SPECIAL MARKETING SECTION

RECOGNIZING BUSINESS SUCCESS ON THE GULF COAST | SRQ MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020

As a locally grown, locally owned company, SRQ MEDIA pays tribute to our community’s visionary local businesses and the people behind them who work hard to create economic opportunities every day on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

2020

TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE GULF COAST

BERLIN PATTEN EBLING THE LAW FIRM OF BERLIN PATTEN EBLING was founded in 2002 as a boutique real estate transactional law firm. Evan Berlin’s passion for real estate law drove him to create a more personalized, client centric approach to real estate transactions. “We saw title agents, and not lawyers, representing buyers and sellers in what is inherently a legal transaction, and more importantly, a legal transaction that is often times the most important transaction of their life.” says Berlin. “We decided early on that our legal services should be provided at the same price point as traditional title agencies to allow buyers and sellers to have the added benefit of legal assistance throughout what can be a very complicated process”. The theory seems to have worked, as the law firm closed over one billion dollars in real estate transactions in 2019. That intense focus on the client experience has allowed the firm to grow from a boutique real-estate focused law practice into a practice that now includes a full range of legal services throughout Florida, including residential and commercial real estate transactions, estate planning, probate, tax, corporate, family law, and litigation. Furthermore, the firm has done so while remaining steadfast in its core commitment to deliver a concierge level of service in a boutique law firm environment. “As the firm has evolved, I never thought we would grow the

to

become

larger

southwest have through

law

one

of

firms

in

Florida.

grown word

the of

We firm

mouth,

one client at a time, while still maintaining our focus on the personalized client experience. “ - JAMIE EBLING, PARTNER IN THE FIRM.

SARASOTA OFFICE 3700 SOUTH TAMIAMI TRAIL, ST 200 SARASOTA, FL 34239 941-954-9991 BERLINPATTEN.COM

“I am excited to take on this key leadership role with CenterState. It is an honor and a privilege to work with an incredible team of caring and committed CenterState associates who are focused

CENTERSTATE BANK WITH THE ACQUISITION OF PREMIER COMMUNITY BANK IN JULY 2019, CenterState Bank increased its number of locations in the Sarasota/Manatee market to nine branches. These full service branches are conveniently located and provide traditional retail banking services as well as commercial, mortgage, wealth management, and Small Business Administration (SBA) lending services. Following the conversion, Shaun Merriman, Regional President – West Florida, announced that Brian Hall was named as Community President for the Sarasota/Manatee market. Brian has 30+ years of banking experience and is a proven leader. His team includes:

• • •

Chris Perkins, Area Executive and Commercial Team Leader Cindy Denison, Retail Market Manager – Oversees branches in Manatee County Deborah Vaughan, Retail Market Manager – Oversees branches in Sarasota County

CenterState Bank is one of the largest community banks headquartered in the state of Florida and is based in Winter Haven with more than $17 billion in total assets. CenterState operates in 44 counties within the states of Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Started by a group of bankers and entrepreneurs over 25 years ago, CenterState has continued its history of quality service and community focus throughout its strong growth. In addition to the local community bank branches, the Company also provides correspondent banking and capital market services to approximately 600 community banks nationwide. Most importantly, CenterState’s core values inspire how we operate – “Local Market Driven, A Long Term Horizon, World Class Service, Relationship Banking, as well as Faith and Family.” We believe that local ownership and local management translate to a better bank for our clients. For more information on CenterState Bank, please visit, www.CenterStateBank.com.

