October 2018 Southwest Florida Business Today

Celebrating 10 Years

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Workforce needs proper education Local Hodges University proposes certification program

By Karen Moore Publisher, SWFBT

Commercial Real Estate

A comprehensive 8-page pullout section that is a quarterly SWFL Commercial Real Estate market overview.

IN THE NEWS 8 SWFL businesses finalists for ‘Companies to Watch’ award

Tickets are on sale now for the 8th annual Florida Companies to Watch at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa. The event takes place Feb. 9, when GrowFL will award 50 growing second-stage companies headquartered in Florida.

Several Southwest Florida companies were named finalists, including: ArgoTrak (Naples); AXI International (Fort Myers); Benseron Hospitality (Naples); D3 Glass (Fort Myers); Galaxy America (Port Charlotte); Integrity Employment Leasing (Punta Gorda); Oasis Senior Advisors (Bonita Springs); and Vectra Digital (Fort Myers).

Companies to Watch was developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation as a way to recognize and honor second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace with innovative strategies and processes, making them “worth watching.”

Flood-mitigation agreement reached to help flow ways

Lee County Commissioners is expected on Oct. 2 to approve an interlocal agreement with the South Florida Water Management District for the county and district to join forces on floodmitigation efforts.

Specifically, the agreement would have the district take over management and maintenance of 10 natural flow ways and waterbodies.

The upcoming work after the Board adopted the agreement Sept.

18 would begin on the Orange River in east Lee County, Mullock Creek in south Fort Myers and Oak Creek in Bonita.

FLOOD See page 2

More than 100 business and community members on Aug. 24 attended the Horizon Council General Membership Meeting at Florida SouthWestern State College. This month’s topic was workforce training and development in Southwest Florida.

Tessa LeSage, director of Social Innovation & Sustainability for the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, began the discussion with an overview of the FutureMakers Co-

alition initiative. The Coalition was formed in March 2015 and is committed to transforming the Southwest Florida workforce by increasing the number of degrees, certifications and other high quality credentials by 37 to 55 percent by 2025. The regional initiative in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties comprises educators, workforce developers, business leaders, economic development professionals, government officials, residents and students dedicated to finding solutions.

In 2013, the Workforce Immersion

Report was released and used as the baseline for the Coalition’s follow-up testing phase. Included in the report findings was what skills employers are looking for in employees. These include someone who: 1) can answer phone calls professionally, 2) gets to work on time, 3) can organize computer files, and 4) knows what teamwork means.

LeSage explained, “The pilot programming testing phase worked like this. We (the coalition), used the data collected in 2013 to set up pilot programs to create mini teams that

WORK See page 18

CELEBRATING BUSINESS

Photos by Bob Szanto TLC Marketing & Creative Services was named the 2018 Small Business of the Year. Owner Trish Leonard is pictured holding the award with Cheryl Oldham, Scott Hennells and Bill Daubmann.

Bonita Chamber names TLC Small Business of Year

Stickboy Creative, represented by founders Reema Bhatia and Matt Bernhardt, was a finalist for the Small Business of the Year award.

A sense of community and volunteerism was celebrated at the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Awards Celebration Luncheon, which featured two speakers from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The 18th Annual Small Business of the Year and 42nd Annual Bonita Springs Citizen of the Year awards were presented along with several Bonita Chamber awards.

TLC Marketing & Creative Services was named the 2018 Small Business of the Year. Led by owner Trish Leonard, TLC has been in business for almost 10 years, and has given more than 1,000 hours of Discount on Parking Private Parties Exclusive Gifts Merchandise Discount Presale on other Events

community service in the past year alone. TLC also supports both local college students and female entrepreneurs through Florida Gulf Coast University scholarships. The Bonita Springs Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Mark Suwyn, head of the Bonita Springs YMCA Advisory Board and longtime community volunteer.

“I am so thankful and humbled by this award,” said Leonard. “We were up against some great businesses who have done a lot in the community, but my team and I are incredibly grateful for this award.”

BUY ANY 18/19 TICKET PACK & GET A $20 FORD’S GIFT CARD & ‘BLADES T-SHIRT Valid on any new voucher, select or full package purchase.

CHAMBER See page 19

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

OCTOBER 2018

SALUTE TO ENTREPRENEURS

Brand imaging more than a catchy name or logo Got a superior product or service? Check.

Got a solid business plan? Check.

So where’s your brand?

Since the 1950s—the era of the Mad Men who gave birth to the modern concept of branding for products by Procter & Gamble, General Foods and Unilever, brands still around today—the days of simply building a better mousetrap and waiting for the world to beat a path to your door have faded as surely as Betamax did in the 1980s.

What it takes to compete in an ever-more complex global marketplace is a marketable brand, a term borrowed from the Wild West days of the cattle ranchers. Like then, it marks with a unique image what is yours, but now it also sells your product or service—or at least it’s supposed to.

That’s where “brand identity” comes in. The product or service you’ve come up with and the plan you sweat over to make money with it are steps 1 and 2 of any successful business venture. But as the marketplace has demonstrated time and again, you likely aren’t going anywhere without a brand and brand image that sells.

So what is this amorphous-sounding thing called brand identity?

Back in the day, when just “hanging a shingle” announced to the world that you were in business, it was a sign, a logo or, at its simplest, a name.

Now, as the term implies, it is the very identity of what your fledgling company is.

“It’s the perception that a conBY C. ROBERT sumer has when they hear or think BROWN of your company name, service or Guest Columnist product,” says Laura Lake in The Balance, an online personal finances news site.

“That being said, the word ‘brand’ or ‘branding’ is a moving target and evolves with the behavior of consumers. I think of it as the mental picture of who you as a company represent to consumers. It’s influenced by the elements, words and creativity that surround it.”

Lake says a good brand should do five things: Clearly deliver your message, confirm your credibility, emotionally connect your prospects with your product or service, motivate the buyer and create user loyalty.

How do you do that? Lake suggests asking your brand these rhetorical questions: Who are you? Why do you exist? Will my prospects relate to you, like you, buy you and tell others about you?

The elements of a good brand include advertising know-how, professional design work and creative writing, and many a business has profited from seeking professional help. It will be startup money well spent.

Your brand gets only one chance to make a marketable and lasting first impression.

C. Robert Brown, founder and principal of TWANG Design Studio in Fort Myers, provides branding, brand management, graphic design and illustration for businesses. Contact him at (239) 770-8662 or Robert@TwangStudio.com.

Pelican Wire completes acquisition of Watlow product line Pelican Wire completed the purchase of a portion of the SERV-RITE insulated thermocouple manufacturing business from Watlow Electric. The agreement, which includes machinery, design and manufacturing process information and customer account data, specifically effects the High Temperature Ceramic & Vitreous Silica constructions.

“I’m excited to work with our longtime partner, Watlow Electric, to provide their customers continued superior service for these high-temperature

thermocouple products,” said Pelican Wire President Ted Bill. “This is a great example of Pelican Wire’s ongoing commitment to the Thermocouple Wire industry.”

Watlow’s Chief System Designer Randy Brown stated: “This is a very natural transition for both companies.

Watlow and Pelican Wire have a long history of cooperation to ensure customers can leverage the core capabilities of both to get the best solution.”

Pelican Wire began quoting and accepting orders on wire designs in Sep-

tember and will begin manufacturing operations on or before Oct. 15.

Since Pelican Wire already produces these wire constructions, Watlow customers can expect a seamless transition and continued access to a talented and experienced team of Design and Production Engineers on every project.

Current Pelican Wire customers may benefit from the additional capacity, both at the Naples location and at sister company Rubadue Wire in Loveland, Colo.

FLOOD PAGE 1 Work would resemble what the district did on the Imperial River following Hurricane Irma.

The agreement provides for future work on Bedman Creek, Hickey Creek, Daughtrey Creek, the Estero River (including the North and South branches), Halfway Creek, Spring Creek, the Imperial River, Leitner Creek and Kehl Canal.

Additionally, the commission has $3 million allocated in FY1819 budget for flood remediation.

Global Eco-Entrepreneurs Enjoy Ease and Affordability in Cape Coral

WooBamboo! launched in Cape Coral in 2013 and its eco-friendly oral care products are now being sold in 14,000 stores across 30 countries.

Its bamboo toothbrushes, biodegradable tooth floss and all-natural toothpaste are made in China, Italy and New York. The company oversees the shipment of 70,000 to 80,000 oral care products each month—but it’s a snap because orders are tracked electronically in real time. Products for the U.S. market are shipped to the company’s Cape Coral warehouse for distribution. “This is our world headquarters,” says Chief Operating Officer Steve Hyde. “We distribute around the country and world from here.”

Cape Coral is the headquarters for businesses fueled by logistics because it’s a costeffective location. WooBamboo! joins a diverse range of industries that have expanded their reach by choosing the largest city in Southwest Florida as their operations base.

Find out more about relocating or expanding in Cape Coral. Contact us today.

(239) 574-0444 (833) CAPEEDO ecodev@capecoral.net bizcapecoral.com

OCTOBER 2018

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

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SALUTE TO ENTREPRENEURS

Making excuses lethal for many entrepreneurs “Stop making excuses.”

Many of us heard that from parents growing up. Children often were spanked or put in timeout for making excuses and teenagers endured a loss of privileges.

But in the business world, the consequences for making excuses can be much more lethal.

“Entrepreneurs who make excuses are not the kind of leaders who inspire others to follow them into the unknown,” said Peter J. Strauss, a captive insurance manager and author of the book The Business Owner’s Definitive Guide to Captive Insurance Companies (www.peterjstrauss.com).

“Making excuses can be deadly to any business, but especially to new businesses trying to capture new territory.”

For some people, making excuses becomes a way of life, he says, but beating that addiction can be an indicator of future success.

“Freeing yourself from excuses is incredibly liberating and a driver in success,” Strauss said. “When we don’t get

the job done, or the deal falls through, we start searching for all the outside forces that conspired against us.

Especially in a larger organization, shifting blame seems like a painless, simple process. We blame John and he can blame Jane and, in the end, nobody is to blame, right? Wrong.”’

Entrepreneurs must have maturity and motivation to accept responsibility for their actions, whether they

BY PETER J. produce success or failure, he says.

STRAUSS Accepting responsibility for a failure Guest Columnist may not be easy, but it impacts an entrepreneur’s sphere of influence more than most realize.

