Bob Massey Carries On Family Tradition of Autos, Real Estate And Rotary

When you mention the Massey family, and you are a Jacksonville native like me, you first think of the Massey Auto Dealerships. But if you are newer to the Northeast Florida market, you may know them to be in commercial real estate as Massey Properties. And then when you think of the last two generations of Massey’s, you can’t help but think of their work with Rotary. I had lunch with Bob Massey, who I have known from South Jax Rotary Club for years. But I didn’t realize that he has carried on the family tradition, not just with Rotary, but also as president of Massey Properties and as a partner in the Orlando Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep/RAM dealership. Armed with accounting and real estate experience with two national firms, Bob moved back to Jacksonville from Dallas to help his family transform their former auto dealerships around the state into a successful real estate business. I have found that if you need information regarding auto dealerships, commercial real estate or taking an active role with Rotary, Bob is certainly the “go-to” guy. His website is masseyjax.com. Bob is on the right in this “Lunch with Les” photo.

ReStores Managers On A Mission For Habijax

Keith Coles and Mike Calder, store managers for the HabiJax ReStores are on a mission. Mike was a Wall Street broker and a restaurant owner in New York. Keith has over 35 years in every kind of retail position for Kohl’s, Kmart and Roses in Chicago. But they both wanted to go after a mission. They found it in Jacksonville - Mike at the 5800 Beach Boulevard store and Keith at the 6260 103^rdStreet store. Their mission is to apply their retail talent to making the ReStores a primary destination for building supplies and making the stores profitable enough to help finance homes built by Habijax. “While we accept donations of slightly used goods, we are now also buying new merchandise to provide quality and consistency for products ranging from rugs to mattresses to paint to tools,” Keith reported. “And we feel this retail environment is a big win for everyone. Contractors and customers can get the lowest prices in town. By reselling donated items we send less to the landfill. And our store profits help build homes for those who couldn’t normally afford one,” Mike said. Before you go to a big box store, you should check out the ReStores or visit Habijax.org/restore. Mike is on the left and Keith is on the right in this “Lunch with Les” photo.

Central Bank Selects Chris Tomlinson As Senior Vice President GGL Loan Officer

Chris Tomlinson has been selected as Senior Vice President GGL (Government Guaranteed Lender) Loan Officer for Central Bank announced John Thompson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Central Bank.

Tomlinson, based out of Central Bank’s St. Augustine branch, will be working primarily in the Northeast Florida market, offering customized financial services through SBA Lending Express, 7A and USDA lending vehicles to area businesses.

Prior to joining Central Bank, Tomlinson served as the Market Executive North Florida Region for Abundant Solutions Finance. He started his banking career in 2005 in Gainesville, Florida, as a financial business specialist with Wachovia. He has served in various commercial banking positions with financial institutions including BBVA Compass, Bank of America and Chase.

“Companies located in North Florida and those moving to North Florida are seeing a need for government supported financing to assist their growth and expansion plans,” explained Thompson. “Chris has had extensive experience with every type of government loan. He knows the pitfalls and he knows how to expedite the process to give our customers a real advantage with their lending issues. We are very fortunate to have Chris join Central Bank.”

Central Bank (centralbankfl.com), with headquarters in Tampa and branches in Winter Park and St. Augustine, Florida, is a full service, independently owned Florida community bank offering personal and business banking services. Central Bank has a 5 Star rating from Bauer Financial Rating Agency.

Turning A Manufacturing Company From $1.3 Million To $26 Million Leads To Purchase Of Sports Teams

If you think hockey is tough, try getting 50+ products on the shelves in Wal-Mart, Dick’s Sporting Goods and L.L.Bean. That’s what Andy Kaufmann, the new owner of the Jacksonville Icemen hockey franchise, did to build a company from $1.3 million to $26 million in 6 years. Andy started a Jacksonville based manufacturer from scratch by branding a product line, with a different twist - selling outdoor and camping equipment under the “survival” brand and using unique packaging. His branding strategy, along with his management style of leading left to right, instead of top to bottom, allowed him to sell his company, UST Brands, and then change his life direction to owning the Fort Myers Miracle minor league baseball team and now the Icemen. His favorite product breakthrough was an outdoor lantern that was powered to stay lit for 30 straight days, which won a Popular Mechanics award. He tells entrepreneurs, even if their product or service is common or average, determine a different way to brand and market their business. In addition, always try to offer a solution to a problem. Visit his teams’ websites at Jacksonvilleicemen.com and miraclebaseball.com. Andy is pictured on the left in this “Lunch with Les” photo.    

