked at a local bank. A&G was a side business, but when the bank merged with another bank, he made the switch

Oscar Alvarado, president of A&G Bookkeeping Services in Palm Coast, offers modern services with old fashioned values.

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

BUSINESS OBSERVER

OrmondBeachObserver.com

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A&G BOOKKEEPING SERVICES Even as a young boy in Ecuador, Oscar Alvarado wanted a business of his own. His dream came true when he started a Palm Coast accounting business.

PROFILE Parkway, A102, Palm Coast n 585-2020 President: Oscar Alvarado What they do: Payroll, taxes, and bookkeeping. The main goal is to have customers do their accounting through A&G so that everything is ready to go during tax season. Tax services include individual (Federal and all States), Corporations (S & C), Partnerships and LLCs, Nonprofits, Homeowners Associations, Employment, sales tax, property tax returns and payroll. The firm is multilingual: Spanish, Portuguese and Russian. Origins: Founded in 2009 as a home-based business by Oscar Alvarado and Juan Godoy that soon moved to Hargrove Lane and then to St. Joe Plaza. A second office was opened earlier this year in European Village and three months ago the main office was moved to City Marketplace. Awards: 2015 Standing ‘O’ Award

F IN AN CIAL S E RV ICES

n 160 Cypress Point

A&G Bookkeeping Services won a Standing O Award in 2015, and readers learned that Oscar Alvarado was a talented chess player, who likes puzzles and loves numbers — not bad traits for a man who makes his living as an accountant. His personal story is also inspirational. He was born in Ecuador and didn’t see his father for 11 years after his father moved to the United States to support the family. He joined his father in New York when he was a teenager, and he admits that sometimes he was a handful. After a stint in the Navy, he attended Stetson University and worked at a local bank. A&G was a side business, but when the bank merged with another bank, he made the switch

to working for himself. We sat down with him in his main office at City Marketplace. THE BEST ADVICE I EVER GOT WAS …

“To treat people with respect, and the way you want to be treated. There were many people who gave me that advice, but grandmother was the first. She would pound that into us: You have to treat people with respect no matter who they are.” I WANTED TO OWN A BUSINESS BECAUSE …

“In the back of my mind, I knew not everything is forever. I always had it in mind that I had to do taxes and accounting on my own. “So I started doing little businesses here and there on the side. Four years ago, when Prosperity Bank merged with Ameris Bank, the accounting department got canned. I had the flexibility. If I hadn’t had this, I would have been looking for a job.” I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO WORK WHEN …

“The business started growing. We purchased a warehouse and made it into an office. It wasn’t

appealing to our clients, so we sold the warehouse and went to a rental in St. Joe Plaza. Then then we bought this office.” I KNEW I HAD MADE IT WHEN …

“We moved into the warehouse and the clients kept coming. I was able to afford my salary. That was the first year, right after I left the bank. So I was hiring more employees.” I KNEW IT WAS TIME TO HIRE WHEN …

“I had to do everything myself, and I was working at the office and then I went home to work more. So I had to hire someone to do data entry.” MY BIGGEST FEAR LAST YEAR WAS …

“That business in this location wasn’t going to be the same compared to where there is more

traffic. A lot of people I know that were here have shut down. But my family said, ‘Look, you went from a warehouse to St. Joe. Wherever you go, your clients will follow you.’ My customers have proven to me that no matter where I am, they will come.”

next place. We’re also looking for a presence in the Deltona area. We were told that there was a need for a Latino accountant there. I have to bring somebody on board that I trust, so they can be here while I do what I need to do to get more clients.”

WHAT MY CUSTOMERS MEAN TO ME …

MY HERO IN LIFE WAS …

“My customers mean everything because without them it’s like musician or singer without fans. They follow me and they trust me, and I take pride in that. To be in this business you have to be trusted.” NEXT YEAR I LOOK FORWARD MOST TO …

“Expanding. We’re trying to decide where we’re going to get a greater presence in St. Augustine or Volusia County. I already have a lot of clients in St. Johns, so probably St. Augustine will be the

“My older brother; he passed away two years ago. When I was in South America my brother wanted to major in accounting. We had a high school that offered a specialization in accounting, so we went there. When I got over here and went in the Navy I was in logistics. I love solving numbers. In South America they pound you with math, it is a must. It’s in the blood, because my brother was always good in math. My cousins are accountants. My little boy loves math.”

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

5B

BY THE NUMBERS

8

Years in business

2

Offices

3

Employees as of September 2015

4

Employees as of September 2016

44%

Increase in revenue January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

35%

Increase in net profits anuary to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

“My customers mean everything because without them it’s like a musician or singer without fans. They follow me and they trust me, and I take pride in that. To be in this business you have to be trusted.” OSCAR ALVARADO

Oscar Alvarado, president of A&G Bookkeeping Services in Palm Coast, offers modern services with old fashioned values.

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BUSINESS OBSERVER

OrmondBeachObserver.com

to working for himself. We sat down with him in his main office at City Marketplace. THE BEST ADVICE I EVER GOT WAS …

“To treat people with respect, and the way you want to be treated. There were many people who gave me that advice, but grandmother was the first. She would pound that into us: You have to treat people with respect no matter who they are.” I WANTED TO OWN A BUSINESS BECAUSE …

“In the back of my mind, I knew not everything is forever. I always had it in mind that I had to do taxes and accounting on my own. “So I started doing little businesses here and there on the side. Four years ago, when Prosperity Bank merged with Ameris Bank, the accounting department got canned. I had the flexibility. If I hadn’t had this, I would have been looking for a job.” I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO WORK WHEN …

“The business started growing. We purchased a warehouse and made it into an office. It wasn’t

appealing to our clients, so we sold the warehouse and went to a rental in St. Joe Plaza. Then then we bought this office.” I KNEW I HAD MADE IT WHEN …

“We moved into the warehouse and the clients kept coming. I was able to afford my salary. That was the first year, right after I left the bank. So I was hiring more employees.” I KNEW IT WAS TIME TO HIRE WHEN …

“I had to do everything myself, and I was working at the office and then I went home to work more. So I had to hire someone to do data entry.” MY BIGGEST FEAR LAST YEAR WAS …

“That business in this location wasn’t going to be the same compared to where there is more

|

traffic. A lot of people I know that were here have shut down. But my family said, ‘Look, you went from a warehouse to St. Joe. Wherever you go, your clients will follow you.’ My customers have proven to me that no matter where I am, they will come.”

next place. We’re also looking for a presence in the Deltona area. We were told that there was a need for a Latino accountant there. I have to bring somebody on board that I trust, so they can be here while I do what I need to do to get more clients.”

WHAT MY CUSTOMERS MEAN TO ME …

MY HERO IN LIFE WAS …

“My customers mean everything because without them it’s like musician or singer without fans. They follow me and they trust me, and I take pride in that. To be in this business you have to be trusted.” NEXT YEAR I LOOK FORWARD MOST TO …

“Expanding. We’re trying to decide where we’re going to get a greater presence in St. Augustine or Volusia County. I already have a lot of clients in St. Johns, so probably St. Augustine will be the

“My older brother; he passed away two years ago. When I was in South America my brother wanted to major in accounting. We had a high school that offered a specialization in accounting, so we went there. When I got over here and went in the Navy I was in logistics. I love solving numbers. In South America they pound you with math, it is a must. It’s in the blood, because my brother was always good in math. My cousins are accountants. My little boy loves math.”

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

5B

BY THE NUMBERS

8

Years in business

2

Offices

3

Employees as of September 2015

4

Employees as of September 2016

44%

Increase in revenue January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

35%

Increase in net profits anuary to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

“My customers mean everything because without them it’s like a musician or singer without fans. They follow me and they trust me, and I take pride in that. To be in this business you have to be trusted.” OSCAR ALVARADO

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

H OS P ITAL ITY

6B

Julia Starling, Sue Heidelberger, Agency Owner Lindsay Hardy, Pat and Arvid Olson, Denise Palumbo, Cindy Bryant and Cara McManus

TRAVEL LEADERS The agents in this company in Palm Coast have traveled around the world. They know how to get you there, too. BY THE NUMBERS

17

Years in business in Palm Coast

6

Employees as of September 2015

7

Employees as of September 2016

12%

Increase in revenue January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

6%

Increase in net profit January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

Travel Leaders began in Palm Coast in the late 1990s by four people who loved to travel and wanted to share their knowledge with the rest of the community. The agency opened under the name Carlson Wagonlit Travel but became Travel Leaders in 2008. Travel Leaders plans to open another office in St. Johns County next year. “We strive to be the most professional and customer-responsive travel agency and a market leader,” said Owner/Office Manager Denise Palumbo. “We believe superior quality service is the most important thing we sell, and we seek to provide our customers with positive travel experiences and excellent quality of service at competitive prices.” We further discussed Travel Leaders with Palumbo. THE BEST ADVICE I EVER GOT WAS ...

“To treat everyone you meet the same. You cannot judge people by their appearance, so you can

never go wrong by giving everyone the same level of service.”

THE BEST CHANGE I MADE WAS ...

NEXT YEAR I LOOK FORWARD MOST TO ...

“Growing our business. We want to expand with another location in the Ponte Vedra area, which is rapidly growing. We see a lot of growth potential in this area.”

“Becoming partners with Arvid and Patricia Olson and Lindsay Hardy in Travel Leaders. We all bring different things to the partnership, which is why it works so well. When our different areas of expertise are put together, it makes a perfect team.”

THE MOST AMAZING THING ABOUT THIS BUSINESS IS ...

I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO WORK WHEN ...

“Creating wonderful experiences and memories for our clients. Whether it’s planning their dream vacation or arranging a ‘bucket list’ journey, our team works hard to make them all possible.”