Strauss offers remedies for entrepreneurs who may wonder if they make too many excuses in their businesses.

• Set the example. Your employees will know if you are making excuses and so will your customers. They are

watching how you handle situations more than you realize.

• Protect your personal reputation. Many entrepreneurs start their businesses with the help of family and friends.

For most small business people, their personal reputation is inextricably tied to their company’s reputation. If you are known as a person who makes a lot of excuses, many people will not want to do business with you.

• Take time to reflect. You should be willing to conduct self and team examinations to learn from your failures.

“Regardless of what business an entrepreneur is in,” Strauss says, “it’s important that when wins and losses come the entrepreneur should be the first to accept blame, and the last to accept credit.”

Peter J. Strauss, founder and managing member of The Strauss Law Firm founder and CEO of Hamilton Captive Management, is an attorney, captive insurance manager and author. Contact him at (843) 681-4190 or info@thestrausslawfirm.com.

Bonita Bay Club hosting 2019 USTA women’s tennis tournament Bonita Bay Club has been selected to host a $100,000 United States Tennis Association Women’s Professional Circuit tennis tournament, scheduled for May 6 through 12.

The USTA Pro Circuit is the pathway to the U.S. Open and tour-level competition for aspiring tennis players. Players ranked from 30 to 60 in the world according to the USTA will compete in the 2019 tournament at Bonita Bay Club, one of only two of its level in the country and the first in Southwest Florida.

The USTA tournament is one of three major tennis events Bonita Bay Club is hosting this upcoming season. The Club will also host a collegiate open tournament with Florida Gulf Coast University Friday, Oct. 26 through Sunday, Oct. 28. The 38th Annual

Naples-Ft. Myers Challenge will also return to Bonita Bay Club Saturday, Nov. 10.

“One of our goals in hosting these three events is to raise the level of tennis in our region,” said committee chair Peter Janson, adding the organization estimates 1,000 spectators to attend the USTA tournament each day. “It is an honor for Bonita Bay Club to host the future stars of women’s tennis.”

Bonita Bay Club’s Director of Sports and USTA Master Professional Paula Scheb said another goal of the events is to help support New Horizons of Southwest Florida.

“New Horizons’ mission of empowering at-risk youth to reach their full potential through tutoring, mentoring and faith-building really resonates with

our club members—many of whom have volunteered there regularly for years,” said Scheb.

Bonita Bay Club’s tournament committee is coordinating event sponsorships and planning a full schedule of activities, including a gala and silent auction and a golf tournament to support the event.

For information about sponsorship opportunities, call (239) 949-5039.

The USTA Pro Circuit was formed in 1979 to provide players with the opportunity to gain the professional ranking points they need to compete on the major pro tours. It has since grown into the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world, consisting of approximately 90 tournaments and offering nearly $3 million in prize money.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

OCTOBER 2018

Aubuchon named interim chair for insurance board Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis appointed Cape Coral business leader Gary Aubuchon as the interim chairman for the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation’s Board of Governors Chairman following the resignation of Chris Gardner.

“To ensure that there is a smooth transition and there is not a gap in leadership as we enter the peak of the 2018 Hurricane Season, I will be ap-

pointing Gary Aubuchon as Interim Chairman,” Patronis said. “Gary’s time on the Board, and deep experience with insurance issues makes him a great choice to take the helm.”

Aubuchon is president of the of the Aubuchon Team of Companies and a former member of the state House of Representatives.

Patronis praised Gardner upon his departure from the board. “Chris has been a tremendous asset to Citizens

Property Insurance Corporation and Florida insurance consumers. The work he and the Board have done over the last several years helped change Citizens for the better,” Patronis said.

“His skills and expertise, including understanding the concerns and bringing the perspective of insurance agents to the table, were invaluable.

On behalf of all Floridians, I want to thank Chris for his service to our state, and leadership as chairman.”

SALUTE TO ENTREPRENEURS

Hardship prepares for future challenges I was born and raised in Naples. I grew up in poverty in River Park Project apartments. Because of my mother’s addiction to crack-heroin, my grandmother gained custody of my siblings and me. Conclusively, we lived on bare necessities. This period in my life deemed extremely difficult because of my mother’s repeated prison admittances.

As the result of an unstable home, my attendance at Naples High School was hollowing and displacing due to the absence of my parents in my life. As I continued attending, I faced an unspeakable challenge of being a single teen mom at the age of 15. In this connection, faculty encouraged me to obtain a GED education. The school secretary overheard these distractions but helped me find a tutor so I could receive my diploma. With her supporting me, I gained the courage to accept full responsibility of concentrating on avenues that would provide for me and my child. I repeatedly worked two jobs and saved to purchase my first vehicle before I had a license to drive.

Fast forward to today, I am grateful for life’s challenges. As a result, every uncontrollable circumstance has inspired the char-

acter needed to start and endure the growth of Reliable Permitting. As days working from the trunk of my Nissan Altima turned into months, Reliable Permitting is now established in a thriving five-room office building. Because of my focus through strenuous adversity, I now thrive as an entrepreneur and auspicious business owner in the construction industry. The twists and turns have now enabled me to share hope and vision to youth and teens who lack

BY SHALONDA WASHINGTON direction and stability. In fact, with uphill work and dedication, I have earned my Guest Columnist business slogan: “The Permit Process is Effortless with the Permit Queen on Your Team.”

Shalonda Washington is the owner of Reliable Permitting and has been in operation since 1995 serving Southwest Florida.

Contact her at (239) 200-9596.

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SALUTE TO ENTREPRENEURS

Streamline your business meetings

The saying goes, “time is money.”

In today’s fast-paced business climate, professionals are looking for ways to streamline their meeting times to be more productive and profitable.

Sadly, most meetings are a huge waste of time because they are thinly veiled by people who seek to “pick your brain,” pitch their product/service

BY ERICA to you, or worse, CASTNER get the scoop on Guest Columnist your LinkedIn connections.

Now, if a meeting request is in fact an official business meeting to learn if your product of service is a good fit for them, most people will be pretty direct about “setting up a consultation appointment.” For any type of meeting requests, you will want to have a game plan or a system to filter your meeting requests, cut down on meeting commute time and be clear about the meeting expectations. Today, I have some helpful tips on how you can streamline your meeting times.

First, get a calendar scheduler account. One of the biggest “time wasters” with meetings is actually setting up the meeting in the first place.

Here are a few examples to check out: Calendly, ScheduleOnce and AcuityScheduling.

Second, most meetings or “getting to know you better” chats can be done via phone or video conference. Cut down your driving time by checking out these low-cost or free software conference call options: Zoom, Skype or Free Conference Call.

Third, when you are conducting virtual meetings, it is important to know how you will respond to all meeting requests you receive. Script this out. After you set up the meeting, be sure to share important details like: the number or access code to your conference call line or phone number, your meeting agenda, or any other detail relevant to your meeting.

Next, once you have connected with all parties for your meeting, it’s important to set some expectations at the beginning. For example, say something like, “Hey, before we get started, I wanted to confirm I’ve budgeted xx minutes for our call today. Does that still work in your time frame?”

Last, if there is anything you have to follow-up on, let all meeting participants know when you plan to follow-up. Make sure your follow-up is completed within 24 to 48 hours.

Another bonus tip: Do not be in a rush to get EVERYTHING accomplished during one meeting. Hopefully, you will have plenty of opportunity to share and explore as you build your professional partnerships.

Erica Castner has helped business owners and service providers improve their communication skills to find, connect and convert their ideal clients. Contact her at erica@thequeenofresults.com and visit www.thequeenofresults.com.

OCTOBER 2018

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 5

Four reasons why what you don’t know about IT can hurt you

By Mona Hilton Guest Columnist Most business owners and managers wear far too many hats. We try to juggle HR, sales and operations... and then toss our computer IT in the mix. It’s all about priorities and saving money—I get it.

But oftentimes in our effort to be efficient and smart, we unknowingly open ourselves up to potential problems.

Here’s a few reasons why what you don’t know about computer IT could actually be hurting your company.

Mistakes cost money. Unless you’re a trained IT engineer, you’re probably guessing (or Googling) the right way to set up and support your computer systems. But as with your accounting or legal contracts, mistakes cost money. Rather than buy the wrong hardware or configure your IT incorrectly, it’s best to leave some things to professionals. That way, you can rest easy knowing your network is properly and efficiently humming along.

Security. The last thing you want to do is open your organization up to security holes or potential breaches.

If you’re not experienced with IT, an innocent misstep could be absolutely catastrophic in the form of loss, fines or business damage. In this age of the dark web, you cannot afford to have a security breach. Don’t make me tell you horror stories.

Don’t trust “a guy.” In today’s world, I would venture to say your computer IT is the most important single factor in your business. Without it, you can’t access your accounting, sales, operations or even communicate. Do you dare put your entire business in the hands of “a guy” without getting a second opinion?

I dare say not.

Your time is worth money. While you’re fiddling around trying to figure out how to deal with computer issues and give remote access to users, you could be doing more valuable things, like growing business or making important decisions about the future of the company.

Energy Efficiency industry employs 2.25 million Energy efficiency added more new jobs than any other industry in the entire U.S. energy sector in 2017, and now employs nearly 2.25 million American, including 112,000 in Florida, according to a new jobs analysis from E4TheFuture and the national, nonpartisan business group E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs). The new report, Energy Efficiency Jobs in America 2018, finds energy efficiency workers now outnumber elementary and middle school teachers, and are nearly double the number of Americans who work in law enforcement.

“This good news buoys us beyond politics to unite a focus on the positive,” said Steve Cowell, president of E4TheFuture. “We have long known that energy efficiency is a major source of jobs, and by conservative estimates, about one in every hundred U.S. adults now works in energy efficiency. Efficiency is also a key strategy for meeting multiple policy objectives. It saves money, improves health, lowers carbon emissions and creates local jobs that cannot be outsourced.”

The report highlights energy efficiency’s growing economic importance. Efficiency added 67,000 net jobs in 2017, making it the fastest-growing job category in the energy sector. Energy efficiency employs twice as many workers as all fossil fuel industries combined. Efficiency workers now account for 35 percent of all U.S. energy jobs.

