March 2020 Southwest Florida Business Today

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Bonita Springs embraces the future

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

cluding a recent workshop at City Hall to gather input from citizens and stakeholders.

A look at commercial realNearly estate & construction updates in comp Southwest Florida “The plan is so out of date now 60,000 people live in Bonita Springs. Yet the community still feels that for us it’s really crucial we bring it like one it its infancy. A process to update up to date,” Banyan said. Indeed, some the community’s comprehensive plan parts of the city’s long-range planning looks both to bring the modern borders haven’t been touched since 1984. That of the Lee County city into its official vi- means they don’t account for modern sion and to ensure the vitality of the mu- planning processes.

Organizations to Watch nicipality moving forward.

The city has also annexed large porDr. Margaret Banyan, a professor tions in Lee County into its borders, but Businesses and organizations at Florida Gulf Coast University, has in many cases has yet to incorporate that paving the way to the future in worked with the city on that process, ingeographic growth into a future land-use Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties.

Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Jacob Ogles, Editor

map. So part of the comprehensive plan update will simply be taking land still cataloged with out-of-date zoning and bringing it in line with municipal code.

But the update process also ties in closely with a visioning for a downtown Bonita Springs that has yet to reach the same maturation as found in the city cores for Fort Myers or Naples. Bonita Springs has hired Duany Plater-Zyberk to advance a downtown improvements project. The legendary Miami planning firm developed plans for Fort Myers and BONITA See page 3

Nominations open for 2020 Apex Awards

TAKING FLIGHT

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber Business committee is seeking nominations for its 2020 APEX Awards, an annual awards event that recognizes outstanding women in the Greater Fort Myers community who excel in the areas of professionalism, philanthropy and leadership.

Nominations for the APEX Awards are open now through April 17, and the community is invited to submit nominations online at www.fortmyers.org/ events/apex-awards. Nominees must be current members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce.

“The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and Women in Business committee are proud to hold this event to honor the incredible women of Fort Myers and surrounding Lee County,” said Tracy Siekmann, co-chair of the 2020 APEX Awards. “We encourage the Southwest Florida community to nominate their inspirational, hardworking leaders for this prestigious recognition.”

Following a review of all nominations, Women in Business will announce this year’s top five finalists during its monthly networking session on June 3 at the Crowne Plaza at Bell Tower in Fort Myers. These five finalists will go on to be recognized during the main event, where one will be named the recipient of this year’s APEX Award.

The 15th annual APEX Awards

A look at commercial real estate & construction updates inofSouthwest Commerce’s Florida Women in

CRE Construction & Development

SPECIAL THIS ISSUE A collection of information to help you navigate Southwest Florida’s CRE, Building and Development marketplace.

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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

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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

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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

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Commercial Real Estate

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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

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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

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Airglades International Airport is set to become a major national hub for importing goods to Florida and the U.S. while spurring economic growth in Hendry County and Southwest Florida.

Airglades puts Hendry County on the map

Special to SWFBT Submitted by Karen P. Moore, Publisher Airglades International Airport (AIA) President Fred Ford recently shared, “Our airport reshapes the flow of Hispanic goods to the U.S.” The airport was initially a training facility during World War II. When the facility was decommissioned, it was ultimately transferred to Hendry County. Currently, Airglades operates as a general aviation facility.

In 2010, Hendry County, the airport sponsor, recognized the benefits that a major perishable air cargo complex at AIA would bring to the county and region. The FAA approved the

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Vectra Digital acquires iPartnermedia

AIRGLADES See page 11

APEX See page 3

IN THE NEWS

Vectra Digital completed its acquisition of iPartnerMedia, a digital marketing firm and public relations agency in Bonita Springs.

“We’re very excited about this 19/20 SEASON

County’s preliminary application to enter the Airport Investment Partnership Program, which allowed the County to work with private developers, and negotiated a proposed agreement to privatize the airport. Many approvals and assessments have taken place since. In September 2019, the AIPP approved the development of AIA. According to Ford, “AIA will act as a purpose-built logistics hub for air-cargo trade and handling between Latin America and the U.S.” Developing a new state-of-theart logistics complex in Southwest

winning combination and the future of digital marketing,” said Matt Bernhardt, CEO of Vectra Digital. “We pursued iPartnerMedia because of its outstanding reputation in the community for building personal client partnerships and delivering data-driven VECTRA See page 4

Horizon Council held annual meeting, officer installation

Local business and community professionals from throughout Lee County gathered on Jan. 31 to recognize outgoing Horizon Council board members, welcome new officers to

MARCH

Affiliation Night

the council and Horizon Foundation and hear keynote speaker Larry Burns, author of “Autonomy: The Quest to Build the Driverless Car—And How It Will Reshape Our World.”

The annual event attracted over 350 people to Broadway Palm Dinner HORIZON See page 9 Fan Appreciation Night

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

The IRS says “Gotcha!”

The last couple of years, the IRS has been penalizing late filers of S corporation and partnership tax returns. This despite the fact that late filing of the tax returns (Forms 1120S and 1065), due March 15, often does not impact the receipt of the taxes due on April 15. Those that are getting this penalty are often couples and other small firms who have formed these business entities to provide legal protection for their shareholders.

How much is the penalty?

The penalty is calculated based on each partial month the return is late times the number of shareholders or partners. The fine is $205 per shareholder or partner per month. So a return filed 17 days late with no tax due could cost a married couple with an S corporation $820 in penalties.

What you need to know If you have an S corporation or other partnership, either file an ex-

tension or submit your tax return on time. Remember, an extension gives you six months to file and you do not owe the tax until the flow-through tax return due date (typically April 15).

BY RICHARD T. If you receive SCHWANDT a penalty, chalGuest Columnist lenge it. A wellworded request for reversal of the late filing penalty may be successful. Remember, the Treasury Department is still receiving the taxes owed to them on a timely basis.

Richard T. Schwandt is a certified public accountant and owner of MyCPARichard.com. Contact him at Richard@MyCPARichard.com or call (239) 405-5944.

Local Bank.

Commitment.

Decisions.

MARCH 2020

ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH Compass Construction leads way With 35 years of local presence and six straight “Best of Cape Coral” award wins for Best Commercial Builder, Compass Construction is coming off a very impressive 2019.

