Valrico, Fla. --- Pulte Homes has unveiled two new loft floor plans that seem perfectly suited to the oversized home sites at The Highlands, located at 1519 Windy Gap Place south of State Road 60 in Valrico.
Sean Strickler, division president of Pulte Homes-West Florida, said the Summerwood with Loft floor plan offers from 1,861 square feet of living space to 2,007 square feet with two, three or four bedrooms and two baths, along with a two-car attached garage.
The Palm with Loft floor plan offers four or five bedrooms with two or three baths in 2,446 square feet of living space and a three-car attached garage.
The Palm features six different elevations, and offers a variety of options, including bedroom, den, bath and shower choices and an extended covered lanai.
“The Highlands is a real family neighborhood,” said Strickler. Nearby “Nelson Elementary, Mulrennan Middle School and Durant High School all rank among the best in Florida.”
With 106 oversized home sites, Pulte designed six Life Tested® homes with loft options that appeal to families who can choose from four to six bedrooms and two to six-and-a-half bath options.
Pulte’s open space design creates huge indoor family living areas that are perfect for holiday gatherings or neighborhood social occasions.
Pulte’s “Life Tested,” designs filled with special features only found in a Pulte home, like the Drop Zone at the Owner’s Entry, and the Super Laundry room.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
BLACKTON INC. MOVING ROOFING DIVISION TO NEW 40,000 SQUARE FOOT FACILITY ON OBT IN OCTOBER
ORLANDO, Fla. – Blackton Inc. a major provider of roofing and flooring materials to the homebuilding industry, is moving its roofing division to 2200 N. Orange Blossom Trail in October.
Michael “Micky” Blackton, chief executive officer at Blackton, said his firm recently leased a 40,000 square foot industrial building on a one-and-a-half-acre site at the location to house the roofing operations including a staff of 25.
“We relocated our roofing operations to this location because of its central location and proximity to major arterial highways to better serve homebuilders in Central Florida,” Blackton said.
The main offices and flooring supply division will remain on Alden Rd. next to the train tracks where it has been since opening in 1954.
Blackton’s sales so far this year are up some 32 percent over last year, he added. (
Michael “Micky” Blackton, chief executive officer at Blackton, said his firm recently leased a 40,000 square foot industrial building on a one-and-a-half-acre site at the location to house the roofing operations including a staff of 25.
“We relocated our roofing operations to this location because of its central location and proximity to major arterial highways to better serve homebuilders in Central Florida,” Blackton said.
The main offices and flooring supply division will remain on Alden Rd. next to the train tracks where it has been since opening in 1954.
Blackton’s sales so far this year are up some 32 percent over last year, he added. (
Thursday, September 17, 2015
DRW Life Skills Institute in Kissimmee to Launch Emotional Intelligence-Diversity Division
KISSIMMEE, Fla. --- The DRW Life Skills Institute in Kissimmee will launch an Emotional Intelligence-Diversity Division starting Oct. 1.
Dr. Wanda Bonet-Gascot, Ph.D. (“DrW”), holistic doctor, certified coach and mediator who heads the DRW Life Skills Institute, said the new division will provide training, coaching and mediation to help small businesses and corporations identify and remove barriers to equal employment opportunity in recruitment, hiring, promotion, retention, professional development, and training policies and practices.
“Emotional Intelligence or EQ is the 21st century solution to reduce discrimination, harassment and retaliation, facilitating the diversity and inclusion management,” said DrW. “EQ is the most cost-effective way to manage diversity and inclusion at the workplace," she said.
DrW said the Emotional Intelligence-Diversity Division will be formally launched at a seminar at the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Kissimmee on Friday, Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to noon. Admission to the seminar is free and the public is invited.
Dr. Wanda Bonet-Gascot, Ph.D. (“DrW”), holistic doctor, certified coach and mediator who heads the DRW Life Skills Institute, said the new division will provide training, coaching and mediation to help small businesses and corporations identify and remove barriers to equal employment opportunity in recruitment, hiring, promotion, retention, professional development, and training policies and practices.
“Emotional Intelligence or EQ is the 21st century solution to reduce discrimination, harassment and retaliation, facilitating the diversity and inclusion management,” said DrW. “EQ is the most cost-effective way to manage diversity and inclusion at the workplace," she said.
DrW said the Emotional Intelligence-Diversity Division will be formally launched at a seminar at the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Kissimmee on Friday, Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to noon. Admission to the seminar is free and the public is invited.
Meritage Homes Opens Furnished Model at New Gated Hampton Estates with 24 Oversized Homesites
ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes recently opened Hampton Estates, its newest gated community with only 24 homesites located on Old Lockwood Road off of McCulloch Road in Oviedo.
Tatiana Souza, vice president of sales for Meritage Homes, said 12 homes at Hampton Estates were sold to buyers on the summer presales interest list before the first model was completed.
Souza said Meritage is building one and two-story energy efficient homes at Hampton Estates with from five to eight bedrooms on quarter-acre homesites.
