Issuu

SELL YOUR BUSINESS YYoouu HHaavvee OONNEE OOppppoor rt tuunni ti tyy t too SSEELLLL YYOOUURR BBUUSSI INNEESSSS

with the

Celebrating 16 Years

Highest Credentialed & Most Awarded Business Brokerage Firm in SWFL Since 2014

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S B2B MARKETPLACE • 239-573-9732 Vol. 16, No. 7 / MAY 2023 www.swﬂoridabusinesstoday.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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

Local entrepreneurs tell their stories in our annual celebration of commerce in Southwest Florida.

www.EdisonBA.com

866.205.2310

FOLLOW SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BUSINESS TODAY® ON:

Could SWFL become an entrepreneurial hub? Special to SWFBT Submitted by Karen P. Moore, Publisher

Salute to Small Business

TAKE ONE

OUR CREDENTIALS + EXPERIENCE = RESULTS

“How many of you have ever been lucky enough to be part of an ‘aha’ moment?” asked Todd Reynolds, director of special programs at Hodges University. Reynolds was addressing an audience of business owners, as well as government and community leaders. He went on, “One such moment has led us here today.”

He noted two years ago, he and Dr. John Meyer, president of Hodges University, coordinated think-tank discussions regarding the evolution of higher education and workforce development. Reynolds went on to describe the moment. “When you consider, we had the right place, the right time, the subject itself filled a real need, and we had the right people. The people sitting at the conference room table were all profes-

sionals with the expertise, the willingness, time and influence to make real economic impact, for people as well as the community.” He continued: “We believe, with the combined support of all of you here today, that the collaboration we are about to introduce between Hodges University and LabX could really catch fire and be a difference-maker for Lee County, Southwest Florida and beyond.” ENTREPRENEUR See page 6

DISTINGUISHED ENTREPRENEUR NOMINEES HONORED

Commercial Real Estate

A specially focused monthly section exploring the SWFL commercial real estate marketplace. Sign with us,

(239) 368-1219 cepride.com billstaggs@ofﬁ

Vol. 12 No. 12 sinesstoday.com www.swfloridabu

INSIDE THIS

LEE COUNTY HOSTED

ISSUE

FLORIDA ON: FOLLOW SOUTHWEST BUSINESS TODAY®

TAKE ONE

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

/ OCTOBER 2019

US!

janitorial services work • Provides quality hard honesty, integrity, • Committed to month free get your 4th

11 Years

ACE • 239-573-97

B2B MARKETPL

T FLORIDA’S

CLEANING TO

LEAVE THE

® Celebrating

SOUTHWES

IONAL TRADE SUMMIT

2019 INTERNAT

s and Salute to Entrepreneur solo practitioners

Startups, of the economy visionaries fuel Southwest Florida.

Brady Photos by Christine trade to the Southof international about the importance Development offices. Buqueras talks Economic Director Carlos the Lee County first-ever stop at Port Manatee Executive during the Port’s west Florida market

an businesses South Americ

Estate Commercial Real 8-page pullout

A comprehensive a quarterly Southsection that is Real Eswest Florida Commercial

visit Fort Myers

Special to SWFBT

tate market overview.

IN THE NEWS

to Dave Gammon elevated Charlotte EDO director

in the wake of Charlotte County, joinLucienne Pears former director Partners at Babcock ing Kitson and former Business Ranch, elevated and interim Recruitment Supervisor to executive director Dave Gammon Economic Developdirector of the ment Office. face in reGammon is a familiar he development as gional economic three years with his has proven in EDO. Charlotte County continue leading He is excited to like developments several existing See page 19

Florida to communities in second one of four host as part of the Lee County was from seven countries welcome companiesTrade Summit. Manatee, annual International International Trade Hub at Port Fort Lauseries visited Organized by The Business opportunity a and Tampa for one day the 2019 Global Bradenton/Sarasot derdale, Fort Myers,to 29. 26 Office, Southwest each from Aug. ReEconomic Development and the Southwest The Lee County Chamber of Commerce the event, which Florida Hispanic Association co-hosted gional Manufacturers Gulf Railway. Chile, Colombia, was sponsored Seminole from Argentina, Peru and other locales International companies Mexico, Spain, artisanal goods, apparel, El Salvador, Guatemala, fruits, food, coffee, cooking systems featured wine, snack and state-of-the-art to merchandise companies Lee County industryof founded as part summit showcases Port Manatee, during the summit. and An expo-style from seven nations Trade Hub at markets in Florida and business leaders visiting Summit. The International between link International Trade advice as a vital provides expert See page 6 the second annual in 2014, serves world. The hub TRADE throughout the