Some noteworthy projects include: the new build of a Sherwin-Williams paint store in Marco Island; the large renovation of Falling Waters’ community pool in Naples; the Bonita Beach Road/I-75 retail strip-center shell; the Five Guys restaurant build out within that center; numerous projects for Suncoast Credit Union; and the conversion of an Italian restaurant into a new Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill on Daniel’s Parkway in Fort Myers.

No Compass Construction project in 2019 was bigger than the Ave Maria School of Law’s Sports Complex, now known as the Cancro Family Wellness Center. The brand new, 19,000-square-foot fitness center is coupled with two covered basketball courts and a turf soccer field. Compass Construction leadership recently attended the Grand Opening of the facility, which included several dedications to local veterans.

2020 is forecasting to be another amazing year, as Compass recently commenced two additional tenant build outs in the Bonita Beach Road/I-75 retail center the company constructed. One is an AT&T Store; the other is a Paradise Grills showroom. The first new project of the year came when Fox 4 News tabbed Compass to renovate its Cape Coral news-

room. Other exciting projects that have recently broken ground include a 20,000-squarefoot Goodwill Retail & Donation Center expansion and renovation on Pine Ridge Road in Naples, a new 29,000-square-foot

BY DOUG facility off of Alico OLIVER Road in Fort Myers Guest Columnist for Amazon Sheds, and a utility and drainage project for the City of Fort Myers.

Guided by four core values of honesty, quality, value and integrity, Compass Construction continues to be a leader in the commercial building industry, and more importantly, in the community. Compass is a proud member of the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, the Lee Building Industry Association, Construction Specifications Institute and Preferred Commercial Alliance.

Doug Oliver is the President of Compass Construction. He leads an exceptional team of Senior Project Managers, Project Managers, Superintendents and office staff. When he isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his family, boating and fishing. Contact him at (239) 542-7118 or DOliver@CompassConstruction.com.

Think Local. Bank Local. Save Money.

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We’re not just an island bank. We have seven full-service Lee County locations to serve your banking needs. Our specialty is residential and commercial lending with local decision-making, all so we can get you answers and close your loans faster and easier.

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MARCH 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH Sanibel Captiva Bank continues to grow

2020 is primed to be another outstanding year for Sanibel Captiva Community Bank. By the end of the year, two new locations will open—a new 15,000-square-foot operations center located at the corner of College Parkway and McGregor Boulevard and a new main office on Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island. Construction is well underway at both locations with the operations center set to open in June and the new main office in September.

Last year was an incredible year for us, serving our 10,000plus customers and experiencing a healthy 35% increase in our deposits. Our local wire team processed more than $90 million dollars of ACH transactions, which is

BY CRAIG an increase of 34% year over year.

ALBERT Our mobile app continues to be a Guest Columnist key asset with consumer customers depositing more than $16 million dollars from mobile devices in 2019— a 78% increase. Business customers deposited over $276 million using our remote deposit capture— a 40% increase. On the lending side, commercial loan volume has increased by 34% year over year and residential loans have steadily increased since 2011 with a 314% increase in volume.

S&P Global Market Intelligence consistently nationally ranks us in the top 25 best-performing community banks out of more than 4,500 banks with assets under $1 billion. We are well capitalized, with over $450 million in total assets, and generate the highest return on equity of all Florida banks in excess of $155 million in total assets. We have 100 proud employees and over 40% are bank shareholders.

To remain on the forefront of banking technology, we recently invested in several new digital banking products like instant issue debit cards. If a card is lost or stolen or if a customer is opening an account, they can receive a debit card immediately at all our locations at no cost. This month, we launched our partnership with Zelle, a convenient person-to-person payment solution for mobile banking consumers. In December, as part of our ongoing effort to provide the highest level of customer service, we debuted our new website, www.SanCapBank.com, with a fresh, modern look, along with original photography, simplified navigation, expanded resources and more.

We proudly support over 100 not-for-profit community causes—from Habitat for Humanity of Lee & Hendry Counties to Blessings in a Backpack—through a combination of donations, pro bono work and volunteerism. Every member of the board of directors is involved with charitable organizations, and 65% of employees are nonprofit volunteers logging in over 1,000 volunteer hours annually.

As we begin another exciting year, we remain committed to staying locally owned and operated where decisions are made locally with an unwavering commitment to the Southwest Florida community.

Hamman shares Lee County’s plans Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore, Publisher

“The biggest challenge Lee County faces,” Lee County Board of County Commissioners Chair Brian Hamman recently stated, “is meeting the needs of our rapidly growing population,” noting that, “In 1980 we had a population of about 200,000—today it’s more than 750,000.”

He continued, “That being the case, you’re wondering, what is the state of Lee County today?

Much better than six years ago.”

He noted the unemployment rate is currently at 2.5%; the median annual income has risen almost 20% since 2013, tourism experienced double-digit growth once again in 2019 with $3 billion beHamman ing spent in Lee county by tourists last year and 10 million passengers coming through the regional airport.

What’s the future hold? Hamman said that Skyplex, 1,100 acres earmarked for development adjacent to the airport, is designated a foreign trade zone and includes 252,000 square feet of Class A office space leased to Gartner and 99,000 square feet leased to Alta. “We are excited to share that there is also an aircraft maintenance repair operation coming with plans to hire 1,000 people.”

And what is being done to accommodate the ever-increasing traffic in Lee County? “We’re

working on several major road projects right now.”

• Burnt Store Road, Cape Coral: two of three phases are complete; construction on the final south segment will begin soon, with the expectation of completion in the fall of 2023. In April 2019, Commissioners expedited roadway lighting on the north and central segments to improve pedestrian safety.

• Homestead Road Widening, Lehigh Acres: we are making it 4 lanes from Sunrise to Alabama, with an estimated completion this summer.

• Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach: we have updated the infrastructure and made streetscape improvements; we are now in the 4th phase of the 6-phase project. The final two phases of construction are scheduled to start this fiscal year.

• Alico Road Connector, Fort Myers: this project connects Alico Road to Sunshine Boulevard and is currently in the project development and environmental due diligence phase. Much of the right of way has been acquired.

• Littleton Rd./Kismet Pkwy Realignment, North Fort Myers/Cape Coral: Broke ground in January: realigns a dangerous intersection and provides an East-West connector between Cape Coral and North Fort Myers. It includes a two-lane roundabout at the intersection of Corbett Road.