Five distinct floor plans are offered at the community ranging from 3,000 to more than 5,000 square feet of living area, with many options to make each unique, and priced from the high $400s.
A furnished and decorated model home was recently opened at Hampton Estates and is available for touring daily.
The two-story Wimberley II features six bedrooms, with master downstairs, four full bathrooms, in 4,500 square feet of living area and four-car garage space, priced from $518,000.
Located just minutes from UCF, A-rated Seminole County schools, prime employment centers and outdoor recreation, Hampton Estates will most likely be sold out by the end of this year, according to Souza.
Tatiana Souza, vice president of sales for Meritage Homes, said 12 homes at Hampton Estates were sold to buyers on the summer presales interest list before the first model was completed.
Souza said Meritage is building one and two-story energy efficient homes at Hampton Estates with from five to eight bedrooms on quarter-acre homesites.
Five distinct floor plans are offered at the community ranging from 3,000 to more than 5,000 square feet of living area, with many options to make each unique, and priced from the high $400s.
A furnished and decorated model home was recently opened at Hampton Estates and is available for touring daily.
The two-story Wimberley II features six bedrooms, with master downstairs, four full bathrooms, in 4,500 square feet of living area and four-car garage space, priced from $518,000.
Located just minutes from UCF, A-rated Seminole County schools, prime employment centers and outdoor recreation, Hampton Estates will most likely be sold out by the end of this year, according to Souza.
Meritage Marks First Week Selling at Twinwaters with 9 Homes Sold
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes recently started selling new four to eight-bedroom homes at Twinwaters, its new lakefront community located off Hartwood Marsh Road on Johns Lake in Winter Garden.
Tatiana Souza, vice president of sales at Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said nine homes were sold in the first week of opening the community at an average sale price of $500,000.
The homebuilder plans to build 140 new homes at Twinwaters priced from the $370s to the high $500s. Several lakefront lots are available and homeowners will have access to Johns Lake, Souza said.
New Meritage homes on oversized (quarter-acre +/-) lots at Twinwaters will range from more than 3,000 square feet of living area to 5,800 square feet. There are 10 one- and two-story floor plans to choose.
The homebuilder recently broke ground at Twinwaters on its single-story Palermo model home priced from $369,990 with four bedrooms, three baths in 3,000 square feet of living area with a three-car garage. The Palermo will be furnished, decorated and open for viewing by the end of November, and two more models will get underway at the community later this fall, Souza added.
Meritage is pre-selling Twinwaters homes from Johns Lake Pointe, another Meritage Homes community in Winter Garden at 565 Egret Place Drive. Visit www.meritagehomes.com
Tatiana Souza, vice president of sales at Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said nine homes were sold in the first week of opening the community at an average sale price of $500,000.
The homebuilder plans to build 140 new homes at Twinwaters priced from the $370s to the high $500s. Several lakefront lots are available and homeowners will have access to Johns Lake, Souza said.
New Meritage homes on oversized (quarter-acre +/-) lots at Twinwaters will range from more than 3,000 square feet of living area to 5,800 square feet. There are 10 one- and two-story floor plans to choose.
The homebuilder recently broke ground at Twinwaters on its single-story Palermo model home priced from $369,990 with four bedrooms, three baths in 3,000 square feet of living area with a three-car garage. The Palermo will be furnished, decorated and open for viewing by the end of November, and two more models will get underway at the community later this fall, Souza added.
Meritage is pre-selling Twinwaters homes from Johns Lake Pointe, another Meritage Homes community in Winter Garden at 565 Egret Place Drive. Visit www.meritagehomes.com
Meritage Homes in Orlando Promotes Marketing Manager to Regional Marketing Director, Sales Associate promoted to Marketing Manager
ORLANDO / TAMPA -- Meritage Homes, a top 10 U.S. homebuilder with communities in 20 markets in the U.S., recently promoted Jennifer Mountain to regional marketing director and Polly Heard to marketing manager.
Brian Kittle, Orlando division president for Meritage Homes, said Mountain joined the company four years ago and was formerly marketing manager for the Orlando area.
In her new role, Mountain will direct region-wide marketing plans including advertising, merchandising, sales support, budgeting and market analysis for Orlando, Tampa and South Florida communities. Mountain has more than 14 years of experience with national homebuilders.
At the same time Heard was promoted to fill the Orlando marketing manager position vacated by Mountain. Heard was hired as a sales associate one year ago but she has a strong marketing background. Prior to joining Meritage, Heard held marketing management positions with internet and investment firms and was also the owner/operator of a printing business for eight years.
Heard’s new job responsibilities include managing advertising, internet and direct mail campaigns, development of marketing materials, merchandising and sales support for Orlando division communities, Kittle said.
“Jennifer and Polly are very driven, experienced and knowledgeable, and will play a major role in our growth in Florida,” Kittle said.
Meritage Homes builds single-family luxury homes priced from under $400,000 in 19 communities in the Orlando area, eight communities in the Tampa Bay area and two in South Florida.
Brian Kittle, Orlando division president for Meritage Homes, said Mountain joined the company four years ago and was formerly marketing manager for the Orlando area.
