Vol. 32 No. 49 December 8, 2014 $1.00 A Weekly Space Coast Business Magazine with Publishing Roots in America since 1839 André family sees new indoor shooting range venture as destination By Ken Datzman Are shooting ranges the new bowling alleys? That was the headline on an “NPR” story this year, accompanied by a photograph of a 76–year–old woman firing away at her hometown range. Business is booming for many indoor shooting–range owners across the nation and the robust growth trend seems to show no sign of slowing anytime soon. The $6 billion industry is being fueled by newcomers to the shooting sports. The face of America’s recreational target shooters has changed in the last few years, with many first–time participants taking up the sport. They are younger, and the demographic includes a sizeable female segment. According to the 2013 National Shooting Sports Foundation Inc. survey, 66 percent of new shooters fall into the 18– to 34–year–old category, compared to 31 percent in the same–age category for established shooters; and 37 percent of new target shooters are female, compared to 22 percent of established shooters. The report shows that one–fifth of target shooters in America first started participat- ing in the sport between 2008 and 2012. The expansion of younger, female participants coincides with the surge in firearm sales that occurred over the same 2008–2012 period. Locally, businessman Ed André and his family are looking to woo female target shooters and others with their new concept for this market. Their business is expected to open during the first quarter of next year, around mid–February, and has already gained a growing fan base on the company’s Facebook page, FrogBonesFamilyShootingCenter. They are making a multimillion–dollar investment in what they think will become a regional “destination” for individuals and families in the recreational shooting–sports arena. And to make it such a place, their business plan goes beyond the typical indoor shooting–range facility. There will be a twist of luxurious interiors and bright color schemes throughout the building, and much more. They are setting it Please see FrogBones, page 19 PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS, INC. 32904 The Andrés plan to open FrogBones Family Shooting Center on U.S. 1 in Melbourne early next year. They are renovating a 14,000–square–foot facility, which will feature a restaurant and a retail shop, in addition to the shooting range. The upscale facility will be certified for both handguns and rifles. The Andrés purchased all the inventory of two similar businesses run by Herb Stratton, who is retiring after more than three decades as an entrepreneur. From left, in front: Jessica André, Ed and Jeanne André’s daughter; and Ed and Jeanne’s son–in–law Tracy Anderson, FrogBones. Back: Stratton; Ed André, FrogBones founder; Jeanne André, Ed’s wife; and Doug Torpy, FrogBones. BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth BBN Brevard Business News
20
Embed
BBN Brevard Business Newsbrevardbusinessnews.com/ArchiveDocs/2014/2014-12-01/BBN-120814.pdf · The Andrés plan to open FrogBones Family Shooting Center on U.S. 1 in Melbourne early
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Vol. 32 No. 49 December 8, 2014 $1.00 A Weekly Space Coast Business Magazine with Publishing Roots in America since 1839
André family sees new indoor shooting range venture as destinationBy Ken Datzman
Are shooting ranges the new bowling
alleys? That was the headline on an “NPR”
story this year, accompanied by a photograph
of a 76–year–old woman firing away at her
hometown range.
Business is booming for many indoor
shooting–range owners across the nation and
the robust growth trend seems to show no
sign of slowing anytime soon.
The $6 billion industry is being fueled by
newcomers to the shooting sports. The face of
America’s recreational target shooters has
changed in the last few years, with many
first–time participants taking up the sport.
They are younger, and the demographic
includes a sizeable female segment.
According to the 2013 National Shooting
Sports Foundation Inc. survey, 66 percent of
new shooters fall into the 18– to 34–year–old
category, compared to 31 percent in the
same–age category for established shooters;
and 37 percent of new target shooters are
female, compared to 22 percent of established
shooters.
The report shows that one–fifth of target
shooters in America first started participat-
ing in the sport between 2008 and 2012. The
expansion of younger, female participants
coincides with the surge in firearm sales that
occurred over the same 2008–2012 period.
Locally, businessman Ed André and his
family are looking to woo female target
shooters and others with their new concept
for this market. Their business is expected to
open during the first quarter of next year,
around mid–February, and has already
gained a growing fan base on the company’s
Facebook page,
FrogBonesFamilyShootingCenter.
They are making a multimillion–dollar
investment in what they think will become a
regional “destination” for individuals and
families in the recreational shooting–sports
arena. And to make it such a place, their
business plan goes beyond the typical indoor
shooting–range facility.
There will be a twist of luxurious interiors
and bright color schemes throughout the
building, and much more. They are setting it
Please see FrogBones, page 19
PRESORTEDSTANDARD
US POSTAGEPAID
BREVARD BUSINESSNEWS, INC.
32904
The Andrés plan to open FrogBones Family Shooting Center on U.S. 1 in Melbourne early next year. They are renovating a 14,000–square–footfacility, which will feature a restaurant and a retail shop, in addition to the shooting range. The upscale facility will be certified for both handgunsand rifles. The Andrés purchased all the inventory of two similar businesses run by Herb Stratton, who is retiring after more than three decades asan entrepreneur. From left, in front: Jessica André, Ed and Jeanne André’s daughter; and Ed and Jeanne’s son–in–law Tracy Anderson, FrogBones.Back: Stratton; Ed André, FrogBones founder; Jeanne André, Ed’s wife; and Doug Torpy, FrogBones.
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
BBN Brevard Business
News
DECEMBER 8, 2014Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising InformationBREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 2
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
Space Coast Credit Unionpick up BBN
11/24/14page 3
FULL COLOR
Madison Squarepick up BBN
12/01/14page 5
FULL COLOR
JM Real Estatepick up BBN
11/17/14page 14
FULL COLOR
When it comes to growing your business, it pays to depend on local people who know you and your customers. That’s why so many area companies turn to SCCU Members’ Watchdog for everything from construction loans to commercial real-estate loans. We make local business decisions that make sense for local businesses.
B U S I N E S S S E R V I C E S A T
Federally insured by the NCUA
RIGHT HERE.
You’ve Got Us Exactly Where You Want Us.
Learn more at SCCU.com/business
Call to learn more today! 1-800-447-7228, option 9:
Volusia/Flagler ext. 6642Brevard/Indian River ext. 6533
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationDECEMBER 8, 2014
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 3
Brevard Family Partnership announces the appointmentof three new board members to community organization
Brevard Family Partnership, the county’s lead agency for child welfare, has welcomed
three new community members to its board of directors. Board Chairman and Brevard
County Manager Stockton Whitten introduced the members at the organization’s October
meeting.
The new members are Andrea Betting, managing director of the Florida Adoption
Center in Satellite Beach and vice president of the Florida Crisis Pregnancy Resource
Center; Dr. Gregory Howes, the chief executive officer of Treaty Consulting Group; and
Mark Peterson, a seasoned trial and appellate attorney.
l Betting is a native of Great Britain. She spent her early career working for Her
Majesty’s Customs and Excise, Lloyd’s of London Member’s Agencies, and the University
of Cambridge. Eventually settling with her husband and daughter in Melbourne, Betting
earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work from the University
of Central Florida. Today, she puts her business background and her experience as a
clinical social worker together to serve her adoption and counseling clients.
l Dr. Howes is a practitioner, educator, author and scholar of business and manage-
ment. Over his career working with small businesses and Fortune 500 companies, he has
championed numerous change efforts, steered market penetrations and business pursuits,
led post–merger integrations, and ran various departments at the management and
executive level.
He is an adjunct faculty member at Florida Institute of Technology and at Webster
University, where he teaches Strategic Management, Technology Commercialization and
Entrepreneurship, Operations and Logistics, and Program Management. He has a
bachelor’s degree with a computer science emphasis from Barry University; an MBA in
technology management from Florida Tech, and a doctor of management in organizational
leadership from the University of Phoenix.
l Peterson’s legal career has lent to extensive experience and expertise representing
individuals and corporations in state, federal, circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. He
received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and his juris doctor cum
laude from the University of Minnesota.
Peterson served as an adjunct professor, clinical instructor and guest lecturer at the
University of Minnesota Law School and the William Mitchell College of Law, in trial
practice, criminal law and procedure, constitutional law, ethics and legal writing. A
Minnesota native, Peterson contributes a significant amount of time to community causes
in Brevard, as he did in his home state.
He is a court–appointed representative for children through the Guardian Ad Litem
program and also serves as a volunteer with Children’s Home Society, Brevard Rescue
Mission, and the Brevard Zoo.
“The new members bring varied and invaluable experience to a board that includes
members of Brevard County government, private industry, and nonprofit organizations,”
said Whitten. The all–volunteer board guides the mission and vision of Brevard Family
Partnership and oversees the fiscal health and organizational welfare of the agency.