Project completion expected by the end of 2020.

Hamman closed: “So how is Lee County doing? I’d say even better than six years ago—with more good things to come!”

BONITA PAGE 1 Naples, as well as Sarasota.

“Living and working in downtown Bonita Springs will mean watching our historic area transform into a more vibrant community,” the city website reads. “With this project, the city will prepare for future growth in the downtown area, while embracing its history.”

But Banyan said the comprehensive planning portion headed up with FGCU planners isn’t about totally revisioning Bonita Springs as much as it is about making sure existing visions properly translate into the official plans for the city.

At the most recent public meeting, Banyan said citizens’ top concerns center around making sure the city has a road infrastructure to accommodate residents and growth. There’s also concern about growth in coastal high hazard areas.

“And then there’s a lot of desire for having a downtown that works, and that works well,” she said.

• Selling Your Business?

• Buying a Business?

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APEX PAGE 1 dinner will be held on Aug. 28 at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral.

“Each year, this event offers a special opportunity for our region to celebrate the women of our community,” added 2020 APEX Awards co-chair Kelly Talamo. “We look forward to welcoming yet another phenomenal business and community leader into this group of distinguished APEX women.”

Page 3

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Page 4

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

MARCH 2020

ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH

ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH

Growth starts by prioritizing customers There are certain ingredients that help fuel a business’ success in the marketplace—quality products, fair prices, an easyto-access location and a strong digital presence.

To truly thrive, however, a company must prioritize the needs of its customers. This goes beyond the adage “A customer is always right” to adopting an entire set of policies and procedures that govern how employees should interact with customers.

At Target Roofing & Sheet Metal, a customer-first mentality is not just lip service. Our employees are measured and evaluated by the satisfaction rate of their customers, and our company designed a five-step process to ensure customer satisfaction: • Conduct on-site evaluations and proposals to align expectations • Develop and deliver a full scope of work that outlines every step and projected costs • Schedule pre-job conferences to address any questions or concerns • Provide timely status reports and an online customer portal to chart progress • Give peace of mind by guaranteeing workmanship and materials As noted above, communication is a key factor in customer satisfaction. The lack of communication spells trouble in any relationship, so more is always better.

Our customers aren’t expected to dial (239) 332-5707, our main number, with questions or concerns. Instead, we provide clients with the cell phone number and email of their project manager, offering direct access to the individual overseeing their roofing project.

Potential customers also receive VIP treatment. Dialing our

main number during business hours, as well as nights and weekends, will put callers directly in touch with a Target Roofing representative. After-hours, callers won’t get a recording that says to call back during business hours. When business owners or property managers discover a roof leak, they want the problem immediately addressed, whether that’s 9 a.m. or 9 p.m.

In addition to responsiveness, reliability is another core value that factors into customer satisfaction. No one wants

BY CASEY to wait around the office or home for a CROWTHER service appointment window of 8 a.m. to Guest Columnist noon, only to have a technician arrive at 1 p.m. Appointment times should be firm.

Also, if project completion is estimated in 30 days, then the project should be done in 30 days—if not sooner.

Customer satisfaction isn’t just about getting good reviews on Google, Yelp or Trip Advisor. Satisfied customers will tell others about their experience, which helps generate new business, and they will more than likely give you a call whenever they’re in the market for similar services in the future.

I was so excited to see Target Roofing recognized in 2019 as the 17th fastest-growing company on Florida’s Gulf Coast, tangible evidence that prioritizing our customers has helped us thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Casey Crowther is president of Target Roofing & Sheet Metal, a licensed and insured commercial roofing specialist based in Fort Myers. For more information, visit TargetRoofers.com or call (239) 344-7496.

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

Zypha Corporation, a Charlotte County company, would like to ask if you would like your business IT system to be as simple and dependable as plugging into electrical power? Zypha provides that kind of magic, transforming old outdated server based systems to a new stream-lined, dependable secure IT utility service, significantly reducing IT headaches in your office such as downtime, virus threats, ransomware, disaster recovery, updates and back-ups. Zypha eliminates your loBY DARRYL cal server forever, KEYS migrating all of your Guest Columnist apps, programs, folders, files and data to Zypha’s international standard data center, eradicating single points of failure (which typically exist in your local system).

You can access your work desktop securely, on any internet-connected device anywhere in the world, enabling employees to work remotely with full access to their computer desktop. Microsoft Office and Outlook Exchange are included, working seamlessly with all your existing software programs as part of an easy to budget, fixed price per employee per month deal— which also includes full, unlimited, relationship-based support to cater for any IT problem which might arise. Businesses can focus on what they are good at, while Zypha takes care of high IT availability to make organizations more efficient and productive, while saving money.

Zypha has expanded its client base into four states and overseas to the UK, serving businesses, non-profits and organizations of all sizes, including several large federal/state funded agencies in and out of state. Zypha’s demonstrable expansion and scale of opportunity is currently part of a new investment round underway with several private investors. As a result of an acceleration in businesses realizing there is a better way to handle their IT provision, Zypha’s management team is gearing up its resources to handle the inevitable explosion which is about to take place.

Darryl Keys is president and CEO of Zypha Corporation. Contact him at (941) 629-9742 or dkeys@zypha.com.

VECTRA PAGE 1

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®.

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

results. This acquisition is going to change the marketing landscape in Southwest Florida: Stay tuned.”

Vectra Digital’s procurement accelerates its strategy and presence in the digital marketing industry. Its proprietary technology and growing client base put Vectra Digital, a portfolio company of The Ignite Partners, in a powerhouse position, officials there said.

“The digital marketing space is surrounded by non-effective services,” said Felix Lluberes, chief revenue officer at Vectra Digital. “We want to change that by incorporating innovative and cutting-edge technologies to marketing and sales. By leveraging artificial intelligence, we will shake up the industry and have our clients’ value skyrocket. We’re ready to get started.”

MARCH 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 5

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida

So you want to be a developer?

Anyone can be a developer. Right? It sounds Do you have to build lanes on romantic. Build buildings, shopping centers, apartthat road? Building a sidewalk ments and homes. It’s true that anyone can do it. is now a must, maybe a bus stop But, if that is true, why doesn’t everyone do it? We is required. Then, go pay your all know that developers are all rich. Right? impact fees and don’t forget the Actually, it only takes money and lots of courschool board or water allocation, age. If you can pay cash for the development you everybody must get paid. Whew!