“We all know energy efficiency creates

savings for consumers and businesses with every month’s electric bill,” said Bob Keefe, executive director of E2. “We also now know that energy efficiency creates jobs—millions of them—all across America. These are goodpaying jobs at your neighborhood construction company, upgrading windows and installing insulation; at your hometown HVAC contractor, installing heat pumps and highefficiency air conditioners; at your local factory, manufacturing Energy Star appliances and LED lighting systems; and at thousands of related companies nationwide.”

Among the states, California leads energyefficiency employment with 310,000 jobs, followed by Texas (154,000), New York (117,000), Florida (112,000) and Illinois (87,000). Seventeen states now employ more than 50,000 workers and the 25 states with the most energy efficiency sector jobs all now employ over 30,000 workers (1.9 million total). Only four states saw a decline in energy efficiency employment in 2017.

With workers in 99.7 percent of U.S. counties, energy efficiency has become a nationwide job engine integral to state and local economic growth. More than 300,000 energy efficiency jobs are located in America’s rural areas, and 900,000 jobs are found in the nation’s top 25 metro areas. One out of every six U.S. construction workers are involved in energy efficiency, as are more than 315,000 manufacturing jobs, according to the report.

Bonita Bay Club’s director of sports speaks at USPTA conference Bonita Bay Club’s Director of Sports Paula Scheb was honored as a featured speaker at the United States Professional Tennis Association Teachers Conference in New York, held in conjunction with the US Open.

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Scheb was also a presenter at this year’s USPTA Florida Conference and the 2017 USPTA World Conference in Orlando. A USPTA Master Professional and graduate of University of Florida, Scheb regularly speaks on leadership.

Unless you are an Information Technology Service Provider yourself, chances are your time will be much better spent marketing your products and/or services, establishing relationships with your clients, providing exceptional customer service and just otherwise growing your business, so why not outsource to an external IT department who specializes in business?

How do you know when it’s time to get IT help?

If the information technology demands are affecting your day and negatively impacting your actual business related activities, or if you’re adding new employees, computers, remote technologies, it’s definitely time to consider finding an IT resource.

Contact Genesis Global Technologies. We’re IT specialists, engineers and developers who serve as the IT department for companies throughout SW Florida since 1994. And we’re committed to your success, too.

Mona Hilton is the founder and CEO of Genesis Global Technologies. Contact her at monah@genesisgt.com

Stevens to keynote Blue Chip Award event

Dave Stevens, motivational speaker, has been selected as the keynote speaker for the 24th Annual Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community luncheon.

Stevens was born with two flipper-like appendages where his legs should be and to a 15-year-old biological mother. At age 2, after being adopted as an infant, the Shriners provided Stevens with artificial legs, kickstarting his journey and love of sports. Fast forward, Stevens became a record-setting three-sport athlete in high school and college, playing football, baseball and wrestling. He also played football for Team USA despite having no legs. In 1996, Stevens made professional sports history, signing a three-week minor league contract with the St. Paul Saints and becoming one of the few players to ever pinch hit for Darryl Strawberry. Now, as a highly sought after professional motivational speaker who shares his inspirational story with audiences worldwide, Stevens proves physical limitations don’t have to limit your dreams or reality and that you can overcome any obstacle and live your “impossible” dream.

Following his accomplished athletic career, Stevens worked at ESPN for more than 20 years as the assignment desk manager, then as a coverage editor. He has had to opportunity to cover 14 Super Bowls, three World Series, three NCAA Final Fours and various other sporting events. Stevens is an ambassador athlete for the Dave Clark Foundation, which hosts baseball clinics for disabled children nationwide and co-hosts a Celebrity Amputee Golf tournament yearly in Orlando.

He is also a five-year member of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team, playing as Quarterback and Defensive Lineman. Last year, Stevens began co-authoring his autobiography with Karen Holt.

The event will take place on Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa and will recognize small business owners in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties who have overcome adversity to achieve success.

For information on the Blue Chip luncheon or to submit an application, please contact Stacey Mercado at (239) 433-7189 or SMercado@mcgriffinsurance.com.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

OCTOBER 2018

GUEST COMMENTARY

Game Changers: Major developments in Charlotte County

By Kenna Hubai Guest Columnist

In the past year, Charlotte County has been blessed with several monumental events in economic development. With the College of Aviation at Western Michigan University signing a deal to create a Florida footprint here, we can project exponential improvements in workforce quality. That’s because the College—one of the top three aviation schools in the U.S.—currently awards degrees in pilot training with future plans for degrees in aviation maintenance technology.

Aviation mechanics are highly valued in a wide range of industries, particularly manufacturing, and that will make Charlotte County a more attractive and strategic destination for

relocating and expanding companies.

The presence of the College will help drive growth in Charlotte County’s expanding cluster of aviation-related companies, along with the expansion of Interstate Airport Park, the county’s largest business park.

In May, Gov. Rick Scott announced Charlotte County will receive an $800,000 grant from the Florida Job Growth Fund. Charlotte County is one of only six entities to receive this grant from a pool of over 250 applicants. The funds will provide critical water line infrastructure to help complete the $8 million Piper Road Extension Project, designed to drive growth near Punta Gorda Interstate Airport Park. In addition to a beautiful new entrance on Piper Road North, this project will create approximately 100 acres of prime

industrial zoned property with an estimated 500,000 square feet of tax base—and most importantly, over 1,400 projected new jobs for the local economy. In July, there was another big win in workforce development as Florida SouthWestern State College and Cheney Brothers were awarded a $524,000 grant from the Florida Economic Development Office. The grant will support on-site employee training.

Sunseeker Resort is the gamechanging news that will be most visible to the people of Charlotte County. This spectacular project on Charlotte Harbor near the U.S. 41 bridges represents an $800 million investment from Allegiant Travel Company. The resort will feature 958 harborfront units, a 537-room resort, Florida’s longest swimming

pool (a whopping 1,000 feet), 15 unique bars, restaurants and cafes, and a mile-long boardwalk for the public to enjoy. Here are some impressive facts about the economic impact of Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte County over the next 10 years: • Nearly $150 million in salaries • Nearly $750 million in taxable sales • Over $250 million in new, nonresidential taxable property • $39 million in net benefits for Charlotte County • $36 million in benefits for Charlotte County schools Kenna Hubai is the executive assistant to the director for the Charlotte County Economic Development Office. Contact her at (941) 764-4941 or kenna.hubai@charlottecountyfl.gov.

SALUTE TO ENTREPRENEURS

Eight-Foot Brewing focusing on alternative beer styles Eight-Foot Brewing in Cape Coral opened on July 28 to debut its handcrafted brews at the new establishment on Southeast 16th Place, owned by husband and wife Roger and Alex Phelps.

Roger Phelps said Eight-Foot Brewing will initially be open each Saturday, 1 to 10 p.m. “We will be offering many different styles. We have a smaller system, which allows us to produce a smaller amount of a greater variety as opposed to large quantities,” he said.

The Phelps will focus on crafting unique beers through a barrel-aged, mixed-fermentation program. The brewery will produce typical beer styles through “clean fermentation” and also produce atypical beer through a barrel-aged program, which includes mixed-fermentation. One of the Phelps’ goals is educating staff and patrons about the history of the craft through guided tastings, brewing classes and more. “The more you think about the beer, you tend to develop an appreciation for it,” he added.

Part of its mission is also to showcase local musicians and visual artists, create a quality brew, and provide a comfortable community space where patrons can go to relax. “A lot of people have described it as cozy,” he said. “We’re not going to have a bunch of TVs and sports.”

Phelps has been studying brewing for 11 years, and the couple worked more than three years to launch their establishment, named in honor of the octopus and featured in the brewery’s décor.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 7

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

Will Florida’s next boom happen in rural lands?

Special to SWFBT Jacob Ogles, Editor

While commerce and development in Florida largely clings to the coastlines, untapped opportunity calls in expansive lands east of Interstate-75. The Real Estate Investment Society held its most recent symposium at Florida Gulf Coast University on “Rural Land Development in Southwest Florida,” where developers, real estate agents and government leaders explored what rapid change could mean.

“We need farms and fresh produce, so we don’t want to see all the land developed, but growth is very necessary for these areas and counties to survive,” said Bev Larson, 2018 president of REIS. “We want to bring in commercial services, and not just those limited

to medical. We need a variety. Growth equals more jobs for local residents.”

Hendry County Commissioner Michael Swindle noted cattle outnumber cars and people in the largely agrarian county. That will change as a privatization of the Airglades Airport in Clewiston occurs. That has potential to create 2,000 new jobs in just a couple years.

“We know diversity is on our horizon,” he said. That will require rapid improvement in infrastructure, whether that’s affordable housing or schools for incoming families. But there’s largely a blank slate for planners and a climate that welcomes economic growth. Hendry may have no beaches, he said, but it also charges no impact fees.

That stands in contrast to how rural areas of Lee and Collier counties grow.

Developments of regional impact must

include commitments for environmental preservation. Such rural stewardship programs came from years of dialogue with planners and residents.

“Some of the first meetings on the stewardship program, I had a one-yearold with me,” says Mitch Hutchcraft, vice president of real estate for King Ranch and Consolidated Citrus. “That daughter is now in college.”

But developers on their own also come up with projects that interact in kind with the land, according to Tony Cameratta of Cameratta Companies, the firm behind The Preserve at Corkscrew, Corkscrew Shores and The Place at Corkscrew. He explained how clustered developments helped restore natural flow-ways for land while also finding a high-value use for property along the Corkscrew Road Corridor.

Kristine Smale of John Burns Real Estate Consulting noted that throughout Florida, development has moved toward rural lands, where developers can draft major plans rather than trying to fit projects into existing landscapes, as happens with in-fill. It’s apparent in new communities south of Orlando, and locally in places like Babcock Ranch and Ave Maria.

There’s still experiments. Brian Goguen, chief operating officer for Barron Collier Companies, noted despite national trends toward urban town centers, at Ave Maria developers learned there’s still demand for traditional neighborhood houses in masterplanned communities. “The market will dictate that,” he said. “It tells you if you want more single-family or if it wants denser products.”

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE

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OCTOBER 2018

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 9

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

Amazon effect ripples through economy

Florida Skin Center opened six specially-designed suites in the Mohs surgical center of its new Punta Gorda location

Florida Skin Center opens first Punta Gorda location

Florida Skin Center opened six specially-designed suites in the Mohs surgical center of its new Punta Gorda location on East Olympia Avenue.