Established in 2004 by a Legislative mandate to privatize foster care and related
services in Florida, Brevard Family Partnership works with more than 70 community
organizations.
LaNeil White joins real–estate team at Britton GroupLaNeil White has joined the growing real–estate team at the Britton Group Inc. in
Satellite Beach. She moved to Brevard in 2006.
As a military wife, White has lived in Mississippi, Maryland, California and Japan.
She currently lives in Viera with her husband, retired U.S. Air Force 1st Sgt. David White,
and their four children. She is “passionate about helping her customers find exactly the
right properties they are looking for” by getting to know them personally and working
side–by–side with them though “each transaction and beyond.” Her “vast knowledge of
military family needs” and her appreciation for the military make her a “valuable asset to
military families relocating to and from the Space Coast.”
LaNeil White is a supporter of the Shriner’s organization and hospitals where her
daughter has received care for more than 14 years. She is also a member of the Osteogen-
esis Imperfecta Foundation and a speaker on behalf of the OI Society. Her office phone
number is 446–1061.
TooJays
new ad emailed
FULL COLOR
Since 1981 TooJay’s has been delighting diners and catering to our communities with an exciting and eclectic menu for breakfast, lunch anddinner. So whether you are planning a holiday party, family get together,or office celebration, TooJay’s is the perfect partner. With over 30 years ex-perience as restaurant and catering professionals, we bring a lot to the table.
TooJay’s Signature Sandwich PlatterEnjoy any combination of the Triple J, J&J, Italiano, Shrimp Salad,
Turkey BLT, Roast Beef, Breast of Turkey or Turkey Avocado.Served with potato salad, Cole slaw and pickles.
Legendary desserts: carrot cake, black & whites, chocolate Killer Cake.
DECEMBER 8, 2014Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
BBNBrevard
Business
News
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 4
4300 Fortune Place, Suite DWest Melbourne, FL 32904
(321) 951–7777fax (321) 951–4444
BrevardBusinessNews.com
PUBLISHERAdrienne B. Roth
EDITORKen Datzman
SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITORBill Roth
Brevard Business News is published every Monday byBrevard Business News Inc. Bulk Rate postage is paid atMelbourne, FL and Cocoa, FL. This publication servesbusiness executives in Brevard County. It reports onnews, trends and ideas of interest to industry, trade,agribusiness, finance, health care, high technology,education and commerce.
Letters to the Editor must include the writer’s signatureand printed or typed name, full address and telephonenumber. Brevard Business News reserves the right to editall letters. Send your letters to: Editor, Brevard BusinessNews, 4300 Fortune Place, Suite D, West Melbourne, FL,32904, or email [email protected].
Subscription Rates for home or office mail delivery are$26.00 for one year (52 issues). Send all addresschanges to: Circulation Department, Brevard BusinessNews, 4300 Fortune Place, Suite D, West Melbourne, FL,32904, or email [email protected].
seeping into our aquifer. The loss of this system, which
would be comparable to closing airplane hubs, has a direct
impact on humans. However, our failure to see this
connection could impact water quality and availability in
the near future.
So why is it so hard for us to develop policy and support
for conservation initiatives that would promote maintain-
ing these vital connections? In the recent elections, the
approved Amendment 1 thankfully supported the concept
of purchasing lands for conservation or recreation in
Florida. However, it did not address the need to create or
maintain the connections between these systems.
Our failure to plan sustainable development that
would support and balance the needs of human and
natural systems alike, could result in an overall crash of
our resources. An example of this is clearly seen in the
story of Easter Island, documented by scientist and
Pulitzer Prize–winning author Jared Diamond. Centuries
ago, tribes of the small island in the South Pacific Ocean
competitively used natural resources, resulting in an
overall depletion of forests, which ultimately led to tribal
warfare and near extinction of the human population on
the island.
Author Aldous Huxley once said: “That men do not
learn very much from the lessons of history is the most
important of all the lessons that history has to teach.”
We need to start prioritizing the natural resources
needed to sustain life and provide sustainable approaches
to maintaining or creating vital connections. What we do
now will impact generations to come, and our failure to
apply these simple concepts could result in an overall
collapse.
So I invite you to learn from the lessons of our past,
make a new connection to the future, and remember that
this is a small world after all.
It’s a small world after all — and we’re all connected in some way to natureCalled “small–world networks” — the idea that there are
patterns to connections and that those patterns impact the
way the overall systems respond — has been heavily
studied by disease specialists, food–web ecologists and
engineers.
We experience this concept daily, such as when we use
an online search engine, travel through airport hubs when
flying, drive along roads or highways, socially interact, or
connect parcels of land in nature. For example, on the
UCF campus, we recently completed a project to connect
conservation lands on the east side of campus through a
small corridor of green space that provides animals a place
to travel between larger tracts of land. This simple project
supports the larger idea that we need to create connec-
tions to sustain the natural world as we rapidly develop.
In the natural world we continue to break these
connections, which greatly impacts the ability for species
that we coexist with to move. Habitat fragmentation, an
example of a human–caused disturbance, is the reduction
of large habitats into many small isolated habitats.
Fragmenting these natural lands greatly changes the
ability of plants and animals to move into and out of
previously connected areas, or have homes large enough to
survive.
This would be similar to closing the road between your
work and home, or your house being divided by a large
impenetrable wall.
In the catastrophic events of 9/11, air travel became
nearly impossible when large airports, such as in New
York, were closed down. The airline system became
rapidly impacted, affecting travelers globally. When our
relied–upon connections were broken, travel became
almost impossible until the airline hubs were restored.
The same impact can be seen in the natural world. The
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that the 48
contiguous states have lost about 55 percent of their
wetlands in the past 200 years, and that we’re now losing
about 60 acres every hour nationally. Florida alone has
lost 9.3 million acres of this important ecosystem.
Wetlands are nature’s way of holding water, which
allows filtration and other important functions prior to it
By Alaina BernardUCF Forum columnist
We’ve probably all had the song “It’s a Small World”
stuck in our heads after visiting Fantasyland at Walt
Disney World. This simple song highlights how we all are
connected, and was created to promote the message of
international peace and inclusion of diversity. Walt Disney
sped up the tempo from the original version and made it
more cheery, but it is arguably a simple message that we
continue to strive for decades later.
But there is more to that song than most realize.
Have you ever played “Six Degrees of Separation,” in
which you find connections between yourself and a famous
individual, such as Kevin Bacon or Barack Obama? Think
about it for a moment and I am sure you will discover that
you know someone who knows someone who is connected
to someone famous.
This concept is actually more than just a game or song,
and has been studied by scientists for the past 50 years.
UCF ranks among the nation’s top universities awarding degrees to minoritiesThe University of Central Florida is ranked 12th nationally in awarding degrees to minority students, according to
“Diverse: Issues in Higher Education” magazine.
The publication released its rankings of the top–100 undergraduate and graduate minority–degree producers as part
of a special report on the magazine’s 30th anniversary.
UCF awarded 3,616 degrees to all minorities in 2012–13. Out of these, the university ranked:
l 8th nationally for awarding degrees to African–Americans (988)
l 8th for Hispanics (1,868)
l 22nd for native Americans (49)
l 39th for Asian–Americans (605)
“Becoming more inclusive and diverse is one of our long–standing goals at UCF because different life experiences
enhance excellence in everything we do,” said Dale Whittaker, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “The
value of diversity is that it results in a richer educational experience for everyone.”
The data about minority degrees was compiled for the publication by Dr. Victor Borden of Indiana University–
Purdue University of Indianapolis using the most recent numbers from the U.S. Department of Education (2012–2013
academic year). Dr. Borden created rankings in the total number of degrees awarded at every college and university, as
well as specific figures in major fields of study and disciplines.
For the magazine’s complete list, go to DiverseEducation.com/Top100.
Alaina Bernard is UCF’s assistant director ofLandscape & Natural Resources. She can bereached at [email protected].
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationDECEMBER 8, 2014 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 5
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
WASHINGTON — Activists with the Project 21 black
leadership network are critical of just–announced
executive action by President Barack Obama to grant
amnesty to non–citizens illegally in the United States.
“What President Obama did is reward those who broke
our laws. This will only embitter and endanger the
citizenry and legal immigrants who are similarly looking
for work, just scraping by and worried about their
economic future,” said Project 21 Archbishop Council
Nedd II of St. Alban’s Anglican Church. “God has blessed
America with abundance, and I cannot fault those seeking
a better life here. But the unregulated surge of people
across our borders is problematic, unsustainable and in
violation of carefully crafted rules.”
