October 2016 Southwest Florida Business Today

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

We’re All Business

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S BUSINESS VOICE • 239-573-9732 Vol. 9 No. 12 / OCTOBER 2016 www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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

TAKE ONE

Commercial Real Estate Market

A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in SWFL FOLLOW SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BUSINESS TODAY ON:

NAPLES COMPANY GARNERS AWARDS, PLANS FOR EXPANSION

Salute to entrepreneurs

Read the stories and tips from local business owners on how they make their companies a success in the marketplace.

IN THE NEWS

Building association accepts nominations

The deadline is fast approaching for the Lee Building Industry Association nominations for the 2016 BIA Industry Awards, featuring the Pinnacle and Summit Awards.

Applicable categories include residential design, commercial projects, advertising and marketing and industry achievement.

Entries must be received by Oct. 6.

Eligible construction, design, marketing and/or implementation projects must have been created/produced/run/completed between August 1, 2015 — July 31, 2016.

The entry submission for 2016 is online exclusively at www.LeeIndustryAwards.com.

ENTRIES See page 6

Collier, Lee BIA host Market Trends on Nov. 2

The Collier Building Industry Association and Lee Building Industry Association will host the joint 6th Annual Market Trends on Nov. 2 at Miromar Design Center, in Estero.

The program will begin at 5:30 p.m. with networking, immediately followed by Land Solutions’ presentation “What is Really Happening in New Home and Land Sales in Southwest Florida.”

The presentation, by Randy Thibaut, CEO and founder of Land Solutions, will include detailed statistics and trends specifically related to new housing development in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties.

TRENDS See page 6

Photos by Jim Jett (Left-right) Bill, Donna, Douglas and Keith Daubmann welcome Gov. Rick Scott (center), to MY Shower Door’s newest location.

Governor honors MY Shower Door

Bill Daubmann, owner and founder of MY Shower Door in Naples, has a lot to beam about these days. Highlighted by a recent visit from Governor Rick Scott, he announced the company’s sixth showroom will open in Orlando by this fall.

He added that the company was recently named for the second year in a row to Inc.’s Top 5000 Fastest Growing Companies.

The company will also be opening a new facility right here in Southwest Florida. When MY Shower Door started in MY Shower Door founder Bill Daubmann, along with 2003, it opened with 3 family members: now the company’s Keith Daubbman, share a moment with Governor Scott at the company’s recent event two divisions employ almost 70 people here.

Lee County Horizon Council bestows industry awards

The Horizon Council and the Lee County Economic Development Office recently announced the recipients of the 25th annual Industry Appreciation Awards.

IBERIABANK was awarded The Business Citizenship Award for demonstrating financial, volunteer and active involvement in philanthropic organizaPhotos by Jim Jett tions that help create a better quality of Horizon Council Chair Dr. Lawrence life in Lee County. Since entering the Antonucci (left) and County ComLee County market in 2009, IBERIAmissioner Larry Kiker (right) conBANK has been a strong supporter of gratulate Iberia Bank Naples Market the community, offering employee volPresident, David Gordley. unteer hours, branch fundraising activi-

ties and direct financial contributions. In 2015, IBERIABANK gave to a variety of causes, from health care to education, donating more than $50,000 to local charitable organizations.

Wicked Dolphin received The Emerging Business Leader Award, given to a relative newcomer to Lee County experiencing marked growth while introducing inventive products, services or business practices. Since its doors opened in July 2012, Wicked Dolphin Distillery has grown from two employees to 15 full-time and 16 part-time

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Page 2

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

OCTOBER 2016

Cheney Brothers exceeds its earnings expectations

Cheney Brothers Inc., of Port Charlotte, beat its goals more than three years early, earning state support.

“We could not be more pleased by the success of our distribution center in Charlotte County,” said Byron Russell, CEO and chairman of the board of Cheney Brothers. “We established a goal to have 380 employees at our Punta Gorda facility by December of 2019. I am very proud to announce that we have met our hiring goals three years early.”

The Charlotte County Economic Development Office assisted Cheney Brothers with applications

and support for incentives from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Florida Department of Transportation in return for specific capital improvement and job creation conditions.

The Florida Department of Transportation committed to reimburse Charlotte County up to $722,000 for the construction of Cheney Way in return for Cheney Brothers beginning vertical construction prior to May 30, 2015.

The company received its certificate of occupancy for the facility and began operations in October 2015.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity approved Cheney Brothers for participation in the Brownfields Redevelopment Bonus Program with the condition that it create at least 380 jobs at the Charlotte County location within five years.

Cheney Brothers surpassed the commitment within two years.

“Cheney’s success can be attributed to sound leadership, super employees, a community that has been with us every step of the way and a public sector that knows how to get things done,” said Director of Development Warren Newell.

Trade Secrets Act requires review of confidentiality agreements In May 2016, the Defense of Trade Secrets Act was signed into law.

The act creates a federal legal scheme for the protection of trade secrets. Previously, protection of this form of intellectual property was solely a matter of state law. The act has a number of unique provisions, one of which immediately impacts employers who use confidentiality agreements with their employees.

Whistleblower Protection Due to concerns over the impact that confidentiality agreements might have on employees who might otherwise report their employer’s wrongdoing, an amendment was tacked on to the act to provide civil and criminal immunity to whistleblowers for disclosing confidential or trade secret information to the government.

The act also requires employers to provide notice of immunity to any employee or independent contractor in any employment contract or other agreement that governs the use of a trade secrets or other confidential information.

This notice requirement can be satisfied by including notice in the agreement itself, or by explicit

BY MARK NIEDS

BY SUZANNE BOY

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

If an employer fails to provide employees with notice of this whistleblower immunity, and the employer later has to litigate against an employee for misappropriation of trade secrets under the act, the employer cannot recover any attorneys’ fees or exemplary damages which it might otherwise be entitled to for such misappropriation.

Employers should review their confidentiality and employment agreements as soon as practical to ensure they contain the appropriate notice language to comply with the act. Similarly, any policy documents, such as employee handbooks, should be reviewed and updated to reflect this new twist in the law.

cross-reference to a policy document that describes the employer’s reporting policy for suspected violations of the law.

Mark Nieds concentrates his legal practice on intellectual property and Internet. He can be reached at by email at mark.nieds@henlaw.com or at 239-344-1153.

What to do This requirement is effective immediately, and applies to any confidentiality agreement entered into on or after May 12, 2016. Existing agreements do not have to be amended.

Suzanne Boy is passionate about assisting her business clients with all aspects of employment law and HR-related issues. she can be reached at by email at suzanne.boy@henlaw.com or by calling 239-344-1403.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 3

Naples Soap Company opens Coconut Point store

Naples Soap Company is open at Coconut Point Mall, 23191 Fashion Drive, Suite 102, in Estero.

With stores located along Florida’s west coast from Destin to Key West, the Estero location is the second store Naples Soap Co. opened this year.

The 1,300-square-foot location features a coastal interior design concept that exemplifies the Florida lifestyle. The space features handmade custom fixtures designed from reclaimed wood and natural fabrications, which enhances the company’s product philosophy and harmonizes with the natural ingredients of the

“

We are thrilled to open this new addition to our Naples Soap Company footprint right here in Southwest Florida.

– Deanna Renda, Founder and CEO of Naples Soap Co. handmade skin care products.

“We are thrilled to open this new addition to our Naples Soap Company footprint right here in Southwest Florida,” said Deanna Renda, founder and CEO of

“

s

OCTOBER 2016

Naples Soap Co. Following its motto of “Naturally Better Skin Care,” Naples Soap Co. recently developed a new skin care category featuring products designed specifically for the face. Its

offerings include all-natural, handmade products featuring oils for specific skin types, allnatural toner, cleanser, moisturizer, lip scrub, eye serum and wrinkle cream. The store offers a variety of hair and skin care.

Founded in 2009, the company offers natural skin care products for the body, face and hair, as well as for those with sensitive skin.

Offerings include soaps, sea salt soaps, bath bombs, conditioner bars, sea salt scrubs, moisturizer sticks, shampoo bars, body butters and accessories.

For more information, visit www.NaplesSoap.com.

SALUTE TO ENTREPRENEURS

Lessons learned along the way to becoming entrepreneur

After working with corporations for 35 years, I started my own businesses. I am partners with a real estate attorney in an up-and-coming business, with an idea no one else has thought of, and I own a real estate asset management business that presents a different way of doing things that benefits investors.

The idea of being an entrepreneur is exciting. Entrepreneurs take risks. They are leaders. They are innovators, who introduce something new or who have changed the business model of the past. They build great teams.

Entrepreneurs push the envelope and don’t take no for an answer. If you are all those things and are considering being an entrepreneur, I want to share a few lessons I learned along the way.

My time plan didn’t match anyone else’s. No one else cares as much about your business as you do. Forget about trying to meet business contacts during the holiday months of November and December. You re-

ally have 10 months of the year to make connections – be aggressive.

Starting your own business can be humbling. I thought I would obtain clients simply because I was the best choice. I offer a background very few others offer, and I had a reputation of always doing what was in the best interests of the client. Well, it doesn’t work that way. Clients

BY MARIE want someone they know and HAMLING have a relationship with. Get out Guest Columnist there and meet as many people as you can, and form relationships that can turn into referrals.

