But it reached a point, as many small businesses do, when it became difficult to keep growing while also handling the back-office tasks that go along with running a business, like accounting, human resources and payroll. So, when GCG Construction got the chance to enter into a partnership with Kentucky-based Abel Construction Company in 2025, the timing couldn’t have been better.

“From our first meeting, we knew they were people we wanted to work with,” says Lerin Byrd, president and co-owner of GCG Construction alongside her husband, Teely Byrd. “They aligned closely with our core values and with how we treat our clients, subcontractors and employees. The partnership has allowed us to step back from some of the in-house administrative responsibilities and focus more fully on our clients and on what we do best.”

Bill Abel Jr., owner and CEO of Abel Construction Company, has spent time in Southwest Florida for years, so he was well aware of the opportunities in the market. “Our company has been growing a lot in the last 10 years, and with me spending more time down here, it just became apparent that having a more formal business enterprise in this market would make sense,” he says.

The shared philosophies of both companies made joining forces a smart move. “Lerin and Teely have cultivated a strong client base and built lasting, trusted relationships over the years they’ve been in business,” says Abel. “They’ve built up a really nice following of people who trust them and rely on them to help them through their construction needs. But they were at a spot where they were sort of stuck from a growth perspective. Our partnership will offer them a lot of support and the kind of resources they didn’t have before, which allows them to focus on taking care of clients.”

While GCG Construction is now part of the Abel Family of Businesses, the company has retained its existing leadership team, staff and office location. “This is a true partnership,” says Teely Byrd. “We’re still here, and we still have a voice. Putting our clients first has always been our priority, and that isn’t changing. Abel shares that same mindset. We don’t shy away from tough situations; we do whatever it takes to support the client. That commitment is here to stay.”

What has changed is the access GCG now has to resources like human resources and accounting services, as well as the eight decades of experience Abel Construction Company brings to the table. “We have a lot of experience, and in construction, that’s everything,” says Abel. “GCG now has a much deeper bench of people and experience that they can pull from.”

The partnership will help GCG capitalize on growth opportunities. “With our resources, they can be more for their existing clients,” says Abel. “They can do more; they can do bigger projects. It gives them greater reach and capabilities to serve the network of customers they have now.”

The partnership may also create opportunities to connect with new clients. “If some of Abel’s national clients are looking to enter the Florida market, we are well positioned to support them,” says Lerin Byrd. “Our philosophy has always been ‘slow and steady wins the race,’ and Abel shares that approach. Having the backing of a larger organization gives us greater confidence in pursuing larger projects, knowing we have the staff and resources in place to serve those clients well.”

The two companies now have a jointly branded office in Naples. “I think through our partnership, GCG now has more of a regional footprint stretching from Southwest Florida all the way to the Midwest,” says Abel. “Now if they have a client based in the Florida market that might want to do a project in Nashville or Indianapolis, they don’t have to call anyone else. They can call GCG and get that done for them.”

“Having those relationships means it’s kind of the easy button,” he continues. “They can call the same people they’ve always dealt with and know they’ll get the same level of quality and service they’ve always had.”

GETTING THE JOB DONE

GCG’s focus on client relationships and quality work means the company has a lot of repeat clients. The firm builds trust with clients from the first meeting and then throughout the process with a high level of ownership involvement in each project.

“We generally don’t hard-bid a large portion of our work,” says Teely Byrd. “Instead, we focus on negotiated projects or open-book arrangements, so we’re involved from the very beginning. While many general contractors take a similar approach, what sets us apart is our level of detail, hands-on involvement and genuine care for our clients. We work to advise them clearly, share the information that truly matters and be transparent and upfront about schedules and costs.”

GCG recently completed the MarineMax Fort Myers Yacht Sales & Service Center, a state-of-the-art waterfront amenity set on 20 acres. The development features a 30,000sf hybrid sales and service facility with 40-foot-high service bays capable of accommodating a wide range of vessels, along with 276 rack storage spaces, 128 wet slips, a fuel station, a member’s lounge and a full-service waterside restaurant.

“That project was a true design-build effort, with our team working closely with the architects and engineers upfront,” says Teely Byrd. “We invested significant time coming up with value engineering and design solutions to accommodate the client’s budget. Delivering a project of that scale within those financial parameters required creativity and collaboration across the entire team. By working closely with the designers and subcontractors, we were able to deliver a facility that is both beautiful and functional to meet our client’s needs.”

Another notable recent project for GCG is the completion of the Marketplace at Coconut Point, a retail and dining destination in Estero. The 11-acre development includes pad-ready sites for McDonald’s and Miller’s Ale House, along with three separate retail shell buildings totaling more than 30,000sf.

That project was the first time Jeffrey J. Williams, chief development officer for Konover South, had worked with GCG Construction. “They were an exceptional contracting company; they were very organized and very efficient,” he says. “They had the very rare combination of an excellent superintendent, project manager and ownership. It’s very hard to find all three of those on a project that are excellent and work in step with each other, and all three of those were excellent with them. GCG would absolutely be our first call for any other project we did in Southwest Florida.”

Williams also recognized the skills Lerin Byrd brought to the table, especially as a woman in the male-dominated construction industry. “Lerin was phenomenal,” he says. “She was very tough, very fair, and very accessible and on hand and involved in the project where she needed to be. We had great communication with her, and she helped us work through a ton of problems on a very difficult project in a very difficult municipality. GCG was essential to our success.”

“That project presented significant challenges, and we were able to overcome all of them,” says Lerin Byrd. “It’s a strong testament to our ability to support our clients, navigate numerous complex issues and guide them successfully through the entire process.”

Taking care of clients will always remain central to GCG Construction, even as the company transitions into its new partnership with Abel Construction Company. “We knew that if we were going to grow, we didn’t want to do it alone,” says Teely Byrd. “Partnering with a larger, well-established company gives us the support we need to grow thoughtfully, while continuing to take on work we know we can deliver exceptionally well. That’s how we’ve always operated.”

Decades of experience and long ties to the Southwest Florida community have made Better Buildings, Inc. (BBINC) one of the most-trusted steel building contractors and erectors in the region.

The company originally began in the 1990s as a division of metal building manufacturing firm Dean Steel Buildings, Inc. After years of growth, Jeff Richards and Jeanette Dean Richards purchased 100% of the company from the other members of the Dean family at the end of 2019, creating a totally independent business providing steel building erection and commercial construction services.

The company specializes in supplying and erecting steel buildings, with a general contracting side that builds turnkey projects from the ground up and another division that acts more as a subcontractor to supply and erect steel buildings for projects run by other firms. “We are steel building specialists,” says Jeff. “We’re looked upon within the community and among our peers as experts in steel buildings.”

Both Jeff and Jeanie have their general contractor license (Jeanie recently got hers), and Jeff also has a roofing license. Additionally, Jeanie has a real estate broker’s license, which comes in handy for projects involving the purchase of land or an existing building.

The couple and the firm are involved with organizations like the Lee Building Industry Association (Lee BIA), Associated Builders and Contractors, and American Subcontractors Association, along with a number of community and charitable endeavors. Jeff sits on the board of the Lee BIA; Jeanie is a member of Lee County’s Horizon Council representing the Gulf Coast Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors and a member of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

You can find many examples of BBINC’s work throughout the Fort Myers area. It’s provided general contracting or supply and erect services for local companies and out-of-town clients like equipment rental and servicing firm Skyworks, marine construction firm Kelly Brothers, Amigos Fort Myers, Eagle Moving and A&E Truck Service, as well as numerous large supply and erect projects for Seagate Development Group.