UNF Business Dean Dawkins Focuses Academics On The Needs Of Northeast Florida Businesses

When you consider hiring a University of North Florida graduate, consider this 1) 80% of graduates stay in the region after graduation; 2) they tend to have a stronger work ethic because 60-70% work their way through school; and 3) UNF entering freshman average a 4.31 GPA, second only to UF at 4.34. Much of the credit for preparing this workforce for Northeast Florida businesses goes to Mark Dawkins, Dean of UNF’s Coggin College of Business (CCB). His mission is to understand the business community’s needs for skilled labor, provide the appropriate curriculum, implement an effective internship for hands-on experience, and now, to provide investment and start-up resources through its new Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI). Just look at a few of CCB’s results to date: the establishment of Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Management, M.S. in Logistics & Supply Management, M.S. in Business Analytics; Faculty engagement with companies such as the Mayo Clinic and Crowley Maritime; and Securing the $1 million Coggin grant for the CEI. If you have any need or interest in UNF Business, contact Mark at mark.dawkins@unf.edu. 

WJXT GM Bob Ellis Offers More Than TV Broadcast For Marketing Solutions

“The metrics of success is not ratings, it’s in the selling of products and services” - that quote coming from the vice president and general manager of WJXT-TV, the top rated news station in the market. GM Bob Ellis is one of the most creative TV broadcasters I have ever met. He doesn’t see his job as selling TV advertising; he offers out-of-the-box solutions to businesses using platforms consisting of broadcast, digital, mobile and streaming capabilities. With his news content, 24/7 availability and his CW17 network, he can successfully target niche audiences with impressive cost efficiency. Part of WJXT’s success has resulted from their decision 18 years ago to drop their CBS affiliation. They have the freedom to do unique marketing, ranging from airing the Publix/Bold City Showcase high school football games, to the promotion of the annual local Spelling Bee to initiating the Jax Best online resource for Visit Jacksonville. “People don’t realize that more people are watching TV than ever before in history,” Bob reported. He is available to speak to groups about the current media landscape in the Jacksonville market. For more information, go to NEWS4JAX.com. Bob is on the right in this “Lunch with Les” photo. 

Jacksonville Attorney Robert Harris Divides Time Between Legal And Real Estate Career

Most people know Jacksonville native Robert Harris as a pillar of the legal community, but many don’t know that Robert spends a quarter of his time as a real estate executive. Robert’s legal credentials include serving as a member of the prestigious Judicial Nominating Commission, appointed by the governor; partner of the Harris Guidi Rosner law firm; and a former member of the state attorney’s office. But Robert also has a real estate broker’s license dealing in multifamily, single family and commercial real estate. His strategy is to focus on multifamily properties in the high renter demand areas of San Marco and St. Nicholas. He enjoys solving tenants’ problems quickly, which results in low renter turnover, and in turn, reduces costs associated with clean up and renovations. The versatile attorney, with over 44 years in the profession, has his general litigation practice headquartered in San Marco. Robert, who is also known for his huge, outdoor annual holiday party each year, is a leader in the San Marco Merchant’s Association. For more information on his firm, go to HarrisGuidi.com. Robert Harris is pictured on the right in this “Lunch with Les” photo.

SafetyNet of Florida Offers Precautions For Sudden Cardiac Arrest During Football

Paul Bateman, president of SafetyNet of Florida, a company that provides CPR and First Aid training throughout North and Central Florida, warns of increased chances of young athletes of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) during football practice and games.

Citing information from The Sports Institute of the University of Washington College of Medicine, Bateman reports that about one or two in every 100,000 young athletes experience sudden cardiac arrest each year. Most victims are males and more than half are African American. Plus more than two-thirds of the athletes who died from SCA are football and basketball players.

SCA is not the same as a heart attack. It is the result of a structural or electrical disorder in the heart that can lead to potentially lethal arrhythmia. The first sign is usually a collapse during a practice or game.

During games and practices, schools need to have an action plan in order to take precautions to minimize the risk of death. SafetyNet offers a 5-point plan every school should use.

