Issuu

SPECIAL MARKETING SECTION

RECOGNIZING BUSINESS LEADERSHIP IN SARASOTA AND MANATEE | SRQ MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021

CHILDREN FIRST FERGESON SKIPPER, P.A. HOWARD, HOWARD AND HODGES MORTON’S GOURMET MARKET PGT INNOVATIONS TIGER LILY TOALE BROTHERS

FEB 2021

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

“It is an absolute honor and pleasure to serve our community. Thank you to Katherine and our wonderful Board of Directors, staff, children and families, supporters, and partners as we collectively advocate for high-

quality education and opportunity for all. I am so deeply grateful for the last 25 years and am looking forward to helping Children First soar to new heights in 2021 and beyond!” — CEO Philip Tavill

CHILDREN FIRST IN 1961, THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SARASOTA, formerly the Junior

Welfare League of Sarasota, founded the Sarasota Day Nursery with a mission to prepare children from low-income families for Kindergarten. Their work changed lives and built a strong foundation, and in 1994 the agency became Sarasota County’s exclusive provider of Head Start services. With Early Head Start services added in 1998 and a name change to Children First in 2000, the organization grew rapidly, driven by the high demand for quality early childhood education and family strengthening programs within economically vulnerable communities. In 2021, the agency is celebrating both its 60th anniversary and CEO Philip Tavill’s 25 years of commitment to the Children First mission. Under his leadership, Children First has grown to serve approximately 900 children and their families at 15 locations annually throughout Sarasota County with campuses in Venice, North Port, and Sarasota. The agency is a four-time designated Head Start Program of Excellence and ranks in the top 1% of more than 1,800 programs nationwide. Through its award-winning Families First Institute, comprehensive curricula is offered at no cost to all community members. As a Junior League Sustainer, Board Chair Katherine Martucci’s leadership and governance expertise provide critical support. She helps oversee key program expansions reducing the waitlist and increasing comprehensive services for pregnant women, children ages birth to five, and families living at-risk. Children First envisions a vibrant community that cherishes education, provides opportunities for children and families to grow and thrive, and encourages and empowers families in supporting their children. The agency’s founding principles are woven throughout its history, continuing the original mission of strengthening child and family together and creating a legacy for high-quality education, self-sufficiency, and lifelong success for everyone, regardless of circumstance at birth or in life.

1723 N. ORANGE AVENUE SARASOTA, FL 34234 941-953-3877 CHILDRENFIRST.NET

FERGESON SKIPPER, P.A. Richard (Rick) R. Gans, Shareholder

“To be named among the very best in your career is something that many aspire to but few actually achieve. Rick consistently proves he belongs at the top.” — James O. Fergeson, Jr., Founder of Fergeson Skipper

IN 2021 FERGESON SKIPPER, P.A. is celebrating its 45th anniversary of serving the Sarasota area with superior legal services to their clients. However, the firm has even more reasons to celebrate: Shareholder Richard (Rick) R. Gans being named “Lawyer of the Year” and the firm receiving Tier 1 “Best Law Firm” accolades.

A respected, distinguished estate planning attorney, Gans was selected as “Lawyer of the Year” in The Best Lawyers in America 2021 Edition. This was the fourth time he has achieved this designation, which is an extraordinary achievement considering only a single lawyer in each practice area and metropolitan area is honored as a “Lawyer of the Year.” For Rick, this is another recognition and accolade earned in a career spanning three decades. Gans is certified by The Florida Bar as a specialist in Wills, Trusts and Estates and is a Fellow in the prestigious American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. For a firm to be named as a “Best Law Firm” it must have at least one attorney named on the Best Lawyers in America list. In the 2021 Best Lawyers listing, five attorneys at Fergeson Skipper were named as Best Lawyers. This is the third consecutive year the firm has achieved this honor. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. “Best Law Firms” is based on a rigorous evaluation process. Presented in tiers, the rankings give designations to firms in only 75 major practice areas nationally and in 127 practice areas regionally. Fergeson Skipper is a full-service law firm with concentrations in federal taxation, wills, trusts and estates, litigation, business law and real estate law located at 1515 Ringling Boulevard in Sarasota, Florida. For information, call 941-957-1900 or visit www.FergesonSkipper.com.

