Leaders of the Treasure Coast

City of Fort Pierce honored with two Home Rule Hero Awards in 2023

City of Fort Pierce honored with two Home Rule Hero Awards in 2023

The Florida League of Cities(FLC), the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently honored Mayor Linda Hudson and Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr. with a 2023 Home Rule Hero Award for their hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2023 Legislative Session. Mayor Hudson and Commissioner Johnson worked tirelessly throughout the session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities and advance the League’s legislative agenda.

“The League and its legislative team appreciate the individual advocacy efforts undertaken by municipal officials throughout the state,” said FLC Chief of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook. “Home Rule Heroes are some of our biggest advocates for protecting local decision-making. They are League members who stand out for their high level of participation, knowledge, and effectiveness. This year’s Home Rule Heroes continuously advocated for their communities throughout the 2023 Legislative Session.”

Home Rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference. Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and nonelected, who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the Legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue.

Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments. Its goals are to promote local self-government and serve the needs of Florida’s cities, which are formed and governed by their citizens. The League believes in “Local Voices Making Local Choices,” which focuses on the impact citizens and city leaders have in improving Florida’s communities. For more information, visit flcities.com.

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Jun. 1, 2023|

Fort Pierce Rotary honors business leaders

Fort Pierce Rotary honors business leaders

The Fort Pierce Rotary Club recently organized a Business Leaders Luncheon at the Pelican Yacht Club on Seaway Drive. The event was attended by 85 local business leaders and 40 Rotarians. The event's purpose was to recognize the contributions of the business leaders in making Fort Pierce/St. Lucie County what it is today and to encourage them to continue giving back to the community.

The guests at the event included a diverse range of professionals such as entrepreneurs, retirees, government officials, law enforcement officers, attorneys, real estate agents, ranchers, mortgage brokers, education professionals, the Fort Pierce Mayor and more. The gathering provided an excellent opportunity for networking and exchanging ideas with like-minded individuals from various sectors of the community.

The event was organized by a team of seven led by the Past President of the club, Rick Haisley. The team worked hard to ensure that the event was a success, and it was well received by all attendees.

The luncheon provided a platform for business leaders to come together, share their experiences, and inspire one another to give back to the community.

During the meeting, President Ryan Abernethy presented Fort Pierce Chief of Police Diane Hobley Burney with a check for $3,000 for their new program called “Have a Heart”. For years, local Police officers have contributed daily to the growing financial concerns of local citizens, and Have a Heart will provide the officers with much needed gift cards that can be provided to those in our community in need of just a little something to get them by. This was an example of Rotary in Action, as the club donated half the funds while 5 generous members contributed the remaining half.

Overall, the Business Leaders Luncheon organized by the Fort Pierce Rotary Club was a great success. It highlighted the importance of collaboration and networking among business leaders in the community. It was an excellent opportunity for business leaders to connect with other like-minded individuals and gain insights into how they can continue to make a positive impact in their community.

 

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

 

May. 11, 2023|

IRSC hosts discussion on transportation and logistics

IRSC hosts discussion on transportation and logistics

The Indian River State College (IRSC) Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex will serve as the backdrop on Wednesday, April 5, for a critical discussion about improving the supply chain through new opportunities in transportation and logistics. The event features remarks from Dr. Timothy Moore, President of Indian River State College; Congressman Brian Mast, Florida’s 21st Congressional District; Chris Thropp, President of Sage Truck Driving Schools; and Bill Solomon, Dean of the IRSC School of Workforce Education.

Among topics for discussion is legislation introduced in January by Congressman Mast that would eliminate age restrictions on truckers. The Ceasing Age-Based (CAB) Trucking Restrictions Act would allow truckers between 18 and 20 years old to transport goods across state lines. Eliminating the age restriction, Mast says, would add to the supply chain workforce, benefitting constituents of the 21st Congressional District.

“Getting more drivers on the road is a key component in addressing the nation’s ongoing supply chain issues,” said Rep. Mast. “I’m grateful to have partners like IRSC and Sage Truck Driving School right here in Florida’s 21st District that can help achieve that goal.”

Attendees will also hear from Veteran and retired Polk County Sheriff Marc Newsom, a Driver Qualification Process Facilitator for Knight Transportation. At Knight, Newsom is accountable for ensuring drivers are DOT-qualified, finalizing the hiring process and providing an orientation to their new position.

Newsom is a graduate of Sage Truck Driving Schools, a comprehensive professional tractor-trailer driver training company working with students and fleets across the country. Sage has offices and classrooms on the Indian River State College Massey Campus. Students enroll in Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training through the IRSC School of Continuing Education.

"For over 30 years, Sage Truck Driving Schools have provided high quality driver training programs to students and fleets across the country. The trucking industry represents a significant element in our nation’s supply chain. As the American Trucking Association puts it, every good in the U.S. has been on a truck at some point in its journey,” said Sage President Chris Thropp. “Our mission is to make sure every student receives personal attention and hands-on training to make them the safest and most knowledgeable drivers they can be. We have been a proud partner with Indian River State College for 16 years, providing a vital career training resource on the Treasure Coast.”

‘Creating New Opportunities—a Path Forward for Improving the Supply Chain and Growing Jobs’ begins at 10:30 a.m. and is expected to conclude at noon. Attendees should park in the lot outside the Tomeu Center (Building C), accessible from S. 30th Street, on the IRSC Massey Campus in Fort Pierce by 10:15 a.m.

“Supply-chain disruptions exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic continue to offer significant and widespread challenges for our nation, and we are delighted to join with Congressman Mast and our partners at Sage Truck Driving Schools to illuminate a path forward,” said Bill Solomon, Dean of the IRSC School of Workforce Education.

For more information about ‘Creating New Opportunities—a Path Forward for Improving the Supply Chain and Growing Jobs’ or to R.S.V.P. for the event, contact Erin Cosentino at[email protected].

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Mar. 23, 2023|

St. Lucie County community makes its mark on the Interstate Commerce Center

St. Lucie County community makes its mark on the Interstate Commerce Center

From left, Michael Rem of JBL Development, Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson and Sandra Pabon of Itasca Construction Partners sign the cornerstone of the Interstate Commerce Center. Photo by MaryAnn Ketcham

Dozens of dignitaries gathered along Interstate 95 in Fort Pierce on Feb. 15 to add their signatures to a cornerstone for the Interstate Commerce Center (ICC).

Currently under construction at 3800 Crossroads Parkway in the Crossroads Park of Commerce, the 207,458-square-foot Class-A industrial building has 1,300 feet of clear I-95 frontage and is located in St. Lucie County at the northernmost point where I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike intersect.

The facility is being developed on 12.7 acres by JBL Development and will be managed by JBL Asset Management. Itasca Construction Partners is the general contractor. Designed for mid-size users with space requirements from 20,000 to 200,000 square feet, the facility will be ready for occupancy this spring.

ICC is located within one mile of both Exit 129 on I-95 and Exit 152 on the turnpike.  The facility’s location provides for access to Orlando, Fort Myers and Miami within two hours.  When complete, the facility will have 32-foot interior clear heights, a 60-foot speed bay, 60 dock-high loading bays, and several at-grade ramps.  Separate parking areas and entrances for employees will prioritize safety and visitor experience with a total of 302 parking spaces on site.

“There is currently quite a bit of product being developed for large users, so we are very excited to be able to offer attractive Class-A facilities for mid-size users with I-95 frontage and excellent access to both the interstate and Florida’s Turnpike,” said Michael Rem with JBL Development. “These distinctive and desirable qualities are driving interest from efficiency-minded businesses seeking brand exposure and quick access to Florida’s most densely populated hubs.”

