Verdejo Provides Landscape Planning And Budgeting For Northeast Florida Businesses

Businesses are currently in the process of developing their budgets for commercial landscaping services for 2021, and Verdego, one of Northeast Florida’s top landscaping companies, is working with many of them to develop customized landscaping and maintenance programs. Billy Genovese, Director of Business Development, explains Verdego provides full commercial services including landscaping, irrigation, fertilization & pest, landscape enhancement, maintenance and tree service. But the real benefit for a business using his firm is, because his company is locally owned, he can deliver complete landscaping plans in a fast and efficient manner, plus he can negotiate pricing that fits corporate budgets. Headquartered in Bunnell, Florida, Verdego has over 150 employees in their 3 divisions - Construction Installation, Landscape Maintenance and Residential Installation - that serve Clay, Duval, Flagler, St. Johns and Volusia counties. Genovese is responsible for work with office parks, corporate headquarters, shopping centers, hospitals, retail/financial locations and municipalities. For help with your 2021 landscape plan and budget, contact Billy Genovese at (386) 225-0203 or bgenovese@verdego.com. Genovese is on the right in this “Lunch with Les” photo.

 

Regardless Of COVID-19, Gateway Business Advisors’ Cal Heseman Can Help You Sell Or Buy A Business

If you are thinking about selling your business as a result of the coronavirus crisis or if you have just been thinking about selling for any other reason, now is the time to take that first step with a free Estimate of Value of your business from Cal Heseman, Senior Business Broker with Gateway Business Advisors. Cal, a Certified Merger & Acquisition professional, can help you evaluate your company; consult on preparing your business for sale; reach out to potential buyers; and help you all the way to the closing table to get the most dollars for your business. He has worked with over 130 different types of businesses. If you’re selling because of COVID19, retiring, having a major change of life event, you’re a serial entrepreneur or you’re just tired of the business, contact Cal at 904-521-3602 or email him at cal@gatewaybusinessadsvisors.com. And if you’re interested in buying a business, he can help you there, too. Cal is pictured (on left) along with Les on the “Lunch With Les” telephone line.

 

Florida Harbor Pilots Keep Supply Chain Open During Pandemic

So that you are able to go to the store to get your sequestered supplies (toilet paper included), there are about 97 people in Florida, who face risk of all kinds before anyone - that’s our state’s Harbor Pilots. Laura DiBella, the executive director of the Florida Harbor Pilots Association, explains that every foreign flag vessel, by law, has to have a harbor pilot safely bring those ships into Florida ports. These brave men and women have to go out to sea to meet vessels coming from all over the world, 24/7/365 – rain or shine and, yes, pandemic included. The pilots she calls the “first responders of the blue economy,” help get ships to port to continue the economic supply chain, while protecting the environment, guiding ships through ripping currents, sand bars and other marine hazards – and all at no expense to taxpayers. DiBella was just 4 months into her new job when the coronavirus issue began. For the first time, her association has had to work with nearly all Florida Department sectors at the same time in an effort to keep all 97 pilots safe and secure in the disruption of cruise and cargo. For more, visit FloridaPilots.com. DiBella is pictured along with Les on the “Lunch With Les” telephone line.

Studio Podcast Suites Provides Complete Podcast Services For Jacksonville Businesses

 Would you like to add podcasts to your marketing mix but you don’t have the equipment or don’t even know how to begin. My buddy, Gary Spurgeon has created a unique way for anyone to take advantage of this fast growing marketing tool. As the owner of Studio Podcast Suites, located near the Town Center, Gary has the facilities and resources to produce professional podcasts for any business. He helps you through the process with 2 handouts - a Podcast Checklist and a Podcast Program & Format planner. He handles production, editing, provides commentators/hosts, customized cover art and assistance with directory placement. Podcasting is the fastest growing advertising channel with over 9 million Americans listening to podcasts every month. I knew Gary as the GM at WEJZ radio. He has over 40 years in the broadcast industry with Renda and Cox. His podcast studio concept has become so popular, he has been asked to expand in markets all over the U.S. For information on price packages, call 904-394-2594 or email gary@studiopodcastsuites.com. Gary is pictured (on left) along with Les on the “Lunch With Les” telephone line.  

McCauley Uses The TAC System To Differentiate His New Engineer Recruiting Firm Highlander Consultants

When firms are looking to hire an engineer, many times the recruiter hasn’t listened to the specifics of the job, which results in a longer search and costly mis-hires. But there is a new Jacksonville-based engineer recruiter, Highlander Consultants, that avoids miscommunication through its operational philosophy, known at TAC. It stands for T(time) A(attention) C(communication) to help them fully understand what a firm is looking for and matches them with qualified candidates from their extensive database. While Chris McCauley started Highlander Consultants last October, his 24 years of experience, knowledge of the industry and contacts take him far from being a start-up. The demand for his services has led him to opening a Tampa office, with plans to be in cities all over Florida. His recruitment services include direct hire, contract, contract-to-hire and pro-active placement. His recruiting areas includes manufacturing, civil, energy, environmental, architectural, construction, medical device, aerospace, automotive and transportation. For a recruiter who listens and communicates, visit Highlandertalent.com or call 904-394-2624. Chris is pictured on the left in this “Lunch with Les” photo. 