Heatherwood Construction Company has comwant to develop, you’ll get a building built. Will I’m tired just talking about it. pleted a gatehouse and entry gates at WildBlue. your product be economically viable? Maybe. It The costs rise daily on labor should be. and materials. Go back and verStart small and grow. That is my best advice. ify your prices that you submitThere is so much to know and so many pitfalls to ted with the bank 18 months ago avoid, especially if you need financing. To get fi- BY RANDY because the pricing could change Renownedin Heatherwood Construction Company KRISE Awill look real estategiven & construction updates Southwest Florida nancing, you have to prove that your project be at commercialsignificantly changing has completed a gatehouse and entry gates at Wildtotally successful. Banks are not new at this game. Guest Columnist market conditions.

Blue — a 3,500-plus-acre community of 1,100 preThey approve the projects they believe will be able If all is well, start building serve- and sparkling-lake-surrounded home sites in to pay them back. your building and wait somewhere between nine Fort Myers.

Besides funding, you have to get past the juris- months to two years for a finished product. Take Located off Corkscrew Road, the community endictional governments that have sway over your another year to lease your project up so you start trance is a Key-West-style structure — complementproject. That would be city or county or state or making some cash flow and maybe make that first ed by accent stone, plantation shutters and decorative water management or Corp of Engineers or EPA or dollar. The rest of the process would usually involve brackets — that welcomes homeowners and visitors. others that crop up. finding a qualified buyer to purchase your project The project was led by the Bonita-Springs-based Then you have to fight the neighborhood or the for a significant profit to compensate you for your team’s senior project manager, Rafael Valdes, as city council or the planning board or the county work, knowledge and courage. well as supervised by James Beatty and designed by zoning. Now you start trying to get your working Anyone can be a developer. Right? award-winning Humphrey-Rosal Architects. drawings so you can actually start turning dirt. You “WildBlue is setting the tone for the future of have to have a land survey, a traffic study, a hydro- Randy Krise is the Broker/Owner of Krise Commerdevelopment along this corridor, and Heatherwood logical study, an environmental study among other cial Group in Fort Myers and can be reached at Construction couldn’t be prouder to apply core valstudies and fight DOT for access points on the road. (239) 633-8672 or Randy@krisecg.com. ues and expertise to bring out the very best in this community,” said Walter Crawford, president and CEO. Heatherwood Construction will begin WildBlue’s Plans for construction of a $60-million 12-acre new amenities center in March. luxury villa and apartment expansion to the South Fort Myers life plan community of Cypress Cove were announced at the community’s sales office.

The Oaks at Cypress Cove, an 82-luxury villa and apartment complex, is to be located on a tract We give you every company you need of land at the southwest corner of Bass Road and for your company to grow & succeed!

Summerlin Road within HealthPark Florida’s 400• Signs • Commercial Real Estate acre campus. “Construction, which will not begin • Attorney • Health Benefits immediately, is being preceded by pre-marketing • Civil Engineering • Insurance and sales efforts,” said Cypress Living President and • Commercial Cleaning • Lawn Care/Pest Control Part of the Cypress Cove Life Plan community, CEO Troy Churchill.

• Telecommunications • Marketing • IT Services • Painting Churchill explains development of The Oaks is The Oaks will offer a mix of 72 high-rise apart• Copier/Printer • Promotional Products “a direct response to the overall ‘Cypress’ brands re- ments and 10 villas.

Solutions • Security positioning plan. By embracing current trends and features, including the Cypress Cove community’s • Document Title Services • Restoration Construction incorporating many innovative technologies, this highly touted dining restaurants. housing project provides a great opportunity for our Besides main campus amenities, support and serorganization to once again set a high bar in South- vices, residents of The Oaks will have resort-style west Florida older adult living.” amenities available within the 12-acre gated-access The Oaks will include three high-rise luxury community. A large clubhouse will be centrally loapartments, each housing 24 large open-concept cated within the community’s beautifully landscaped apartments with scenic multi-view lanais, and 10 el- courtyard. egant villas, ranging from 2,230 to 2,396 square feet, The Oaks will require approximately 18 months A Team of Trusted Professional Business Owners, for all your commercial with lakeside views. for buildout once construction begins.

The property is a short walking distance from The property, noted Churchill, is the largest re- needs. Top Industry Specialists work together on your projects and goals. the main 48-acre Cypress Cove campus. Residents maining undeveloped property within the Health- For more info, go to www.PreferredCommercialAlliance.com or call (239) 234-1792 of The Oaks will have access to all amenities and Park Florida campus.

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Page 6

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

MARCH 2020

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida

Get the timing for your next real estate transaction right Every commercial real estate transaction has an ideal timeframe to begin the process. Most healthcare professionals understand that starting a new office or relocating an office doesn’t happen overnight, but the majority of professionals are not aware of the ideal timeframes for each type of transaction. Different types of problems arise when starting a transaction too early or too late, and both need to be avoided.

Too Early If you start the process too early, it creates a scenario where you spend valuable time looking at properties and evaluating options, working with lenders and other members of your team, only to find out the landlords or sellers won’t negotiate with you yet. Many landlords and sellers won’t take their spaces off the market for extended periods of time while waiting for the tenant or buyer to be ready to transact, because there is too much time before the transaction actually takes place.

Or if they do negotiate, they won’t be willing to offer you close to their best terms since they are going to lose income on holding a space vacant for an extended period of time. On the other hand, if they put forth reasonable terms predicated upon you moving forward immediately, it can leave you stuck paying for a space you can’t occupy for a period of time or paying unnecessary rent on your former space if you leave early.

Too Late When starting a transaction too late, a new set of problems arise. To start, most people underestimate how long a commercial lease or purchase transaction takes.

Simply identifying the top options and then negotiating a mutually agreeable deal can take several months.

FL Tombstone adsJM.pdf 2 2/4/20 2:06 PM The legal11006 process of reviewing contracts and finalizing details with lenders, architects, contractors and equip-

ment and technology providers comes next; this portion can also take months.

This is followed by the build out process if renovations are required.