These second-floor suites are dedicated exclusively to Mohs micrographically-controlled surgery, which is used to treat skin cancer through the removal and microscopic examination of tissue margins.

The two-story, 7,000-square-foot Punta Gorda office opened in May and is Florida Skin Center’s fourth location. Dr. Chetan Vedvyas is the director of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology and collaborated with Florida Skin Center on the design and layout of these specialty suites.

He synthesized his Harvard Medical School training, Mohs surgical fellowship and experience as a Mohs surgeon to help Florida Skin Center develop suites that maximize patient comfort.

The suites, which are reserved for patients in the same week as their scheduled consultation, range in size from 132 to 196 square feet. They include all necessary medical equip-

ment and feature reclining chairs for companions, along with a refrigerator with cold beverages, freezer, microwave and complimentary hot lunch and snack items. Mohs surgical patients, who typically spend two to three hours in these suites, have the option of listening to music or watching their favorite Netflix and Hulu shows on a high-definition television.

“It was my mission to help Florida Skin Center create an environment conducive to pain-free surgery and maximal comfort. Empathy with the patient’s experience guides us in our facility and process design, from the art we hang on the walls to the fact that our patients—whom we refer to as our guests—stay in their rooms for the whole procedure,” said Vedvyas. “The result is private suites that raise the standard for the dermatology industry here in Charlotte County and beyond.”

The building and all suites within have been newly renovated with a spa-like feel and decorated with highend finishes throughout, matching the décor of Florida Skin Center’s three other Southwest Florida locations.

It is no secret, the “Amazon” effect is creating quite a stir in the industrial distribution sector throughout the United States. Click, click, and a package from a retailer shows up at your front door, within hours in some areas. This has been devastating to traditional retail, and quite a boost to the distribution market. What is happening in Southwest Florida in terms of industrial space? Do we have enough space for the growing distribution sector, and are we keeping up with the need for smaller flex spaces with the boom in residential construction?

A snapshot of the 2Q industrial/flex metrics with vacancy rates of 0.5 percent (Charlotte), 1.1 percent (Collier) and 2.6 percent (Lee) would lead you to a conclusion that there’s not enough space in the industrial market. For the most part, this is true. We are significantly lacking in traditional flex space under 10,000 square feet in all three markets of Southwest Florida. However, will 2019 be a different story for the Lee County market? At the time of this writing, there is 564,197 square feet of warehouse space under construction (primarily in four projects), and 219,565 square feet of flex space under construction (primarily in two projects): As shown above, there is 479,547 square feet of space under construction and not pre-leased. Sounds

ominous, however, considering an absorption of 360,597 square feet in 2017. We should be able to absorb this space within 1 to 1 ½ years. The new construction will impact vacancy

BY GERALD but is not expectHENDRY ed to be drastic.

Guest Columnist Albeit, we all need to keep a close eye on overbuilding namely in the warehouse sector.

The flex market, even with new construction, is in need of supply. A review of the warehouse/flex deals 2018 YTD indicate that 69 percent of demand is for units under 10,000 square feet, and only 31 percent for units over 10,000 square feet.

Interestingly, 76 percent of the new warehouse construction is for units that are 10,000 square feet or greater. Developers are willing to risk vacancy rather than spend money to build out smaller units and try to obtain higher rents.

As we move into 2019, Lee County will continue to demand smaller flex space as residential construction INDUSTRY See page 13

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

OCTOBER 2018

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

Choose the right commercial professional for you BEV LARSON, CCIM

FRED KERMANI, CCIM, AIA

Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties

Larson has over 39 years of diversified experience in the SWFL market. She is a Certified International Property Specialist and is the 2018 Florida CCIM Chapter Southwest District President.

LAHAINA REALTY 239-281-1290 bev1314@aol.com

• • • • • •

COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT RETAIL OFFICE LAND-ACREAGE DEVELOPMENT

BOB WHITE, CCIM Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties Active Southwest Florida Commercial broker for over 25 years. Specializing in industrial, office and investment properties.

Past president SWFL CCIM and REIS.

BOB WHITE, INC. 239-850-2217

bob@bobwhiteinc.com

• • • •

INDUSTRIAL OFFICE LEASE OR SALE INVESTMENT

CCIM

If you are a CCIM-SWFL Chapter member, as a benefit, you are eligible to participate in this section.

Contact 2017 CCIM SWFL President Gerald Hendry for details at geraldh@mhsappraisal.com 2016 CCIM-SWFL President Ron Struthers says: “This ad got me listings. It works!”

ADAM PALMER, CCIM Fort Myers, Naples, Sarasota, Tampa & Orlando Principal & Managing Director LandQwest Commercial, President - Florida CCIM Chapter, 12-time CoStar Power Broker Award Winner

LANDQWEST COMMERCIAL

239-898-8686 adam@adampalmer.com www.adampalmer.com

• • • • •

OFFICE INVESTMENT LAND RETAIL INDUSTRIAL

MICHAEL J. FRYE, CCIM

Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties Recipient of the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame Award. Serving the SWFL market for over 30 years. We have 7 CCIMs to serve all our clients' needs.

RE/MAX REALTY GROUP 239-281-0441 mfrye@ccim.net www.michaeljfrye.com

• • • •

OFFICE RETAIL INDUSTRIAL LAND

Southwest Florida Partner, licensed real estate broker and architect in Florida & California with 34 years of real estate and design experience.

Specializes in land marketing and investment properties.

Why use a CCIM?

There are countless benefits to working with a CCIM. Commercial real estate investment requires the counsel of a qualified professional.

A Certified Commercial Investment Member provides clients with the assurance that every decision will be made in the best interest of their investment objectives.

When assembling a commercial real estate investment team, start with a CCIM.

• LAND • INVESTMENT

CRE CONSULTANTS

239-659-4960 fred.kermani@creconsultants.com www.creconsultants.com/go/fredkermani

RON WELEBNY, CCIM

Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry & DeSoto Counties

Qualifying Broker / Managing Director Licensed Real Estate Instructor Director Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association Director, CCIM-SWFL District Past President Commercial Investment Professionals of Southwest Florida Past President SWFL Commercial Alliance Vice-Chair Laguna Estates CDD

CREDIBILITY

CCIM is the most prestigious designation commercial real estate professionals can achieve within the industry. Graduate-level education, coupled with industry-leading technology tools, practical proven experience, and in-depth knowledge of their local markets, gives CCIMs the ability and the credibility to conduct business confidently and successfully. By partnering with a CCIM, you effectively utilize the top-level, most reliable performers in the industry: with an average of 19 years of experience, 70% of CCIM members hold executive-level positions and 90% of members refer clients to other business services. When you use a CCIM, you choose the most credible professional in the business.

COMMERCIAL REALTY ASSOCIATES of SWFL 239-677-2381 Ron@CRA.us www.CRA.us

• • • •

Lee, Collier, Charlotte & Sarasota Counties

Senior Vice President and Senior Credit Officer. More than 30 years of commercial lending experience. CCIM Senior Instructor and 2018 SWFL CCIM District Treasurer.

MEASUREMENT

Overall, CCIM’s global network enables members to close thousands of transactions annually, representing more than $200 billion in value. But closing transactions is only part of what CCIMs can do. In addition to holding dealmaking occupations in every property sector, CCIMs are also found in’ leasing, asset management, development, lending, financing, property management, site selection and corporate real estate positions. So, whatever assistance your real estate project requires, a CCIM can help you achieve a better result. In fact, only 6 percent of all commercial real estate practitioners hold the elite CCIM designation, which reflects not only the caliber of the program, but why it is one of the most respected designations in the industry.

When you use a CCIM, you choose a professional who produces measurable results.

The CCIM designation is conferred by the Chicagobased CCIM Institute, a commercial real estate affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS. Learn more about the value of working with a CCIM.

• FINANCING OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

CHARLOTTE STATE BANK & TRUST

941-624-1916 mmize@csbtfl.com www.charlottestatebankandtrust.com

INTEGRITY

CCIM designees are bound to the strictest ethical guidelines and standards of practice in the industry today. In addition, each CCIM has successfully completed a graduate level program comprised of 160 hours of education. If you ask around the industry, you’ll learn that companies and other real estate professionals are more likely to seek out experts who possess the CCIM designation, as they know CCIM stands for trust, knowledge and reliability. When you use a CCIM, you choose experts with integrity.

BROKERS ANALYSTS ADVISORS CONSULTANTS

MARYANN MIZE, CCIM

COMMUNITY

Today there are CCIMs in every state, across Canada and Mexico, and in more than 30 countries around the world. Domestically, the network encompasses more than 1,000 markets, from large metropolitan areas to small cities and towns. A truly global network, CCIMs are a powerful force in markets large and small. When you use a CCIM, you choose a trusted community of real estate professionals that are consistently sought for their dependability, intelligence, success and confidence.

• GAS STATIONS • RESTAURANTS

STEVE GANT, CCIM, MAI Charlotte, Desoto, Lee & Sarasota Counties

Steve is a Charlotte County native and commercial real estate expert with 21 years of experience.

Local Knowledge.

Expert Qualifications.

RIVERSIDE REALTY SERVICES, LLC

• • • • •

941-628-2625 steve@riverside-services.com www.riversiderealtyservices.com

OFFICE RETAIL INDUSTRIAL LAND LEASING

RANDY KRISE, CCIM Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties Broker/owner of Krise Commercial Group and 2016 Florida CCIM Regional Vice President and Institute Board Member.

KRISE COMMERCIAL GROUP 239-633-8672 randy@krisecg.com www.krisecg.com

• • • • •

COMMERCIAL VACANT LAND INVESTMENT RETAIL INDUSTRIAL

OCTOBER 2018

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 11

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

Choose the right commercial professional for you CARLOS ACOSTA, CCIM

DAVE WALLACE, CCIM, SIOR

Southwest Florida Managing Principal/Qualifying Broker.

Specializing in acquisitions and disposition of retail, office, industrial, land and investment sales.

5-time CoStar Powerbroker.

