By Dr. Tom O’Neal
(Ed Note. Dr. Tom O’Neal associate vice president for Research and Commercialization at the University of Central Florida is founder and executive director of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program and president of the Florida Business Incubation Assn.)
As America searches for solutions to its economic woes, one of the most innovative and productive job creating engines is being overlooked. It’s a case of not seeing the trees for the forest.
A recent national study came to a compelling conclusion nationwide, it’s the young, small startup companies that are creating the most new jobs — about three million annually. And if you look deeper, you will see that it’s a small number of small companies – usually young in their existence – creating these jobs.
Last year, the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program graduated more than 20 companies that are now succeeding with further assistance from the UCF programs such as GrowFL. And they are creating jobs.
Last year UCF accepted a record number of 64 new startup companies. Over the last 10 years, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 client companies that in 2011 accounted for more than 1,600 new jobs.
What kinds of businesses are these?
A St. Cloud company helps Florida ranchers and farmers sell fresh, locally grown foods to Florida restaurants and hotels. A Daytona Beach graduate company is gearing up to mass-produce its patented wind turbines that out perform anything on the market. A client company in Kissimmee recently completed filming a feature length motion picture.
In Leesburg, a client company produces award winning video series on healthcare and is doing it so well that the National Business Incubation Association awarded them the title of 2012 Outstanding Incubator Client in the Non-technology category. A client company in the Central Florida Research Park developed a GIS platform that helps disaster management agencies cope with tornadoes and hurricanes.
The UCF Business Incubation Program is one of thousands of similar programs nationwide. At UCF, client companies range from industry leaders in laser photonics, simulation technology, rapid prototyping, web development and alternative energy to a commercial delivery service for area restaurants.
America’s greatness lies in our ability to adapt to new conditions with innovation and enthusiasm. That spirit of innovation, enthusiasm combined with perseverance and an entrepreneurial culture is what made America so prosperous for so long. It continues to be played out daily in small, young startup companies all across the country.
What can we really do? Increase the success rate of these companies and you create greater prosperity. A recent study reported that five-year survival rate of Florida establishments is 37 percent. That value places Florida dead last in the US in that statistical category. That’s right, 50th. Without even passing judgment on the good or bad thing, just think of the consequences of increasing that rate by 5% or 10%. Cultivation of fertile ground wherein companies can be successful benefits everyone.
Not all companies will survive, but we should create a nurturing environment where an entrepreneur’s lack of experience can be mitigated and pure market forces can be the major determining factor in their survival rate. That’s where you’ll find the real wealth of our region and nation!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty sale of Auburndale Estate to Canadian buyer nets highest price in more than a year
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty recently sold an estate home in Auburndale to a Canadian farmer who paid the highest price for any residential property in the Auburndale area in more than a year.
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said International Luxury Home Specialist Chris Wilson in the firm’s Orlando/Dr. Phillip’s Marketing Center negotiated the sale.
By all accounts, the estate was well worth the record price.
Situated on 20 hilltop acres with lake views, the property is already zoned RL-2, which allows two to five units per acre if developed.
The 4,400 square foot Arthur Rutenberg home offers four bedrooms, three baths, a game room and a tropical screened pool and spa, a three car garage and its own spring-fed pond.
A 5,000 square foot custom metal building on the site is fully air conditioned with offices, bathroom facilities, a car lift and 18 foot doors, Wilson said.
“The sale we negotiated represents the highest price paid for any residential property in Auburndale for more than a year.”
About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said International Luxury Home Specialist Chris Wilson in the firm’s Orlando/Dr. Phillip’s Marketing Center negotiated the sale.
By all accounts, the estate was well worth the record price.
Situated on 20 hilltop acres with lake views, the property is already zoned RL-2, which allows two to five units per acre if developed.
The 4,400 square foot Arthur Rutenberg home offers four bedrooms, three baths, a game room and a tropical screened pool and spa, a three car garage and its own spring-fed pond.
A 5,000 square foot custom metal building on the site is fully air conditioned with offices, bathroom facilities, a car lift and 18 foot doors, Wilson said.
“The sale we negotiated represents the highest price paid for any residential property in Auburndale for more than a year.”
About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.
Two Ready-To-Move-In Homes Are Now Available at Mira Bay in Apollo Beach in Tampa Bay region
TAMPA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes now has two ready-to-move-in homes available at its community of Mira Bay in Apollo Beach in the Tampa Bay region.
Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said one of the homes has three bedrooms, with 2,234 square feet of living area, while the other, a four bedroom home has 2,705 square feet.
The two ready-to-move-in homes at Mira Bay are priced from $269,990, Roche said.
Ashton Woods Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies with operations in growth communities in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Raleigh and Tampa. For more information, visit http://www.ashtonwoods.com .
Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said one of the homes has three bedrooms, with 2,234 square feet of living area, while the other, a four bedroom home has 2,705 square feet.
The two ready-to-move-in homes at Mira Bay are priced from $269,990, Roche said.
Ashton Woods Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies with operations in growth communities in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Raleigh and Tampa. For more information, visit http://www.ashtonwoods.com .
CUHACI & PETERSON ARCHITECTS NAMES THREE NEW PROFESSIONALS TO STAFF
ORLANDO, Fla – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently named three new professionals to its staff, Lonnie Peterson, chairman, said.