While you can build out a new space in six to 10 weeks depending on the size and scope of the project, you first have to design the space, get construction documents and engineered plans created, then submit for and receive permits to start. AfBY JARED ter construction, you need to leave VANDERSLUIS time for installing furniture, fixGuest Columnist tures, equipment and technology, final permitting and approvals, while also leaving room for uncontrollable delays.

If you are relocating from a previous office and you don’t vacate your former space prior to the lease expiring, you’ll likely pay between 125 to 200% of your last month’s rent based on a provision found in most leases called “Holdover.” This allows the landlord to charge you a higher month-to-month lease rate as a penalty for not vacating or signing a new lease.

Just Right Fortunately, there is an ideal timeframe to start each type of transaction and you don’t have to choose between the lesser of two mistakes. You can set yourself up for success by understanding the requirements of each type of transaction and how long each process takes. Let’s start with the correct timing for the primary types of transactions Healthcare Professionals will engage in: • Start-up or new office: 10-12 months in advance • Relocation: 10-12 monthsPagein14advance

Lake Michigan Credit Union Commercial Banking announces the following loans:

• Purchasing an existing building or condo: 10-12 months in advance • Buying land to develop a new building: 18-24 months in advance • Buying a practice and getting a new lease or purchasing the building: 60-90 days in advance Getting the best possible deal and terms is extremely important, but so is making sure you don’t waste valuable time that could have been spent in your practice.

If you lose the equivalent of 20 to 30 hours of your time—which is what an average commercial real estate transaction requires to be handled properly—how much money would that cost you in lost production?

Equally as important as saving time and money is avoiding costly mistakes that people make all too often when they don’t understand the nuances of healthcare real estate.

The old adage, “if I knew then what I know now…” can easily be avoided by hiring licensed professionals that specialize in real estate for healthcare practices.

The reason patients come to see you is because you are trained in a specific skillset that offers skill and expertise that they require and that few people have. The same is true for real estate professionals that can help you identify your top options, negotiate the most favorable terms, save you a substantial amount of time, and avoid common pitfalls.

The first step to maximizing any commercial real estate transaction: Start the process at the right time.

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. JULY 2017 Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

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MARCH 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 7

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida

CGU Homes launches brand evolution Island Storage Suites sells out phase two

CGU Homes is starting a new decade with a brand vation projects in Bonita Bay, Port Royal and The Allan Development Group is now accepting resevolution. It includes new residential construction and Moorings as well as another new custom home. The ervations for phase three of Island Storage Suites— remodeling projects, a growing team, and a compre- residential sector of the nine-year-old company is also customizable, temperature and humidity-controlled hensive website featuring testimonials and a never- preparing for project starts in April and May with man caves—located on Old South Way in Fort Mybefore-seen image gallery of its most outstanding multiple custom home and renovation clients from ers.

Phase two sold out of 48 units in a record 18 projects to date.

Park Shore to Bonita Bay as well as a new custom months.

Phase three is currently under construction.

With custom, new construction and remodeled home project in Delray Beach.

Pricing for the man caves starts at $200,000s. residences and condominiums throughout various “With the evolution of CGU Homes has come The man caves offer two floor plans as well as seSouthwest Florida communities and neighborhoods, the ability to take on more projects, and we know we cure, discreet, climate-controlled, garage-style storCGU Homes recently finished six extensive remodel- have the talent, resources and relationships to exceed age suites to preserve and enjoy one’s most prized ing projects and two new custom home builds. expectations for each one,” said Jon Lawrence, vice possessions.

Two of the renovation projects were in the Wind- president/partner.

Island Storage Suites feature individual utility sor at Bay Colony in Naples—one of which was a In addition to Lawrence—who has over two deA look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida connections, 125-amp electric, Cat-5 wiring-cable, complete interior renovation of an 8,550-square-foot cades of experience in high-end building in Naples— stubbed-out plumbing for optional restroom, shower penthouse. Three others were private Bonita Springs CGU Homes employs Owner/Director of Operations and mezzanine as well as wall LED strip lighting residences in the community of Bonita Bay. They in- Mike Ludington and Director of Technical Services cluded a complete interior and exterior renovation to Rowland Hand, with a combined 70-plus years in and oversized ceiling fans. a 4,000- square-foot home; an interior renovation to a the industry. Most recently, CGU Homes hired Barcondominium with new ceiling details and built-ins; bie Kellam as director of marketing and sales as well and a kitchen renovation—opening up the space to as Mike Gargiulo as senior estimator — with a comthe living area, updating finishes and adding a butler’s bined 33-plus years of experience. In addition, CGU pantry. Last, but not least, was an extensive exterior Homes is currently hiring new team members. renovation—pool, pool deck, hardscape and land“With the start of a new decade, CGU Homes Commercial Banker scape—of a private Port Royal residence in Naples. is taking clients’ visions and personal styles to new SBA/USDA Specialist The new custom home builds included a heights, evolving its reputation via continued relation9,217-square-foot waterfront property in Royal ships and the establishment of new ones,” Lawrence Harbor with architect Falconer Jones as well as a said. “We take great pride in creating enjoyable ex1,000-square-foot guest home on an existing property periences for our clients and embrace their recomtom@sbaworks.com in Livingston Woods. mendations to further build our portfolio and grow the Contact Tom to learn CGU Homes is currently working on new reno- team that makes that portfolio possible.”

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TOM PEPITONE Broker/CAM

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Page 8

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

MARCH 2020

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida

Commons at Westport makes its mark in Port Charlotte Momentum is building for the former “Murdock Village” after its recent sale from Westport Fund to Kolter Land Development. The 452-acres at State Road 776 (El Jobean Road) and O’Donnell Boulevard near U.S. 41 in Port Charlotte will soon be recognized as “Westport.”

The 42-acre commercial and multi-family component at the entrance of State Road 776 will be named as “Commons at Westport.” Area residents (and investors) have long expressed the need for multi-family, so plans for a 300-unit apartment complex are underway. Additionally, the Commons at Westport is entitled for: 200,000 square feet of commercial development and a 150-room hotel.

“It will very soon supply an extension of O’Donnell Boulevard to connect U.S. 41 to 776,” said LandQwest Associate and outparcel specialist Brett Low. “This will create convenient access through the community for residential and commercial uses alike.”

Low is exclusively selected to market the 42-acres of commercial frontage for sale along El Jobean Road.