NEURS

SALUTE TO ENTREPRE for growthand Intermediary ss Advisors poised Proa Certified Business Mergers & Acquisitions transaction experiEdison Busine the IBBA ap- Certified designations from ence totaling partner and

GAMMON

Privacy & Cyber Security Forum announced

& Cyber SeA special Privacy held on Friwill be at curity Forum 9 a.m. to noon day, Nov. 8, fromNews Community the Naples Daily room. Companies will William C. Huff and insponsor the informational for the community. teractive forum forum is for atThe goal of the clearer undera tendees to gain keep their famito standing of how businesses private. lies, wealth and FORUM See page

in fi$170 fessional a Eric Gall, managing with a concentration proximately for Edison Avenue, won and an MBAthe University of Michigan. broker of record brokerage and lower million. Gall transactions and nance from leading business Gall in business the 2018, 2016 and acquisitions Niehaus, Bro- Assisting middle market mergers Pfeffer, Steven 2014 Business significant changes No. 1 are Michael and Phillip Reda. Adfirm, is announcing kers of Florida Edward Valaitis Business to operations. Top Dollar Producer to rebrand itself Pfeffer joins Edison of business The firm has decided over 20 years Award for Southwest Advisors” to better out visors with experience, including 12 as “Edison Business service offerings, Florida, beating busi- transactionbusiness brokerage franchise communicate addedbusiness appraisals, Gall a over 90 other He is years as Southwest Florida. Pfeffer is a including certified appraisals and certiness brokers. in Brokers owner Certified Intermediary, Certified certified equipment International Business 6 and Board fied exit strategies. mergers and acquisi- also an EDISON See page Chairman’s Circle Brokerage and led by Association Award winner. Eric holds continue to be tions efforts will 20 years of business Deal Maker Gall. He has over OPENING

Discount • Merchandise Gifts Ticket Packages Parties & Exclusive Full & Flexible Options • Private & Shows Discounted Parking Arena Concerts Presale on Hertz & get a Membership TOTE BAG Buy any 19/20 ‘BLADES purchase. GIFT CARD & $20 FORD’Sfull, voucher or select membership

19/20 SEASON

Valid on any

239.948.PUCK

NIGHT

10/26 7:00

10/19 7:00

VS VS

NEW

• FloridaEverblade

s.com

LEAVE THE CLEANING TO US! • Provides quality janitorial services • Committed to honesty, integrity, hard work

Celebrating 11 Years

Sign with us, get your 4th month free (239) 368-1219

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S B2B MARKETPLACE • 239-573-9732 Vol. 12 No. 11 / SEPTEMBER 2019 www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

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

billstaggs@ofﬁcepride.com

TAKE ONE

FOLLOW SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BUSINESS TODAY® ON:

Hoffmann Family buys Hertz Arena, Everblades

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

The Hoffmann Family of Companies has entered into an agreement to purchase the Florida Everblades and the Hertz Arena. Plans are underway for a complete renovation of the 8,284-seat, multipurpose arena. The improvements will include enhanced skyboxes, food services and installation of a state-ofthe-art scoreboard. Hertz Arena, which opened in 1998 as Everblades Arena, hosts a variety of events including concerts, Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice, boxing and trade shows. The venue offers

Focus on Manufacturing

Area companies are building a better future — one made right here in Southwest Florida.

25 suites, two additional ice rinks, a private club and a pub, Breakaway Sports Pub. The arena is also home to the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles club hockey team of the American Collegiate Hockey Association. “We are optimistic that all of the 330 employees will remain with the Hoffmann Family of Companies,” said Craig Brush, Florida Everblades President and General Manager, who signed a five-year contract and has a commitment from all his senior staff to remain in place. “We are thrilled to be acquired by

A specially focused monthly section exploring the SWFL commercial real estate marketplace.