“When we began growing our business each year, we worked great together, and we had the same vision for moving our business forward.”

I THOUGHT I MIGHT QUIT WHEN ...

“I wanted to try a new venture, when I was offered a wonderful opportunity. After working over 30 years as a travel consultant, I thought I needed a change. Then Travel Leaders offered me a great opportunity to join their team, which was followed by a partnership. This has been the highlight of my career.”

“We strive to be the most professional and customerresponsive travel agency and a market leader.” DENISE PALUMBO, Owner/Office Manager

I WANTED TO OWN A BUSINESS BECAUSE ...

“My family always had their own business, so I guess it was always in my blood. I have owned a business for most of my career and wouldn’t change it. “Having something start out small and watching grow is the most exciting part.” WHAT MY EMPLOYEES MEAN TO ME ...

“Our team is what makes us successful. They work well together, and they are our true asset. they educate themselves on what’s new and keep up-to-date on the travel trends so they can better serve our clients.

PROFILE n 25 Palm Harbor Village Way, Palm Coast n 445-0007 Owner/Office Manager: Denise Palumbo Sales and Marketing: Nicole O’Brien What they do: Travel Leaders has personally traveled to destinations worldwide, stayed at the resorts, sailed aboard the cruise ships and taken the off-the-beaten path tours, so the agency is well-acquainted with what to and what not to recommend to its clients. Awards: 11-time Award of Excellence winners, Travel Leaders Agency of the Year (2013), members of the Golden Circle since 2002 and three-time Above and Beyond Award winners


BUSINESS OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

H OS P ITAL ITY

OrmondBeachObserver.com

Mark and Shayla Gerling, owners of Gerling Travel in Flagler Beach

GERLING TRAVEL Gerling Travel specializes in places far away from Flagler Beach, so their clients will experience life changing travel to some of earth’s most amazing spots. BY THE NUMBERS

8

Years in business

5

Employees as of January 2015

6

Employees as of January 2016

15%

Increase in revenue January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

5%

Increase in net profits January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

Mark Gerling fell in love with the continent of Africa when he visited in his 20s. So when he decided to take the plunge as an entrepreneur in 2008 and start Gerling travel, as an accompaniment to his wife Shayla’s business Gerling Sports Travel, it was no surprise that African photo safaris topped the list of destinations he wanted to service. We sat down with Mark in Flagler Beach to discover just how their trip through the travel business has transpired. I KNEW IT WAS TIME TO INVEST WHEN …

“My wife was renting a little office. We had just bought a puppy. We asked the leasing agent if we could bring this puppy to the office. She said sure. A little while later they said, ‘We got some complaints about the dog, and you can’t bring it anymore.’ We decided that that was our sign; it

“We’re on top of everything going on globally, whether it’s good bad, or ugly, so we can advise our clients who are traveling all over the globe.” MARK GERLING

was time to move and look at an investment property to house the office. We just took leap of faith. We tell everybody the dog owns the building, because without the dog, we may not have gone looking for investment property.” I WANTED TO OWN A BUSINESS BECAUSE …

“I was working for the Hammock Beach Resort for Mr. Bobby Ginn. When the market crashed, the writing was on the wall that the company was about to go under. Shayla and I had been talking about our next step. I just said, ‘I want to own my own travel company.’ We’d just bought this building, and it was a perfect alignment. I was prepared and ready to enter the world of being my own boss. So we had a lot of faith and trust in the Lord to provide, and it worked out really well.” A FUNNY THING HAPPENED …

“In Africa on a safari. I had a local family with me. We were walking close to a river looking at an 18-foot female crocodile nesting on the bank. Behind us in the river, all I heard was a massive sound. I freaked out and ran, leaving my clients. It turned out to be a hippo. Here I am, the expert, and I was hauling butt. They got a good laugh out of it, and so did my African guide. He knew the hippo wasn’t coming out of the water. But, man, it sure sounded like it was coming, and you see a couple thousand pound animal and you react.” MY BIGGEST FEAR LAST YEAR WAS …

“Global terrorism. That affects my business in a potentially large way. We’re on top of every-

thing going on globally, whether it’s good, bad or ugly, so we can advise our clients who are traveling all over the globe. There were a few situations in Europe this year. Coincidentally, we did not see a turn in business from that. We had a few cancellations, but people seem to understand that this is part of the world we live in.” WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE BUSINESS IS …

“That the sports travel side of the business has been running since 2004. It was a homegrown business in a basement room, that we had when we lived in Texas for a brief time. Shayla and her team, which is two other people, had done over $2 million in sales out of this little tiny office in Flagler Beach, Florida.” THE BEST CHANGE I MADE WAS …

“When we first started we were marketing my wife’s business as it as Gerling Sports Marketing. When I worked for Mr. Ginn, his company name at the time was the Ginn Company. He had a meeting of employees in 2006, and they were changing the name of the company because he had somebody ask him, ‘What do you do? Do you sell vacuum cleaners?’ He said, ‘I’m not branding my business properly. We sell club environment resort hospitality living and people think we sell vacuum cleaners.’ I think, ‘Gerling Sports Marketing? We’re not a marketing company, we’re a travel company.’ So I changed the name the next day, re-branded everything to Gerling Sports Travel. Our business grew a million dollars in one year.”

PROFILE

n 301 S. Central Ave., Flagler Beach n 253-8044 Owners: Mark and Shayla Gerling What they do: Gerling Travel provides professional travel consulting services to their clients. They book cruises and tours, but also advise, consult, encourage and dedicate countless hours to ensure their clients are safe and well-versed before leaving home. They offer travel insurance plans and global travel services for individuals and small groups, specializing in African photo safaris, Egyptian tours and private guides across the seven continents. Origins: Gerling travel was established in Flagler Beach in 2008 by Mark an Shayla Gerling. In 2004 Shayla formed Gerling Sports Travel to service the travel needs of the professional motor-sports industry. Mark formed Gerling Travel Group Worldwide to fulfill a lifelong dream of being a small business owner. They specialized in the luxury travel market, carving out a niche in the African photo safari industry. Mark has personally escorted dozens of clients on life changing experiences in Africa. Awards: Standing ‘O’ Awards from 2013, 2014, and 2015

7B


8B

BUSINESS OBSERVER

|

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

THE WINDSOR A dedicated staff allows the Windsor of Palm Coast to serve residents depending on their needs, from minimal assistance to continual care with a personal companion, as well as a full-service Memory Care Center. There’s nothing 9 to 5 about the work at The Windsor of Palm Coast, and with a ratio nearly one-to-one staff to residents, high-quality, continuous care is the priority. The staff wants residents to look at the whole building as their home and not stay cooped up in their apartments. They provide all meals, offer a variety of activities, from games and classes to Friday Happy Hours with hors d’oeuvres, day cruises and shopping trips. “If our families have peace of mind, and our residents’ physical, mental, and spiritual needs are

Photo provided by The Windsor

Back row: Daniel Kainef, Andrew Gall, Edward Weyant; front: Darlene Sagginario, Nicole O’Brien, Beth Alves, Sally Blake.

222718

n 50 Town Court, Palm Coast n 586-3501 Residence Director: Andrew Gall Sales & Marketing Director: Nicole O’Brien What they do: The Windsor of Palm Cost is a state-of-the-art-community that sets high standard for assisted living. Origins: Windsor Senior Living is a privately held company founded by Tim Buchanan and Pete Russell. They have been designing, building, and operating residential living environments for more than 30 years. In addition to sites in other States, there are 10 properties in Florida, with a new one coming to Gainesville. The Windsor of Palm Coast opened seven years ago. Awards: Florida Argentum named Nicole O’Brien as Sales & Marketing Director of the year in Florida at this year’s assisted living conference, Lowest lost revenue days in the Second quarter of 2016 for all of Legend Senior Living.

H E ALTH CAR E

PROFILE

The Power of Community.

Committed to You.

At Ameris Bank, our customers and the community are always at the center of everything we do. From big-ticket decisions to every-day services, we’re committed to serving our neighbors in Flagler County.

TREASURES

5400 East Highway 100, Palm Coast, FL 32164 Open 9am-5pm Monday - Friday. Weekends by appointment.

24 Hour Crisis Helpline: 386-437-3505 Visit www.FamilyLifeCenterFlagler.org

Ormond Beach 1259 Granada Boulevard | 386.671.9525 Palm Coast 181 Cypress Point Parkway | 386.447.0404

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386.258.7313


8B

BUSINESS OBSERVER

|

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

BUSINESS OBSERVER

OrmondBeachObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

9B

THE WINDSOR PROFILE

H E ALTH CAR E

n 50 Town Court, Palm

THE MOST AMAZING THING ABOUT THIS BUSINESS IS…

“Helping people solve some of the biggest problems they will ever face. Finding the right care for your parents, or your spouse, is such a huge responsibility, and I love helping lead people to the right solution. “When someone leaves my office with peace of mind, there is no greater feeling you can have in this industry. “For the most part I work with the children of seniors, looking for a place for their mom or dad or aunts and uncles, even neighbors. Then I meet the residents on the tours. About 15 to 20% look for themselves and it’s much easier. That’s the decisions that they’ve made, they come to terms with their situation, and they’re ready.”