“JBL’s choice of Fort Pierce as the home for this excellent facility was a wise one,” said Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson. “Not only is the Interstate Commerce Center located at the northernmost point where the turnpike and I-95 come together, there is easy access to the Treasure Coast International Airport, the Port of Fort Pierce, the Florida East Coast railroad, our safe Fort Pierce Inlet connecting the Indian River Lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean, and our pristine uncrowded beaches.”

“Since the inception of this project, JBL Asset Management has engaged with the St. Lucie County community to ensure the end users at the Interstate Commerce Center will not only have first-class space to lease in a great location but also have connections to the community to assist with employment and business services,” said Pete Tesch, president of the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County. “Our signatures on the building’s cornerstone are tokens of our ongoing commitment to assist the tenants -- future local employers -- who will be joining us here in the Sunrise City.”

“We are pleased to work with JBL and the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County in taking this top-tier industrial project to market,” said Michael Falk, executive vice president at Colliers. “We anticipate high demand for the facility given its ability to provide for tenants as low as 20,000 square feet with brand new, quality space in Fort Pierce’s booming market with excellent visibility along I-95.”  Leasing inquiries can be directed to Falk at 561.478.6400.

About JBL Asset Management

The project’s sponsor and property manager is JBL Asset Management, a privately held, fully integrated commercial real estate services company.  Founded in 2005 by Jacob Khotoveli, JBL invests private capital on behalf of itself and its investment partners. JBL is based in South Florida and invests in major metropolitan areas on the eastern half of the United States. Led by a skilled and seasoned management team, the company provides in-house professionals for all aspects of the real estate equation.  JBL’s portfolio currently exceeds 4 million square feet of real estate, diversified between asset classes of retail, multifamily and industrial products.

JBL Development, partnered alongside JBL Asset Management, has a proven track record of delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget. The company’s reputation has been built on execution within the industry and its portfolio includes 1,100+ multifamily units in various stages of development, 500,000+ square feet of ground up commercial product, and 400,000+ square feet of commercial repositioning projects.

Avenue Property Group is a boutique real estate investment company, founded in 2010 by Daniel Gohari, that specializes in identifying industrial/commercial assets and executing opportunistic strategies designed to maximize value.  The group’s investment strategy is governed by extensive knowledge of targeted real estate markets across the United States, with a focus on Florida and New York.  The long-term strategic vision is to recognize deficiencies in the real estate and capital markets and implement practical approaches to unlock value.  Avenue Property Group owns and is a partner in over 3 million square feet of real estate and is actively looking for opportunities.

Interstate Commerce Center Leasing Inquiries

Colliers Executive Vice President Michael Falk, Executive Vice President Scott Weprin, and Associate Jonathan Temple represent the property owner in leasing opportunities at the property.  Colliers (NASDAQ, TSX: CIGI) is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. With operations in 63 countries, its 18,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert real estate and investment advice to clients. For more than 27 years, the company’s experienced leadership with significant inside ownership has delivered compound annual investment returns of approximately 20% for shareholders. With annual revenues of $4.6 billion and $92 billion of assets under management, Colliers maximizes the potential of property and real assets to accelerate the success of its clients, investors, and people. Contact Michael Falk and Jonathan Temple at 561.478.6400 or [email protected] / [email protected] for leasing inquiries.

About the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County

The EDC is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic vitality in St. Lucie County through the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses in the community.  The EDC works in partnership with local governments and the private sector to advance its goals of creating more and better-paying jobs for residents, broadening the tax base and improving St. Lucie County’s economic quality of life.  Contact the EDC at 772.336.6250 or www.youredc.com.

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Feb. 16, 2023|

Elisabeth Glynn named Secretary of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Florida Caucus 

Elisabeth Glynn named Secretary of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Florida Caucus

Elisabeth Glynn

United Way of Martin County is proud to announce the appointment of Elisabeth Glynn, CFRE, as the Secretary of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Florida Caucus.

Glynn currently serves as the Director of Philanthropy for United Way of Martin County, where she has been instrumental in leading and executing the organization's fundraising efforts and building relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners. In this role, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting the community and improving the lives of those in need.

As Secretary of the AFP Florida Caucus, Glynn will play a critical role in supporting the organization’s mission to provide education, collaboration and networking opportunities for AFP members in the 12 Florida Caucus chapters. She is the Immediate Past President of AFP Treasure Coast Chapter, serving Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties.

Glynn is a certified fundraising executive (CFRE) through CFRE International with over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and holds a degree in Psychology from Loyola University New Orleans.

For more information about United Way of Martin County, visit www.UnitedWayMartin.org.

About United Way of Martin County

United Way of Martin County’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Since 1972, the United Way has been working to create long-term social change and provide support to Martin County residents by investing in programs that strive to: enhance healthy living, improve education, and support financial stability.

About the Association of Fundraising Professionals

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is a global organization of professionals in the fundraising field. With over 30,000 members in over 200 chapters worldwide, AFP is dedicated to promoting ethical and effective fundraising through education, training, and advocacy.

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

 

Feb. 16, 2023|

Attorney and long-time political activist Krista Storey to lead St. Lucie County Democratic Women’s Club

Attorney and long-time political activist Krista Storey to lead St. Lucie County Democratic Women’s Club

Krista Story, Esq.

Fort Pierce, January 12, 2023 – Krista Storey, an attorney, has been elected president of the Democratic Women’s Club of St. Lucie County. Storey, a resident of Fort Pierce, has been legislative liaison for the Club. Storey was also a Voter Protection team leader for the Florida Democratic Party. She coordinated dozens of St. Lucie County volunteers serving as poll watchers and canvassing board observers from 2020 through 2022.

The Democratic Women’s Club of St. Lucie County has 150 members. It focuses on voter registration, participating in governmental affairs, supporting county-based community organizations as well as a range of election year candidate support activities. There are more than 60 Democratic Women’s Clubs with over 3,000 members in the state of Florida.

Storey served as a local government attorney for nearly four decades. She recently retired from her position as a senior assistant county attorney for Martin County, where she spent 25 years specializing in land use and
comprehensive planning. Storey is currently a partner with Emerald Law, a South Florida-based law firm.

According to Storey, the St. Lucie County Democratic Women’s Club will focus in 2023 on increasing the diversity of its membership with the goal of providing more effective community outreach in areas such as voter education and the discussion of key public policy issues.

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Jan. 13, 2023|

Minority businesses to watch

MINORITY BUSINESSES TO WATCH

Treasure Coast Minority Businesses to Watch 2022

Workshops provide Treasure Coast owners with tools to succeed

BY CHAUNCELOR HOWELL

Americans often start their own businesses to circumvent obstacles related to lack of education or experience needed to succeed in the formal economy.

Most minority-owned businesses operate under the premise of owner/operator and struggle to gain access to capital that will help sustain the business over a long period of time.

Historically, in comparison to other racial groups, Black and minority business owners possess fewer personal assets such as home ownership or stocks/bonds to generate startup capital for their businesses.

Scores of studies have shown that this deficiency results in less training, sharing fewer resources, important industry related information, and less human capital transfer over generations, according to the 2019 article Struggles and Strategies of Black Women Business Owners by T.M. Jackson and P. Sanyal in the Journal of Business Anthropology.

To help mitigate this circumstance on the Treasure Coast, the Florida Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College offers free resources available to minority business owners and entrepreneurs to help overcome most of these obstacles.

The SBDC routinely hosts workshops that cover such topics as business startups, QuickBooks, digital marketing consulting, international trade strategies and access to capital. If used properly, assistance from the SBDC can potentially better position minority owned businesses for long-term success and sustainability.