• • • • •

CRES of SWFL 239-823-0115

cacosta@ccim.net www.cresswfl.com

RETAIL OFFICE INDUSTRIAL LAND INVESTMENT SALES & LEASING

GERALD HENDRY, MAI, CCIM State-Certified General Real Estate Appraiser RZ2245 The firm specializes in litigation/ expert testimony, as well as, commercial and residential appraisal services. Hendry is a Managing Partner of the firm.

2017 CCIM Florida Chapter Southwest District President.

MAXWELL, HENDRY & SIMMONS LLC

• • • • •

239-337-0555 geraldh@mhsappraisal.com www.mhsappraisal.com

APPRAISAL CONSULTING COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL TAX APPEALS

RON STRUTHERS, CCIM Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, North Port & Venice

Specializes in all facets of commercial brokerage and leasing in Charlotte County area. 2016 CCIM Florida Chapter Southwest District President: 2018 President-Elect

COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL NRT

• • • • •

941-769-3316 rstruthers@ccim.net www.commercialrealtyfl.com

INVESTMENT RETAIL OFFICE INDUSTRIAL LEASING

WILLIAM H. ROLLINS, JR., CCIM, ALC Lee, Collier, Charlotte, DeSoto & Hendry Counties Senior broker. He is licensed in Florida, Georgia and Alabama and is an Accredited Land Consultant.

LAND SOLUTIONS, INC. 239-633-1963 wrollins@landsolutions.net www.landsolutions.net

• AGRICULTURAL • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

HEATHER RIDEOUT, CCIM Southwest Florida Heather comes to the commercial real estate world with over 20 years experience in small business consulting, as a successful small business owner and as a real estate investor.

KW COMMERCIAL PEACE RIVER PARTNERS

• • • 941-979-1174 • Rideout@kwcommercial.com www.RideoutCommercialGroup.com •

HEALTHCARE HOSPITALITY INVESTMENT RETAIL OFFICE

Collier County

An office, industrial and investment property specialist with more than 30 years of commercial real estate experience in successfully assisting clients with acquisitions, dispositions and leasing.

Why use a CCIM?

There are countless benefits to working with a CCIM. Commercial real estate investment requires the counsel of a qualified professional.

A Certified Commercial Investment Member provides clients with the assurance that every decision will be made in the best interest of their investment objectives.

When assembling a commercial real estate investment team, start with a CCIM.

Naples Office 239-649-7755 dave.wallace@creconsultants.com

Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties A partner with CRE Consultants and 15-year commercial real estate veteran, he specializes in the medical and professional office market.

CRE CONSULTANTS

239-994-3703 enn.luthringer@creconsultants.com www.creconsultants.com

Lee, Collier, Charlotte & Sarasota Counties SWFL CCIM Past President, Florida CCIM Membership Chair, CCIM International Committee.

Hablo Español.

The CCIM designation is conferred by the Chicagobased CCIM Institute, a commercial real estate affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS. Learn more about the value of working with a CCIM.

INVESTMENT RETAIL OFFICE INDUSTRIAL

239-265-2628 theresa@ccim.net www.sperrycga.com

DEBRA JOHNSON SHUEY, RPA, CP, CCIM

CCIM designees are bound to the strictest ethical guidelines and standards of practice in the industry today. In addition, each CCIM has successfully completed a graduate level program comprised of 160 hours of education. If you ask around the industry, you’ll learn that companies and other real estate professionals are more likely to seek out experts who possess the CCIM designation, as they know CCIM stands for trust, knowledge and reliability. When you use a CCIM, you choose experts with integrity.

Overall, CCIM’s global network enables members to close thousands of transactions annually, representing more than $200 billion in value. But closing transactions is only part of what CCIMs can do. In addition to holding dealmaking occupations in every property sector, CCIMs are also found in’ leasing, asset management, development, lending, financing, property management, site selection and corporate real estate positions. So, whatever assistance your real estate project requires, a CCIM can help you achieve a better result. In fact, only 6 percent of all commercial real estate practitioners hold the elite CCIM designation, which reflects not only the caliber of the program, but why it is one of the most respected designations in the industry.

When you use a CCIM, you choose a professional who produces measurable results.

• • • •

SPERRY COMMERCIAL GLOBAL AFFILIATES

INTEGRITY

MEASUREMENT

• COMMERCIAL • OFFICE • INVESTMENT

THERESA BLAUCH-MITCHELL, CCIM

COMMUNITY

Today there are CCIMs in every state, across Canada and Mexico, and in more than 30 countries around the world. Domestically, the network encompasses more than 1,000 markets, from large metropolitan areas to small cities and towns. A truly global network, CCIMs are a powerful force in markets large and small. When you use a CCIM, you choose a trusted community of real estate professionals that are consistently sought for their dependability, intelligence, success and confidence.

OFFICE INDUSTRIAL SALES & LEASES INVESTMENT

ENN LUTHRINGER, CCIM

CREDIBILITY

CCIM is the most prestigious designation commercial real estate professionals can achieve within the industry. Graduate-level education, coupled with industry-leading technology tools, practical proven experience, and in-depth knowledge of their local markets, gives CCIMs the ability and the credibility to conduct business confidently and successfully. By partnering with a CCIM, you effectively utilize the top-level, most reliable performers in the industry: with an average of 19 years of experience, 70% of CCIM members hold executive-level positions and 90% of members refer clients to other business services. When you use a CCIM, you choose the most credible professional in the business.

• • • •

CRE CONSULTANTS

Collier, Lee, Charlotte & Hendry

Started in Commercial Real Estate in 1980. She is a Certified Paralegal. A Lee County resident since 1968, she has astute knowledge of the Southwest Florida market.

MILOFF AUBUCHON REALTY GROUP

239-850-2811 debrajohnsonshuey@icloud.com www.debrajohnsonshuey.com

• • • • • •

RETAIL HOSPITALITY OFFICE INDUSTRIAL LAND LEASING

ERIC DEYOUNG, CCIM Southwest Florida Vice President of Commercial Lending with more than 12 years experience. Graduate of University of Florida, MBA at FGCU. Active volunteer and community leader.

CHARLOTTE STATE BANK & TRUST

• FINANCING • COMMERCIAL

941-223-3179 edeyoung@csbtfl.com www.charlottestatebankandtrust.com

Page 12

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

OCTOBER 2018

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

SALUTE TO ENTREPRENEURS

Drive and mindset of entrepreneurs not easily defined en.tre.pre.neur, noun: a person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so.

I have always had the mind of an entrepreneur.

Beginning with pop bottle collecting at 5 years old to paper routes at 11 then to my first incorporated business at 26, I have always worked for myself.

I guess you can take out the four years I worked for Uncle Sam in the U.S. Air Force and the nine months I worked at McDonald’s when I was 15.

Otherwise, I have pretty much worked for myself since I was 26. Forty straight years of crabbing to myself about my “boss” has been rewarding.

Most people want the security of a steady paycheck because they cannot take the pressure that entrepreneurship constantly offers. Believe me, I never have the luxury of just forgetting the whole deal and going to do other things. My wife, who is very understanding, says I can never go on a trip or vacation and just put the telephone or computer down. It is not as if I don’t want to forget it some days. But as a commercial real estate broker who does larger deals with high net worth clients, they

do not want to hear anything but “yes sir.” I had to fly home from a CCIM Course test once. It meant that I had to skip the final exam at the end of the course and make arrangements to sit for the exam at my local board of Realtors two weeks later. My deal was falling apart; only I could hold it together. The payday was $240,000 that I had worked months to

BY RANDY close. “Whatever it takes,” is the KRISE entrepreneur’s mantra.

Guest Columnist You hear businesspersons say they have made it, lost it and made it again. Why would people keep trying after going broke? It is because once you have successfully worked for yourself, you are ruined as an employee! Luckily for me, my first business was a success. I was able to build a small childcare chain. With that money, I became a real estate investor and real estate broker.

I will tell you that 2008 to 2012 was a trying time for most entrepreneurs. If you could hold on then,

the recovery made most of your money back. But who do you turn to when the banks aren’t lending, the property values are falling like a boulder over Niagara Falls and your cash is draining? Talk about pressure. When conditions like this manifest, an entrepreneur has to change the method of their operation and find a new way to make deals that equate to money for your operations. It was not a fun time but it was a character-building time. I went to work everyday when many would just throw their hands up and fret.

If you ask me, being an entrepreneur is the greatest joy of my professional life. I get to set my own schedule. I can take off as long as I am covered and available to communicate with clients and employees. I am not chained to a desk and I make above average money. Life is good. I recommend this course of equity in your life’s direction, but the pressures are real! See you at the TOP! Randy Krise, CCIM, is the broker/owner of Krise Commercial Group in Fort Myers. Contact him at randy@krisecg.com or (239) 633-8672.

‘Disruptors’ benefit commercial real estate

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DISRUPTOR: “A disruptor is someone or something which makes a significant impact in a given industry within a short period of time.”

Disruptors come in the form of innovation, improved efficiencies and new opportunity—and often displace existing products, platforms and business methodologies. More often than not, disruptors stem from new, entrepreneurial entrants to a market, rather than heightened innovation from existing market players.

This entrepreneurial trend is not surprising when you take into account that according to a recent Forbes report, “Small businesses account for 99.9 percent of all businesses in America. They employ almost 60 million people and created 1.9 million net new jobs in 2017... And for the first time in a decade, economic optimism is running at an all-time high.”

In fact, the National Federation of Independent Businesses Small Business Optimism Index soared to 108.8 in August, a new record in the survey’s 45-year history, topping the July 1983 high water mark of 108. The record-breaking figure is driven by small business owners executing on the plans they’ve put in place due to dramatic changes in the nation’s economic policy.

Disrupters are trending across all industries, and commercial real estate certainly has its share.

Data Mining – In today’s business, nearly all industry competitors have access to the same data, and copious amounts of it for sure. The real strength lies in enhanced data mining platforms, and more importantly, an arsenal of newly-trained talent who can masterfully execute the critical task of developing powerful business conclusions and subsequent laser-targeted marketing strategies based on predictive indexes.

Autonomous Cars\Ridesharing (UBER/ LYFT etc.) – As individual car ownership declines and more businesspeople opt for ridesharing platforms, large and small cities alike

will begin to see a shift in the dynamic of how commercial assets utilize their existing parking allocations. Look for substantial initiatives for repurposing of parking lots and large-scale parking garages as the entire framework for parking may soon be turned upside down.

