February 2020 Southwest Florida Business Today

LEAVE THE CLEANING TO US!

®

• Provides quality janitorial services • Committed to honesty, integrity, hard work

Celebrating 12 Years

Sign with us, get your 4th month free

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S B2B MARKETPLACE • 239-573-9732 Vol. 13 No. 4 / FEBRUARY 2020 www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

Distributed in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs and Naples

TAKE ONE

(239) 368-1219 billstaggs@officepride.com FOLLOW SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BUSINESS TODAY® ON:

Clerk’s Office exposes $700K timecard scheme

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Jacob Ogles, Editor An investigation by Lee County Clerk of Court Linda Doggett’s office uncovered a racketeering scam that investigators say defrauded $700,000 from the Lee County Port Authority.

Doggett said her Inspector General’s Office worked 20 months investigating claims of wrongdoing. At this point, nine suspects have been arrested for a scam involving fraudulent time cards being turned in to Triangle Services of Florida,

Financial Review

Financial industry professionals in Southwest Florida share tips to improve company financial operations.

the janitorial service for the Port Authority. Doggett’s office worked with Florida Department of Law Enforcement Officials to bring criminal charges.

Doggett’s office conducts audits for a number of government agencies to identify waste and abuse, but rarely do those uncover crimes. But this showed a concerted effort of wrongdoing.

“This racketeering scheme would not have been uncovered without the strong partnership our skilled investigators have with FDLE and the State Attorney’s office,” she said. “I am also especially

SOUTH LEE EDC RECEPTION

A specially focused monthly section exploring the SWFL commercial real estate marketplace.

ST FLORIDA’S

INSIDE THIS

US!

janitorial services work • Provides quality hard honesty, integrity, • Committed to month free get your 4th

11 Years

Sign with us,

LACE B2B MARKETP

(239) 368-1219 cepride.com billstaggs@offi

732 • 239-573-9

FLORIDA ON: FOLLOW SOUTHWEST BUSINESS TODAY®

TAKE ONE

Coral, Fort Myers, Cape Distributed in Springs and Naples Estero, Bonita

LEE COUNTY HOSTED

ISSUE

CLEANING TO

LEAVE THE

® Celebrating

SOUTHWE

IONAL TRADE SUMMIT

2019 INTERNAT

rs and Salute to Entrepreneu solo practitioners

Startups, of the economy visionaries fuel Southwest Florida.

Brady Photos by Christine trade to the Southof international offices. about the importance Buqueras talks Lee County Economic Development Director Carlos the first-ever stop at Port Manatee Executive during the Port’s west Florida market

Estate Commercial Real 8-page pullout

South American

A comprehensive a quarterly Southsection that is Real Eswest Florida Commercial

Fort businesses visit

Myers

Special to SWFBT

tate market overview.

IN THE NEWS

to Dave Gammon elevated Charlotte EDO director

in the wake of Charlotte County, joinLucienne Pears former director Partners at Babcock ing Kitson and former Business Ranch, elevated and interim Recruitment Supervisor to executive director Dave Gammon Economic Developdirector of the ment Office. face in reGammon is a familiar he development as gional economic three years with his has proven in EDO. County Charlotte continue leading He is excited to like developments several existing page 19

Florida to communities in second one of four host as part of the Lee County was from seven countries welcome companiesTrade Summit.

Manatee, annual International International Trade Hub at Port Fort Lauseries visited Organized by The one day Business opportunity ota and Tampa for the 2019 Global Bradenton/Saras derdale, Fort Myers,to 29.

26 Office, Southwest each from Aug. ReEconomic Development and the Southwest The Lee County Chamber of Commerce the event, which Florida Hispanic Association co-hosted gional Manufacturers Gulf Railway.

Chile, Colombia, was sponsored Seminole from Argentina, other locales International companies Spain, Peru and Mexico, goods, artisanal apparel, El Salvador, Guatemala, food, coffee, fruits, cooking systems featured wine, snack and state-of-the-art to merchandise companies Lee County industryof founded as part summit showcases during the summit. Trade Hub at Port Manatee, and An expo-style from seven nations markets in Florida and business leaders visiting Summit.

The International International Trade advice as a vital link between provides expert See page 6 the second annual in 2014, serves world. The hub TRADE throughout the

ENEURS h SALUTE TO ENTREPR poised for growt and Business Intermediary Proess Advisors experi- a CertifiedMergers & Acquisitions transaction Edison Busin the IBBA ap- Certified designations from ence totaling partner and

GAMMON See

Privacy & Cyber Security d Forum announce

& Cyber SeA special Privacy held on Friwill be at curity Forum 9 a.m. to noon day, Nov. 8, fromNews Community the Naples Daily room.

Companies will William C. Huff and insponsor the informational for the community. teractive forum forum is for atThe goal of the clearer undera tendees to gain keep their famito standing of how businesses private. lies, wealth and FORUM See page

18

in fi$170 fessional a Eric Gall, managing with a concentration proximately for Edison Avenue, won and an MBAthe University of Michigan. broker of record brokerage and lower million. Gall transactions and nance from leading business Gall in business the 2018, 2016 and acquisitions Niehaus, Bro- Assisting middle market mergers Pfeffer, Steven 2014 Business significant changes No. 1 are Michael and Phillip Reda. firm, is announcing kers of Florida Edward Valaitis Business Adto operations.

Top Dollar Producer to rebrand itself Pfeffer joins Edison of business The firm has decided over 20 years Award for Southwest Advisors” to better out visors with experience, including 12 as “Edison Business service offerings, Florida, beating busi- transactionbusiness brokerage franchise communicate addedbusiness appraisals, Gall a over 90 other He is years as Southwest Florida. Pfeffer is a including certified appraisals and certiness brokers. owner in Certified certified equipment Business Brokers Board Certified Intermediary, International an and also page 6 strategies.

See fied exit EDISON Chairman’s Circle mergers and acquisiBrokerage and led by Association Award winner. Eric holds continue to be tions efforts will 20 years of business Deal Maker Gall. He has over OPENING

Discount • Merchandise Gifts Ticket Packages Parties & Exclusive Full & Flexible Options • Private & Shows Discounted Parking Arena Concerts Presale on Hertz & get a Membership TOTE BAG Buy any 19/20 ‘BLADES purchase.

GIFT CARD & $20 FORD’Sfull, voucher or select membership

19/20 SEASON

Valid on any

239.948.PUCK

NIGHT

NIGHT

10/26 7:00

10/19 7:00

VS VS

NEW

• FloridaEverbla

des.com

®

LEAVE THE CLEANING TO US! • Provides quality janitorial services • Committed to honesty, integrity, hard work

Celebrating 11 Years

Sign with us, get your 4th month free (239) 368-1219

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S B2B MARKETPLACE • 239-573-9732 Vol. 12 No. 11 / SEPTEMBER 2019 www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

Distributed in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs and Naples

billstaggs@officepride.com

TAKE ONE

FOLLOW SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BUSINESS TODAY® ON:

Hoffmann Family buys Hertz Arena, Everblades

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

The Hoffmann Family of Companies has entered into an agreement to purchase the Florida Everblades and the Hertz Arena.

Plans are underway for a complete renovation of the 8,284-seat, multipurpose arena. The improvements will include enhanced skyboxes, food services and installation of a state-ofthe-art scoreboard.

Hertz Arena, which opened in 1998 as Everblades Arena, hosts a variety of events including concerts, Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice, boxing and trade shows. The venue offers

Focus on Manufacturing

Area companies are building a better future — one made right here in Southwest Florida.

25 suites, two additional ice rinks, a private club and a pub, Breakaway Sports Pub. The arena is also home to the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles club hockey team of the American Collegiate Hockey Association.

“We are optimistic that all of the 330 employees will remain with the Hoffmann Family of Companies,” said Craig Brush, Florida Everblades President and General Manager, who signed a five-year contract and has a commitment from all his senior staff to remain in place.

“We are thrilled to be acquired by

A specially focused monthly section exploring the SWFL commercial real estate marketplace.

IN THE NEWS

Fort Myers sixth Business Summit slated for Sept. 20

Holly Bell addresses citrus growers about the 25,000-plus uses for industrial hemp, which can now be grown legally in Florida

Cannabis chief promises rich stash for hemp growers Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Jacob Ogles, Editor

SUMMIT See page 7

When other states started authorizing farmers to grow hemp, it didn’t take long to realize there was no place to sell it. Because no structures had been put in place for processing and manufacturing plants, state officials found themselves rushing a regulatory structure through so farmers could offload their first harvests.

Holly Bell, Florida’s first Director of Cannabis, plans to learn from that mistake. She said the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will make sure all parts of the burgeoning hemp industry can move forward as soon as new rules unroll later this fall.

“When our farmers are ready for a cash flow, we want to encourage them to get going,” she said.

Applications being accepted for the 25th Blue Chip Award The 25th Annual Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award application deadline is fast approaching. The Blue Chip Community Business Award recognizes successful, small businesses in Lee, Collier or Charlotte County that have overcome adversity to achieve success. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, Sept. 4.

The independent judges select the honoree after all the applications AWARD See page 19

Bell spoke in August at the Citrus Expo and Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo, where growers from around the region gathered to hear her discuss this new and just recently legal product to diversify their inventory.

Just a few years ago, there were no legal reasons to grow cannabis in Florida. Now, medical marijuana dispensaries pop up in more shopping centers each week. Soon, farmers will grow non-narcotic hemp crops.

With the 2018 federal farm bill allowing hemp to grow, a budding industry will soon emerge in Florida. The Legislature this year authorized a pilot program for growing hemp in the Sunshine State, and state officials are nearly done weeding through a stack of public suggestions.

GrowFL announced this year’s 50 Florida Companies to Watch honorees, including three from Southwest Florida. Companies to Watch is a statewide competition that identifies companies expected to see significant growth over the next several years.

The GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards program—now in its ninth year—honors 50 select second-stage companies from throughout Florida for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and broadening new industries throughout Florida. Chosen from 500 growing second-stage nominations from throughout, Florida, the 50 companies named as the 2019 Florida Companies to Watch honorees generated nearly $1 billion in revenue and added over 900 jobs between 2015 and 2018. Together, the honorees project a 35 percent increase in revenue and 37 percent increase in job growth in 2019 compared to 2018.

“These stand-out companies are all led by entrepreneurs, and have demonstrated their capacity and intent to grow,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL executive director. “They also all have critical intellectual property or a niche position that gives them a competitive edge in their markets,” he said.

Local honorees include: Cottrell Title & Escrow, Collier County; Mettauer Environmental, Lee County; and VeraData, Lee County .

