SRQ Magazine | February 2022 | Tribute to Business

SPECIAL MARKETING SECTION

RECOGNIZING BUSINESS LEADERSHIP IN SARASOTA AND MANATEE | SRQ MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2022

HOWARD, HOWARD AND HODGES MORTON’S GOURMET MARKET SARASOTA TROPHY

FEB 2022

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.

TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE CREATIVE COAST

“I’m bullish on the business climate for Southwest Florida.

It’s exciting for our

team to navigate the rapid pace of change and to guide our clients on the impact

of those changes to their business and p e r s o n a l l i v e s . ” — Brian J. McGinn, CPA, Owner

HOWARD, HOWARD AND HODGES HOWARD, HOWARD AND HODGES has been providing tax planning,

accounting, payroll and advisory services to Florida businesses since 1961. With over 50 employees, we provide our clients with guidance throughout the year by taking a proactive approach to business consultation. Our services include a full range of business support which results in opportunities for clients to take advantage of timely advice in decision making and avoiding costly mistakes.

We are QuickBooks Pro Advisors and provide consultation to our clients using current and time-saving technology not utilized by our competitors. As a member of the Professional Association of Small Business Accountants, we bring the collective resources and experience of a nationwide network of CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and accountants to our firm. Additionally, we have a network of local professionals we have cultivated over the years. We are confident in handling client needs and communicating advice in a way our clients can understand and apply to their business decisions. Our goal is to help you run your business more efficiently and profitably so you can achieve your desired level of success.

2018 OAK TERRACE, SUITE 102 SARASOTA | 941.926.4687 HOWARDCPAS.COM

MORTON’S GOURMET MARKET “The continuing changing business environment has caused many challenges, one has been employee attrition and retirements however, we have stepped up

our hiring efforts through the many sources, created cross training opportunities and have been able to offer the same service that customers expect.

Safety

measures have enhanced the customer experience, but we will always offer that friendly hometown flavor. Regardless of size of order, our experienced staff

are ready for your requests on the phone, on-line or in the market. We revel in happy customers, so please stop by to say hello, anytime.”

FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, Morton’s Gourmet Market has been

Sarasota’s go-to place for all things related to find the best foods, wine, recognizable, unique and highly prestigious brands. The business led by father and son Eddie and Todd Morton has been continuously family owned and managed at the same Osprey Avenue address since inception.

Shoppers will enjoy full-scale deli and gourmet prepared mealsto-go specialties, some Florida sourced items in addition to an extensive selection of prime meats, seafood and a wonderful bakery with coffee bar. When thinking of entertaining or hosting, Morton’s has all one needs for any size event or gathering including an impressive array of fine wines, craft beers, exotic cheeses, and beautiful floral arrangements. Locals and visitors look to Morton’s during the holidays and special occasions for hand selected, hard to secure and exclusive offerings and custom gift baskets. Morton’s is well known throughout the region for their award-winning catering department, which handles events of all sizes offering a full menu of party favorites and custom planning services for any size social or business gathering. As some customers still prefer to have the staff do the shopping, full-service curb side pick-up and delivery service is available.

Morton’s sister location Siesta Key Market is a smaller version of the original concept, with an island twist, and offers a variety of staple groceries, fresh produce, meat and dairy. They stock a wide selection of beer and wine, as well as to-go prepared foods for easy picnics. Next door Siesta Village, the Village’s only fullservice liquor store offers top shelf and name brand liquors, beer, wines, cigars, bar accessories and delivery on the key.

As family members continue to join the team, The Morton family will always be an integral part of the Sarasota community. One of the many ways they give back to the community is the family established and maintained Morton Culinary Education Fund which through customer purchases awards scholarships to Sarasota County students interested in pursuing a culinary career. A major event in funding the Culinary Fund has been the Chili Cook-off which skipped a year; however, the return was more successful than ever and one that is anticipated to carry on for many years.

1924 S. OSPREY AVENUE, SARASOTA MORTONSMARKET.COM 941-955-9856

— Eddie Morton, Co-owner

TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE CREATIVE COAST

TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE CREATIVE COAST

SARASOTA TROPHY “The quality of our business is largely thanks to the

experience of our dedicated team and their contribution to an atmosphere that clients trust.” — Ken Levanti, owner

IF YOU WEAR A NAMETAG FOR YOUR JOB EVERY DAY THAT WAS PURCHASED LOCALLY, CHANCES ARE THAT IT WAS PRINTED OR ENGRAVED WITH YOUR NAME BY THE FRIENDLY PEOPLE AT SARASOTA TROPHY. Since opening his custom engraving and trophy business in 1984 with

his father, Ken Levanti and his loyal employees have delivered smiles to everyone from thousands of little league athletes commemorating ballpark victories to corporate employees in recognition of their service and achievements. Located in Gulf Gate, Sarasota Trophy was the first company in Sarasota to adopt laser engraving. While trophies will always be a major portion of Sarasota Trophy’s business, they also use cutting-edge technology and custom designs to deliver large-scale projects and detailed engraving. Sarasota Trophy has a heightened focus on major corporate projects like a custom display on Main Street at Walt Disney World in Orlando and has provided high-volume orders for major sporting events like The Tournament Players Club with The Professional Golfers’ Association of America. With each project, Sarasota Trophy provides a level of service expected from a local business and professionalism on par with that of a major corporation, which Ken attributes to the business’ roots and employees, some of whom have been on his team for over 15 years. Sarasota Trophy is an active member of three local business chamber organizations and has been consistently recognized for small business excellence since 2004 by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. Sarasota Trophy won the the Sarasota Chamber’s Small Business Award for Products and Services in 2018. As Sarasota Trophy continues to serve local businesses and corporations, Ken and his team stay involved with the community through various board participation and volunteerism. Sarasota Trophy, established in 1984 is a premier supplier of engraved awards, plaques, trophies and imprinted products. However, their passion is delivering custom, high quality solutions using cutting edge technology and ideas. From sandblasting, deep metal routing and even jewelry engraving, the Sarasota Trophy team can accommodate projects large and incredibly small. Located in Gulf Gate, owner Ken Levanti and his team of designers and customer service representatives are dedicated to providing the utmost in service. 6601 SUPERIOR AVENUE, SARASOTA, FL 34231 | 941.921.4339 | SARASOTATROPHY.COM