VALOR CAPITAL'S NEXT BIG THING - MOISES AGAMI - MANSIONS ON THE MARKET: WATERFRONT - Bad Request
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MANSIONS ON THE MARKET: WATERFRONT SKYWAY CAPITAL MARKETS’
ESTATE ON OCEANVIEW DRIVE SYNAPSE CONNECTION
DINING: PREVIEW: ST. PETERSBURG
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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 | T B B W M A G . C O M | $ 7. 9 5
MOISES AGAMI
VALOR CAPITAL’S
NEXT BIG THING
JANUARY 2023
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JANUARY 2023
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IN THIS ISSUE
4
22
COVER STORY
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Moises Agami
10 One Liners
18 Mansions on the Market
30 Great Places and Spaces
32 Real Estate Quarterly
34 The Good Life
36 Dining: Allelo
38 Synapse: Skyway Capital
Markets signs on for
second year as VIP sponsor
40 Things to Do:
St. Petersburg Powerboat
& Sailboat Show
42 Philanthropy:
Camelot Community Care
54 On the Scene
62 Ask the Experts
66 20 Questions
From TBBW
6 Publisher’s Note
44 CEO Connect ON THE COVER
48 Hispanic Business Summit Moises Agami was photographed
by Michael McCoy.
JANUARY 2023
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JANUARY 2023
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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
Welcome to 2023
A New Year
a new year should always bring new things, innovative
ideas, renewed commitments to success and a fresh
attitude.
If you have read my previous publisher’s notes (thank you);
you know we’ve been alluding to the big things we, at Tampa
In this issue, you will find we have added a Pasco County
One Liners section (you’re welcome, Scott Fink and Allen
Crumbley). That’s right! We’ve expanded our coverage area
to a sixth county, officially. So, if you’re in Pasco, make sure
you’re sending us your news – your announcements – your
Bay Business and Wealth, are bringing to you – our readers, awards and your new hires and promotions.
and ecosystem - in the New Year. And, as we announced in late November, we are bringing
6 We have been planning these things for a while but, like a brand-new signature event to you. Tampa Bay Business
any other business decision, one must wait for the right time. Women, another “TBBW” if you will! We arrived at the name
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Get the ducks in a row and then hit go! after much consternation. We thought of Badass Women of
Well guys we have them. They are quite beautiful in their the Year and Women Who Mean Business. We ran those by our
little rows, too. brain trust and nothing seemed to really stick. Upon gazing at
TBBW has spent the past year getting ours in order. Because a pillow on the couch in our office, it hit us! Why WOULDN’T
we are growing and the market has requested certain things we build on our brand? TBBW lends itself, effortlessly, to
that only we can deliver. Tampa Bay Business Women and so we went with it.
In 2022, we partnered with Babcox Media, out of Akron, The TBBW team has been approached, repeatedly, to
Ohio, we hired a new administrative assistant and she’s introduce a signature women’s award event and we knew,
freeing up time for us to do what we do best and, we’re by mid-2022, it needed to be sooner rather than later. Why?
currently looking to fill a new multi-media sales position … Because the market has asked for it. You were asking for it.
all of this means more offerings and service for you! TBBW has, consistently, worked to fill voids seen in the
market and then, people started coming to us and asking us
to fill a void they were seeing. And we try to never back down
from an ask so, we said, we’re on it!
With over 100 nominations in 24 hours and almost 500 as I
write, we’re confident it’s going to be an event this town will
remember and look forward to every year. An award that will
be coveted and seen as the highest award in the land. An event
where women across industries will be named TBBWomen of
the Year for their craft and an overall TBBWoman of the Year.
But we can’t do it without you!
Keep nominating those C-Suite rock stars. It is our priority
that the finalists, and winners, represent the best of the best
and are truly in a class of amazing, and inspiring, women that
run successful companies, give back to their communities,
mentor other women and wake up every day to make the
world a better place.
Because ladies, we know who runs the world!
It’s a New Year, my friends, with many exciting things
ahead. We’re going to do great things in business, make great
connections and have great fun. We hope you continue to join
us on the journey!
I will use the three-letter phrase I often share with my team
when it’s go time … LFG!