1)    Know the location of AEDs (automated external defibrillator) near the games fields;

2)    Make sure you are in a cell area where you can call 9-1-1;

3)    Make sure trainers and coaches are trained in CPR and AED use;

4)    Know the emergency routes to the game field;

5)    Designate staff members to meet and direct emergency responders and to stay with the athlete even to the hospital in case a parent is not president.

Bateman, former Battalion Chief for the Putnam County Fire Department, is the founder and president of SafetyNet. His company provides all levels of CPR and AED training to Florida businesses, manufacturers, the medical profession and to schools and organizations. For more information, visit SafetyNetFlorida.com.

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Judge Wilkinson Informs The Community On Complexities Of The Judicial System

The judicial system in Northeast Florida, as it is all over the country, can be a complex and confusing process. For individuals and businesses, the system doesn’t go a rapidly as we would think. That’s why you have to give credit to Circuit Court Judge Gary Wilkinson for his efforts to inform the community on this complex process. In his off time, Judge Wilkinson volunteers as a teacher for courses on the judicial process at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), part of the Division of Continuing Education at the University of North Florida. Judge Wilkinson points out various causes that affect the process, such as the fact that any time an attorney files a motion, a judge may not see it unless or until a hearing is scheduled. With thousands of cases per judge, there is not enough time for a judge to review every legal action in a case until a hearing. If you would like to know more about how our courthouse works, you may want to sign up for one of the many interesting courses offered at OLLI. For more information, visit https://www.unf.edu/ce/olli. And be sure to thank Judge Wilkinson for taking extra time to inform the community about our judicial system. The Judge is on the right in this “Lunch with Les” photo. 

Woody’s BBQ Franchise Owner Jack Dunsmoor Credits His Success To A Great Management Team

Good management and a culture based on pleasant attitudes have been the key to success for Jack Dunsmoor’s Woody’s Bar BQ franchises. Jack, a 45-year veteran of the restaurant business, has been watching the pressures placed on his fellow restaurateurs due to employee turnover and the $15 minimum wage issue. “I meet with owners of other franchises from time to time and we compare notes,” Jack reported. “Employee issues are the reason you see some of these chains going to self-serve technology and automated kitchens.” But Jack believes the real answer lies with his management team. His managers have been with him for many years (average turnover is 2 ½ years). He supports and encourages them, treating them like family, which in turn, cultivates an environment based on providing customers with the best possible dining experience. Restaurants, including his, have done well this year with the improved economy. Jack began his career with Quincy Steak House, and then went on to Firehouse Subs, the Times Grill, and then owning two Woody’s, one on Powers Avenue and one in Macclenny. In this “Lunch with Les” photo, Jack is pictured with his management staff at his Powers Avenue location.  

Safety Council CEO Catherine Sutton Brings Innovative, Cost Saving Training Programs To Northeast Florida’s Industry And Construction Workers

The most innovative and cost efficient program in the safety training industry is being introduced to Jacksonville by the CEO of the Northeast Florida Safety Council (NEFSC) Catherine Sutton. A model originated in the Gulf Coast region with Houston, Baton Rouge and the News Orleans Safety Councils, Catherine has established a 20-computer (soon to be 30) Training & Assessment Center on the NEFSC campus. Its mission is to build safe workplaces through proctored online, hands-on and instructor-led training for beginning as well as experienced industry and construction workers. They have the capability of delivering general safety training as well as comprehensive customized instruction, in lab or on-site. Between compliance training, certification and documentation of an employee’s training skills, they can save a business thousands of dollars. Along with the Center, Catherine has incorporated COSS® (Certified Occupational Safety Specialist) and PowerSafe (utility contactors training) programs that were never offered in Northeast Florida. They are currently conducting 100-150 assessments a month and expect that to increase to 500. For more information on business environmental, health and safety programs, follow NEFSC on Linkedin. Catherine Sutton is on the left in this “Lunch with Les” photo.  