Another bonus for minority business owners is SBDC’s partnership with Indian River State College, which has satellite campuses throughout the Treasure Coast that host these workshops.

To learn more about how to start or grow an existing business, please visit the FloridaSBDC.org; email the Florida SBDC at [email protected]; or call IRSC at 772.336.6285.

Chauncelor Howell is president of the Treasure Coast Black Chamber of Commerce.


Maria Chambers

MARIA CHAMBERS
CNC Jamaican and Soul Food Restaurant

To provide the best food possible, that surpassed our customers expectation. Moreover, the restaurant creates superior customer service every time.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
Keeping the door open on a daily basis.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
Faith in getting out doing what has to be done, regardless of what’s happening around you. Love what you do and you try and make it happen.

What led you to own your own business?
The love of doing what I do, having been in the industry with more than 40 years experience.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
CNC Jamaican Restaurant


Belinda McNeal-Chambers

DR. BELINDA MCNEAL-WALKER
Garden of Hope Learning Center
gohlearningacademy.com

The mission of Garden of Hope is to transform lives by providing hope and aspiration, support underserved communities and under-represented populations, and to promote academic excellence through quality resources and wraparound services that address the individualized needs of the whole child and family members.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
The most challenging part of doing business every day is not having sufficient resources to meet the needs of the community.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
The essential element to achieve and maintain a healthy work-life balance is my personal relationship with the Lord. My spiritual relationship not only helps me maintain a balance, but it consistently reminds me of who I am. Therefore, success moves from just a component of hope or a simple desire to an expectation.

What led you to own your own business?
My desire to open my own business derived from my passion for teaching and serving. I believe that all children can and will learn. I also understand that in order to build capacity within the community we must embrace the family structure. My expectation is to meet the needs of the community and the people we serve by providing intensive wraparound supportive services to address the complex needs of the family. There is greatness in Fort Pierce.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
Eric Walker Patio Furniture Repair Service. I am so proud of you.


Al Johnson

AL JOHNSON
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
office.jacksonhewitt.com

Jackson Hewitt provides year-round support to hardworking clients with innovative, low-cost tax solutions.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
Prepared 4,000-plus tax returns this season. This was accomplished via relationship building.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
Goal setting and time management.

What led you to own your own business?
Motivated by my father.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service


Gary Palmer

GARY PALMER
Gary Palmer Sax | garypalmersax.com

Providing clients a pleasurable musical experience.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
As a musician, due to COVID-19 protocols, it’s been difficult to do live performances.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
I bowl in several leagues for enjoyment.

What led you to own your own business?
Being a musician and recording artist, you want to ensure that your brand is important to you as well as your customers. I’ve created a corporation for that reason.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
Treasure Coast Black Chamber of Commerce


Kourtney Rincon

KOURTNEY RINCON
The Warrior Her Podcast

Access to information and a willingness to take chances will yield life changing results.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
The most challenging part of doing business is learning to embrace continuous change. You have to be willing to move quickly, use data to your advantage and be OK with pivoting when necessary.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
Work-life balance for me is more about taking care of myself first. For me, that is working out, being creative, reading and weekly therapy sessions. I believe in a holistic approach to self-care and focusing on mental, physical and spiritual care of oneself to have the healthiest balance. I know when I’m out of alignment and can quickly identify where I need to improve when I find myself feeling overwhelmed.

What led you to own your own business?
I’ve always known I wanted to be my own boss but I wasn’t sure what that looked like. After opening a CrossFit gym in 2018 and failing miserably, I learned valuable on-the-job experience and that I had a passion for business. I want to create a legacy for my family and positively contribute to my community.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
Admired Image Beauty Salon, Bos Crab Spot, Jones Old School BBQ, Nails by Jasmine, Nailbar Studio, Poppin Curls & Beauty Bar and Island Girl Wings n Things


Bianca Lewis

BIANCA LEWIS
Bianca’s Cleaning

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
I was born and raised in Colombia, South America, with no college education but with dreams and passion to do better. After a few years of working in the medical field, I noticed the offices were not clean to the standard of medical offices, so Bianca’s Cleaning was born.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
I am customer-service oriented, organized and communication is the key.

What led you to own your own business?
The lack of college degree and to give my two girls a better future.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
The 22 employees of Bianca’s Cleaning team, all who are Hispanic.


Tessa Adams

TESSA ADAMS
Phatz Chick N Shack

We are the best buffalo wings restaurant in the nation. Phatz provides the best food, atmosphere and wing sauce in the nation. Stop by and grab anything from Chicken N Waffles to one of our delicious Tender Salads to our amazing Shrimp Tacos. And you can’t forget about our World-Famous Finger Lickin Wing Sauce that can be used on everything but mainly on the wings.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
The most challenging part of doing business for me is finding willing workers with good work habits. All I really need for you to do is show up and be willing to learn. One thing I do know is how to teach you to do the job right.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
I have learned to trust the process I have put in place and to trust my leaders to carry out the vision of the company.

What led you to own your own business?
I had my son right out of high school and knew I did not want to be another statistic. I went to cosmetology school and after completing that I worked for someone for a couple of years. I learned the business, opened my own salon and ran it for 28 years. When I met my husband, we bought a building with a fully equipped restaurant to open Phatz Chick N Shack and it has been up hill ever since. I love creating jobs and teaching.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
I would like to give a shout to three minority owned businesses … Kinfolks Chicken and Waffle, Tasty Links and Sunrise City Café. They are great people, great owners and truly have a passion for what they do each and every day.


Jerome Rhyant

JEROME RHYANT
Tree Trimmers USA LLC

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
Starting a business is a significant achievement for many entrepreneurs, but I have found that maintaining one is the greater challenge. There are many common challenges every business faces, whether you are running a large or small operation. These include hiring the right people, building a brand, developing a customer base, identifying my weaknesses and hiring the right people to compensate for what I don’t do well. Great teams build dreams.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
We often think about work-life balance as a trade-off between time spent at work and time spent on other non-work activities. The idea of balance is easy enough to explain, but what does it mean? I find time to spend with family, friends and hobbies. Plan to combine work activities with leisure, social or fitness activities. I enjoy singing, playing music and ministry as hobbies.

What led you to own your own business?
After completing high school, I took a year off, prior to going to college. I took a summer job working for a body shop, where I had some prior experience and I enjoyed doing body work. I worked for two weeks and was told that I had a great attitude and good work ethics, but the owner didn’t think the paint and body work industry was a good fit for me. I was fired and was heartbroken for more than two weeks. I made a promise to myself, that I would never allow anyone to ever break my heart again over a nine-to-five job. I purchased a Cutlass car that I painted, remodeled and sold. I was successful in buying three other cars, one at a time, remodeling and reselling them for a profit. I began to recruit my former high school coaches, Coach Green and Coach Farinella. I talked them into hiring me to paint their cars. Prior to college I discovered I had a few things working for me, I could talk and I could sell. I was born to be an entrepreneur. After quitting college in 1982, I returned home and started a company, Today’s Painting, and have never looked back. I chose to hold on to my commitment to me.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
I want to give a shout out to a good friend and mentor, Vernon Dixon the owner of Dixon’s Check Cashing.


Chauncelor Howell

DR. CHAUNCELOR HOWELL
Treasure Coast Black Chamber of Commerce | tcbcc.biz

To serve as a business resource, a voice, advocate, of any entity with a focus on Black and minority business matters.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
Recruitment

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
Time management is a must and cannot be understated if a healthy work-life balance is to be achieved.

What led you to own your own business?
There was a gap that needed to be filled within the region at-large.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
As the TCBCC’s founder/president, I do not have a favorite minority-owned business, as I equally support them all.


