Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Completes Design of LA Fitness facility in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently completed design work on a new LA Fitness facility on Lee Vista Blvd. in southeast Orlando. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the 38,000 square foot facility is now under construction.

Integrity Home Loan may look outside Florida to fill new loan officer positions with executive training and perks

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Integrity Home Loan training program initial response has been excellent but Florida’s largest privately-owned residential mortgage provider may now look outside Florida to help fill new positions as loan officer. Matt Malloy, president of Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, Inc., said he’s offering to pay qualified candidates the cost of relocating to Central Florida, subsidize their living expenses, provide an executive training program and offer a first year salary base of $36,000 with potential to double that. Second year earnings at Integrity Home Loan typically pass the $100,000 mark, Malloy said. Integrity ranks as one of the region’s largest and most active mortgage lenders with nine Florida branches including the headquarters in Lake Mary and locations in Coral Springs, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and in the Detroit suburb of Southfield, Mich. Malloy opened Integrity’s executive training program last year to turn candidates into qualified loan officers. Malloy said Integrity should hire as many as 30 loan officer candidates this year as it expands existing offices and opens new offices. Many of Integrity’s new executives may come from outside Florida, Malloy said. “We have been very successful at getting the word out in Florida but we are growing and expanding, so our need for energetic, enthusiastic loan offer candidates is growing right along with us,” Malloy said. Last year Integrity Home Loan provided more than 2,400 mortgage loans that total more than $500 million. Malloy projects Integrity will serve up more than 3,200 residential mortgage loans in 2013. In January, Integrity reported it closed on more than 300 mortgage loans that total more than $55 million.

Longtime Central Florida Investment Advisor Projects Gradually Improving Economic Picture despite Congressional Impotence

Maitland, Fla. --- Longtime Central Florida investment advisor George Livingston, chairman of NAI Realvest in Maitland, has a message for economic doomsayers: relax. Things really are getting better. “The economy is expanding and it’s likely to continue to expand during 2013 and for the next several years,” Livingston said. Interest rates will remain low---and wise borrowers will lock in debt---but lenders will be stingier with their capital, requiring developers to put up more equity on capital improvement loans. The government will continue to stimulate the economy with monetary and fiscal policies. The biggest roadblock to economic growth, Livingston said, will be the uncertainty generated by regulation and social engineering. Inflation is likely to increase. Employment will improve, but unemployment will remain above comparable norms. Consumption and investments will increase, as will the number of mergers and acquisitions. The housing market will continue to expand, government spending will remain high, and taxes are likely to increase, Livingston said. Foreign trade will increase as well, and U.S. firms will return offshore operations to America. Moreover, foreign firms will increase their U.S. operations. “America is moving toward energy self-sufficiency, and as a result exports will have a very positive net economic effect,” Livingston said. For investors, warehousing and manufacturing are key sectors for economic growth. On the world front, turmoil will persist in the Middle East and Europe will continue to have economic problems, but Mexico and Canada will see strong economic improvement. “America will do its best not become entangled in foreign conflicts,” Livingston said. And U.S. military strength will decline as a proportion of global military spending. The next big battlefront, Livingston said, is cyberware. “Cyberware is a clear emerging national security and economic threat,” Livingston said. Overall, Livingston said, we should prepare for better days. Our improving economic picture will drive the stock market higher, which in turn will boost equity markets.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Two New Industrial Leases at Commerce Centers in Kissimmee and Longwood

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated two new industrial lease agreements – one in Longwood and one at Poinciana CommerCenter East in Kissimmee. Michael Heidrich Sr., principal at NAI Realvest brokered both transactions on behalf of the landlords. At 1205 Sarah St. off SR 427 in Longwood, Heidrich negotiated a new lease of 17,120 square feet with Florida Marking Products, member of The Kennedy Group, Inc., manufacturers of advertising specialty items, label and packaging solutions and front-page advertising products for newspapers. The Willoughby, Ohio-based tenant was represented by K.C. Tenukas of CLW Real Estate Services. The landlord is Industrial Property Partners Inc. of Coral Springs, Fla. At Poinciana CommerCenter East, 1743 Business Center Lane in Kissimmee, Heidrich negotiated a lease of 2,700 square feet on behalf of landlord, Small Bay Partners LLC of Maitland. The new local tenant is Hollywood Md.-based Potomac Distributing, LLC.