Earl Benton, CEO of Champion Brands, Adjusts To Industry Changes To Grow His Beverage Distribution Business

Craft Beer, Marijuana infused beer and craft distilled spirits are a few of the changes affecting the beverage distribution industry according to Earle Benton, CEO of Champion Brands, talking to the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville. Benton, who started his career in the Air Force, sitting at the bottom of a nuclear missile silo waiting to push the button, has seen many changes in the industry since he bought a Jacksonville beverage distributor in 1985. His growth has resulted in representing 147 brands with 1760 SKUs, having 72 suppliers, 310 employees and $136.6 million in revenue. He pointed out two challenges that he is addressing - getting good workers and trying to be a green company. Part of his solution has been to build a new office headquarters with better employee benefits and to implement measures to save energy, including LED lighting, compressed gas for his truck fleet and solar panels for his warehouses. He says his company helps get you through the day - you wake up with Red Bull, stay hydrated during the day with bottled water, and then you get to Miller time. Benton is pictured on the left with Southside Rotary President Bill Langley.

Michael Corrigan, CEO of Visit Jacksonville, Targets Potential Tourists And Visitors To Northeast Florida

To attract tourists to Jacksonville, the city advertises to communities within a 4 hour drive of Jacksonville and to communities that have direct air flights to the city, Michael Corrigan, president and CEO of Visit Jacksonville reported to the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville. The newly selected head of Visit Jacksonville explained that his agency has 3 major functions: to run visitors’ centers; recruit conventions and events to the city; and to market the city as a tourist destination. Funding for all of this is paid for, not by Jacksonville residents, but by a 6% bed tax charged by hotels and motels in Duval County. He reported that the advertising campaign “Jacksonville - It’s easier here” has come under heavy criticism but appears to be working. He will continue the campaign until it no longer pulls inquiries. His biggest challenge is drawing people to the visitors’ centers because people use mobile devices to learn about the city. He is working on an interactive presentation, an app and relocation of the downtown center to make the center more attractive. Corrigan is pictured on the right with Club President Bill Langley. 

Scott Moore Utilizes Unique Criteria For Growing His Maple Street Biscuit Company Franchise

“Against traditional thinking, we went into the restaurant business to help people, not to make money,” Scott Moore, founder and president of Maple Street Biscuit Company, told the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville. His mission of helping people, serving others and being a part of the community has resulted in the establishment of 31very unique and popular restaurants throughout the South. He selects restaurant locations based, first, on having identified a “community leader” (essentially a store manager), then on an 80% residential location, and finally on a good lease. With their unique biscuit recipe, their offerings of unusual menu items and their methods of engaging customers in the dining experience, they have made their restaurants a destination. Moore’s guiding principals are 1) comfort food with a modern twist; 2) gracious service; 3) immaculately clean stores; and 4) sustainable business. Moore is pictured on the right with South Jax Club President Bill Langley.

Marcus Haile Helping Jacksonville’s Workforce With Reading Skills

Area businesses and manufacturers are facing a serious issue in finding qualified, skilled labor. Part of that problem is 1 out of 5 adults in Jacksonville cannot read. I had lunch with a dynamic, dedicated individual who is on a mission to change that. He is Marcus Haile, the new executive director of Learn To Read Jacksonville. Right now Marcus’ organization is serving 500 adults a year, teaching them reading skills. But he says there are over 150,000 Jacksonville adults who need their services. So he has set out a plan for 2019, which is also the organization’s 50^thanniversary, to expand the coverage of his organization’s services. His plan includes 1) increasing awareness of his organization and its services; 2) recruiting more volunteer teachers; and 3) raising additional funds to service more students (it cost $600 per student per year). He also wants people to know that in addition to reading, they also offer services to address financial literacy, math literacy and health literacy (for example, being able to read medicine bottles). Marcus wants to make a real difference in people’s lives in Jacksonville. I think he is on track to accomplish that. Visit LearnToReadJax.org or call 904-238-9000. Marcus is on the left in this ”Lunch with Les” photo.

Dr. Todd Sack Advocates a 30-Year Energy And Resilience Plan For Jacksonville

While having lunch at Epping Forest with Dr. Todd Sack, he pointed out that the glass of water on our table, which came directly from our JEA source, is healthier, with less toxins, than what you get in bottled water. Dr. Sack should know. Not only is he a practicing gastroenterologist, but he also is a 13-year member of the JEA Clean Power Advisory Group, chair of the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board, chair of the Florida Medical Association’s Environment & Health Section and Board Member for Physicians for Social Responsibility, just to mention a few of his credentials. When he isn’t working as a volunteer physician at the We Care free clinics, he is an advocate and spokesman for a 30-year Jacksonville Energy & Resilience Plan. This is a non-political approach to analyze, study and plan for the future of Jacksonville, regarding health, climate, technology, energy, employment and transportation issues. In addition to working with local government agencies, Dr. Sack speaks to groups throughout the community about the plan. For a medical prospective on the future of our city, contact him at tsack8@gmail.com or visit MyGreenDoctor.org. Dr. Sack is on the left in this “Lunch with Les” photo. 