With the influx of incoming residences, and location across from the Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training facility, this dynamic project can accommodate a number of commercial concepts including grocery, retail, financial, medical, storage and more.

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EHC set to widen Burnt Store Road EHC, Inc., a construction company that provides pre-construction, earthwork and infrastructure services, is working with Wright Construction to widen Burnt Store Road to four lanes for Charlotte County. In addition, EHC completed three projects in Naples, including Baker Park, Springs at Hammock Cove and Naples Square Phase 3, during the fourth quarter of 2019.

Per Charlotte County government, the Burnt Store Road project includes design, permitting, utility coordination and construction to widen the remaining portion of Burnt Store Road to a four-lane roadway from a point near Notre Dame Boulevard to a point north of Zemel Road. Design includes utility improvements, sidewalks and bicycle facilities.

EHC is providing excavation and embankment services to build up the new roadway widening, such as 14 new stormwater ponds along the ROW of the expanded roadway. The site construction company’s scope also includes 32,000 square yards of 8-inch Type B Stabilization at the new sidewalk, 223,000 square yards of 12-inch Type B Stabilization at the new roadway, and over 165,000 square yards of Optional Base Groups 10 and 4 at the new widening and shoulder.

Baker Park EHC worked with Manhattan Construction Group for the City of Naples to create Baker Park located on the Gordon River. The site construction company provided clearing, earthwork, finish grading, parking lots, concrete and brick paver driveways for the approximately 16-acre project. Baker Park consists of formal and events lawns with a performance stage, a playground, walkways, docks, gardens, an overlook and picnic areas.

Springs at Hammock Cove Kaufman Lynn contracted EHC to develop Springs at Hammock Cove, a new 34-acre apartment community featuring 14 two-story buildings

EHC worked with Manhattan Construction Group for the City of Naples to create Baker Park located on the Gordon River. with a total of 340 apartments. Located at the corner of Thomasson Drive and Tamiami Trail, the community offers an amenity center, pool, two pet playgrounds, and a beautiful lake as well as four parking garages and two parking lots plus bike racks. EHC provided lake excavation, erosion control, clearing, parking lots, subgrade base, asphalt, striping, traffic signs, concrete curbs and sidewalks, underground storm drainage, sanitary sewer, water and fire and final grade for the multimillion-dollar project.

Naples Square Phase 3 Naples Square is an enclave of luxury residences within walking distance of the downtown district’s attractions. The Ronto Group engaged EHC for earthwork, grading, underground storm retention, water, sewer, fire lines and storm drainage, pervious pavers, concrete curbing and finish grading for the Phase III building. EHC developed Phase I and II for Naples Square.

For more than 29 years, EHC has completed hundreds of construction projects in excess of hundreds of millions of dollars for a vast number of municipalities, developers, builders, owners and general contractors. The site construction prides itself on a reputation of fostering long-lasting relationships and providing valuable services with a professional, reliable and qualified team.

Dennis Hernandez & Associates taps into SWFL Dennis Hernandez & Associates purchased a 9,600-square-foot freestanding office building on Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers from TSA Realty Partners for $1 million.

A Tampa-based personal injury firm, Dennis Hernandez & Associates has eyes on expanding into the area. The Fort Myers office with be its sixth in Florida, joining satellite offices in St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Orlando and Lakeland.

“We are excited to bring Dennis Hernandez to its first regional branch,” said LandQwest Associate

Artem Nashman. “Many service-oriented businesses have their eyes on Southwest Florida due to its record population growth and booming economy, and they should have great success here.”

Adam Palmer and Nashman, of LandQwest Commercial, represented both the buyer and seller.

“For the past two years we have been trying to find the best place that is suitable for us,” said Hernandez. “The visibility along Colonial and central Fort Myers location, coupled with its courthouse proximity, made this a space a slam-dunk for us.”

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MARCH 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 9

ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH

Beautiful Health opens in Naples with a mission Caroline Thonon recently opened a wellness concept boutique as the result of her own personal journey to find all-natural products for the skin and home that are safe and free of toxic chemicals.

Through her new shop and personal journey, she hopes to change the way we view the health of our skin. Beautiful Health is offering natural alternatives that will help individuals live a healthier lifestyle. ​According to Thonon, most mainstream body care products contain a cocktail of carcinogenic chemicals, allergens and irritants. The disparity in standards between the E.U. and U.S. has grown to the extent it touches almost every element of most Americans’ lives. In cosmetics alone, the E.U. has banned or restricted more than 1,400 chemicals while the U.S. has outlawed or curbed just 11.

Several years ago, Thonon encountered a harmful chemical commonly found in skincare and became ill experiencing harmful side effects. In her research for better skincare options, she found natural products to prevent and address her illness.

“Your skin is your largest organ and it only takes 26 seconds for products to enter your organs,“ said Thonon. “I don’t want anyone to go through what I did. Chemicals are in everything we touch and use today; we need to be aware and use healthier products for all ages.”

A study published in the American Journal of

Public Health investigated the skin’s absorption rates of chemicals; it showed that the skin absorbed an average of 64% of total contaminants. Other studies found the face to be several times more permeable than broad body surfaces and an absorption rate of 100% for underarms and genitalia.

“It’s easier than you think to find healthier options for your beauty, skincare and household cleaning,” said Thonon. “You just have to be aware and educate yourself. There are many sunscreen products that are non-toxic and easy to find and safe for the environment; there are beauty products that are all natural and safe to use; there are home cleaning products and tips that won’t harm your family or our pets—we just need to be aware and committed to taking care of our bodies and our environment.”

With over 18 years of experience in the wellness and beauty industry, Thonon is also a certified health coach and is excited to help educate and improve the lives of others through classes as well as the product lines that she has discovered.

Beautiful Health is an all-natural beauty and health shop, located on Tamiami Trail North in Naples, and offers a wide variety of clean natural skincare products as well as hair, nail and body care, along with natural home cleaning options.

Workshops and classes are also offered; for more information or for a workshop schedule, call (239) 241-5111 or please visit www.beautifulhealth.biz.

John Talmage, Christopher Spiro and Dan Eveloff

HORIZON PAGE 1 Theatre in Fort Myers. Christopher Spiro was introduced as the 2020 Horizon Council Chair, succeeding Dan Eveloff, now the 2020 Horizon Foundation President. Outgoing Horizon Foundation President Wayne Kirkwood was honored for his three terms as president. Founding Horizon Council members, past Horizon Council Chairs and Lee County Economic Development Director John Talmage were all recognized during the event for their service to Lee County.