 

Eric Smith Has Brought Vital Public Services To Jacksonville

If you have ever called 911 or, heaven forbid, you have to call the emergency number in the future, you have Eric Smith to thank for bringing that critical service to Jacksonville. Eric, a long time friend of mine, is an active attorney in Jacksonville who has distinguished himself as a strong advocate of children, the elderly and crime victims. In his 6 years in the Florida House of Representatives and 20 years on the Jacksonville City Council (twice as Council President), Eric, in addition to 911, has helped bring vital services such as the national fingerprinting ID system and the Crime Victims Center to Jacksonville. Currently, his practice involves both paid and pro bono work with retired individuals, adoptions, personal injury and even lobbying work. From being Dean and Professor at the Florida Coastal School of Law to Board Member of the Exchange Club Center for Prevention of Child Abuse, Eric is always involved in the community. Currently you can find him chairing the Former City Council Presidents & Friends organization each month at the Mudville Grille. Eric is always available to talk at 904-596-5707; eric@govinc.net. Eric is on the right in this “Lunch with Les” photo.

 

Find Hidden Business Revenue With Bryan Process Management

Your small business may have access to much needed revenue and you may not even realize it. Whether trying to survive the COVID-19 crisis or just trying to grow, there is a resource in Jacksonville you need to tap. That’s John Bryan, CEO of Bryan Process Management, Inc. Many of you know John as former Director of the Jax Chamber Councils. John recently retired, but now he is on his own, focusing on finding hidden revenue in a business’s existing processes. John’s operation is a very quick, one-time project effort to help your business identify revenue potential for a minimal one-time fee. He has an extensive small business management background, in addition to his work with the Chamber. He was a consultant for 25 years in process management, business strategy and organization development with some of nation’s top financial institutions. Plus, he was CEO of Improv! Corporate Workshops, using comedy techniques in training (which explains the photo!). If your business needs an infusion of cash, John could be your ideal resource. Contact him at (904) 270-9169; jbjax2@gmail.com. He is pictured on the right along with Les on the “Lunch With Les” telephone (tin can) line.

 

Liberty Life Is A New Medium To Reach Northeast Florida Military Service Members And Veterans

Finally! There’s now a medium to reach the estimated 350,000 person military and veteran market in Northeast Florida. It is call Liberty Life. Creator and Publisher Joe Snowberger, along with Sam Taylor (former publisher of Folio), have developed a weekly print magazine and digital version to deliver news to military service members, veterans, DOD personnel and their families on the “Liberty Coast.” With seven military installations, numerous commands and thousands of veterans (representing all services) from Kings Bay to Camp Blanding to the Florida National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters in St. Augustine, the market is considered one of the nation’s largest military communities. There are no longer base newspapers and the Times Union ceased publication of their on-base publications. So this is the only targeted vehicle for communicating to a community that composes about 23% of the Northeast Florida population. The publication welcomes stories, editorials, photos and calendar contributions regarding military related activities. For ad rates go to LibertyLifeMedia.com. You can contact Joe Snowberger, on the right in this “Lunch With Les” photo, at 904-476-7861 or at publisher@LibertyLifeMedia.com.

Les Loggins Marketing Offers Free Marketing Strategies To Recover From COVID19 Shutdown

COVID19 Small Business No/Low Cost

Recovery Marketing Tips

“Get Back On Your Feet” Marketing Strategies

The following is a list of six no cost or low cost marketing recommendations designed to help small businesses and non-profits in Northeast Florida make a comeback from the coronavirus business shutdown.

1) Short Term Strategic Plan:Before acting or reacting to marketing ideas, map out a short term strategy to address the following areas - a) your immediate marketing goals or objectives; b) identify your audience or personas (specifically your primary audience); c) determine a short term budget; d) identify marketing tasks to achieve your goals; and e) monitor coverage and results.  

Cost = No costs (your time and your staff’s time)

2) Immediate Communication To Existing Customers, Prospects, Suppliers/Vendors and Business Associates:As soon as possible let these key markets know you are open for business and provide any updated information on your products or services.

- Email Campaign:

Cost = No costs (your time and your staff’s time)

- Email Newsletter (Should also be used for long term communications, with a service such as Constant Contact):

Cost = Low costs

- Postcard Mailer (Depending on quantity, consider sending a hand written postcard):

Cost = Low to moderate costs

3) Website Updates:Consider a variety of tasks that can help your situation now and for the future -

- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): To update your site’s search efficiency

Cost = Low to moderate costs (depending on your web developer)

- Website Home Page Or Landing Page: To announce your current business situation

Cost = Moderate to high costs (depending on web developer)

- Website Blog: To inform your market of your business status and activities

Cost = No costs (your time)

4) Social Marketing:There are plenty of no cost opportunities to reach your markets online.