There’s nothing 9 to 5 about the work at The Windsor of Palm Coast, and with a ratio nearly one-to-one staff to residents, high-quality, continuous care is the priority. The staff wants residents to look at the whole building as their home and not stay cooped up in their apartments. They provide all meals, offer a variety of activities, from games and classes to Friday Happy Hours with hors d’oeuvres, day cruises and shopping trips. “If our families have peace of mind, and our residents’ physical, mental, and spiritual needs are

WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE BUSINESS IS …

THE BEST ADVICE I EVER GOT WAS …

“How competitive it is. Our buildings are beautiful and the care is the best, but assisted living facilities are just sprouting up all over. “Where there was one, there are now four more. People are building all these facilities anticipating a rush from Baby Boomers, but that’s not happening yet. It isn’t a bad thing, competition is good, but we’re all doing the same thing with the same amount of seniors that were there a year ago. It’s not like all of a sudden everyone turned 83. “Our company’s standard is to be at 100%, and we fight hard to stay there. We had 17 vacancies when I came to work here. We hustled. The building was relatively new, and we got the right team together. Word got out. I’ve been here four years and we’ve been full for 3 years consistently.”

“The goal is not to be successful, the goal is to be valuable. “Once you’re valuable, instead of chasing success it will attract itself to you. A man I worked for in Scotland told me that, and it it just clicked; it made so much sense.” WHEN I WAS FIRST BEGINNING, I WISH I KNEW…

“What a waste of time worrying is. If you’re working your hardest, there’s no need to worry. I learned that a little late. After I had my daughter, everything got into perspective. There’s no point in wasting any of your time thinking about work. Work when you’re at work, work as hard as you can, and then go home and don’t spend any time worrying about it.”

“If our families have peace of mind, and our residents’ physical, mental, and spiritual needs are met, then our job is done.”

BY THE NUMBERS

THE BEST CHANGE I MADE WAS …

“To take a chance and move to Scotland. I loved living in Edinburgh and stayed there almost four years. I went on a whim. I ended up getting a great job and everything fell into place. I did all the event planning and fundraising for the British Red Cross, Children First, and the Woodland Trust. I met the most amazing people, and had the opportunity for lots of travel and new experiences. Ultimately it’s what led me here, which is where I’m meant to be.”

7

Years in business in Palm Coast

68

Employees as of September 2015

71

Employees as of September 2016

12%

Increase in revenue January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

I KNEW I HAD MADE IT WHEN …

“I won the award for best Sales & Marketing Director in Florida. When I heard they were announcing that award, I stopped paying attention because I didn’t think in a hundred years it would be me. As they were talking about the person, I was looking around the room, thinking, ‘This girl sounds awesome.’ When they mentioned Meals on Wheels, which I do, it started to dawn on me. I was not prepared at all.”

12%

Increase in net profit January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

95

Residents

84

Apartments

100%

Occupancy

NICOLE O’BRIEN, Sales and Marketing Director

Photo provided by The Windsor

Back row: Daniel Kainef, Andrew Gall, Edward Weyant; front: Darlene Sagginario, Nicole O’Brien, Beth Alves, Sally Blake.

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Palm Coast 181 Cypress Point Parkway | 386.447.0404

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for qualified buyers on all remaining in stock 2016 MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S 4 dr hardtops, Countryman and Countryman S, All 4 and John Cooper Works Countryman, Clubman and Clubman S Models.

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Available to well qualified lessees thru MINI Financial. $187 per month for 36 months. $2699 due at signing. mo. Plus title, tax, license and doc. fee. 10,000 miles per year. Stk. #WT08249. Offer ends 11/30/16. for 36 months

1220 N Tomoka Farms Rd. 386-523-0505

Available to well qualified lessees thru MINI Financial. $225 per month for 36 months. $2699 due at signing. Plus title, tax, license and fees. 10,000 miles per year. Stk. #2D29139. Offer ends 11/30/16.

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MSRP mo. $31,860. Stk# M045874. Heated Leather Seats, Moonroof, iPod/MP3 Input, Keyless Start, Satellite Radio, Aluminum Wheels, for 36 months ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE KIT. FUEL EFFICIENT 33 MPG Hwy/25 MPG City! SE trim, REFLEX SILVER exterior and TITAN BLACK. Excludes tax, title, license, registration, options and dealer fees. Offer ends 11/30/16.

Available to highly qualified buyers thru Volkswagen Credit. 10,000 miles per year. $1995 due at signing, plus, title, tax, license, and $695 dealer doc. fee. Stock #M383834.No security deposit required. Offer ends 11/30/16.

1270 N. Tomoka Farms Rd 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SE 386-523-0500

1270 N. Tomoka Farms Rd 386-252-7676 224588

222718

Coast n 586-3501 Residence Director: Andrew Gall Sales & Marketing Director: Nicole O’Brien What they do: The Windsor of Palm Cost is a state-of-the-art-community that sets high standard for assisted living. Origins: Windsor Senior Living is a privately held company founded by Tim Buchanan and Pete Russell. They have been designing, building, and operating residential living environments for more than 30 years. In addition to sites in other States, there are 10 properties in Florida, with a new one coming to Gainesville. The Windsor of Palm Coast opened seven years ago. Awards: Florida Argentum named Nicole O’Brien as Sales & Marketing Director of the year in Florida at this year’s assisted living conference, Lowest lost revenue days in the Second quarter of 2016 for all of Legend Senior Living.

met, then our job is done,” Sales and Marketing Director Nicole O’Brien said. We sat down with O’Brien recently to discuss the Windsor.

A dedicated staff allows the Windsor of Palm Coast to serve residents depending on their needs, from minimal assistance to continual care with a personal companion, as well as a full-service Memory Care Center.


BUSINESS OBSERVER

OrmondBeachObserver.com

met, then our job is done,” Sales and Marketing Director Nicole O’Brien said. We sat down with O’Brien recently to discuss the Windsor. THE MOST AMAZING THING ABOUT THIS BUSINESS IS…

“Helping people solve some of the biggest problems they will ever face. Finding the right care for your parents, or your spouse, is such a huge responsibility, and I love helping lead people to the right solution. “When someone leaves my office with peace of mind, there is no greater feeling you can have in this industry. “For the most part I work with the children of seniors, looking for a place for their mom or dad or aunts and uncles, even neighbors. Then I meet the residents on the tours. About 15 to 20% look for themselves and it’s much easier. That’s the decisions that they’ve made, they come to terms with their situation, and they’re ready.”

WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE BUSINESS IS …

THE BEST ADVICE I EVER GOT WAS …

“How competitive it is. Our buildings are beautiful and the care is the best, but assisted living facilities are just sprouting up all over. “Where there was one, there are now four more. People are building all these facilities anticipating a rush from Baby Boomers, but that’s not happening yet. It isn’t a bad thing, competition is good, but we’re all doing the same thing with the same amount of seniors that were there a year ago. It’s not like all of a sudden everyone turned 83. “Our company’s standard is to be at 100%, and we fight hard to stay there. We had 17 vacancies when I came to work here. We hustled. The building was relatively new, and we got the right team together. Word got out. I’ve been here four years and we’ve been full for 3 years consistently.”

“The goal is not to be successful, the goal is to be valuable. “Once you’re valuable, instead of chasing success it will attract itself to you. A man I worked for in Scotland told me that, and it it just clicked; it made so much sense.” WHEN I WAS FIRST BEGINNING, I WISH I KNEW…

“What a waste of time worrying is. If you’re working your hardest, there’s no need to worry. I learned that a little late. After I had my daughter, everything got into perspective. There’s no point in wasting any of your time thinking about work. Work when you’re at work, work as hard as you can, and then go home and don’t spend any time worrying about it.”

“If our families have peace of mind, and our residents’ physical, mental, and spiritual needs are met, then our job is done.”

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

BY THE NUMBERS

THE BEST CHANGE I MADE WAS …

“To take a chance and move to Scotland. I loved living in Edinburgh and stayed there almost four years. I went on a whim. I ended up getting a great job and everything fell into place. I did all the event planning and fundraising for the British Red Cross, Children First, and the Woodland Trust. I met the most amazing people, and had the opportunity for lots of travel and new experiences. Ultimately it’s what led me here, which is where I’m meant to be.”

7

Years in business in Palm Coast

68

Employees as of September 2015

71

Employees as of September 2016

12%

Increase in revenue January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

I KNEW I HAD MADE IT WHEN …

“I won the award for best Sales & Marketing Director in Florida. When I heard they were announcing that award, I stopped paying attention because I didn’t think in a hundred years it would be me. As they were talking about the person, I was looking around the room, thinking, ‘This girl sounds awesome.’ When they mentioned Meals on Wheels, which I do, it started to dawn on me. I was not prepared at all.”

12%

Increase in net profit January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

95

Residents

84

Apartments

100%

Occupancy

NICOLE O’BRIEN, Sales and Marketing Director

FIELDS VOLKSWAGEN OF DAYTONA BEACH

FIELDS MINI OF DAYTONA BEACH

NING OF VO CARS A BEACH

9B

It’s Fields Season Finale Sales Event where your VW Check turns into Daytona Beach Bucks that buy you more!

0% APR

up to 60 months

2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA S

for qualified buyers on all remaining in stock 2016 MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S 4 dr hardtops, Countryman and Countryman S, All 4 and John Cooper Works Countryman, Clubman and Clubman S Models.

New 2016 MINI COOPER S 4 DOOR HARDTOP

$ 143 225 Committed to Business $

2016 Volvo XC60 T5 FWD Dynamic

for 36 months

$ Excellence mo/24 mos.

389

mo.

for 36 months

mo.

Available to highly qualified buyers thru Volkswagen Credit. 10,000 miles per year. $1995 due at signing, plus, title, tax, license, and $695 dealer doc. fee. Stock #M383834.No security deposit required. Offer ends 11/30/16.

in Volusia and Flagler Counties! 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SE

Available to well qualified lessees thru MINI Financial. $225 per month for 36 months. $2699 due at signing. Plus title, tax, license and fees. 10,000 miles per year. Stk. #2D29139. Offer ends 11/30/16.