BBINC does a lot of repeat work both as a subcontractor and with general contracting clients and is considered a negotiated/referral contractor. A prime example of repeat business is the relationship that developed after the company served as general contractor for dining and entertainment venue Backyard Social in Fort Myers. The owners were so pleased with the results that they’re working with BBINC again on the new Backyard Social location in Lakewood Ranch, which will be more than 50% larger than the Fort Myers site.

“We’ve worked with several different companies in the past, and they’re the easiest and best to work with,” says John Mann III, co-owner of Backyard Social with Mathew Baum. “They’re straightforward; they make the process easy and take a lot off your plate. There are a lot of unknowns in the construction industry, and they help answer a lot of it and simplify the process.”

The Lakewood Ranch site should start going vertical soon. Mann is also considering building a storage facility in Fort Myers, and if he does, he knows who his general contractor will be. “BBINC is the only group that we’re going to work with—and we’re pretty picky,” says Mann.

That kind of loyalty is a trademark for BBINC and something they work to build with their general contracting clients, the firms they work with as subcontractors and their own subcontractors. “I’m from here and Jeff has been here for more than 50 years,” says Jeanie. “People know that we’re not just a fly-by-night company. We have connections and we know who to get to. It’s a trust thing with us, because we are from here.”

Jay Allison, managing partner for Amigos Fort Myers and president of Aqua Air, has “nothing but good things to say” about his experience working with BBINC after the company built two buildings for Amigos Fort Myers. “Working with them has been a real pleasure,” he says. “They exceeded my expectations. Sometimes working with contractors can be challenging, but working with Jeff has always been great.

“The thing I really like about him is his concern that the project be successful,” Allison continues. “And they’re willing to do what needs to happen to make it successful. They try to tailor what they do to what the client needs, and Jeff is very involved in working with clients like me and making sure the project is something that works for them. That’s what really sets them apart.”

On the subcontractor side, BBINC recently developed a relationship with commercial construction firm Owen- Ames-Kimball (O-A-K) while working on a nine-building T-hangar project at Page Field. The company also built a hangar for an aircraft sales company out of South Dakota.

Seeing that hangar helped new client Gary Pearl, owner of Pearl Companies, decide to hire BBINC to build a hangar for his business and personal use at Page Field. “Jeff has been awesome to work with,” says Pearl. “He’s very responsive, and they really know what they’re doing, because they’ve got a lot of experience. It’s been a pleasure.”

The project is close to completion, and Pearl appreciates how BBINC has kept everything moving. “They’re excellent communicators, and they did a nice job in running the subs,” he says. “They did a nice job driving that process in the nicest way possible. I absolutely would work with them again.”

BBINC’s years of experience have helped the firm know what works, and what doesn’t. “We do not try to fix anything not broken,” says Jeff. “What we really promote is our team approach.

“I use the term ‘our team’ a lot,” he continues. “Our team consists of our office here and our in-house erection crews, and also the subs we’ve worked with for 10-plus years. We use the same subs 95% of the time on every project, and we’ve done that consistently for 10-plus years in a row. Our niche in the market is how we treat our clients and our subs and our employees, that family and team approach.”

B&I Contractors, which installs and services mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, has been working as a trade partner with BBINC for decades. “They’re very easy to work with, and we understand each other’s way of working,” says Karen Dugas, director of marketing for B&I Contractors. “And because we’ve had a long-standing relationship for many years, if there’s ever an issue—which there rarely is—we know we can pick up the phone and work through it.”

Both companies also share a similar corporate culture. “I believe that they are always very personable with their clients, both in the business and the public sector,” says Dugas. “They hold true to servicing clients and making sure they are doing the best they can possibly do for their clientele.”

Dugas says that B&I Contractors trusts BBINC’s abilities so much that the company is involved in B&I’s own headquarters expansion project in Fort Myers. Stevens Construction is the general contractor for the expansion, and BBINC is handling some of the steel building erection for the project.

“They have been doing metal building contracting for many years,” says Dugas. “And the fact that Jeanie just got her GC license? We’re proud of the fact that another woman in our midst is changing how Southwest Florida sees contractors in this area.”

“I know that women do participate a lot in the construction industry, but they don’t get recognition,” says Jeanie. “They’re the behind-the-scenes people, doing the quoting and the administrative work. But they’re now getting into project management; they’re in the field and on-site in general.

“In my opinion, women are more detailed,” she continues. “They’re reliable to the point of what they say they’re going to do, they do. I just don’t think they get recognized enough.”

In getting licensed as a general contractor, Jeanie will help move that conversation forward, just as the business itself keeps moving in a forward direction. BBINC’s sales almost tripled in 2023 and 2024, and sales also increased in 2025. “We’re a growing company,” says Jeff.

“We’re noticing some more out-ofstate clients reaching out to us more and more,” says Jeanie. “Times are changing a little bit, which is kind of exciting.”

When Todd and Natalie Firmstone came to Southwest Florida on vacation five years ago, they weren’t expecting to relocate. But the general contractors from Illinois with more than 25 years of experience started to see the business opportunities here, especially after a nearby resident asked them about painting his house.

“We started driving around talking to people,” recalls Todd. “And they said, ‘We need good people down here.’”

So the couple made the move and opened Cape Coral–based Bulldog Atlantic Construction & Design. They started out working for investment companies that were flipping houses, but they soon began realizing they could fill a need in the local market.

The certified woman-owned company offers water damage restoration and mold remediation services and is licensed in luxury remodeling and construction, roofing and pool construction. It’s also a GAF-certified residential roofing contractor (GAF is one of the biggest asphalt shingle manufacturers in the industry). Since Bulldog Atlantic Construction & Design has all of these different capabilities and holds the necessary licenses, it can serve as a one-stop shop for homeowners, associations, property management companies and other clients with multifaceted jobs.

Say a hurricane damaged the roofs and interiors of multiple units at a condo complex, as well as the community’s pool area. Bulldog Atlantic could handle everything needed to repair all of the damage to the property.

“Now when something happens, they don’t need to try to get ahold of seven different contractors and hope they’re going to coordinate with each other properly,” says Natalie. “We’ve done the hard work already.

“A lot of people think of a general contractor and just think ‘builder,’” she continues. “For us, that’s not necessarily what a general contractor means to us. It’s more of managing your project. We bring more of an all-inclusive package where we’re managing your project for you, so you don’t have to. We really do everything.”

The couple also have experience with insurance claims that go along with things like water and storm damage, a major plus in this area when property owners often need to deal with the aftermath of hurricanes and tropical storms. “We have handled insurance claims for 15 years, so we’re able to help them through the process,” says Natalie. “We’re really able to help with what they need and make sure they’re taken care of.”

SMALL COMPANY, BIG CAPABILITIES

Shawna Matheson appreciated the convenience of working with the Firmstones’ company when Hurricane Ian damaged her vacation home in Cape Coral. She and her husband were at their primary residence in Minnesota when the storm hit and weren’t sure where to turn for help in assessing the damage to their property. Then she saw a Facebook post from Bulldog Atlantic and reached out to the company.

“Natalie got back to me right away, and they were in there within a couple of days,” says Matheson. “We had about three feet of water in our home, and they were able to remove everything before any mold came in. I’m so thankful I saw that post.”

The Company handled water damage restoration services for her and then helped with her remodeling needs. That included redoing elements of the kitchen that weren’t necessarily storm damaged but made sense to renovate while everything else was going on.

“They were able to redesign the kitchen space and make it a little more open,” says Matheson. “I like it better now. The whole house is wonderful. I’ve given their name out (to people), and I definitely would recommend them because they were great.”