“This list recognizes second-stage Florida companies with passionate leaders who are making a difference in growing and diversifying our economy,” said Jennifer Barrows, GrowFL Chairman of the GrowFL Advisory Board and Business Development Executive with WithumSmith+Brown, PC. Second-stage companies are those

HEMP See page 5

Full & Flexible Ticket Packages • Payment Plans Available Discounted Parking Options • Private Parties & Exclusive Gifts Merchandise Discount • Presale on Hertz Arena Concerts & Shows

19/20 SEASON

EVERBLADES See page 6

GrowFL announces statewide honorees

HOT CROP Commercial Real Estate

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce has announced an exciting line-up for its 2019 Business Summit, set for Sept. 20. The summit, now in its sixth year, will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers.

This year’s keynote address is “Communicate Your Way to Success,” by entrepreneur, business coach and international speaker Jason Evers. Evers has traveled to more than 20 countries on five continents

such a prestigious company. Our partnership with the Hertz Corporation and now this new ownership ensures that Hertz Arena will maintain our strong community presence and continue to be the number one choice for entertainment in Southwest Florida.”

The team and the arena were previously owned by Peter Karmanos, founder of Compuware Corporation and prior majority owner of the Carolina Hurricanes in the National Hockey League.

“Simply put, without the support of

Buy any 19/20 Membership & get a

GROWFL See page 10

SAT 7:00

10/19

$20 FORD’S GIFT CARD & ‘BLADES TOTE BAG

OPENING NIGHT VS

NIGHT

Valid on any NEW full, voucher or select membership purchase.

239.948.PUCK • FloridaEverblades.com

Celebrating

SOUTHWE

ST FLORIDA’S

Vol. 12 No. 10 / AUGUST 2019 www.swfloridab usinesstoday.c

om

INSIDE THIS

Focus on Business

ISSUE

®

11 Years

B2B MARKETP LACE

Distributed in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs and Naples

CLEANING

TO US! • Provides quality janitorial services • Committed to honesty, integrity, hard work Sign with us, get your 4th month free

• 239-573-9 732

TAKE ONE

IMMOKALEE FOUNDAT

LEAVE THE

(239) 368-1219 billstaggs@offi cepride.com

ION HOSTS SHARK

FOLLOW SOUTHWEST BUSINESS

FLORIDA TODAY® ON:

TANK COMPETI

TION

Services

Our Trade Show vides information in Print proto make your business more successful.

Commercial Real Estate

A specially section exploringfocused monthly mercial real estate the SWFL commarketplace.

IN THE NEWS Collier names Pelican as ‘Business of the Wire Month’

During the July ty Commission 9 Collier CounWire was named meeting, Pelican ty ‘Business of the Collier Counthe Month’ and recognized by was the a manufacturing Board for being County for over leader in Collier 40 years.

Pelican Wire President Ted Bill, who received the are truly honored award, said “We Collier County to be named the Month’ for July.‘Business of the Since moving AWARD See page

Gov. DeSantis announces job growth grants

4

Gov. Ron DeSantis the Florida Departmentannounced of Economic Opportunity Florida are acceptingand Enterprise economic development project proposals for the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. $40 million is available to fund training and public job projects that support infrastructure growth and employment in Florida.

“We know

the frastructure projects importance inand workforce training has on economic development,” said DeSantis.

“The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund will help Florida communities ensure they GRANTS See page

12

SEASON, SELECT

& VOUCHER

MEMBER

SHIPS

Dr. Sandra Kauanui (left) and Noemi Ailynee Ramirez, Y. Perez (right) Jessica Sales, with - TIF Shark Daisy Montanez, Tank winners

Alondra Estrada Swap & Shop teamNeika Exulus, Young entrep reneurs share ideas, earn award s

Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Noemi Y. Perez Southwest Florida tion’s business-theme students in The Immokalee Foundad summer camp entrepreneurial recently shared ideas their Tank event modeled and garnered awards during a Shark The four-week after the popular TV show. was a partnership Business Management Pathway Coast University’sbetween the foundation and Floridacamp Gulf developed businessInstitute for Entrepreneursh ip. among them: finding plans that solved problems Students common clothes on a budget; centric finances; handling ñera; and findinggetting better sleep; planning studenta quincearestaurants suitable stricted diets. for people with reStudent teams gave presentations about ences, startup costs, their target audiprojected profits, marketing other aspects of entrepreneurial plans and Dr. Sandra Kauanui, enterprises at iTECH mokalee. Judges FGCU Director spoke during the for of Entrepreneurs Smart Companies the presentations were: Brian in Imevent. hip, Rist, The Smart Companies executive chairman; Sofia Blanno, gram allows shoppers to arrange tor of corporate intern; and Matthew Turner, Hertz The through social an app, then physically to buy, sell or swap items direcFirst place awards responsibility. central location exchange those in Immokalee. items at a Shop team of Neika of $500 each went to the MentorUs, Daisy Montanez Exulus, Jessica Sales, Alondra Swap & smart financial an app that encourages students and Ailynee Ramirez.

Estrada, decisions, earned interested in dressing Aimed at students for team members second place of to make fashionably on $250 each Alex Soriano, a budget, the pro- ie Etienne, Azael Simon-Quirino Je’an Espinoza, Myrlandand Simson Devesaint.

Fort Myers Mayor

Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore,

launches Divers ity Committee

SHARK See page

5

more inclusive city.

Publisher Student Hailey Countryman asked her employer, Sanibel Captiva “It is never too the Mayor if he munity Bank, Comlate to give up had to FGCU’s College on diversity whom a team of advisors Education. your prejudices.” of Henry David Thoreau for guidance. Since he could rely on said, “We In a recent interview she can’t really say question was no, the answer to that ing to be representative we are tryat that moment Fort Myers Mayor derson felt Henof our city’s derson has known Randy Hen- a team. inspired to create just such residents and community if we don’t have diversity Ndiang’ui wanted Florida Gulf Coast University on the to make She sure the Mayor explained the council itself.” was prepared ter Ndiang’ui for professor Dr. Pe- road ahead committee drew about 10 years and asked him, for the its 18 members was a guest speaker and from the commu“Are in his class, “In- really able to handle the truth?” you nity, representing troduction to Diversity,” diversity project moved The ethnicity, forward. in Novemgender and sexualin race, ber. Henderson Beth Countryman, asked students Hailey’s moth- tity. “We can’t be a committee idenhe could do to what er, became make Fort Myers up of old white made involved with men and think the project, going a which led to we are a $25,000 donation to be in charge of diversity.” from DIVERSITY See page 11 Payment Plans Available • Discounted Merchandise Parking Options Discount • Presale • Private Parties & Exclusive Gifts on Hertz Arena Concerts & Family Shows Buy Any 19/20 & Get A $20 Membership Pack FORD’S GIFT & ‘BLADES TOTE CARD BAG Valid on any NEW

full, voucher

or select membership

purchase.

Get Southwest Florida’s business news and information delivered straight to your mailbox each month.

The South Lee Economic Development Council held a reception Jan. 8 at Two39 Work in Bonita Springs. Attendees heard from South Lee EDC Vice Chair Lisa Portnoy, transportation consultant Devon Browne, and Aaron Stafford, a partner at Two39 Work.

The next EDC reception will be held at Seaside Bar & Grill on April 8. Call (239) 333-2332 to register.

Above: Devon Browne Left: Matthew Gary and Harlan Parrish Below: Joe Nugent and Marc Devisse

Start your subscription to Southwest Florida Business Today.®

Call (239) 573-9732.

MCSK team members join CliftonLarsenAllen firm

CallMiner, the leading provider of AI-fueled speech and customer interaction analytics, closed a $75 million investment round from Goldman Sachs. CallMiner, which employs more than 100 people in Fort Myers, will leverage the funding to accelerate go-to-market plans and use case expansion for its industry-leading analytics platform, Eureka.

“Customer intelligence is critical for organizations to compete effectively in today’s environment of rapid change and digital advancement. Success requires understanding what your customers and contact center agents say, mean and how they feel – and leveraging that insight to fundamentally change the way you operate and perform,” said Paul Bernard, president and CEO of CallMiner. “We are revolutionizing the way brands and people interact and conduct business – and it all starts with AI-driven customer insights and intelligence. The investment from Goldman Sachs—a preeminent technology investor—is a significant milestone and we are thrilled to have them as a partner on this journey.”

CallMiner continues to experience exponential growth across its universe of over 400 customers including some of the world’s largest brands, financial institutions, communications companies, and business process outsourcers.

The company pioneered the speech analytics industry in 2002, and today analyzes over 2 trillion words annually across all forms of customer interac-

INVEST See page 10

IN THE NEWS

Fort Myers-based McHale, Caruso, Scullion & Knox team members joined professional services firm CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) on Jan. 1.

“As our clients grow and the world 19/20 SEASON

TIMECARD See page 11

CallMiner secures $75M in funds from Goldman Sachs

Commercial Real Estate

/ OCTOBER 2019 Vol. 12 No. 12 om usinesstoday.c www.swfloridab

thankful for the anonymous tip that led to these arrests.”

Some of those time reports showed employees working hours they never did. Others were for individuals who didn’t work there at all but were collecting money. Agents say Thomas Brennan, site manager for Triangle Services, submitted the timecards, and covered up “ghost employees” by reporting they worked a night shift. Supervisor Solomon Cokes then approved the cards.

Money then went straight to bank ac-

changes, we continually look for ways to elevate the experience we deliver,” said Chuck Knox, managing partner at MCSK. “We go beyond the numbers to provide a tailored plan to help our clients make informed, vital business decisions. With CLA, our ability to FIRM See page 4

02/05 FRI 7:30 02/07 SAT 7:00 02/08

F E B R U A R Y WED

home games

7:30

Who Will Be This Year’s Distinguished Entrepreneur?

If you know a business owner who has demonstrated: Innovative and Cutting Edge Approach to Corporate Culture, Employee Programs, and Integration of New Technologies; of-

02/14 SAT 7:00 02/15 WED 7:30 02/19

FRI 7:30

Call or text 239.948.PUCK • FloridaEverblades.com

02/21 SAT 7:00 02/22 FRI 7:30 02/28

FRI 7:30

fers goods or services across a broad area (local, regional, national, international), multi award recipient (industry, civic, other organizations), highly active in the community to advocate both small businesses as well as nonprofits, has overcome significant AWARD See page 4 SAT 7:00

02/29

Checkout FloridaEverblades.com for the Kelly Cup Playoff Schedule.