1515 RINGLING BLVD. TENTH FLOOR SARASOTA, FLORIDA 34236 FERGESONSKIPPER.COM 941.957.1900

TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE CREATIVE COAST

“I believe 2021 is going to be a

tremendous year for small & midsize

businesses in Southwest Florida and

I’m bullish on the long-term prospects for growth and success!

The

fundamentals of what makes the area a highly desirable place to live and

operate a business were only enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our

firm’s long-standing use of video and

cloud-based services provide continuity and convenient access for our clients. Our GPS approach to setting and

monitoring business and personal goals helps clients keep focused on the

financial health of their business and

to make adjustments to stay on track as the landscape rapidly changes.

welcome any small or midsize business owner who wants to join our unique t e a m ! ” — Brian J. McGinn, CPA, Partner

HOWARD, HOWARD AND HODGES

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

HOWARD, HOWARD AND HODGES have been providing tax planning, accounting, advisory, virtual CFO, technology integration, and payroll services to Florida businesses for 60 years. We were named Accounting Firm of the Year by the Professional Association of Small Business Accountants (PASBA), a national association of almost 200 offices. We provide our small & midsize business clients with guidance throughout the year by taking a proactive approach to business advice and income tax consultation. Our services include a full range of record keeping support, which results in opportunities for clients to take advantage of timely advice in decision making and avoiding surprises or costly mistakes. Client relationships with Howard, Howard and Hodges professionals are primarily on a monthly, flat fee basis. We also offer customized methods to meet payroll needs and recently launched a virtual CFO service to help clients build a solid foundation and accelerate their success through detailed advisory services. We are QuickBooks® Certified Pro Advisors and provide consultation to our clients using current and timesaving technology not utilized by our competitors. Howard, Howard and Hodges is a local public accounting firm. As a member of PASBA and the AICPA, we bring the collective resources of a nationwide network of CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and accountants to our firm. Additionally, through local contacts developed over the years, we are confident we can handle client needs and will communicate in a way our clients can understand and apply to their business decisions.

MORTON’S GOURMET MARKET “The changing business environment due to COVID-19 has resulted in stepped up CDC guidelines throughout to ensure the safest possible surroundings for valued customers, staff and vendors while in-store or on-property.

During these trying

times it becomes quite a challenge however, one that we take seriously and

incorporating new safety measures has enhanced the customer experience while keeping our friendly hometown flavor. during shopping.

We have made it comfortable to say hello

An efficient and memorable experience is one of our hallmarks.

Regardless of size of order, our experienced staff are ready for your requests on the phone, on-line or in the market.”

— Eddie Morton, Co-owner

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

Sarasota’s go-to place for all things related to fine foods and wine. A family-owned business led by father and son Eddie and Todd Morton; the store has a reputation for offering an exceptional customer experience. Their Osprey Avenue location is the center of the operation, with its full-scale deli and gourmet-to-go specialties, extensive selection of prime meats, seafood and a wonderful bakery with coffee bar. Morton’s has everything one might need for entertaining or hosting any size event or gathering including an impressive array of fine wines, craft beers, exotic cheeses, and beautiful floral arrangements. Locals and visitors alike turn to Morton’s during the holidays and special occasions for hand selected unique gift baskets, the convenience of their complete dinner menus and fully prepared foods for take-out. Morton’s is also known for their award-winning catering department, which handles events of all sizes with a full menu of party favorites and custom planning services for any size gathering. In response to customer needs this year Morton’s installed a full-service curb side pick-up and delivery component. Morton’s second location on Siesta Key, Siesta Market is a smaller version of their 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 full-service liquor store offers top shelf and name brand liquors, beer, wines, cigars and bar accessories for delivery on the key. As family members continuing 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.

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

TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE CREATIVE COAST

“Building on its foundational values, PGT Innovations is poised for another successful year of serving its

team, customers, and communities; leading its industry; and thriving as the foremost manufacturer of premium windows and doors in the nation.”