The Horizon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization established as a fundraising vehicle enabling individuals and businesses to actively support the program of work of the Horizon Council and the Lee County Economic Development Office. For more information, visit www.leecountybusiness.com or call (239) 533-6800.

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Page 10

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

MARCH 2020

Resolve to add marketing dollars to your business plan A new year brings new opportunities to set resolutions or goals for your growing business. As you finalize your company’s strategic plan for 2020, set a goal to optimize your budget to get the most out of every dollar you spend. Likely, your plan already includes a marketing budget since you understand in order to make money you must spend some money on sales and marketing. With advances in online technology and the influence of social media in our daily lives, digital marketing should not be overlooked.

As a growing business, you have options when it comes to managing your marketing. You can hire someone internally to handle everything or you can hire an agency that has a dedicated team of experts in all areas of marketing that can develop and implement your strategic marketing plan. Which option makes the most sense financially? Let’s break it down for you.

If you hire an in-house full-time marketing per-

son you may be restricting your marketing potential and return on investment. Afterall, one person is limited by the experience and skillset they possess. Not to mention, you have to pay their salary, which can be $40,000-plus per year before benefits.

When you hire an agency, you are getting a full team of professionals to work on your company’s digital marketing, adBY CONNIE vertising, branding and public reRAMOS-WILLIAMS lations and has a wide variety of Guest Columnist experience and skillsets. Rather than a salary, an agency can set a monthly retainer to manage all aspects of your company’s marketing needs to give you peace of mind.

Going this route can decrease your out of pocket expenses for marketing significantly while increas-

ing your company’s visibility and earning potential.

Looking at your options, it is easy to see why many companies outsource marketing to an agency. In 2020, make a smart resolution and set goals that can save your company thousands of dollars in expenses while also increasing sales revenue and brand recognition. If it cost less than hiring one employee, why not hire one agency with a full team of graphic designers, copy writers, social media specialists and web developers to manage your marketing?

If your company seeks a valued marketing partner for support, give CONRIC PR & Marketing a call for a complimentary consultation at (239) 6909840.

Connie Ramos-Williams is the president and chief marketing officer at CONRIC PR & Marketing and founder of Southwest Florida Parent & Child magazine.

ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH Skin Center keeping up with its clients Florida Skin Center recently took its personalized patient care to the next level. Hello, Skin Health is an ongoing, first-of-its-kind campaign that allows providers to track critical diagnoses and customize outreach via video-linked messages.

Using an electronic health records program to track active guests’ individual medical outcomes based on their skin condition, Dr. Aurora Badia and her team send these text messages, sometimes in Spanish and Portuguese. Some may remind individuals to schedule an appointment with Florida Skin Center on a date dictated by their previously diagnosed pre-cancer, cancer, melanoma or serious rash.

Others may alert guests to follow treatment protocols or review new treatment options and clinical studies. Beyond that, messages may simply remind people about their next visit or their free skin check once per year, regardless of insurance.

The process for the text messages with private

video links from any of the providers and additional team members will continue as long as a guest remains in Florida Skin Center’s care. Dozens of other conditions and messages will be added to the campaign as it is expanded.

“This campaign benefits our guests who are interested in being proactive about their skin health, but may otherwise not have the time to follow up on their next appointment or know where to find the very latest information on their diagnoses,” Badia said. “In this way, Florida Skin Center could further help reduce serious conditions, bring about better medical outcomes and improved skin health quality, and lead the way for other medical specialists to communicate on a personal level with those they serve.”

For more information on Hello, Skin Health, call Florida Skin Center at (239) 561-3376 or visit www.floridaskincenter.com/hello-skin-health/.

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MARCH 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 11

ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH

Goldfish Swim School promotes water safety through instruction Goldfish Swim School of Bonita Springs later this month will open to the community with one mission: To help children stay safe in and around the water.

As a mother of three living in Southwest Florida, I know firsthand that every season is the right season to prepare a child to be safe around water.

And while other learn-to-swim facilities may exist across the region, Goldfish Swim School sets itself apart by following a scientifically-proven approach called The Science of SwimPlay.

Children enrolled at Goldfish Swim School learn by repetition and guided play in a safe and fun environment.

Our award-winning tropical environment and shiver-free 90-degree pool set the scene as children develop and master the life-saving skill of

AIRGLADES PAGE 1 Florida dramatically reshapes the efficient flow of perishable goods from Latin American producers to United States consumers. The U.S. is heavily reliant on imported perishables, and demand is expected to continue growing.

Of the total U.S. demand, most of it is fulfilled through importation, as indicated by Ford: 70% of the demand for flowers; 90% of the demand for fish/seafood; and 50% of the demand for fruit. Much of this demand is met by companies located in Latin America. The majority of these imported goods enter the U.S. through Miami.

The primary advantage that AIA offers is its proximity to these points of origin in Latin America for air cargo.

AIA is strategically located in South Florida, the hub of United States perishable air cargo, and will receive and send goods to all major Latin American cargo hubs.

Ford noted, “Business revenues that are considered ‘crumbs’ for the Miami airport mean money for us.”

Among the many values created by the development of the airport, perishable suppliers and importers benefit from a streamlined logistics chain, reducing cool chain disruptions. Cargo airlines benefit from shorter flight times, as well as reduced air traffic, waiting times and schedule unpredictability. Importers benefit from affordable labor costs and AIA land lease rates, and ample availability of nearby land for warehouses and distribution centers. Wholesalers/retailers benefit from the resulting longer product shelf life and reduced waste.

swimming. Our certified swimming instructors focus on the serious skills under development while the families focus on the fun. Lessons are perpetual so swimming skills stay strong and improve all year long.

Beyond teaching the lifesaving skill of swimming, the curriculum at Goldfish Swim School supports a child’s deBY BRIDGET velopment outside of the pool.

DAVIS Children work to accomplish Guest Columnist new skills and are celebrated for their hard work, all adding up to more courage and self-esteem.

As for local economic impact, the number of jobs provided by AIA moves from 124 jobs currently to 1,700 jobs anticipated in 2022. These include direct and indirect jobs created from activities related to the airport.