CENTERSTATEBANK.COM BHALL@CENTERSTATEBANK.COM 941-306-0124

TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE GULF COAST

on providing exceptional service to our clients and the communities we serve.” - BRIAN HALL

TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE GULF COAST

DIAMOND VAULT EVERY PIECE OF HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY FROM DIAMOND VAULT is made with something very special: a story. From the moment a customer walks in to acquire something special, the Chokr family meets them with excitement and humility, a rare combination in the jewelry business. Diamond Vault’s story began in 1978 and ever since, it has raised the local standard of glittering gemstones and precious metals and garnered the attention of a global audience through their creation of one-of-a-kind pieces. Starting with a custom design isn’t the easy way to make jewelry, but it is the right way when purchasing a piece that is as meaningful as it is lovely. The talented team of GIA Graduate Gemologists and jewelry designers capture each exquisite piece through full-scale hand-carved wax molds or through intricate CAD designs to best reveal each stone’s unique personality. The finished product is hand-set, finished and polished with careful attention to preserve the quality and beauty as each setting takes its place as an instant heirloom for the wearer. While a far-reaching clientele (stretching from the United Kingdom to Norway to China) has established Diamond Vault as a premier purveyor of the finest diamonds, rare colored gemstones and watches along the Gulf Coast, the heart of this family-run business is evident to every customer that gazes at their illuminated cases.

“At Diamond Vault, we don’t simply sell jewelry. We’re in the business of celebration and making memories, something we’ve proudly been doing for over 40 years. When a guest enters our store, we want them to feel that their engagement, anniversary or special occasion is just as important to us as it is to them. We make sure that every detail is perfect so that when they leave, their jewelry becomes part of their own story.” - MICHAEL CHOKR.

DIAMOND VAULT 3979 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL, SARASOTA 941-921-4016 DIAMONDVAULTJEWELERS.COM

MICHAEL’S ON EAST

Michael’s On East is renowned for our commitment to Legendary Hospitality through an elevated finedining experience, award-winning menu, dedication to the community, and of course, superior guest service. Michael’s On East is Sarasota’s only AAA Four-Diamond restaurant and has been recognized as one of Florida’s best places to dine as a member of Florida Trend’s “Golden Spoon Hall of Fame” since 1988. Co-proprietors Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini have staked their unmatched reputation and train their staff on this singular principle: to treat each guest the way that they would expect to be treated, throughout every moment of each restaurant visit or event experience. The culinary duo has been recognized regionally and internationally for their dedication to supporting more than 500 nonprofit organizations throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Through donations, contributions, and partnerships, Klauber and Mancini are proud of the Michael’s On East family’s philanthropic impact of several million dollars to the area’s nonprofit community. The Michael’s On East brand extends beyond the Restaurant, serving the community through Michael’s Events & Catering, which hosts thousands of guests per year at onsite and offsite events and locations. Michael’s Wine Cellar, located adjacent to the Restaurant, boasts more than one thousand international wines, craft beers, and premium spirits available to shop in-store or online. Whether dining in the Restaurant, shopping in the Wine Cellar or enjoying our Legendary Hospitality at a catered event, you can be sure to expect highquality service and lifelong memories you won’t soon forget.

MICHAEL’S ON EAST 1212 EAST AVE. S., SARASOTA, FL 34239 941-366-0007 BESTFOOD.COM

“Our MOE family is proud to be able to contribute to

and

celebrate

our

community

in

so

many

special ways, none of which would be possible without

the

commitment

to

excellence

of

our

passionate team of hospitality professionals.” - MICHAEL KLAUBER & PHIL MANCINI

TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE GULF COAST

FOR MORE THAN 32 YEARS, Michael’s On East has served as a landmark in Sarasota’s culinary scene -and a staple of the greater Southwest Florida region.

TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE GULF COAST

MORTON’S GOURMET MARKET FOR OVER 50 YEARS, Morton’s Gourmet Market has been Sarasota’s go-to shop for all things related to fine foods and wine. A family-owned business led by father/ son Eddie and Todd Morton; the store has a reputation for offering exceptional customer experience. Their Osprey Avenue store is the center of their operation, with its full-scale deli and gourmet-to-go specialties, extensive selection of prime meats, seafood and wonderful bakery with a coffee bar. Morton’s has everything one might need for entertaining or hosting a fundraiser, including an impressive array of fine wines and craft beers, exotic cheeses, and beautiful floral arrangements. Local residents and visitors alike turn to Morton’s during the holidays for their bountiful gift baskets and the convenience of their complete dinner menus and fully prepared foods. Morton’s is also known for their award-winning catering department, which has handled events of all sizes with a full menu of party favorites, as well as custom planning services. A few years ago, Morton’s expanded its locations to include two storefronts on Siesta Key. Siesta Market is a smaller version of their original store, with an island twist, and offers a variety of staple groceries and fresh produce, meat and dairy. They stock a wide selection of beer and wine, as well as to-go prepared foods for easy picnics. Siesta Village Liquors is located next door to Siesta Market, offering top-shelf and name brand liquors, bar accessories and is the Village’s only full-service liquor store. With family members continuing to join the team, The Morton family will always be an integral part of the Sarasota community. An important anniversary celebrated this year was the Firehouse Chili Cookoff , hosted by Morton’s for the 20th year with proceeds benefiting the Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund. Additionally, the family maintains their Morton Culinary Education Fund which awards scholarships to area students interested in pursuing a culinary career.

MORTON’S GOURMET MARKET 1924 S. OSPREY AVENUE, SARASOTA WWW.MORTONSMARKET.COM 941-955-9856

“We

continue

to

create

a

hometown

customer

shopping experience and that will continue to be one of the most important items we offer. love when you shop and say hello.

Of course, we

Whether stopping

by for freshly baked cookies and gourmet coffee, shopping for the week or ordering those larger catered events and holiday dinners, we make sure your visit is efficient and memorable.” - QUOTE ATTRIBUTED TO EDDIE MORTON

NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA CENTER FOR CAREER ENGAGEMENT & OPPORTUNITY TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE GULF COAST

THE CENTER FOR CAREER ENGAGEMENT & OPPORTUNITY (CEO) at New College of Florida is ready to help you find the smart, talented students and graduates that your organization wants to hire. As the state’s only legislatively designated Honors College, we strive to expand partnerships with employers and create employment opportunities for our students. The CEO staff provides employers customized just-in-time recruitment consultation and services to source talented students needed to meet workforce needs including part-time, internship, and full-time roles. Our goal is to partner with employers and assist in maximizing your organization’s recruiting efforts at NCF. Recruitment services include:

• • • •

Free job postings through Handshake at joinhandshake.com Networking events to meet with our students On-campus interviewing Internship development consultation

New College students are fearless learners who embrace new challenges, develop innovative solutions, and work hard to achieve goals. In small classes that average an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, our students work closely with our faculty to master critical thinking skills and embrace lifelong learning. New College offers more than 35 undergraduate majors in natural sciences, computer science, arts, humanities, and social sciences, and a master’s degree in data science. Approximately one-third of our graduates earn baccalaureate degrees in STEM fields. Beyond the classroom, our students hone their career-readiness skills through hands-on research, professional internships, international learning experiences, and community service projects. Just like in the professional world, they receive detailed performance evaluations from their professors - rather than letter grades - that assess their progress toward performance goals, skills development, and mastery of new knowledge. There’s a reason that The Princeton Review has named New College one of its “50 Colleges That Create Futures”.

“New with think

College the

equips

ability

critically

students

to

learn

in

our

and fast-

paced dynamic world. Employers are looking for candidates with these skills and we are happy to connect them with our talented New College students.” - DWAYNE PETERSON, CEO DIRECTOR, NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA

CENTER FOR CAREER ENGAGEMENT & OPPORTUNITY NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA 5800 BAY SHORE RD., SARASOTA (941) 487-4425 NCF.EDU/CEO

TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE GULF COAST

SOTO’S OPTICAL BOUTIQUE “Soto’s Optical Boutique One

of

America’s

Optical Stores”