Let’s freaking go friends!
Happy New Year,
XOXO
Bridgette Bello
CEO and Publisher
TBBW
JANUARY 2023
BEHIND CLOSED EYES,
THE MIND BREAKS FREE
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JANUARY 20239
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JANUARY 2023oneliners PINELLAS
10
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► Amanda Ward was named
director of marketing for
MarineMax, in Clearwater.
JANUARY 2023► 3 Daughters Brewing, in St. Petersburg, released 11
► Graze Craze, a food concept that serves cheese plates and charcuterie boards, opened at 2220 a line of vodka-and-soda-canned cocktails, in three
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Central Ave., St. Petersburg. flavors, including grapefruit, pineapple and mango.
⊲ Avison Young’s Florida Capital Markets ⊲ BayFirst National Bank, the wholly ⊲ Clearwater-based BayCare Health
Group completed the $22.5 million sale owned subsidiary of St. Petersburg-based System named Nate Malcolm as president
of the 134,362-square-foot, 13-acre retail BayFirst Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: BAFN) of St. Joseph’s Hospital.
property, at 21800 U.S. Highway 19 N, in and formerly known as First Home Bank,
Clearwater, to an affiliate of the Philadelphia named Adam Curtis as its new senior ⊲ Justin Olsen joined Johns Hopkins All
Phillies, which already leases the adjacent vice president and Pinellas County market Children’s Hospital, in St. Petersburg, as
city-owned BayCare Ballpark, home of the president. vice president and chief operating officer.
Phillies Spring Training and the Clearwater
Threshers. ⊲ St. Petersburg-based shopper intelligence ⊲ St. Petersburg-based Paradise
firm Catalina sold its headquarters in the Advertising & Marketing promoted chief
Carillon business park, at 200 Carillon strategy officer Rudy Webb to president.
Parkway, to real estate firm Webull
Management, for $29.5 million. ⊲ United Insurance Holdings Corp. sold its
St. Petersburg headquarters, at 800 Second
⊲ Otter PR purchased an 8,000-square-foot Ave. S., for $10.5 million to an entity affiliated
building, at 324 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, with Tampa-based investment advisory firm
for $3 million, which will serve as the Third Lake Partners.
company’s headquarters.
► A Sarasota-based doughnut shop, Five-O Donuts, ► Taylor Sam’s, a café that specializes in homestyle breakfast and brunch, has leased space at 312 Third
signed a lease for its first location in St. Petersburg, at St. S., St. Petersburg, in the Camden Pier District apartment tower with plans to open for business in
1003 Fourth St. N. February or March.
JANUARY 2023oneliners HILLSBOROUGH
12
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► The Florida Restaurant
& Lodging Association
named Kevin Johnson,
a shareholder at labor
and employment law firm
Johnson Jackson, as a
recipient of the organization’s
Supplier Hall of Fame award
for 2022.
JANUARY 202313
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► Tampa-based artist Ya La’ford was honored with the Blanche Armwood Legacy award at the annual National Alumnae Association of Spelman
College Tampa Bay Chapter event.
► Travis Jennings, founder and chief Christaldi, managing partner at Shumaker,
executive officer of Finance Cape, was as secretary and treasurer; and Ben
named president of the TIE Tampa Bay Dachepalli, a partner at Bradley, as general
chapter, replacing longtime leader Rich counsel.
Heruska.
► Cigar Aficionado magazine inducted Eric
► Jarett Rieger has been named vice Newman, president and third-generation
president and chief innovation officer at owner of J.C. Newman Cigar Co., in Ybor
Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. City, into its Cigar Hall of Fame.
► Tampa-based door manufacturer ► Vistra Communications, in Lutz, named
Masonite (NYSE: DOOR) announced Gregory Reyes its new vice president of
plans to acquire North Carolina-based business growth.
manufacturer Endura Products, in a $375
million cash deal. ► Cushman & Wakefield arranged the sale
of Hampton Oaks and Center Point, two
► The Tampa Bay Partnership announced business parks totaling 405,772 square feet,
that Brian Auld, president of the Tampa in Tampa’s East Side submarket, for $74.34
Bay Rays and vice chair of the Tampa Bay million.