3D Technology– Advances

BY DAVID L. in 3D manufacturing technoloWALLACE gy and popularity have spiked Guest Columnist over recent years, and as this segment gained traction, one major disruptor for commercial real estate has been the impact to industrial and manufacturing space. Developments stemming from smaller, more efficient footprints, to deviations in equipment size, weight and noise level have altered previous perceptions of invasiveness across the manufacturing sector and subsequently, added versatility both from a functional and geographic standpoint to a sector which has seen little transformation for decades.

The trend of significant entrepreneurial growth across the country will, along with these “disrupters,” provide new and exciting opportunities for commercial real estate professionals.

Those professionals that get out in front of these trends and position themselves to take advantage of these disrupters will, no doubt, be greatly rewarded for their creative, intuitive ability to adapt and create new transactions.

These disruptors could be good or bad, depending on how you EMBRACE AND ADJUST to them.

David L. Wallace, CCIM, is an office and investment specialist with CRE Consultants. Contact him at dave.wallace@creconsultants.com or (239) 659-1447, ext. 218.

Contact Larry Steinborn,

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

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OCTOBER 2018

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 13

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

Animal Shelter to finish phase one this year The Cape Coral Animal Shelter with the City of Cape Coral, LAI Construction Management, Koogler Homes, Clary’s Site Work & Developments, Guymann Construction and Maastricht Engineering met recently on the site of the future shelter.

The first phase is expected to be complete within one year. The facility will have an intake area with dog and cat kennel housing, a reception and adoption center, medical, animal grooming and feeding areas, play yard, laundry space and retail sales.

The shelter began as an idea in 2013 when Cape Coral business owner JoAnn Elardo spoke with City Manager John Szerlag about the city

The first phase of the Cape Coral Animal Shelter building is expected to be complete within one year. not having one. She asked if the city would provide land if the community showed interest. Szerlag supported the idea.

Elardo and Jacque Miloff agreed to establish the Cape Coral Animal Shelter and continue with this project.

A board of directors was formed.

continues to flourish. New warehouse construction with units greater than 10,000 square feet will be very competitive for property owners between the four projects listed above. Although new space is being added at what feels like a rapid pace, developers are moving forward with a phased approach (building by building) of filling a building with tenants before constructing the next, which should keep the overbuilding in check.

Gerald Hendry is a State-Certified General Real Estate Appraiser with Maxwell, Hendry & Simmons in Fort Myers. Call (239) 337-0555 or email geraldh@mhsappraisal.com.

Best Commercial Lot Values in Southwest Florida

CCIM Institute honors Mize for service

Maryann Mize, senior vice presiCommittees. As a sedent and senior credit officer at Charnior instructor, she lotte State Bank & Trust, was among earned the Institute’s 16 CCIM instructors recently honored Rising Star Award for by the CCIM Institute for their years receiving top ratings of distinguished service. Mize and from her students. other dedicated instructors have taken In addition, Mize thousands of candidates through the chaired the Institute’s CCIM designation program, a deep Ward Center for Real dive into investment real estate from Mize Estate Studies and every perspective—developer, inveshas participated as a tor, owner and tenant—which can be moderator and presenter at the CCIM immediately applied in the field. national conferences. She also serves Mize earned CCIM (Certified as treasurer of the CCIM Southwest Commercial Investment Member) Florida District. designation in 2006 and became a “One of CCIM’s most valued recertified CCIM instructor in 2008. sources is its instructors, who bring a She was appointed a CCIM senior wealth of knowledge as accomplished instructor in 2012, when she was in- commercial real estate professionals vited to serve on the CCIM Institute’s in their own right,” said CCIM InstiEducation Marketing and Faculty tute President David P. Wilson.

INDUSTRY PAGE 9

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Just East of I-75. Many usage possibili�es, Over 150 �. Road Frontage on Duncan. Future land use is Commercial Corridor. These lots are being sold together, great opportunity for small Retail Center or a Large Storage Facility.

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2 parcels, one approximately .25 Acres, the other 2.7. Perfect for Small Motel, Hotel, close to Hwy 17 and I-75 exit. I-75 Interchange currently under construc�on eastern por�on of property, high visibility lot once completed.

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Page Page 14 14

Southwest Florida Florida BUSINESS BUSINESSTODAY TODAY Southwest

OCTOBER 2018 JULY 2017

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OCTOBER 2018

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 15

FGCU announces agribusiness center, plans for minor Florida Gulf Coast University’s Lutgert College of Business is deepening its connection with agriculture through the creation of a new Center for Agribusiness and a proposed agribusiness minor.

The Center for Agribusiness will serve as a resource for the agriculture industry in Southwest Florida. It will track and distribute information regarding the economic impact and sustainability of agriculture. The Center will also offer educational programs focusing on supply chain management, finance, management and marketing within the industry.

“As a great regional university, FGCU is committed to connecting with and serving the leading sectors of Southwest Florida’s economy. Agribusiness certainly fits this criteria,” said FGCU President Mike Martin.

“We want every FGCU student who sees a career in agribusiness to have the opportunity to do so. And we want all FGCU students to appreciate the significance of agriculture and agribusiness to the region’s future.”

The proposed agribusiness minor is intended to provide students with the knowledge needed to support all the business functions across the agriculture industry. The minor could be offered as early as spring 2019.

“These programs will give the agriculture industry a resource to find finance, accounting or human resources graduates, for example, who not only have their core competency in business but also an understanding of agriculture,” said Shelton Weeks, chair of the department of economics & finance in the Lutgert College of Business.

The announcement of the new center and minor came Wednesday,

FGCU President Mike Martin (center) announced the new Center for Agribusiness at the Gulf Citrus Growers Association’s Citrus Celebration. (L-R) Shelton Weeks, Vivek Bhargava, Tim Allen, Ben Hill Griffin III, Mike Martin, W. Bernard “Bernie” Lester, Ron Hamel, Stuart Van Auken and Matthew Sheep.

Aug. 15, at the Gulf Citrus Growers Association’s Citrus Celebration in Alico Arena.

“The different companies that are actively engaged in agriculture in Southwest Florida need to have midlevel management training and some of the business skills—accounting, management, personnel—a lot of the things that go above and beyond growing the products and growing the crops,” said Ron Hamel, retiring executive vice president and general manager of the Gulf Citrus Growers Association. “Part of the role of the Center is to educate and help train students who want to have a future in agribusiness.”

Hamel, who will work with the university as an adviser on agribusiness, indicated the Center would also

provide educational opportunities beyond the traditional classroom. He believes “existing businesses need training for individuals who know how to grow crops but don’t have some of the business skills you need to be a good manager.”

The Center for Agribusiness named Fritz Roka as director. Roka joins FGCU after spending the last 23 years at the University of Florida. Since 2002, Roka has been an associate professor of agricultural economics. His new role will keep him in constant contact with the agribusiness and agriculture communities.

“With Dr. Roka as its director, the Center for Agribusiness is going to fill an important need for the Southwest Florida agribusiness community,” said Vivek Bhargava, associate dean of the

Lutgert College of Business in which the Center will be located. “Ever since the university opened, we’ve had support from the agribusiness community, and they have wanted something like this.”

The Center for Agribusiness is linked to the founding of Florida Gulf Coast University. In 1995, Alico, Inc., under the leadership of then-chairman Ben Hill Griffin III, donated $1.2 million for the creation of three chaired professorships known as the “Alico chairs.” The chairs were meant “to provide new strengths for the managers and executives who will lead this economy forward,” according to a 1999 proposal detailing the positions.

It was further noted that agribusiness would benefit from students who studied under these three chairs.

Griffin said the Center for Agribusiness is something he has wanted to see at FGCU. “When I was chairman of the board of Alico, we set up these three chairs to support agriculture,” Griffin said. “[I’m] just glad to see it’s taking growth and going to provide educational opportunities for these students.”

While two of the Alico chairs were named in honor of Griffin and his father, the third recognizes W. Bernard “Bernie” Lester. Lester served on the FGCU Board of Trustees from 200110 and is an FGCU Foundation Fellow. He sees the new center as a “real plus” for the community and the agriculture industry.

“The establishment by Dr. Martin of the agribusiness center and the rejuvenation of the three Alico chairs, is a good addition to the university as agribusiness is a major contributor to the region’s economy,” said Lester.

Lee County commissioners approve grant for revitalization project The Lee County Commission approved a $75,000 grant application as part of the North Fort Myers Revitalization Incentives program for a new façade project for Merchants Crossing shopping center in North Fort Myers.

The owner of the center RD Management plans a $300,000 capital investment in the center to: • Accent new entry elements, to create visual in-

terest in the tenant spaces.

• Enhancing and creating visual interest in the overall center by incorporating the coastal “Key West” exterior color palette.

• Adjust parapets to create a more varied roofline and better proportions for the building.

The work on the façade is expected to begin before the end of 2018.

Lee County Commissioners approved the North Fort Myers Revitalization Incentives program earlier this year. This is the first submitted grant application.

The program is intended to encourage private sector investment in sites and buildings that will encourage business retention, attraction, and expansion. The work must be completed and verified by the County before the funds are awarded.

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Page 16

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

SALUTE TO ENTREPRENEURS

A lesson in value: Add it!

As an Inspirational Speaker, one of the challenges I have faced as an entrepreneur just so happens not to fall under booking engagements, however it has been dropping the ‘r,’ so the engagement goes from “Free to Fee.” One of the best lessons I have learned deals with value. We must all learn that we have value and we must be willing to stand in our value.

When I first started speaking, I

BY JAMILLA D. attended an amazing Speaker ConBROOKS ference in CaliforGuest Columnist nia and learned how to “Add Value.” Simply put, to add value you have to show it. Break it out and break it down. You must show the hours you are spending on prep for the engagement, the research you are doing and the fact that you must also eat and live as well. Sometimes you can waive your fee if you choose, because the organization has added value to the engagement that may not be of monetary value, however you value it so then it works because value has been added that is suitable to everyone.

I know many people fear public speaking, so this message transcends and can be applied to any career because it is a universal principle; the best way to build a relationship and create a business partnership is to add value.

Everyone wants to be valued, so here is a quick lesson in value—Just Add It! Change your approach and seek out ways to add value.

Jamilla D. Brooks is an adjunct professor at Florida Gulf Coast University and the author of “Beautiful You Are!: Inspired Poems.” Contact her at j.denise.brooks@gmail.com.