PGT INNOVATIONS PGT INNOVATIONS WAS FOUNDED 40 YEARS AGO as a company that created a strong business by investing in its people, communities,

and innovative growth. From its inception, three principles have been a driving force behind the company’s foundation and underlying fundamental core values: Serving. Leading. Thriving. To this day, these constants still ring robust and true. These words and the deeper meaning behind them have guided PGT Innovations through decades of challenges – such as devastating storms, a housing crisis, an economic recession, and the recent global pandemic – and helped the corporation persevere through 2020. Through it all, the leadership team at PGT Innovations has remained committed to the philosophy of servant leadership, the belief and practice that the most effective leaders strive to serve others. This clear purpose carries through in the way its team members — at every level, in every department — work every day to lift up and connect with fellow employees, customers, and the communities the company serves. Last year, some examples of this mantra in action include the manufacturer’s corporate giving and volunteer efforts to support local agencies and nonprofits, including Children First, Loveland Center, SKY Family YMCA, All Faiths Food Bank, and All Star Children Foundation, as well as its dedication to regularly providing much-needed hurricane relief aid – wherever it was needed. The company’s executives and high-level leaders serve on various nonprofit boards, donate their time and energy to causes close to their hearts, and bolster PGT Innovations’ purpose and mission towards doing things for others. PGT Innovations is always looking forward to the future. In the year ahead and for decades to come, the organization’s strong structure will position it well to weather whatever storms come its way with steadfast loyalty to its exceptional team, dedicated dealers, and communities that have supported its mission from the start. 1070 TECHNOLOGY DR, NORTH VENICE, FL 34275 | PGTINNOVATIONS.COM | 1-800-282-6019

“I live life with the wisdom of Maya Angelou’s

words: `I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.`” — Linda Domenico, owner

TIGER LILY FLOWERS INSPIRED BY HER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE as a floral

designer, a lifetime of traveling, and her adventures in entrepreneurship, Linda creates truly extraordinary arrangements custom-made for each of her clients.Drawing from her experience as the owner of floral studios in Santa Cruz, Maui, and Beacon, New York, Linda brings her professionalism, timely attention to detail, and diverse floral palette to metro Sarasota. Linda loves to connect with people and express their emotions through Tiger Lily’s original floral arrangements; in fact, she considers her ability to offer a wide-range of fresh designs as one of her most cherished gifts. A trusted veteran of local galas, Linda’s resume sparkles household names like Mote Marine, The Cat Depot, Lighthouse of Manasota, the Sarasota Ballet and the Sarasota Opera. Linda is just as involved in smaller, though equally significant celebrations, whether it be a family wedding, intimate dinner party, or church funeral; no matter the size, each client and each occasion is an opportunity to tell a different story and create shared memories by marrying Linda’s personal touch with nature’s finest flowers.

1619 DESOTO RD., SARASOTA, FL 34234 941-355-5661 | TIGERLILYFLOWERS.COM LINDA@TIGERLILYFLOWER.NET

TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE CREATIVE COAST

“We get to help families during difficult times and learn about the amazing lives that these people have lived. It is beautiful to see the love people share with one another.” — Stephanie Toale Lynch

TOALE BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY Serving Sarasota-Area Families for Generations

SERVING THE SARASOTA AREA SINCE 1948 with pride, honesty and compassion, the Toale Brothers name has become a long-term legacy

in our community – one that is now proudly in its third generation of leadership. While most funeral homes in our region have been sold to multinational corporations, this family had a different plan. In being a very small, local, family-owned and operated company, Toale Brothers made it their mission to serve the Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice communities with a personal touch – never compromised by accountability to far-off stockholders. They are accountable to you. And that’s the legacy each generation has committed to uphold, as sisters Tiffany Toale Holsbeke and Stephanie Toale Lynch, along with their husbands Travis Holsbeke and Matthew Lynch, work closely alongside their father, Owner Curt Toale. As the new generation stands at the forefront, the leadership team brings a new generation of ideas, innovations and improvements. They look to grow the family business through technology, making it easier for people to connect with their services, ask questions and receive guidance. And they stress the importance of pre-planning arrangements through informative seminars and personal consultations. When pre-planning with Toale Brothers for your future celebration of life, the benefits to your family will be real and appreciated, ranging from spiritual choices to financial assistance. From selecting an ideal permanent memorial to designing the service, paying in advance and more, you can make the day exactly as you imagine it – and your loved ones will know they’re fulfilling your wishes. Which is exactly how they should feel.

TOALEBROTHERS.COM 40 N. ORANGE AVENUE SARASOTA, FL 34236 941.955.4171