“By himself, and against the protests of congressional
leaders, President Obama is giving the illegal alien
community absolution for its law–breaking. Obama’s
action effectively rewards the intentions of these illegals
to exploit a broken immigration system and lay claim to
the American way of life at the expense of its citizens and
legal immigrants who obeyed our laws,” said Project 21’s
Derryck Green, a Southern California resident. “Our
nation will undoubtedly suffer from further and a likely
intensified strain on our infrastructure as well as
resources that are already limited in supply due to a poor
economic recovery.”
“What we are now witnessing with Obama’s amnesty
plan is a complete destruction of our constitutional
republic. We no longer seem to live under a system of
checks and balances or separation of powers,” said Project
21’s Shelby Emmett, a lawyer and former congressional
staff member who dealt with immigration issues. “We the
people apparently have no more say in our representation
or our form of government.”
Project 21 has issued six “DataReleases” on immigra-
tion in recent weeks, covering the following major policy
areas:
l Jobs: Jobless black Americans are demographically
similar to illegal immigrants and amnesty means they
tion for jobs. Illegal immigrant migration to urban centers
exacerbates challenges for black jobseekers. The U.S.
Commission on Civil Rights concluded that illegal
immigrants “depress both wages and employment rates
for low–skilled American citizens, a disproportionate
number of whom are black men.”
l Fairness: Carefully crafted rules to manage immigra-
tion into the United States with an eye toward health,
financial sustainability and clean legal records are
discarded by mass amnesty, which also is unfair to those
who immigrated after waiting in line. Obama–backed
immigration policy changes would eliminate the method
by which a quarter of all African immigrants, who
historically have emigrated legally, are allowed residency
in the U.S. while millions of Latin Americans who arrived
illegally are granted amnesty.
l Health: Health providers along the U.S–Mexico
border are dealing with flu, tuberculosis, chicken pox,
scabies and other illnesses brought into the U.S. by illegal
aliens. The legal immigration process contains health
screening, but the massive influx of Latin American
children in 2014 in particular led the Obama Administra-
President Obama’s amnesty order harms jobs, schools and simple fairness, say black activists with Project 21tion to rely on inferior screening processes and a resettle-
ment strategy that dispersed them across the country.
l Public schools: Attorney General Eric Holder told
public school administrators they have an “obligation to
enroll students regardless of immigration status.” This
influx expands class sizes and stretches school budgets.
l Refugees: Designating Latin American illegal aliens
as “refugees” from gangs and drug lords to justify an
executive action blocking them from deportation would
disrupt rules and limits for accepting refugees into the
United States and put refugee candidates from other
parts of the world at a severe disadvantage.
l History: Immigration surges historically have tended
to hurt the employment prospects of black Americans.
This year, Project 21 members have been interviewed
and published hundreds of times on immigration,
including an op–ed in the “Orlando Sentinel” by Project
21’s Joe Hicks, a former executive director of the Greater
Los Angeles chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership
Conference.
Brevard County Association for Women Lawyers to host annual ‘Charity Yoga Event’The Brevard County Association for Women Lawyers
will host its second annual “Charity Yoga Event” from
10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Intracoastal
Brewing Co., in the Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne.
The address is 652 W. Eau Gallie Blvd.
This year the organization and the yoga instructor,
Amy Ustjanowski, are asking attendees of the event to
donate to the fight against human trafficking. Every year,
more than 100,000 to 300,000 American children are sex–
trafficked. In Florida, most victims are in the hospitality
industry, agriculture or are young American girls involved
in the sex trade.
There is a suggested $10 donation that will go to Zonta
Club of Melbourne’s efforts to fight human trafficking and
assist victims.
The Brevard County Association for Women Lawyers
is a chapter of the Florida Association for Women
Lawyers, which actively promotes leadership roles of
women in the legal profession, judiciary and community–
at–large. Jennifer Coberly, a board member of the
Central Brevard Humane Society receives grant to fund free neuter program for catsCOCOA — The Central Brevard Humane Society is providing a new grant–funded program for cats of low–income
residents of Brevard County which will allow for community cats to be spayed or neutered free of charge.
This program is made possible through sales of the Official Florida Animal Friend’s (FAF) Spay and Neuter License
Plate. FAF is an organization that strives to reduce the pet overpopulation problem in the state by increasing awareness
of programs that are available to pet owners and homeless animals.
To take part in this program, download and complete the “Free Spay/Neuter Program Application” by going to
www.BrevardHumaneSociety.com. Additional copies will be available at the Central Brevard Humane Society’s
Adoption Centers in Cocoa and Merritt Island, their Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic (located in Cocoa), their four Molly
Mutt Thrift Shops (Melbourne, Merritt Island, Palm Bay and Rockledge), and the North and South Animal Care
Centers. Funds are limited and available on a first–come, first–serve basis. Once the application has been completed,
mail it along with the documentation of eligibility, and a copy of your valid driver’s license or state–issued identification
card to the: Central Brevard Humane Society, 1020 Cox Road, Cocoa, Fla., 32926.
Spaying or neutering your pet is the number–one way you can help reduce pet overpopulation that results in the
“needless euthanasia of hundreds of thousands of healthy, loving animals.”
For more information about this program, contact the Central Brevard Humane Society at 636–3343, extension 206,
Sorelli Hair Studio & Spa drop–off site for toysSorelli Hair Studio & Spa in Melbourne and Toys for Tots are teaming up to bring joy to children this holiday season.
Sorelli’s will have a donation box in the lobby for new, unwrapped toys to be dropped off through Dec.19. Sorelli’s will be
offering 10 percent off any retail purchase with your toy donation that day. Sorelli’s address is 400 St. Andrews Blvd. in
Suntree. For more details this program, call 253–0030 or visit www.SorelliHairStudio.com.
Project 21, a leading voice of black conserva-tives for more than two decades, is sponsoredby the National Center for Public PolicyResearch (www.NationalCenter.org).
DECEMBER 8, 2014Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 6
Health Firstpick up BBN
12/01/14page 2
FULL COLOR
The only thing you might know about health insurance, is that you need it.
Health First Individual provides high quality health insurance for individuals and families with access to more than 1,100 providers.
All Plans Include: Gym Membership Easy Payment Options Simple Enrollment Process Expert Advisors Here to Help You
Please call us Monday – Friday, 9 am to 6 pm at 877.904.4914 or contact your insurance agent to discuss what options are right for you.
www.HFindividual.org
Plans for Every Budget
Simple Enrollment Process
Gym Membership Included
Easy Payment Options
Expert Advisors Here to Help You
HEALTH INSURANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES
Health First Health Plans & Insurance does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or health status in the administration of the plan, including enrollment and benefit determinations.
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationDECEMBER 8, 2014
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 7
Stetson University’s international student enrollment surges,up 65 percent over last three years; 61 countries represented
DELAND — Stetson University is one of the top master’s universities in Central
Florida for international students as well as students studying abroad, according to the
Institute for International Education’s (IIE) 2014 “Open Doors Report on International
Educational Exchange.”
Stetson University has seen a 65 percent increase in international student enrollment
since 2011, and currently has 157 students from 61 foreign countries enrolled.
“The dramatic increase in the number of international students represents significant
efforts at Stetson to strategically focus on one of our core values, global citizenship,” said
Rosalie Richards, associate provost for faculty development and interim executive director
of World Outreach, Research, Learning and Development at the David and Leighan
Rinker Center for International Learning.
According to IIE, the number of international students in Florida has grown by
11 percent since the last academic year. That is three percent higher than the national
average of eight percent.
Over the past several years Stetson University has increased its international
enrollment and students studying abroad by offering 25 exchange options with more than
400 different programs. Other international initiatives include partnerships with universi-
ties in other countries such as Vietnam, Brazil, Latin America, and others; faculty
research abroad, joint degrees and other partnerships with foreign universities; and
international fellowship, grant and scholarship recipients.
The David and Leighan Rinker Center for International Learning coordinates the
university’s international initiatives; strengthens collaborations with other countries;
increases the global engagement of faculty; facilitates the internationalization of the
curriculum; enhances the intercultural awareness, experiences and learning of students
on all campuses; and increases the overall quality of the academic enterprise by attracting
a diverse and rich multicultural mixture of students, faculty and academic partners.
The new Open Doors report was released in conjunction with the 15th annual celebra-
tion of International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State
and the U.S. Department of Education to prepare Americans for a global environment and
attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United
States.
This year’s statistics document how much more global U.S. higher education has
become since the launch of the initiative. The overall number of international students in
the U.S. has grown by 72 percent since the first International Education Week briefing
was held in 2000. International students constitute roughly four percent of the more than
21 million students enrolled in U.S. higher education.
Founded in 1883, Stetson University in Central Florida is an independent university
that “provides a transforming education in the liberal arts tradition.”