Plan to work 17 hours a day or hire someone to help you. Doing it all on your own may save money

on payroll, but what does it do to you? I golfed with a gentleman one day who told me he didn’t get to golf much because he started a new business a year ago and worked his business almost every waking hour. I felt his pain and have since hired staff to help. I wanted to stay sane.

You need to do your research. One of the most expensive mistakes I made was hiring a web design company half way across the country to which a friend referred me. Thousands of dollars and months later, I was no better off. So I did my own research and found an excellent local company to create another website and perform marketing for my business.

Marie Hamling, CPM®, CAM, is the owner/broker of Paradigm Real Estate Corp., offering real estate and outdoor hospitality management and consulting. She can be reached at 239-672-8182, marie@paradigmrec.com, ParadigmREC.com

2016 C-SUITE SPEAKER SERIES

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that companies and their executives can use from the boardroom to the courtroom. Each session will begin at Henderson Franklin’s downtown Fort Myers office at 5:00 pm, with an hour of networking, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres with industry peers, followed by an hour of instruction. For more information or to register, visit: www.henlaw.com.

Topics and Speakers September 15: Business Law with Carlos Kelly Esq. and Mark Nieds, Esq. Dealing With Documents: How To Handle a Demand to Inspect Your Corporate Records

September 22: Estate & Trust Planning with Eric Gurgold, Esq. and Richard Mancini, Esq. Preparing Your Estate Plan Now to Protect Your Wishes After Death

October 6: Family Law with David Sims, Esq. and Kayla Richmond, Esq. How Family Law Issues Can Unexpectedly Impact Your Business and Your Bottom Line

October 13: Commercial Real Estate with Sharon Zuccaro, Esq. and Scott Beatty, Esq. Tips for Negotiating Commercial Leases and Protecting Your Business in Landlord/Tenant Litigation

October 27: Employment Law with John Potanovic, Esq. and Suzanne Boy, Esq. Navigating Employment Law Traps and Documentation: Tips For Business Owners and Managers

November 3: Business Law with Guy Whitesman, Esq. and John Agnew, Esq. Protecting Your Business from Former Partners and Employees: Proactive Steps, Reactive Options

November 17: Construction Law with Matthew Belcastro, Esq. and Mark Schultz, Esq. What You Need to Know About Construction Contracts and Litigation to Protect Your Business

Helping Communities, Businesses and Individuals Since 1924. henlaw.com • 239.344.1100 © Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt, P.A.

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Page 4

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

OCTOBER 2016

SALUTE TO ENTREPRENEURS

Tips, strategies on growing millennial-based businesses Millennials make up the largest generation in the US workforce, yet the business world often misunderstands this young professional generation.

As a millennial business owner, I have insight into the challenges and benefits involved in running a business with a largely millennial workforce. While uBreakiFix works specifically in the technology sphere, the lessons I have learned throughout my entrepreneurial journey are relevant to any aspiring business owner.

Here are my top three pieces of advice for millennial entrepreneurs looking to break into business ownership: Avoid complacency Be prepared for hurdles, and don’t give up. It takes a lot of energy to get your business off the ground before you have the inertia to keep it going. When opening my first store, I worked seven days a week for three months straight. Once the business is up and running, continue to be relentless. Avoid complacency, and always strive to improve — even when the business is doing well.

Choose the best model It often seems that the brick and mortar model is becoming outdated and unnecessary in today’s highly-digitized world; however this model still works well for many businesses. For example, uBreakiFix was born online but quickly moved toward a brick and mortar model within its first year. The first local uBreakiFix location quickly outpaced the online market.

BY JUSTIN Why? Because it was a better, MURPHY more efficient model for the serGuest Columnist vices and customer experience that the company wanted to provide. Now, seven years later, the brand has more than 230 brick and mortar locations across North America.

Understand your workforce If you’re looking to hire and lead a millennial workforce, make your business appealing to them. Develop a business that answers a millennial demand and thus interests a millennial workforce. Millennials align well with uBreakiFix because, as the first generation to grow up surrounded by technology, they’re a tech-literate generation and are empowered to explore something that interests them.

The other piece is culture. If the work itself doesn’t appeal to millennial interests, create a company culture that does. Millennials are collaborative, creative and community-oriented, so work to implement a culture that allows for them to enjoy the workplace, regardless of the work itself.

Justin Murphy, 25, lives in Fort Myers and co-owns six uBreakiFix locations throughout Southwest Florida. Reach him at (877)320-2237 or support@uBreakiFix.com.

Plans for new seasonal vintage market by 1990s antique dealers

By Laura Nickerson Guest Columnist

I have been selling antique and vintage merchandise for almost 50 years and have just relocated, for the second time, to southwest Florida with my husband, Rick Nickerson.

Though my career as a dealer be-

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The contents of Southwest Florida Business Today are copyright 2013 by Southwest Florida Newspapers, Inc. No portion may be reproduced without the express written consent of Southwest Florida Newspapers, Inc. The publication of any advertisement or article does not necessarily reflect the view of the publisher of Southwest Florida Business Today. For more information about any article or column appearing in Southwest Florida Business Today, for advertising rates or subscription information please call 239-573-9732 or email: publisher@ swfloridabusinesstoday.com

gan in New York, many Southwest Floridians will remember our first Fort Myers antiques shop, named Laura’s Aura. In the mid 1990s it was at 1502 Hendry, where Cigar Bar is today.

In the two decades since the shop closed, Laura’s Aura has morphed into Gardentiques and become primarily a traveling business, vending at antiques markets throughout Florida and Michigan.

Our merchandise has changed from a traditional blend of antiques and vintage clothing to an urban mix of primitives, cottage Victorian, industrial, mid-century, vintage garden and repurposed items that reflect today’s eclectic design trends.

Within the same time span, marketing methods and strategies have changed even more drastically than our merchandise. When Laura’s Aura opened, the only computer possibility for a business like ours was whether to become an EBay seller.

Today’s vintage vendors have a world of online possibilities to wade through or wallow in according to their personal preferences and marketing plans. There is no one way to do. Many antiques sellers still have brick and mortar shops and use EBay and Etsy as additional vehicles for vending.

Others rely on social media sites,

Anticipating what’s next...

...is what keeps you and your business ahead of the game.

Due to expansion, SWFBT seeks sales professionals in the SWFL area.

Please call for details.

(239) 770-7527

OUR MISSION

We participate in vintage markets throughout the state, in Punta Gorda, Arcadia, Anna Maria Island, and Mount Dora.

We now hope to establish an upscale, upbeat vintage market that would operate several times each winter season and utilize online advertising and traditional ads to get the word out.

Downtown Fort Myers is our first choice, though Sanibel, Punta Gorda, and Cape Coral are being considered. A series of seasonal “pop-up” markets, one in each city location would be another way to approach it.

We are open to all positive feedback - ideas, locations, names, vendors, connections, etc.

Feel free to comment, email, phone or text with any information of a positive nature. As it comes together, a facebook page will be created for the new market. Together we can make this happen.

Laura Nickerson, and her husband, Rick, have been antiques dealers in Florida and Michigan since they met in 1992. Her background in art and journalism and his ability to repair and redesign their vintage finds have served them through more than two decades in business. Information, 989-390-2072 or www.facebook.com/gardentiques

Start your subcription to SWFBT today

Here’s what is ahead for 2016 for Southwest Florida Business Today.

MONTH

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

especially Facebook, whose system of “likes” along with paid for “boosts” and actual ads has allowed sellers the freedom to sell online and advertise annual, monthly, or onetime events, most often called vintage markets or sometimes “pop-up markets.”

The number of people attending such events can be astonishing. Last year one brand new market, put on by a group of six women in one small multi-vendor shop brought 10,000 attendees. They created a Facebook page for the event, directed people to it from their shop page and their personal and business pages, including one blog. The market “went viral” in real time, as 10,000 people converged on one small county fairgrounds.

The Florida bi-monthly magazine, “Vintage Finds,” advertises these new vintage shops and markets and has several Fort Myers advertisers.

There are many vintage markets throughout the state: The Fancy Flea in Plant City and Madison, the Vintage Flea at Ginny’s and Jane E’s on Anna Maria Island, Rehab Vintage Market in Melbourne, Brocante Vintage market in St Petersburg, Venice Mercado in Venice, and Rustapalooza at various pop-up locations around the Jacksonville area to name just a few.

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OCTOBER 2016

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 5

SALUTE TO ENTREPRENEURS

Young mom chases success in parenthood, business

By Megan Gilmour Guest Columnist

Photo by Marisa Belle Photography Categorize and contain your items in bins, baskets, canisters, etc. All of your belongings should have a home.

When organizing at home, keep in mind everything has a place

The luxury home organizing comall tanks, all short pany NEAT Method strives strive to sleeves, all dressbring comfort, efficiency, and style to es, all jackets, etc. the residents of Naples and Southwest Live, laugh, Florida by using a fresh and modern label Label your approach to creating sustainable and bins and baskets appealing spaces in your closets, panso that everyone tries, kitchen cabinets, and laundry in your home can rooms. find what they I spent the past 20 years in the Midneed and know west in and out of the service induswhere to put try where I honed my organizational things away. skills by making everything neat and Catalog first tidy. I am a “Type A” person by nature, BY JOYCE BEERS Sort your items just ask my mom, my bed was always Guest Columnist so that you know made, clothes put away, and perfectly exactly what items lined up books on the bookshelf. belong in each specific space, then it is Two years ago a friend introduced easier to find the perfect bin that maxime into the world of professional or- mizes the space while holding everyganizing and I finally found a way to thing you need it to. use my psychology training and orTime’s up Dispose of any spices, ganizational skills. When I moved to cans, jars, lotions, and medications Naples this year I decided to start my that are past their expiration dates. own home organizing business, NEAT Method.