In her new role, Mountain will direct region-wide marketing plans including advertising, merchandising, sales support, budgeting and market analysis for Orlando, Tampa and South Florida communities. Mountain has more than 14 years of experience with national homebuilders.
At the same time Heard was promoted to fill the Orlando marketing manager position vacated by Mountain. Heard was hired as a sales associate one year ago but she has a strong marketing background. Prior to joining Meritage, Heard held marketing management positions with internet and investment firms and was also the owner/operator of a printing business for eight years.
Heard’s new job responsibilities include managing advertising, internet and direct mail campaigns, development of marketing materials, merchandising and sales support for Orlando division communities, Kittle said.
“Jennifer and Polly are very driven, experienced and knowledgeable, and will play a major role in our growth in Florida,” Kittle said.
Meritage Homes builds single-family luxury homes priced from under $400,000 in 19 communities in the Orlando area, eight communities in the Tampa Bay area and two in South Florida.
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named Sales and Marketing Representative for Penthouse in Downtown Signature Condominium Overlooking Lake Eola
ORLANDO, Fla. - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty was recently named exclusive sales and marketing representative of a 2,500 square foot luxury penthouse in The Sanctuary a prestigious downtown Orlando condominium overlooking Lake Eola.
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the 16th floor penthouse residence features extra high ceilings and extensive window exposure for spectacular views of the city and lake.
The open design of the residence features a spacious grand living area, gourmet kitchen, dining area, game room, elegant entry foyer with glass and lighting detail, and spacious master suite and guest suite.
The recently redecorated and finely appointed penthouse is priced at $997,400 – well below recent appraised value, Soderstrom said.
Michelle Hochfelder, luxury homes specialist at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s Dr. Phillips office is representing the property.
The Sanctuary, bordered on Church, Eola, Pine and Osceola Streets in downtown Orlando, provides its residents with building security, second level parking, concierge service and resort style pool, spa, cabanas and sunning deck, fitness center and club room.
Link to YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/v/0MYT7BDj1ZU
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the 16th floor penthouse residence features extra high ceilings and extensive window exposure for spectacular views of the city and lake.
The open design of the residence features a spacious grand living area, gourmet kitchen, dining area, game room, elegant entry foyer with glass and lighting detail, and spacious master suite and guest suite.
The recently redecorated and finely appointed penthouse is priced at $997,400 – well below recent appraised value, Soderstrom said.
Michelle Hochfelder, luxury homes specialist at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s Dr. Phillips office is representing the property.
The Sanctuary, bordered on Church, Eola, Pine and Osceola Streets in downtown Orlando, provides its residents with building security, second level parking, concierge service and resort style pool, spa, cabanas and sunning deck, fitness center and club room.
Link to YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/v/0MYT7BDj1ZU
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Pulte Unveils New Three-bedroom Rosemont Floor Plan at Country Walk in Wesley Chapel
Tampa / Wesley Chapel, Fla. --- Pulte Homes has unveiled a new three-bedroom Rosemont floor plan at Country Walk, located off Meadow Pointe Blvd. south of S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel.
Sean Strickler, division president for Pulte Homes-West Florida, said the Rosemont floor plan is Pulte’s latest leap forward in popular open space design with a twist: smaller, smarter open space with plenty of family privacy.
The massive family living area includes a huge kitchen with island option that serves a great room, dining nook and patio. That’s more than 500 square feet of floor space to accommodate friends, neighbors or family gatherings, all located at the rear of the home with the owner’s suite and huge privacy bath.
Two additional bedrooms and a bath are located near the front of the home, Strickler said.
With 1,674 square feet of living space and a two-car garage, the Rosemont is designed for growing families and independent couples, Strickler said.
Pulte Homes is building 32 new three and four bedroom homes at Country Walk ranging in size from 1,674 square feet of living space to 2,443 square feet.
New homes at Country Walk are priced from $219,990.
Strickler said four Life Tested® home designs are available at Country Walk with features that include flex rooms, lofts, game rooms and optional drop zones at the owner’s entry as well as extended lanais.
Country Walk features a 5,000 square foot community clubhouse, two swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball court, outdoor covered children’s playground and fitness center.
With an A-rated school system including Wiregrass High School and Dr. John Long Middle School, Country Walk is minutes from the Shops at Wiregrass and boasts easy access to I-75 and I-275.
Sean Strickler, division president for Pulte Homes-West Florida, said the Rosemont floor plan is Pulte’s latest leap forward in popular open space design with a twist: smaller, smarter open space with plenty of family privacy.
The massive family living area includes a huge kitchen with island option that serves a great room, dining nook and patio. That’s more than 500 square feet of floor space to accommodate friends, neighbors or family gatherings, all located at the rear of the home with the owner’s suite and huge privacy bath.
Two additional bedrooms and a bath are located near the front of the home, Strickler said.
With 1,674 square feet of living space and a two-car garage, the Rosemont is designed for growing families and independent couples, Strickler said.