New 2016 MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN

y payment of $389, based on $43,005 udes destination charge and application of $1,500 Volvo nd mileage over 10,000 miles/year at $0.25 / mile.

224

$

for 36 months

2016 Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum

FIELDS MINI OF DAYTONA BEACH Available to well qualified lessees thru MINI Financial. $224 per month for 36 months. $2699 due at signing.

It’s Fields Season Finale Sales Event 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI SE 4 Dr Hatchback where your VW Check turns into New 2016 MINI COOPER S COUNTRYMAN Daytona Beach Bucks that buy you more! Plus title, tax, license and fees. 10,000 miles per year. Stk. #2E47983. Offer ends 11/30/16.

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for qualified buyers on all remaining in stock 2016 MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S 4 dr hardtops, Countryman and Countryman S, All 4 and John Cooper Works Countryman, Clubman and Clubman S Models.

New 2016 MINI COOPER S 4 DOOR HARDTOP

More

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mo/24 mos.

SE YOU MATTER

yment of $389, based on $43,005 s destination charge and application of $1,500 Volvo

2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA S

187

$

for 36 months

mo.

27 ,049 143 225 Fields Volkswagen of Daytona Beach Fields Volvo Cars of Daytona Beach MINI of Daytona Beach $

Available to well qualified lessees thru MINI Financial. $187 per month for 36 months. $2699 due at signing. mo. Plus title, tax, license and doc. fee. 10,000 miles per year. Stk. #WT08249. Offer ends 11/30/16. for 36 months

1220 N Tomoka Farms Rd. 386-523-0505

Available to well qualified lessees thru MINI Financial. $225 per month for 36 months. $2699 due at signing. Plus title, tax, license and fees. 10,000 miles per year. Stk. #2D29139. Offer ends 11/30/16.

New 2016 MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN

$

$

MSRP mo. $31,860. Stk# M045874. Heated Leather Seats, Moonroof, iPod/MP3 Input, Keyless Start, Satellite Radio, Aluminum Wheels, for 36 months ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE KIT. FUEL EFFICIENT 33 MPG Hwy/25 MPG City! SE trim, REFLEX SILVER exterior and TITAN BLACK. Excludes tax, title, license, registration, options and dealer fees. Offer ends 11/30/16.

Available to highly qualified buyers thru Volkswagen Credit. 10,000 miles per year. $1995 due at signing, plus, title, tax, license, and $695 dealer doc. fee. Stock #M383834.No security deposit required. Offer ends 11/30/16.

1270 N. Tomoka Farms Rd 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SE 386-523-0500

1270 N. Tomoka Farms Rd 386-252-7676 224588

2016 Volvo XC60 BMW of Daytona Beach rogram atFields noDynamic extra charge: T5 FWD

1050 N. Tomoka Farms Rd. Gourmet Cafe and Coffee Bar, (386) 274-1200 $

mo.

for 36 months FIELDS VOLKSWAGEN Available to highly qualified buyers thru Volkswagen Credit. 10,000 miles per year. $2495 due at signing, plus, title, tax, license, OF DAYTONA BEACH and $695 dealer doc. fee. No security deposit required. Stk# C038979. Offer ends 11/30/16.

NING OF O $CARS 555mo/39 mos. A BEACH

No security deposit required. Monthly payment of $555, 2017 XC90 T5 Momentum with Heated Seats and Metallic harge. Lessee is responsible for excess wear and mileage 10,000 miles/year at $0.25 / mile.

233

$

mo.


BUSINESS OBSERVER

|

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

M AN U FACTU R ING

10B

Brothers Tad and Joey Durrance run Halifax Paving in Ormond Beach.

HALIFAX PAVING INC. Halifax Paving weathered the downturn in the economy in 2008 with some fortunate government contracts, and a lot of perseverance, and now look to a brighter future.

Employees as of January 2015

Tad and Joey Durrance are the third generation to run Halifax Paving of Ormond Beach. They started working summers for the company when they were 14. The construction bust of 2008 fundamentally changed the nature of their business. With the rebounding economy, asphalt has become the lion’s share of their work compared to excavation and grading earlier in the millennium. We sat down with the brothers to talk about their views of the business.

110

EVERYTHING CHANGED WHEN …

BY THE NUMBERS

48

Years in business

3

Generations

110

Employees as of January 2016

3%

Increase in revenue January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

144%

Increase in net profits January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

Tad Durrance: “The economy went bad. In 2008, we were in free fall. We were lucky that we’d bid on a few government jobs that we otherwise would not have. The county came to us and said people are so busy making subdivisions nobody was bidding. We ended up backing into three or four big jobs we wouldn’t have gotten other-

“Hopefully the trajectory of the market keeps up. It seems like in our area is in a small boomlet, between private investment and residential building coming back on line.” TAD DURRANCE

wise. So when we started getting the calls in August of ’08 saying, ‘I want you guys to stop whatever you’re doing on my subdivision. Pull your equipment out,’ at least we had work to do.” MY BIGGEST FEAR LAST YEAR WAS …

Joey Durrance: “My only fear was how much we were going to lose on some long-term jobs.” Tad Durrance: “It really wasn’t a fear, it was more of a relief of getting out from under a couple of bad jobs from the slow times. It was good to get them behind us, and get on to some work that we had on hand.” THE BEST ADVICE I EVER GOT WAS …

Tad Durrance: “‘An effective president never has to do anything because he gets the right people in place underneath him, and everything goes smoothly.’ I heard that back in college in one of my business classes. Joey and I have different management styles. He likes to get out there, be hands-on, run the guys, and know what they’re doing. I like to get the people out in place and say ‘This is your job, run it.’ If everything’s going well, I don’t have to mess with it. If there’s a fire, I’ll go put it out.” WHEN I WAS FIRST BEGINNING, I WISH I KNEW …

Joey Durrance: “How to deal with your employees, and the people you work for. I learned it through running projects. I’m still learning every day.” NEXT YEAR I LOOK FORWARD MOST TO …

Tad: “Hopefully the trajectory of the market keeps up. It seems like our area is in a small boom-

let, between private investment and residential building coming back on line. If the cities, county and state keep decent spending, it will be great. I would love to see a decent infrastructure package like Trump was talking about. “We’re also looking forward to making investments in the company that we put off. We’ve gotten our paving operation caught up. Now it’s time to start getting our excavation and grading operation back up to speed.” THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENED TO US …

Tad Durrance: “To lose our grandfather and father within two years of each other. Aside from the personal loss, that was a lot of knowledge that we’d never get back. “There was a moment there when we were going to lose our bonding, which would have made it impossible to bid on government work. We made some calls and we got some people in here who were willing to take a chance on us. If was pretty iffy. It’s scarier looking back on it.” I REGRET …

Tad Durrance: “Not paying closer attention back in the boom. I think everyone was so happy, we were doing so well, that we weren’t paying attention, and the company could have been manged better during that time. Joey Durrance: “If we lost on one job, it didn’t matter because we were going to make it all back and more on the next job.” Tad Durrance: “During the slow time, we started counting every dollar that came in and out of this place and once we did that for a couple of years you look a back on the boom years and say, ‘We could have managed it better.’” Joey Durrance: “Tad and I learned most everything in the slow times.”

PROFILE n 814 Hull Road, Ormond Beach n 676-0200 President: Tad Durrance, Vice President: Joey Durrance What they do: Halifax paving can construct any type of conveyance — bike path to interstate highway, from clearing the land to putting down the final striping and everything in between. They’ve built numerous subdivisions and apartment complexes, excavated 200 reclaim water reservoirs, and constructed major runways at international airports. They recently performed dune restoration and temporarily rebuilt a 1.3-mile stretch of State Road A1A damaged by after Hurricane Matthew. Awards: Recognized by Gov. Rick Scott for their swift work on the restoration of State Road A1A in Flagler Beach after Hurricane Matthew. Origins: Although started by Leonard Durrance in 1955, Halifax Paving uses their year of incorporation in 1968 as their inception date. After graduating from the University of Florida, his son Tommy Durrance joined him in the business in 1975. Grandsons Tad Durance, current president and also a Gator, and Joey Durrance, current vice president, joined the firm in the early 2000s


BUSINESS OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

N ON P ROF I T

OrmondBeachObserver.com

Family Life Center CEO Trish Giaccone in the Center’s Bunnell shelter common room, flanked by Melinda Johnston, Lead Advocate, and Marisa Chavez, Shelter Manager.

FAMILY LIFE CENTER The Family Life Center tackles domestic and sexual violence with determination and a lot of love, with an eye to eliminating the problem in Flagler County. BY THE NUMBERS

29

Years in operation

14

Employees as of January 2015

17

Employees as of January 2016

9%

Increase in revenue January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

$400,000

Increase in the victim’s services budget in the last three months.

1 of only 42

State-certified domestic violence centers in Florida

1 of only 31

State-certified rape crisis centers in Florida.