Derek Gores to conduct workshops at his new GalleryDerek Gores will conduct a Collage Workshop Jan. 5–6 at the new Derek Gores
Gallery, 587 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Suite 101, in the Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne.
Attendees will learn to create a portrait or still life in a “whole new way,” by using
recycled magazines, maps and photographs, for example. Gores will demonstrate and
assist in this “challenging yet fun workshop.”
All skill levels are welcome to participate. The Monday–Tuesday workshop runs from
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fee is $210. To register for this program, send an e–mail message to
Gores will also conduct a Wet–Drawing Workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday,
Jan. 17. Participants will learn how to develop an “intuitive touch” in drawing and
painting. Using water, charcoal and perhaps some paint, the students will “enhance their
speed, accuracy, and sensitivity.”
Gores said he recommends wet drawing as the “perfect bridge between drawing and
painting.” He will demonstrate and lead attendees in several projects. “Two of the most
common requests among art students are to learn to ‘loosen up’ and to become ‘more
accurate,’ and this method addresses both,” he said.
The subject matter will include abstract, still–life drawing, spatial drawing, and the
figure. Students are also welcome to bring personal items to draw. The workshop fee is
$110. The supply list for these workshops is available upon registration. Use the above
e–mail address to register for these workshops.
Space Coast EarlyIntervention Center
new ad emailed
FULL COLOR
WWeekend Highlights
Call us at (321) 729-6858
Join Us 23rd
Tim Wakefield Celebrity
Golf Classic January 23 & 24, 2015
٭٭ Major Sponsorships Available ٭٭
Brevard’s most prestigious charity event now has Sponsorship Opportunities available! This exclusive event sells out year
after year, so act quickly to secure your spot!
18 Holes of Golf with a Celebrity at Harmony Golf Preserve
Plated dinner prepared by Iron Chef Winner Lee Hillson Electronic bidding for Silent Auction featuring
sports memorabilia, jewelry, art and more! Celebrity Musicians
Live Auction with unique experiences
Enjoy a memorable weekend and support Tim's Favorite School!
Presented by
Two days of fun and philanthropy!
DECEMBER 8, 2014Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 8
Berman Hopkins
new ad emailed
FULL COLOR
Keiser Universitypick up BBN
12/01/14page 12
FULL COLOR
Classic Wood Flooring
new ad emailed
FULL COLOR
Allianc Titlepick up BBN
112/24/14page 14
FULL COLOR
OPEN MORE DOORSDegree programs available in the fields of:
Business • Legal Studies • TechnologyHealth Care • Psychology • Culinary Arts
888.960.5760KeiserUniversity.edu
Degree programs available in the fields of:
Business • Legal Studies • TechnologyHealth Care • Psychology • Culinary Artts
888.960.5760KeiserUniversity.eddu
Degree programs and delivery format vary by campus
UNIVERSITYKEISER
Associate I Bachelor’s I Master’s Doctoral I
Marc has been in public ac-counting since 1974. In addi-tion to his work with a broad range of Central Florida busi-nesses, Marc has an extensive background in managing the
needs of clients in the con-struction, real estate, manu-facturing and development in-dustries.
Marc received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the Uni-versity of Central Florida.
He is a member of the Ameri-
Accountants and the Florida -
countants.
His past associations include Board of Director member-ships of many civic and social organizations.
Orlando, FL ~ 255 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 745 (407) 841-8841Melbourne, FL ~ 8035 Spyglass Hill Road (321) 757-2020
www.bermanhopkins.com
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationDECEMBER 8, 2014 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 9
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
Space Coast Credit Union promotes Alan Lewis to senior vice president of information systemsSpace Coast Credit Union has announced the promo-
tion of Alan Lewis to the position of senior vice president of
information systems.
Lewis joined SCCU in November of 2012 as the vice
president of information services, bringing more than 20
years of management experience in the financial–services
industry. Lewis has a strong track record in information
technology infrastructure design and implementation, as
well as strategic technology planning that includes global–
operations initiatives, said Doug Samuels, the president
and chief executive officer of SCCU. Lewis has led several
key projects and migrations in each of his positions.
“Alan’s leadership skills were immediately evident as
he worked to develop an infrastructure that was more
responsive to business needs and streamlined processes,”
said Samuels. “His extensive knowledge and approach,
leverages technology and elevates the role of information
services for the benefit of our members through an
improved service experience.”
In his new role, Lewis will guide the credit union’s
business strategies to ensure system and network stability,
security, and the continual improvement of the member
experience through the use of technology. A Valdosta State
College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business
administration and management, Lewis also holds a pair
of leadership program certifications.
Chartered in 1951 and headquartered in Melbourne,
SCCU serves more than 290,000 members. The organiza-
tion has assets of more than $3 billion and a network of 57
branches and over 100 ATMs located throughout Florida
and through SCCU.com. The credit union is open for
membership to anyone who lives or works in the 14
Florida counties it serves. Locations can be found at
SCCU.com/Locations.
Next Generation of agricultural leaders selected; a two–year training programGAINESVILLE — Florida Farm Bureau has announced the selection of outstanding young agriculturists, ages 18–35,
for the 2014–2016 Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group.
The Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group trains in a two–year program that empowers young farmers to be
effective agricultural leaders at the local, state and national level. The following individuals or couples will serve as
members of the group:
Lee Bigham, Jackson County; Tyler Brown, Santa Rosa County; Alex and Emily Murphy, Hamilton County; Chance
Clay, Putnam/St. Johns County; Tomas Ford, Nassau County; Justin and Tiffany Ingle, Alachua County; Chris and Julie
Wall, Marion County; Tiffany Dale, Hillsborough County; Christian Spinosa, Polk County; Rob Bullock, Highlands
County; Jay Ryals, Desoto/Charlotte County; Courtney Davis, Okeechobee County; Kevin Kersey, Osceola County; Ethan
Basore, Western Palm Beach County and Lindsey Bowen, Hendry/Glades County.
Christian Spinosa will serve as the group’s president and Lindsey Bowen will serve as the YF&R group liaison for the
FFBF Women’s Committee. “We are excited to provide young farmers the opportunity to network with other young
farmers and help expand their knowledge of agricultural issues,” said program coordinator Michael Rogalsky. “These
young people are committed to tackling the challenges that face agriculture.”
Group members will spend the next 24 months refining their leadership abilities by focusing on personal growth,
public speaking, media relations, issue advocacy, business development and service leadership.
Florida Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general agricultural organization, represents more than 147,000 member–
families. Its mission is to enhance farm enterprise and improve rural communities.
Shopping event for educators at Barnes & NobleBarnes & Noble at 1955 W. New Haven Ave. in West Melbourne will host its “Educator Holiday Shopping” event from
8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. The event is for pre–kindergarten through 12th–grade educators in the community.
They will receive 25 percent off their classroom and personal purchases. Some exclusions apply. For more information
about this program, call B&N at 726–8817.
Community Bank of the South
new ad emailedtoy drop
FULL COLOR
San MarinoNewton landpick up BBN
11/10/14page 18
FULL COLOR
7th Annual Holiday Toy Drive
For our community partners who would like to participate, The Brevard Sharing Center Holiday Toy Drive
for less fortunate children begins now through December 12th
Toys for all ages are needed and don’t forget the teens!
Last year’s toy drive was a great success,and we would like to thank everyone who participated.
You may drop off your gifts at one of the following locations:
277 N. Sykes Creek PkwyMerritt Island, FL 32953
321-452-0420
1902 Fiske BlvdRockledge, FL 32955
631-638-8939
2321 Highway 524Cocoa, FL 32926
631-631-1110
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM:
DECEMBER 8, 2014Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 10
Please see Brenner Real Estate Group, page 15
Brenner Real Estate Group sells 18–acre tract on North Wickham Road inSuntree, new retail development set; solid year for the firm in local marketBy Ken Datzman
The commercial real–estate market appears to be
solidly on the road to recovery in Brevard County, with the
Suntree area especially seeing strong leasing– and land–
sales activity this year.
The Melbourne office of Fort Lauderdale–based
Brenner Real Estate Group — which leases and manages
the Class A Imperial Plaza building and the retail
complexes Suntree Plaza and The Centre at Suntree —
has closed the books on more than 70 acres of prime land
fronting North Wickham Road.
The land was on the market for years. The real–estate
downturn made it doubly tough to find a buyer because
developers stepped aside and waited for the economy to
improve. Now they are back in the game and Suntree is
one of the hot spots for new commercial construction.
Brenner Real Estate Group, representing landowner
Imperial South, has sold all the acreage it had listed in
Suntree to two separate buyers.