Page 2

Live Area: Trim: 10"×16" TODAY Bleed: Color: Southwest Florida BUSINESS ® 4C

Date Produced: 01/20/2020

FEBRUARY 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

GUEST COMMENTARY Tackling affordable housing crisis Lack of affordable housing is a complaint for employees and employers alike in this market. Long lines of traffic going south and west in the morning and north and east in the afternoon are a fixture.

There are threats businesses might seek other pastures if the shortage isn’t rectified. The economics of work migrations are written by supply and demand, and short of the complaint refrains in editorials, there is no solution presenting itself.

The problem is an insufficient quantity of quality residential units in a geographic market deemed affordable by a government authority or qualified index to those at or below the median income.

The presumption is factors for this are primarily out of the control of individuals, but rather subject to market forces.

Assuming the costs of housing are uncontrollable, employees can weigh: 1) accepting a closer residence to their place of work while sacrificing on measurable qualities such as school district, access to amenities, spousal career obligations and crime statistics, 2) economic and social costs of long commutes like vehicle wear, fuel consumption and uncompensated travel time as a rationale to shift scarce dollars to housing, 3) covering the cost gap with additional work hours instead of commuting as available overtime or parttime jobs are often surrendered to a commute, and 4) the nature of their current work position and whether more money should be demanded. These are often complicated equations that do not have clear answers.

With the same assumption, employers need to properly evaluate the economic costs to paying low wages. There are fewer considerations to be made if one can be strictly empirical, but they are not uncomplicated. If pay is raised to draw in locals who are able to afford nearby housing, there might be advantages. For instance, employee churn as staff seeks new employment closer to home might justify higher salaries to save the various costs of retraining if local staffing could produce better retention. On-call or dispatched staff living close to the served market produce faster response times and insulate the costs of call-backs or repeat visits.

Additionally, wear on company resources like vehicle mileage and requests for leave can be greatly reduced if employees live close to the place of business.

A person with a one-hour commute who has to leave early to pick up a child from school presents a totally different problem from one who lives close by. If a business has no apparent financial incentive to pay a wage allowing employees to live close by, it will be difficult to compel it to do so.

Independent Solution One item that bears mention­—a dormant elephant standing in the corner of the room—is the possibility a business buy its way out of some of the affordable housing crisis. If excess capital or credit is used to purchase local housing for the express purpose of leasing back to employees, long-term benefits to the whole system can be compelling. The long-term approach should be stressed here.

If rental income is not the goal, but retention of key staff is, rent can be fixed and lowered on a dollar-cost basis over time.

As mortgage debt, if any is assumed, is paid down over time at a fixed rate far lower than non-secured credit, the bulk of the rental price of property can be likewise fixed with an allowance for the upward fluctuation of non-controllables

BY TY like maintenance HANSEN and taxes. Over the Guest Columnist years, rent price will go down against the market due to natural inflation while costing the owner nothing. If the rental is reserved for employees only, some of the inherent risk to unknown tenants can be managed. People with the double incentive to maintain their space of career and controlled rent are significantly less likely to require the same turn costs that plague landlords.

Over the long-term, valuable staff can use savings on rent to set aside money to eventually purchase in the marketplace, staying close by for continued employment while freeing up the rental unit to the next recipient and future long-term staffer. In the eventuality the purchased unit no longer serves the purpose, it happens to be a likely appreciating asset for the very reason affordable housing is a challenge in the local market.

Even modest-sized companies, like my own, employed this strategy successfully (generally with single young men and women who met at work and decided to split rent and multiply the benefits).

Access to the rental arrangement can be treated like any benefit, predicated on standing and tenure. Of course, care must be given to the writing of leases. In the event of a termination, the contract needs to be laid out far ahead of time.

I would like to additionally acknowledge the old-timey company store model that is clearly shadowed in all of this. It could be a troublesome arrangement where an employee resents an employer for exercising control over both occupation and residence. It should be noted this is not the idea. That old model required the employee to live in company housing as part of the employment contract. This model is based on competitive pricing that ought to benefit at least the employee’s wallet in the short term and both parties in the long term.

When faced with the rising costs of housing relative to wages in a given market, employees can be paid, or demand, higher wages. They can commute from outside the area at cost to themselves and the businesses they work for. They can compromise on what they would consider an acceptable place to live. Additionally, those business owners with the means to do so can consider available long-term solutions including the purchasing of property to benefit their employees in the short-term with the goal of benefiting paid staff, ownership and the long-term health of the business itself.

Ty Hansen is the founder and owner of Hansen Painting. Contact him at (239) 262-8611 or hansenpaintinginc@gmail.com.

Ask an expert

Minimum wage on Florida’s ballot There is a push to increase minimum wage to $15 an hour on several fronts. The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association opposes such a drastic increase as it would be devastating to the hospitality industry, which is critical in the Sunshine State.

On Dec. 19, Florida’s Supreme Court approved the proposed minimum wage ballot initiative, which will now move forward for voters this November. This approval could easily be misunderstood as an endorsement, when it was merely the Court’s acknowledgement that the ballot initiative was in compliance with the legal requirements to proceed.

If the amendment passes, it would result in a 77% increase in labor costs in the next six years.

Businesses will have to absorb these costs, which could result in reduced hours, layoffs, and increased automation. Families could also face other negative implications, like the potential loss of access to childcare subsidies and increased costs for consumers.

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com FRLA knows that our state’s hospitality workers are literally the face of the tourism industry, and they are the ones who create memorable experiences that keep visitors coming back for generations. We believe they deserve fair and competitive wages. However, a 77% increase in labor cost is not sustainable for any business, and we want to protect hospitality jobs. In order to address such dramatic cost increases, businesses will cut employee hours and increase automation.

While this is a complex issue, we will continue to raise awareness of the true impacts this amendment would have if passed.

Raising the minimum wage is not for the people, it is against them.

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Contact the Association at (850) 224-2250 or info@frla.org.

$1,685

$2.58

per employee per year

Productivity loss due to absenteeism

per hour worked

Average employer pays for health insurance

90% of business leaders

Say good health improves productivity & performance

Health Evolution is an innovative healthcare solution for employers.

Employers of all sizes can provide an alternative to costly health insurance or a supplement to current insurance plans. Direct Primary Care will reduce employer's healthcare spend and improve employee satisfaction.

Call: (239) 260-3201 Text: (239) 778-1495 membership@healthevolution.net healthevolution.net

Saturdays at 5 am on 92.5 FOX News A show for professionals by professionals

Host Tom Conwell

Brought to you by Southwest Florida Business Today

Page 3

®

www.AskAnExpertFL.com

Page 4

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

FEBRUARY 2020

How to tell if a product is failing because of bad marketing Most products fail. “But they shouldn’t fail because of marketing. The big wild card is the need people have for the product. That trumps everything,” states bestselling author Lonny Kocina, CEO of Media Relations Agency. “If a product works well, even bad marketing can’t kill it. But if people don’t need the product, the best marketing in the world isn’t going to save it.”

Kocina will speak at Public Relations University, a full-day professional development seminar for PR and communications practitioners., on Feb. 21 at Florida Southwestern State College.

Avoid Blame when Sales Go South Most don’t know enough about marketing to understand if it is responsible for a sales problem or is accelerating a product’s natural lifecycle. “If a product doesn’t work, you’re going to find out faster when you’re using a good marketing process,” Kocina said. “So, when someone in the room tries to blame marketing for all the problems, you’d better have your facts in order.

“Does your team truthfully understand marketing?

Were you on point with your messaging and your positioning? Did you use the promotional mix and schedule correctly? Did you cycle through it as you should? If you can say yes to all that, and the product didn’t work, then you can say it wasn’t your marketing.

“Most people are embarrassed to admit that they don’t know this stuff. I don’t care if I offend people in the audience. I’m tipping my hand and giving away secrets I’d rather keep. But I’m older now and I’m doing this to spare people some of the frustration I’ve had during my career.”

Six-Step Process to Increase Marketing Results In his fully illustrated book, which takes about 90 ®

www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

BrokerIManaging Partner

Eric J. Gall

Eric@EdisonBA.com

239.738.6227

PRINT EDITOR & ASSOCIATE WEB EDITOR Jacob Ogles

PHOTO REVIEWER Colleen Scott PRINT AD DESIGNER Jennifer Ogles

Certified Business Intermediary Certified Merger & Acquisition Professional Master of Business Administration

2014, 2016 & 2018 BBF #1 Top Dollar Producer for SWFL 2018 IBBA Chairman's Circle and Deal Maker Awards Over $165M Lifetime Transaction Volume

P.O. Box 152299 Cape Coral, FL 33915-2299 News: 239-573-9731 All other: 239-573-9732 News email: editor@swfloridabusinesstoday.com All other information requests: publisher@ swfloridabusinesstoday.com The contents of Southwest Florida Business Today® are copyright 2019 by Southwest Florida Newspapers, Inc. No portion may be reproduced without the express written consent of Southwest Florida Newspapers, Inc. The publication of any advertisement or article does not necessarily reflect the view of the publisher of Southwest Florida Business Today®. For more information about any article or column appearing in Southwest Florida Business Today®, for advertising rates or subscription information please call 239-573-9732 or email: publisher@ swfloridabusinesstoday.com

OUR MISSION

Southwest Florida Business Today® is to provide the best business-to-business marketplace where business executives operating in Southwest Florida buy and sell goods and services via the exchange of news, advertising and information.

It’s Not Rocket Science “The SAM 6 process is the seed and I can teach people how to make it grow. Marketing is dynamic. It’s complex. People love this simple process because it enables everyone to stay on point,” he says.

“SAM 6 brings a clarity and process to this tensionfilled field. I’ve been CEO of Media Relations Agency for three decades. I’ve worked with hundreds of clients across the country. I get to see what’s behind the scenes.

I can tell you, the companies that follow a logical process are the ones getting the most bang for their marketing dollars.”

Everyone attending Kocina’s presentation at PR University will receive a copy of “The CEO’s Guide to Marketing.”

Lonny Kocina is Chief Executive Officer of Media Relations Agency. Kocina’s book, “The CEO’s Guide to Marketing” has been an Amazon best-seller since it was released in 2017. Contact (612) 790-0872.

FIRM PAGE 1 Keep up with the latest business news, events and more! www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com ®

DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGNER & EDITOR Michelle L. Hudson ADVERTISING SALES Mike Ursitti

on-point promotional messages. You need to figure out which products and messages should get the most attention. Scheduling will keep your promotions organized and help with budgeting.”

• Develop a control template. “Your control template provides the guidelines for your writers, designers and other creative staff to follow. It allows these imaginative professionals to create attention-getting content without losing sight of the marketing necessities” • Assemble your creative team. “You need to assemble the right people for the job, and then let these creative souls work their magic within the parameters you set. The composition of your creative team will depend on your calendar.”