Julissa Mercado

JULISSA MERCADO
The Skin Spot

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
When I moved to Florida without knowing anyone to pursue this career, I knew it wouldn’t be nothing short of challenging. I left everything I knew in New Jersey to follow a dream that I had no idea would actually take off. I funded everything with loans and borrowed money to open up the shop I have today. By a year and a half, I was able to clear my debt and invest in a piece of equipment that I only dreamed of ever affording. The tasks I undertook were challenging in themselves, but mentally I had to truly believe I could do it. And I did.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
When opening the shop, I feared not having security so much that I had no idea how to balance life and work. All I knew was if I keep working I’ll get closer to where I need to be. I found myself sick, overworked and burned out. I quickly learned that having boundaries for myself was the only way I’d be able to have longevity in what I do. My life hacks include extending myself the grace to take breaks when I need it and to ask for help when I need it as well. I make sure I get enough sleep; I take supplements to keep my gut health in check; I take lunch breaks, and actually use them to eat. Once I learned to take care of myself first, I was able to take care of people from a space of wholeness, which ultimately helped the business succeed.

What led you to own your own business?
After completing my undergraduate degree in women’s and gender studies, I knew I wanted to work predominantly in service to women, and more specifically women of color. This community has been historically under serviced and self-care was never an emphasis in the community I grew up in. Skincare became the vessel in which I was able to serve that community in the best and healthiest way.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
The Braid Dr and Poppin Curls and Beauty Bar.


Sergio Zeligman

SERGIO ZELIGMAN
Panda Contractors

Panda is in business to improve the lives of their customers by providing the highest quality products and workmanship and creating the best possible experience for them. Panda is also in business to improve the lives of their employees by providing personal and financial growth opportunities for them and creating long term profit growth, profitability and stability for the company.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
Right now the most challenging part of doing business every day is the availability and increasing prices of materials. We understand that the economy is not the best and we need to be able to purchase and receive materials promptly and at competitive prices to meet our customers’ expectations.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
Work hard while at work and simply enjoy your life after work with the family. As a family-owned business it is important to dedicate time to your family.

What led you to own your own business?
Coming from a family that always had our own business it was just a matter of finding the business that fitted me. Been a civil engineer and a general contractor, it was just a matter of doing what came natural to me. I have always enjoyed creating and serving our community. Making our customers smile is our logo and it is exactly what we try to do every day.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
We use Rocha Lawn Care as our landscape company. They are very reliable and honest.


Stanley Campbell

STANLEY CAMPBELL
Eagle Force Associates Inc. and Martin Downs Golf Club & Resort

Our mission is to assist our clients in the design and deployment of intelligent systems, where man and machine interface and applications are designed to optimize the performance of each by providing the heavy lifting for many of the most difficult problems in computer science.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
The most challenging part of doing business each day is learning how to say no to every opportunity that comes over without being dismissive. This is very important because you never know who will bring the next great opportunity. The way I approach this issue is to listen attentively. Evaluate the terms, conditions, means, methods and modalities of the opportunity and to state the reasoning behind why the opportunity may not be for me. Make it an educational moment in time, funding, ROI, governance, etc.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
Make the job fun, inclusive and understood at home. Build in recreation, travel and intelligent growth. Bring the family along when possible and leave the job at the office when possible.

What led you to own your own business?
Thinking that I consistently had great ideas and the discipline to follow them through.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
State Farm Insurance, H&R Block, WFLM 104.5 the Flame and Treasure Coast Lexus

See the original article in the print publication


Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Jul. 1, 2022|

Leaders to watch

LEADERS TO WATCH

Treasure Coast Business Leaders to Watch 2022

Treasure Coast business movers and shakers contributing to regional growth

Vision for the future is an important component for any business owner, manager or aspiring entrepreneur. Whether it is a nonprofit, for-profit, government, small or big business, the organization will always require a vision for growth, expansion or innovation. The mechanism that allows the organization to execute this vision is leadership. From motivating and inspiring the team and community to creating and organizing the tasks and work plan — leadership plays a critical role.

So, what is good leadership?

The most common definition is the ability to inspire confidence and support among the people who are needed to achieve organizational goals. An important element regarding leadership is that it can be practiced to some extent even by those who do not hold or are not assigned a formal leadership position.

The Treasure Coast region has begun to experience dynamic growth and changes to the economic landscape. These marketplace changes will require leadership at all levels and from all industry sectors. Understanding the important role leadership will continue to play in the region, Treasure Coast Business has created its first issue dedicated to leaders to watch as our communities and marketplace continue to grow.

The region has a strong foundation of innovative and influential leaders. If all those worthy of appearing in this article were included, this issue would resemble a dictionary not a magazine. This article is simply to provide a sampling of the hundreds of influential leaders who work and lead every day along the Treasure Coast.

With the assistance of regional business organizations, a list was created with the following eligibility requirements:

• Individuals must have been in business for five or more years
• Businesses and their owners must reside in the region
• No elected officials.

The individuals profiled in this segment serve as examples of the different pathways to fostering a positive effect on the development of our community, its residents and especially our youth.


William ‘Will’ Armstead

William ‘Will’ Armstead
CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County

William “Will” Armstead was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, along with his seven brothers and sisters. A veteran of the U.S. Army and Army National Guard, he served 16 years that included deployments during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. He received more than a dozen awards and medals for his outstanding leadership and retired as a sergeant 1st class senior noncommissioned officer.

As a civilian, Armstead’s career soared as a regional general manager for Aramark – a publicly held $16 billion worldwide food and uniform services company. He successfully managed $26 million in annual revenue in the Southeast division and increased revenue 12% year after year.

His career continued to excel at A’viands, a privately owned $140 million services management company. As director of operations, he managed $65 million in annual revenue at 126 locations in 26 states.

Armstead’s personal life mission is to serve people in need, especially disadvantaged children. Even while working for large corporations, he has always been a community-based leader, serving multiple nonprofits including Big Brothers Big Sisters, PACE and Safe Space. For eight years, he served on the Boys & Girls Club board and also as board president. He also serves on Global Vision Citadel Ministries and Alzheimer’s Community Care, just to name a few.

Although he is a busy executive, Armstead makes time for family. He and wife, Rachel, have six sons and four daughters. They also are foster parents, which is how they came to adopt brothers Nathyn and Marcus in 2018. The family attends First Baptist Church of Lake Park where he serves as a deacon.

In 2015, Armstead became chief executive officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County – a nonprofit organization that serves more than 15,000 children yearly with 166 employees and an annual budget of more than $5 million. He is clearly dedicated to the club’s mission of helping children reach their full potential. His outgoing, friendly manner attracts people who may have never experienced the Boys & Girls Club. He believes that people sincerely want to help kids – especially those who need it the most.

In his rare spare time, he enjoys fishing, golfing and quality family time.

His passion and strongest attributes are his compassion for people and his ability to lead by example. He pushes people to be the best version of themselves and he wants that more for others than for himself.

Whom on the Treasure Coast do you most admire and why?

One of the many people on the Treasure Coast that I admire most is Elizabeth Barbella, CEO of The Community Foundation Martin – St. Lucie. Under her leadership, the foundation has grown from a quiet organization to a robust organization serving philanthropists and nonprofits in Martin and St. Lucie counties. She’s a visionary leader, a mentor and valued adviser.

If given $50,000 to start a new business, what type of business would you start and why?

If given $50,000, I would open a day-care. There are not enough day-care businesses on the Treasure Coast, which is a problem for working families and their employers.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?

In 1991, I was stationed in Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. I remember vividly the first time I heard Lee Greenwood’s hit song, God Bless the USA, blaring full blast over the loudspeakers on base. That song gave me chill bumps then and still does today.