OCTOBER 2018

SALUTE TO ENTREPRENEURS Bank of America’s strategy to fuel small businesses In an environment driven by technology, Bank of America has made it a priority to humanize banking and small business. Our Client Management Team has been successful at delivering all of Bank of America’s tools and resources while maintaining the feel of a small town bank.

This is accomplished by strategically placing small business consultants in select financial centers and providing business owners a point of contact for all of their financial needs.

The small business consultant’s approach is not to push his or her own agenda, but instead to understand the business owner’s unique needs and goals to provide a competitive advantage. It is our mission to be an adviser of capabilities and to provide often unanticipated solutions that help to better manage cash flow, bank with convenience, focus on employees and create ways to improve business.

There is an art and a science to this formula: the science is the collective intellectual capital of the Client Management Team; the art is the ability to connect the solutions and expertise of each person within the team with the needs of the individual business owner. Once the two components of the formula are connected, our priority is to then drive the relationship from a personal advisory and servicing capacity, giving the feel and attentiveness of a small-town bank.

We understand that small business owners often struggle with non-revenue generating tasks. By eliminating or streamlining those tasks, we can open the door for efforts to be better spent increasing the bottom line.

Beyond these repeatable routines, lending is the driving force in the growth of any company. A company bound by their cash on hand is quantifiably capped on their growth; conBY MICHAEL versely, leveraging lending solutions MORIN can fast track company expansion.

Guest Columnist The resources Bank of America offers are catered to accomplish a number of initiatives. This can include unsecured lending options, lines of credit, commercial real estate loans or equipment loans. These scratch the surface of how our vast product line ensures Bank of America’s lending options fits the client’s needs.

Michael Morin is the small business consultant at the Bell Tower Financial Center with more than a decade of professional experience in domestic and international markets. Contact him at (239) 313-4925 or mmorin@bankofamerica.com.

Learn how new tax law will affect your pocketbook

By Steve Moskowitz Guest Columnist As we approach the holiday season and the close of 2018, many business owners are turning their focus toward the impending end-of-year tax filing. While the tax preparation process may not be new for you, the tax code changes set into motion by the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017” (2017 TCJA) will most likely affect your outcome.

The tax law firm of Moskowitz wants to help you understand how to make the most of these changes and provide you with solid tax strategy that uses them to your benefit.

The 2017 TCJA will affect nearly every taxpayer, but business owners, in particular, stand to gain a great deal from the updated Internal Revenue Code Section 199A Qualified Business Income Deduction – as long as they know the correct steps to follow. Moskowitz helps business owners determine how they can benefit from the updated laws, as not all businesses qualify for the substantial 20-percent tax deduction. Sole proprietors, S Corporations, Limited Liability Corporations and other pass-through entities are most likely to benefit from the new law, but factors such as type of entity, income and industry affect just how much they stand to gain.

If you are in a specified trade or business that earns over the allowable threshold amount, Moskowitz is a reliable resource for finding effective strategies to avoid the phasing out of your benefits consistent with the newly published IRS regulations, such as: • Forming multiple entities by organizing the different functions of your work (billing, advertising, record keeping, etc.) into individual businesses, each of which qualify for the deduction; • Increasing the wages paid by your S Corporation to yourself and/or your qualifying spouse, reducing your flow-through income to maximize your deduction amount; • Making additional capital purchases for your business, such as equipment or real estate, which can act as an alternative to taking wages and quality for the new 100% bonus depreciation and/or new section 179 that both allow for deducting the entire purchase cost in the year of acquisition, as qualified.

Tax attorney Steve Moskowitz founded what would become Moskowitz over 30 years ago, offering domestic, international, civil and criminal tax law representation, tax planning, and tax return preparation of current and delinquent fillings. Learn more at www.MoskowitzLLP.com or (415) 394-7200.

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OCTOBER 2018

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 17

R&D tax credits available for more than scientific or medical fields Part 1 of 2 Many people think research and development tax credits are reserved for scientists, medical researchers and others wearing white lab coats.

In fact, many of the activities performed by contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry qualify, and that can translate into significant tax savings. With a better understanding of this opportunity, construction companies may be able to claim tax credits for research and development activities they may already be doing.

Tax credits reward innovation The research and development tax credit was originally enacted into law in 1981 to prompt companies to increase investments in developing new or improved products, processes, software, techniques and formulas in the United States.

Since its inception, the tax credit expired several times. However, in 2015, the Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes Act (PATH Act) made the credit a permanent part of the tax code and expanded its benefit for certain small businesses and startups.

When tax reform proposals started moving forward in late 2016 to early 2017, some in the tax community wondered if the R&D tax credit would be affected. When President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), select business tax provisions were modified or repealed, but the Section 41 research credit survived. This was a clear indication Congress wanted to reward companies that spend money to innovate.

Tax credit eligibility requires qualified research activity The R&D tax credit incentivizes a company that engages in certain research activities by reducing its after-tax research costs. Eligibility for the credit largely depends on whether the work a

company undertakes meets criteria established by the IRS in its four-part test: Qualified purpose (business component test): The purpose of the research must be to create a new or improved product or process, resulting in increased performance, function, reliability or quality.

Technological in nature

BY MATHEW (discovery test): The activity ABRAHAM undertaken relies on the prinGuest Columnist ciples of hard sciences, such as engineering, physics, chemistry, biology or computer science.

Elimination of uncertainty (Section 174 test): The activity seeks to eliminate technical uncertainty about the development or improvement of a product or process.

Process of experimentation: The activity seeks to eliminate or resolve a technical uncertainty, which involves an evaluation of alternative solutions or approaches and is performed through modeling, simulation, systematic trial and error or other methods.

If the activity meets all four parts, the company has qualified research activity and is one step closer to claiming the credit. The second step is identifying the costs to compute the credit. The credit is equal to a certain percentage of a company’s qualified research expenses (QRE) in excess of a base amount. Expenses that qualify include wages paid to an employee engaging in qualified research or engaging in the direct supervision or direct support of qualified research activities, supplies used or consumed during qualified activity and any expenses paid to third-party contractors who assist with the qualifying activity.

Activities that do not qualify for the credit in-

clude research conducted outside of the United States (or its possessions), research funded by another party, ordinary product testing, market research, and aesthetic or cosmetic design.

Which construction projects qualify?

Although identifying and documenting qualified research activities in the construction industry is generally more difficult than in traditional research-intensive industries, it can be well worth the effort for contractors that perform certain types of projects. But not all construction projects qualify, so it’s important to understand the qualification criteria to determine whether your company has enough activity to warrant further investigation. Some common research and development questions facing construction firms include: • What costs qualify for the credit?

• Does the company have design and engineering activities, which may qualify for the credit?

• Does the type of contract make a difference (e.g., cost-plus versus fixed-price)?

• What language in a contract can help qualify a project?

• What is funded research?

• How does one identify the party with the right to the research?

• If the entire project does not qualify for the credit, can a piece of the project qualify?

Unlike industries such as pharmaceuticals or aerospace, where substantially all of the activities in a research and development project are likely to be qualified research, not all construction projects qualify.

Mathew Abraham is principal at CLA Tampa, where he acts as the accounting firm’s East region Federal Tax Strategies practice leader.

Contact him at (813) 384-2741.

Planning to update your website?

Whether your business is run by a single person or employs several hundred, having a strong website is a “must,” not a “should,” for anyone looking to boost their business.

It’s not about having all of the latest bells and whistles. The very best websites are all about content and making it easy for potential or returning customers to find the information, service or product they need easily and quickly.

Easily and quickly are the key words. Which one of these websites is confusing and which one is clear?

Many companies offer to handle the technical mechanics of initial website set-up. WordPress is the most popular format, with tens of thousands of templates to choose from. But that’s NOT where to start.

The heavy lifting comes in the planning-figuring out the information that you want to share and anticipating what your customers will look for. As content developers, we see what works and what doesn’t. Here is a short list we developed to help get your new or refreshed website started on the right track.

Save your current content. (You are likely to have snippets that still apply.)

Have a planning session with no more than five staff members to discuss what’s needed, what’s worked well in the past and what has changed. What are the most important elements to your business today?

Give team members homework to view competitor and other sites.

Reach out to customers for their feedback on your current website and improvements they would like to see.

Have another planning session to go over what’s been learned, fine-tune what’s needed and determine

what belongs on the Home Page.

Finalize what makes the most sense for website navigation—the main topics that should be listed and other items that may become drop-downs associated with each of the main items.

Develop fresh content, including visuals that fit the new framework. Now you can start the technical process.

BY MERRIBETH Modern websites tend to be FARNHAM visually heavy and copy light.

Guest Columnist Where more details are needed, the option is to “learn more” so the main pages remain simple and clear. Part of this relates to a need to be readable (responsive) on mobile devices. With 2.53 billion smartphone users worldwide (Statistica.com), you can see why this is critical.

At HD PR Group, our goal in website planning is to help your potential customers to find, navigate, consume and share your business with the global online community.

After all, the more people you reach online, the more opportunity you have to build your business exponentially.

Reprinted with the permission of the Cap Coral EDO. MerriBeth Farnham is celebrating 20 years as a business owner, and nine as the marketing and public relations agency of record for the Cape Coral Economic Development Office. Contact her at (239) 464-3345 or mfarnham@hdprgroup.com.

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Page 18

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Health reimbursement programs help businesses care for workers

WORK PAGE 1 researched how to improve the deficiencies in our overall system that were revealed in the 2013 report, in order to be more likely to create the local workforce that local employers are seeking.” Throughout this testing phase, the process was adjusted to improve results, so the study remained fluid and flexible as students moved through these pilot programs.

In 2017, the Coalition released an Outcomes Report that yielded several results, including but not limited to the need for 1) increased and better Pre-K preparation for entering the school system, and 2) reducing the financial barriers to post-secondary education.

As a direct result of the research done to determine what local employers need combined with determining ways in which the region can improve the labor force preparation process, a new education program was developed.

Dr. John Meyer, president of Hodges University, and Dr. Aysegul Timur, senior vice president of Academic Affairs and dean of the Johnson School of Business, spoke about Hodges’ Professional Effectiveness Certificate Program. This program was developed as a direct result of collaboration between FutureMakers, the Horizon Council, Workforce Now, CareerSource SWFL and the Regional Economic Development Summit.