You Have One Opportunity to Sell Your Business

PUBLISHER Karen P. Moore

PRODUCTION MANAGER Jennifer Ogles

minutes to read, Kocina outlines a six-step process designed to dramatically increase marketing results. “I call it Strategically Aimed Marketing, or SAM 6 for short.

This process will assure creative people stay focused, on track and doing their best work.”

The SAM 6 steps are: • Gain competence in marketing concepts and principles. “Wouldn’t it be great if we all spoke the same

BY LONNY marketing language? Dentists know KOCINA bicuspids from incisors. Lawyers Guest Columnist know affidavits from briefs. Architects know cornices from parapets.

A competent marketer has a clear understanding of the broad concept of marketing as well as a working knowledge of specific marketing concepts and principles.”

• Developing code sheets. “Code sheets are compiled into a Brand Playbook which helps direct and control your creative staff. They are a means of gathering and documenting important information about your company and the products it promotes.”

• Select channels. “The promotional mix channels you choose to employ depend on many variables including your message, the market and your resources.

On any given day, we are helping clients tell their stories through publicity, websites, social media and advertising, as well as providing support content for their personal sales team.”

• Schedule calendar. “Your marketing calendar is a trusted guide to ensure you cycle through each product and its primary value points. Its purpose is to assure that you are delivering a constant and maximum flow of

BUSINESS ADVISORS

Trust a Firm with Proven Credentials & Success

Anticipating what’s next... ...is what keeps you and your business ahead of the game.

To serve our clients better, SWFBT is now direct-mailed to SWFL business community leaders and top revenue company executives.

Here’s what is ahead for 2020 for Southwest Florida Business Today®.

MONTH

EDITORIAL FOCUS

PUB. DATE (FRIDAY)

MARCH

• Local Companies to Watch • CRE/Construction & Development

Feb. 21

Feb. 12

APRIL

• Legal & Security • CRE Quarterly Review

March 20

March 11

DEADLINE (WED., 5 pm)

Call to reserve your advertising spot today: (239) 770-7527

deliver is multiplied.”

MCSK has been serving the Southwest Florida community since 1978, practicing in the areas of accounting, tax, audit and financial management, with a strong emphasis on health care.

“Our clients count on us to know their needs and bring ideas to move them forward,” said Todd Caruso, partner at MCSK. “Joining CLA heightens our deep health care experience and allows us to address our clients’ ever more complex business needs.”

As one of the nation’s leading professional services firms, CLA has retained the agility to serve clients of all sizes and in all locations, while at the same time bringing an unparalleled depth of capabilities, all in one place.

“Today’s rapidly changing environment significantly impacts our clients,” said Kyle Williamson, managing principal of CLA’s Fort Myers and Naples offices. “Nationally, we serve more than 10,000 health care organizations, allowing us to bring strong insight to help clients navigate emerging legislation, payment models and market trends. I’m excited to welcome MCSK team members to Fort Myers. Together, we will continue to create opportunities for our clients and our community.”

Former MCSK team members will continue to serve clients locally and nationally from Fort Myers, alongside CLA’s Florida team of nearly 300 professionals.

AWARD PAGE 1 obstacles during the life of the company, Distinguished Entrepreneur would be a valuable opportunity to share with them.

Nominate an entrepreneur you admire or self-nominate with the Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Nominations close Feb. 15.

FEBRUARY 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 5

COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida

FINANCIAL REVIEW SBA lending for direct and indirect exporters

I’d like to discuss an amazing program for both direct and indirect US-based exporters through the Small Business Administration. A direct exporter is a company that produces a product or service which is sold directly to an end-user overseas. An example of this may be machined metal component products sold to a Japanese manufacturer, an excavator sold to a French construction company or even immigration services performed by a non-citizen looking to gain a work visa or green card in the US. An indirect exporter is a company that manufactures a product and sells it to a US-based company.

The product is then used to

BY TOM manufacturer a finished prodMAIALE uct and is exported overseas.

Guest Columnist An example of this may be machined metal component product sold to a US manufacturer of heat pumps that then turns around and exports the final product to an end-user or distributor overseas.

The next piece of the puzzle is determining eligibility. You must demonstrate to the SBA that the loan will result in your ability to start exporting or increase exporting by at least 10%. You must also meet the SBA standard eligibility requirements for all loans. Please contact me directly and I will walk you through the business plan process.

The SBA export loan program can be used for literally everything except business acquisition or partner buy-outs. Uses include: working capital to add employees, inventory or new building and equipment purchases to add and export division to your company or to start a new business. In general, banks are willing to take on more risk and do a tougher deal because the SBA provides a 90% guarantee on these loans as opposed to the normal 75% guarantee. This also usually leads to lower rates and better loan terms than the typical SBA 7a loan. If you would like to chat about any upcoming projects feel free to give me a call!

Tom Maiale, First Federal Bank SBA Lending Vice President and Business Development Officer, is a 17-year SBA Lending veteran with SBA Training from The National Association of Government Guaranteed Lending and The U.S. Small Business Administration. Contact him at (239) 288-9966 or tmaiale@cbcnationalbank.com.

Cape Coral Catch 22: Land without a product?

By Stephanie Martinez Guest Columnist

It’s been dubbed “the fastest growing city in America” and with growth comes planning, projections, and research into the needs of a community. Right now, the message is clear from the commercial real estate sector perspective, Cape Coral has a demand for office and industrial properties.

Local news media outlets have highlighted the reality that those living in Cape Coral are commuting to get to their jobs in other cities. This is apparent when you join the sea of cars moving in an easterly direction every weekday morning as commuters leave the Cape to navigate to their workforce destinations.

The Cape Coral Economic Development Department confirms vacancy rates are in the single digits for industrial properties. Sunizo Superior Realty Management, a commercial property management company with properties in Florida, Georgia and Texas, has also noticed this trend in Cape Coral, often having to inform potential tenants that spaces are leased up and what is left on the market is far and few between.

Currently, the city and private property owners have multi-acre sites city officials say is available to be acquired and can be developed into industrial and office spaces. Ricardo Noguera, manager with the Cape Coral Economic Development Office, verified the land is there but the city doesn’t have the product. He described some parks as antiquated but functional, also noting that even though they are not on major roads, they perform very well. He is trying to bring more business to the area, but the companies want an existing infrastructure. The reality is firm, the City of Cape Coral is looking for developers.

Presently, some of the locations available for development have utilities, while others are still lacking. This is evident in the residential and housing realm as many homes are shifting from wells as a source of water to city water. The Cape Coral Economic Development Office is trying to highlight the opportunities for those willing to make the jump into further developing Cape Coral. These incentives include no state income tax, a strong workforce with a median age of 42 years, and potential benefits for companies who hire workers making above the $43,000 Lee County average.

Small business owners have a presence in Cape Coral, which is undeniable, from the retail tenants on Cape Coral Parkway to the tenants that fill the industrial parks off of Kismet Parkway and Andalusia Boulevard. The “demands” of the community will have to be met in conjunction with the consideration of the “wants” of its occupants. Time will tell how the remaining space will be divided, rather it be corporations taking on larger square

These industrial warehouses are managed by Sunizo Superior Realty Management and are located in Cape Coral. footage or multiple entrepreneurs splitting small to mid-size spaces.

Brian Alford, CoStar Group Director of Market Analytics for the Central and West Florida region, attributes the robust population growth of neighboring city Fort Myers as a driving factor in the Southwest Florida commercial region. As the population continues to boom, it is impacting the demand for industrial and retail space as a result of increased personal consumption in the area. The relationship between the progression and shift to ecommerce and commercial real estate has become even more apparent.

As previously mentioned, the vacancy rate in Cape Coral is low and has remained stable at about 4.5% over the course of the last 12 months. Industry experts are stating tenants are deciding to sign longer leases, which is locking buildings in place.

CoStar Group’s Industrial Submarket Report, projects the market rent to continue to grow through 2023 hovering below on average $10 per square foot, while the vacancy rate is projected to hug below 5% through the same time period. CoStar isn’t expecting asset value loss in a weakening economy and recessionary environment because of several factors including these tight vacancy rates.

Experts say economic influences such as trade wars and job projections are influencing the commercial sector alongside the nuances of each community such as the unique and distinct situation in Cape Coral. Alford even touched upon how technology and the way we do business (e-commerce, manufacturing, etc.) is fundamentally changing the face of commercial entities and future development.

Meanwhile, landlords and property management companies are benefiting from the current status quo while simultaneously acknowledging the demand for development in their markets.

Stephanie Martinez is the Marketing Coordinator with Sunizo Superior Realty Management, which manages commercial properties in Florida, Texas and Georgia. Martinez has been with the company since April 2019. Learn more at www.sunizo.com or call (239)694-6878.

We Care About SWFL Secure Your Future With Commercial Realtors Your Own Business With dedicated space for informa�on: • On our website with a Commercial Real Estate sec�on & directory • In our quarterly Commercial RE Market pullout in both the print & digital versions of SWFBT • With zoned and full-run inserts • With guest column opportuni�es • With digital marke�ng op�ons

Businesses for Sale

Italian restaurant ..... $195,000 Upscale Hair Salon .... $89,000 Gift Shop ........................ $29,000

Domains for Sale

sanibeljoy.com .................. $3,250 propertyinnaples.com .. $2,950 floridaparadise.com ....... $2,950

For more informa�on, call Karen at (239) 770-7527

Contact Larry Steinborn,

®

www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

Lic. Real Estate Broker Sand Dollar Real Estate / Business Depot (239) 433-1343 or bizdepot@aol.com 6309 Corporate Ct. #205 Fort Myers, FL 33919

Selling your Business is our Business!

Page 6

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

FEBRUARY 2020

COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida

City Walk TIF agreement amendment approved by CRA board

An amendment to the Fort Myers City Walk Tax Increment Financing Rebate Agreement that severs the hotel portion of the project originally proposed was approved at the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners meeting on Dec. 11.

The Developer, City Walk Fort Myers, a part of Catalyst Asset Management, requested the 128key Marriott brand hotel previously proposed in the 2018 TIF rebate application be removed for this current phase of the project. Instead, the hotel site will be developed in the future as Class “A” office space.

The Developer has also modified the number of residential units in the West End at City Walk apartment complex, increasing them from 302 units to 318 units.

The City Walk project is located west of the Downtown Publix shopping center on McGregor Boulevard.

In the original agreement from May 2018, City Walk was selected to receive $5.5 million in TIF re-

Founders Square breaks ground in Naples

Barron Collier Companies and dynamic meeting place for this rapMetro Commercial Development idly growing trade area.