Pulte Homes is building 32 new three and four bedroom homes at Country Walk ranging in size from 1,674 square feet of living space to 2,443 square feet.
New homes at Country Walk are priced from $219,990.
Strickler said four Life Tested® home designs are available at Country Walk with features that include flex rooms, lofts, game rooms and optional drop zones at the owner’s entry as well as extended lanais.
Country Walk features a 5,000 square foot community clubhouse, two swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball court, outdoor covered children’s playground and fitness center.
With an A-rated school system including Wiregrass High School and Dr. John Long Middle School, Country Walk is minutes from the Shops at Wiregrass and boasts easy access to I-75 and I-275.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Graphic Designer at Stirling Sotheby's International Realty Created Coloring Book for Marketing an International Feed the Future Innovation Project
Lake Mary, Fla. – Marielle Novak, senior graphic designer at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has given her expertise and time to an international project with a long term impact: Masfrijol which means: More Beans
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Novak who has been with the firm for one year and directs graphic design for all of Stirling Sotheby’s global marketing projects, just completed illustration of a coloring book for the targeted young Spanish speaking Guatemalan families to help market the project’s effectiveness and goal of reaching 25,000 resource-poor households in 200 communities in the Guatemalan Highlands.
Novak, a native of Guatemala who taught graphic design at the University of Guatemala, was recommended to Michigan State University’s Legume Innovation Lab which is directing and managing–by customized technologies and educational programs–the increased bean productivity by resource-poor smallholder farmers in the Western Highlands of Guatemala.
Novak immersed herself in the Masfrijol project with the goal of assisting in the improvement of nutritional quality of family diets through increased consumption of beans in combination with other nutritious vegetable and animal-source foods.
Soderstrom said the Sotheby’s International network is the perfect marketing tool for “great causes like Marielle’s and we are excited to support her efforts.”
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Novak who has been with the firm for one year and directs graphic design for all of Stirling Sotheby’s global marketing projects, just completed illustration of a coloring book for the targeted young Spanish speaking Guatemalan families to help market the project’s effectiveness and goal of reaching 25,000 resource-poor households in 200 communities in the Guatemalan Highlands.
Novak, a native of Guatemala who taught graphic design at the University of Guatemala, was recommended to Michigan State University’s Legume Innovation Lab which is directing and managing–by customized technologies and educational programs–the increased bean productivity by resource-poor smallholder farmers in the Western Highlands of Guatemala.
Novak immersed herself in the Masfrijol project with the goal of assisting in the improvement of nutritional quality of family diets through increased consumption of beans in combination with other nutritious vegetable and animal-source foods.
Soderstrom said the Sotheby’s International network is the perfect marketing tool for “great causes like Marielle’s and we are excited to support her efforts.”
Phil Rawlins CEO / Founder of the Orlando City Soccer Team Recipient of the Prestigious International Rotary Award for Community Service – Presentation at Charity Golf Tournament this Month
WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. – The Rotary Club of Winter Springs with Rotary International, which ranks as one of the world’s great service organizations, has named Phil Rawlins, CEO and founder of MLS Orlando City Lions, recipient of its prestigious “Service Above Self” Award to be presented at the 31st Annual Winter Springs Rotary Charity Golf Classic at Tuscawilla Country Club Sept. 14.
“Every year Rotary International recognizes a central Florida person for superior community service by presenting the “Service Above Self” award,” said Paul P. Partyka of NAI Realvest, former Mayor of Winter Springs and Chair of the Winter Springs Rotary Golf Committee.
“This year’s recipient of this prestigious award – Phil Rawlins – was cited for his diligent efforts and success in bringing the MLS Orlando City Lions to Central Florida,” Partyka explained.
This year’s Rotary Charity Golf Tournament, which is sponsored by Tuskawilla Nursing & Rehabilitation center, is sure to attract a bigger crowd than usual with Rawlins as the honoree and playing in a foursome of Lions members, said Partyka.
Golfers who register by 11 a.m. for the 12:30 shotgun start, 4-person scramble, will be eligible for an array of prizes, free beverages on the course, lunch and dinner. Individual entry is $150 with a limit of 32 foursomes.
Numerous sponsorships are available and all net proceeds go to local charities. For information, to register in advance for the tournament or pledge a sponsorship, please email ppartyka@realvest.com or call 407-341-0805 (Partyka) 407-585-0217 (Gary Grund co-chair) or 321-230-3698 (Scott Whittmer, co-chair)
Orlando Rotary International District 6980 represents 48 Rotary Clubs with more than 2,100 members in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Sumter Counties.
“Every year Rotary International recognizes a central Florida person for superior community service by presenting the “Service Above Self” award,” said Paul P. Partyka of NAI Realvest, former Mayor of Winter Springs and Chair of the Winter Springs Rotary Golf Committee.
“This year’s recipient of this prestigious award – Phil Rawlins – was cited for his diligent efforts and success in bringing the MLS Orlando City Lions to Central Florida,” Partyka explained.