One project is well under construction, the 24–acre
Suntree Viera Professional Park, a “medical city” campus
that includes a 31,000–square–foot building that will be
the new home for Suntree Internal Medicine. That tract of
land was sold to longtime area physician Abe Hardoon. He
made two purchases over an 18–month period.
“We always felt like if we could sell the first tract at
that site, momentum would build, and it did,” said Carla
Casey, Brenner Real Estate Group’s regional manager and
property manager whose office is in the Imperial Plaza
building. “We had a vision for eight years for how this land
could be developed.”
Commercial raw land is selling and prices are rising.
According to the new “CoStar Commercial Repeat Sale
Indices,” its U.S. “Land Index” has ramped up, with third
quarter 2014 growth of 8.6 percent, compared to 4.8
percent in the second quarter and 3 percent growth in the
first quarter of the year.
Brenner Real Estate Group’s remaining acreage at that
North Wickham Road location is now under contract, and
it happened recently.
In September, a capital venture firm in Orlando
purchased the 18 acres at Jordan Blass Drive in Suntree,
and followed up recently putting under contract the
remaining 30 acres that Brenner Real Estate Group was
marketing.
Jill Rose, vice president of retail services for commercial
real–estate firm BishopBeale in Orlando, represented the
buyer in the recent Suntree land transaction.
A retail center is set for the 18–acre site, where signs
are up on the property and a “big–name” national retailer
is headed this way as the anchor tenant. “We will be
releasing all the details about the retail development in
Suntree soon,” said Caroline Miller, director of marketing
at BishopBeale.
Brevard is a mid–tier market that is getting more looks
from national companies as well as from out–of–area real–
estate investors and developers.
“Melbourne is a submarket of Orlando,” said Colette
Wood, a commercial sales and leasing associate who joined
the local Brenner Real Estate Group team eight years ago
and is a business graduate of California State University
at Sacramento.
“I think we are going to see more activity, particularly
on the retail–development side, in our market because the
county’s demographics look pretty good to some of these
national companies.”
Developers and investors are looking closely at opportu-
nities beyond the core markets, says the 2015 “Emerging
Trends in Real Estate” report produced by Pricewater-
houseCoopers and the Urban Land Institute. It says one
Carla Casey, left, is the regional manager for Brenner Real Estate Group in Brevard County. She opened the Melbourne office in 2003for the Fort Lauderdale–based firm. Colette Wood is a leasing and sales associate at the office, which is housed in Imperial Plaza onNorth Wickham Road. They are seeing a lot of activity at their properties, including Suntree Plaza the The Centre at Suntree.
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
strategy is to focus on investment opportunities near a
major metropolitan area.
It has been a standout year for Brenner Real Estate
Group in the local market. The 134,989–square–foot The
Centre at Suntree is fully leased, as is the 14,200–square–
foot Suntree Plaza. And the 107,000–square–foot Imperial
Plaza office building is 99 percent leased.
“It has been a fantastic year,” said Casey, who opened
the start–up Melbourne office in 2003 for Brenner Real
Estate Group.
The last time Imperial Plaza was 100 percent leased
was eight years ago, she said. “We’ve been at 85 percent
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationDECEMBER 8, 2014 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 11
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
Please see Goodman–Gable–Gould Co., page 17
Goodman–Gable–Gould/Adjusters International marks 15th year in the region,Melbourne office led by Pat Cuccaro; firm helps clients to ‘level the playing field’By Ken Datzman
For the typical policyholder, the process of navigating
an insurance claim and the desired recovery amount can
be an emotionally draining experience.
Even sitting across the table from a company insur-
ance adjuster trying to negotiate a claim can be an
intimidating experience for some policyholders who go it
alone.
How many people really know the in–depth details and
the written legalese of their home–insurance policy or
their business–insurance policy? It’s probably not
something they memorize. A typical fire or flood policy
contains hundreds of provisions and stipulations and
many complex details.
“If a policyholder experiences a loss, whether it’s
because of a fire, a hurricane, a flood or a broken pipe, for
example, it’s the obligation of the policyholder to prove his
or her loss to the insurance company, and most people are
at a disadvantage. They don’t know how to do that,” said
Pasquale “Pat” Cuccaro, who sits on the board of directors
of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters
and chairs its Ethics Committee.
The burden of proof is the policyholder’s responsibility.
Public adjusters know the insurance business and are
familiar with all procedures so they can work quickly to
expedite payments, he said.
Two years ago, extreme storms wreaked havoc on
businesses, leaving a trail of devastation up and down the
East Coast and in other areas. Many businessowners then
turned to public insurance adjusters, who swung into
action on their behalf.
“We step in and we level the playing field,” said
Cuccaro, who has worked in the industry for more than 30
years and is senior vice president/principal at Goodman–
Gable–Gould Co./Adjusters International in Melbourne.
In this market, his firm specializes in three segments
within the industry: real estate, business personal
property or personal property, and loss of revenues.
“Those are three areas in the commercial world that
are typically insured on behalf of the policyholder or
businessowner,” said Cuccaro, who is a past president of
the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters and
has worked with several law firms providing consulting
advice and litigation and trial support.
The Baltimore–based company Goodman–Gable–
Gould was founded more than 70 years ago. The firm
entered the Brevard market 15 years ago, in 1999.
It recruited Cuccaro to open the Melbourne location
and build its clientele. He relocated from Tampa, where
he had worked since 1987 for another public insurance
adjuster.
Goodman–Gable–Gould has offices in a number of
states, including Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina,
Virginia and Tennessee. It also has a New York City
office.
In Brevard County, Cuccaro and his team have honed
Pat Cuccaro is senior vice president/principal at Goodman–Gable–Gould Co./Adjusters International in Melbourne. The Baltimore–based firm, founded in 1941, is celebrating its 15th year in the Brevard market. Cuccaro sits on the board of directors of the NationalAssociation of Insurance Adjusters and chairs its Ethics Committee.
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
a long list of commercial customers over the years. They
include American Business Interiors, Meg O’Malley’s,
Cantina Dos Amigos, Howard Construction, Remi
Properties, All–Florida Storage, Don Facciobene Inc.,
Breakers Condominiums, Tuscany Builders, Omni
Healthcare, Miller & Caruso, CPA, and Schopke Enter-
prises.
“We were hired by these businesses right out of the
gate,” he said, adding that most of its work is the result of
fires. For example, two years ago American Business
Interiors, a decades–old family enterprise, experienced a
devastating fire in its main facility in downtown
Melbourne.
Cuccaro said his company also does a lot of work in the
multifamily sector of the commercial market.
Public insurance adjusters are experts who are
retained by policyholders to assist in preparing, filing, and
adjusting property–loss insurance claims.
“As public insurance adjusters, we remove that
responsibility of having to prepare the claim and we
create a comfort level for the businessowner. The
businessowner knows that their damages are going to be
DECEMBER 8, 2014Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 12
FORT LAUDERDALE — Azul Brazilian Airlines
has received approval from the U.S. Department of
Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration
to commence sales on its first international flights to
and from the United States.
Azul, Brazil’s third–largest airline, began daily
nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale Interna-
tional Airport and Sao Paulo/Campinas International
Airport on Dec. 2. It will follow with daily service
between Orlando International and Campinas two
weeks later on Dec. 15. Fares for the new services
start from $888 roundtrip (including fees and taxes).
American travelers will fly in and out of Azul’s new
$1.5 billion terminal at Sao Paulo/Campinas airport,
strategically located 60 minutes from the city. Azul
transformed Sao Paulo/Campinas into Brazil’s largest
airline hub serving 55 non–stop destinations with
more than 175 daily flights. Customers flying in from
Fort Lauderdale or Orlando can conveniently connect
to popular destinations including Rio de Janeiro, Belo
Horizonte, Brasilia and Iguacu Falls.
Flights will depart Fort Lauderdale at 7 p.m.,
arriving the next day at Sao Paulo/Campinas at 6:20
a.m. Returning flights leave there at 11:27 p.m.,
arriving the following day at Fort Lauderdale at 5
a.m.
From Orlando International, flights will depart at
7:45 p.m., arriving the next day at Sao Paulo/
Campinas at 7:35 a.m. Returning flights depart there
at 11:04 a.m., arriving in Orlando on the same day at
5:10 p.m.
“Azul is the one airline that truly serves all of
Brazil. With 104 destinations throughout the country,
Azul unites Brazil with convenient and frequent
connections from Campinas,” said David Neeleman,
the chief executive officer and founder of Azul. “We
now look forward to providing U.S. customers with our
superior service on international flights, just as we
have been doing today on our 850 daily domestic
flights. We’re excited to share the Azul experience
with new customers internationally and expand the
airline’s success story beyond Brazil’s borders.”