Group announce the groundbreaking Founders Square will be home to of Founders Square, a 55-acre mixed- The Haldeman, a 400-unit Class A use development located on the apartment community built around southeast corner of Immokalee Road the extensive lake system of Foundand Collier Boulevard in Naples. The ers Square. In addition, Founders development is slated for completion Square will include a 35,000 square in summer 2021. foot medical office building adjacent Founders Square will be anchored to The Pointe.

by The Pointe, which is a collection The Davis Group, based in Atlanta, of restaurants and other service and Ga., is developing a state-of-the-art, retail tenants. The restaurants will climate-controlled, 110,000-squarevary in type and sizes, providing an foot self-storage facility. The facility option to suit everyone’s tastes. The will feature convenient drive-up units FL Tombstone ads.pdf and 1 pe1/14/20in an 5:22architecturally PM Pointe’s11006 upscale architecture cohesive threedestrian-friendly design will create a story building.

Lake Michigan Credit Union Commercial Banking announces the following loan: Loan Size ......... $7,500,000 Type of Loan ...... Commercial Real Estate Term Loan Business............ Retail Shopping Center

Learn more, contact William M. Blevins | EVP Commercial Lending West Florida Region (239) 314-0550 | William.Blevins@LMCU.org

bate over a 10-year period once the project generates property tax. Originally, City Walk proposed to construct 302 residential units, a 128-key Marriott brand hotel, and 5,000 to 10,000 square feet of retail and commercial space.

As part of the updated agreement, an additional 18 residential apartment units, 77 parking spaces, and energy efficiency enhancements have been added in response to the CRA Board of Commissioners a more desirable Downtown residential complex.

Updated renderings of West End at City Walk will be available before the end of the year.

The project is located west of the Downtown Publix shopping center on McGregor Boulevard.

Groundbreaking on the project has already begun, with an anticipated completion date of May 2021.

CRA board extends build start date for One Allure An amendment to the One Allure Tax Increment Financing Rebate Agreement to extend the construction start date to July 1 was approved at the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners meeting on Dec. 11.

Cedar River at Fort Myers II, the residential development brand of JAXI CMD requested the construction start date be extended six months, from its original date of Dec. 31. The developer has spent over $1.5 million in the pre-development work. Actions included obtaining FEMA approval of

a Conditional Letter of Map Revision, obtaining City of Fort Myers approval of Planned Unit Development Ordinance No. 3830 on April 16, 2018, for a maximum of 34 units and 21 stories, and submitting applications and revised submittals for City of Fort Myers site and vertical building permits.

The CRA Board approved the original TIF Agreement in September 2016. One Allure was selected to receive $3,169,855 in TIF rebate over a 13-year period. The 15-floor, 24-spacious unit tower will present a boutique condominium experience.

Best Commercial Lot Values in Southwest Florida 25335 Rampart Blvd Port Charlotte 33983

4214 Duncan Road (Hwy. 17) Punta Gorda 33982

Price: $995,000 Size: 4.30 AC Description: Medical Office Space. Deep Creek has several ALF communities, private and public. Major Rehabilitation Center adjacent to this site.

Two major hospitals within 10 minutes of site.

East border of the property is a large Housing Complex with future zoning of commercial in front. Plans available for 7 buildings, each 5,000 sq. ft.

Price: $795,000 Size: 6.84 AC Description: 2 lots, 1 - 5.3 Acre Parcel and 1 - 1.5 acre parcel, 6.8 Acres, environmentals done. Just East of I-75. Zoned Industrial, Retail, Commercial General, No Residential or Mixed Use, 6.84 Acres at Washington Loop. Over 150 sq. ft. Road Frontage on Duncan. Phase I reports available, survey also available. Future land use is Commercial Corridor.

Marion Ave Punta Gorda 33950

For more information contact:

Jeanette Igoe Broker Igoe Realty P.A.

7920 Summerlin Lakes Dr. Fort Myers, FL 33907 LMCU.org | NMLS ID# 1283480

Price: $399,000 Size: 2.70 AC Description: Zoned Low Intensity Industrial. 2 parcels, one approximately .25 Acres, the other 2.7.

Perfect for Warehouse, Storage Facilities, Truck or Auto Terminal Hub, close to Hwy 17 and I-75 exit. Railroad meets rear of property.

I-75 Interchange currently projected to cross eastern portion of property, high visibility once completed.

Jigoe5@aol.com 239-572-3269 www.JeanetteIgoe.com

FEBRUARY 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 7

COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida

New apartment complex underway in Cape Coral Roers Development announced construction is underway on The Cape at Savona Point, a 319-unit, four-story apartment complex located on Savona Point Circle in Cape Coral. Once completed, the project will consist of a clubhouse and two 40-plex and three 80-plex units. Residents will begin moving in on April 1.

The 20-acre, resort-style community will feature one-, two- and threebedroom apartment homes ranging from about 750 square feet to 1,310 square feet and will include ninefoot ceilings, walk-in closets, granite countertops, luxury flooring, stainless steel appliances, washer and dryer, user choice internet/TV and lanai. The fenced complex will include a gated entry, security cameras, key fob entry system, well-lit grounds, enclosed parking areas and electric car charg-

Roers Development announced construction is underway on The Cape at Savona Point, a 319-unit, four-story apartment complex located on Savona Point Circle in Cape Coral. ing stations. The community will also have a lake in the center of the property offering residents premium waterfront views.

Amenities will include an expansive clubhouse, tiki hut, dog grooming center, yoga studio, fitness center, gaming area, lounge, outdoor kitchen,

resort-style pool, cabanas, car wash, pickleball court, two dog parks, walking trails, playground and picnic area with grilling stations just to name a few. Located off of Savona Parkway West, the exclusive community is in close proximity to many schools, shopping and restaurants and is a short drive to Interstate-75 and surrounding communities.

“The city of Cape Coral has grown exponentially and has struggled with a lack of affordable multifamily housing,” said Larry Nygard, president of Roers Development. “We are pleased to provide a solution to help broaden the available housing options for current Cape Coral residents and potentially attract residents from surrounding areas. Southwest Florida is a great place to live and we are pleased to be a part of the community.”

Connor & Gaskins Unlimited building state-of-the-art restaurant for nonprofit

Connor & Gaskins Unlimited is building LuLu’s Kitchen, a state-of-the-art restaurant, training facility and catering kitchen in Naples that is owned and operated by St. Matthew’s House.

The firm recently broke ground and started the foundations of the 8,000-square-foot facility. It will include a public restaurant that can serve breakfast and lunch for up to 203 people at one time, in addition to drive-through service and meals for St. Matthew’s House members and residents.

The $3-million LuLu’s Kitchen will also be the primary training space for the St. Matthew’s House Catalyst Kitchens Culinary Training Program, which aims to help local men and women find permanent employment in area restaurants. Graduates of the Catalyst Kitchens program may also find employment with St. Matthew’s House, cooking for resi-

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com dents of both the Naples homeless shelter, Campbell Lodge or the Justin’s Place addiction recovery program.

“LuLu’s Kitchen will allow us to expand the breadth of our culinary training program,” said Vann Ellison, president and CEO of St. Matthew’s House.

“Because it is a full-service restaurant, we will be able to teach our students not only to cook, but also front-of-the-house skills like waiting tables and even restaurant management.”

Aside from a commercial kitchen with the latest equipment and appliances, LuLu’s Kitchen will also accommodate a separate refrigerator and freezer for donated goods and purchased items. Additionally,

Delicious by Design—the largest award-winning caterer in Collier County—is slated to have its own catering kitchen.

“This multifaceted venue is a big part of the St. Matthew’s House mission to help the hungry and homeless, a cause that Connor & Gaskins is committed to adopting as its own,” said Craig Gaskins, founder and COO. “After 25 years of serving three meals a day in the same building, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has outgrown its kitchen, and approached us about a new facility unlike any in Southwest Florida. Now, we’re doing what we do best, while helping the community we love very much.”

Located on Airport-Pulling Road South in Naples, LuLu’s Kitchen has an anticipated fall 2020 opening.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES DG Pavement Solutions, Inc

Michael J. Frye, CCIM CEO, Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement

Covering all of Southwest Florida

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Realty Group

LICENSED AND INSURED

Ken Dusseau

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

Business Development/Project Manager • Seal Coa�ng

• Asphalt Repairs

Cell: 941-441-6919 Office: 239-267-1711

• Striping

kendusseau@gmail.com www.fortmyerssealcoat.com

7910 Summerlin Lakes Drive, Ft. Myers, FL 33907 Office 239-489-0444 • Cell 239-281-0441 Fax 239-790-4800 • Toll Free 800-330-7653 mfrye@ccim.net • www.MichaelJFrye.com www.ftmyersCommercial.com • www.soldsign.com

COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING & DESIGN We take your ideas from concept to completion.

1228 Lafayette St. #1 Cape Coral, FL 33904 239.549.0997 CastellanosTramonte.com AA# 26003303

TOM PEPITONE Broker/CAM

C 239.849.9245 Tom@PepitoneRealty.com

Jessica Russo

Licensed Salesperson & Development Consultant 16310 Innovation Lane Fort Myers, FL 33913

5645 Strand Blvd.

Naples, FL 34110

Contact me for all your Commercial Real Estate & Development needs.

239.849.0012 Jessica@DevelopmentRealty.Org

Enn Luthringer, CCIM Partner | Investment Specialist Six Mile Cypress Corporate Park 12140 Carissa Commerce Court Suite 102 Fort Myers, FL 33966 T 239.481.3800 x235 F 239.481.9950 C 239.994.3703 enn.luthringer@creconsultants.com www.creconsultants.com/go/ennluthringer

SPECIALIZING IN GATES, CAMERA SYSTEMS AND ACCESS CONTROL

1-833-GATES-4-U WWW.DIAMONDACCESSTECH.COM LICENSED AND INSURED

When Disaster strikes, we will

RESPOND

ASSURED

So you can get BACK TO LIFE!