Bulldog Atlantic has the flexibility to work on big projects with lots of components and smaller jobs like roof leaks or one-room renovations. “We have the capabilities to be large if we need to be, but we’re also a small mom-and-pop company,” says Natalie. “So for a simple bathroom remodel, you’re still getting the same quality service.

“We just have a really good work ethic; we’re old school,” she continues. “Todd likes to see people and shake their hand. You’re not just a number to us. We want to know you as a person. We’ll sit with clients talking about their grandchildren; not many contractors are going to do something like that.”

Juanita Eckert definitely felt like more than just a number when Bulldog Atlantic helped her and her husband, Tom, with a difficult situation. They had run into trouble with the original builder of their home in Cape Coral and needed to find someone to finish the job.

“It was scary biting another bullet to trust somebody else, but we had a really good feeling with Todd and Natalie,” says Eckert. “They both answered questions on our level as homeowners, and they just treated us right from the very beginning.”

She appreciated the company’s timeliness and quality of work. “Todd was willing to be there every day overseeing his crew and making sure things were done right and on the timeline he told us,” says Eckert. “He told us he could get us in there in less than 12 weeks and boy, he was right on schedule. He was just everything that he said; his word was good.”

She was so happy with the company’s work that she referred them to other homeowners who’d also had trouble with their original builder. “I blasted it all over Facebook how good they were and how they took care of us,” she says.

The Firmstones take that same approach with all of their clients. “Our goals are their goals,” says Todd. “Their vision is our vision.”

FIRST-CHOICE FIRM

Bulldog Atlantic Construction & Design works throughout Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties with residential and commercial customers. And it also does work nationally for Blue Cloud Pediatric Surgery Centers after first handling a water remediation and renovation project at its Fort Myers surgery center.

Jamie Heater, vice president of facility development for Blue Cloud, had such a positive experience working with Bulldog Atlantic in Fort Myers that it’s become her go-to company whenever any Blue Cloud facilities need some TLC. “Todd and Natalie have done projects as small as repaints for us, and they’ve also done full renovations to medical health care facilities,” says Heater. “Their crew is efficient and friendly, and they understand health care construction, which is a whole different beast. They’re flexible with timing, and they understand that in our world things can change.”

Working on health care projects requires following and understanding a whole host of rules and regulations. The Firmstones have experience in the realm that they bring to their relationship with Blue Cloud. “Every inspection we’ve had since we started working with them, we’ve passed with flying colors with no building issues or concerns,” says Heater.

Blue Cloud’s focus on pediatric patients also means materials and finishes need to be kid-friendly and durable. “Todd just goes above and beyond,” says Heater. “He researches different things. The way Todd thinks of things has been really refreshing.”

Bulldog Atlantic Construction & Design recently completed a full renovation of Blue Cloud’s Milwaukee surgery center and will be doing two projects for Blue Cloud in South Carolina this fall. “If I can have a crew that I know and trust, I’m going to use that crew every time,” says Heater. “So for all of my smaller projects or renovation projects, I’m calling Todd and Natalie first.”

The Firmstones hope that other commercial and residential clients will make Bulldog Atlantic Construction & Design their go-to company for renovation and restoration work. “We want people to know that we’re just like your next-door neighbor,” says Natalie. “We’re going to treat your home or building like it’s our own.”

You probably know Seagate Develop­ment Group for the many commercial projects it’s worked on throughout Lee County and beyond. The company’s port­folio includes everything from Scotlynn’s North American headquarters to sites at Alico Trade Center for Vantage Logis­tics, Beacon Roofing, California Closets, Trend Moving and Velocity Engineering.

Within its commercial division, though, the company has also worked with multiple government clients around the area on projects like the new Marco Island Collections and Distribution Building and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Fort Myers Regional Operations Center, which recently broke ground. Seagate serves those clients the same way it works with other commercial clients, offering options to best suit the particular project and each client’s needs.

Government clients can choose to work with Seagate through a build-to-suit model. Seagate can serve as a single point of contact for a project, coordinating with a client’s chosen architects, engi­neers and consultants on elements like site selection, design, pre-construction budgeting and value engineering, and the actual construction of the project. This helps streamline the building process and ensure that everything stays on track.

Seagate can also take on any or all these functions for clients. When it comes to site development, the company does much more than just scrape dirt. It can handle everything from due diligence and site feasibility to entitlements and permitting for clients.

“We acquire, assess and manage your land as well as connect you with agencies to take the property into its next phases of growth,” says Matthew Price, CEO and partner at Seagate Development Group. “Your goals are our goals as we work hard to increase the desirability of your land.”

Seagate can provide construction management and general contracting services for government clients, oversee­ing construction scheduling and supervi­sion, cost control and value engineer­ing, subcontractor management, safety administration and quality control, and other tasks. “As a general contractor and construction manager, we combine the highest industry standards with excellent quality control, delivering your dream project on time and on budget,” says Price.

With more than 10 million square feet of real estate development, construction and property management under its belt, the company brings years of experience and a wealth of expertise to every project it works on. Seagate Development Group was launched in 2015 by three accom­plished real estate professionals – William Price, James Nulf and Matthew Price. Serving both residential and commercial clients, Seagate’s dedicated team possesses a unique understanding of development, construction and the financing of real es­tate development and construction, allow­ing the company to customize individual projects based on each client’s goals.

Working with government clients adds some extra layers to the develop­ment and construction process that Seagate knows how to navigate. That includes working through complex gov­ernment rules and procedures, managing security-sensitive environments, and coordinating with multiple agencies and stakeholders to streamline communica­tion and decision-making.

“We understand the unique demands of working with government entities – from strict compliance and rigorous budgeting to accelerated timelines – and we approach every project with the pre­cision, transparency and accountability that public service deserves,” says Wil­liam Price, chairman of the board and partner at Seagate Development Group. “We respect the heightened security and confidentiality these projects require, even under the spotlight of public interest and political pressures, and we take pride in successfully navigating those pressures with excellence.”

In 2023, Seagate completed the in­stallation of new emergency generator systems at four Lee County emergency shelter locations: Veterans Park and Recreation Center in Lehigh Acres, Alico Arena and Treeline Elementary School in south Fort Myers, and Manatee El­ementary School in east Fort Myers. After a lengthy bidding process, the Lee County Board of County Commission­ers procured the services of Seagate De­velopment Group to handle the critical upgrades, which included demolishing the old equipment, installing new state-of-the-art Generac industrial generators and transfer switches, and completing necessary structural, concrete and ma­sonry work for the installation.

For the 7,123-square-foot Marco Island Collections and Distribution Building, Seagate served as construction manager for both vertical construction and horizontal construction elements like paving, grading and drainage. “The Marco Island Collections and Distribution Build­ing is designed to coordinate essential city utility services while providing a safe, fully operational space for city maintenance staff during hurricanes,” says Price. “Built above flood stage and equipped with a backup generator, it strengthens the city’s logistical backbone, creates an efficient hub to streamline operations and positions the community for future growth.”

Seagate recently broke ground on the new Fort Myers Regional Opera­tions Center for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, set on 8.28 acres northwest of the Alico Road interchange at I-75. The company is handling site development and general contracting for the design-build project, and Seagate will manage the building after construction. The project is expected to take 13 months to complete and will replace the former Fort Myers Regional Operations Center site at Page Field that was structurally damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022.

“This facility represents advanced design, resilient construction and func­tional efficiency,” Price said at the groundbreaking. “Every element has been thoughtfully engineered to meet the critical needs of law enforcement and serve as a forward-thinking resource for the community.”