This year’s Rotary Charity Golf Tournament, which is sponsored by Tuskawilla Nursing & Rehabilitation center, is sure to attract a bigger crowd than usual with Rawlins as the honoree and playing in a foursome of Lions members, said Partyka.
Golfers who register by 11 a.m. for the 12:30 shotgun start, 4-person scramble, will be eligible for an array of prizes, free beverages on the course, lunch and dinner. Individual entry is $150 with a limit of 32 foursomes.
Numerous sponsorships are available and all net proceeds go to local charities. For information, to register in advance for the tournament or pledge a sponsorship, please email ppartyka@realvest.com or call 407-341-0805 (Partyka) 407-585-0217 (Gary Grund co-chair) or 321-230-3698 (Scott Whittmer, co-chair)
Orlando Rotary International District 6980 represents 48 Rotary Clubs with more than 2,100 members in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Sumter Counties.
Virginia Simulation training company PVM opens Central Florida office
Orlando, Fla. -- Performance Value Management, LLC (PVM) is the newest company to join the UCF Business Incubator’s Soft Landing program.
Onelia Codrington, the President and CEO of PVM, said the nine year-old Fairfax, Virginia-based company specializes in Management Consulting, IT, Cyber Security, Training and Strategic Planning.
“UCF’s leading role in helping to develop the Central Florida region’s simulation training industry along with the Incubator’s Soft Landing program were a big draw for us,” Codrington stated.
PVM LLC is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) program participant and a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) company and currently employs more than 10 specialists. The firm’s expertise includes continuous monitoring, forensic security and training Codrington added.
“The Soft Landing program offers companies from outside Florida or the U.S. an opportunity to establish a presence in Florida, to take advantage of the incubation support network and bring jobs and economic activity here,” said Carol Ann Dykes site manager for the UCF Business Incubator in the Central Florida Research Park where PVM is a client.
Onelia Codrington, the President and CEO of PVM, said the nine year-old Fairfax, Virginia-based company specializes in Management Consulting, IT, Cyber Security, Training and Strategic Planning.
“UCF’s leading role in helping to develop the Central Florida region’s simulation training industry along with the Incubator’s Soft Landing program were a big draw for us,” Codrington stated.
PVM LLC is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) program participant and a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) company and currently employs more than 10 specialists. The firm’s expertise includes continuous monitoring, forensic security and training Codrington added.
“The Soft Landing program offers companies from outside Florida or the U.S. an opportunity to establish a presence in Florida, to take advantage of the incubation support network and bring jobs and economic activity here,” said Carol Ann Dykes site manager for the UCF Business Incubator in the Central Florida Research Park where PVM is a client.
Savage Race Obstacle Course Race Company Receives Back-to-Back Accolades
Ranked 266th Fastest-Growing Private Company in America by Inc. Magazine
ORLANDO, Fla. — Savage Race, a young Orlando-based obstacle course race company featuring the world’s best obstacles, has received dual honors by being named one of the fastest-growing private companies in America and one of the top 50 Florida companies to watch.
Inc. Magazine ranked Savage Race 266th in its September 2015 edition of 5,000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America, and GrowFL – a statewide economic-development program – named Savage Race as one of Florida’s 50 Companies to Watch.
Founded by Sam Abbitt and Lloyd Parker in 2011, Savage Race is a business client of the University of Central Florida Business Incubator Program in Orlando. The company combines Abbitt’s master’s degrees in both business and construction with his interest in obstacle racing, fitness and endurance sports to provide challenging obstacle courses that test participants’ courage and teamwork. With 22 employees, the company hosts more than a dozen such events in the U.S. each year.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by both Inc. Magazine and GrowFL for our innovation and growth,” said Abbitt. “We’re pushing the boundaries of the obstacle course racing industry every day and the world-class team behind me at Savage Race is what makes that possible. We’ve quietly worked to establish ourselves as a leader in our industry, and to be recognized on both a national level and a local level within the span of just a few weeks is incredible. We’re proud to do what we do every day and are very excited about the future of Savage Race.”
A New York-based business magazine, Inc. annually publishes a list of the top 5,000 fastest-growing private U.S. companies based on growth and wealth. Orlando’s Savage Race had a whopping three-year growth rate of 1,709 percent and revenue of $3.8 million in 2014.
GrowFL on Wednesday, Sept. 2, identified Savage Race as a Florida second-stage company to watch. A second-stage company, which falls somewhere between a startup company and a large firm, is one that is “poised for growth.” GrowFL’s nationally-certified experts assist second-stage growth companies by providing strategies, resources and support to help them reach the next level, while strengthening the local economy.
“Much like crossing a Savage Race finish line, there is a sense of pride and triumph to see Sam [Abbitt] and his team reach this point after overcoming some challenging obstacles,” said Michael Weiss, site manager of the UCF Business Incubator–Orlando. “We have really enjoyed working with the Savage Race team, and it is extremely rewarding to see their growth and success recognized on a local and national level.”
ORLANDO, Fla. — Savage Race, a young Orlando-based obstacle course race company featuring the world’s best obstacles, has received dual honors by being named one of the fastest-growing private companies in America and one of the top 50 Florida companies to watch.