DiVosta Homes’ Marc Semach is Pulte Group’s Leading Sales Consultant in South Florida for February

Fort Myers, Fla. --- Marc Semach, a DiVosta Homes Sales Consultant at VillageWalk of Bonita Springs, was named PulteGroup’s leading sales associate in its south Florida division for the month of February. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of Pulte Group, said Semach joined DiVosta Homes eight years ago. The Michigan native attended Eastern Michigan University where he majored in Communications and minored in Literature. Marin said Semach sold more homes in February than any other PulteGroup sales consultant including Pulte Homes, Centex, DiVosta Homes and Del Webb in more than 20 communities in south Florida. “Marc demonstrates the characteristics – such as customer service, integrity and market knowledge – that make him a standout professional,” Mairn said. DiVosta Homes builds town homes and single-family homes at VillageWalk of Bonita Springs that range in size from 1,392 square feet of living space to 2,488 square feet priced from $188,990 to $316,490.

DiVosta Homes to Host Models, Music and Margaritas Celebration March 23 at VillageWalk of Bonita Springs, VeronaWalk in Naples

NAPLES, Fla. --- DiVosta Homes will host a models, music and margaritas celebration from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 23 at VillageWalk of Bonita Springs, 28025 Umiak Court in Bonita Springs and VeronaWalk in Naples, 7676 Collier Blvd. in Naples. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of DiVosta Homes, said admission to both events is free and the public is invited to tour five decorated models at each community with live music and margaritas included in the refreshments. Marin said guests at VillageWalk of Bonita Springs are invited to take a “dusty shoe” behind-the-scenes tour at two new model homes under construction now. The Cambridge model home, priced from $306,990, offers 2,384 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, three baths, a den or optional fourth bedroom, and a gourmet kitchen that opens onto a private nook and an enormous 338 square foot great room. The Willow Bend model home, with two bedrooms, two baths and a den in a smart 1,927 square feet of living space, offers a two-car garage, an optional front patio just outside the breakfast nook and an optional kitchen island, all starting from $258,990. Mairn said DiVosta Homes is also offering the Willow Bend and Cambridge floor plans at VeronaWalk in Naples.

Pulte Homes to host Grand Opening March 23 to showcase Catalina model town home at Provence Bay in Vero Beach

Vero Beach, Fla. --- Pulte Homes will host a grand opening Saturday, March 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. to showcase the Catalina model town home at Provence Bay, located on Normandie Way overlooking the Indian River Aquatic Reserve off Indian River Blvd., south of 17th Street in Vero Beach. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of Pulte, said admission free and the visitors will enjoy live music and refreshments at the event located in the Catalina model. The Catalina model, priced from $150,000, offers three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths in 1,836 square feet of living space. Special features include an optional den, optional second owner’s suite and an upstairs laundry area. Marin said visitors will also be invited to tour two move-in ready town homes at Provence Bay – the Avalon floor plan with two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths in 1,312 square feet of living space priced from $119,999, and the Biscayne, priced from $126,000 offering 1,469 square feet of living space with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects awarded contract to design Leslie’s Poolmart Stores

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, were recently awarded contracts to design two Leslie’s Poolmart stores. Both stores are larger than usual, with approximately 7,000 square feet each. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said one of the stores is in Casselberry and the other one is in Savannah, Ga.

University of Central Florida Business Incubator at Daytona Beach International Airport to Host Business Plan Boot Camp