8

Week average stay in shelter

When calling the Family Life Center in Bunnell, the recorded directory only lists staff by their first names — a subtle, and personal, signal to the caller that everyone is there to help women and children in crisis. We sat down with CEO Trish Giaccone at the shelter to explore how she, and this sometimes little known organization, accomplishes it’s mission. MY BIGGEST FEAR LAST YEAR WAS …

“Our SV (sexual violence) certification falling through. We put lot of resources and energy into the process. I was concerned it wouldn’t go through, but we got it on November 18, 2015. We’re very grateful to have the center here so victims don’t have to travel outside their home county. It’s one of those things where you don’t know the need for it until you have the need. And when you do, it’s an immediate need.” NEXT YEAR I LOOK FORWARD MOST TO …

“Graduating with a masters

“I knew I had made it when I started to hear community members describe the center and me as having integrity, being professional, hardworking, and tenacious.” TRISH GIACCONE

degree in Clinical Mental Health from Stetson University. I’ve been doing this for 3½ years; It will allow me to work as a therapist. I’d like to be able to provide more mental health services to the survivors we work with. Right now we have a therapist, but it’s limited hours. I can’t have interns because no one here has the degree. If I get the degree and tally up the hours I need, I can get interns here. I’ve come to realize that a lot of social service individuals don’t necessarily understand the dynamics of victims of domestic violence, so interning is really a great way for people to engage and get a basic view of victims.” THE BEST ADVICE I EVER GOT WAS …

“‘Go for it. What do you have to lose?’ That was in reference on whether I should apply as executive director of this agency. The interim director, M.F. Warren, asked me if I as going to apply. I said I didn’t think so. She said, ‘You’re going to have to train whoever gets the job. Go for it. What do you have to lose? If you don’t get the job, you’ll still have to train the new person.’ I think I’m the first Latina CEO they’ve had.” I KNEW I HAD MADE IT WHEN …

“I started to hear community members describe the center, and me, as having integrity, being professional, hardworking and tenacious. I went to a meeting and they introduced me saying I embodied integrity and professionalism. I got choked up. And I knew it wasn’t just me, it was the center.” WHAT MY EMPLOYEES MEAN TO ME …

“Invaluable – our team is what makes the Family Life Center so

remarkable. I love them dearly. When I took over the agency in 2010, there was a moment when all our funding was on pause and we weren’t sure that we could make payroll. I remember sitting in this room and saying to the staff, ‘I’m not sure we can pay you and I understand if you chose not to continue here until we get this straightened out.’ Not a single person walked out that door. Since then we have maintained the core of our staffing, and they make it work.” WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE BUSINESS IS …

“Although it is a social service organization helping people, a nonprofit is still a business with budgets, human resource and marketing needs. A budget shortfall means, ‘How do we make sure we can pay the light bill and buy food?’ Also it’s not something that is really marketable, it’s the underbelly of our society. People want to hear about the good stuff, the warm and fuzzies, and that’s great. But you say we’re going to talk about domestic violence and you can feel the air leaving the room.” THE BEST CHANGE I MADE WAS …

“Incorporating a culture of transparency and trust. I tell people that I may not always agree with your decision, but if you can show me how you got from A to Z, I’m OK with it. We can talk about things that before were not allowed. The previous culture was, ‘This is the way it’s always been.’ To be able to have these conversations with staff also opens up the residents and I think it also encourages the community to be more accepting. “

PROFILE n P. O. Box 2058, Bunnell n 437-7747

CEO: Trish Giaccone What they do: The Family Life Center provides lifesaving services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault within the community through its 24-hour, 32-bed Emergency Shelter facility, Youth Prevention Program, Child Advocacy Program, Outreach Services and the Sexual Assault Victim Empowerment (SAVE) Program. Origins: Established in 1987, the Family Life Center is entering it’s 30th year of providing essential support services to victims of domestic and sexual assault. Trish Giaccone just marked nine years at the Center and became Executive Director (later retitled as CEO) in 2010. Awards: Recognized by Flagler Home Builders Association as one of their four charities of choice for 2016, Beneficiary of Palm Coast Yacht Club’s First Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon, Beneficiary of the Flagler Sportfishing Club’s 20th-annual Spring Classic Fishing Tournament

11B


12B

BUSINESS OBSERVER

|

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

FIELDS AUTO GROUP Steve McDonald took a leap of faith, a move from Chicago, to grow Fields Auto Group’s Daytona Beach dealerships and has been busy, and happy, the whole trip.

BY THE NUMBERS

10

R E TAIL

Years in business in Daytona Beach

86

Employees as of September 2015

105

It has been a chaotic couple of years for Steve McDonald, general manager of the Fields Auto Group operations in Daytona Beach. He took over the position in 2013 and oversaw the construction of the new BMW building at the Daytona Auto Mall, which opened in the summer of 2015. A new MINI dealership was added to the old site in the spring of this year. Fields also acquired Volvo of Daytona this year. On top of all that, McDonald describes the local car market as “rockin’.” He recently sat down with us to discuss his outlook.

Employees as of September 2016

30%

Increase in revenue January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

18%

Increase in net profits January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

6th

Steve McDonald, General Manager of Fields Auto Group in Daytona Beach.

in country for overall performance for BMW

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www.AdamsCameron.com


12B

BUSINESS OBSERVER

|

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

BUSINESS OBSERVER

OrmondBeachObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

13B

FIELDS AUTO GROUP 10

R E TAIL

Years in business in Daytona Beach

Employees as of September 2015

105

It has been a chaotic couple of years for Steve McDonald, general manager of the Fields Auto Group operations in Daytona Beach. He took over the position in 2013 and oversaw the construction of the new BMW building at the Daytona Auto Mall, which opened in the summer of 2015. A new MINI dealership was added to the old site in the spring of this year. Fields also acquired Volvo of Daytona this year. On top of all that, McDonald describes the local car market as “rockin’.” He recently sat down with us to discuss his outlook.

Employees as of September 2016

30%

Increase in revenue January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

18%

Increase in net profits January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

6th

“No two days are the same; every day brings different challenges. If you do it right, you make a lot of people happy every day. If you ask any of my employees if they love working here, 99% will say yes. I think if you make people accountable, and you allow them to reach the highest of highs, and help them along the way, it’s a fun place to work. We have a very good retention rate; people typically don’t leave us unless we want them to leave, and that’s not too often.”

THE BEST CHANGE I MADE WAS …

“Making the leap of faith. and taking the opportunity down here. The growth within the company is in Florida; we bought the Brumos dealerships in Jacksonville last April. The stores I have

“How much people working in it can make. For example, qualified technicians are in short supply. A great salesman can make six figures a year, but so can a talented tech. There are businesses in the industry that need 30 to 40 techs, who are paying $5,000 to $8,000 signing bonuses. It’s crazy. The problem is we don’t train technicians in school. Take this area for example: Less than 70% of high school graduates go on to college, but there isn’t a lot of training for those that don’t.” NEXT YEAR I LOOK FORWARD MOST TO …

“Record growth across all our brands for 2017 and planning to build our new Volvo dealership. Personally, I look forward

to things getting down and running a lot more smoothly after all the changes in the past couple of years. I’d like to be able to do a little more fishing.” WHEN I WAS LITTLE, I WANTED TO BE …

“A Cincinnati Red. Our next door neighbor was an executive producer for NBC Sports, so I hung around that team for years, I was in the dugout and the clubhouse. They knew me and I knew them on a first-name basis. I thought every kid grew up that way. I was a shortstop until I met Johnny Bench, then I became a catcher. I was actually a very good baseball player and could have played college. My coach told me he needed 10½ months of my life every year. I decided I’d rather have fun, The dedication you need for sports was too much, and now it’s even more.”

“I think if you make people accountable, and you allow them to reach the highest of highs, and help them along the way, it’s a fun place to work.” STEVE MCDONALD

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Stunning

Brand new ‘’wood look’’ tile throughout, new custom paint inside & out, split bedroom plan. Enclosed pool patio has covered lanai w/pavers. Kitchen has stainless steel LG appliances & quartz counter tops. $329,000 MLS# 1023119

386.258.5500

386.677.7966

Halifax Plantation

Beautiful 3BR/3BA/2CG, open floor plan, kitchen w/built in desk area, formal living & dining room, dinette w/miter windows & window seats that over-look screened lanai & pool/Jacuzzi area. $335,000 MLS# 1023054

386.673.2100

Solid brick home 4BR/4BA, pool & dock, open floor plan w/extensive space for entertaining. Updated island kitchen w/pass through to poolside tiki bar. Private riverfront covered lanai. $849,900 MLS# 1019626

LV11926

3bd/2ba block home w/open floor plan, bonus room w/closet that can be used as 4th BR/office. MBR w/2 over-sized walk in closets, one is a safe room. Private screened lanai. $246,250 MLS# 1023094

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me even made grateful, she She was so

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Appealing, bright, open & move in ready. New tile floors, carpet, paint, ceiling fans & lighting, upgraded kitchen w/stainless steel appliances plus a view of the pool. New privacy fenced backyard. $289,000 MLS# 1022816

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Located between the ocean &river, great curb appeal & block built. Additional room could easily be 4th bedroom. Full 2-car garage. $229,000 MLS# 1022731

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The Greater Daytona Beach Area’s LARGEST Real Estate Company.

n 1050 N. Tomoka Farms Road, Daytona Beach n 274-1200 General Manager: Steve McDonald What they do: Fields Auto Group is North America’s premier luxury auto group with 32 franchises in 20 locations ranging from Florida to British Columbia. The local Fields operation includes BMW, MINI Cooper, Volvo and VW dealerships at the Auto Mall and a collision center. Everyone who purchases or leases a vehicle from Fields Auto Group is entitled to complimentary loaner vehicles for service appointments and free car washes for the life of the vehicle. Origins: Born in Cincinnati, Steve McDonald moved to Chicago when he was 13. He left the GM job in Fields’ flagship dealership in Chicago to manage the Daytona Beach operations in 2013. Fields BMW moved to it’s current location in 2015. This year they added the MINI dealership, and purchased Volvo of Daytona. Awards: BMW Car Club Dealer of the Year, BMW Customer Service Leader, VW North America Customer Service Leader.