Inc. Magazine ranked Savage Race 266th in its September 2015 edition of 5,000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America, and GrowFL – a statewide economic-development program – named Savage Race as one of Florida’s 50 Companies to Watch.
Founded by Sam Abbitt and Lloyd Parker in 2011, Savage Race is a business client of the University of Central Florida Business Incubator Program in Orlando. The company combines Abbitt’s master’s degrees in both business and construction with his interest in obstacle racing, fitness and endurance sports to provide challenging obstacle courses that test participants’ courage and teamwork. With 22 employees, the company hosts more than a dozen such events in the U.S. each year.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by both Inc. Magazine and GrowFL for our innovation and growth,” said Abbitt. “We’re pushing the boundaries of the obstacle course racing industry every day and the world-class team behind me at Savage Race is what makes that possible. We’ve quietly worked to establish ourselves as a leader in our industry, and to be recognized on both a national level and a local level within the span of just a few weeks is incredible. We’re proud to do what we do every day and are very excited about the future of Savage Race.”
A New York-based business magazine, Inc. annually publishes a list of the top 5,000 fastest-growing private U.S. companies based on growth and wealth. Orlando’s Savage Race had a whopping three-year growth rate of 1,709 percent and revenue of $3.8 million in 2014.
GrowFL on Wednesday, Sept. 2, identified Savage Race as a Florida second-stage company to watch. A second-stage company, which falls somewhere between a startup company and a large firm, is one that is “poised for growth.” GrowFL’s nationally-certified experts assist second-stage growth companies by providing strategies, resources and support to help them reach the next level, while strengthening the local economy.
“Much like crossing a Savage Race finish line, there is a sense of pride and triumph to see Sam [Abbitt] and his team reach this point after overcoming some challenging obstacles,” said Michael Weiss, site manager of the UCF Business Incubator–Orlando. “We have really enjoyed working with the Savage Race team, and it is extremely rewarding to see their growth and success recognized on a local and national level.”
Flame Boss Introduces New BBQ Smoker Accessory with Internet Capability
Orlando, Fla.– Flame Boss™ an Orlando company that’s been manufacturing and selling remote controllers for BBQ smokers since late 2013, introduced a new “Flame Boss 200” earlier this summer that’s WiFi enabled.
Michael Collins, President, said Flame Boss 200 comes with exactly the same kit sold with his Flame Boss 100—a smoker temperature probe, meat temperature probe, power adapter and blower—except inside the control module there’s a module that enables Internet connection.
Collins said sales of the Flame Boss 100 were good since starting last year, he sold them for $289 to pool and patio stores and through hundreds of authorized dealers reps of merchants as far away as Sweden and Australia.
But now, Collins explained that his Flame Boss 200 model, which allows you to control the BBQ smoker and its temperature from work or the golf course with a smart phone or iPad, has been selling for $349 at the rate of 8 or 9 to every one of the Flame Boss 100 packages sold.
June sales of the Flame Boss 200 topped the entire sales of models 1 and 100 for the entire year of 2014, Collins said.
Both Fame Boss 100 and Flame Boss 200 are sold at authorized hardware stores, pool and patio stores and outdoor kitchen stores nationwide in packages of two varieties – “Kamado” for a ceramic BBQ smoker and the other labeled “Universal” for all traditional style smokers. Visit www.FlameBoss.com .
Flame Boss™ is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in Apopka.
Michael Collins, President, said Flame Boss 200 comes with exactly the same kit sold with his Flame Boss 100—a smoker temperature probe, meat temperature probe, power adapter and blower—except inside the control module there’s a module that enables Internet connection.
Collins said sales of the Flame Boss 100 were good since starting last year, he sold them for $289 to pool and patio stores and through hundreds of authorized dealers reps of merchants as far away as Sweden and Australia.
But now, Collins explained that his Flame Boss 200 model, which allows you to control the BBQ smoker and its temperature from work or the golf course with a smart phone or iPad, has been selling for $349 at the rate of 8 or 9 to every one of the Flame Boss 100 packages sold.
June sales of the Flame Boss 200 topped the entire sales of models 1 and 100 for the entire year of 2014, Collins said.
Both Fame Boss 100 and Flame Boss 200 are sold at authorized hardware stores, pool and patio stores and outdoor kitchen stores nationwide in packages of two varieties – “Kamado” for a ceramic BBQ smoker and the other labeled “Universal” for all traditional style smokers. Visit www.FlameBoss.com .
Flame Boss™ is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in Apopka.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
BERKADIA FACILITATES SALE OF SIX APARTMENT PROPERTIES WORTH MORE THAN $96 MILLION
Chattanooga, Tenn. – Berkadia recently negotiated the sale of six multi-family investment properties, consisting of 1,110 units for a combined $96.35 million.
Marcus Lyons, director of Berkadia’s Chattanooga office, said his team facilitated the transactions on behalf of various sellers with help from several other Berkadia offices.