Joyce Beers owns the luxury home orgaHere are some organizing tips: nizing company NEAT Method, bringing Contain yourself Categorize and comfort, efficiency, and style to the resicontain your items in bins, baskets, dents of Naples and Southwest Florida canisters, etc. All of your belongings by creating sustainable and appealing should have a home. spaces behind closed doors. For more Follow the rainbow Categorize information, visit www.neatmethod.com, your garments into “type” and then email joyce@neatmethod.com, or call color code. Keep like items together, 239-777-8317.

I was unsure of what I wanted to do. My interests and jobs were varied, leading me on a meandering journey through Fortune 500 firms, moms & pops and even to a job pulling cable for high rises in downtown Los Angeles.

This journey through multiple industries taught me a little about a lot and eventually showed me that I should build my own business, designed to help other business owners succeed.

I was never able to muster up the courage until I had my daughter. She became my why. I wanted to stay home with and I wanted to remain a provider to my household.

Being a new mom and a new business owner is challenging. I am critical in my performance either as mom or in business. I am learning to take a step back and admire how far I have come. Some days I may feel like I failed, but then I look into her eyes and see so much love. I hope my sincere care for others, my strong work ethic and genuine desire to build people

up is passed on to her.

My ultimate goal is to make being a parent and a successful business person one in the same. I firmly believe we should be able to raise strong, successful children and be successful in business even if it means video conferencing in a ponytail with “Dora the Explorer” on in the background.

New interests and interesting projects pop up daily but I strive to keep my focus on the tasks I love doing and working with the clients I will partner with best. It is a lesson in restraint and balance.

My advice for any aspiring entrepreneur is to have patience with yourself and to celebrate even the smallest success. Take a step every day in the direction you dream of going, even if it is a baby step.

Do work you are proud of, put your heart into everything and success will ultimately follow.

Megan Gilmour grew up in California and now resides in Cape Coral where she runs AppleSeed Services, a copywriting, marketing and virtual assistant firm. Contact Megan Gilmour at 239-338-7688 or megan@appleseedservices.net .

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

OCTOBER 2016

Everyone wants their site to perform better on Google

By Harrison Ambs Guest Columnist

You’ve optimized your site, put on good content, and made sure that Google can find you. But a search result page is going to make your page look just like your competition. So how can you stand out from the sea of blue links around you?

A new frontier you can capitalize on when it comes to search results are “SERP Features”.

Google has been rolling these out, and they’re a powerful method of elevating your website above the sea of result listings.

SERP, or “Search Engine Result Page,” is shorthand for a search result page like you see on Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc. A “SERP Feature” is something Google created to make their results pages more useful to searchers. Featuring things such as maps, images, reviews, shopping results, AdWords, news snippets; Google has provided powerful ways to stand out.

The ones gaining the most visibility on Google and have the most potential for Southwest Florida businesses are the Local Pack and Reviews. These target the two questions that many people have

when comparing options: What’s near me, and how good are they?

Local packs are search results at the top of the listing page shown on a map. It’s above the organic listings, which means that your customers may not go further than this map of local businesses to find what they want.

For example, if you’re looking for a veterinarian, Google figures that you’ll want one close by, so it displays a map showing what it thinks are the best veterinarian businesses around you. It shows the name, ratings, the hours, even the phone number so you can call the vet without even having to go to their page first. All automatically and at the top of the page.

If you’re looking to get in front of potential customers in your area, this is definitely something you’ll want to target. To do that, you’ll need to make sure that your business information like the company name, address and phone number are listed on the website in plain text so Google can find it. You’ll also want to do some research on where else your business is listed and make sure that it’s correct, consistent, and visible across the web.

Here’s the thing - studies show that listings with

review stars are clicked on more by searchers.

If you see two listings and one has a 5-star review and the other has no reviews at all, you’re going to click on the 5-star link most of the time, right? Google has a list of keywords it enables “reviews” on that it continually updates but won’t publish. The best way to find out if reviews are enabled for a keyword is to search for it and see if reviews show up on the page. If they are there, you may be able to get them added to your results. You do this by adding Google-approved markup to the page.

To wrap a nice little bow around this, SERP Features are something Google has been experimenting with for a few years now and it has started to really ramp up its program. If you’re looking to expand and increase your profile online, it’s absolutely worth doing the research and seeing what opportunities are there for your business. The sooner you jump on it, the more ahead of your competition you can be.

Harrison Ambs is the head of digital strategy and design at Stickboy Creative in Fort Myers. He can be reached at www.stickboycreative.com or @stickboycreative on Twitter.

ENTRIES PAGE 1

Questions to ask when determining business strategy

By Shane Cragun and Kate Sweetman Guest Columnists How can we gauge relevance in today’s tumultuous, disruptive, and global business environment? How can we quickly determine if changes to our strategy and how we do things is necessary? Are there a few key questions we would be wise to ask throughout the fiscal year?

Let’s consider the case of the trillion-dollar US food industry. As more and more shoppers opt for fresh, organic choices, the top 25 U.S. food and beverage companies market share continues to decline year after year. Their fundamental existence is being challenged in very big ways.

A savvy industry analyst summed it up best: “These big food companies are like melting icebergs. Every year they become a little less relevant.”

Wow. Melting icebergs.

The question is whether companies are willing to confront the brutal

facts and pursue significant change through reinvention and other large scale change strategies.

In today’s Age of Disruption, we must continually reflect and focus on our competitiveness.

We can do that by asking four “confront the brutal fact” questions and, in fact, can ask them about ourselves as professionals as well.

Melt-Rate Is my professional or organizational iceberg melting? If so, at what rate? Why? Relevance Trend Am I and my organization continuing to increase in relevance in the eyes of customers and stakeholders?

If not, why?

Adding Value Am I and my organization continually adding value to our products from our customer’s point of view?

Am I engaged in vital work that adds value to the customer?

Internal vs. External Change Is my organization’s internal rate of change faster than the rate of change in the external environment?

Am I learning faster as a professional than the creation of new knowledge in my external environment?

These questions can spur insight into our ability to compete. If we avoid asking strategic questions, we risk sliding into irrelevance and launching squarely onto the path of failure.

We challenge all individuals, teams, organizations, and societies to proactively ask profoundly selfreflective questions in an attempt to maintain complete awareness of your strengths and weaknesses.

Shane Cragun and Kate Sweetman are founding principles at SweetmanCragun, the world’s leader in providing leadership and hi-performance solutions specifically tailored for today’s Age of Disruption.

They are co-authors of “Reinvention: Accelerating Results in the Age of Disruption”. Learn more at www.sweetmancragun.com.

The Pinnacle Awards recognize and celebrate excellence in the residential building industry. Summit Awards recognize and celebrate excellence in the commercial building industry.

For more information on entry requirements, membership, or awards dinner please contact the Lee BIA at 239-936-5525, visit the Lee BIA Industry Awards website or email info@bia.net.

TRENDS PAGE 1 He is a co-founder and board member for Builders Care, a nonprofit organization to provide construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and disabled homeowners. He also serves on the board of the Lee Building Industry Association.

Seats are limited. Tickets cost $35 for members and $55 for nonmembers and can be purchased by visiting: www.cbia.net or www.bia. net by calling (239) 436-6100 or (239) 936-5525.

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FLOORCRAFTERS, INC. SWFL’s Largest Flooring Supplier And Installer Carpet, Tile, Hardwood, Laminate And Vinyl Planking Commercial And Residential

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2014

OCTOBER 2016

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 7

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

Environmental conditions ripe for assessment

Although the ASTM E 1527 Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process, has been in existence for more than 20 years and almost universally used by environmental professionals in support of real estate transactions throughout the country, there remains inconsistency in how (and when) the findings of such assessments result in Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs).

The goal of the processes is to identify conditions.

The term recognized environmental conditions means the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products in, on, or at a property: due to any release to the environment; under conditions indicative of a release to the environment; or under conditions that pose a material threat of a future release to the environment.

There are a number of definitions and concepts that are critical to the proper interpretation of the REC/ No REC conclusion. First, the contaminant must be “in, on, or at a property” being investigated. Next, the contaminant must have (or will, very soon – material threat) entered the “environment.” Furthermore, the manner by which the contaminant enters the environment must be consistent with the definition of a “release” within the meaning of the Superfund Law, which has many exemptions including the normal application of pesticides and fertilizers used in, for example, agricultural or golf course settings.

Probably of greatest importance, is that if the “release” is not documented or “obvious,” then it must be “likely.” In other words, there must be sufficient data available at the time of the assessment to establish that the “release” is, in fact, “likely.” If the Environmental Professional can establish that all of the criterion, are met and, finally, that the release to the environment, on the subject site IS NOT a de minimis condition (i.e., a condition that generally does not present a threat to human health or the environment and that generally would not be the subject of an

enforcement action if brought to the attention of appropriate governmental agencies), then you have a REC. There are myriad instances however, wherein EPs encounter conditions that may have some characteristic that prompts environmental concern and a potential liability to the existing and/ or prospective purchaser of real estate, but does not fulfill all of

BY NICK ALBERGO the REC requirements. This is where the concept of “Business Guest Columnist Environmental Risk” should be implemented. A BER is recognized by the ASTM Practice as a risk which can have a material environmental or environmentally driven impact on the business associated with the current or planned use of a parcel of commercial real estate, not necessarily limited to those environmental issues required to be investigated during a Phase I ESA. Finally, keep in mind that recommendations are never a required element of a Phase I environmental site assessments. This is because it is not the risk tolerance of the EP that matters in the real estate transaction; rather it’s the risk tolerance of the entity that is making the purchase.