IN THE NEWS

Fort Myers sixth Business Summit slated for Sept. 20

Holly Bell addresses citrus growers about the 25,000-plus uses for industrial hemp, which can now be grown legally in Florida

Cannabis chief promises rich stash for hemp growers Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Jacob Ogles, Editor

SUMMIT See page 7

When other states started authorizing farmers to grow hemp, it didn’t take long to realize there was no place to sell it. Because no structures had been put in place for processing and manufacturing plants, state officials found themselves rushing a regulatory structure through so farmers could offload their first harvests. Holly Bell, Florida’s first Director of Cannabis, plans to learn from that mistake. She said the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will make sure all parts of the burgeoning hemp industry can move forward as soon as new rules unroll later this fall. “When our farmers are ready for a cash flow, we want to encourage them to get going,” she said.

Applications being accepted for the 25th Blue Chip Award The 25th Annual Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award application deadline is fast approaching. The Blue Chip Community Business Award recognizes successful, small businesses in Lee, Collier or Charlotte County that have overcome adversity to achieve success. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, Sept. 4. The independent judges select the honoree after all the applications AWARD See page 19

Bell spoke in August at the Citrus Expo and Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo, where growers from around the region gathered to hear her discuss this new and just recently legal product to diversify their inventory. Just a few years ago, there were no legal reasons to grow cannabis in Florida. Now, medical marijuana dispensaries pop up in more shopping centers each week. Soon, farmers will grow non-narcotic hemp crops. With the 2018 federal farm bill allowing hemp to grow, a budding industry will soon emerge in Florida. The Legislature this year authorized a pilot program for growing hemp in the Sunshine State, and state officials are nearly done weeding through a stack of public suggestions.

GrowFL announced this year’s 50 Florida Companies to Watch honorees, including three from Southwest Florida. Companies to Watch is a statewide competition that identifies companies expected to see significant growth over the next several years. The GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards program—now in its ninth year—honors 50 select second-stage companies from throughout Florida for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and broadening new industries throughout Florida. Chosen from 500 growing second-stage nominations from throughout, Florida, the 50 companies named as the 2019 Florida Companies to Watch honorees generated nearly $1 billion in revenue and added over 900 jobs between 2015 and 2018. Together, the honorees project a 35 percent increase in revenue and 37 percent increase in job growth in 2019 compared to 2018. “These stand-out companies are all led by entrepreneurs, and have demonstrated their capacity and intent to grow,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL executive director. “They also all have critical intellectual property or a niche position that gives them a competitive edge in their markets,” he said. Local honorees include: Cottrell Title & Escrow, Collier County; Mettauer Environmental, Lee County; and VeraData, Lee County . “This list recognizes second-stage Florida companies with passionate leaders who are making a difference in growing and diversifying our economy,” said Jennifer Barrows, GrowFL Chairman of the GrowFL Advisory Board and Business Development Executive with WithumSmith+Brown, PC. Second-stage companies are those

HEMP See page 5

Full & Flexible Ticket Packages • Payment Plans Available Discounted Parking Options • Private Parties & Exclusive Gifts Merchandise Discount • Presale on Hertz Arena Concerts & Shows

19/20 SEASON

EVERBLADES See page 6

GrowFL announces statewide honorees

HOT CROP Commercial Real Estate

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce has announced an exciting line-up for its 2019 Business Summit, set for Sept. 20. The summit, now in its sixth year, will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers. This year’s keynote address is “Communicate Your Way to Success,” by entrepreneur, business coach and international speaker Jason Evers. Evers has traveled to more than 20 countries on five continents

such a prestigious company. Our partnership with the Hertz Corporation and now this new ownership ensures that Hertz Arena will maintain our strong community presence and continue to be the number one choice for entertainment in Southwest Florida.” The team and the arena were previously owned by Peter Karmanos, founder of Compuware Corporation and prior majority owner of the Carolina Hurricanes in the National Hockey League. “Simply put, without the support of

Buy any 19/20 Membership & get a

GROWFL See page 10

SAT 7:00

10/19

$20 FORD’S GIFT CARD & ‘BLADES TOTE BAG

OPENING NIGHT VS

NIGHT

Valid on any NEW full, voucher or select membership purchase.