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Phaedra Lee, a client of the Volusia County--University of Central Florida Business Incubator at Daytona Beach International Airport was excited when she learned from Incubator Site Manager Connie Bernal of the three-day Business Plan Boot Camp the incubator is presenting March 19-21. And, her excitement grew when she heard who would be speaking. As the co-owner of Fusion Fitness Designs – a fitness and strength-training equipment manufacturer – Lee has a special interest in lectures by Dr. Brent Fulton, a sports medicine doctor, and his father, Dr. Michael Fulton, an orthopedic surgeon. "We're really excited to be a part of the boot camp and about working with Dr. Fulton, as he has a lot of experience in our industry," said Lee. "Connie has done a great job of bringing well-qualified people together to help us get our business plans even more solidified," she added. The Fultons will talk about how the mind and body work together to heal patients, as they host part of the Boot Camp at their Green Acres Habitat for Human Growth and Performance center in Daytona Beach. “We are so fortunate to have the Fultons help us present and host this event,” said Bernal. “These doctors have been in Volusia County for 35 years and they are experts in helping people achieve success through a clear mind and a healthy body. We can’t thank them enough for their generosity.” Nancy Fulton, office administrator of Medical Exercise Associates at the Green Acres campus, said the boot camp is something her husband, Michael, and sons, Brent and Chris, have been looking to do for a while at their 40-acre facility. “When Connie mentioned that she was going to do this, we said immediately that we wanted to be a part of it,” she said. “My son, Brent, was in special ops when he got out of the Naval Academy and he’s always been interested in having a boot camp here for all ages. So, this will just jump start our plans.” Fulton said two employees will get “down and dirty” as they act as tough drill instructors and put the business clients through the paces, including a run through their wooded property. Afterward, participants will be attending the daily lectures, where they’ll learn about goal setting, teambuilding, working together and making good business decisions. Bernal said the boot camp is designed to “get tough on business” by helping the clients complete their business plans in three days. “It’s a time for them to work on their business, not in their business.” The boot camp, which will include breakfast and business plan software, will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. The first day’s topic will be “From the Battlefield to the Business Plan” followed by “Marketing and Sales Strategies” on day two, and “Is Franchising Right for Your Business?” on the final day. “We’ve invited several speakers who are at the top of their respective fields,” Bernal said. “That’s because we want our entrepreneurs to learn from the best, so they can become the best.” In addition to talks the two doctors will give for incubator clients, four additional speakers will hold sessions that are open to the public. They are: Michael Waldrop is a U.S. Army Captain and combat wounded veteran who founded Blue Cord Design and Construction – a service/disabled veteran-owned small business – after he returned home from Afghanistan. He will talk about the importance of business discipline and dealing with adversity. Eric Shulman, founder of Sandler Training in Altamonte Springs, will coach attendees on why sales people fail, and how to fix it. Shulman began working in a family retail business at the age of 13 and started his own direct-marketing firm when he was 29. He opened the training center in 2003 and now coaches more than 100 professional salespeople each week. Derek D. Hudson, a certified business analyst and procurement specialist at UCF, will talk about market diversity and how to determine a target market. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Hudson has managed multiple small business units and worked as a strategic communications and public relations consultant to several government agencies. Marshall Reddy, president of Jacksonville-based Franchise Network, will ask attendees if franchising is right for their business, and explain some common misconceptions of franchising. With more than 22 years of business ownership, and sales, marketing and consulting experience, Reddy has helped thousands of entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality. The boot camp sessions are designed for the center’s current 12 clients, but, Bernal said the individual talks by the speakers will be free and open to the public. Seating is limited and reservations can be made by contacting Arlene Wilson Arlene.wilson@ucf.edu or at 386/872-3100. The incubator – a partnership between UCF, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council – is designed to help start-up companies as well as established businesses. The businesses who rent space at the Daytona Beach International Airport location receive assistance in the form of mentoring and coaching; educational programs; marketing and public relations; access to seminars; networking with peers; inexpensive office space with shared reception, conference rooms, office equipment and support services; as well as paid memberships in a number of organizations.

Pulte Homes Grand Opening to Showcase Three Professionally Decorated Model Homes at Bridgetown in Fort Myers

Fort Myers, Fla. -- Pulte Homes will host a grand opening from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, to showcase three professionally decorated model homes at Bridgetown, located off Treeline Avenue between Daniels Parkway and Colonial Blvd. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of Pulte Group, said admission to the event is free and visitors will enjoy live music and refreshments in the homebuilder’s new Bridgetown Sales Center at 10889 Rutherford Rd., Fort Myers, FL 33913. The two-story Evanston II model, priced from $374,490 with four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths in 3,532 square feet, features a first-floor owner’s suite with a huge walk-in closet and an upstairs game room that can serve as a fifth bedroom. The two-story Vernon II Loft , base-priced from $305,490, offers four bedrooms and three baths in 2,629 square feet of living space with a first-floor owner’s suite, a den and a loft. The Bedford II model is a single-story attached villa with 1,554 square feet of living space that offers two bedrooms and two baths along with a den, which can serve as an optional third bedroom, and an island kitchen.

Pastry Chef and Editing Specialist Joins Staff of Venice-based Omega3 Innovations

VENICE, FL. – Carol Urofsky an award-winning pastry chef with a secondary career in proofreading, recently joined Omega3 Innovations as Product Manager. Urofsky – who has worked as an editor and proofreader in Florida and New Hampshire – also has held positions as pastry chef, and culinary classroom instructor in New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Munich, Germany. She owned her own retail pastry and confection business for several years in Rhode Island, according to Dr. Anne-Marie Chalmers, co-founder of the Venice-based bio-tech company that creates heart-healthy, fish oil- and soluble oat fiber-based cookies and chocolates. We are very happy to have Carol join us,” Chalmers said. “She brings to us a wealth of experience in baking and marketing. Urofsky graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Temple University in Philadelphia, and has an associate’s degree in occupational science/baking and pastry from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, R.I. In her spare time she enjoys running and is also involved with competitive swimming. In her new position at Omega3 Innovations, she will be responsible for production of several new products like the Omega Heaven™ and Omega Passion™, Chalmers said.