Randy Randy Krise, Krise, CCIM CCIM randy@krisecg.com randy@krisecg.com

RESTORATION

239-690-4100 239-690-4100

RESTORE REPLACE 24/7/365 for any water loss

For All Your Commercial Real Estate Needs

Virginia Avenue “We Mean Business” “We2040 Mean Business”

Randy Krise & Krise Commercial Group Randy Krise & Krise Commercial Group announce the relocation of announce the relocation of their offices to their offices to

Steve Bray

(239)777-5762 FL State MRSR 1328 GGC #1522221

Fort Myers, FL 33901

12650 New Brittany Boulevard 12650 New Brittany Suite 102 Boulevard Suite 102 33907 Fort Myers, Florida Fort Myers, Florida 33907

12610 Plaza Lane, (JustWorld off McGregor 12610 World Plaza Boulevard Lane, Suite Suite 1 1 239-690-4100 Fort Myers, FL 33907 fronting First Street Village) 239-690-4100 Fort Myers, FL 33907

www.krisecommercialgroup.com www.krisecommercialgroup.com

“We Mean Mean Business” Business” www.krisecommercialgroup.com “We www.krisecommercialgroup.com

Page 8

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

FEBRUARY 2020

COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida

Springs completes commercial roster

ALDI’s recent 2.33-acre purchase at the northeast corner of Six Mile Crossing Boulevard and Six Mile Cypress Highway in Fort Myers absorbed the two remaining pads at the Springs at Six Mile Cypress.

The $1,446,300 acquisition

by ALDI (Florida) locked in the last two out-parcels to round out the multi-family and commercial roster next to The Home Depot at US 41.

Many Springs concepts are new to the Southwest Florida market, including Chronic Tacos, Marlins Brewhouse, The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen and Tiger Woods’ forthcoming “PopStroke” entertainment complex that will neighbor the developing ALDI. In addition to benefiting from tremendous traffic counts, the 288-unit “Springs at Six Mile Cypress” apartments bring added foot traffic and a built-in employment base.

LandQwest Associate and outparcel specialist, Brett Low, was exclusively selected to market the commercial pads on behalf of Six Mile Venture. “This marks the final piece of the Springs puzzle,” said Low. “We always knew the highest and best use for this site would include a grocer ... it was an added bonus to work internally and expedite the deal.” Founding Principal of LandQwest, John Mounce, represents ALDI in their site selections across Southwest Florida.

ALDI anticipates beginning construction in the first quarter of 2020.

ESH Fort Myers, an investor group from Ohio, purchased the 5.3-acre riverfront parcel, formerly known as OneWest, in Downtown Fort Myers.

Downtown riverfront site sold for $12.5M ESH Fort Myers, an investor group from Ohio, purchased the 5.3-acre riverfront parcel, formerly known as OneWest, in Downtown Fort Myers.

Located at the corner of First Street and Altamont Avenue, the site neighbors the Publix-anchored First Street Village and the West End at City Walk apartments, currently under construction.

One of the few remaining parcels with river frontage, the investment traded for $12.5 million and will be home to two luxury apartment buildings, four and five stories tall, and will include a parking structure.

Fischler Property Company, a commercial real estate firm focused on the sale of urban investment properties and land for development across Southwest Florida, represented the seller, iStar Financial. No other brokers were involved.

“Fischler’s subject matter expertise and technical savvy inspire confidence.

They allow me to be a Florida market expert from my office in New York

City,” said Dan Melaugh of iStar.

“We are thrilled to deliver for our client on a project of this magnitude and excited about the positive impact it will have on the River District. We are committed to playing an active role in bringing investment and restoration to the downtown area,” said Phil Fischler, principal of FPC. “We believe this project, along with our recent City Walk transaction, will shift downtown’s center of gravity westward and bring much-needed and new residential options to the River District. The transformation and growth along the riverfront have been unbelievable, and we are very optimistic about the future,” said Michael Curran, vice president of FPC. As profiled in another recent sale, FPC delivers expansive reach and is bringing major-market investors from the nation’s gateway cities and abroad to invest in Fort Myers.

Other notable activity includes: • Recent sale of the historic Bank of

Fort Myers & Trust Building at 1500 Jackson St. • Recent sale of the 7.8-acre parcel currently under development as West End at City Walk, 2144 McGregor St. • Representing the seller of 2300 First Street, a 0.28-acre vacant parcel located across from Sydney & Berne Davis Art Center.

• Representing the buyer of 2466 First Street on the planned redevelopment of a nearly five-acre parcel between Fowler Street and the Fort Myers Regional Library.

• Sale of the 0.9-acre historic downtown Fort Myers post office at 13301350 Monroe St. • Representing the seller of 2300 McGregor Blvd., currently listed for sale.

• Sale of the 2nd floor of 2121 West First Street office condominium.

• Sale of commercial land for the development of nearly 2,600 apartment units across Lee County within the last two years.

Seagate Development Group awarded NeoGenomics International Headquarters

Seagate Development Group has been chosen as the developer, construction manager and site contractor of NeoGenomics’ new global headquarters, being built in Fort Myers. The 14-acre site is located just west of Interstate 75 and north of Alico Road along Three Oaks Parkway.

NeoGenomics is a leading provider of cancer-focused genetic testing services. The new 150,000-square-foot building will be home to ad-

It’s Your Future. Own It. Tom Maiale

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com ministration and an expanded laboratory. The stateof-the-art facility will incorporate innovative technology to deliver comprehensive oncology testing for physicians and their patients.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with such a dynamic organization to bring their vi-

CAPE CORAL - FOR SALE REMODELED STAND ALONE OFFICE / RETAIL BUILDING

Commercial Banker SBA/USDA Specialist

239-288-9966

tom@sbaworks.com Contact Tom to learn about a 1.00% rate reduction on your loan through Feb. 28, 2020.

SBA 7(a) Loans | SBA 504 Loans | USDA Loans

sbaworks.com SBA Works is part of First Federal Bank.

sion to life,” said Matt Price, CEO and partner of Seagate Development Group.

“The cutting-edge facility will be the first of its kind in our area and will be instrumental in helping advance economic development throughout Lee County. The Seagate team is proud to be a part of a project of this magnitude.”

Seagate is expected to break ground on the facility in 2020 and open the facility in 2021.

• Selling Your Business?

• Buying a Business?

• What’s the Value of Your Business?

We Can Help!

ADDRESS: 2826 SANTA BARBARA BLVD. BUILDING SIZE: 2,000 SF PRICE: $389,000 (OFFERS CONSIDERED) Pristine property in prime location must be seen to be appreciated.

FEATURES • ADA Compliant • Two New Parking Lots • Many Permitted Uses • Fully Fenced • Hospital Grade UV Air Filtration System • Plus Many More Upgrades

JACK BRITTON, CCIM

PROFESSIONAL REALTY CONSULTANTS OFFICE: (239) 573-5318 CELL: (239) 851-2090

Contact: Jim Bolinger, MBA, CPA (retired) Truforte Business Group BUSINESS SALES - MERGERS - ACQUISITIONS

8270 College Pkwy ▪ Suite 105 ▪ Fort Myers, FL 33919

Phone: 239.284.1317 Ext 101 Cell: 239.220.2017 email: jim@truforte.com www.TruforteBusinessGroup.com

FEBRUARY 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 9

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Good news for small businesses In financial distress On Aug. 23, President Trump signed into law one of the most important pieces of legislation to affect our bankruptcy system in several years: the Small Business Reorganization Act. The SBRA— which goes into effect on Feb. 19—eliminates many procedural hurdles small businesses otherwise need to clear in typical Chapter 11 cases.

Chapter 11 reorganization is currently cost prohibitive for many small businesses. The American Bankruptcy Institute found that, of the more than 18,000 small businesses that filed a Chapter 11 case between 2008 and 2015, less than 27 percent were able to propose a “plan of reorganization” approved by a bankruptcy court. The SBRA is poised to simplify the Chapter 11 process for most small business debtors, increasing accessibility to small business owners throughout our Southwest Florida community.

SBRA creates a new “Subchapter V” that Southwest Florida small business debtors can use to their advantage. Unlike a typical Chapter 11 case, an independent trustee gets appointed in every Subchapter V case. Once appointed, the trustee will facilitate and develop a consensual plan of reorganization among the company’s creditors. Subchapter V also excuses the small busi-

ness debtor from paying fees to the Office of the United States Trustee on a quarterly basis, which can get quite expensive in bankruptcy cases. By eliminating these fees, the financial burden placed on small businesses in bankruptcy is greatly alleviated.

Additionally, certain burdensome documents do not need to be filed with the Court under

BY MIKE DAL Subchapter V, like disclosure LAGO statements. A disclosure stateGuest Columnist ment is tantamount to preparing an investment prospectus.

Eliminating the disclosure statement requirement drastically reduces the cost of Chapter 11 reorganization for small businesses.

Finally, Subchapter V saves small business debtors money by requiring that a plan of reorganization be filed with the bankruptcy court within 90 days of the case’s commencement. By requiring a plan within 90 days, Subchapter V prevents cases from lingering in bankruptcy. In short, Subchapter V greatly reduces the risk of unnecessary

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com fees and costs.

There are a few caveats: small businesses with more than $2,725,625 in debt are generally ineligible for relief under Subchapter V, as are singleasset real estate entities (yes, those italics are important). However, Subchapter V will still help most small Southwest Florida businesses eligible to reorganize under the Bankruptcy Code do so in a cost-efficient manner.

Today, small businesses that cannot afford bankruptcy reorganization are generally forced to shut down or liquidate under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. On Feb. 19, many of those small businesses will finally get a fighting chance to stay alive.

Mike Dal Lago, Founder and Managing partner of Dal Lago Law, a leading Business Law and Business Bankruptcy law firm in Naples with 20 years of experience in insolvency matters. Christian Haman, associate attorney at Dal Lago Law, assists companies at all stages of their corporate development. Call (239) 571-6877 to learn more.

IN BUSINESS SINCE 2011

1977

Proud to Support our Troops

1997

Gator Stamping is an ISO 9001:2008 registered company

STAMPING

INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Bernadette Collier

Licensed Insurance Agent

FROM PROTOTYPE TO PRODUCTION • Fabrication • Assembly • In-house powder coating • Laser CHRIS BETHUNE, Sales Consultant c.j.sales01@gmail.com

239-939-6500 ext. 3233

(352) 362-8541 www.gatorstamping.com

bcollier@aaasouth.com

" Cover your home and car the right way with Triple A”

Standing Strong with Money to Lend Oldest locally-owned community bank in Lee County

www.EdisonNationalBank.com 239.466.1800 An Equal Housing Lender • Member FDIC

1999

1994

M��� �� S�������� FL

The Southwest Regional Manufacturers Associa�on (SRMA) connects local manufacturers with resources they need.

1979 Commercial Property Liability • Work Comp Auto • Contractors HOA / COA

®

Helping you protect your Business or Association.

Call us today to discuss your coverages and options.

Celebrating 29 years in business / Family Owned

Visit srma.net or call Bill at (239) 258-1385.