Philip A. Busch

Philip A. Busch
president of Southern Eagle Distributing

With a long family history in the development and sales of beverages, Philip A. Busch is a prominent Treasure Coast business leader. As the president of Southern Eagle Distributing and The Busch Family Foundation, Busch has an impressive track record of running a successful, family-owned business.

His strengths and expertise are in the acquisition, sales and marketing of beverage brands. Some of the brands include Anheuser-Busch, Constellation, Sailfish Brewing, Celsius, Essentia Water, a newly launched spirit portfolio, and more than 60 other local and national suppliers.

He is committed to being a great corporate citizen and a leader with his philanthropic endeavors.

Through the foundation, Busch, with the help of his employees, supports local causes such as combating homelessness, fighting hunger, helping veterans and assisting youth programs such as the Boys & Girls Club.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose?

The Budweiser theme song – Here Comes the King

Have you ever watched a movie and gained a new perspective on life? What movie was it and what did you learn?

Jeremiah Johnson – the appreciation of silence and accomplishing objectives on your own. Do the right thing, especially when no one is looking.

What was the first leadership role you can remember being in?

The first leadership role I had was playing sports, specifically football. Being a leader on both defense and offense, I was responsible for pushing the team to give their all, have discipline, and be aware of their surroundings.


Shane Mullan

Shane Mullan
COO Aluma Tower Co.

Shane Mullan, chief operating officer, joined Aluma Tower Company in 2006. He began his journey with Aluma as a welder/fabricator and quickly rose through the ranks as shop lead, production manager, vice president of sales and vice president of operations.

As production manager, he was successful in reducing overtime by improving workflow and implementing proven work procedures on the production floor. As vice president of sales, he developed Aluma’s first outside sales team and implemented many of the company’s sales processes that are still used today.

And as vice president of operations, Mullan led the company through record-breaking revenue growth, which resulted in the company making the INC. 5000 list in 2020. He has also assisted in the development of new products, such as Aluma’s skid system, the Scorpion trailer model and Aluma’s un-guyed tower systems.

Since becoming COO, Mullan has been able to leverage his experience and vast knowledge of the products to become a well-respected and important element of Aluma’s leadership team. His current focus is on the growth of the business, both in volume and margin, while maintaining quality, efficiency and on-time delivery.

In addition to his role at Aluma, Mullan is also on the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce board and sits on multiple community committees. He has an associate degree in business administration and management from Indian River State College and a Master Welder Certification from Tulsa Welding School in Jacksonville.

Mullan moved to Indian River County with his family in 1986 from Yonkers, New York. He resides in Vero Beach with his wife, and dog, Louie. His daughter is a student at the University of Miami. He spends his free time traveling with his wife and doing DIY projects on their home.

What leadership skills do you find most useful?

Relationship building/nurturing and decision making are the leadership skills I utilize most on a day-to-day basis. This applies to both internal and external relationships and activities. Building relationships and nurturing them are two different, highly important skills. Decision making, specifically knowing when and how to make decisions is a key skill I utilize every day. Recognizing situations that require a rapid decision, being able to make the right one and being conscious of the impacts of that decision are critical.

How do you think people would communicate in a perfect world?

Verbally. We have lost the critical intimacy of face-to-face communication. We all get caught up in technology at times, sometimes I will be typing an email and then have to remind myself the recipient is right down the hall. When I catch it, I will walk down for the discussion and memorialize it in writing if necessary.

Have you ever watched a movie and gained a new perspective on life? What movie was it and what did you learn?

Braveheart. It was always a favorite of mine as a young man. It taught me to be selfless and always be willing to stand on the front lines no matter how far I make it in life.


Tabitha Trent

Tabitha Trent
SouthState manager and vice president

Tabitha Trent, who is a lifetime resident of Okeechobee, attended Indian River State College and University of Central Florida, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She also attended the Florida School of Banking at the University of Florida, graduating with honors.

Trent, who has been in banking for 35 years, is a community banker at heart and believes in investing in the lives of the community she serves. She serves or supports the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County, Okeechobee Utility Authority board of directors, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office’s Citizens Advisory Board, Altobello Charitable Donor Trust Fund, GRAD Nite, Economic Development Corp. of Okeechobee and the Pregnancy Center of Okeechobee.

Her passions in life are her faith and her family. She enjoys serving alongside her More 2 Life church family. She and her husband, Jay, have a son, Chase, who recently graduated from Indian River State College and is pursuing his lifelong career with Florida Power and Light.

What leadership skills do you find most useful?

Follow-up: inspect what you expect. Be an effective communicator; communication is key. Be firm but fair. Empower your team members. Honesty and integrity, always do the right thing first.

How would you sell hot chocolate in Florida, during the summer?

I would commission a fleet of hand-pushed ice cream carts along the majestic Treasure Coast beaches and sell frozen hot chocolate fudgesickles dipped in marshmallow to sweltering hot beachcombers and sunbathers.

Whom on the Treasure Coast do you most admire and why?

Throughout my life I have been blessed with many people in which I admire and who have impacted my life and career. From my parents, family members, managers, colleagues and community leaders, there are two individuals who stand out the most – my pastor and his wife. We each have a calling in life and sometimes the call is not always the easiest path. My pastor’s life is a prime example of the struggles and ultimate joy of following your calling no matter what the cost.


Mike Adams

Mike Adams
president of Adams Ranch

Mike Adams, who was born in 1955 in Fort Pierce Memorial Hospital, attended Fort Pierce Elementary School and Pinecrest High School in Fort Lauderdale. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1976. In January 1985, he was elected president of Adams Ranch and handles the cattle and citrus operations in St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Osceola counties. Adams has served as supervisor of the St. Lucie County Soil and Water Conservation District. He is an Indian River Citrus League board alternate and is on its Land and Water Committee; and a board member and past president of the St. Lucie County Farm Bureau. He is also president of the Florida Bradford Breeders Association and the Treasure Coast Resource Conservation and Development Council. He and his wife, Rachael, have five children.

What leadership skills do you find most useful?

The cattle business and family business involves generations just not measured on the clock. Agriculture is a very dynamic business and is a constant learning process, so one must be flexible to change.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?

The theme to the classic television show, Rawhide. 

What was the first leadership role you can remember being in and how did the experience shape how you lead today?

My experience with the Treasure Coast Research Park continues to be interesting. Working with St. Lucie County, the federal government, the University of Florida and others to build a business incubator for the food industry. There were years of FaceTime and meetings before building the Sunshine Kitchen. At the end of the day, it is an asset to our community as we strive to better our citizens.


Bert Culbreth

Bert Culbreth
owner of The Gilbert Family of Companies

Bert Culbreth is a third-generation owner of The Gilbert Family of Companies in Okeechobee, which consists of Gilbert Realty, Gilbert Ford, Gilbert Chevrolet, Gilbert Outdoors and Gilbert Oil Co.

He serves on boards including the Indian River State College Foundation Board, Okeechobee County Economic Development Corp., Seacoast Bank – Heartland Community Board and Ford Dealer Council Representative – Orlando Region. Culbreth is also a member of the Okeechobee Masonic Lodge and past director of the Florida Petroleum Marketers Association. His hobbies include golf, hunting, fishing and aviation. He enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter.

Whom on the Treasure Coast do you most admire and why?

I’ve been lucky to have many mentors and role models in my life including my parents. If I had to choose one person on the Treasure Coast it would be Sam Mullinax. Sam and his partner started a small company years ago in Stuart and through hard work grew it to a premier national brand and the leader in their space. In the years I’ve known Sam, he has always impressed me with his positive outlook on life and his dedication to his faith. Sam leads by example in his life and inspires me to do the same.