Manuel Gonzalez who was named an architectural graduate received his Bachelor of Architecture from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and has more than 12 years of experience in the industry.
Marcos Del Orbe who was named senior project coordinator holds a Bachelors of Design from the University of Florida and has 19 years of experience in the industry.
Keith Brown, named permitting coordinator, attended Valencia College and has 12 years of experience in the industry.
Manuel Gonzalez who was named an architectural graduate received his Bachelor of Architecture from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and has more than 12 years of experience in the industry.
Marcos Del Orbe who was named senior project coordinator holds a Bachelors of Design from the University of Florida and has 19 years of experience in the industry.
Keith Brown, named permitting coordinator, attended Valencia College and has 12 years of experience in the industry.
Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Design Interior for New York Diner near Orlando International Airport
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects was recently awarded a contract to design the interior of the New York Diner located at Orlando Gateway on S.R. 436 and the Beachline Expressway near Orlando International Airport.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the design project totals 4,800 square feet of restaurant space.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the design project totals 4,800 square feet of restaurant space.
Cuhaci & Peterson selected to design four Aldi Supermarkets in North and South Carolina and in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park has been awarded a contract to design four Aldi Supermarkets in located in North and South Carolina and Orlando
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said each of the supermarket facilities will total 18,000 square feet of retail space.
The Aldi Supermarket facilities are located in Salisbury and Indian Trails, N.C., in Columbia, S.C. and at U.S. 192 and Vineland Rd. in Southwest Orlando near Disney World.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said each of the supermarket facilities will total 18,000 square feet of retail space.
The Aldi Supermarket facilities are located in Salisbury and Indian Trails, N.C., in Columbia, S.C. and at U.S. 192 and Vineland Rd. in Southwest Orlando near Disney World.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
LENNAR’S ACES PROGRAM OFFERS SIX PERCENT COMMISSIONS FOR TOP ORLANDO REALTORS
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division is now offering top area Realtors one of the highest commissions ever on the closings of new ready-to-move-in homes.
Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Realtors will receive an additional one percent commission – or a total of six percent – on sales of new ready-to-move-in homes in all Lennar communities if they register for Lennar’s ACES Realtor program at www.lennarlovesrealtors.com and successfully complete the online orientation program and pass the test.
Visit www.Lennar.com.
Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Realtors will receive an additional one percent commission – or a total of six percent – on sales of new ready-to-move-in homes in all Lennar communities if they register for Lennar’s ACES Realtor program at www.lennarlovesrealtors.com and successfully complete the online orientation program and pass the test.
Visit www.Lennar.com.
Lennar’s Central Florida Division to open new model home in June at Independence in Winter Garden
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division will open a new model home at Independence, located off Independence Parkway and Fiquette Road near Windermere in Winter Garden.
Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said The Rio model home offers six bedrooms, three baths and a loft in 2,603 square feet of living space with a two car garage.
The Rio model will be priced from the $230s, Metheny said.
Lennar is building single family homes with attached and detached garages as well as townhomes with garages priced from the $160s at Independence.
Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said The Rio model home offers six bedrooms, three baths and a loft in 2,603 square feet of living space with a two car garage.
The Rio model will be priced from the $230s, Metheny said.
Lennar is building single family homes with attached and detached garages as well as townhomes with garages priced from the $160s at Independence.
Ryland Homes Starts Sales of New Homes in Fourth Phase at Ashton Oaks in Wesley Chapel
TAMPA, Fla. – Ryland Homes has started sales of 43 new single family homes priced from $146,990 to $200,990 in the newest phase at Ashton Oaks, located at on Ashton Oaks Blvd. off SR 54 in Wesley Chapel.
Tony Crimi, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said new three, four and five bedroom single family homes at Ashton Oaks range in size from 1,274 square feet of living space to 2,259 square feet.
Ashton Oaks features a community pool and cabana.
For more information please go to www.ryland.com/tampa.
About Ryland Homes
With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation’s largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. The company currently operates in 13 states across the country and has built more than 295,000 homes and financed more than 245,000 mortgages since its founding in 1967. Ryland is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RYL.” Visit www.Ryland.com
Tony Crimi, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said new three, four and five bedroom single family homes at Ashton Oaks range in size from 1,274 square feet of living space to 2,259 square feet.
Ashton Oaks features a community pool and cabana.
For more information please go to www.ryland.com/tampa.
About Ryland Homes
With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation’s largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. The company currently operates in 13 states across the country and has built more than 295,000 homes and financed more than 245,000 mortgages since its founding in 1967. Ryland is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RYL.” Visit www.Ryland.com
NAI Realvest Negotiates Lease of Herndon Center Office Space to a National Non-Profit
Maitland, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 2,000 square feet of office space at Herndon Center, 615-F Herndon Ave. in Orlando.
Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest, negotiated the lease representing the landlord, LBJ Properties of Winter Park. The tenant, Mi Familia Vota education fund, is a nationwide non-profit organization providing technical education to young Hispanic workers, and was represented by Will Watkins of Coughlin Commercial.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIRealvest.com.
Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest, negotiated the lease representing the landlord, LBJ Properties of Winter Park. The tenant, Mi Familia Vota education fund, is a nationwide non-profit organization providing technical education to young Hispanic workers, and was represented by Will Watkins of Coughlin Commercial.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIRealvest.com.
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