The key to a sound Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is the appropriate application of its definitions. Otherwise, “garbage in and garbage out,” and that helps no one.

Nick Albergo was founder and CEO of HSA Engineers & Scientists, a Florida-based engineering consulting firm. He wrote more than185 professional publications, and founded the Florida Remediation Conference on Innovative Remedial Technologies. HSA Engineers is now GHD Engineers and can be contacted at (239)936-4003.

Pine Ridge Road project helps disabled Collier Paving and Concrete, a Naples-owned and operated company, will update a 3-mile stretch of Pine Ridge Road with ramps, sidewalk and curb repair and concrete replacement.

The Collier County Road and Bridge Maintenance department contracted the work.

The construction project spanned from Livingston Road to Tamiami Trail. The project benefits pedestrians in the area by ensuring a safe walkway that is accessible to all groups, including the handicap community. The placement of ADA certified ramps will make travel efficient and convenient for individuals with disabilities.

Of particular importance is pedestrian access to shops, schools and living communities.

Collier Paving and Concrete has more than 15 years of experience in pavement maintenance. It’s subdivisions – Collier Concrete, Southern Striping and South Florida Milling – offer an array of paving, milling, concrete and striping services to fulfil diverse maintenance.

For additional information, call 239-280-0744 or visit collierpavingandconcrete.com.

Page 8

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

OCTOBER 2016

TECHNOLOGY+CREATIVITY=INNOVATION A new approach to commercial real estate transforming industry standards through

INNOVATIVE client-driven solutions.

CYPRESS PROFESSIONAL CENTER SOUTHWEST PLAZA clAss A meDicAl office meDicAl & professionAl office 29,919± sf 64,386± sf $4,750,000 $6,650,000

PINE RIDGE INDUSTRIAL PARK inDustiAl/commerciAl conDo

TAYLOR EXECUTIVE CENTER professionAl office

SW PINE ISLAND RD Development opportunity 4.8± Acres $1,199,000

COLLEGE PKWY CORRIDOR commerciAl Development site 1.18± Acres $279,000

FREESTANDING RETAIL us 41 frontAge 15,321± sf $3,900,000

BRIARCLIFF RD COMMERICAL signAlizeD intersection 1.03± Acre corner $330,000

3,373± sf $550,000

18,185± sf $1,454,800

CONTACT ME FOR OUR OFFICE MARKET TREND TRACKER ENN LUTHRINGER, CCIM www.creconsultants.com 12140 Carissa Commerce Court, Suite 102, Fort Myers, FL 33966

Partner 239.481.3800 x235 enn.luthringer@creconsultants.com

OCTOBER 2016

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 9

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

Builders start foundation of Babcock Ranch

Residential construction is underway at Babcock Ranch, and the innovative new solar-powered town remains on track to begin welcoming its first residents early next year.

Representatives of Florida Lifestyle Homes, Fox Premier Builders, Homes by Towne, and Stock Development joined developer Kitson & Partners revealed their plans for the a town of 50,000 residents.

Lake Timber offers a range of home styles and price points – all within walking distance of the downtown district. Grouped around Babcock Ranch’s signature green spaces, parks and lakes, the homes and their deep A rendering of a neighborhood in Babcock Ranch. Residential construction is underway at Babcock Ranch, and the front porches are positioned tighter innovative new solar-powered town remains on track to begin welcoming its first residents early next year. to the street to encourage residents to their help and pioneering spirit ,we are today – and the innovations of tomor- as well as in their functionality,” All Lake Timber residences are set creating a whole new way of living at row. connect with neighbors and nature.

“We are so fortunate to have the on quiet streets anchored by parks and “We challenged our building part- Babcock Ranch.”

Every home at Babcock Ranch is relationships that we do with these neighborhood gardens that encourage ners to combine the warmth, charm and character of old Florida architec- designed in compliance with Florida very accomplished builders,” said a welcoming sense of community.

Five builders have staked out their tural styles with cutting edge tech- Green Building Coalition standards Rick Severance, president of Babcock nologies and best practices in sustain- in the world’s first new town powered Ranch. “They have embraced the ar- territory, laying claim to the first 193 ability, and they have delivered with a by the sun. Lightning-fast fiber optic chitectural style that truly represents home lots that are now ready for condiverse mix of innovative and inviting service is the foundation of unprece- the tone of Babcock Ranch and they struction.

For more nformation, go to homes,” said Syd Kitson, chairman dented technological infrastructure to have designed homes that are outand CEO of Kitson & Partners. “With support the advanced technologies of standing both from a visual standpoint www.babcockranchflorida.com.

Trio of Naples to rise over downtown Trio of Naples is to become the area’s first luxury urban-modern high rise, to be built at the entrance to 5th Avenue South.

Soaring nine stories above Naples Bay, Trio will offer Naples residents an exclusive living experience in one of its 24 moderncontemporary unit residences, alongside twenty-four extended-stay hotel apartments.

Trio’s condominiums offer ceiling to floor windows that present panoramic views of downtown Naples.

The extended-stay hotel rooms, ranging from 700 to 1,200 square feet and including full kitchens, will be on the second and third floors.

The condominiums, ranging from 2,400 to 2,750 square feet, will be on the remaining fourth to eighth floors. There will be four residences on each floor with luxury finishes that include marble in the bathrooms, French white oak flooring and quartz countertops.

On the bottom floor, Trio will offer five

commercial locations, including shops and restaurants, as well as a lounge and fitness studio.

The central idea was to build a residence where the residents would have anything they desire readily available.

Personal concierge services, pools equipped with private cabanas and a private sky club are some of the amenities. Spanning 8,000 square feet, the nautical-themed sky club offers a resort pool, several poolside cabanas, two spas, a water fountain and custom lighting.

Other features include state-of-the-art technology throughout the building, a parking garage with private enclosed garage space for condo owners, and several restaurants and retail locations.

Trio will offer unobstructed views of Naples Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, Gulfshore Boulevard and Downtown Naples.

For additional information, go to www.bartleyrealty.com

SWFBT HAS GONE! ... digital, that is ...

See our newly re-designed web site for the digital version of SWFBT and additional LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS throughout the month Call (239) 770-7527 for digital ad rates

www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

Comcast expands fiber network

Comcast Business is expanding its advanced fiber network in Southwest Florida to offer local businesses Ethernet services with speeds up to 100 Gigabitsper-second (Gbps).

It’s ideal for businesses that need bandwidth to move large amounts of data for operations such as video conferencing, streaming, multiple users on a Wi-Fi network, file sharing and back-up, and cloudbased applications.

“We look forward to seeing how the expanded service offerings and community support fuel additional business and job growth across Sarasota County and in Southwest Florida.” said Mark Huey, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County.

The network expansion into Southwest Florida will also make a variety of other Comcast Business services, including TV andBusiness VoiceEdge, a cloud-based voice and unified communications solution that helps employees be productive even when they’re away from their desks by delivering HDquality voice service and an innovative user experience accessible via computers, desktop phones and mobile devices.

Prime Office SPace

Prime O ffice SPace S uited tO YOur NeedS Suited1601 tOLeeYSOur NeedS treet, river diStrict, fOrt mYerS Featured Property Newly

renovated office building in the heart of the River District of Downtown Fort Myers, Florida.

Modern art deco design. Adjacent to new library and community plaza. Over 8100 square feet total, available in three units of 2348 to 2988 square feet.

Call now 1601 Lee Street, River District, ForttoMyers have build-out done to meet your needs.

Professional space in downtown Rent and teRms aRe negotiable.

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Other Available Properties Locate your • 6309 Corporate Courtoffice - Office with - 936 to other in foot. the 2,500 sq. ft.professionals from $8 per square quiet in the middle Sansetting Carlos Blvd.

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Eric J. Gall, Managing Partner/Broker 239.738.6227 eric@edisonavenue.com Serving all of Florida

Rent teRms Wand e Listen , We aRe Carenegotiable.

Over $140M lifetime transactions 6309 Corporate Ct #205 S and dollar Phone: r eal239-433-1343 e State / BuSineSS depot Fort Myers, FL 33919 Email: bizdepot@aol.com larry SteinBorn , lic. real eState Broker

Page 10

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

OCTOBER 2016

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

Choose the right commercial professional for you CONI DEAN, CCIM

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.

COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL NRT

• • • • •

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

INVESTMENT RETAIL OFFICE INDUSTRIAL LEASING

BOB WHITE, CCIM Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties Active Southwest Commercial broker for over 30 years.

Specializing in industrial, office and investment properties. Past president SWFL CCIM and REIS.

LEE & ASSOCIATES 239-850-2217 bwhite@lee-associates.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 2016 CCIM President Ron Struthers for details at rstruthers@ccim.net Ron says: “This ad got me listings.

It works!”

DAVE WALLACE, CCIM Collier County An office, industrial and investment property specialist with more than 30 years of commercial real estate experience He can assist clients with acquisitions, dispositions and leasing.