What is your favorite spot on the Treasure Coast to grab a bite to eat?

In Okeechobee we enjoy visiting Lightsey’s Seafood Restaurant and OK Corral Gun Club for lunch or dinner. Our favorite spot on the Treasure Coast to grab a bite is Drift Kitchen & Bar in the Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa.

What was the first leadership role you can remember being in and how has the experience shaped how you lead today?

Early in my career, my sister and I had two key managers leave at the same time in our business. We were not familiar at the time with all of the aspects of the job that they were handling as we were new to this role. We had to learn on the fly and made a lot of mistakes in the process. It was a trial and error situation and we learned some valuable lessons in the process. We also learned all of the aspects of these positions so that we would never get in that situation again.


Dr. Greg Rosencrance

Dr. Greg Rosencrance
president of Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital

Dr. Greg Rosencrance earned his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University and his medical degree from Marshall University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency training in medicine as chief medical resident at the Charleston Area Medical Center in West Virginia. He is board certified in internal medicine.

Prior to accepting the appointment as president of Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, he served as chairman of the Medicine Institute at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, from 2016 to 2018.

He was instrumental in restructuring the Medicine Institute to Cleveland Clinic Community Care.

Community Care serves as the medical home for accessible, comprehensive and coordinated care for patients. It includes adult primary care, family medicine, consultative internal medicine, geriatrics, hospital medicine and infectious diseases.

Rosencrance served as the center director for medicine and medical subspecialties at Cleveland Clinic Florida from 2014 to 2016. He helped organize and implement the care model in South Florida where he received many accolades for his work.

He is a devoted medical doctor who has received many awards and honors for his work, including being named the Ayash Distinguished Professor of Internal Medicine. One of his proudest moments was the $100,000 establishment of the Dr. J. Gregory Rosencrance Clinic Fund in 1993 by Marjorie Johnson.

Whom on the Treasure Coast do you most admire and why?
The person I admire most is my wife, Jackie, for her resiliency, guidance and perseverance. She is my confidant.

What are the core values you implement into your organization every day and why they are important?

The core values I implement into the organization every day are: quality and safety, empathy, inclusion, integrity, teamwork and innovation. As a health care institution, doing the right things that not only promote the wellness of the patient, but also those of the caregivers, come first. Setting the highest standards and excellent outcomes through effective interactions, decision-making and actions are critically important for the patient. Empathy helps to alleviate suffering, and we try to create joy whenever possible. Our organization sets a standard to intentionally create an environment of compassionate belonging where all are valued and respected. Integrity creates high moral principles and professional standards by a commitment to honesty, confidentiality, trust, respect and transparency. We must work together as a team to ensure the best possible care, safety and well-being of our patients and fellow caregivers. We strive and support innovation to drive large and small changes to transform healthcare everywhere.

What is your favorite spot on the Treasure Coast to grab a bite to eat?

My favorite spot on the Treasure Coast to grab a bite to eat is Waldo’s. It has incredible charm and a great meal, all served on the outdoor deck, right on the oceanfront.


Kaylee King

Kaylee King
business manager for Okeechobee County Economic Development Corp.

Kaylee King is a business manager who is constantly learning and growing. King, who lives and works in her hometown of Okeechobee, is passionate about her role as a business manager with the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation because it allows her to use her marketing and relational expertise to grow the county’s tax base. This helps provide job opportunities for this rural community.

She uses her great frame of reference in marketing, which has helped her to recruit and retain around 30 different projects during her time at the corporation. A graduate of Indian River State College and the University of Central Florida, she pivoted from her original love for health care administration and discovered her true passion for marketing while working at her family’s local health care practice as a customer relations coordinator.

She has consulted for various local businesses, business owners, organizations and events in Okeechobee to help elevate their online presence and create results.

Whom on the Treasure Coast do you most admire and why?

Hands down, Dr. Jennifer Laskey, owner and dentist of Family Dentistry of Okeechobee. She has been my mentor and role model since I was a young child. The values I learned from working in health care have changed my life forever. The way she has always treated her patient family, she is constantly approaching situations with integrity. I have watched her balance being a woman business owner, a mother, a practitioner and a wife. She is very inspiring. This type of leadership just makes the business experience so much better!

What core values do you implement into your organization every day and why are they important?

The core values that come most naturally to my personal and professional life are service and creativity. I am a very creative person, and I have found this approach can translate very well into your work environment. We see all around us how businesses are having to adapt and pivot into the new changes that the pandemic has afforded. Companies and organizations that are creative are growing. The value of service is so near to my heart. Whether we are serving our community, our board of directors, our patients, or our customers, people are the key part of the equation for me. I was raised in an industry with a very high level of customer service, and so this principle has always brought the most fulfillment to my projects. It’s all about people, and that is what fuels my fire.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?

I was working on a big photo shoot with a team of about 15 women. It was summer in Florida, in a cow pasture that had amazing scenery. All were glammed out in their gowns. The bugs were biting and excitement was dying down. I pulled out my portable speaker and turned on Beyonce’s Before I Let Go and suddenly the atmosphere changed. They turned on their queen mode attitude so fast and starting having fun dancing. I love that music can set the mood so quickly, even though the environment was the same. It is such a fun song, up-beat, girl power, a go-getter mantra with a little fun for dancing. The photos turned out stunning and you could tell they had fun doing it. So this song and this memory, makes the song my go to.


Rob Gluckman

Rob Gluckman
CEO for health care companies

Rob Gluckman, who graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, received his law degree from St. Thomas University College of Law in Miami.

He was an assistant state attorney in the 19th Judicial Circuit for 2½ years before becoming an associate and eventually a managing partner in the law firm of Hurley, Rogner, Miller, Cox and Waranch. After practicing for more than 10 years, Gluckman became the chief executive officer for Treasure Coast Urgent Care, Employee Wellness, P.A. and Treasure Coast Primary Care.

Gluckman is an avid offshore fisherman, promoting catch and release and spending time with his three rescue dogs. He is on the board of directors for the YMCA of the Treasure Coast. He previously served as board chairman for the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce and on a number of other not-for-profit boards of directors during the past 15 years.

What leadership skills do you find most useful?

Empathy, honesty, critical and outside of the box thinking.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose?

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

Have you ever watched a movie and gained a new perspective on life? What movie was it and what did you learn?

Yes, Rudy. I learned never give up and hard work earns you respect.


William J. Penney

William J. Penney
president, CEO, board chairman of Marine Bank & Trust Vero Beach

William “Bill” Penney was born and raised in West Palm Beach and has lived in Vero Beach since 1984. He graduated from Palm Beach Junior College, Florida Atlantic University and the School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University.

He has worked at Marine Bank & Trust for 18 years; 12 years as president and CEO and eight years as chairman of the board.

An avid cyclist, he rode 65 miles to celebrate his 65th birthday in 2021 and raised $12,000 for the Alzheimer’s & Parkinson Association of Indian River County.

Whom on the Treasure Coast do you most admire and why?

I have great admiration for all the entrepreneurs that have opened businesses. It takes a lot of determination and sacrifice, but the result has a domino effect. Businesses create jobs, wealth and resources that contribute to the quality of life in our community.

How do you think people would communicate in a perfect world?
From Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Seek first to understand, then be understood.

Have you ever watched a movie and gained a new perspective on life? What movie was it and what did you learn?

It’s a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart is a great example of the lasting and positive impact that community bankers can have on their communities.


Maddie Williams

Maddie Williams
executive director of Treasure Coast Builders Association

Maddie Williams, who is originally from Massachusetts, moved with her family to Port St. Lucie in 1989. She has been in the construction industry for 30 years, beginning her career working for a local residential homebuilder in 1991.