Rowdies, has been named the 26th chair of
the organization. ► Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
promoted Mackenzie McGuire to senior
► The Tampa Bay Economic Development marketing director of the Tampa Bay region.
Council has announced its new slate of
executive officers who will help lead the ► Steve Morey, senior vice president of ► The Tampa Museum of Art announced that
organization, in fiscal year 2023, including economic development at the Tampa Bay philanthropist and art collector Jorge M. Pérez
Angel Gonzalez, regional president Economic Development Council, was gifted a monumental sculpture by Colombian artist
at SouthState Bank, as chair; Joe named president and CEO of the Plant City Fernando Botero and a $1 million cash gift to the
Lopano, chief executive officer of Tampa Economic Development Corp. museum.
International Airport, as vice chair; Ron
JANUARY 2023oneliners S A R A S OTA & M A N AT E E
14
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► Southwest Florida financial investment
advisor Raul Elizalde, president and chief
► Caldwell Trust Company held its grand opening of its new downtown Sarasota office at 27 South Orange Avenue. investment officer for Path Financial of
Sarasota, was recognized as a Five Star
► Gulfside Bank, in Sarasota, place, in park form, to Sarasota works to promote Downtown Wealth Manager for the fifth consecutive
named Robin Scorsone as Bay, named Tony Gamelin as Bradenton as a destination. year.
assistant manager. chief financial officer.
► Rachel McCoy, of Florida a $60,000 Arts Appreciation
► The Bay Park Conservancy, ► Meals on Wheels of Sarasota Suncoast Real Estate, was Grant from Gulf Coast
the nonprofit responsible for has named Rhonda Leiberick installed as the 2023 President Community Foundation.
bringing a bayfront gathering as interim director. of the Women’s Council
of Realtors Manatee in a ► DalMoros Fresh Pasta To
► Karen Corbin has been ceremony held at Key Royale Go opened its third franchise,
promoted to the role of executive Golf Club. this one in St. Armands Circle, in
director at Realize Bradenton, Sarasota.
a Bradenton nonprofit that ► The Sarasota Opera received
► Warren R. Colbert, Sr. was elected as
chair of the board of the John & Mable
Ringling Museum of Art Foundation. ► Fat Point Brewing plans to open a new location, in Sarasota, at University Town Center.
JANUARY 2023TAMPA BAY CHAPTER
PRESENTS
DEAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FINALISTS!
f
The Tampa Chapter of the AM&AA Deal of the Year Awards celebrates Tampa Bay’s thriving middle-market
business community, and honors locals who drive middle-market growth. Nominated deals and deal teams
will be evaluated based on their contribution to job growth, positive economic impact, capital formation, and
the advancement of meaningful business relationships in the greater Tampa Bay Area. We will recognize the
entire team: seller, buyer, investment bank, law firm, tax advisory firm, and any other members who contributed
to the deal’s success.
Date: Tuesday, January 10, 2023 VISIT
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. amaaonline.com
Location: Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club FOR TICKETS!
1601 S Macdill Ave, Tampa FL 33626
SPONSORSoneliners PA S C O o
► American Freight, a national
home retail store, opened at
6233 Tacoma Drive, Port Richey,
at the old Toys R Us location in
The Piers Shopping Center.
16
► Gary Plastic Packaging
Corp., a New York packaging
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company, is moving into 279,000
square feet of space, in a new
400,000-square-foot building,
currently under construction
at the North Pasco Corporate
Center. ► Shumaker Partner and Litigation and
► Morganna’s Alchemy, a company that develops skincare Disputes Regional Service Line Leader,
products with an emphasis on anti-aging, hair growth and personal ► The Shops at Wiregrass, in Michele Leo Hintson, was appointed
care products, celebrated its grand opening, at 6610 US Highway Wesley Chapel, has added three vice chair of the Pasco County Economic
19, New Port Richey. new tenants including Fabletics, Development Council.
BoxLunch and Body Details.
NEW BEGINNINGS.oneliners POLK
awarded a contract to provide
flooring for 123 new single-family
homes KB Home plans to build,
at Hickory Ranch, in Auburndale.