• • 239-649-7755 • dave.wallace@creconsultants.com •

CRE CONSULTANTS

OFFICE INDUSTRIAL SALES & LEASES INVESTMENT

BEV LARSON, CCIM Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties

2015 CCIM Florida Chapter Southwest District President.

Over 38 years experience in the Southwest Florida market.

Certified International Property Specialist.

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

• • • • • •

COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT RETAIL OFFICE LAND-ACREAGE DEVELOPMENT

Lee County Broker/Owner with 20+ years local experience. Specializing in investment portfolios, aquisition to disposition, residential, commercial and redevelopment

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.

239-980-5922 venturerealty@earthlink.net www.sellsfloridarealestate.com

RETAIL INDUSTRIAL RETAIL SPECIALTY LAND RESIDENTIAL REDEVELOPMENT

ADAM PALMER, CCIM Fort Myers, Naples, Sarasota, Tampa & Orlando Principal & Managing Director LandQwest Commercial, Vice President of Finance for the Florida CCIM Chapter, 10-time CoStar Power Broker Award Winner

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 in­depth 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.

• • • • • •

VENTURE REALTY & INVESTMENTS

LANDQWEST COMMERCIAL

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

• • • • •

OFFICE INVESTMENT LAND RETAIL INDUSTRIAL

R. SCOTT CAMERON, CCIM

Collier & Lee Counties Has been in the commercial real estate business since 1977. Through many ups and downs, has always been a proven leader.

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.

239-253-7000 scameron@cresfla.com www.cresfla.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.

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 deal­ making 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.

• • • •

CAMERON REAL ESTATE SERVICES, INC.

COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT RETAIL OFFICE

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

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OCTOBER 2016

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 STEVE GANT, CCIM, MAI

MARYANN MIZE, CCIM

Charlotte, Sarasota & Desoto Counties

Commercial real estate specialist with 20 years experience in the local market. Chair of the local Commercial Brokers Group of the Association of Realtors.

RIVERSIDE REALTY SERVICES, LLC

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

• • • • •

OFFICE RETAIL INDUSTRIAL LAND LEASING

FRED KERMANI, CCIM, AIA Collier, Lee & Charlotte Counties

Licensed real estate broker and architect in Florida & California with 33 years of real estate and design experience. Specialized in land marketing and investment properties.

CRE CONSULTANTS

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

• LAND • INVESTMENT • GAS STATIONS

BRUCE MICCICHE, CCIM Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties

Senior Associate Broker with 30 years of experience. Licensed in Florida and Pennsylvania.

Specializing in investment and retail sales and leasing.

LANDQWEST COMMERCIAL

941-999-1188 bmicciche@lqwest.com www.lqwest.com

• • • • •

INVESTMENT RETAIL DEVELOPMENT COMMERCIAL SALES & LEASING

THERESA BLAUCH-MITCHELL, CCIM

Lee, Collier, Charlotte & Sarasota Counties SWFL CCIM past president, Florida CCIM membership chair, CCIM international committee.

Hablo Español.

iCORE GLOBAL

239-265-2628 theresa@bobackcommercialgroup.com www.bobackcommercialgroup.com

• • • •

INVESTMENT RETAIL OFFICE 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 6 CCIMs to serve all our client's needs.

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

• • • •

OFFICE RETAIL INDUSTRIAL LAND

Lee & Charlotte Counties Senior Vice President and Senior Credit Officer. More than 30 years of commercial lending experience. CCIM Senior Instructor and 2015-2016 SWFL CCIM District Treasurer.

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.

• FINANCING OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

CHARLOTTE STATE BANK & TRUST

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

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

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 in­depth 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.

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.

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

CCIM

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

Contact 2016 CCIM President Ron Struthers for details at rstruthers@ccim.net Ron says: “This ad got me listings.

It works!”

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.

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 deal­ making 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.

• AGRICULTURAL • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

DEREK BORNHORST, CCIM Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties Derek brings 10+ years of experience in the SWFL market working with local and national clients to establish specific real estate objectives, including acquisition, disposition and leasing.

LEE & ASSOCIATES | NAPLES — FORT MYERS

• INVESTMENT • INDUSTRIAL

239-898-7987 dbornhorst@lee-associates.com www.lee-fl.com

Puzzled over how to keep up with changes in Southwest Florida’s Business Market?

The Missing Piece is in your hands...

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

OCTOBER 2016

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

All Seasons Naples to welcome seniors in spring

Vantage Construction completes Cape project

Vantage Construction Services, a commercial general contractor, has completed construction of the 6,000-square- foot building that will house a Starbucks and a Chiptole Mexican Grill set to open this fall.

The building, at 2207 Del Prado, Cape Coral, adjacent to the Coralwood Mall, has an opening for a third tenant.

Stiles Architectural Group of Fort Lauderdale designed the facility which is owned by G.R.E. Coralwood, L.P. Vantage Construction Services provides consulting, pre-construction, general contracting, construction management and design-build services for all facets of the commercial construction industry.

For more information, go to www.vantageconstructionllc.com .

“

All Seasons Naples will usher in a new era of senior living into the area with its gorgeous location and stunning architecture.

– Collette Valentine, CEO/COO for Integral Senior Living

“

All Season Naples, the newest luxury senior living community developed by Beztak Land Company and co-managed by Integral Senior Living, is set to start pre-leasing this fall, with first occupancies expected as early as the spring.

The All Seasons brand, which Beztak first introduced in Michigan in 2007, is a unique concept that offers seniors an alternative to traditional congregate senior living with expertise in Assisted Living and Memory Care.

The All Seasons mission is to be the standard bearer of the senior living industry and to operate in a manner that is similar to a five-star resort or boutique hotel.

“All Seasons Naples will usher in a new era of senior living into the area with its gorgeous location

and stunning architecture,” said Collette Valentine, CEO/COO for Integral Senior Living.

The community will offer 100 independent living and 62 assisted living one- and two-bedroom apartment homes, and 25 memory care studio apartment homes. Residents will be surrounded by lush tropical landscaping, communal herb gardens, and an expansive boardwalk, pier and gazebo with lake views.

It offers a state-of-the-art exercise facility, chauffeured transportation, 5-star cuisine served in an assortment of restaurant style venues, and frequent performances from accomplished entertainers.

The community is located at 15450 Tamiami Trail.

For information visit www.allseasonsnaples.com.

It’s time for a new game strategy

If I were to liken the commercial real estate’s industrial sector to a sport, I believe the best comparison is volleyball. (vol·ley·ball: A fast-paced sport which requires top-notch reflexes).

Demand for industrial space has outpaced nearly all previous forecasts and shows little sign of slowing.

Rapid escalation of demand stems from a number of components closely tied to the industrial sector including distinct transformation in global supply chain, ecommerce, and the resurgence of “springboard sectors” including retail and residential.

Right now and for some time, we have been in the “volley stage” of the game: Supply: Space becomes available.

Demand: Tenants lease space.

Supply: Tenants need more space or upgraded space, so they vacate leased space.

Demand: Vacated space is immediately backfilled with pent-up demand.

Although limited and not checking all boxes on the tenant wish list, there have been a few usable options

for most tenants when they needed it; yet, I believe we are reaching the end stage of effectiveness of this volley, and it’s time for a new game strategy.

Demand Side At first glance, the industrial sector may appear to show declining absorption of space; yet in reality, drastically diminished inventory levels may be misleading us. Net absorption declined based almost entirely on a lack

BY DAVE WALLACE of available inventory in which Guest Columnist to lease or purchase, and NOT a function of demand which remains at an all-time high.

The make-up of the demand for industrial space is also adding to its overall sustainability. The varied and diverse nature of the demand source will strengthen the DEMAND See page 13

Naples’ Poteet receives state Commercial Realtor Award

Realtors honor best at 100th birthday celebration

Florida Realtors recognized William “Bill” Poteet, of Naples, as its Commercial Realtor of the Year during the state association’s recent annual Convention & Trade Expo at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando.

The group provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its more than 155,000 members in 55 boards/associations.

Poteet, a member of the Naples Area Board of Realtors, received the 2016 Commercial Realtor Achievement Award, which honors a Realtor’s lifetime of contributions to com-

mercial activities.

Poteet has served on numerous committees and in every leadership position for the Naples association, including as its 2012 president. He is the 2016 chair of the local Realtors Political Action Committee. He has earned NABOR’s Commercial Realtor Achievement Award, Realtor of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year, Committee Member Spotlight Award and the Ad Miller Award, one of the top honors given for a lifetime of work towards insuring private property rights.

He serves as Florida Realtors District 5 RPAC trustee, chairman of the Realtor Party Forum and as vice chair of the state association’s Commercial Alliance Committee.

Since 2007, Poteet has been a key contact for state Rep. Matt Hudson; he also is a Sterling R investor in RPAC. On the national level, he is a member of the Land Use, Property Rights and the Environment Committee and the Commercial Legislative and Regulatory Subcommittee for the National Association of Realtors.

Poteet chairs the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Committee (2003-2016), which has acquired more than $104 million in environmentally sensitive properties for public use and protection.

He is a member of the Collier County Value Adjustment Board, serves on the board of directors for the Golden Gate Area Civic Associa-

tion and for the Junior Deputy League of Collier County, a youth program serving mostly elementary school age students. Among other activities, Poteet also serves on the Southwest Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America’s Executive Board and the Greater Naples Better Government Committee.