She joined the Treasure Coast Builders Association in 2002 as special projects director and was appointed executive director in 2011. In this position, she focuses on advocating on behalf of the construction industry, which includes governmental affairs issues, skilled trades training and other workforce development issues.

Williams is very involved in her local community and serves on the board of directors of Career Source Research Coast and vice chairman of its Youth Council Committee. She also serves on the boards of St. Lucie County Cultural Alliance, St. Lucie County Art in Public Places and is chairman of the Port St. Lucie Art Advisory Council. She volunteers her time with Family Meals of St. Lucie County, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity and is a member of the Fort Pierce Woman’s Club.

What is your favorite spot on the Treasure Coast to grab a bite to eat?

Shuckers on the Beach

What was the first leadership role you can remember being in?

I taught Sunday school to a kindergarten class and babysat when I was a teenager. It taught me patience and responsibility, traits that I try to practice every day.

What leadership skills do you find most useful?

Communication skills and attention to detail have helped me be successful in both my work and personal life.


Keith Fletcher

Keith Fletcher
president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

Keith “Fletch” Fletcher is president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, the largest youth services provider in Martin County.

During his four-year tenure, the depth and breadth of services has expanded dramatically, in mental health support, workforce programming and school-based partnerships. Fletcher is a graduate of Leadership Martin, a two-time chairman of Leadership Miami, a graduate of Leadership Florida’s Connect program and served as the institute co-chairman twice.

He has previously been selected as a Top 40 under 40 by the South Florida Business Journal and was a recent recipient of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s prestigious Outstanding New CEO Award for Southeast America. He and his wife, Leyla, have two daughters, Zoe, 6, and Kaia, 4.

What leadership skills do you find most useful?

To me, leadership is the ability to create a desire in people to want to struggle for shared aspirations. The ability to inspire, to continuously evaluate and improve, to not only innovate individual but to be supportive of a broader innovation ecosystem, to collaborate, to see possibility or opportunity when others see problems. Keep focused on the 3 Ps in your portfolio – people, products and process. Leadership is, as we know, rooted in values and integrity but is contextual so you have to be able to be what you need to be in that moment, without comprising self or organization, to move the mission forward.

Tell us your favorite spot on the Treasure Coast to grab a bite to eat.

Wow. So tough. I am out and about in the community a lot. The sliders and a recent concoction at Ocean Republic Brewery always hits the spot. For quiet conversation, The Grille at Martin Landing is perfect. Lola’s is great for the best seafood. Had a fantastic chile infused espresso at Barista Creamery just last week for the first time. So I love to explore. But I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible food truck scene – including ours here at the Boys & Girls Clubs – and some of the incredible home cooking I have received from our friends and supporters – nothing beats Ms. Delphina’s marinated sliced avocado, conch fritters and fried shrimp right there in Port Salerno.

How do you think people would communicate in a perfect world?

Transparently, making clear motive and intention without any pretense. Focusing more on what’s right about our kids, our communities, our world and less about what’s wrong with them. With a general orientation to navigate to yes and talk about what’s possible instead of why something can’t be done. In a way that understands privilege and position and perspective but uses all those things as a way to build longer tables, not taller fences.


Chad Olson

Chad Olson
managing director of the South Florida Region for Benchmark Hospitality

Chad Olson joined Benchmark in October 2015 as general manager of Costa d’ Este Beach Resort & Spa and Cardozo South Beach. He was promoted to managing director of the South Florida Region in 2019 with direct oversight of four hotels.

Prior to joining Benchmark, Olson worked for more than 25 years in California for companies such as JRK Hotels, Joie de Vivre Hospitality and Woodside Hospitality.

What was the first leadership role you can remember being in and how did the experience shape how you lead today?

Assistant front office manager at a resort in Arizona. I was a complete failure in my approach on how to interact and lead a team but through lots of failures and the open mindedness and humble pie, I learned.

What is your favorite spot on the Treasure Coast to grab a bite to eat?

Depends on the mood but in either case, I enjoy patronizing the independent restaurants. From the casual end of the spectrum, Little Jim’s in Fort Pierce, to my favorite, Fire and Wine in Vero Beach.

What leadership skills do you find most useful?

Servant leadership, humility, risk taking and overly communicating.


Larry Lee

Larry Lee
State Farm agent and co-owner of WFLM

Larry Lee Jr. grew up in Fort Pierce, graduated from Fort Pierce Central High School in 1972 and received a degree in health and physical education from Livingstone College in 1976. He married his college sweetheart, Alice, and they have one daughter, Dr. LaTasha Lee.

Lee owns a State Farm insurance agency and he and his wife own WFLM radio station. He’s a graduate of Leadership Florida and is featured in the book The Influentials by Jon Berry and Ed Keller. In 2002, he was inducted into the Livingstone College Football Hall of Fame. And in 2004, he received the Leadership Florida Distinguished Alumni Award.

In 2012, Larry was elected to the Florida House of Representatives becoming the first Black state representative in the history of St. Lucie County. He has served on several bank boards. He is the co-founder of the Ave D Boys Choir, the Jazz & Blues Society and Boy Scouts Troop 772.

His passion for helping youth and senior citizens led him to found the Lighthouse Foundation to serve those populations on Florida’s Treasure Coast and later created the Restoring the Village Initiative to help improve the neighborhood he grew up in, Lincoln Park.

If given $50,000 to start a new business, what type of business would you start and why?

If given $50,000 to start a new business, it would be a business that helps create entrepreneurship for youth. I feel that we need to invest more in our youth.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?

My favorite song is Wake Up Everybody by Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes. That song has a powerful message. It was made during my senior year in college, but its message is as strong today as it was in 1975.

What was the first leadership role you can remember being in and how did it shape you today?

My first leadership role occurred during my junior year in college. I was co-captain of the football team. During my senior year at Livingstone College, while serving as captain of the team, we had the No. 1 defense in the nation among small colleges. Playing football taught me so much about teambuilding. It helped me learn how to build a successful insurance agency, a political career and a not-for-profit foundation.


Travis Leonard

Travis Leonard
CEO and managing partner of A&G Concrete Pools

Travis Leonard, who was born in New Jersey, moved to Florida in 1988 with his family.

Leonard was hired by A&G in 1999 for in-house sales and design and was promoted to sales manager in 2006. In 2008, he accepted a partnership in the company and obtained a state license in commercial and residential swimming pool construction in early 2009.

Today A&G is a leader in the swimming pool industry with more than 100 full-time employees. It constructs more than 400 pools yearly.

In 2021, he was selected by Gov. Ron DeSantis to be a St. Lucie County Fire Board commissioner. Leonard also has been on the St. Lucie County Licensing Board since 2016 and was elected its chairman this year.

He married his high school sweetheart, Genia, in 2001 and they have two daughters.

If given $50,000 to start a new business, what type of business would you start and why?

A trade school. Being in the construction industry and seeing the skilled tradesman aging and retiring each day truly scares me. They have an amazing talent and decades of experience that needs to be passed on. Having young people be able to learn a trade and be proud of that trade would make me happy.

Have you ever watched a movie and gained a new perspective on life? What movie was it and what did you learn?

Limitless. Every shortcut has its shortfalls, shortcuts to success, if they work at all they do not last long. Too often in today’s world everyone is looking for the quick buck and wind up failing. Hard work and determination, along with persistence, have allowed me to be so successful.

What was the first leadership role you can remember being in and how has it shaped how you lead today?

Through high school I worked at Capri Pizza delivering pizzas to start and quickly worked my way up to pizzaiolo. Having this position made me responsible for staff, preparing food to be ready for the evening rush, and how to get the best out of the team we had.