The approximately 64,000-square-foot site will include Class A office space, specialized laboratory areas for FDLE’s forensic services, a modern training center and warehouse facility, bringing together FDLE’s essential divisions un­der one roof. “Each element is tailored to support FDLE’s critical mission of promoting public safety and providing investigative and forensic services across the region,” says Price.

“As with the investigations our agents and analysts conduct, the disciplines that our forensic scientists practice and the support that all members provide to ac­complish FDLE’s mission, FDLE extends the same level of excellence and innova­tion through this project,” said FDLE Fort Myers Special Agent in Charge Eli Lawson at the groundbreaking. “FDLE is growing, and the department has nurtured that growth with top-of-the-line facilities, equipment and people.”

Seagate Development Group is also serving as construction manager for a new utilities administration facility for the City of North Port off Pan Ameri­can Boulevard. Seagate’s first project for the city government, it will feature four buildings as well as a pipe storage canopy and outdoor parking canopy. The new site will replace the city’s former utilities facility that was made uninhabitable by Hurricane Ian, with construction ex­pected to be finished by fall 2026.

“This groundbreaking represents a new chapter for our utilities department,” Nancy Gallinaro, City of North Port utilities director, said in a media release following the project’s March 2025 groundbreaking. “After the challenges posed by Hurricane Ian, we’re excited to provide our staff with a modern, resilient facility that will enhance their ability to serve our community.”

“As our first project for the City of North Port, this build is both a privilege and an exciting milestone,” adds Price. “Despite challenges like clearing dense woods and navigating relentless summer rains, our team’s expertise and adaptabil­ity have kept the project on track. It’s also opened the door to expanding Seagate’s expertise into new regions, delivering the same quality and commitment that have defined us elsewhere.”

“Government clients choose Seagate because we pair the operational disci­pline of a large-scale contractor with the flexibility and responsiveness of a partner who treats each project as mission-criti­cal,” says James Nulf, president and part­ner at Seagate Development Group. “We understand that for government builds, the stakes are higher – public trust, safety and operational readiness depend on getting it right. And we deliver.”

Water, mold, smoke or storm dam­age is never something a property owner wants to face. But when it happens, they need someone they can trust to guide them through a stressful situation.

That’s why Ken Brown, CEO of Bonita Springs–based Aeret Restoration, draws inspiration from his family. “It comes down to: be respectful, be kind and be fair,” he says. “A lot of great things can come from that.”

That philosophy extends to Aeret’s internal culture. Founded in 2017, the company serves clients from Marco Island to Sarasota, with plans to expand in other parts of Florida over the next two years. “Our company culture is second to none,” says Brown.

Aeret is built on four core values: respect, humility, positivity and integ­rity. “We do what we say—always,” says Brown, who brings nearly 30 years of experience in the building industry. “If we say we’re going to do something, we follow through.”

“We’re humble—we don’t pretend to know everything,” he continues. “And while we’re not perfect, we respond quickly when something goes wrong. We fix it fast.”

At Aeret, positivity means approach­ing every project with a solution-first mindset. “There’s always an answer,” says Brown. “We love solving problems for our clients.”

Communication plays a central role in Aeret’s success. The team uses a ro­bust internal job management system to keep everyone—staff and clients—on the same page.

“Our clients always know what’s happening at any given moment,” says Brown. “We’re intentional about ensuring communication is clear and expectations are consistently met by our field team.”

“We aim to deliver not just what the client expected—but more,” he adds. “We strive for a high level of consistency between what we promise and what we actually deliver.”

Aeret serves both residential and commercial clients, operates 24/7 and maintains a 30-minute average response time for inquiries. Relationship-building is a top priority, and that commitment shows in customer feedback, which con­sistently highlights the team’s empathy and professionalism.

Clients often describe Aeret as “com­petent and professional in every detail,” and praise the team’s “willingness to go above and beyond.”

The company also offers an exclusive CARE Priority Program, a pre-disaster planning service for a select group of clients—typically luxury high-rises, medical facilities and other large-scale properties. Due to high demand, there is often a waiting list.

“We take the time to know the prop­erty and the people who manage it,” says Brown. “We digitally document every­thing. In the event of an emergency, our team and the property’s facilities staff are already aligned—we know what to do, how to do it and what protocols apply to that specific building.”

With Southwest Florida experiencing increasingly active hurricane seasons in recent years, Aeret has helped many businesses recover quickly.

“Being organized and having a well-executed plan is crucial,” says Brown. “Every day and every hour matters when a business is down. Our goal is to get them back up and running—fast and safe.”

“They’re very loyal to their custom­ers,” says Jacob Damouni, resort man­ager for Naples Grande Beach Resort, which Aeret Restoration helped reopen within 14 days after 2022’s Hurricane Ian. “Their dedication level is unbeliev­able. Every time you call, or you meet, you feel their full attention. I feel like, OK, I’m the most VIP person that they’re talking to at this point.”

GETTING BACK TO BUSINESS QUICKLY

Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach took steps to prepare for 2024’s Hurricane Helene, expecting to have some damage from the storm. However, the property was inundated by more water than anticipated, and more than 3.5 million pounds of sand wound up inside the resort’s Fins Up! Beach Club area.

Aeret Restoration got the call and sprang into action. “Our first step was to go out and assess the damage and come up with a game plan on how quickly we can get this put back together,” says Zach Licursi, business operations integrator at Aeret Restoration.

The work involved removing mucky sand from the resort’s beachfront areas without damaging its pool or any tiles on the pool deck, which would delay the recovery. “We really are trying to avoid any further damage, because even if that could get us done a day quicker, the repairs on the back end would bring us a bigger delay,” says Licursi.

Within four days, the resort’s Beach Club and Lah De Dah Beach Bar & Grill were operational. Then, just over a week later, Hurricane Milton started the storm preparation and recovery process all over again.

“With Milton, the job was even bigger,” says Yenier Marrero, general manager of Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach. “Because of how many other trades were involved in the cleanup process and restoration, this time it took us 14 days. But with all the dam­age we got from Milton and how fast we were able to recover, it was unbelievable. We’re still talking to people that don’t believe we were able to open the hotel in 14 days.”

Marrero has found that when Aeret Restoration makes a promise, the com­pany will deliver. “After hurricanes Mil­ton and Helene, Aeret Restoration went above and beyond in restoring the resort,” he says. “Their team worked efficiently, showing dedication and professionalism throughout the cleanup process. Thanks to their incredible effort, we were able to get the resort back up and running quickly. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this challenging time.

“If we get to the point where we need their services again,” says Marrero, “for sure we’ll call them.”

Another hurricane season is upon us, and Brown advises property owners to extensively document their sites ahead of any loss or damage. You’ll want to have photos, videos and other documentation of pre-loss conditions ready to assist with a speedy recovery.

Brown recommends opting for a lo­cally based restoration company instead of one that comes in after a storm from outside the area. “They’re working in the community every day,” he says. “So local companies are going to be the best bet.”

Aeret always focuses on the needs of the customer when putting a recovery plan together. “It’s always about doing what’s best for the client,” says Brown. “They trust us to guide them through difficult situations, and that trust comes with serious responsibility. When people are unsure of their next steps, it’s our job to provide clear, honest advice—espe­cially when the stakes are high.”

“We care deeply about our com­munity and treat everyone like family,” he says. “At the end of the day, our reputation and our name are what matter most. Everyone at Aeret takes pride in their work, and the positive feedback we receive from clients and partners reflects that. Maintaining that trust starts—and ends—with treating people the right way.”  