The group also honored Andrew Barbar, 2015 Florida Realtors president, as Realtor of the Year; Stephen Lingley of the Venice Area Board of Realtors as Associate Realtor of the Year; Judy Ramella, a member of the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches, for the Realtor Achievement Award; and Jose Fernandez, a member of the Miami Association of Realtors, as Humanitarian of the Year.

COMMERCIAL REALTORS: AT YOUR SERVICE Selling your business is our business

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OCTOBER 2016

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 13

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

Housing market reflects rising prices, lack of inventory

Florida’s housing market reported rising median prices and fewer all-cash closed sales in July, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors.

Closed sales of single-family homes statewide totaled 24,083, down 8 percent from July 2015, reflecting the

state’s current shortfall in inventory.

Home sellers continued to get more of their original asking price at the closing table in July: Sellers of existing single-family homes received 96.4 percent (median percentage) of their original listing price, while those selling townhouse-condo properties received

GUEST COMMENTARY

Property Owners Beware!

This is Part 2 of a column from the July issue.

I hope you read my commentary from three issues ago. I wrote about a complete “scam” called a “drive” by ADA lawsuits. What follows is a recap and an update. On November 7, 2015, we purchased Regency Square Shopping Center on the northwest corner of Colonial Boulevard and Cleveland Avenue. In March 2016, we were served with a federal lawsuit concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Plaintiff was a person named Patricia Kennedy, who I have never seen.

Here is how the process goes: the lawsuit is simply filed. No notice is given or has to be given and no list of deficiencies are enumerated in the filing. This part of the law is what makes the lawsuit attractive to file. Before you know anything, you must hire an attorney and the case is on. The filing says Patricia Kennedy is an “ADA advocate” and “tester”.

So, I send a $5,000.00 retainer to my attorney. I then hire an engineer to survey the property to test the angles of the sidewalk ramps, etc. Legal fees start mounting. Very quickly we get a list of minor things that are wrong. One business that opened last December with a Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Fort Myers had a 24-inch grab bar instead of a 36-inch one. This will end up being a $32,000 problem even though $4,000 is the actual cost of the required repairs.

These are 40-year-old buildings.

The previous owner was served with an ADA lawsuit in 2008 and spent over $100,000.00 in improvements to the center. These lawsuits can be filed anytime, anywhere. The key is the payoff to the

filing attorney to settle.

I end up paying both attorneys. It turns out, there are people who make a very good living filing lawsuits like this.

If the law could be changed to give notice enumerating the deBY RANDY KRISE ficiencies and a Guest Columnist 60-day period to correct the deficiencies, the suit would then not be profitable for the lawyers.

Lawyers control Congress. Members of the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) organization and National Association of Realtors (NAR) have been advocating these small changes for two years without any luck. This is a case of lawyers making work for other lawyers. I am paying both lawyers because it is less expensive to settle than go to trial.

It is despicable that this is done in the name of disabled people! Every word of these two commentaries are true. Just check your business building for compliance: i.e. how high is the handicapped parking space sign and does the sign correctly identify the penalty if violated?

BEWARE: they are looking at you next!

Randy Krise is owner/broker of Krise Commercial Group LLC. Contact him at (239) 633-8672 or email him at randy@krisecg.com

94.6 percent (median percentage).

The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes last month was $223,238, up 11.6 percent from the previous year, according to data from Florida Realtors research department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. The state-

wide median price for townhouse-condo properties in July was $160,000, up 6.8 percent over the year-ago figure.

In July, statewide median sales prices for both single-family homes and townhouse-condo properties rose year-over-year for the 56th month in a row.

EHC starts projects in Fort Myers EHC, Inc., is developing projects with two new clients in Fort Myers Lake at Metro with Red Canyon and Riverside with Dalton Communities.

The construction company provides pre-construction, earthwork and infrastructure services.

Lake at Metro is a multi-parcel commercial project at Six Mile Cypress and Metro Parkway in Fort Myers with Red Canyon. The onsite development is about 30 acres with EHC providing demolition, milling, earthwork, subgrade, base, and asphalt paving for new turn lanes on Six Mile Cypress into the Lake at Metro project. The project also in-

cludes modifications to the existing bike path and restoration sodding.

On McGregor Boulevard south of Cypress Lake Drive, Riverside is a nearly 10-acre residential villa community with 23 buildings consisting of 46 units. EHC services for the Dalton Communities project include surveying, erosion control, clearing, earthwork and grading, 65,000 tons of imported fill, storm drainage, sanitary sewer, potable water, curbing, road construction as well as traffic signage and striping.

For more information, go to www.EHCconstruction.com, or call (239) 592-0828.

DEMAND PAGE 12

sector is also responsible for a portion of increased demand in the industrial vertical as well — a market player which has become a bona fide user of large-scale industrial space in full force since 2009 and only increasing in popularity.

With an overall vacancy rate (total available) of 3.9 percent in Lee County and 2.5 percent in Collier County (Industrial/Flex) demand is clearly outstripping supply.

The shortage carries over to for sale assets as well. Sales of vacant industrial and flex assets are down, leaving well-heeled potential users very limited options for immediate occupancy.

Next month, we’ll discuss the supply side response

sector’s ability to maintain such momentum moving forward.

In recent quarters, Lee and Collier counties have seen heightened industrial demand from local service companies who have returned to the market primarily to serve the burgeoning residential and retail construction sectors. The auto industry in Southwest Florida is also quickly depleting the existing C-5 zoned property.

Global supply chain trends may have some effect on increasing demand for industrial space. As labor costs, fuel cost volatility and other characteristics of foreign markets show unfavorable shifts, the U.S. may emerge as a more attractive option for companies. A “trickle-down” effect may reach secondary markets and tertiary markets may become a target for new construction due to significantly lower land costs.

The ever-expanding E-Commerce

Dave Wallace is an office/industrial and investment specialist with CRE Consultants and has 30 years of commercial real estate experience.

Contact him at (239)649-7755 or dave.wallace@creconsultants.com .

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Page 14

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

OCTOBER 2016

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Don’t miss out! Lot reseverations now being accepted. Owner financing available.

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LARGEST BIG BOX SITE ON PINE ISLAND ROAD

125-151 Pine Island Road, Cape Coral, FL List Price: $10,767,900 Size: 25± Acres Largest approved big box site on Pine Island Rd. with a 10,000± SF lot at 324 NE 2nd Place for rear egress.

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12561 S. McCall Boulevard, Port Charlotte, FL Lot 1: $7,108,992 / 10.88 Acres Lot 4: $1,152,600 / 1.47 Acres Lot 5: $878,170 / 1.12 Acres Shovel-ready with all infrastructure complete!

Strategically located between Port Charlotte and Englewood, Florida in Western Charlotte county near Englewood and bordered by Gulfstream Blvd. to the east, Kevitt Blvd. to the west and S. McCall Rd. to the north.

Randy Krise, CCIM

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Serving Southwest Florida since 1984

OCTOBER 2016

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 15

HORIZON PAGE 1

Photos by Jim Jett Above: Peter and Rachel Busch Below: Dr. Lawrence Antonucci and Bob Simpson

employees. Revenues grew more than 73 percent from 2014 to 2015, and sales for 2016 are projected to be up by 60 percent. The company attributes its huge success to earning big industry awards for its authentic handcrafted rum.

Bailey’s General Store is the recipient of The LocalLEE Grown Business Award, recognizing a company that was founded in Lee County and is distinguished by its operational excellence and commitment to the vibrancy of Southwest Florida’s business climate. Providing groceries, hardware and gift items to the Sanibel-Captiva community since 1899, Bailey’s General Store is one of the oldest locallyowned companies in Lee County. Still operated by Bailey family members, the company now has 100 full-time employees and has added a second location at the Sundial Resort on Sanibel. Bailey’s also created Sanibel Captiva Catering Company, which employs an additional 10 Lee County residents.

Gary V. Trippe earned The Bruce T. Gora Legacy Award, created in the late Bruce T. Gora’s award honoring an individual that has exhibited superior leadership and inspiration to others, not only in the business community, but to the community as a whole. Trippe started Oswald Trippe & Co. in the garage of his Fort Myers home in 1981. The company grew to be the largest independent insurance agency in Southwest Florida, employing over 200 employee-owners, at the time of its sale to BB&T in 2009. Trippe is a remarkable business leader who has more than 30 years of community leadership to his credit. His legacy continues even in retirement with his work with the nonprofit, Disabled Veterans Insurance Careers, which this Vietnam veteran co-

Horizon Council Chair Dr. Lawrence Antonucci, Ginny Gora and Carolyn Gora congratulate Gary Trippe, winner of the Bruce T. Gora Legacy Award. founded and chairs.

“All of these winners have unique stories and experiences that truly reflect the diversity and spirit of Lee County’s businesses culture,” said Dr. Lawrence Antonucci, chair of the Horizon Council. “As we celebrate 25 years, we can look back proudly on how each of these businesses has contributed to and continue to contribute to our community.”

The Horizon Council is a public-private board established in 1991 to advise the Lee Board of County Commissioners on economic development issues.

The Council has over 70 members representing six cities; chambers of commerce; economic development and trade organizations; community, business, and education organizations; along with various officers and at-large members. The Lee County Economic Development Office provides business assistance to retain existing businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and attracts new businesses so that Lee County has a strong economy, thriving communities, and broadly shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.LeeCountyBusiness.com or 239-338-3161.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

OCTOBER 2016

Estero Life Magazine moves operation to SWFL Gary Israel, publisher of Estero Lifestyle Magazine for the past six years, has acquired the publication from Lifestyle Media Group in Broward County and will move the total operation to Southwest Florida.