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PROFILE

” ” L isten Listen

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THE MOST AMAZING THING ABOUT THIS BUSINESS IS …

WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE BUSINESS IS …

Steve McDonald, General Manager of Fields Auto Group in Daytona Beach.

in country for overall performance for BMW

Silk Oaks

“‘Enjoy every day like it’s your last, because some day it will be.’ My dad told me that. I wake up in a good mood, I go to bed in a good mood, and I enjoy every day. Some days are better than others, but I’m very blessed – I have a great family, great friends, and I work for a great company. “I think attitude is everything. A lot of companies, like the Ritz Carlton and Chick-fil-A, hire basically on personality because if they get somebody who is a positive person, they can train them to do what they need to do. Whereas if you just look at a resume and you get someone who doesn’t have those personable skills, can’t talk to people, and get along with people, it doesn’t matter how qualified they are.”

are poised to do very well the next couple of years. Of course, anytime you have kids a move is tougher. My youngest is 15 and a sophomore in high school.”

224584

BY THE NUMBERS

86

THE BEST ADVICE I EVER GOT WAS …

Steve McDonald took a leap of faith, a move from Chicago, to grow Fields Auto Group’s Daytona Beach dealerships and has been busy, and happy, the whole trip.

TITUSVILLE Garden Street (Publix Plaza)

321-267-4222

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and Audioprosthologists MERRITT VERO BEACH PORT ST. LUCIE (Between (The Shoppes at ISLAND Applebee’s West VERO BEACH PORT ST. LUCIE St Lucie JENSEN (Corner of & Walmart) Publix Plaza) (Between (The Shoppes at 520/Sykes Cr. BEACH Applebee’s St Lucie West Next to AT&T) 772-774-8208 772-878-5534 & Walmart) Publix Plaza) 321-735-4942 Coming

772-774-8208

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SOON

JENSEN BEACH STUART

Coming SOON Coming SOON

STUART

Coming SOON


BUSINESS OBSERVER

OrmondBeachObserver.com

THE BEST ADVICE I EVER GOT WAS …

“‘Enjoy every day like it’s your last, because some day it will be.’ My dad told me that. I wake up in a good mood, I go to bed in a good mood, and I enjoy every day. Some days are better than others, but I’m very blessed – I have a great family, great friends, and I work for a great company. “I think attitude is everything. A lot of companies, like the Ritz Carlton and Chick-fil-A, hire basically on personality because if they get somebody who is a positive person, they can train them to do what they need to do. Whereas if you just look at a resume and you get someone who doesn’t have those personable skills, can’t talk to people, and get along with people, it doesn’t matter how qualified they are.”

are poised to do very well the next couple of years. Of course, anytime you have kids a move is tougher. My youngest is 15 and a sophomore in high school.” THE MOST AMAZING THING ABOUT THIS BUSINESS IS …

“No two days are the same; every day brings different challenges. If you do it right, you make a lot of people happy every day. If you ask any of my employees if they love working here, 99% will say yes. I think if you make people accountable, and you allow them to reach the highest of highs, and help them along the way, it’s a fun place to work. We have a very good retention rate; people typically don’t leave us unless we want them to leave, and that’s not too often.”

THE BEST CHANGE I MADE WAS …

“Making the leap of faith. and taking the opportunity down here. The growth within the company is in Florida; we bought the Brumos dealerships in Jacksonville last April. The stores I have

WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE BUSINESS IS …

“How much people working in it can make. For example, qualified technicians are in short supply. A great salesman can make six figures a year, but so can a talented tech. There are businesses in the industry that need 30 to 40 techs, who are paying $5,000 to $8,000 signing bonuses. It’s crazy. The problem is we don’t train technicians in school. Take this area for example: Less than 70% of high school graduates go on to college, but there isn’t a lot of training for those that don’t.” NEXT YEAR I LOOK FORWARD MOST TO …

“Record growth across all our brands for 2017 and planning to build our new Volvo dealership. Personally, I look forward

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

to things getting down and running a lot more smoothly after all the changes in the past couple of years. I’d like to be able to do a little more fishing.” WHEN I WAS LITTLE, I WANTED TO BE …

“A Cincinnati Red. Our next door neighbor was an executive producer for NBC Sports, so I hung around that team for years, I was in the dugout and the clubhouse. They knew me and I knew them on a first-name basis. I thought every kid grew up that way. I was a shortstop until I met Johnny Bench, then I became a catcher. I was actually a very good baseball player and could have played college. My coach told me he needed 10½ months of my life every year. I decided I’d rather have fun, The dedication you need for sports was too much, and now it’s even more.”

“I think if you make people accountable, and you allow them to reach the highest of highs, and help them along the way, it’s a fun place to work.” STEVE MCDONALD

13B

PROFILE

n 1050 N. Tomoka Farms Road, Daytona Beach n 274-1200 General Manager: Steve McDonald What they do: Fields Auto Group is North America’s premier luxury auto group with 32 franchises in 20 locations ranging from Florida to British Columbia. The local Fields operation includes BMW, MINI Cooper, Volvo and VW dealerships at the Auto Mall and a collision center. Everyone who purchases or leases a vehicle from Fields Auto Group is entitled to complimentary loaner vehicles for service appointments and free car washes for the life of the vehicle. Origins: Born in Cincinnati, Steve McDonald moved to Chicago when he was 13. He left the GM job in Fields’ flagship dealership in Chicago to manage the Daytona Beach operations in 2013. Fields BMW moved to it’s current location in 2015. This year they added the MINI dealership, and purchased Volvo of Daytona. Awards: BMW Car Club Dealer of the Year, BMW Customer Service Leader, VW North America Customer Service Leader.

” ” L isten Listen

To What People Are To What People AreUs.... Saying About Saying About Us....

Committed to Business Excellence!

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inter Park, RINO of W TERESA LO rk,ung. yo Pa s r ar te ye in 4 W 10 RINO of TERESA LO young. 104 years

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

P ROF ESS ION AL S E RV ICES

14B

John J. Adams, president of Adams, Cameron & Co.

ADAMS, CAMERON & CO. Through natural growth, merger, and acquisition, Adams, Cameron & Co. grew from small a realty in the 1960s to the market leader in Volusia County, and looks to advances in technology to market an exciting future in home sales. BY THE NUMBERS

53

Years in business

3

Generations

7

Residential offices in Volusia and Flagler counties.

289

Employees as of January 2015

307

Employees as of January 2016

2,000+

Properties sold last year.

A family business spanning three generations, Adams, Cameron & Co. is the largest real estate office in the area with seven residential offices in Volusia and Flagler counties. While known for highend luxury homes, the company also leads across all sales in the area. Since 2004, the real estate market has gone from boom, to bust, to partial recovery. We sat down with President John L. Adams, right after he finished with one of his frequent classes for new agents, to discuss the company and his views. EVERYTHING CHANGED WHEN …

“The housing bubble burst, and everything changed again in 2012, when the market started to recover. We’re very much at the mercy of economic conditions. Housing prices went from an average sale price of $100,000 to $250,000 in

“The wonderful thing about being in a family business when I got started was my grandmother was still around and my father was running the business. I had so much to lean on.” JOHN L. ADAMS

just five years. We’re on an uptick again, but on a more reserved basis. We’re still not back to our 2005 pricing.” MY BIGGEST FEAR LAST YEAR WAS …

“That the market wouldn’t continue to grow, knock on wood. We’re beholden to the market and we don’t have a lot of control over interests rates and consumer confidence. We’ve been very fortunate in the last three years to see the market do very well.” WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE BUSINESS IS …

“How important the resources and the marketing are to the success in selling a home. There are so many tools and there is so much technology associated with the business anymore. For example, we put a virtual tour on every single listing. Only about a sixth of the listings in the MLS have that. We put up YouTube videos for every listing. We publish a thousand websites. It’s just going to continue to get more complex. You’re going to see virtual reality tours. People shop very differently today, with mobile apps. We’ve added technology so that if you’re out at a listing you can text a number and get a full virtual tour directly to your phone.” THE BEST ADVICE I EVER GOT WAS …

“My grandfather told me if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life. I’ve been fortunate because in each part of my career I’ve enjoyed it, and when I didn’t, I was able to get out. This business is interesting; my grandmother founded the company and

my father grew it to be the dominant player in the market. I’d love to do more general real estate. I’d love to go out and show homes, but that’s not my job. But I love real estate and it’s very satisfying that we help people find their dream homes. Also it’s satisfying that we’re helping Realtors get involved in the business, and help them understand the best strategy to grow their business.” WHEN I WAS FIRST BEGINNING, I WISH I KNEW …

“I don’t think there’s a lot I’d put in that category because I walked in the third generation of a wellheeled business. I was already well into two other careers. The wonderful thing about being in a family business when I got started was my grandmother was still around and my father was running the business. I had so much to lean on.” MY HERO IN BUSINESS IS …

“My father. Look at what he did. He took a solid but small business and grew it to the largest in the area. He started our affiliation with LRE. Through natural growth and acquisition, he built the business so that we were the largest, and Cameron was the second largest. Then he negotiated a merger to create Adams, Cameron and Co. He was into a franchise for a while, and he also took us out. I think that was one of the hardest things you can do, because once you get your name as a franchise it is very hard to remove it. His success and what he was able to do in this community makes him someone I’d like to mirror.”

PROFILE

n 54 S. Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach n 253-8044 President: John J. Adams What they do: Adams, Cameron & Co. offers residential and commercial real estate brokerage services throughout the area. They are the largest local independent real estate office. As a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, they cooperate with real estate brokerages across the globe. Origins: Helen Adams formed Helen Adams Realty in 1963. Robert L. Adams, her son, joined the firm in 1974 and within four years, Adams Realty became the dominant real estate company in the area with acquisitions of several smaller firms and the merger with Cameron Realty in 1978. As President and CEO, Robert expanded services to include Adams Cameron Title Services and Adams Cameron Auction Division. John J. Adams, his son, joined the firm in 2002 after two successful careers in consulting and internet marketing. It is truly a family business; John’s brother is part owner and one of the top sales agents, and one sisters also has a real estate license. Awards: Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Website Certification


BUSINESS OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

S M AL L BUS INESS

OrmondBeachObserver.com

Leo Znascko is the owner of Salon Salon in Palm Coast.