Lamb Jr. became a Florida licensed roofing contractor and Florida licensed building contractor in the 1990s and served as project manager for the largest asphalt shingle project in the United States at The Bluffs in Jupiter. When his father’s company expanded to Naples, he ran that division until forming his own contracting company, Lamb Construction Group, in 1997. In 1999, he started Gulf Western Roofing under the construction group after seeing a need in the area.

“I worked for my father in the roofing industry for 15 years,” says Lamb Jr. “And it gave me enough motivation and understanding of the industry to pursue my own business.”

Bonita Springs–based Gulf Western Roofing now works throughout Southwest and Central Florida, servicing clients from Collier County all the way up to St. Johns County. It offers roof installation, maintenance, and repair services for residential and commercial customers, as well as solar panel installation and hurricane response services.

The company’s staff of up to 275 (depending on the time of year) includes a number of managers who have been with the firm for at least 15 years. “In terms of roofing technology and know-how, we have over 200 years of experience collectively,” says Lamb Jr.

He himself has managed the installation of more than 3 million square feet of roofing products over his four decades in the business. He was one of the first contractors in the nation to be certified by the Roofing Sciences Institute in Denver and is one of only three RISE Certified Solar Roofing Professionals in Florida.

“Joe’s knowledge and his experience is phenomenal,” says Nick Stefanis, chief strategy officer for Gulf Western Roofing and a partner in the business with Lamb Jr. and Keith Reece. “I haven’t met too many people who can be as dynamic as he is. I’d put him up against any owner out there.”

Gulf Western Roofing celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024, and Lamb Jr. can point to several reasons for its longevity. “It’s really the values that we’ve adhered to,” he says. “It’s been 25 years of providing a high-quality product at a fair price.”

The relationships the company has built with its clients over its years in business also play a big part in its success. “The customer has trust in us,” says Lamb Jr. “It’s really about honoring what we told them we would do. And because of those relationships, we’re able to endure… It boils down to the relationships and just standing behind what you tell people you’re going to do.”

A big differentiator for the company? “We actually honor our warranty,” says Lamb Jr. “If something goes wrong, then we’re there to fix it.”

Gulf Western Roofing also considers jobsite safety a business imperative. The company invests in continuous safety training and rigorous compliance protocols across all crews to protect its workers, provide peace of mind for its clients, and prevent fines, project delays or even full shutdowns that could result from unsafe practices.

CARING FOR CUSTOMERS

Empathy is one of the company’s core values, and it knows that a roofing project isn’t easy on customers. “The reroofing process is annoying,” says Lamb Jr. “It’s noisy; it’s messy…We understand that what they want is for us to put the roof on quickly and efficiently and get out of their hair.

“We also understand what an incredible commitment and investment this is to protect your most valuable asset,” he continues. “So we hold our customers’ hands throughout the entire thing and stay in constant communication with them.”

“They’re very conscientious,” says Phil Wood, CEO of John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate, who has hired Gulf Western Roofing to replace the roofs on his personal home and two commercial buildings. “They’re very concerned about how their work will affect the homeowner or owner of the building they’re working on.

“I have recommended them a number of times,” he continues. “I feel like they do a great job, and I was very pleased with their work.”

In fact, the metal roof the company installed on his home has gone through three serious hurricanes with no issues. “I have had no problem at all—not the slightest thing,” says Wood.

It’s that kind of conscientiousness and care for the customer that helps the company stand out from the crowd. “When you put a roof on in Florida, everybody has to follow the code,” says Stefanis. “One guy’s not putting on a roof differently than the other guys. It’s how you’re managing your business internally that sets you apart. It’s the client relationships; it’s the vendor relationships. When you have those entrenched strong partnerships, it gives you the ability to have a competitive advantage.”

Hurricanes are a fact of life in these parts, and they can put both the company’s past work and its relationships to the test, especially when people swoop in after a storm looking to make a quick buck. “It more or less raises the stakes for those of us who have those relationships with material suppliers and labor groups and employees,” says Lamb Jr.

Gulf Western Roofing also works to ensure client relationships stay strong after a storm. “We don’t abandon our customers and chase all the inflated work and the inflated pricing,” says Lamb Jr. “We remain loyal to our customers and get their work done. We work together instead of just abandoning them and chasing re-roofings and repairs. Those decisions and dedication to the customer and what we’ve told them we would do are honestly one of the biggest reasons we’ve had these relationships this long.”

Tougher building codes implemented in the state since Hurricane Andrew have proven effective in Lamb Jr.’s experience, but he’s watching a new development in the Florida roofing industry closely.

“There’s a lot of discussion right now about the asphalt shingle roof in Florida and how valid it is to provide adequate resistance to hurricane-force winds, especially after the roof ages,” he says. “Asphalt shingles perform best in the first three years of existence. But as those shingles age, they lose their adhesive capability, and they tend to blow off the older the roof gets. Because of this, the insurance industry and state lawmakers are engaged in conversations right now on how to address this, and it may provide incentives to use metal roofing or tile roofing instead of shingles.”

RISING ABOVE CHALLENGES

For the company’s commercial clients, new advancements in adhesives are proving beneficial. “The industry is producing some incredible adhesives and coatings to enhance an existing roof system for several years,” says Lamb Jr. “Because of that, a lot of the big box stores and warehouses are moving to coatings instead of just tearing the roof off and reinstalling it. It’s more costeffective than putting on a new roof.”

When it comes to the company’s solar business, Lamb Jr. has seen the technology evolve at an incredible pace. “Five years ago, most of the available panels could only convert 17% of the energy they received to energy we could use,” he says. “Now the panels are achieving results of up to 40% or even more. Which means the panels can get smaller, and as they get smaller, they use less materials and become more affordable.”

He’s also seeing “some incredible stuff on the horizon with flexible solar panels, panels that you can roll up like you roll up a set of blueprints.” But solar remains a somewhat challenging sector in the state of Florida, and he says the biggest reason why is the state’s relatively young age.

When you compare Florida’s infrastructure to someplace like Detroit or Alexandria, Va., it’s much newer and therefore more efficient. This means the cost per kilowatt of electricity is cheaper in Florida than in areas with older infrastructure.

“When you lay down $20,000 for a system in, say, Detroit, it’s going to pay for itself faster than one in Florida,” says Lamb Jr. The longer length of time until a Florida solar installation pays for itself can make it less appealing to customers.

Hurricanes have been just one challenge Gulf Western Roofing has had to endure over its more than two decades in business. Economic downturns, real estate affordability and supply chain issues have also impacted the company over the years.

“The newest challenges with the new administration in D.C. are immigration and possible tariffs,” says Lamb Jr. “Tariff discussions are causing a mild level of chaos in terms of price control and the supply chain. Immigration has impacts on labor.

“So it falls back to the trust we have built with our repeat customers and our suppliers,” he continues. “This isn’t the first time tariffs have been implemented; this isn’t the first time supply chains have been disrupted. There’s always a crisis in the building business, and if you have the relationships and gain the trust of your customers, that’s really what helps you get through it.”

“The most important thing is, we really care about what we do,” says Stefanis. “We try to be the best at whatever we do. We don’t just put on a great roof. We run a great company, which makes our people happy. We have a high level of integrity and character and do things the right way—and we stick by that.”

Over more than 40 years in business, Massachusetts-based Groom Construc­tion has established strong relationships with several national retailers. The full-service general contracting and con­struction management firm works with them on projects around the country, but Florida has emerged as a hot spot for retail development.