- Online Reviews: Google has suspended reviews during COVID19, but encourage customers to prepare reviews for posting once Google allows.

Cost = No costs

- Linkedin Posts: For business-to-business communications

Cost = No costs

- Facebook Posts: For business-to-consumer communications

Cost = No costs

- Pay Per Click Ads: On Google

Cost = Moderate to high costs

- Virtual Open House: This is an opportunity to talk directly to your market and display products or service personnel through an online service such as Zoom or GoToMeeting.

Cost = Low costs

5) Public Relations:There are many tasks to consider in the public relations category. The following is one of the quickest and lowest cost.

- News Releases: To local print and broadcast media and online through online distribution networks

Cost = No to high costs (depending on the online distribution network used)

6) Local Traditional Advertising:Here are some preferred low cost options in the local media.

- Comcast (now EFFECTV) Advertising: The key is to use zoned and streaming advertising.

Air Time Cost = Low costs

TV Production = Moderate to high costs

- Neighborhood Newspapers: They will produce print ads for you.

Space cost = Low to moderate costs

- JaxDailyNews: Geared more for business-to-business.

Print space cost = Low to moderate costs

Online ads = Low to moderate costs

Each business is different and what will work for some businesses won’t work for others. Les Loggins Marketing is available to customized a marketing strategy and to implement a plan for any type of business, also at a low cost fee. Call Les Loggins at 699-6578; glloggins@gmail.

Les Loggins Marketing Uses Coronavirus Shutdown To Recreate Company Website

Since Les Loggins Marketing, a traditional and online marketing firm, is usually working on marketing tasks, such as website development, for clients, the slowdown caused by the coronavirus gave the firm time to revamp its own website.

Known as a strategic business promoter concentrating on companies in Northeast Florida, Les Loggins, president of the firm, refocused his marketing targets on his website to three groups - small business owners, marketing managers for larger corporations and administrative leaders for trades and non-profits.

He has found that in the case of small business owners, they have uncertainty as to where they should spend their marketing dollars and lack the knowledge of media delivery. He also found that marketing managers need offsite resources for marketing tasks, such as content writing, graphic design and media guidance. And then he found that association leaders usually have a limited marketing budget and need help prioritizing and stretching marketing dollars.

Using the promotional line, “Get More With Les,” Loggins emphasizes his objective is to assist clients’ marketing programs with the goal of building sales, creating a higher profile in the community and increasing the value of the business when the company is sold.

The site quickly outlines a four-step engagement process on how to get a marketing program going and also features a service assurance checklist on how the firm works with the client and how to evaluate results.

Loggins, who is known for his “Lunch with Les” interviews on Linkedin, and which is a branded sales technique, invites prospective clients to meet for lunch to discuss their current marketing status and determine if the firm is the right fit for the client.

The firm’s site is LesLogginsMarketing.com. Loggins can be contacted at glloggins@gmail.com.

Violence And Shortage Of Skilled Labor Being Addressed By CIS In Jacksonville

An increase instreet violence and the shortage of skilled labor, two of Jacksonville’s biggest problems, are being tackled by Communities In Schools (CIS). Led by CEO Leon Baxton, who grew up on the streets of New York without the help of parents or a community, is a living example of personal success to struggling children in Jacksonville. With their Case Management, Literacy and After-School programs, CIS serves 7,000 students from kindergarten to 12^thgrade in 37 Duval County Schools. By providing students with personal and employment skills, they are exposed to opportunities that can lead them to a life of financial success and away from bad behavior. With the help of area businesses, through plant tours, internships and speaking to school assemblies, students can find an interest to pursue. CIS High schools are working with companies to provide opportunities for specialized training for a future workforce, particularly in vocational fields. Baxton encourages companies to contact CIS to build partnerships that can lead to the development of future employees and to keep Jacksonville kids on the right track. Call 904-344-3900. Baxton is on the right in this “Lunch with Les” photo. 

Gilbane’s Ryan Sitnik Brings Experience And Technology To Northeast Florida’s Major Construction Projects

With access to an exclusive database of extensive construction techniques, along with utilizing the latest in construction technology, backed by experience in every type of construction dating back to 1870 and his emphasis on pre-construction planning, Ryan Sitnik, the Northeast Florida Business Development Manager for Gilbane, Inc., is making an impact in sales for the nation’s 11^thlargest general contractor. With work including major high-rise office buildings, healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants, and school facilities, no job is too big for the family owned company, headquartered in Providence Rhode Island. Ryan’s strategy is to work with clients in the early planning stage so the construction project can be customized, budgeted and completed on a desired time schedule. The range of his strategy has helped a life sciences manufacturing plant save money by expediting construction time utilizing prefabrication and enhancing production. In contrast, his work for a museum called for close attention to construction details and more quality control for a facility designed to accommodate the public. Ryan can be contacted at 904-451-9785; RSitnik@Gilbaneco.com. Ryan is pictured on the right in this “Lunch with Les” photo.