We make banking about YOU!

www.srma.net

1981

www.LciQuotes.com • 239-656-5551

390 Pondella Rd #1, N Ft Myers, FL 33903

1993

John D. Svirsky llc Alternative to Bank Financing for Commercial Real Estate

Bringing lenders and borrowers together since 1979.

From Fortune 400 companies to Sole Proprietorships.

239-631-0033

John@svirsky.com www.svirsky.com

2015

One Call - Every Company you need to Grow & Succeed

The Letter Box, Inc. It Pays To Advertise!

We appreciate your business SWFL A Team of Trusted Professional Business Owners, for all your commercial needs. Top Industry Specialists work together on your projects and goals.

(239) 574-2028

For more info, go to www.PreferredCommercialAlliance.com or call (239) 234-1792

www.LetterBoxInc.com 2005

2016 MERGER

1985

CHRISTINE BRADY Your Next Photographer

Tax Preparation • Estate Planning For Individuals & Businesses 239.939.5303 • 239.481.4114 www.SolomonHoover.com 1342 Colonial Blvd., Ste. B-11 • Fort Myers, FL 33907

SuperChrisBrady@gmail.com 225-288-1010 Please text for quicker response 5019 SW 25th Ct Cape Coral, FL 33914

Page 10

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

INVEST PAGE 1

FEBRUARY 2020

CBIA announces 2019 award winners

holds a degree in landscape architecThe Collier Building Industry ture from the University of Illinois and Association announced its 2019 is principal and owner of Architectural Associate and Builder of the Year Land Design.

Awards and unveiled its 2020 Board The 2019 CBIA Builder of the Year of Directors at the organization’s anhonor was presented to J.P. Coleman, nual Holiday Happenings dinner held President of JP Coleman Construction.

Wednesday, Dec. 18 at The Club at The Melbourne native has a bachelor’s Olde Cypress. degree in Construction Management Christian Andrea, ASLA, PLA from the University of Florida. was presented the prestigious CBIA Andrea Williams “J.P. has a diverse knowledge of 2019 Associate of the Year award, construction and management from recognizing more than 20 years of overseeing a full variety of projects,” said Ryan Benson experience in the local business industry.

According to CBIA executive vice president Kathy of A. Vernon Allen Builder, CBIA’s current president.

Curatolo, Andrea has built a stellar reputation within “His vast experience ranges from managing multi-famthe building industry and throughout the community at- ily to high end residential, and country club clubhouse renovations to financial institutions and historic buildlarge.

“Christian’s devotion to the highest standards of ings amounting to over $100 million in volume.”

The 2020 Board of Directors features a wide range work ethics, product quality and customer relations has earned him the utmost respect from government offi- of qualified and notable figures in the community from cials and staff both in the City of Naples and Collier a variety of businesses as follows: The elected President is John Williams of RWA; County alike,” said Curatolo, citing Andrea’s leadership and effort toward substantial changes in City of Naples Ryan Benson of A. Vernon Allen Builder is immedinew-build residential property ordinances. Andrea has ate past president; Leroy Christiansen of Gulfshore lived and worked in Naples since the early 1990s on Insurance is past vice president; Matt Sellick of Stock the design of an eclectic array of projects ranging from Custom Homes is president elect; Drew Kowalczyk of small residential to high end properties and large com- PulteGroup is vice [resident; Norm Gentry of BUILD is munities throughout Collier County. He currently chairs secretary; and treasurer is Kevin Deardorff of Waldrop the CBIA City of Naples - Government Affairs Council, Engineering.

tions including calls, chats, emails, surveys and texts. Market demand has grown rapidly both inside the contact center and beyond, with business and performance applications across sales, marketing, customer experience, security, compliance and automation.

“The convergence of customer interaction analytics and customer experience creates a significant market opportunity,” said Holger Staude of Goldman Sachs Growth. “Backed by a strong management team, CallMiner is well positioned to transform the way organizations operate. We look forward to partnering with their team and supporting their continued growth and success.” Staude will join CallMiner’s board of directors.

CallMiner plans to leverage the funding to continue acceleration of new business applications, channel partner integration and development, international expansion and platform innovation and capabilities.

Cowen served as exclusive financial advisor to CallMiner in connection with the transaction. DLA Piper acted as legal counsel.

IN BUSINESS SINCE 1999

2008

2007

• Service Calls • Panel Changes • Outdoor Ligh�ng

LIC #EC-13003877

(239) 826-1968

Paul Landers

TechnicalEdgeinc@gmail.com

BETTER RESULTS Millions of impressions.

Record revenue gains.

Branding that works.

And that’s just a Tuesday.

conricpr.com | 239 • 690 • 9840

2009

2011 “I can help you build your business and stand out from your competition, while adding a new income stream! Contact me today to find out more!”

1949

SWFL's Premiere Production & Creative Studio Videography & Photography Built for Business

Trish Gastineau, CTC, MCC

239.494.5226 SimplyCustomizedTravel.com Trish@SimplyCustomizedTravel.com

SERVING SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SINCE 1949 Fort Myers: 239.334. 2195 • Cape Coral: 239. 542.3148 www.PaveseLaw.com

YOUR FIRST PROJECT

1990

2008

1986

Now Two Locations: Ft. Myers & Bonita Springs

Flexible mortgage solu�ons

Selling your business is our business

Commercial & Residen�al Real Estate

Since 1998

Custom Signs · Tradeshow Graphics · Vehicles Decals · Banners · Storefront Graphics & More

Jeff Bayer Director of Sales

(239) 634-7227

jeff@signaramafortmyers.com

2011

Purchase, REFI/Cash-out, Bridge Loans, Construc�on/Perm

Buyers are looking for profitable businesses to purchase

Call now for a private discussion about the marketability of your business and how we can help.

(239) 433-1343

Warehouse, 1-4 Residen�al & Mul�family 5+, Mixed Use, Retail Hotels/Motels, Automo�ve, Convenience Stores, Gas Sta�ons

239-653-7803

www.KapitalUnited.com NMLS 338677 - FLMBR 380

LARRY STEINBORN, Broker SAND DOLLAR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS DEPOT

Kapital United

BizDepot@aol.com 6309 Corporate Ct. #205, Fort Myers, FL 33919

PROPERTY & BUSINESS FINANCE

2008

1998

Ready to take your organization to the next level?

Don’t just hire any management consultant.

• 1-5 clients/year • No magic bullets • Long-term engagements • For established, new, for-pro�it & non-pro�it organizations Gain from Scott Tonk’s experience in sales, management & C-Level positions

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

(239) 284-4966

scott.tonk@hotmail.com

FEBRUARY 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 11

CRA Job Program: 17 Candidates, Up to $81,000 to Business The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency Job Creation and Talent Attraction Program, a grant available to businesses in targeted industries, has welcomed a total of 17 candidates and a possible total of $81,000 to be issued to companies in targeted industries since the program’s adoption in December 2018.

On Dec.11 at the CRA Board of Commissioners meeting, new applications for the program participation were accepted from two businesses located in the Downtown redevelopment area. Cigent Technologies, enrolled four software developers into the program. FieldEdge, also known as dESCO, enrolled a Senior Manager/Cloud and Infrastructure Services, Enterprise Sales Engineer, Customer Success Manager, and Junior Software Engineer into the program. Together, these two companies

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com have accounted for all the applications approved for the program.

Both businesses are in one of the grant program’s targeted industries, software, computing and technology. Cigent Technologies is a cybersecurity technology company that identifies a potential breach or attack, initiates countermeasures and locks down critical data, ensuring attackers never reach it. Their elite team has backgrounds in National Security Agency-level intelligence, ethical hacking and data recovery. FieldEdge is a leading vertical Software as a Service business that enables field service contractors to run their small businesses with ease, save time and make more money through targeted mar-

keting and improved resource use.

This program is consistent with meeting redevelopment objectives, specifically economic development in commercial and business activity, as well as business retention and recruitment. Companies that have high-growth potential and create highwage jobs are critical to the City’s economic vitality, because when new employees with high-wage jobs are hired, this action generates a positive economic impact in areas such as housing, dining, retail and entertainment.

The Fort Myers CRA is actively seeking additional businesses in targeted industries to apply for the program. Targeted industries include research and development; light assembly, packaging and fabrication; software, computing and technology; light manufacturing; and general office.

Shirley Watral FINANCIAL REVIEW Shirley Watral Firearms Training Firearms What we mean when we say ‘a better way’ ▪ Private conceal carry Training classes In 1997, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands was founded on the belief that there is a better way of banking, where banking isn’t just about the numbers.

We made a commitment to shareholders and customers to be an independent community bank with an undeniable interest in the future growth and well being of the area, serving businesses and families for the long-term. As the oldest locally owned bank in Lee County, we offer the benefits of on-site decisionmaking, community roots and individualized services that only a local bank can offer. We make banking more about our customers with personalized solutions, meaningful relationships and exceptional service. Best of all, customers can call to speak with a banking professional and never encounter impersonal voicemail during banking hours.

We believe in relationship banking. We work together with entrepreneurs and business owners to provide the products and services that fit their unique needs. Business owners find everything they’ve come to expect in terms of products, services and technology—including a full range of banking services for businesses such as checking accounts, loans, mortgages, cash management services, online and mobile banking and a very successful courier service.

As a team of professional bankers, we pledge to work together to provide the most reputable service.

By conducting ourselves this way, we believe Edison National Bank instills confidence, encourages relationships and fulfills banking needs.

A community bank isn’t just a bank that limits itself geographically. A true local bank also gives back to its customers and neighbors through volunteerism and philanthropy. Corporate citizenship and service are part of the culture at Edison National Bank. People are Lee County’s greatest assets. That’s why we give our time and resources to worthy causes that positively impact our neighbors, providing financial support and leadership for a variety of causes, including education, the arts, children’s welfare, wildlife and coastal habitat preservation in Lee County. Our employees are encouraged to volunteer at non-profit and faith-based programs, helping our neighbors to “find a better way” to address needs in Southwest Florida.

We are proud of the positive impact we’ve made

TIMECARD PAGE 1 counts, where some of it got funneled back to Brennan, investigators say.

Brennan and Cokes now face charges of RICO conspiracy and organized fraud, and Brennan faces additional charges of grand theft, money laundering and official misconduct.

Timothy Cook, another Triangle authority, was also accused of submitting time cards for a family member. Authorties also brought charges against Jeffrey Ashby, Debra Hill, Kim Ormiston, Thomas Quinn, Harry Rodda Jr., Joseph Sucharzewski and Dario Zuljani.

Doggett said watchful citizens set the ball rolling on the investigation and she encouraged citizens follow that example.

“If you suspect any fraud, waste or abuse at county government agencies, please file a report,” she said.