Israel will assume the role as president and publisher effective with the No-

vember 2016 issue. While the name will change slightly (Estero Life Magazine), the mission will remain the same.

“From the very beginning, it has been our mission to showcase the people, places and events that have significant impact on our community,” Israel said. “Being a Village of Estero resident, I have a vested

interest in promoting the many positives of this area.”

“It also will allow us to infuse the Southwest Florida economy, as we keep spending locally while continuing to publish a high-end, quality magazine for the Estero community.”

Israel promises the same high-quality

content, with stories about the people, organizations and community causes which make Estero great.

Six years ago, Estero Lifestyle Magazine launched as the only publication exclusively serving the Estero community.

The new website address will be www.esterolifemagazine.com.

SALUTE TO ENTREPRENEURS

Always remember you can do this; do not ever give up

As an entrepreneur you learn many things from the start.

Since I graduated from college, I was always creating, seeking new ideas, and starting up small side businesses in addition to starting a professional career to finance my endeavors. My most successful endeavor, was started in 2006. As the founder and owner of The LSH Group, a professional services consulting company focused on business continuity and IT disaster recovery, I started out seeking success and building a profitable small business based on my professional career of 25 years.

I thought of the old cliché, “Build it, and they will come”. Well, I built it, but it was a bit of a rough start, until the first check arrived. Receiving my first official check was the most amazing feeling. However, it took several years to get the business going.

Marketing was my first start. I sought conferences to speak at, ads in industry publications, businesses to network with, state term contracts to bid on and the list goes on.

Consulting businesses take a while to get off the ground. Typically, in a good economy it can take 3 to 5 years. Certainly longer in a bad economy, and, in 2008, the economy was tanking. So my struggle to gain industry recognition and a successful profitable business took slightly longer. There are a few essential lessons learned. I learned that you really

have no life to balance as an entrepreneur. You work harder than ever and have limited family time. For me, that meant starting my day at 4:30 am and ending sometime in the evening and even at that, my mind would still be racing over the day and thinking of the next steps when I should be sleeping.

The best advice I was given was to keep going, do not give

BY LINDA up, it takes time to get estabHANWACKER lished, and keep the business Guest Columnist running, especially in consulting. One of the best quotes I found, was that “many times the only person you can turn to for inspiration or comfort is the person staring back at you in the mirror, often blankly”.

Starting a company requires an incredible level of commitment and. It is exhausting, and it continues to be because I love to keep the business highly profitable. In the past, I thought about calling it quits because it was clearly easier to get a job but certainly not as rewarding. I believe many people give up at this point. It takes having a passion for what you are doing and a strong drive believing in yourself. There

is very little time for anything else.

The important items are:

Organization Benjamin Franklin quoted, “For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned” Opportunity Never let one pass you by Customers Your most important asset; they can fire everyone just by spending their money elsewhere Inspiration Stay inspired and have confidence Belief Realize that you can do it!

Linda Hanwacker is an industry subject matter expert, guest speaker, author, and CEO and founder of The LSH Group, in Fort Myers, which has provided professional services with economical solutions for business continuity, IT disaster recovery and emergency management planning for more than 20 years. Contact her at (239) 466-1170 or hanwacker@thelshgroup.com or TheLSHGroup.com.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 17

SALUTE TO ENTREPRENEURS

‘Be all your meant to be’ as a motto works in business, life We believe entrepreneurs are the movers and shakers, the promoters and idea people of the world. As one of the few women airline pilots flying wide-body aircraft internationally, business promotion, at that time, was not my objective. I chose this lifestyle for its world travel, good salary, and ample time off. As governor of my Corvette Club, I raced cars. I took time to become involved in my local community. When the airplane brakes were set at the gate and the checklist complete, a pilot’s job was done. I had no worries about business, networking, or employees.

I gave talks for career day at schools. When women’s groups asked me to talk about how I beat men at their own game, in a male-dominated industry, I had to explain I didn’t beat anyone at anything. The men were free to be themselves around me - always. That was who I was, no act. They accepted me for my qualifications and abilities.

I realized that very few understood the intrigue of ‘flying the line’ as a woman airline pilot. I felt the need to show the world the adventure, romance, challenges, difficult lessons, and yes, the workplace betrayal that I

Cancer scare ignites health awareness passion Seventeen years ago, at age 53, I was diagnosed with advanced ovarian and uterine cancers that had spread to my lymphatic system.

The prognosis was dire, especially when accompanied with the pronouncement that I had three months left to live or I could pursue a year of chemo radiation to live one more year. I choose to take the three-month option and began to discover a holistic approach to buy time and eliminate my suffering.

More than a decade later, I am cancer-free and living an even more active and fulfilling lifestyle than I enjoyed prior to my illness.

I feel that a large part of my health and happiness is due to Liquid Biocell. This is a drink that I consume daily and contains a matrix of natural hydrolyzed collagen type 2, HA, and chondroitin sulfate.

My skin is firm and resilient, and my joints are active and fluid. Another tip I give to my friends is to add lemon to water and drink it every morning right after waking up to alkaline the body.

After surviving stage four ovarian cancer I don’t want this information that I have gained to be a secret.

Instead, my passion and purpose in life is to educate

others so they too can live a holistic and healthy life themselves.

I have written two books, “My Journey to Wellness” and “A Wealth of Health” that explain how I overcame cancer and educates readers on holistic health opportunities. “My Journey to Wellness” gives cancer patients the hope and information they need on alternative healing. “A Wealth of Health” gives readers an education on

BY URSULA cleansing the body, healthy diet, KAISER exercise, mindfulness and disGuest Columnist ease prevention.

I speak to small groups about natural approaches to healing and offer support and guidance to those who have been diagnosed with cancer or who are interested in natural ways to prevent the disease.

Ursula Kaiser is a cancer survivor. You can reach her at 239-223-0800 or kitconn@aol.com

had known. The result became my book, “Flying into the Night”; although, written as fiction under a pen name per legal advice.

Today, faced with the largest pilot shortage in history, I promote the industry I love, and encourage women to enjoy the lifestyle of a professional pilot. I have gathered my photos to illustrate talks about the lifestyle of an airline pilot. My motivational message of “Be All You Are Meant to Be” fits well.

MOTTO See page 20

Page 18

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

OCTOBER 2016

Shift client interest to add Elevator pitches not only way for people to get to know you to your share of pie Part 1 of Share Shifting. Turn to November’s issue for Part 2.

Share shifting describes moving a client base from your competition, to you.

It is not getting new businesses to try your product line; it is taking a current client database and moving it to your database.

There are “X” dollars spent on any product line at any one time.

The objective within share-shift marketing is to move more of those finite dollars spent on any product line into your business unit. You will be going for a bigger slice of the pie; but it is still one pie that has not gotten any larger, just your portion of it has.

You need one of two things in place to sell any item: the clients either want or need your product line or a combination of both.

The advantages of share shifting over getting new customers/clients are: • Want and need are established • The client is already buying, so spending habits are historic, thus forecasting can be done for prequalifying their future spending • Having purchased from your competitor, selling strategies on your product line’s advantages over your competition can be highlighted and exploited

• Pre-qualified database for quicker sales effectiveness, ramp up/your “low hanging fruit” • Builds revenues in a soft or downward trending marketplace • No wastBY TOM ed time on MARQUARDT “uncovering” Guest Columnist needs in your sales stage progression. Due to this, you can move the client quicker through the sales pipeline to the purchase phase With share-shift marketing, your top-line growth will be faster than with most other sales campaigns, due to the fact that you have an accelerated cycle built into this sales effort. So, go on out there and get a bigger piece of that market share pie, before someone else does and then throws it in your face.

Tom Marquardt is co-owner of Platinum PEO Resources, of Fort Myers, specializing in human resources and benefits. For more information, call 239-561-2591 or visit PlatinumPEOresources.com

Question: Do I need to have an elevator pitch ready when I meet someone at a networking event?

Answer: This is a great question, but the simple answer is “No!” What’s an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch is a well crafted, introductory statement that takes less than 30 seconds. The idea is to quickly get across who you are and why someone should care. There are situations where a rehearsed statement works well, for example, when you are asked to stand up and introduce myself to a room full of strangers. My elevator pitch goes like this:

How not to use an elevator pitch I met a real estate agent who had a clever elevator pitch. I was about to continue the conversation but, just then, another person joined us.

Right on cue the real estate agent launched into his pitch. Another person joined us moments later, and again, the same pitch. Within the space of about 15 minutes I watched as he repeated his pitch to each new person who approached.

This is not the first time someone has done this in front of me.

I had the impression that he must have nothing interesting to say.

Based on that experience, I wondered if he treats his clients the same way?

Conversation is key When you are networking, you’re trying to get to know people and trying to get them to know, like and trust you. Conversation has to be your main focus. If you only repeat your pitch, you’re wasting a perfectly good opportunity to make connections, and you may be making a horrible impression.

You need to focus on conversation, you need to be curious, be attentive, and be yourself.

The growing world of “mobile” demands that you be wherever your customers, clients, members and prospects expect you to be.

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Be curious Ask questions. The easiest way to start a conversation is to ask a question. If you take an interest in someone, they are more likely to take an interest and get to know you. That is the real point of networking, developing relationships. It’s simple.