SALON SALON Leo Znascko couldn’t find what she wanted, so she started her own salon, and by conserving resources, and a willingness to adjust, she beat the odds. BY THE NUMBERS

5th

Year in Business

4

Number of years before most salons go out of business.

2

Employees as of January 2015

4

Employees as of January 2016

5

Members of the family are barbers or hair stylists, including grandfather, father, and one son.

CELEBRATED MY FIRST SUCCESS BY …

“Remodeling the shop. I was holding my breath for those four years. I said, ‘We’re staying here, we can spend more money.’”

Salon Salon owner Leo Znascko was 19 when she began styling hair. The calling may be partly genetic; her grandfather was a barber. Her father was a barber, certified as a unisex hair stylist in the ’70s, and one of her sons is also a sylist. When she moved to Palm Coast in 2006, she couldn’t find a salon with the atmosphere she was used to working in, so she decided to open her own. After starting in one room by herself, she saved enough money to start the salon. Salon Salon is starting its fifth year in business, an important milestone, as Leo explained when we sat down with her. I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO WORK WHEN …

“I outlived my industry’s firstfour failure rate. Most salons go out of business before their fourth year. Once somebody tells you something like that, you’re afraid of that number. Some of the reasons are your build-out was too high, your business plan wasn’t put together appropriately, and your pockets weren’t deep enough to sustain longevity while you’re paying off start-up costs.” I

“My clients are my friends, my community, my bosses, and my teachers. Their loyalty is truly the litmus test of my success.” LEO ZNASCKO

I WANTED TO OWN A BUSINESS BECAUSE …

“I wanted to set my own success standards and not live to corporate expectations. When I came to town and looked around, there was a lot of beauty parlors, but not salons. We do very on-trend, progressive work. I grew up in a beauty parlor and I love them, but you service a different clientele. You have standing appointments. There’s a demographic for that, but it is a dying art.” A FUNNY THING HAPPENED …

“The whole first year I found myself understanding all of my old employers better. I remember going, ‘I used to criticize her for that,’ and, ‘Oh no, I’m turning into Mr. So and So.’” WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE BUSINESS IS …

“Less than 5% of students who go to hair school last past their first year. Of that 5%, 72% leave within three years. If I make you look horrible, it really is on me. The anxiety is huge. A lot of kids run out the back door crying in that first year and they don’t come back.” WHAT MY EMPLOYEES MEAN TO ME...

“My employees are my grounding force. They are like family to me. I personally feel responsible for the success of each and every one of them. Their bills, their kids and their homes, depend on me to keep them busy and prosperous. In our industry there is a big emphasis on teaching, mentoring

and elevating the next generation of professionals.” WHAT MY CUSTOMERS MEAN TO ME …

“My clients are my friends, my community, my bosses, and my teachers. Their loyalty is truly the litmus test of my success. A lot of people will give you a try once; it’s their loyalty that really makes the difference.” THE BEST CHANGE I MADE WAS …

“Going from chair rental to commission. Legally with chair rental, your stylists are self-employed, so you can’t make them schedule or wear a uniform. Quality control is limited. It’s like roommates in a house; there’s always one guy who will eat your lunch.” I THOUGHT I MIGHT QUIT WHEN …

“I had to dismiss three employees at once, as I changed to commission. I had to let them go because that would cut their income, and they would leave anyway, but I thought about giving up the business.” EVERYTHING CHANGED WHEN …

“I changed to commission. I was alone in the salon and realized I could float the whole thing myself financially and I no longer felt beholden to my renters, co-workers, employees/sublets. For about six months, I couldn’t get a person. I went to job fairs, the schools, LinkedIn and no one would apply for a job. I think it was part of the divine plan to show me, ‘You can do this, and you will do this alone long enough so you’ll know you can lose income and still sustain the business.’”

PROFILE n 3 Florida Park Drive N, Suite D, Palm Coast n 386-283-5673 Owner: Leo Znascko What they do: Salon Salon focuses on hair. Most people know them as a color salon. They also do hair and make-up for weddings and work with high school students doing hair and makeup for school photos. Achievements: Paid up all start-up costs and build-up after one year. Future Plans: Invest in staff by growing their clientele to the point that each stylist is fully booked, and reaches their goals. Be successful enough so that her husband can retire.

15B


16B

BUSINESS OBSERVER

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

DEL’S GARAGE Del Hydrick dreamed about owning his own business for decades – it was in his blood – and three years ago he made that dream come true with Del’s Garage.

n 2700 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell n 313-5997 Owner: Del Hydrick What they do: Full service, repairs and maintenance on your vehicle. Origins: Del moved from DeKalb, Illinois, to Florida in 1986 and has 30 years in the auto service business. Del is a Chicago Cubs fanatic who has still not come down from their World Series win.

TECH N ICAL S E RV ICES

PROFILE

When he was a 12-year-old in DeKalb, Illinois, Del Hydrick rode his bike 8 miles to wash dishes. In high school, he entered the school’s first co-op program in the automotive trade, and worked afternoons turning a wrench, but in the back of his mind he always wanted to own his own business. After 26 years of working for someone else, he took the chance and opened Del’s Garage in Bunnell three years ago.

Del’s Garage owner Del Hydrick with his mechanics, William Lewis, Brian Normandin, and Fred Mayle.

222575

MitchellNoel.com

HARRASMENT HAPPENS!

As your business grows so does your exposure. EPLI Coverage can help. Become educated Know your risks & options. Be protected.

Call us today!

386-677-4761

224586

Contact Mitchell Noel today.


16B

BUSINESS OBSERVER

|

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

BUSINESS OBSERVER

OrmondBeachObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

17B

DEL’S GARAGE Del Hydrick dreamed about owning his own business for decades – it was in his blood – and three years ago he made that dream come true with Del’s Garage.

PROFILE Bunnell n 313-5997 Owner: Del Hydrick What they do: Full service, repairs and maintenance on your vehicle. Origins: Del moved from DeKalb, Illinois, to Florida in 1986 and has 30 years in the auto service business. Del is a Chicago Cubs fanatic who has still not come down from their World Series win.

TECH N ICAL S E RV ICES

n 2700 E. Moody Blvd.,

Del’s Garage owner Del Hydrick with his mechanics, William Lewis, Brian Normandin, and Fred Mayle.

222575

MitchellNoel.com

As your business grows so does your exposure. EPLI Coverage can help. Become educated Know your risks & options. Be protected.

Call us today!

386-677-4761

224586

Contact Mitchell Noel today.

I KNEW I HAD MADE IT WHEN …

WHAT MY EMPLOYEES MEAN TO ME …

“I worked in the dealer world at a dealership. It was a great place, but it became more corporate and basically burned me out in the last few years. I was going to get out of the business. I knew I was going to work for myself. I knew I could do better.”

“I started getting phone calls from people I hadn’t heard from for two to three years. Within the first three months I knew it was going to be a home run. The first year was probably 30% more than the numbers in the business, the next year was another 50% more, and this year we’re on pace to do another 40%.”

“My employees mean everything to me; without them I have have nothing. When I was 15 to 18, I turned wrenches. I love building street rods and motorcycles for myself. But to do it as a living – I prefer to be up front. I would rather be the boss. “Anybody who knows me knows we do it the right way because we have the best mechanics. I’d put them up against any mechanic in town. You can walk out there at any time, and if you ask one of my mechanics a question, they’ll talk to you without any stereotypical mechanic talk. “We keep a clean shop. It’s the trust factor. If you’re honest, respectful to the car, respectful to the people, and give a good price, you can’t go wrong.”

I KNEW IT WAS TIME TO INVEST WHEN …

When he was a 12-year-old in DeKalb, Illinois, Del Hydrick rode his bike 8 miles to wash dishes. In high school, he entered the school’s first co-op program in the automotive trade, and worked afternoons turning a wrench, but in the back of his mind he always wanted to own his own business. After 26 years of working for someone else, he took the chance and opened Del’s Garage in Bunnell three years ago.

HARRASMENT HAPPENS!

I WANTED TO OWN A BUSINESS BECAUSE …

“Customers would see me in the street and ask ‘Where are you?’ I’d say, ‘I’m out of the business, I don’t know what I’m going to do.’ Numerous people knew my cell phone number and they were calling. “It took about two years where I did other things to pay the bills. Then I found this building, and ran the numbers. I went to Joe Roy at the BAC (Business Assistance Center). He helped me build a business plan. I put on paper everything I thought I was going to do. He said, ‘Let’s recompute everything by cutting it in half and see if it’s still profitable. We did, and he said I’d still be OK. I mortgaged everything I had and I had investors who relied on me paying them back.”

WHAT MY CUSTOMERS MEAN TO ME …

“My customers mean everything. Without them, you and I wouldn’t be talking, those guys wouldn’t be working out there, and I would be back in the corporate world, or more likely, cleaning pools. I know 90 % of the customers. A lot of people will listen to the ad on the radio, walk in and ask ‘Where’s Del?’ They’ll say ‘I don’t need work, but when we do, you’re going to be our guy.’”

“I dreamed about living in Florida, which I did. I dreamed about owning my own business and I did it. It took 26 years, but I did it.” DEL HYDRICK

MY MENTORS IN LIFE ARE …

“My mom and dad. My mother is one of the sweetest people, and she loves everybody. That’s where I got that from. “Everybody has a different story and you have no clue by looking at somebody what they’ve been through in their lives. “My dad had one full-time job and two part-time jobs. He was a butcher in his own corner grocery store. He always wanted to own his own business. I get that from him, that work ethic. My parents moved down here in 1998. Dad comes by the shop three times a week, making sure everybody’s working, and gives me advice still to this day, which I love.”