▪ Personalized firearms training

in Southwest Florida and our cor• Private conceal ▪ Speaking Engagements porate citizenship has been recogcarry lessons nized with numerous awards. The 941-677-3377 to schedule!

2010 Florida Bankers Call of the Year • Personalized award from the Florida Bankers �irearms training Association recognized outstandGo to ShirleyWatral.com to order ing commitment, involvement your copy of Heels to Holster. and service; a concern for the con• Speaking tinued success of the banking inEngagements Book Available January 2020 dustry; a dedication to convey the value of banking to the public; and a reputation for excellence and disCall 941-677-3377 to schedule!

BY ROBBIE tinguished achievement within the ROEPSTORFF banking industry.

Guest Columnist Go to ShirleyWatral.com to order your In 2019, the bank was recogcopy of Heels to Holster. nized as the Small Business of the Year by the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and the Lee County Economic Development office. The Book Available January 2020 honor recognized superior customer service, innovation, integrity, product quality, community commitments and overall excellence in business and value to Lee County.

We also believe in investing in our internal stakeholders, our employees, with a long-term comprehensive commitment to workplace wellness. In addition to health insurance benefits, we budget up to $20,000 annually to fund wellness incentives and opportunities.

We have a vested interest in our employees’ health.

It’s about more than increasing productivity and reducing sick days. We have seen employees turn their health around with this program and maintain healthy lifestyles because they have the support system they need to do it. In many cases, there is a ripple effect, and results also impact that person’s personal life, making www.SalleePromotions.com their whole family, and thus our community, healthier.

Come See Our Showroom at: As Lee County continues to grow, the businesses Beacon Executive Suites 8359 Beacon Blvd Suite 508 and families choosing to be here will need banking services like ours. We’re constantly innovating, always working to find a better way to serve our customers and • PRINTED APPAREL Southwest Florida. We look forward to being here for • PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS • EMBROIDERED APPAREL many years to come.

Robbie Roepstorff and husband, Geoff, co-founded Edison National Bank in 1997 and are President and CEO, respectively. Contact her at (239) 466-1800.

• TRADESHOW GIVEAWAYS • IMPRINTED CORPORATE GIFTS

Connecting Employers To Qualified Professionals Hiring? We should talk… 

Finding qualified candidates with the right skills.



Recruiting all your employees in one place.



Working together to lower your costs.

careersourcesouthwestflorida.com 239.931.8282

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Telephone numbers may be reached via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

An equal opportunity employer/program. A proud partner of the American job center network.

Page 12

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

FEBRUARY 2020

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Real estate: The second-highest expense in your practice When it comes to managing expenses in your practice, there are dozens of categories to evaluate: equipment, technology, loan costs and interest rates, sundries, marketing and on and on they go.

Many practice owners are quick to shop-out what they believe are the most obvious expenses, but few understand the impact of one of the largest expenses and how it can be dramatically reduced to increase profitability.

The highest expense for most practices

is payroll, followed by real estate. Real estate encompasses your monthly rent or mortgage payments, along with the property’s operating expenses, maintenance fees, utilities and janitorial costs.

If you consider these top two expenses, payroll and real estate, only one of them is really negotiable. With payroll, you can either pay people their value or they usually find another job that will. You may decide you can cut staff, but if you need people you need to pay them what they deserve or they

SWFBT SellS! om

a.c n on eoneus C om g ko ima onn eusa.c k i N kko@ y C geon Ni hon ima t @ An thony An 267 m 9.2 sa.co 8 7 . eu 239 geon a im

Kevin & Michelle Borders Owners MyEnviro.com Naples Network Services

Most businesses have a cleaning service and many are happy with the one that they have chosen, at least for now... however...

What if • They mess up again • They don't show up again • There is a theft or security issue Image One retains 97% of their contracted clients on a monthly basis.

Most cleaning companies have a client turnover close to 50% a year.

It's not a matter of IF, it's a matter of WHEN! Are You Ready?

“We appreciate Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY’s continued support for our company and highly recommend getting involved with the paper to any business that considers it.”

®

We’re ALL Business

BUSINESS OWNERS PLEASE READ THIS!

SWFL BUSINESS OWNERS ARE OVER PAYING THEIR TAXES AND LEAVING SERIOUS MONEY ON THE TABLE BY NOT CLAIMING THEIR FEDERAL TAX CREDITS. JERRY WRIGHT, Founder of Save Phace (savephace.com) lost $757,000 a�er he sold his company to a Private Equity company, and the buyer recovered his un-claimed Federal Tax Credits for the previous 3 years. Jerry calculated that by not filing for his credits, he lost more than $4 million over the life of his company!

That is a significant loss of Genera�onal Wealth!

JERRY HAD SEVERAL CPA’S AND ATTORNEYS, BUT FOUND OUT THAT LOCAL TAX CPA’S DO NOT CALCULATE THESE CREDITS, THEY HIRE IT OUT TO COMPANIES SUCH AS OURS. THESE TAX INCENTIVES ARE NOT JUST FOR: AMAZON, PFIZER AND SKANSKA CONSTRUCTION! MANY OF THESE TAX CREDITS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE FOR 40 YEARS - MOSTLY USED

BY THE FORTUNE 2000 COMPANIES. SINCE 2016 CONGRESS HAS MADE MANY INCENTIVES PERMANENT AND AVAILABLE TO ALL, YES ALL , SMALL & MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES THAT QUALIFY. MOST TAX CPA’S DO NOT KNOW THIS BECAUSE THEY DO NOT DO THIS. THEY DO YOUR PERSONAL AND BUSINESS TAX RETURNS. AND SINCE YOUR CPA IS LIKELY YOUR MOST TRUSTED FINANCIAL ADVISOR (AND RIGHTLY SO), YOU SIMPLY HAVEN’T HEARD THIS.

will eventually leave.

Real estate however, is 100% negotiable. You have the choice of leasing or owning, as well as being in an office building, retail center, a stand-alone building or large medical complex with many other providers. You can choose the size of your space, the design and the landlord you want to work with—or to be your own landlord. And if you do own, you get to decide whether to buy an existing building, an office condo or to develop your own building from the ground-up.

When negotiating the economic terms of a lease, you get to have a say in the length of lease, the desired concessions including build out period, tenant improvement allowance, free rent, lease rates, annual rate increases and many other provisions.

Why is it that so many practices fail to capitalize on their real estate opportunities? The short answer is most practice owners and administrators simply don’t have the knowledge and expertise in commercial real estate to understand how to make the most of these opportunities. They view real estate as a necessary evil instead of an incredible opportunity to improve profitability, reduce expenses and improve the quality of their patients’ experience. When the correct approach is taken, you may actually look forward to it instead of dreading your real estate negotiation.

Let’s take a look at three key ideas to help make the most of your next real estate transaction.

Timing Every type of transaction has an ideal timeframe to start the process.

When starting too early or too late, you communicate you don’t really know what you’re doing. That message hurts your ability to receive the best possible terms. Don’t wait for your landlord to approach you on a lease renewal negotiation. Start by consulting with a professional so you can understand the ideal timeframe to start your transaction, come up with a specific game plan for what you want to achieve, and then you be the one to approach your landlord with renewal terms.

Representation Landlords and sellers prey on unrepresented tenants who don’t know the market or their options. If the tenant was a Fortune 500 company, the landlord would approach them with a high

level of respect, expecting they either have a real estate broker hired to represent them or a team of professionals internally who are well equipped to handle the transaction.

In contrast,

BY JARED when a landlord or VANDERSLUIS seller starts speakGuest Columnist ing with a tenant who isn’t represented, and who they don’t believe knows the market, that tenant is not going to get the same respect. The landlord senses an opportunity to take advantage of a small tenant who is not an expert and doesn’t have a full complement of real estate knowledge and skills.

Commissions are paid in commercial real estate just like they are in residential real estate—set aside in advance for two parties, not just one—so there aren’t any savings by not having a broker. Showing up without one only further detracts from your credibility.

Leverage and Posture It is nearly impossible to emerge victorious from a negotiation without leverage and posture, which are created by having multiple options in the market. If you limit yourself to one property, you are at the mercy of that owner.

Since most landlords and sellers negotiate professionally, it is easy for them to know when you don’t have other viable options. Simply telling a landlord you have a proposal from another landlord won’t give you a strong enough posture. Most landlords look at unrepresented tenants and assume they do not know the market, do not understand all their options, and are not really serious about making the landlord compete for their business. Leverage and posture are created when you have the right timing, professional representation, an understanding of all your available options, and a detailed game plan of what you want to accomplish in order to capitalize on the market.

Jared Vandersluis is an agent with CARR, the nation’s leading provider of commercial real estate services for healthcare tenants and buyers.

Contact him at (417)693-2303 or jared.vandersluis@carr.us.

WE HAVE HELPED BUSINESS OWNERS IN SWFL QUALIFY FOR OVER $4 Million IN FEDERAL TAX INCENTIVES IN 2019.

OUR TAX INCENTIVE CPA’S & EXPERTS QUALIFY YOUR COMPANY FOR MANY TAX CREDITS.

R&D Tax Credit; Cost Segrega�on; WOTC; Energy Credits

QUALIFIED BUSINESS OWNERS ARE OFTEN FROM: CONSTRUCTION & SUB CONTRACTORS: HVAC; ELECTRICAL; UTILITIES; ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURE; BEVERAGE MAKERS & FOOD PROCESSORS; MEDICAL: SURGEONS, DENTISTS, ORTHODONTISTS, MANUFACTUERS of ALL KINDS; & FARMERS WE ARE BUSINESS ADVISORS FOR AMERICAN BUSINESS INCENTIVE SERVICES, A NATIONAL LEADER IN HELPING SMALL & MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESS OWNERS RECOVER THEIR OVER PAID TAXES THROUGH FEDERAL TAX INCENTIVES. THESE TAX INCENTIVES ARE APPROVED BY THE U.S. CONGRESS & ISSUED BY THE IRS. WE OFFER AUDIT PROTECTION. IF WE DON’T RECOVER YOUR OVERPAID TAXES, YOU PAY NOTHING. CALL OR EMAIL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE TODAY! TOP BUSINESS ADVISOR in SWFL - 239.603.9992 RPERRY@ABISVS.COM WWW.ABISVS.COM

“It Pays to Advertise!” ✔ Direct Mail Advertising ✔ All Types of Mailing Lists ✔ Postage as Low as 14.2 cents ✔ Fast, Friendly Service Mention this ad and receive

20% OFF labor charges on your first mailing.

239-574-2028

Call today for a quote!

The Letter Box, Inc. 936 Country Club Blvd.

Cape Coral, FL 33990