“Companies like Target, CVS and TD Bank had a growing body of work in the state and wanted our help and retail construction expertise for those projects,” says Dwight Groom, a princi­pal at Groom Construction along with David Groom, Scott Faulkner and Tom Groom. “As we continued to develop our subcontractor network and hired more Florida-based employees, it became clear that it was a good idea to have a physical office in Florida.”

The firm chose Naples as its Florida home base, first opening a satellite of­fice in 2022 and then opening its more permanent location at 3415 Radio Road in October 2024. Some of the company’s principals already had connections and second homes in the area, so it made the expansion an easy move.

And a smart one. “Opening our Naples office brings significant advan­tages, strengthening our presence in the Southeastern U.S. and enhancing regional operations,” says Groom. “With a dedicated office, we can better oversee projects, manage timelines, and coordi­nate subcontractors more effectively, im­proving overall efficiency. It also allows for stronger collaboration with local staff, clients and partners, ensuring seamless communication and teamwork.”

Groom Construction specializes in retail construction at a national level but also works in the commercial, in­stitutional and multifamily sectors. The firm offers preconstruction consulting and design build services along with construction management and general construction services.

In Florida, Groom Construction has recently worked on several projects in the southern part of the state, including Gateway Plaza in Fort Pierce and mul­tiple projects for Target, TD Bank, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Hibbett, TJX and other retailers. In Southwest Florida, it’s com­pleted several non-retail projects at sites that include Four Winds Condominiums, Diplomat Club, GreenLinks Golf Vil­las at Lely Resort, Tarpon Cove, Royal Harbor and Tower Pointe at Arbor Trace.

The company hopes that’s just the be­ginning. “Establishing a base in Florida positions us to pursue more commercial and retail projects, tapping into a grow­ing market while also enhancing client support through faster response times and personalized service,” says Groom. “Our goal is to make Naples a true exten­sion of our home office in Salem, Mass., where we have built a strong reputation across multiple sectors of the construc­tion industry. We aim to establish the same level of recognition and expertise in South Florida as we have in New Eng­land, serving a diverse range of markets.”

It’s not without its challenges, though. “Entering a new market means building brand awareness and credibility, under­standing local market dynamics and establishing a strong team,” says Groom. “We are focusing on networking, form­ing local partnerships, and recruiting skilled talent who understand the area.

“We are only as good as the peo­ple who represent us,” he continues. “Knowledge and experience in both the managerial side as well as the trades is critical to success.”

Safety is a priority for the firm, and it takes a proactive approach to preventing injuries and accidents by auditing jobsites regularly, quickly correcting any unsafe conditions, and integrating safety into the pre-construction planning process. Giving back is also important, and the company has supported several non­profits in the communities it operates in.

The company knows it has many dif­ferentiators it can point to. “What sets us apart from other construction companies is our ability to grow the business without sacrificing our core values,” says Groom. “We recognize that as a company, you’re only as good as your last project, so we always want to leave a lasting impression with our clients.”

That definitely seems to be happen­ing. “Groom Construction has served as a construction manager and general con­tractor for hundreds of Best Buy projects throughout the United States, and we have been working with them for over 20 years,” says Kristine Lindeman, director of construction for Best Buy. “Groom has steadily become one of our largest, most reliable general contractors.”

Michael J. Jones, president and CEO of Massachusetts-based Institution for Savings agrees. “We have worked with many construction companies over the years, and our expectations are high. From our first meeting until the ribbon was cut, Groom Construction met those expectations at every step. Their team was courteous, professional, and, most importantly, efficient.”

Jonathan Lavash, founder of Jona­than Lavash Project Management in Massachusetts, echoes those sentiments. “As a consulting owner’s representative for a variety of institutional and private entities, I have worked with Groom Con­struction on many complex construction projects,” he says. “Groom Construction works as an excellent partner during pre­construction. They bring significant and relevant historical experience, and they work in a good teamwork fashion with the owner and design team.”

The firm’s years of experience and solid reputation are two assets Groom Construction will highlight as it con­tinues to get its name out in Southwest Florida and the rest of the state. It’s been named Construction Firm of the Year by Boston Real Estate Times in 2019 and 2023 and made the 2023 Inc. Region­als: Northeast list of fastest-growing companies in that region, among other accolades.

“We want people to know that even though we’ve only had a Florida office since 2022, we have been working in Florida for over 20 years, and Groom Construction has been around for 45-plus

years,” says Groom. “You can trust the fact that we aren’t going anywhere.

“Our long-standing reputation is built on trust, reliability and a commitment to excellence,” he continues. “Whether it’s ground-up construction, renovations or tenant improvements, we bring deep industry expertise, strong project man­agement and a client-focused approach to every job. Most importantly, we are here to stay. We are invested in building lasting relationships and contributing to the growth of the Southwest Florida community.”

“We’ve established a critical mass of a population base in Ave Maria,” says Cee Cee Marinelli, vice president of commercial real estate for Barron Collier Companies, the developer of Ave Maria. “There’s a lot of pent-up demand for commercial services, and it gives busi­nesses an opportunity to establish them­selves and grow with the community.”

Several businesses are doing just that at the new 21,000sf Midtown Plaza in Ave Maria. Ledo Pizza, Sunshine Ace Hard­ware, Dunkin’, Cold Stone Creamery and Ave Nails are already open at Midtown Plaza, with Umami Ave Restaurant and the NCH Immediate Care Center opening in the first quarter of 2025.

Efforts were made to ensure a good tenant mix at Midtown Plaza. “We have such high demand for retail space that it involved sifting through who had inquired to see what services we needed to fill,” says Marinelli. “It was about fill­ing those gaps and seeing who was going to be a good fit and provide additional services to the community.”

Sunshine Ace Hardware opened a small prototype store of 8,000sf at Mid­town Plaza. “We have been looking at opening a store in Ave Maria for quite some time,” says Michael Wynn, presi­dent of Sunshine Ace Hardware. “The timing finally aligned with our current expansion, and it is a great location on Ave Maria Boulevard that was perfect for us.”

Though smaller in size, the store still offers essentials and merchandise from national brands as well as a home repair service division to help residents with their to-do lists. “We feel truly blessed to be joining this remarkable community that has received so many accolades over the years,” says Wynn. “This community sets high expectations and standards, and it is within this environment that we thrive.”

For Marinelli, Sunshine Ace Hard­ware is showing its commitment to establishing itself in the community and growing alongside it. “We look forward to watching their success and growth and are committed to working with them for future needs,” she says.

She sees the same kind of potential for the popular coffee and donut fran­chise Dunkin’. “They’re kind of getting in on the ground level, and I wouldn’t be surprised at some point if there might be a second Dunkin’,” says Marinelli. “Ave Maria is a community that is going to grow for another decade, and they wanted to get in early and get the upside of that.”

The Ave Nails location at Midtown Plaza is actually the business’ second location in the town. After moving to Ave Maria with his family from Minnesota, owner Danny Dang opened the first Ave Nails shop near Publix. “When I came here there was no nail salon, and I’ve been in the business for over 20 years,” he says.

That location has proved so popular and consistently busy that he was happy to have the opportunity to open another outpost at Midtown Plaza. “The town is growing,” says Dang, who runs Ave Nails with his brother Tony. “The town is very beautiful and has lots of opportu­nities. When my wife and I came down here for the first time, we fell in love with it, and I guess for a lot of people it’s the same thing.”

THE NEXT PHASE OF COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Midtown Plaza marks the start of a second wave of commercial development in Ave Maria, something other business­es should see as a chance to make their own entry into the community. “We have a lot of commercial space, both land and future projects available,” says Marinelli. “So, as brokers are looking for space or land in the future to build new projects, Ave Maria is a viable option.”