17
► Keymark Corp. of Florida,
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a Lakeland manufacturing
► The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved Hezedean A. Smith as the new Polk company, is planning a $36
County Fire Rescue chief. million expansion in which it
wants to add new equipment to
► Watson welcomed two Watson Clinic Main, at 1600 city’s Economic Development its existing facility, at Knights
additions to its team of medical Lakeland Hills Blvd., in Lakeland. Infrastructure Incentive Station and George Wheeler
providers—a registered nurse Program. roads, and also add a new
practitioner, D’Aishia Burgess, ► A Lakeland manufacturing 76,326-square-foot building,
who works alongside board- business is planning a $36 ► Blackton, a supplier of at 3155 Drane Field Road, to
certified pulmonology specialist million expansion as it asks for wholesale materials to the accommodate an additional line
physician Naem Shahrour from a $400,000 grant through the homebuilding industry, was of equipment.mansions on the market
18
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Waterfront Estate on
Oceanview Drive
ADDRESS: 2131 Oceanview Drive, Tierra Verde
LIST PRICE: $14 million
SPECS: 9 bedrooms | 12 bathrooms, 2 half-bathrooms | 12,522 square
feet
DETAILS: This private waterfront estate, on Oceanview Drive, was
custom-built by Alvarez Homes and renovated in 2019. The home’s
entry foyer opens to the grand living room with west-facing windows
and an adjacent dining room that leads to multiple great rooms.
The contemporary chef’s kitchen presents functionality, with a
minimalist layout, featuring quartz and marble countertops, gray-
smooth cabinetry and stainless-steel Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances.
The downstairs owner’s suite offers views of the Gulf of Mexico and
features two, fully finished, walk-in custom closets, two bathrooms
and a private office. The home has a gym and an outdoor living space
that includes a summer kitchen.
LISTED BY: Douglas Elliman brokers Keri Thigpen and Lauren
Krawczyk. Email Keri.Thigpen@elliman.com or Lauren.Krawczyk@
elliman.com for details.
JANUARY 202319
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e
JANUARY 2023STPHEOCUI A
GLH T
MA RA
LE KE
D TE IRNSGH ISPE C T I O N
BY JO CLAIR SPEAR
ATTORNEY, TRENAM LAW
CONSIDER A SALE-LEASEBACK WHEN
20
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MARKETING COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
A sale-leaseback transaction can raise needed cash for a seller who income and expense on the books of buyer and seller. To be classified as
MAGGIE KNAUST
owns commercial real property, while at the same time enabling the seller
to remain and operate the property as buyer’s tenant, effective upon
an operating lease, the parties should exclude the following provisions
from the lease:
SENIOR COUNSEL AT TRENAM LAW
closing the sale. This article reviews certain benefits and pitfalls associated 1. A transfer of ownership to the tenant at lease expiration,
BREAKING UP A FLORIDA LLC IS HARD TO DO,
with a sale-leaseback transaction. The key is to qualify the transaction as
a sale with an operating lease (not a finance lease).
2. The inclusion of an option to repurchase the leased property that the
tenant is reasonably certain to exercise,
ATypicalBUSINESS
Benefits and Risks: PRENUP CAN MAKE IT EASIER 3. A lease term which covers a “major part” of the remaining economic life
of the property,
AD
A “sale-leaseback” is essentially two transactions, bundled together, 4. Total consideration paid to the landlord, which represents “substantially
in Much
whichlike
theaseller
marriage,
agrees at the beginning
to sell of a business
the property venture everyone
and, simultaneously, the andall”
business owners, can
of the property’s fairbe helpful
value and, in the business divorce process.
isbuyer
excited. People are contributing. Trying their hardest.
agrees to lease the property back to seller effective upon closing. Responding to 5. A situation where the tenant’s use of the property is so specialized that
emails. Consulting each other on financial decisions. Working
If the seller has significant equity in the property, the sale can generate as a team. WHAT IF THERE’S
the property NOalternative
has no OPERATING AGREEMENT?
use to the landlord at the end of the lease
Then something
substantial cashchanges.
which theSomeone
seller maygetsneeda new
to fundjobcurrent
or has aoperations
big life change.