In its six years of operations, Azul already has
flown more than “95 million customers and changed
the face of competition in the Brazilian domestic
aviation market” since its first flight, on Dec. 15, 2008.
The airline currently operates one–third of Brazil’s
daily departures with a fleet of 145 aircraft serving
104 destinations throughout Brazil. Azul employs
10,000 people and has been named best low–cost
carrier in South America four years in a row by
Skytrax.
The airline was named “Best Low–Cost Carrier in
the World” by CAPA Centre for Aviation in 2012 and
is recognized by FlightStats as having the best on–
time performance in Latin America. For more infor-
mation about the company, visit www.FlyAzul.com.
JetBlue founder Neeleman returns to Fort Lauderdale, Orlando with his popular Brazilian Airline
Surfside Playhouse
new ad emailed
FULL COLOR
Harmony Farmsnew ad emailed
FULL COLOR
Presented by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois
Caution: Contains PG-rated language
December 12 – 21Highway A1A to South Fifth Street Cocoa Beach, FL ● (321) 783-3127 Tickets: www.surfsideplayers.com
Sponsored in part by
porterworldtrade.com
Sponsored in part by
GORDON & CORNELL
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
(321) 799-4777
Friday, December 5, 7:00pm Saturday,
Dec. 6, 8:00pm D
BARN
All proceeds will benefit the therapeutic riding program at Harmony Farms, Equine Assisted Therapy program, a not for profit charity located at
5300 Stadium Parkway, Rockledge, Fl 32955
All
Harmony Farms is ready for a holiday themed fun-filled afternoon! Winter has arrived and the horses want to spread some cheer. You are invited to spend the afternoon with us.
NOVI
SGT. PEPPER
DUKE
SPUD
EMILY
POCOSO
SWEET PEA
SODA POP
•Visits from Santa
•Unique holiday gifts by
the arts and craft
vendors
•Bake sale
•Games
•Photos with the Harmony Farms horses
•Pony rides ($5 donation)
•Feed your favorite horse a
treat ($1 donation)
•Petting Zoo
FREE ADMISSION
BLIZZARD AT THE
SPDUB
TRUE
BLONDIE
IRISH
FOR INFO & VENDOR APPLICATIONCALL ROSE @ 321-223-3518
d
Harmony Farms Holiday Open HouseSunday, December 7th | 1 pm - 4 pm5300 Stadium Parkway, Rockledge
I
Small $1Medium $10X-large $25
Design a snowflake for display at the barn!
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationDECEMBER 8, 2014 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 13
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
HealthSouth Sea Pines in Melbourne receives clinical excellence award at its company banquetHealthSouth Sea Pines Rehabilitation Hospital in
Melbourne recently received the Outstanding Performance
in Clinical Excellence for Home Health Award during the
company’s Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet Oct. 10
in Naples.
HealthSouth Sea Pines was the only hospital in
HealthSouth’s network of 25 hospitals providing home–
health programs to receive the prestigious award. It
recognizes outstanding clinical performance and quality of
patient–care services in the home–health division.
“Being honored with the Outstanding Performance in
Clinical Excellence for Home Health Award is recognition
for our commitment to high–quality home health rehabili-
tation services,” said Denise McGrath, the chief executive
officer of HealthSouth Sea Pines.
“Working together as a team, our staff has demon-
strated a genuine concern for our patients’ satisfaction by
always striving to provide whatever it takes for successful
outcomes. I applaud our home–health staff and take great
pride in accepting this award on their behalf.”
Sea Pines Home Health has been offering home–health
services to residents of Brevard County since its Medicare
certification in 2007. The service accommodates Medicare
and VA patients with physical, occupational and speech–
therapy needs in addition to nursing care.
“We are a boutique agency but that really allows for us
to offer customized care and continuity to our patients,”
said registered nurse Julie Kane, the director of Sea Pines
Home Health. “We treat them like family here, and this
award has recognized our hard work and efforts to do so. It
is truly an honor to be known for that.”
HealthSouth Sea Pines is a 90–bed inpatient rehabili-
tation hospital that offers comprehensive inpatient and
outpatient rehabilitation and home–health services.
Serving patients throughout Brevard as the only acute
rehabilitation hospital in the county, the facility is located
at 101 E. Florida Ave.
HealthSouth is the nation’s largest owner and operator
of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in terms of patients
treated and discharged, revenues and number of hospitals.
Operating in 28 states across the country and in Puerto
Rico, HealthSouth serves patients through its network of
Western & Southern Life plans to hire financial representatives for Melbourne marketWestern & Southern Life continues its recruiting initiative launched a year ago, with plans to hire up to 10 financial
representatives in the Melbourne area.
“Implementing solutions to address our clients insurance, retirement and investments needs helps them prepare for
the future,” said Miguel Taveras, divisional vice president of Western & Southern Life. “While we can’t control the future
and what life brings us, we can take steps to protect loved ones by addressing our client’s needs.”
Recent surveys show that middle–market consumers prefer to purchase life insurance and retirement products face–
to–face from “knowledgeable, well–trained” financial representatives in their own communities.
“Our financial representatives are modern–day ‘financial translators’ working in communities throughout the country
to help translate financial jargon, so people understand their options and see how planning for their financial future
today can benefit them and their loved ones tomorrow,” Taveras said.
With 171 offices across the U.S., Western & Southern Life’s financial representatives provide middle–income Ameri-
cans access to life insurance, annuities, investments and retirement services. By adding 10 financial representatives,
Western & Southern Life “strives to serve the life insurance and other financial needs in the Melbourne community,” he
said.
As part of Western & Southern Financial Group, Western & Southern Life provides all its financial representatives
training, helps them set professional selling goals, and offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical,
dental, life and disability insurance, 401(k) match and a company–paid defined pension plan.
Interested candidates are encouraged to visit www.WSLife.com/Careers for more information about and how to apply
for career opportunities in Melbourne or throughout the country. They can also contact the Western & Southern Life
office at 1800 W Hibiscus Blvd., Suite 133, in Melbourne.
Brevard Zoopick up BBN
12/01/14page 13
FULL COLOR
THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER AMAZING YEAR! special thanks for the generous support of our extraordinary partners
PREMIER PRESENTING SPONSOR
JAZZOO TITLE SPONSOR
PRESENTING SPONSORS
DELECTABLE DELIGHTS SPONSORS
LIMITLESS LIBATIONS SPONSORS
Arthritis and Joint Center of Florida • Dr. John and Laura Bomalaski • Brand Transfer & Storage • Dave and Kim Brown • Classic Wood Flooring • Diaz Plastic Surgery • Nanialei Golden, MD • Nick and Diane Heldreth • Highlands Viera West • Kristy Kazemfar, DO • Keystone Benefit Group
Malcolm and Jane Kirschenbaum • Matt and Sue Ann Kucera • Tom and Polly Molnar • O’Brien Law • Bryan and Judy Roub • RWBaird Private Wealth Management • Dan and Mary Ann Sperando • SunTrust • Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
COASTAL HYUNDAI COCOA HYUNDAI
M A R K E T I N G
Donald M. Marumoto Memorial Fund
Newspaper of Viera & Suntree...........BLUEWATER CREATIVE GROUP
Barefoot Wine & Bubbly • Bella Luna Restaurant & Pizza• Carrabba’s Italian Grill • Chipotle Mexican Grill • Christian Culinarian, LLC • Continental Flambe • Cosmic Café • Crush Eleven • Doubletree 3 Wishes • Dove III • Fiesta Azteca • Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill • Flamingo Café @ Brevard Zoo • Florida Beer Company
Flour & Spice Boutique • Goombays • Green Turtle Market • Grills Riverside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar • Intracoastal Brewing Company • Land & Sea Thai Fusion Restaurant • Long Doggers • Olive Tree Greek Grill • Pita Pit • Pollo Tropical • Red Ginger Chinese Restaurant • Red Lobster, Merritt Island • Renaissance Catering of Cocoa
Rendezvous Restaurant & Lounge • River Rocks & The Dock Restaurants • Rodizio Grill • Rusty’s Seafood and Oyster Bar • Slow & Low BBQ • Sonny’s Bar-B-Q • The Florida Key Lime Pie Company • The Melting Pot • Two Chicks and a Pot • UNO Pizzeria & Grill
RESTAURANTS
5TH ANNUAL
Mark Your Calendars for the
6TH ANNUALJAZZOO
Saturday, November 7, 2015!
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING
EVERYONE NEXT YEAR!