“These deals are a testament to the depth of our national Berkadia network. Not only did our investment sales team negotiate the sales, but our Mortgage Banking team secured financing for the purchasers,” said David Oakley, Berkadia-Southeast managing director, who was involved with each transaction.
The team’s largest sale of the period - Quarry Trail, a 252-unit property in Knoxville, Tennessee – sold for $42 million to an investment group based in Atlanta.
Most recently, the team facilitated the sale of a three-property portfolio of Middle Tennessee State University apartments. The portfolio, comprised of 96-unit Raiders Crossing, 78-unit Woods at Greenland, and 180-unit University Gables, sold for $32.1 million to another Atlanta-based investment group.
Other recent Tennessee sales include King’s Crossing and Tara’s Place in Murfeesboro, a combined 184 units, which sold for $11.3 million and Waterview, a 160-unit property in Henderson, which sold for $10.9 million.
Kevin Larimer, National Director of Student Housing – Berkadia Mortgage Banking, teamed with David Oakley to facilitate both the Quarry Trail and the MTSU Portfolio transactions. Aaron Hargrove, Managing Directory of Affordable Housing – Berkadia Mortgage Banking, and Eric Taylor, Senior Director - Berkadia Mortgage Banking teamed with Royce Emerson, Senior Director – Berkadia Investment Sales, Lyons, and Oakley, to arrange both the King’s Crossing-Tara’s Place and the Waterview transactions.
Berkadia, a joint venture of Berkshire Hathaway and Leucadia National Corporation, is an industry leading commercial real estate company providing comprehensive capital solutions and investment sales advisory and research services for multifamily and commercial properties.
Marcus Lyons, director of Berkadia’s Chattanooga office, said his team facilitated the transactions on behalf of various sellers with help from several other Berkadia offices.
“These deals are a testament to the depth of our national Berkadia network. Not only did our investment sales team negotiate the sales, but our Mortgage Banking team secured financing for the purchasers,” said David Oakley, Berkadia-Southeast managing director, who was involved with each transaction.
The team’s largest sale of the period - Quarry Trail, a 252-unit property in Knoxville, Tennessee – sold for $42 million to an investment group based in Atlanta.
Most recently, the team facilitated the sale of a three-property portfolio of Middle Tennessee State University apartments. The portfolio, comprised of 96-unit Raiders Crossing, 78-unit Woods at Greenland, and 180-unit University Gables, sold for $32.1 million to another Atlanta-based investment group.
Other recent Tennessee sales include King’s Crossing and Tara’s Place in Murfeesboro, a combined 184 units, which sold for $11.3 million and Waterview, a 160-unit property in Henderson, which sold for $10.9 million.
Kevin Larimer, National Director of Student Housing – Berkadia Mortgage Banking, teamed with David Oakley to facilitate both the Quarry Trail and the MTSU Portfolio transactions. Aaron Hargrove, Managing Directory of Affordable Housing – Berkadia Mortgage Banking, and Eric Taylor, Senior Director - Berkadia Mortgage Banking teamed with Royce Emerson, Senior Director – Berkadia Investment Sales, Lyons, and Oakley, to arrange both the King’s Crossing-Tara’s Place and the Waterview transactions.
Berkadia, a joint venture of Berkshire Hathaway and Leucadia National Corporation, is an industry leading commercial real estate company providing comprehensive capital solutions and investment sales advisory and research services for multifamily and commercial properties.
DiCapta Studios Moving to Winter Springs
Winter Springs, Fla. -- Dicapta, the award-winning U.S. provider of accessible digital media to serve people with visual or hearing limitations and Spanish speaking community, is relocating its office and studios from Longwood to the UCF Business Incubation facilities in Winter Springs.
Maria Diaz, chief executive officer of Dicapta, said the company’s new headquarters will offer versatility to handle a wide range of projects the company works on with closer access to incubation support services.
“Spanish coverage for special or seasonal events such us political conventions or public debates that we have implemented for PBS or NBC, as well as our educational productions, calls for our flexibility with production, logistics and technical resources maintaining our professional standards. For this there is no better match than the UCF Business Incubation facilities in Winter Springs,” Diaz explained.
Dicapta provides services that support access for people with disabilities and for Spanish speakers to films, television, news programs and educational media. Services include electronic subtitles, audio description, dubbing, live dubbing and CART (subtitles broadcast in real time) utilizing cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art processes.
Dicapta serves a wide range of corporate, educational and government agency clients in the U.S., the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Maria Diaz, chief executive officer of Dicapta, said the company’s new headquarters will offer versatility to handle a wide range of projects the company works on with closer access to incubation support services.
“Spanish coverage for special or seasonal events such us political conventions or public debates that we have implemented for PBS or NBC, as well as our educational productions, calls for our flexibility with production, logistics and technical resources maintaining our professional standards. For this there is no better match than the UCF Business Incubation facilities in Winter Springs,” Diaz explained.
Dicapta provides services that support access for people with disabilities and for Spanish speakers to films, television, news programs and educational media. Services include electronic subtitles, audio description, dubbing, live dubbing and CART (subtitles broadcast in real time) utilizing cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art processes.