The program is designed to prepare students for the workforce and further develop soft and foundational

OCTOBER 2018

LeSage

Meyer

skills in high demand. The coursework was developed to directly address the skill gaps identified by SWFL employers in entry level and experienced positions.

Students will gain proficiency in writing, communication, teamwork and professionalism.

The program can be completed in a variety of formats including online and in-person.

The certification takes a minimum of 200 hours to complete.

Meyer shared what makes this curriculum different from other curricula offered in post-secondary institutions. “The difference is in what the curriculum focuses on: it is an employer-driven initiative that is based on competency achievement.

Students earn Digital Skills badges and can then create an E-Portfolio,” he said.

Through the use of a franchisetype model, Meyer believes this program can serve as the starting point for an overall shift in not just how the local or state academic system works, but in the overall national approach to education and workforce training.

He noted: “This certificate is not just a workshop—it is the bridge between training and education.”

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DOING IT RIGHT, FROM THE START

Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (QSEHRAs) allow small businesses without group health plans to set aside money, tax-free, for employees to use toward medical expenses--including the cost of buying health insurance.

Included in the 21st Century Cures Act enacted by Congress on December 13, 2016, was a provision that permits an eligible employer to provide a QSEHRA, which is not a group health plan and thus is not subject to the requirements that apply to group health plans.

QSEHRAs must meet several criteria such as: The arrangement is funded solely by an eligible employer and no salary reduction contributions may be made under the arrangement; The arrangement generally is provided on the same terms to all eligible employees of the employer; The arrangement provides, after the employee provides proof of coverage, for the payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by the employee or the employee’s family members; and The amount of the payments and reimbursements for any year do not exceed $4,950 for employee-only arrangements or $10,000 for arrangements that provide for payments and reimbursements of expenses of family members.

These amounts are adjusted for inflation annually for tax years after 2016. For 2018, the maximum dollar amount for employee-only arrangements is $5,050 ($4,950 in 2017). The maximum dollar amount for arrangements that provide for payments and reimbursements for expenses of family members is $10,250 ($10,050 in 2017).

Which Employers Qualify?

Any small employer from a startup to a nonprofit that doesn’t offer a group health plan is able to set up a QSEHRA as long as they meet certain rules. Small employers are defined as an employer that is not an applicable large employer (defined as one that employs fewer than 50 full-time workers, including full-time equivalent employees, on average).

Tip: If a small employer currently offers a group health plan but wants to set up a QSEHRA, the group health plan must be canceled before the QSEHRA will start.

One of the most important rules is that in order for employees to participate in a QSEHRA, they must have

health insurance that meets minimum essential coverage.

That is, indemnity, short-term health insurance, and faithbased insurance plans (e.g., Liberty HealthShare) do not qualify. Health insurance plans purBY W. BRADLEY chased through the COOPER JR Marketplace meet Guest Columnist this qualification.

Employers may choose whether to reimburse employees for both medical expenses and health insurance premiums or just premiums.

Furthermore, while there are no minimum monthly contribution limits, there is an annual maximum contribution limit. For 2018, the limit is $420 per month for individuals and $854 per month for families.

Note QSEHRAs are funded entirely by the employer. As such, employees are prohibited from making contributions.

Written Notice to Employees Eligible employers are required to provide written notice to eligible employees at least 90 days before the beginning of a year for which the QSEHRA is provided. In the case of an employee who is not eligible to participate in the arrangement as of the beginning of the year, the written notice must be furnished on the date on which the employee is first eligible. The written notice must include: A statement of the amount that would be the eligible employee’s permitted benefit under the arrangement for the year; A statement that the eligible employee should provide that permitted benefit amount to any health insurance exchange to which the employee applies for advance payments of the premium tax credit; and A statement that if the eligible employee is not covered under minimum essential coverage for any month, the employee may be liable for an individual shared responsibility payment (eliminated for tax years starting in 2019) for that month and reimbursements under the arrangement may be includible in gross income.

W. Bradley Cooper, Jr. is a certified public accountant based in Fort Myers.

Contact him at (239) 275-4511.

OCTOBER 2018

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 19

SALUTE TO ENTREPRENEURS

Sanibel Captiva Island Vacation Rentals launches Sanibel Captiva Island Vacation Rentals launched in September as the newest and one of the largest vacation rental companies on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, with more than 150 properties in its extensive inventory of luxury, boutique rental homes, cottages and condos. The brand represents the merger of vacation rental properties from ‘Tween Waters Island Vacation Rentals and Re/Max of the Islands Vacation Rentals, which occurred earlier this year.

Sanibel Captiva Island Vacation Rentals has been rebranded to reflect the best of both Sanibel and Captiva Island, promoting the dual locations for vacation rentals that the vacation rental company offers. This new branding and business model will include an 8-part Concierge Program for owners

CHAMBER PAGE 1 National keynote speaker Cheryl Oldham of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation addressed the audience of more than 300 business professionals on education and workforce talent.

Brince Manning of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognized the Bonita Chamber’s fourth consecutive reaccreditation as a Five-Star Chamber. The Bonita Chamber is the only Five-Star Accredited Chamber of Commerce in the region, and one of only 12 in Florida, according to Manning.

The 12th Honorary Pat Lord Award was presented to Alaina Streblow of Suncoast Credit Union, in recognition of her volunteer service with the Bonita Springs Area Cham-

and prospective owners, and exclusive Renter’s Rewards that reward guests with $100-plus of valuable discounts, in conjunction with the Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts brand, to focus on both owner satisfaction as well as guest satisfaction.

“We look forward to making the vacation rental experience the best it’s ever been—in service, in revenues and in guest satisfaction,” said General Manager Doug Babcock. “We felt a fresh name with an upscale visual presentation that reflects both islands and both companies was an important step in this process.”

This new and altogether better vacation rental company is 85 years in the making—founded on award-winning island hospitality marketing through

ber of Commerce Young Professionals and Impact SWFL. The Chamber Appreciation Award was presented to Finemark National Bank & Trust, represented by John Kozak and Dallas Revord. Outgoing Board of Directors Chairman Scott Hennells presented Chairman’s Awards to Brian Kramer of the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa and Marci Seamples of the Naples Zoo. Additional members recognized include: Outgoing Board Members: Bill Banfield (Moran Edwards Asset Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors), Mike Briers (Briers CPA), Gerard Sola (Hotwire Communications) and Ron Toll (Florida Gulf Coast University). Incoming Board Chairman: Kim Hastings (Kim M. Hastings, PLLC).

the Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts properties. Vacation rental guests benefit through a variety of advantages including a large search set of properties, Renter’s Rewards (including coupons) and the use of many partner resort amenities. Owners benefit from this partnership through the robust marketing, personalized concierge approach, and 50-plus years of real estate and vacation rental expertise on Sanibel and Captiva. Sanibel Captiva Island Vacation Rentals is managed under Doug Babcock, with Sales Manager Jackie Royka and Sales Associates Rachel Walsh and Sue Plein.

For rental information or to place your vacation rental in the SCIVR program, call (239) 472-5050 or visit www.SCVacay.com.

New survey finds business climate steady in region The Regional Economic Research Institute and the Horizon Council published the Lee County Business Climate Survey for the 3rd quarter of 2018 in August.

The Executive Business Climate Index for Lee County was measured at 68, remaining unchanged from the previous quarter, and one point higher from the previous year.

ATTOM Data Solutions’ 2018 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, released in August, showed foreclosure starts for July spiking in Florida, fueled by increases in

Jacksonville (81 percent increase), Cape Coral (59 percent), Orlando (41 percent), and Miami (29 percent).

On Sept. 12, RERI Director Chris Westley and the WorkforceNow Research Group presented “Workforce Overview 2018” to the Southwest Florida FutureMakers Coalition’s annual Champions Breakfast in Naples.

Futuremakers is part of a Southwest Florida partnership committed to transforming the regional economy by increasing post-secondary completion.

CONGRATULATIONS To the 2018 Horizon Council Industry Appreciation Award Finalists BUSINESS CITIZENSHIP (SMALL)

BUSINESS CITIZENSHIP (LARGE)

NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR (SMALL)

NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR (LARGE)

Cushman & Wakefield

Crown Roofing

Alliance for the Arts

Childcare of SWFL

Edison National Bank

LCEC

SWFL Crime Stoppers

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva

Pushing the Envelope

Pavese Law Firm

Wildcat Run Charitable Foundation

The Heights Foundation/ The Heights Center

STARTUP OF THE YEAR

DIVERSITY IN BUSINESS

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Minaya Learning Global Solutions

Lee Health

FineMark National Bank & Trust

Oasis Senior Advisors Testimonial Tree

Shell Point Retirement Community Sunshine ACE Hardware

For more information visit LeeCountyBusiness.com

Page 20

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

OCTOBER 2018

ALL TOWNS AREN’T CREATED EQUAL. Sure, every town has its beautiful park or its lake view. Its grand home or its city hall. But the truth is most towns aren’t created at all. This one is. Babcock Ranch is an entirely new kind of town.

One where the streets are planned but the wilderness isn’t. Where energy comes from the oldest source in the world and powers the very newest technology. Where luxurious amenities come at an unluxurious price. This is a town where the frontier meets the front porch in a way that’s never been seen before.

HOMES FROM THE $200s TO $1 MILLION BABCOCKRANCH.COM 877-565-6866

A better life

BABCOCK RANCH, FLORIDA 31

41

Charlotte Harbor

Punta Gorda

75 41

31

North Fort Myers

78

78

Pine Island 78

Fort Myers 75

Cape Coral

41

DIRECTIONS FROM I-75 Take Exit 143 for FL-78 E Head East on FL-78 E/Bayshore Rd. 3.3 miles Turn left onto Babcock Ranch Rd. 4.5 miles Turn right onto Lake Babcock Dr. 1.0 miles Turn left onto Crescent Loop

Broker participation is welcome. Prices, plans, specifications and community design are subject to change. Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating the representations of the developer. For correct information regarding Babcock Ranch, interested parties should refer to written materials provided by the developer, legislative acts related to Babcock Ranch and the covenants and restrictions of the Babcock Ranch Residential Association, Inc. The information provided above is not intended to be an offering and should be considered as informational only.