239.948.PUCK • FloridaEverblades.com

Celebrating

SOUTHWES

T FLORIDA’S

Vol. 12 No. 10 / AUGUST 2019 www.swfloridabu sinesstoday.com

INSIDE THIS

Focus on Business

ISSUE

LEAVE THE

11 Years

B2B MARKETPL

ACE • 239-573-97

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

TAKE ONE

IMMOKALEE FOUNDATI

CLEANING

TO US! • Provides quality janitorial services • Committed to honesty, integrity, hard work Sign with us, get your 4th month free

(239) 368-1219 billstaggs@ofﬁ cepride.com

ON HOSTS SHARK

FOLLOW SOUTHWEST BUSINESS

FLORIDA TODAY® ON:

TANK COMPETIT

ION

Services

Our Trade Show in Print provides information to make your business more successful.

Commercial Real

Estate A specially section exploringfocused monthly mercial real estate the SWFL commarketplace. IN THE NEWS Collier names Pelican as ‘Business of the Wire Month’

During the July 9 Collier County Commission Wire was named meeting, Pelican ty ‘Business of the Collier Counthe Month’ and recognized by was the a manufacturing Board for being County for over leader in Collier 40 years. Pelican Wire President Ted Bill, who received the are truly honored award, said “We Collier County to be named the Month’ for July.‘Business of the Since moving AWARD See page

Gov. DeSantis announces job growth grants

Gov. Ron DeSantis the Florida Departmentannounced of Economic Opportunity Florida are acceptingand Enterprise economic development project proposals for the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. $40 million is available to fund training and public job projects that support infrastructure growth and employment in Florida. “We know the frastructure projects importance inand workforce training has on economic development,” said DeSantis. “The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund will help Florida communities ensure they GRANTS See page

SEASON, SELECT

& VOUCHER

MEMBER

SHIPS

Dr. Sandra Kauanui (left) and Noemi Ailynee Ramirez, Y. Perez (right) Jessica Sales, with - TIF Shark Daisy Montanez, Tank winners Swap

Alondra Estrada Young entrepr eneurs share

& Shop team- Neika

Exulus,

ideas, earn awards

Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Noemi Y. Perez Southwest Florida tion’s business-themedstudents in The Immokalee Foundasummer camp entrepreneurial recently shared ideas their Tank event modeled and garnered awards during a Shark The four-week after the popular TV show. was a partnership Business Management Pathway Coast University’sbetween the foundation and Floridacamp Gulf developed businessInstitute for Entrepreneurship . among them: finding plans that solved problems Students common clothes on a budget; centric finances; handling studentñera; and findinggetting better sleep; planning a quincearestaurants suitable stricted diets. for people with reStudent teams gave presentations ences, startup costs, about their target projected profits, audiother aspects of marketing plans entrepreneurial and Dr. Sandra Kauanui, FGCU enterprises at iTECH mokalee. Judges Director of Entrepreneurshi for in Im- spoke during the event. Smart Companies the presentations were: Brian p, Rist, executive The chairman; Smart Companies Sofia Blanno, gram allows shoppers to arrange tor of corporate intern; and Matthew Turner, Hertz The through social an app, then physically to buy, sell or swap items direcFirst place awards responsibility. central location exchange those of $500 each went in Immokalee. items at a Shop team of Neika to the Swap & MentorUs, an Exulus, Jessica app that encourages Daisy Montanez Sales, Alondra students to make and Ailynee Ramirez. Estrada, smart financial decisions, interested in dressing earned second place Aimed at students for team members of $250 each fashionably on Alex Soriano, a budget, the pro- ie Etienne, Azael Simon-Quirino Je’an Espinoza, Myrlandand Simson Devesaint.