Dicapta serves a wide range of corporate, educational and government agency clients in the U.S., the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Embark Safety receives State of Florida Minority Business Enterprise Certification
ORLANDO, Fla. – Embark Safety, a leading provider of driver monitoring and fleet risk management services across North America, recently received the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification from the State of Florida’s Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD).
The MBE certification is the most widely recognized certification for minority-owned businesses in the United States. To receive MBE certification, a company must be at least 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by an ethnic minority U.S. citizen and undergo a stringent review process.
“We’re really excited to have this certification. It comes at a time when government agencies are increasingly looking to diversify their procurement as a way to meet federal guidelines,” said Embark Safety’s Managing Partner, Edwin Sosa. “We’re now better positioned to build strategic alliances and partnerships to expand our fleet safety solutions across the country.”
Embark Safety is a client of the UCF Business Incubation Program at Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County.
The MBE certification is the most widely recognized certification for minority-owned businesses in the United States. To receive MBE certification, a company must be at least 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by an ethnic minority U.S. citizen and undergo a stringent review process.
“We’re really excited to have this certification. It comes at a time when government agencies are increasingly looking to diversify their procurement as a way to meet federal guidelines,” said Embark Safety’s Managing Partner, Edwin Sosa. “We’re now better positioned to build strategic alliances and partnerships to expand our fleet safety solutions across the country.”
Embark Safety is a client of the UCF Business Incubation Program at Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County.
Fastest WiFi in America to Come Standard at New Centex Community Sereno
Tampa, Fla. --- Sales are in full swing at Sereno, the newest Centex community in the Tampa area located on Bella Armonia Circle, just east of U.S. 301 and Sun City Center Blvd. in Wimauma.
Sereno, an ULTRAFi Community, is a first-of-its kind residential environment where every home is built to be a Smart Home and every resident will enjoy the fastest internet and WiFi speeds in North America.
Sean Strickler, division president for Centex and PulteGroup in the West Florida region, said homeowners at Sereno will enjoy up to an exclusive 1 Gigabit of internet and WiFi speeds (100 times faster than average broadband speeds) by the pool, on the trails, in the clubhouse and at the playground.
Strickler said homebuilder builds new one and two-story homes with two-car garages at the gated community where home buyers choose from four distinct floor plans.
New Centex homes with two to six bedrooms and two to three bathrooms are priced from the low $200s at Sereno, and range in size from 1,674 square feet of living area to 2,662 square feet.
There will be 48 new homes in the first phase at Sereno with water and preserve view homesites available, according to Strickler.
A recently completed model -- the Summerwood plan – is open for touring at Sereno.
The furnished and decorated one-story model offers four bedrooms and two baths in 2,007 square feet of living space. The design also offers some exciting options, including a den, owner’s suite walk-in shower, 4' garage extension, owner’s entry Drop Zone and extended covered lanai. The Summerwood model’s two-car garage features extra space for a golf cart or storage.
Amenities at Sereno include gated entry access, a private community swimming pool and cabana, clubhouse, children’s playground, a trail system covering several miles around the community, outdoor fitness stations, basketball half court, pickleball courts, tennis court, and dog park.
“We’ve had a great response with our grand opening pre-selling efforts, and we expect great success from this community. We encourage buyers to take a look soon as these homes will go quickly,” said Strickler.
To learn more visit www.centex.com/sereno or call 866-236-7851.
Sereno, an ULTRAFi Community, is a first-of-its kind residential environment where every home is built to be a Smart Home and every resident will enjoy the fastest internet and WiFi speeds in North America.
Sean Strickler, division president for Centex and PulteGroup in the West Florida region, said homeowners at Sereno will enjoy up to an exclusive 1 Gigabit of internet and WiFi speeds (100 times faster than average broadband speeds) by the pool, on the trails, in the clubhouse and at the playground.
Strickler said homebuilder builds new one and two-story homes with two-car garages at the gated community where home buyers choose from four distinct floor plans.
New Centex homes with two to six bedrooms and two to three bathrooms are priced from the low $200s at Sereno, and range in size from 1,674 square feet of living area to 2,662 square feet.
There will be 48 new homes in the first phase at Sereno with water and preserve view homesites available, according to Strickler.
A recently completed model -- the Summerwood plan – is open for touring at Sereno.
The furnished and decorated one-story model offers four bedrooms and two baths in 2,007 square feet of living space. The design also offers some exciting options, including a den, owner’s suite walk-in shower, 4' garage extension, owner’s entry Drop Zone and extended covered lanai. The Summerwood model’s two-car garage features extra space for a golf cart or storage.
Amenities at Sereno include gated entry access, a private community swimming pool and cabana, clubhouse, children’s playground, a trail system covering several miles around the community, outdoor fitness stations, basketball half court, pickleball courts, tennis court, and dog park.
“We’ve had a great response with our grand opening pre-selling efforts, and we expect great success from this community. We encourage buyers to take a look soon as these homes will go quickly,” said Strickler.
To learn more visit www.centex.com/sereno or call 866-236-7851.
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