Wilder Business Success, Inc. Addresses Customer Service For Large And Small Companies

Is Customer Service Dying? In a conversation with Doug Wilder, a certified business coach and owner of Wilder Business Success, Inc., I was lamenting on how two well-known Jacksonville companies have come up short on their delivery of customer service. But Doug reported how he was currently involved in coaching sessions for another major national retailer that was going in a positive direction. His task involves working with the company’s top corporate officials to enhance their leadership and customer service skills and to help guide a path for everyone being on the same page for company success. After hearing about his process and his success record, it was encouraging to know there are still companies, even large corporations, that are making the effort to give customers a great experience. Doug has been in the coaching business for over 25 years, working with CEO’s, company presidents, management groups and individual entrepreneurs for large and small companies. If you want to unlock the potential for you and/or your business, I suggest contacting him at doug@wildersuccess.com, call 904-705-4567 or visit his website at WilderSuccess.com. The “lunch with Les” photo shows Doug Wilder on the left. 

Attorney Crystal Broughan Warns About Intellectual Property Assets When Buying Or Selling A Business

When buying or selling a business, one of the most overlooked assets is a company’s intellectual property. Items like trademarks, copyrights, patents, logos, domain names, websites, licensing agreements, and even trade secrets can be invaluable to a company being bought or sold, according to Crystal Broughan, the intellectual property attorney for MarksGray. Having dealt with issues such as rights to advertising jingles or correct payments for stock photos, I know how easy it is to be tripped up in legal issues. Crystal explained how she has had to review IP assets prior to a sale to ensure patents, copyrights and trademarks have been assigned and filed with the appropriate government agencies.Her work involves verifying ownership, validity and if the registrations are current or expired. At times, small business owners register trademarks and patents in their own name instead of the company name because they want to maintain individual ownership of the asset. She says all of these IP issues need to be put on the table during the sale negotiation process. For future logo and copyright work, I want Crystal on my IP team. View her blog at MarksGray.com. Crystal is featured in this “lunch with Les” photo. 

Outgoing Jacksonville City Councilman Schellenberg Warns About Status Of The Jacksonville Electric Authority

Having lunch with outgoing city council member Matt Schellenberg, I asked him what is the major issue facing businesses and residents in Jacksonville today. The term-limited, 8-year councilman, who represented the Mandarin area, is concerned about the rapid degradation of JEA. Concerns include a possible 25% electric rate increase; the agency’s inability to contribute to the city budget; and even the ability of JEA to adjust to energy alternatives and the movement by large manufacturers, such as Anheuser Busch, to generate their own energy sources, leaving the JEA grid completely. He feels those who will face the major brunt of these changes will be poor and lower middle class citizens, in addition to larger energy-user companies. He hopes the current council will do a thorough study to make sure JEA, through any type of charter changes, stays on mission to seek the lowest electric and sewage rates possible. I also asked Matt what accomplishment he is most proud of in his 8 years in office. He said sidewalks and the upgrades and the new interactive parks that have been built for the kids in Mandarin. Matt Schellenberg is on the right in the “lunch with Les” photo. 

Kleist And Blackburn Join Central Bank of St. Augustine To Promote Personal Banking

There has been a trend of consolidation in banking in St. Augustine, and, as a result, personal service has become a casualty. That’s why Central Bank, a community bank headquartered in Tampa, has opened a branch in the Northeast Florida market to bring back personal service for individuals and small businesses. Among the major moves by Central Bank was to hire two well-known, experienced, St. Augustine personal bankers to head up the branch. Aaron Kleist, with over 19 years in banking, was selected as the Northeast Florida Market President. Debbie Blackburn, with over 32 years in the industry, was appointed Vice President/Branch Manager. Armed with great CD rates and the ability to work outside the box when it comes to personal service, both Kleist and Blackburn are hard at work identifying and helping those who are not seeing the service they expect from their current bank. As active members of local organizations, such as the St. Johns County Chamber and Rotary, they are both committed to helping customers, who they consider as neighbors and friends. Visit CentralBankFL.com. In this “Lunch with Les” photo, Kleist is pictured in the center and Blackburn is on the right.