If you need a refresher on the mas­ter-planned community, Ave Maria is located at the intersection of Oil Well and Camp Keais roads in Eastern Col­lier County. It’s been named a Top 20 Selling Master Planned Community in the United States and a Blue Zones Certified Community. In addition to its 11,000 residences at buildout, the com­munity will eventually have 1.8 million sf of retail, office and business park uses across its 5,000 acres.

Businesses that choose to locate in Ave Maria benefit from the fact that the community’s residents are hungry for more retail, restaurant and service options. And residents of other growing areas of Eastern Collier County would also make use of Ave Maria businesses.

“The growth past County Road 951 is remarkable,” says Marinelli. “If people haven’t driven out to Ave Maria in the last two years, I think they’d be shocked at what they see past 951, down Oil Well Road and at Randall Curve. It’s just kind of connecting all the pieces. For a while Ave Maria was out on its own, but the gaps have been filling in over the last few years. So, it’s servicing all of those residents too.”

There are also folks who come to Eastern Collier County for their jobs at sites like Arthrex’s manufacturing plant in Ave Maria (which has 2,000 employ­ees) and the future U.S. headquarters of Dialum, a Chilean glass manufacturer that will be located within Arthrex Com­merce Park. These workers also need places to eat and shop.

And Ave Maria hopes to see more companies like Arthrex and Dialum opening offices and plants in the com­munity. “We have opportunities for the gamut of business, not just retail and restaurants,” says Marinelli. “I think it’s a great opportunity for companies to expand their footprint, and because a lot of their employees might live out east, it’s more convenient. It’s worth it for companies to look at establishing themselves near their employees.”

Barron Collier Companies has start­ed the preliminary design of its next 20,000sf commercial building just south of Midtown Plaza. “There’s so much demand for retail space that we’re going to just kind of flow right into the next project,” says Marinelli. “And we do have outparcels available for freestanding restaurants.

“In the next few years, I think it will be a combination of us developing proj­ects and offering land we have for land leases,” she continues. “There’s really a great amount of opportunity for busi­nesses. We’re also almost at a point with the university and a growing town for a boutique hotel.”

She also sees the need for more enter­tainment options, especially for families. Ave Maria is about equally split between families and retirees, and Collier County Public Schools is opening a new elemen­tary school there in 2026. “So, it’s not just retirees,” says Marinelli. “There’s energy there; there are a lot of young families.”

Ave Maria’s inland location (it’s about 30 miles from Naples’ Vanderbilt Beach) proved beneficial during the recent hur­ricane season, when power losses were kept to a minimum thanks to the fact that power lines were installed underground. “I think the businesses appreciated that lack of disruption,” says Marinelli.

Another benefit for businesses? The fact that both the community and Barron Collier Companies are invested in their success. “When you’re a tenant in Ave Maria, you’re part of the Barron Collier Companies,” says Marinelli. “We have on-site property managers; we’re involved. We care about our tenants. We really want everybody to be successful, and we’re there to help in any way we can.

“Their success is our success,” she continues. “Businesses that come to Ave Maria are an extension of our family company and our community, and we want to make sure they’re successful.”

As it considers the future of Ave Maria’s commercial sector, Barron Col­lier Companies is both fielding inquiries from businesses and reaching out to companies that would be a good fit for the community. “We’re open to speak­ing with anybody and partnering with people that are interested in expanding to Eastern Collier,” says Marinelli.

But when it comes to entering into those partnerships, it’s all about what’s best for Ave Maria. “We have the ability to choose what we feel is going to best benefit the community as a whole,” she says. “It’s for the long run; we’re not just trying to sell land and generate cash. Every decision we make is looking at the long-term benefit to Ave Maria and Eastern Collier County.”

After his service, Kirwin worked for several companies in Southwest Florida, but after following orders from others for all those years, Kirwin decided that he wanted to call the shots when it came to things like sales strategies and customer service.

So, Kirwin sold his boat, motorcycle and pickup truck to buy a work van, then outfitted it with everything he needed to launch his own HVAC business. He spent time studying for the different licenses and certifications required and took advantage of the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program hosted by Florida Gulf Coast University, which offers tuition-free training experiences for military veterans and their families at every stage of a business journey. “That helped out a lot with structuring the business and coming up with an actual plan,” says Kirwin.

West Coast Cooling, family owned and operated, opened its doors on Nov. 10, 2022, just weeks after Hurricane Ian swept through Southwest Florida. “Ever since then, I’ve been doing a lot with condo associations, working with restoration companies and trying to get everything pieced back together,” says Kirwin.

Based in Cape Coral, West Coast Cooling offers heating, ventilation and air-conditioning services throughout Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties. The company can handle everything from preventative maintenance and repairs to installation of new systems for residential and light commercial clients.

“We try to be very fairly priced, and I like to think of ourselves as the most ethical company in the area,” says Kirwin. “That is huge with me, and I stress it to my employees as well. Be nice and courteous to the customers. Treat them well and treat them the way that you would want to be treated.”

His years in the Marines have helped shape the way Kirwin approaches his business. “It molded me to be who I am, and it’s just a hard work ethic,” he says. “We do what we need to do to get the job done. We know how to think outside the box and to make these things happen. We know how to work with other contractors and with other people.”

Because Kirwin understands the sacrifices that come with service to the country and others, West Coast Cooling offers a discount for veterans, first responders and members of law enforcement. But the company stands ready to serve any kind of client throughout the area.

“We want to let people know we’re here for them,” says Kirwin. “We’re here for the community, and we want to do the best service possible for them.”

Educating customers about how to maintain and care for their HVAC systems is a big part of what Kirwin does. One thing he’s done recently has been helping people understand changes to refrigerants coming in 2025. A new mandate from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency taking effect Jan. 1, 2025, will phase out the use of the R-410A refrigerant in HVAC systems and require that it be replaced with refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly.

“It’s a rather quick transition in comparison to the last refrigerant transition,” says Kirwin. “We’re trained on it and have the knowledge about what it is and how to use it.”

He recommends that customers have West Coast Cooling perform system maintenance every six months. “Dirty coils are going to rob you of your efficiency for your unit, both the cooling capacity of the unit and the energy efficiency of it,” he says. “You want to get those coils properly cleaned out twice a year at minimum.”

The most common service call he receives is due to a clogged drain line. “When the line gets clogged, it shuts everything down,” says Kirwin. “We clear out those drain lines every maintenance that we do.”

This can be a big problem for condo complexes where units share a common drain line. Even if the safety switch turns off an air-conditioning unit after the line gets clogged, the water in the line ends up going somewhere, often into the unit on the lower level beneath it.

“One thing that we do for a couple of condo associations that are on a quarterly maintenance plan with us is we come out every three months and suck out those common drain lines to help prevent that from happening,” says Kirwin.

The impacts of Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton have kept West Coast Cooling busy on various restoration projects. “We work hand-in-hand with roofers,” says Kirwin. “A lot of AC units weren’t up to code being up on the roof. They now need to be up on a stand, so when the next re-roof has to happen, those AC units don’t need to be pulled for the roofers to do their jobs. So that’s something we’ve done a lot of, working hand-in-hand right next to the roofers to remove the AC units, then re-set the AC units back in place up on the proper stands that are approved by the roofers.”

West Coast Cooling handles all the HVAC work at more than 50 multifamily properties in Southwest Florida for United Restoration Services, which offers licensed restoration, renovation and damage prevention services. That company has offices in Cape Coral, Terra Ciea and Destin, Florida, as well as in other locations around the country. “We’ll be doing a couple large projects with them with over 70 or 80 AC units that have to be changed out at once,” says Kirwin.