Fort Myers Mayor

Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore,

launches Diversi ty Committee

SHARK See page

more inclusive city. Publisher Student Hailey Countryman asked her employer, Sanibel Captiva “It is never too the Mayor if he munity Bank, Comlate to give up had to FGCU’s College on diversity whom a team of advisors Education. your prejudices.” of Henry David Thoreau for guidance. Since he could rely on said, “We In a recent interview she can’t really say the answer to that question was no, we are trying to be at that moment Fort Myers Mayor derson felt inspired Hen- residents representative of our city’s Randy Henand community derson has known a team. Ndiang’ui to create just such have diversity if we Florida Gulf wanted to make Coast University on the council don’t sure the Mayor itself.” She explained was prepared for ter Ndiang’ui for professor Dr. Pe- road ahead the its 18 membersthe committee drew about 10 years and asked him, was a guest speaker and from the commu“Are in his class, “In- really able to handle the truth?” you nity, representing troduction to Diversity,” diversity project moved The ethnicity, forward. in Novemgender and sexualin race, ber. Henderson Beth Countryman, asked students Hailey’s moth- tity. “We can’t be a committee idenhe could do to what er, became make Fort Myers up of old white made involved with men and think the project, going a which led to we are a $25,000 donation to be in charge of diversity.” from DIVERSITY See page 11 Payment Plans Available • Discounted Merchandise Parking Options Discount • Presale • Private Parties & Exclusive Gifts on Hertz Arena Concerts & Family Shows Buy Any 19/20 & Get A $20 Membership Pack FORD’S GIFT & ‘BLADES TOTE CARD BAG Valid on any

NEW full, voucher

or select membership

purchase.

Get Southwest Florida’s business news and information mailed straight to your mailbox each month. Start your subscription to Southwest Florida Business Today.®

Call (239) 573-9732.

Dorian Zwierewicz of the Florida SBDC at FGCU listens as Mike Peterson of VeraData shares his insights at the annual Distinguished Entrepreneur Nominees Reception at Millennial Brewery.

SBDC hosts 25 nominees at Millennial Brewing event The Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University celebrated its 25 Distinguished Entrepreneur Nominees at a VIP Networking Reception held at Millennial Brewery, sponsored by VeraData. The event was a celebration of their achievements and contributions to the small business community. “When residents shop at small businesses within their communities, their tax dollars stay within the local

IN THE NEWS

Gov. DeSantis awards Fort Myers Beach $11.9 million loan

Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded $11.9 million to the Town of Fort Myers Beach through the Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan – the first award through the program created in a Special Legislative Session earlier this year. DeSantis presented Fort Myers Beach officials with the funds in a check presentation from his office

in the state capitol building. Administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan program helps support government operations that may have been impacted by hurricanes Ian or Nicole, bridging the gap while they await federal relief or for their revenues recover. “By presenting Fort Myers Beach LOAN See page 7

from the five-county area of Southwest Florida and contend for one of three awards including the “Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year”, “Small Business Advocate of the Year” and “Distinguished Innovator of the Year”. All winners will be announced at the Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards Ceremony held on May 2 at the Spanish Wells Country Club.

economy, helping to improve our community as a result. We celebrate you, SWFL entrepreneurs!” said Dorian Zwierewicz, Regional Director of the Florida SBDC at FGCU. Now in its 11th year, the award recognizes small business owners of Southwest Florida for their overall success and provides an opportunity for the local business community to celebrate their achievements. The 25 nominees were selected

AWARDS See page 14

IMPORTANT BUSINESS NOTES  Moore About Business Kick off your business week with “Moore About Business”! Tune in to SWFL PBS and National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate, WGCU radio at 90.1 FM, during Morning Edition and All Things Considered to hear SWFBT founder, owner and publisher Karen P. Moore share information and insights for and about our local business community. Listen to past segments at https://news.wgcu.org/tags/ moore-about-business

 Hurricane Ian SBA Loans Available to SWFL Businesses Business owners have until June 29, to submit a SBA application for an economic injury disaster loan to help with financial recovery from Hurricane Ian. Call (800) 659-2955 or go to sba.gov/disaster.  SWFBT News Updates To get current business news throughout the business day, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com.

Commercial Cleaning Services You Can Trust “So impressed with Image One. On-time service, great quality of work, professional service!” — David W.

★★★★★

It’s not a matter of IF, it’s a matter of WHEN! Are You Ready? www.imageoneusa.com/fort-myers

(239) 789-2267