Sterling Properties
DECEMBER 8, 2014Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising InformationBREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 14
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
VOLKpick up BBN
12/01/14page 8
FULL COLOR
Nancy Taylorpick up BBN
11/12414page 2
FULL COLOR
NuVantage Insurancenew ad emailed
# 2FULL COLOR
Artemispick up BBN
11/10/14page 2
FULL COLOR
Nationalpick up BBN
11/11/14page 6
FULL COLOR
Uniform Martpick up BBN
11/11/14page 6
FULL COLOR
Brennerpick up BBN
12/01/14page 6
FULL COLOR
Nancy R. TaylorBroker/Owner
www.NationalRealtyFla.comServing Brevard Since 1965
2
Medical & EMT Supplies
Uniforms � Shoes � Accessories
Melbourne Shopping Center
1387 S. Babcock Steet
676-0000
Medical &
EMT Supplies
www.NuVantageInsurance.com253-9000
Aircraft Insurancewith both the
Coverage and Service You Deserve
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationDECEMBER 8, 2014 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 15
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWSBrenner Real Estate GroupContinued from page 10
occupancy for the last year and a half, and have continued
to gain new clients while some of our existing clients are
expanding.”
Two existing clients, Newscycle Solutions and PCTEL
Inc., will be expanding in 2015, she said. “We are very
excited to see that.” Both are international companies.
Newscycle is a technology business offering a range of
software solutions to more than 750 media companies. It’s
headquartered in the Midwest.
PCTEL, also based in the Midwest, develops antennas,
scanning receivers, and engineered site solutions and
services for both public and private networks. The
Melbourne office houses the company’s engineering–
services operation.
At Imperial Plaza — one of only a small number of
Class A office buildings in the county — Casey, a Bowling
Green State University communications graduate, said her
team works closely with clients to meet their needs.
“One phrase that is not in our vocabulary: ‘We don’t
have space.’ We always try to adapt to meet the client’s
needs and serve the market.”
“Carla is known for thinking ‘outside–the–box’ and
when occupancy gets this high, you have to do that. She is
very creative in her approach to space design,” added
Wood.
To better accommodate clients at Imperial Plaza, Casey
is converting the conference room, more than 800 square
feet, on the Executive Suite floor into four office spaces.
At the same time, the smaller seminar room is being
converted into two conference rooms that will each feature
theater–style seating for 20 to 30 people. And Casey is
modifying a storage room in the office building to create
more space options to generate revenue.
Another Brenner Real Estate Group client, the YMCA
of Central Florida housed at The Centre at Suntree, is
doing a reconfiguration and renovation of its space.
Brenner Real Estate Group is seeing other tenants
expand, too, at its properties in Sutnree. “It’s exciting. The
business market in this part of the county is faring well.
We are now looking for new inventory — such as office
buildings and retail centers to lease or manage or to do
both for property owners. In the last year — from Fort
Pierce to Clermont — we have sold three hotels for clients
and a marina. We are ready to take on new inventory in
2015,” said Wood.
LOOK Marketing welcomes new social media, public relations manager BlottieLOOK Marketing LLC, a Central Florida creative agency, recently announced that Bianca Blottie has joined the
company as social media and public relations manager.
She will focus on the development and implementation of its digital–marketing strategies. In this strategic position,
she will play an integral role to LOOK Marketing’s client base in “delivering the brand experience.”
Blottie brings digital marketing and management experience from the tech–startup industry. Her well–rounded
understanding of startups will enable LOOK Marketing to continue to grow as a successful, full–service creative agency
that delivers high–impact promotional activities, said Tim McKercher, the president of locally based LOOK Marketing.
“As LOOK Marketing’s client list expands, we are excited to welcome Bianca to our team. Our clients demand
solutions that will move their audiences, and Bianca’s experience will allow us to continue providing the exceptional
service we are known for,” said McKercher. “The adoption of our digital–marketing services will position us for additional
growth, and with Bianca joining our team, we can further generate the LOOK experience for our clients to be seen.”
“LOOK Marketing is a standout agency that provides outstanding creative services to some of the most passionate
brands in the market place, and I am thrilled to join the team,” said Blottie. “This is an exciting new challenge, and I am
looking forward to helping the company lead in the digital–marketing strategies and integrate those in all of our efforts
we provide to our clients.”
The full–service agency includes public relations, social–media management, and video–production services. Clients
include BRP, Sea–Doo Watercraft, Evinrude Propulsion, Red Bull North America, Rec Boat Holdings, and Melbourne
MOVE TO THE NEWEST CLASS A OFFICE BUILDING IN BREVARD COUNTY Excellent Location on US 1 & Suntree Blvd. w/High Traffic Counts Trusted Local High Rise Developer w/50+ Years of Experience Covered Parking Garage First Floor Retail Four Floors Office Generous Tenant Improvement Allowance Competitive Rental Rates Reserve Your Space NOW
DECEMBER 8, 2014Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 16
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
Florida Airpick up BBN
12/01/14page 18
FULL COLOR
ENROLLING FOR SECOND SEMESTER
Open House on Saturday, December 6th at 9:30 am
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationDECEMBER 8, 2014 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 17
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWSGoodman–Gable–Gould Co./Adjusters InternationalContinued from page 11
measured and evaluated independently of the person
writing the check,” he said.
Employed exclusively by a policyholder who has
sustained an insured loss, these professionals manage
every detail of the claim, working closely with the insured
to provide the “most equitable and prompt settlement
possible.”
A public insurance adjuster, for instance, inspects the
loss site, analyzes the damages, assembles claim–support
data, reviews the insured’s coverage, and determines
current replacement costs — all while fully serving the
client.
“One thing I love about this business is the level of
satisfaction you get when you settle a claim. Our firm is
very aggressive. We go to the ‘mat’ for our clients. And
when you are through with the exercise, you feel really
good about it.”
Originally from Ithaca, N.Y., Cuccaro has training in
the construction field. “I know how to write an estimate
because I understand the components of a building or of a
home and what it costs to rebuild a structure or a home
that was damaged or completely destroyed by a fire, a
hurricane, or other catastrophic event.”
He was a vocational student at an upstate New York
high school, learning everything from drafting to electron-
ics to carpentry and masonry. The hands–on program
allowed students to equip themselves with a range of
skills in the construction field.
“By the time we were juniors, we were building houses
in upstate New York, and those were nice homes. The
homeowner purchased the materials and the vocational
students provided the labor. It was a tremendous
experience for me, and I use that knowledge today in my
career.”
A sampling of the types of business or residential
losses a public adjuster can assist with include flood, fire,
explosion, hurricane and wind damage, smoke damage,
and vandalism.
The general rule of thumb is if you estimate you have
losses of $10,000 or more, it’s probably wise to hire a
public insurance adjuster. Their fee is based on a certain
percentage of the total value of the settlement.
According to the National Association of Public
Insurance Adjusters, most states require public adjusters
to be tested and licensed. In addition, they must follow
state guidelines that outline their job duties and the
claims process.
Adjusters aren’t allowed to handle bodily injury claims,
car–insurance claims, or third–party claims, such as a
trust or an estate.
“The industry is more than 100 years old. Hopefully,
you won’t need the services of a public adjuster, but if you
do experience such an event and have a loss, you probably
want to consider this approach, because we produce great
results. I know that sounds cocky, but our added value
produces the kind of result you won’t get on your own.
That’s what it comes down to,” said Cuccaro.
Businessowner Harber joins the team at Coldwell Banker Commercial NRTColdwell Banker Commercial NRT recently announced that Timothy Harber has become affiliated with the company
as a broker associate. Harber will be specializing in net leased and retail investments throughout Florida.
“Tim will be primarily working on commercial retail buildings,” said David Hunter, the commercial director for
Central Florida. “We believe with his expertise and experience in this area, Tim will be a great addition to Coldwell
Banker Commercial NRT.”
Harber previously owned his own firm, Harber Realty, where he also specialized in net leased commercial. He was
the 2012 president of Space Coast Realtors and brings many years of experience to Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT.
Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT is the 12th largest corporate–owned commercial real–estate brokerage in the
nation. It is the commercial real–estate brokerage division of NRT LLC, a subsidiary of Realogy Corp. Coldwell Banker
Commercial NRT operates in 21 states and provides commercial real–estate solutions serving the needs of owners and
occupiers in the leasing, acquisition, disposition, structured finance and management of all property types.
For additional information about the company, visit www.CBCWorldWide.com.
As one of the nation’s leading investment management firms,
Raymond James believes providing clients with access to know-
ledgeable and experienced financial advisors, alongside the right
products, is key to clients’ financial success. We take pride in the
strength of the firm’s more than 6,200 financial advisors and look
forward to the contributions of our advisors at the new Viera office.