Fine

SOTO’S OPTICAL BOUTIQUE is the oldest optical store in Sarasota and was founded in 1949. Soto’s is a family-run business with top-of-the-line frames and lenses, that are fitted to your personal vision needs. We find it essential that you get individual service and we believe quality never goes out of style. Ron Soto, the second-generation owner, has been a Licensed Optician since 1976. As a teenager, Ron would come in the store and help his father after school and learned the trade by assisting and observing his late father. Ron bought the family business in 1986. After over 44 years of being in the industry, he decided to bring on a partner in 2018, Mahsa Abbassi. Mahsa Abbassi started working with Ron Soto as an optician in 2013. She studied Opticianary in The Netherlands and started working in the optical business in 2004. Mahsa graduated in 2008 as a Refracting Optician Manager. In 2012 she moved to the United States and started working at Soto’s Optical Boutique. Mahsa is nationally certified, licensed and board certified in the state of Florida. In a time when a lot of stores are cutting their quality and service back, Soto’s Optical Boutique remains interested in top quality frames, lenses, and customer service that fits your vision needs. Ron and Mahsa personally cut and edge the lenses into the frames. Ron laughs and calls it “old school”, but that’s how personal their business is. They believe in doing one thing and doing it right. At Soto’s Optical Boutique you will find professional Licensed Opticians with lots of experience and personal service. Since 2001, Soto’s Optical Boutique has acquired 18 Readers Choice Awards and Best of the Best of SRQ Magazine. Soto’s is truly Sarasota’s leading independent optical retailer and it would be their honor to serve you.

SOTO’S OPTICAL BOUTIQUE 1383 MAIN STREET SARASOTA FLORIDA 34236 WWW.SOTOSOPTICAL.COM FACEBOOK: SOTOSOPTICAL EMAIL: SOTOSONMAIN@VERIZON.NET

STUDIO SOUTH FITNESS “Studio South Fitness is dedicated to offering a recognize that wellness means more than a workout and are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our clients by promoting a whole-life approach to wellness.

We offer individuals and organizations

a unique health and fitness facility with programs and services that focus on renewal... personally, professionally and physically.” - TIFFANY LIASHEK

With a spa-inspired environment, free on-site parking and nationally recognized, top qualified trainers, Studio South Fitness is the place to achieve your fitness goals. Applying a program individually tailored to the client is a skill that is learned through proper education and experience. These top female trainers can take your fitness to the next level. Seven Boggs has been a fitness celebrity and certified personal trainer for over 19 years. As a Miami native and a bilingual speaker you will find this high-energy expert to be inspiring, knowledgeable, and creative. She has trained hundreds of individuals and celebrities including, Al Roker, Tom Arnold, Meredith Viera, Britney Spears, and many others. She’s been featured on multiple international television programs as well as in Shape Magazine, Glamour, Allure for her expert tips and advice.

TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE GULF COAST

fitness experience like no other in Sarasota. We

SINCE 2012, Studio South Fitness has been one of downtown’s best kept secrets. The studio is a full service facility that has been locally-owned and operated for 8 years.

Patricia Dore has been a certified personal trainer since 2000. Her certifications come from the top and include the National Academy of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise and numerous others. Patricia understands and specializes in body transformation and customizing workout programs for each unique individual. Veronica Rasicci, holds some of the top certifications in the nation. Veronica’s passion for wellness started in her youth and inspired her to earn a Master of Science degree in Exercise and Health Science. Veronica keeps her clients’ vision in focus and mixes up her fitness routines to keep clients inspired. Health is about balance and Veronica isn’t afraid to enjoy a meal of pizza and champagne after a great workout. Come and see why our clients rave about these amazing women and experience the difference!

STUDIO SOUTH FITNESS 55 S. PALM AVE SARASOTA, FL 34236 WWW.STUDIOSOUTHFITNESS.COM TIFFANYL@STUDIOSOUTHFITNESS.COM 941-365-4584