James Brann

James Brann
owner-operator of The Porch Factory

Born and raised in Wilmington, Massachusetts, Brann graduated from Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational High School. He moved to Florida in 1990 and attended Indian River State College night classes for business while working for a local heating and airconditioning company in the early 90s.

He is owner and operator of The Porch Factory, which manufactures and installs custom screen rooms and pool enclosures across the Treasure Coast. A past president of the Treasure Coast Builders Association, Brann is chairman of the Skilled Trades Task force. He has two daughters, Andrea, 26, and Samantha, 24.

Whom on the Treasure Coast do you most admire and why?

I admire Jeff Braun from Coastal Building Contractors. Jeff runs a successful business in a selfless way… takes care of his employees, quietly supports the community in many ways, fully supports his local and state builders association for the better of others.

What was the first leadership role you can remember being in and how has the experience shaped how you lead today?

I was a service manager at a local air conditioning business at the age of 25, working with three other managers older and more experienced than I was. My young ego had to learn to sit back so that the rest of me could listen and learn from the experience in front of me! A few hard knocks at the beginning shaped that process.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?

Queen – We are the Champions – it’s about determination and perseverance, fighting through battles to reach a goal.

See the original article in the print publication


Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Magazine Inc. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Apr. 12, 2022|

2021 Martin County Charlene Hoag Winner

2021 Martin County Charlene Hoag Winner

 

Janice Norman

Janice Norman, 2021 Charlene Hoag Winner

 

The Business Development Board of Martin County is pleased to announce Martin County’s 2021 Charlene Hoag Leadership Award recipient is Janice Norman of the Water Pointe Realty Group.

Janice was selected for this prestigious award for her years of service in Martin County and the positive impact she has made on numerous organizations and people over the years.

Janice Norman, a Broker Associate with more than 15 years of Real Estate experience, is the immediate past-chair of the Stuart-Martin County Chamber of Commerce and president of Catch the Wave of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to abolishing human trafficking. She has also been a member and held office in many nonprofit organizations on the Treasure Coast including Soroptimist International of Stuart past president, Visionary School of Arts, and is a graduate of LEADERship Martin County as well as past chair of its alumni association. Janice believes that giving back to the community is always of paramount importance. She received the 2008 Community Service Award from the Realtors® Association of Martin County and the 2017 Women of Distinction Award for Volunteerism from Soroptimist International of Stuart. Her past experience as an emergency department nurse and administrator is evident in her professionalism and work ethic.

The winner of the Charlene Hoag Leadership Award is kept secret and only announced the day of the annual Martin County Business Awards. Yet due an unexpected family medical emergency, Janice was actually out of town when it was announced, by her colleague and 2020 Charlene Hoag Leadership award winner Deb Duvall, that she had won the prestigious award.

Thanks to many friends in attendance at the 2021 Martin County Business Awards on Friday, November 5, including her surprised husband Ken Norman who accepted the award on her behalf, she quickly heard the good news.

Janice Norman is the 18th individual to receive award which was first bestowed in 2003. To be eligible for consideration, leaders need to have been employed in Martin County for 10 years or more and demonstrate devotion to family and vocation, commitment to service to the community and leadership toward the goal of improving Martin County’s quality of life.

About Charlene Hoag (1945 – 2002)

“Charlene didn’t just talk about issues, she actively worked to address them. Her resume tells the story of her involvement, but her actions speak volumes about her commitment to her community, her family and vocation.”

Charlene was a former Martin County Commissioner, with a long history of community involvement. A 1991 graduate of LEADERship Martin County, Ms. Hoag served as a board member of the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, the Martin County Taxpayers Association and the Crane Creek Property Owners Association. She worked with the St. Lucie River Initiative, the Palm City Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Council of Martin County, the Treasure Coast Builders Association and the Republican Party in Martin County. She also served on the boards of the United Way of Martin County, the Martin County Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Martin County Council for the Arts, the Business Development Board of Martin County and as Vice-Chairman of the District Board of Trustees for Indian River Community College. While serving on the Martin County Board of County Commissioners, she served as Chairman in 1994. She also represented the Board on the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, the Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Local Coordinating Board of the Transportation Disadvantaged and the Allapattah Ranch Acquisition Committee. Charlene was recognized as “Business Advocate of the Year” by the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce in 1993, “Friend of Palm City” by the Palm City Chamber of Commerce in 1995 and as the Business Advocate for the Private Sector by the Business Development Board in 2001.

Nov. 22, 2021|

Rose Guilbe, M.D.

— PROMOTIONAL CONTENT —

Leaders of the Treasure Coast
Rose Guilbe, M.D., HMDC
HOSPICE CARE

Rose Guilbe, M.D., HMDC

STEVE MARTINE

When the position of Medical Director at Treasure Coast Hospice opened in May 2019, Rose Guilbe, M.D., accepted the challenge. Emphasizing compassion and quality, Guilbe enhanced Treasure Coast Hospice’s medical team by hiring community physicians and Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners to help guide patients’ journey in life while preparing them for limited life expectancy. Her initial mission was to create a strong work force that not only practices the highest of ethical and professional standards of patient care, but complies with Federal, State and local laws respecting the health and safety of hospice patients. Recently, she was directly responsible for creating an education curriculum along with classroom instruction for hospice RNs and CNAs to prepare for certification in Hospice and Palliative Care. During the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Guilbe led the organization in developing a special task force to ensure healthcare workers on the frontlines were kept safe, along with patients and families.

Upon graduating medical school in 1987, Dr. Guilbe pursued a residency in Family Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center’s Department of Family and Social Medicine. After completing her degree in 1990, Dr. Guilbe immediately went on to serve a four-year commitment as a National Health Service Corp scholar in Florida. From 1990 through 1994 she worked at the Winter Garden Family Health Center and was featured in the Orlando Sentinel for her dedication to primary care and Migrant Health.

In 1994, she returned to her New York roots at Montefiore Medical Center to serve as Medical Director of all Inpatient Family Medicine services and one of the first Family Medicine hospitalists in the country. As a Clinician Educator her expanded roles consisted of curriculum development, mentoring the LGBTQ community, Bioethics teaching, publishing multiple articles in national journals, and ongoing Post Graduate Training in the fields of Urban Family Medicine and Harvard Advanced Palliative Care. Dr. Guilbe has presented nationally at the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine and holds an academic appointment of Associate Clinical Professor in Family Medicine. Recognized in several U.S. magazines, including “The Best Family Doctors in America 2002”, “The Best Doctors in New York 1998”, and “Top Doctors in New York Metro area” for 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2004, Dr. Guilbe continues to practice medicine with the highest of ethical and clinical standards, expecting the same of all colleagues. She remains a Diplomat of the American Academy of Family Medicine with multiple licensures of the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine for two separate disciplines of Hospice Medical Director along with Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Dr. Guilbe spends her time between New York and Florida, hoping to bring her son and mother here. “I inherited my intelligence from my dad but, everything else including strength, compassion and determination were adopted from my mom, who retired at the age of 82 after more than 40 years with the NYC Board of Education.” She finds her greatest satisfaction in her work with hospice patients and families. “I was recently asked, “what do you enjoy the most from the hospice work you do?” It is standing at a distance and enjoying the view of an elderly couple holding hands as one of them takes their last breath or standing in a room with extended family members of my patient who no longer responds, as they play music and sing songs to their loved one … this is what skips my beat.’’


Rose Guilbe, M.D., HMDC
Medical Director at Treasure Coast Hospice
TreasureHealth.org


Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Magazine Inc. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Dec. 3, 2020|