The company has been nothing but pleased with Kirwin’s work. “He’s a very hungry young veteran who stays on top of everything,” says Paul Stroade, owner of United Restoration Services. “He’s always quick to get to you, and he keeps our customers informed of what’s going on so they’re comfortable and they are in the know.

“He’s reliable, he’s trustworthy and he does what he says,” continues Stroade. “You can count on him. As a contractor, when your clients are depending on you and you give them the level of service you do, you want your subs to give them that same level of service. Sometimes it’s difficult to find someone who treats your customers the same way you do, and he does. He’s always on top of it all and gets the job done. We’re always extremely happy with his service; he’s just one of those guys who does it right.”

Though 2024’s hurricane season is hopefully in the rear-view mirror, Kirwin has one tip for folks to remember when it’s stormy. “Turn your air conditioning off when the lights start to flicker,” he says. “We’ve changed out a lot of blower motors that failed due to power surges. And that can be costly.”

West Coast Cooling currently has six employees helping the company respond to service calls and work with new customers. “And I’m hoping that that grows,” says Kirwin. “We don’t want to grow too quickly, but we do anticipate that number growing.”

CenterLinks Business Park was developed, designed and built by McGarvey Development Company. The company was founded in 1984 by President and CEO John McGarvey, first working in the Philadelphia area and then moving to Southwest Florida in 1997. Over the years, McGarvey Development Company has built a reputation in Southwest Florida for its quality work and strong client relationships on projects that range from high-tech medical research laboratories to Class A office space.

After having success with its SouthLinks Business Park at Bonita Beach Road, McGarvey Development Company began construction on CenterLinks Business Park in 2020. The company’s largest commercial development to date, the 42-acre, 450,000 sf industrial park on Oriole Road near Alico Road in Fort Myers kicked off at the right time.

The industrial market was already heating up in Southwest Florida, and then the COVID-19 pandemic kicked it into even higher gear as e-commerce became a necessity, rather than just a convenience. The fact that the park consisted of all dock-high industrial space proved appealing to tenants looking for easy access to both Interstate 75 and Southwest Florida International Airport.

“We couldn’t build it fast enough,” says Jeffrey McGarvey, director of sales and marketing for McGarvey Development Company. “We were constructing buildings, finishing the site and moving tenants in simultaneously due to the high demand in this market.”

McGarvey Development Company originally planned for a five-year construct/ build time. By the end of 2023, though, CenterLinks had a diverse mix of tenants that ranged from an up-and coming linen-cleaning company to a chip manufacturer, and even McGarvey Development Company’s headquarters itself.

That diverse tenant mix was an intentional approach taken by McGarvey Development Company based on lessons learned before and during the 2008 recession. “We had business parks that became vacant because tenants were in similar industries,” says Jeffrey McGarvey. “So, when we decided to reenter the industrial sector as owners and developers, we aimed to have a diverse tenant base instead of clustering similar businesses together as we did in the past.”

Finding that right balance was made easier by the relationships the company has developed over the years. “John has relationships with tenants who have moved from park to park with him,” says William Way, director of assets for McGarvey Development Company. “They know what they’re getting, and they trust it. They know the quality of the space and the craftsmanship will be good.”

Tenants also like the fact that McGarvey Development Company will build out their space to their exact needs and specifications if desired. “It’s very important to have a suite built exactly like a tenant wants, because they’re having to distribute or manufacture in that space to a high level,” says Way.

So, tenants start out with a space that’s built to McGarvey Development Company’s quality standards, and then they can work with the company to take it even further if they choose. “We build to a tenant’s unique footprint and help ensure they are productive,” says Way.

With happy tenants in place and the park humming along, McGarvey Development Company decided it was time to put the property on the market in early 2024.

A GOOD BUY

Once CenterLinks Business Park was on the market, REIT groups and other potential buyers quickly took notice. Philadelphia-based real estate investment management firm EQT Exeter emerged as an interested buyer, partially because of the park’s diverse tenant mix and healthy rent rolls.

“I think that was key to EQT’s analysis of the park as a whole,” says Jeffrey McGarvey. “[Because of that tenant mix] people aren’t going to all walk out and hand you the keys back at once. So, I think that was part of it.”

Increases in costs for pretty much everything during and following the pandemic also means that the rents tenants are currently paying are appealing to a purchaser like EQT Exeter. “The price point for some of these rents, and the fact that a lot of these tenants agreed to five-, seven- or 10-year terms, added value to the purchase,” says Jeffrey McGarvey.

The fact that tenants at CenterLinks were happy with their leases and their units at the business park proved another convincing factor for EQT Exeter that it was making a smart purchase. The positive comments EQT heard when talking with tenants before finalizing the deal helped the company feel comfortable with the purchase, according to Way.

But EQT Exeter and McGarvey Development Company also had a previous connection that was a factor here. John McGarvey is originally from Philadelphia and spent a good chunk of his career there before moving to Florida. Ward Fitzgerald, CEO of EQT Exeter, was familiar with both McGarvey and the quality of his work, so he knew that purchasing CenterLinks Business Park would be a smart decision. That relationship helped during the negotiation process of the sale, with EQT Exeter and McGarvey Development Company settling on a sales price of $92.5 million over a relatively short period of time.

“Being able to close with them within 30 to 45 days for this type of asset was pretty incredible,” says Jeffrey McGarvey.

“What this deal was built on was John McGarvey’s name in the market,” says Way. “And our ability to take a product from 0sf to 450,000sf put tenants in over a three-year period, and have an occupancy rate palatable for outside investors. So local relationships, national relationships and McGarvey’s reputation were very helpful.”

A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE

The success McGarvey Development Company had first with building and developing CenterLinks Business Park and then selling it for a record price is just the beginning for the firm when it comes to industrial projects. “Reputation wise, it’s huge for us,” says Jeffrey McGarvey.

Between the publicity and the cash proceeds, the company is in a good position as it looks toward the future. “We hope it opens up more partnerships, whether it’s with EQT or other large equity firms, now that we’ve put ourselves back on the industrial map,” says McGarvey. “We’d like to continue building large-scale industrial product in Southwest Florida and refine our skills. Maybe we can beat our own recordbreaking price.”

“We’d like to leverage this to build relationships with other private equity firms and do similar deals,” says Way. “Obviously John and Jeff have a good reputation here in Southwest Florida and are known as one of the premier developers. So, it’s about putting that out there and packaging it in a way that best suits us.”

There’s still plenty of room for growth in Southwest Florida when it comes to industrial projects. Though land costs are rising, prices are still a better deal here than in cities like Miami or Tampa. “I think there will be continued industrial growth here as people continue to migrate to Florida and there’s still land to be had,” says Way. “I think it’s a good market to be in.”

McGarvey Development Company still owns SouthLinks Business Park and it’s never been on the market. “There’s only one unit available for lease, the tenants are happy and it’s a great portfolio for us,” says McGarvey.

“It’s been a very successful development ever since we broke ground,” says Way. “That particular project will continue to be successful and stable.”

Next up for McGarvey Development Company is a smaller-scale industrial property on Six Mile Cypress Parkway and Penzance Boulevard in Fort Myers. The 10-acre project will include 80,000sf of drive-in flex space and a new 105,000sf self-storage project. The company hopes to break ground later this year so that tenants can start moving in mid- to late-2025.

“It’s a really cool project and will be McGarvey’s first self-storage project,” says Way. “We have been approached and are discussing a potential joint venture partnership with a group who specializes in self-storage. So, we are actively communicating with other firms and open to partnerships that make sense.”