Underwood Jewelers’ Rob Gatta Is Reliable Source For Corporate Gifts

Recently I had a client make a unique request. They wanted to take the logo my firm designed for them and make it into a charm for their female employees. So I called my Rotary buddy Rob Gatta, manager of Underwood Jewelers’ San Marco store. He gets all kind of requests from businesses, from the creation of original jewelry to the need for corporate incentives, for example, gifts such as Rolex watches. People don’t realize that Rob was highly recruited by Underwood from Ithaca, New York. He started in retail as a teenager with the A&P Grocery chain and was later recruited by Kay’s Jewelers. Then he was recruited to join Perrywinkle’s Fine Jewelry stores. Underwood heard about him and brought him to Jacksonville. There is a reason why Rob is in high demand in the retail business and why he has been so successful (he helped increase sales in the San Marco store by 43% in just 1 ½ years). He is honest, very likeable, and, most important, he has patience. If you need ideas or help with corporate gifts or incentives, you can call Rob at 904-398-9741 or go to underwoodjewelers.com. Rob is on the right in this “Lunch with Les” photo. 

Redd Leads Funding Effort For Jacksonville University’s New Multi-Use Health Sciences Building

When it comes to supporting Jacksonville’s medical industry, it’s hard to beat the behind-the-scenes work and dedication of Leslie Redd, Associate Vice President of Development at Jacksonville University. The former University of Maryland, John Hopkins, Mayo Clinic and Baptist Hospital development professional is now focused on finishing the funding for Jacksonville University’s new multi-use health sciences building. The center will house all of the medical related schools including nursing and applied sciences; a simulation center for academic and community involvement; an orthodontic clinic; a healthcare center for students; and space for community healthcare providers. The project’s philanthropic goal is $30M. The facility is expected to be completed in 2020 on the north side of the JU campus. In addition to the health center, Leslie is involved with funding scholarships, PhD programs and medical research. Leslie, an active Rotarian, has a deep passion for medical excellence in Jacksonville. She can be reached at lredd@ju.edu. Leslie is on the left in this “Lunch with Les” photo. 

lredd@ju.edu

Dwyer Brings Corporate Leadership Training To Northeast Florida

The success of businesses and their longevity is based on leadership. That doesn’t just mean today’s leaders but the identification and development of future leaders in the company. That’s where Ed Dwyer, president and managing partner of VIGEO Alliance, a St. Augustine leadership and talent management firm, comes in. Ed and his business partner, Cassi Chandler, conduct leadership training throughout the U.S. With over 32 years in the banking industry, serving in almost every capacity, while being director of a national banking school for over 20 years, Ed knows the issues facing leadership from top U.S. financial institutions to small community banks. And with the recent turnover in U.S. House of Representatives committee chairs, his current focus has been helping banks with regulatory changes involving diversity and inclusion. But his services are not limited to banking. His firm can assist all types and sizes of businesses, such as law firms, insurance companies and retailers. The difference in Ed’s firm is that he is not just a coach; he is a leadership trainer and strategist, based on knowledge and real-life experiences. Visit vigeoalliance.com. Ed Dwyer is on the left in this “Lunch with Les” photo. 

University of North Florida Opens Center For Entrepreneurship

Something happened at the beginning of the year that could have a big impact on the creation and growth of innovative new businesses in Jacksonville. With a generous donation by Luther and Blanche Coggin and the foresight of University of North Florida Business Dean Mark Dawkins, the university created the Center for Entrepreneurship. And in another smart move, Karen Bowling was hired as its Director, to start up and run the Center at its downtown location on the 4^thand 5^thfloors of the former Barnett Bank Building. Karen explained the Center will be a hub for entrepreneurship in Northeast Florida, offering an incubator, education guidance and resources, marketing and management resources, investors and assistance from interns from UNF. Local businesses benefit 1) as investors in new business ideas; 2) as a way to connect with potential business partners and networking through the mentoring program; and 3) to help create an entrepreneurship ecosystem, not only for UNF, but also for the community. For more information, go to www.unf.edu/Coggin/CEI/. Karen Bowling is on the left in this “Lunch with Les” photo.