RAYMOND JAMES PROUDLY ANNOUNCES THE RELOCATION OF THREE HIGHLY EXPERIENCED
FINANCIAL ADVISORS TO THE NEW VIERA OFFICE
David RiderVice President, Investments
5464 Village Drive // Viera, FL 32955 // T 321.338.1816
Michael Weiss Vice President, Investments
Prent SangerFinancial Advisor
This offer is so brightyou have to wear shades!
1.101.10%APY¹
10-Month CD
Open your CD Today!321.690.2328 | ccuFlorida.org
¹Minimum deposit of $1,000 required. Assumes certificate is held to maturity. Early withdrawal will incur penalties and reduce your APR. Offer expires when withdrawn by CCU. Federally insured by NCUA. Membership share account with a one-time fee of $5 is required. Membership is available to anyone who lives or works in Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Indian River, Volusia, & Polk County.
Limited time offer.
New money onlyMinimum opening deposit of $1,000 requiredAvailable for Personal, IRA & Business Accounts
.
.
.
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationDECEMBER 8, 2014 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 19
BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWSFrogBones Family Shooting CenterContinued from page 1
up to be a showcase business for the Space Coast.
“It’s going to be beautiful inside,” said André. “We will
have vaulted ceilings with pecky cypress. The lighting in
the facility will be LED. In the range, we will also have
UV lights. When we dim the lights, the targets will glow.”
The project team includes local interior designer Liz
Harris of Designers West Interiors.
FrogBones Family Shooting Center on U.S. 1 in
Melbourne will feature a retail section and a restaurant
venture, all housed in a 14,000–square–foot building that
is currently being fully renovated by area general
contractor M.H. Williams Construction Group Inc.
The FrogBones Family Shooting Center will be on one
side of the building, and the restaurant on the other. The
separate retail area will contain more than 3,000 square
feet of displayed merchandise.
“The mission is to create a family friendly, clean,
bright atmosphere, one that is especially attractive to
women so they will feel comfortable coming here to shoot,
eat, have fun and even bring their kids,” said André,
whose facility plans to be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.,
seven days a week. “We’re excited. We think it’s going to
be a destination place.”
He says he’s heard a lot of favorable comments,
including those from the law–enforcement community,
about the facility.
FrogBones Family Shooting Center plans to have a
full calendar of activities and events, such as “ladies’
night” and “date night,” and is considering setting up
league competition. Air–rifle instruction for youngsters is
another possibility. The center is giving away range
passes as part of its pre–opening promotions. The details
are on its Facebook page.
The Andrés’ project is coming at the right time, it
seems. The three–day “Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor
Trade Show” this year in Las Vegas shattered attendance
records, attracting industry professionals from the U.S.
and more than 100 other countries.
During the event, the National Shooting Sports
Foundation issued a “first–of–its–kind” report that
showed the importance of the shooting sports on the U.S.
economy.
The report, “Target Shooting in America: Millions of
Shooters, Billions of Dollars,” revealed that the money
target–shooters spent in 2011 resulted in $23 billion
being added to the nation’s economy and supported more
than 185,000 jobs nationally.
Combined data from “Target Shooting in America” and
“Hunting in America,” a report released last year, shows
that spending by target–shooters and hunters had a total
impact of more than $110 billion on the nation’s economy
in 2011, supporting more than 860,000 jobs.
Communities and businesses of all sizes benefit from
these activities, it says.
Ed André’s idea for his indoor shooting–range business
became clearer after having a conversation with the
architect who was remodeling their family cabin in
Georgia, making it handicapped–accessible for Ed and
Jeanne André’s daughter, Jessica André.
Ed André learned that one of the areas of expertise of
architect Rick LaRosa is designing indoor shooting
ranges. LaRosa, of Kennesaw, Ga., who is licensed to
practice in Georgia and Florida, signed on to design the
FrogBones Family Shooting Center.
“Rick drew up all the plans in Georgia. We then took
them to Mike (Williams of M.H. Williams Construction
Group) and he took charge,” said Ed André.
Renovating and retrofitting a facility for an indoor–
firing range is an undertaking that requires a lot of detail.
Air–filtration and maintenance guidelines, for example,
must be followed.
“We are putting in more than 40 tons of air condition-
ing in the back of the building to clean the air. When the
air is running, every single bit of air has to go away from
the shooter,” said Ed André, adding that his team worked
closely with the City of Melbourne during the permitting
process and continues to do so throughout the construc-
tion process.
“It was a pleasure working with the City of Melbourne
and the professionals in the various departments. The
experience was an education in itself, dealing with issues
such as ammunition storage,” he said.
A Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Marine
Corps, Ed André said he chose the name “FrogBones” in
honor of U.S. Navy frogmen, also known as “combat
divers.” The U.S. Navy SEALs trace their origins to this
group who served during World War II and the Korean
War.
“As a kid, I always wanted to join the Navy and be a
frogman. I grew up in Miami and learned to dive when I
was 9 years old,” he said.
His father served in the Marine Corps. During his high
school days, Ed André said there was a period when his
father “grounded” him for making a bad choice and not
living up to expectations of the André family. “To get back
on my father’s good side, I decided to join the Marine
Corps.”
He soon found himself in Vietnam at the height of the
war. Ed André was stationed at Da Nang and Chu Lai.
“I never had that opportunity to try out to be a
frogman. So we are dedicating this facility to the frogmen
of the past and the U.S. Navy SEALs who have lost their
lives protecting the country,” he said. There is a state-
ment on the back of the FrogBones Family Shooting
Center business card summarizing this dedication.
FrogBones Family Shooting Center’s hiring preference
will be veterans, said Ed André, who went on to earn a
bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from East
Tennessee State University, worked for Harris Corp. and
later co–founded André–Troner LLC in the mid–1990s, a
firm positioned in the patent–licensing field.
On the gun side of FrogBones Family Shooting Center,
the company plans to employ about 14 people. André said
he does not know how many people will be hired for the
restaurant operation.
“We are still working out details on that part of the
business. We are talking to some people in the area to
perhaps partner with, or we can bring someone in to run
the restaurant and lease the equipment from us. We
already have all the restaurant equipment for this
venture.”
In the front retail area of the building, there will be a
large FrogBones inlay logo on the floor. Richard Coulter of
Coulter Designs in Vero Beach has been hired for that
project. The design will feature the color teal. That is the
ovarian–cancer awareness color. Ed and Jeanne André
lost their oldest daughter, Rachael Anderson, to ovarian
cancer nine years ago.
FrogBones Family Shooting Center will include the
inventory of two companies run by longtime businessman
Herb Stratton, who recently retired. The André family
purchased his inventory.
Stratton ran Action Gun Outfitters on Aurora Road in
Melbourne, and Action Gun and Archery on U.S. 1 in
Melbourne. His son operated the archery business. The
Andrés also bought the Action Gun Outfitters building,
roughly a 3,000–square–foot structure, from Herb and his
wife Patty.
The sales transaction from the Stratton family
included guns, ammunition, accessories, and the archery
business. It will all move to the FrogBones Family
Shooting Center.
Herb Stratton has been a successful entrepreneur for
more than 35 years and also founded B&H Gun Rack on
Merritt Island. “I was planning to retire and was looking
for an exit strategy,” he said. “This worked out great for
me. I can now spend more time with my new grand-
daughter.”
Stratton said what attracted him to the business for so
many years was his “love for the history of firearms.” He
added, “But I don’t hunt with a gun anymore, other than
shotguns for skeet and pheasant. I bow–hunt mainly in
Colorado and Canada, for elk and caribou.”
Herb Stratton said some of his best years in business
were during economic downturns. “When the economy
soured, our business surged. It was incredible.”
At a short ceremony at the FrogBones Family
Shooting Center construction site, Ed André presented
Herb Stratton with “Certificate No. 1,” the first lifetime
membership to the range. The membership to the
FrogBones Family Shooting Center is in the name of
Herb and Patty Stratton.
The facility, which will feature 18 lanes, will be
certified for both handguns and rifles. There will be 12
standard commercial target lanes of 15 yards and six
tactical 25–yard lanes. The target–retrieval system will
be a touch–control, state–of–the–art system, said Ed
André.
The system vendor is Action Target of Utah, widely
considered the industry leader in indoor shooting–range
equipment. “The targeting equipment is scheduled for
delivery the first week of January,” he said.
FrogBones Family Shooting Center will be using a
“steel–containment trap” as its backstop, as opposed to
rubber. Most outdoor shooting ranges have earthen
berms. But the owners of indoor ranges have to make a
choice: rubber or steel. Many owners favor steel because
there is less downtime with this type of trap.
“We’ve put a lot of thought and work into this project.
We’re anxious to get FrogBones Family Shooting Center
open and show it to the community. Our prices are going
to be very competitive. We think we are building some-
thing that’s unique for this area,” said Ed André.