The groundbreaking is planned for March 2. Ford noted that AIA will be completed by the end of 2022. He also shared that currently 70% of flower importers currently using the Miami airport are signed up to begin using AIA at that time. According to Ford, next steps include: 1) executing the purchase and sales agreement with Hendry County, 2) arranging financing for construction of the airport, and 3) getting construction underway by the end of 2020: two construction companies are currently signed to build the terminal and surrounding complex.

AIA manages the current Airglades General Aviation airport and supported Hendry County in completing the AIPP application. AvPORTS (AFCO AvPORTS Management LLC) is an experienced full-service airport manager and operator across the U.S. and owned by West Street Infrastructure Partners III, a family of infrastructure investment funds managed by the Merchant Banking Division of The Goldman Sachs Group. Star America Infrastructure Partners is an independent U.S.-headquartered developer and manager of primarily green-field infrastructure assets. Star America’s track record includes infrastructure assets valued at approximately $5 billion.

Star America’s mission is to become the preferred partner in rebuilding America’s infrastructure.

Ford closed by saying, “We’re doing everything we can to keep the money local.”

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For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com With small classes and flexible class times and free make-up lessons, Goldfish Swim School was developed by parents for parents. We’ve taken everything that science says is the ideal way for kids to learn—guided play, fun, safe environments and achievements—and packaged it up into one unique experience. Goldfish Swim School of Bonita Springs is committed to teaching children four months to 12 years old how to be safe in and around the water.

Bridget Davis is the owner of Goldfish Swim School of Bonita Springs located on Trade Center Drive. Contact her at (239) 312-5612.

Beck acquires Modern Services Beck Companies acquired Modern Services, a home service contractor with locations in Fort Myers and Venice. Established in 1965, Modern Services specializes in air-conditioning, plumbing, electrical repair and service, and serves nine counties along Florida’s Gulf Coast, including Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota and Manatee. Modern Services, formerly an Elliott-Lewis Company, will operate under its existing name as a division of Beck Companies.

Headquartered in Fort Myers, with a satellite office in LaBelle, Beck Companies specializes in commercial and residential construction, airconditioning and heating, plumbing, electrical, roofing and real estate ser-

vices. Founded in 2003, the company has served clients throughout Hendry, Glades, Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Highlands and DeSoto counties. With the increase of 40 trucks on the road, this acquisition complements Beck Companies’ portfolio offering and aligns with the company’s long-term growth strategy as well as allows both companies to better serve customers.

“We are pleased to have Modern Services as part of the Beck team,” said Derek Beck, owner of Beck Companies. “The addition of this talented group of professionals allows us to provide enhanced services and reinforces our commitment to better serve our customers throughout Southwest Florida and beyond.”

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Page 12

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

MARCH 2020

ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH PCA creates long-term relationships between business professionals

By Doug Oliver Guest Columnist The Preferred Commercial Alliance of Southwest Florida is a team of local professionals working together to serve all of your business needs. When it comes to doing business, it is essential to create strong and longterm relationships with business professionals you can trust. The PCA is an alliance of local businesses ready to help your business grow and succeed.

From real estate acquisition to printing, advertising and payroll, Preferred Commercial Alliance of Southwest Florida offers every service your company could

need, regardless of your time in business. An array of services offered by PCA can be categorized into Commercial Building Services, Tech and Digital Services, Professional Services and Commercial Advertising.

Industry specialists work together on your projects and goals creating a seamless process from start to finish. The PCA is committed to the growth and success of your business. Our members work together through a structured and creative environment committed to exceeding expectations with the purpose of: • Connecting you with the people, information, and resources you need.

• Assisting you with building, improving, and strengthening your business.

• Working together – making it easier for you to get your project completed.

• Giving back to the community.

• Learning and growing from one another.

• One call, or click, and you can access every company you need to grow and succeed!

Doug Oliver is president of Compass Construction and member of PCA. Contact PCA at (239) 234-1792 or visit www.PreferredCommercialAlliance.com.

ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH

Make communication a business asset

DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP Over $200 Million in Private Development Breaking Ground by 2021

April 28, 2020 8-11:30AM Grace Church 13 SE 21st Place, Cape Coral, FL 3399

• Presentations from Current Pine Island Road Developers • Highlights on the Corridor Zoning Opportunities • Developments Breaking Ground in 2020 • Development Opportunities – Less than 250 Acres Available

For more information, please visit CapeCoral.net/EDO or contact the Cape Coral Economic Development marketing representative Madelon Miuccio via email at MMiuccio@capecoral.net or (941) 769-3718

Speak Up Consulting & Coaching CEO Breanne Winter holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in communication, with certifications in neuro-linguistic programming and guest services, and 12+ years experience in public speaking, professional presence and cultivating business skills. Contact her at (239) 980-3851 or email her at Info@SpeakUpCC.com.

316203-1

PINE ISLAND ROAD, CAPE CORAL FLORIDA

At Speak Up Consulting & Coaching, we shine a spotlight on communication. Our passion is helping professionals discover and enhance their presentation abilities. We are excited to be entering into our third year in business this April, providing workshops, coaching and training programs for employees and executives in the areas of public speaking, nonverbal behavior,

BY BREANNE professionalism, WINTER sales, customer serGuest Columnist vice and leadership.

Over the past couple years, we’ve grown exponentially and continue to create new programming.

One such program is our brand new Public Speaking Academy, launching on Wednesday, April 22. Throughout this 12-week intensive, participants will have the opportunity to practice their skills while learning techniques for overcoming speaking anxiety, how to craft dynamic speeches, deliver with confidence, even how to read and adapt to an audience in the moment. A big thank you to our room sponsor, Lutgert College of Business at FGCU! For more information and to register, visit our website: www.SpeakUpCC.com.

This is a program that CEO Breanne Winter, has envisioned since starting the company, and is a wonderful way to celebrate our anniversary. It is a dream to create, and is paving the way for better communication overall.

Many people say public speaking is one of their greatest obstacles in business— now they have a chance to turn it into one of their greatest assets!

Knowledge and skill development are attributes that no one can ever take away and that only enhance your ability to do your job. Helping professionals advance their careers through the right training is why this business was started. Speak Up Consulting & Coaching is looking to the future – a future of communication champions.