BY THE NUMBERS

3

Years in business

4

Employees as of September 2015

5

Employees as of September 2016

20%

increase in revenue January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

44%

increase in net profits January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015


BUSINESS OBSERVER

OrmondBeachObserver.com

I WANTED TO OWN A BUSINESS BECAUSE …

I KNEW I HAD MADE IT WHEN …

WHAT MY EMPLOYEES MEAN TO ME …

“I worked in the dealer world at a dealership. It was a great place, but it became more corporate and basically burned me out in the last few years. I was going to get out of the business. I knew I was going to work for myself. I knew I could do better.”

“I started getting phone calls from people I hadn’t heard from for two to three years. Within the first three months I knew it was going to be a home run. The first year was probably 30% more than the numbers in the business, the next year was another 50% more, and this year we’re on pace to do another 40%.”

“My employees mean everything to me; without them I have have nothing. When I was 15 to 18, I turned wrenches. I love building street rods and motorcycles for myself. But to do it as a living – I prefer to be up front. I would rather be the boss. “Anybody who knows me knows we do it the right way because we have the best mechanics. I’d put them up against any mechanic in town. You can walk out there at any time, and if you ask one of my mechanics a question, they’ll talk to you without any stereotypical mechanic talk. “We keep a clean shop. It’s the trust factor. If you’re honest, respectful to the car, respectful to the people, and give a good price, you can’t go wrong.”

I KNEW IT WAS TIME TO INVEST WHEN …

“Customers would see me in the street and ask ‘Where are you?’ I’d say, ‘I’m out of the business, I don’t know what I’m going to do.’ Numerous people knew my cell phone number and they were calling. “It took about two years where I did other things to pay the bills. Then I found this building, and ran the numbers. I went to Joe Roy at the BAC (Business Assistance Center). He helped me build a business plan. I put on paper everything I thought I was going to do. He said, ‘Let’s recompute everything by cutting it in half and see if it’s still profitable. We did, and he said I’d still be OK. I mortgaged everything I had and I had investors who relied on me paying them back.”

WHAT MY CUSTOMERS MEAN TO ME …

“My customers mean everything. Without them, you and I wouldn’t be talking, those guys wouldn’t be working out there, and I would be back in the corporate world, or more likely, cleaning pools. I know 90 % of the customers. A lot of people will listen to the ad on the radio, walk in and ask ‘Where’s Del?’ They’ll say ‘I don’t need work, but when we do, you’re going to be our guy.’”

“I dreamed about living in Florida, which I did. I dreamed about owning my own business and I did it. It took 26 years, but I did it.” DEL HYDRICK

|

MY MENTORS IN LIFE ARE …

“My mom and dad. My mother is one of the sweetest people, and she loves everybody. That’s where I got that from. “Everybody has a different story and you have no clue by looking at somebody what they’ve been through in their lives. “My dad had one full-time job and two part-time jobs. He was a butcher in his own corner grocery store. He always wanted to own his own business. I get that from him, that work ethic. My parents moved down here in 1998. Dad comes by the shop three times a week, making sure everybody’s working, and gives me advice still to this day, which I love.”

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

17B

BY THE NUMBERS

3

Years in business

4

Employees as of September 2015

5

Employees as of September 2016

20%

increase in revenue January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015

44%

increase in net profits January to September 2016 compared to same period in 2015


18B

BUSINESS OBSERVER

|

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

By the numbers

Take Action Properties is a company that focuses on delivering professional, unmatched services to all clients. From first time, single-family home buyers, to luxury condominium developments to estate properties, we have the knowledge and expertise to help every type of buyer and seller. We have a sophisticated portfolio of services designed to assist clients in every phase of the home buying and selling process.

Here’s a look at how the economy is doing in Flagler County. SIZE OF BUSINESSES

Broker/Owner

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Mari Parks

BUY RENT SELL INVEST

(386) 283-5996 www.findpalmcoasthouses.com Congratulations to all of the Standing O winners!

THE TALENT POOL

Looking for ways to further ENGAGE, PROMOTE & SUSTAIN your business through membership? Contact Brian Genk today at 386-206-0954 or brian@flaglerchamber.org

224570

Proud to support business excellence in our community for more than 54 years.

Source: Flagler County Department of Economic Opportunity

Our Mission: To engage, promote and sustain a thriving business climate in Flagler County.

Two heads are better than one.

At Goodman, we believe in American dependability. Units are designed, engineered and assembled in the U.S.A.

Two heads areit comes to Especially when Two heads are Two heads better than one. are reaching your financial goals. better than one. better than one.

Jeff Evans, Agent Serving Volusia and Flagler Counties: 745 Dunlawton Avenue Jeff Evans, Agent Jeff Evans, Agent Port Orange, FL 32127 ServingBus: Volusia and Flagler Counties: 386-761-1860 Serving Volusia and Flagler Counties: 745 Dunlawton Avenue 745 Dunlawton Avenue www.jeffevansportorange.com Port Orange, FL 32127 Port Orange, FL 32127 4982 Palm Coast Pkwy NW, STE 5 Bus: 386-761-1860 Bus: 386-761-1860 Palm Coast, FL 32137 www.jeffevansportorange.com www.jeffevansportorange.com Bus: 386-446-9594 NMLS MB # 1100894982 Palm Coast Pkwy NW, 4982 NMLS MB # 110089 STE 5 Palm Coast Pkwy NW, STE 5 www.jeffevanspalmcoast.com Cindy Kiel Evans NMLS MLO # 1196362 NMLS MLO # 384441Palm Coast, FL 32137 Palm Coast, FL 32137 MLO License # LO11892 Team Leader MLO License # LO30846 Bus: 386-446-9594 Bus: 386-446-9594 Jeff Evans Cindy Kiel Evans cindy.evans.iej6@statefarm.com www.jeffevanspalmcoast.com www.jeffevanspalmcoast.com Cindy Kiel Evans Cindy Kiel Evans Agent Team Leader Team Leader jeff.evans.bujx@statefarm.com cindy.evans.iej6@statefarm.com Team Leader cindy.evans.iej6@statefarm.com Especially when it comes to reaching yourcindy.evans.iej6@statefarm.com

financial goals. Especially whenquestions it comes reaching your Especially when it comes to reaching your have ortojust want to discuss your g n rvi If you Sefinancial r e l goals. financial goals. lag we’re both available to talk. & Foptions,

Call Chris Meyer now for your high efficiency air conditioning system estimate.

224583

Office: 345 Madison Ave. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Phone: Daytona: (386) 253 - 7774 DeLand: (386) 738 - 3888 Flagler: (386) 446 - 8658 * Complete warranty details available from your local dealer or at www.goodman.com. To receive the Liftime Compressor Limited warranty (good for as long as you own your home), online registration must be completed within 60 days of installation.Online registration not required in California or Quebec.

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BUSINESS OBSERVER

OrmondBeachObserver.com

RETAIL JOBS

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

19B

HEALTH CARE JOBS

The sector with the most jobs in Flagler County is retail, down slightly from 2015.

Health care is the No. 2 employment sector, on a steady rise since 2014.

224569

224633

AGE DISTRIBUTION

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20B

BUSINESS OBSERVER

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

Prices up, inventory down Flagler County Association of Realtors: Fewer new listings, and the price keeps climbing for homes in Flagler County.

Proud Winner

2013 Standing O for Leisure & Hospitality

receive up to a

224575

Book any European or South American Cruise for dates in 2017 and

100

$

booking incentive from Gerling Travel. All other supplier discounts or promotions will be applied.

- 2013 - - 2014 - - 2015 - - 2016 DEL’S GARAGE

Source: Flagler County Association of Realtors

386 -439 - 6900 • Flagler Beach • mark@gerlingtravel.com

DEL’S GARAGE

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where everyone feels dAeatl’splace home. Meet new friends, G A R A G E

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LL

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L’S see why so DECome

enjoy an enriching lifestyle, and fabulous dining!

SERV

DEL’S GARAGE

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GARAGE AUTO CARE

GARAGE AUTO CARE CENTER

GARAGE

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many call The Windsor GARAGE their home! AUTO CARE CENTER

(386) 586 - 3501

224574

Del Hydrick

50 Town Court Palm Coast, FL 32164 WindsorSL.COM 224578

Asisted Living FAciLity #11761

A Mission to Serve. A Passion for Care. • A Legend Senior Living Residence.

PROUD TO BE COMMITTED TO BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

Full Service Auto Repair

• Transmissions • A/C • Brakes • Diagnostics • Tires • Alignments • Clutch • Windshields • Oil Changes

Rest in Peace

Al Normandin

We miss you & love you

2700 E. Moody Blvd.,

Bunnell Across from Wendy’s

(386) 313-5997

208 East Granada Blvd., Suite 207 • Ormond Beach, FL 32176

(386) 238-4456

224637

Selby Realty, Inc., located in Ormond Beach, Florida, was founded in 1991 as a full-service commercial real estate brokerage firm serving Central Florida. The firm provides services to a wide range of clients including individual investors, lending institutions, major corporations, non-profit organizations, and government entities. FEATURED LISTING: WAREHOUSE/OFFICE Selby Realty has extensive experience in MULTI-TENTANT PROPERTY FOR SALE investment, retail, office, industrial, and land 3100 South Ridgewood Avenue, South Daytona, FL 32119 properties. Visit www.Selbyrealty.com to check out more listings!


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