Far East Brokers Introduces GrillPerks(TM) - The First Cross-Category, Consumer Loyalty Program For Grilling Products In The Grocery Industry

In an effort to generate demand for grilling products year round, Far East Brokers and Consultants have developed the first cross-category, consumer loyalty program for manufacturers of grilling-related products through its new rewards program GrillPerks™.

This online program engages shoppers with helpful tips, recipes and promotions on a wide range of grilling products and rewards them with gift cards from participating retailers. It encourages retailer loyalty for all things grilling, while providing a turnkey vehicle to cross promote grilling brands and build baskets. GrillPerks™ inspires grilling occasions all year long, not just for the occasional cookout or major grilling holidays, such as Memorial Day and the 4^thof July. 

GrillPerks ™ was created by Far East Brokers, who distributes the Mr. Bar-B-Q® brand of grills and grilling tools and accessories. Other brands participating in the program include Kingsford® and MatchLight® Charcoal, Hidden Valley®, KC Masterpiece®, Bubba Burger®, El Yucateco® Hot Sauce, Soy Vay®, Wonderbread® and Natures Own®.

“Shoppers are invited to participate in GrillPerks™ via on-package callouts on millions of grills and grilling accessories at grocery and drug stores throughout the county. A robust social media presence supporting the campaign will keep consumers interested in grilling throughout the year while rewarding loyalty for purchasing GrillPerks™ participating brands in the stores of our retail partners,” explained Mike Sims, executive vice president for Far East Brokers.

“We have enjoyed a great deal of success over the past several years co-promoting our Mr. Bar-B-Q® brand grills and grilling accessories with great brand partners like Bubba Burger® and Kingsford®. This year, we’ve elevated that partnership by creating the GrillPerks™ loyalty program and welcoming some additional national brand partners. Together, these brands create a powerful voice for grilling,” Sims added.

The way the program works is a customer goes online to GrillPerks.com or texts the word GRILLPERKS to 811811and registers. They have to check off their primary grocery store. When they buy products from the participating brands, they photograph the receipt and text, email or upload it directly to GrillPerks.com. No app is needed. For each dollar spent, the member earns a point. For every 50 points, they earn a $10 retailer or Visa gift card. 

“We’ve been able to extend our brand outside of the frozen food and meat cases by linking to general merchandise through our partnership with Far East Brokers,” said Andy Stenson, vice president of marketing for BUBBA Foods, LLC. “The Bubba Burger® by Mr. Bar-B-Q® line of branded grills and grilling accessories has been a huge success on many fronts. Now the GrillPerks™ program allows us the ability to market with synergistic brands through an innovative digital platform, reaching new consumers that will help build brand loyalty for all of our Bubba Burger® family of products.”

The launch of the GrillPerks ™ program is both timely and on strategy. An online survey by Rockbridge Associates conducted for the Hearth Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) reported that 79% of respondents believe that cookouts are a great way to bond with the family. And according to the GrillWatch survey by Weber-Stephen Products, the number of female grillers went up by 20% last year. Even the millennial generation is buying into outdoor grilling, evidenced by their support of TV cooking shows like “BBQ Pitmasters,” according to grill social media influencer Richard Wachtel.

“This is an important new promotion for retailers as well,” Sims said. “Grocers who are winning today are the ones who recognize the importance of having a solid seasonal general merchandise strategy. Shoppers come to the grocery store already for most of their grilling occasion purchases and offering grills and grilling accessories is as important to completing the shopping trip as anything else on their list. Millennials want one-stop shopping and are willing to reward the retailer with their loyalty if you can provide that. Seasonal general merchandise is a smart way to attract and keep millennials coming back to the store.”

There are over 20 major retail grocers all over the U.S. participating in the GrillPerks™ promotion, such as Publix and Food Lion in the south; ShopRite and Big Y Stores in the northeast; Schnucks and Giant Eagle in the mid-west: and Brookshire’s Food and Pharmacy and Bartell Drugstores in the west.

About Far East Brokers and Consultants

Far East Brokers and Consultants is an importer of seasonal general merchandise. The 35-year-old company, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, is the largest supplier of seasonal general merchandise to the U.S. supermarket and drug store channels.

FarEastBrokers.com