You get to know me, you decide you

like me and you feel you can trust me. Aren’t you more likely to buy from me or refer someone to me? Of course, you are. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but at some point.

BY BRYON MCCARTNEY

Be attentive Have you Guest Columnist ever talked to someone and they just seem to start drifting off. Don’t be that person. If you are serious about networking, pay attention and listen to people.

You also may discover a special connection with that person. They may turn out to be a great source of business or referrals.

Be yourself Do not try to talk about things you are not familiar with. Always be ready to talk about work, hobbies, education and network (W.H.E.N. for short). Your work is where you work now and where you worked in the past. Hobbies are those things that you are most passionate about outside of work. Education is where you went to school. It’s also all the conferences and workshops you have attended. Your network is the people you know and who you may be able to connect someone with.

Final Thoughts You are not trying to sell to someone at a networking event, your goal is to connect with them. You need to draw them into conversation, you need to find something in common with them. You want them to remember you. Don’t try to reduce yourself to one or two sentences that answers most of their questions. That kills conversation. Just ditch the pitch.

Bryon McCartney is the Chief Idea Guy and managing partner at the Be Brilliant! Marketing Team, a branding, design, marketing, social media and web design agency in Florida.

Contact him at 239-851-5190 or bryon@brilliantlens.com.

Flying into the Night

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OCTOBER 2016

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Bruno to speak at national conference

Louis Bruno, president of Bruno Air Conditioning, will be a featured guest speaker at the 2016 Johnson Controls’ Customer Business Conference. The conference is in Nashville, Tennessee, from Oct. 7 to 10.

The conference will feature educational sessions, workshops, a product showcase, networking and expert speakers on topics about business growth. The keynote speaker will be Jim Craig, president of Gold Medal Strategies, and an Olympic gold medalist and goalie for the U.S. “Miracle on Ice” hockey team from the 1980 winter Olympics. Craig will weave stories from the 1980 Olympics into a diligently crafted message based on the company’s specific needs, has become one of the most coveted keynotes in the industry.

“I’m very excited to be included as a guest speaker at this business conference, “says Bruno. “I’ll share my business story and hopefully help to inspire others.”

Johnson Controls is a global technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. They specialize in building efficiency, batteries and energy storage and automotive seats.

Bruno Air Conditioning was founded in 2013 and now services the Southwest Florida, Tampa and Orlando area.

For more information, contact 239-592-7866 or visit www.brunoair.com.

Page 19

Two Naples employers join Blue Zones Project Two Naples employers are joining the ranks of Blue Zones Project Recognized organizations in Southwest Florida, demonstrating their commitment to helping employees and residents live longer, better lives.

Waves of Wonder Montessori School became the first Blue Zones Project Recognized Montessori school in Southwest Florida and in the US. Hotel Escalante also became a Blue Zones Project Recognized organization. The hotel’s restaurant, Veranda E, has been named Blue Zones Project Approved.

Blue Zones Project is a community-by-community, well-being im-

provement initiative designed to make healthy choices easier through permanent changes to environment, policy, and social networks.

“At Waves of Wonder, following the observational methodology of Maria Montessori, we can attest to the positive relationship between healthful and nutritious foods and the development of the child,” said Jennifer Bartolomeo, director of Waves of Wonder Montessori. “A child who eats clean, healthy food has more energy and focus, and generally maintains happier, more balanced behavior conducive to learning and exercising the mind.”

Tech Partnership hosts TECHmatch The Southwest Florida Regional Technology Partnership invites area IT / Tech professionals and students to attend TECHmatch 2016 with options in Fort Myers and Naples this October and November.

Oct. 12: Regional companies who will pitch current tech job openings and projected growth potential. Attendees will interact with company representatives and match their skills to open positions.

Companies includes: Hertz, eMaint, 21st Century Oncology, TopDog PR, LCEC, SkyLink Data Centers, Chico’s FAS, TheRocketLounge, iPartnerMedia, Lee Memorial Health System, Baxter Group, Simplified Technologies LLC, CPR Tools and others It is at Florida Southwestern from 5:30 to 8 p.m. There is no cost to attend. Those interested in attending should register at www.swfrtp. org Nov. 3: A CIO Roundtable on “Raising IT’s Maturity – a Game the Whole Enterprise Can Play.” The event is facilitated by Jose Ruggero. The panel includes: James Sampel, CIO Alico Inc; Andrew Hunter, CIO Lee County; Carl Stringer, VP IT & Employee Benefits, US Sugar; Dave Massey, CIO Bealls; and Shawn Busky, CIO Arthrex.

Register for the event at www.SWFRTP.org. It will be at Hodges University in Naples, White Community Room, from 6 to 8 p.m.

To nudge staff and students to eat better, the school added more healthy options at lunch and school events.

They limit sodas and processed foods.

Hotel Escalante and Veranda E removed salt from dining tables, continued growing and using herbs and vegetables from their garden, used local farmers to deliver fresh produce, became a tobacco-free site, and began offering monthly “Health E” lunches that promote well-being and plantbased menu options.

For information about Blue Zones Project - Southwest Florida visit southwestflorida.bluezonesproject.com or call 239-624-2312.

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For a free quote, visit uhc.com/SWFL Call 1-877-233-0661, or call your broker. *14% savings based on Q1 2016 UnitedHealthcare internal analysis for average price comparison between UnitedHealthcare plans in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties. Not all health plans are available in all areas. Visit uhc.com/employer/small-business to find a list of plans available in your area. ©2016 United HealthCare Services, Inc. Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates.

MT-1060048.0 9/16 ©2016 United HealthCare Services, Inc. 16-2642-A

Page 20

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

SALUTE TO ENTREPRENEURS

Embrace digital age and grow your business Social Media has changed the way we do business, sell products and services and communicate forever. Whether you are an established business or just starting, one common factor is the relevance of social media in today’s market place.

Since the advent of Classmates.com in 1995, the social networking site founded by Randy Conrad, the evolution of social networking has not ceased.

CompuServe purchased AOL in 1998 and gave place to social networking’s adolescence. Sites that still exist today that were founded in that era and are still successful are Classmates.com which today boasts some 57 million registered accounts, AsianAvenue.com, founded in 1997, BlackPlanet. com in 1999 and MiGente.com founded in 2000.

The business grew up with the advent of Friendster, LinkedIn, MySpace Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram. According to www.ebizmba.com the statistics for the top Social Bookmarking websites in September 2016 tally 10s of billions of accounts The world is changing before your eyes and billions of people all over the world are socially engaged. Social media has ushered in a new way to do business and sell products and services. It is called Social Commerce and it is a multi-billiondollar platform. Products and services are being moved across social media platforms at an alarming rate with stores on Facebook and buy buttons on Pinterest. The ability to run ads on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook positions entrepreneurs and business owners to compete with big brands like never before. It gives small- to medium-size business owners leverage that has never been seen before in the marketplace.

It is vital that your business has a presence in the social media arena. Determining what platform or platforms would work best for you and which plat-

forms to use for advertising is something that needs to be discussed with a social media professional. Once you are on the correct platform the next most important element is to create engagement and consistently deliver relevant content.

Content is king, and distribution of that content is queen.

Second, connecting with

BY JOANNE your core audience and mainGILLESPIE taining that connection is viGuest Columnist tal. Consistency is the order of the day as it relates to social media because social media thrives on real time engagement. Last is converting your audience into leads, customers, and buyers of your products and services.

There are so many creative ways to market your products and services and get the word out about your brand on social media. Methods that can be employed to collect data are numerous on various Social Media platforms. Livestreaming on Facebook Live and Periscope affords you the opportunity to broadcast live to an international audience within a matter of minutes.

The digital age is here to stay and it is important to embrace it if you want to remain relevant and profitable in today’s marketplace.

Take a deep breath, exhale, then relax and enjoy the journey.

JoAnne Gillespie owns Gillespie Digital Media Group and LetsGetSocial.media, Connect with her at info@gillespiedigitalmediagroup.com or by calling 239-770-3606.

OCTOBER 2016

MOTTO PAGE 17 Traditionally, military trained pilots were hired by the major airlines. I have had the pleasure of flying with many of these fearless fighter pilots.

Pilots have the reputation of arrogance, “consider themselves sky gods,” people say. I know about pilots. They have a sense of humor and like to keep things simple.

Take the workings of a jet engine. Suck, squeeze, bang, blow. Very simple.

Suck in the air, compress it, fire the fuel and blow the compressed air out the back with enough thrust to propel your aircraft through the air. “In thrust we trust.”

BY SYDNEY One of these fighter WILLIAMS pilots is the resourceGuest Columnist ful Capt. Dave Powell, the dean of the College of Aviation at Western Michigan University. He knows that today more military pilots are drone pilots, never actually sitting in the cockpit of a plane. We now need more college trained aviation professionals. His program focuses on quality and diversity, uses the best general aviation training aircraft with the most closely aligned avionics to airliner cockpits.

A graduate from this program will have the best training available.

What is entrepreneurial success? When dedicated effort prevails over the struggle, the obstacles and naysayers, to provide exceptional benefits to many.

Retired airline pilot, author, speaker, promoter of women in aviation, Sydney Williams lives with her husband in Southwest Florida. Her passion: to inspire - be all you are meant to be. Contact her at 239-565-5027 or FlyingFreya@icloud.com .

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