or use Similar
term. to marrying without a pre-nuptial agreement, if there is no
Anfor expansion, a new venture or alternative investment. A salecontributing
owner starts contributing more (or feels like they are can be less operating agreement or the agreement is silent as to how interests in
more). Emails
expensive andconventional
than phone calls refinancing
go unanswered. to raise Conflict
capital,abounds.
and theDistrust
seller’s the
Thecompany can be Agreement:
Sale-Leaseback transferred, the default rules and provisions of
sets
balance sheet is improved if existing mortgage debt is satisfied byYou
in. It doesn’t look like there is a way to fix the relationship. the and
sale Florida’s LLC statute apply.
A written purchase and sale Theagreement
options under the default
is essential statute are
to memorialize the
orproceeds.
your partner(s) wantacquires
The buyer a divorce.
theBut
riskwhere do youownership
of property start? but with the far
rights and obligations of each party, with no ambiguity as to thetoagreed
more limited than what the parties can contractually agree in an
right to control its occupancy, the tax benefits arising from depreciation operating
terms. Theagreement
agreement regarding
should divorce. Depending
affirm that it is theonmutual
the circumstances,
intent of the
THE
and OPERATING
any appreciation AGREEMENT
in value. In addition, the lease customarily provides the options can include voluntary dissociation by a
parties that: (a) the transaction will result in a complete transfermember, involuntary
of legal
a long-term source determine
The first step is to whether
of rental income toyour limited(as
the buyer liability company
landlord), withhasthe dissociation
and equitable title to the buyer at closing; (b) upon such closing theoften,
of a member and dissolution of the company. Quite buyer
an operating agreement. An operating agreement is an
seller (as tenant) typically being obligated to pay insurance, maintenance, oral, or written, members
shall have attempting
control overto theexit a company,
property with theorauthority
removetoaleasemember from a
the property
agreement
real estate between
taxes andthe partiesexpenses
operating that governs their relationship.
applicable Operating
to the property for the company, find(c)that
to the seller; eachtheparty
default
shallprovisions
report theunder
leasetheas statute do not provide
a true operating lease
agreements can be
duration of the lease. as simple, or complex, as the parties desire and vary them
and not a finance lease (or other financing arrangement); andfor
with an efficient, satisfactory solution. While it is possible (d)the
no
greatly by industry and the business needs of the members. parties to agree
agreement between to anthe
alternative
parties shallsolution, other than
be construed what aisjoint
to create set venture
forth in
WillIf there is an operating
Your Transaction agreement,
Qualify as a Sale?the next step is to determine if the LLC statute, Abylease
or partnership. the time
whichthecontains
partiesconstruction
are at the point of divorce, variable
commitments, coming
there is a key buy-sell provision. Buy-sell
Structuring the transaction requires attention provisions allow thestandards.
to accounting transfer to an agreement without legal intervention is challenging.
rent payments (such as percentage rent), a seller repurchase option or right
ofThe
antransaction
owner’s interest under certain conditions. Frequently, a
needs to, first, qualify as a “sale.” Ideally, there should be: buy-sell of first refusal or a buyer put option will each require additional scrutiny.
provision will provide
(a) the existence to whomsales
of a written the contract
interest can
withbe transferred
a seller who holdsand legal
how CONCLUSION
the price for the interest is to be determined. For two-member
title and control over the property with, (b) a transfer of title and control to limited While the new business butterflies are going, take the time to
Conclusion:
liability
the buyer companies,
upon exchange a traditional buy-sellTransfer
of consideration. provision is common.
of control One
is reviewed, thoughtfully
Although discuss, and plan, can
a sale-leaseback whatoffer
the end
mayofbenefits,
your business relationship
the structuring can
member can initiate an offer to buy the other’s membership
primarily, from the buyer’s perspective. To establish control, the buyer interest. The might look like. Draft your business pre-nup. If you are already
be complex. The proposed sale-leaseback agreement and the lease should out of
member receiving the offer has two options – accept the offer
must possess, substantially, all the benefits associated with the property’s or purchase the
bothhoneymoon
be examined phase, consider revisiting
in consultation your operating
with professionals. Failureagreement to
to do so can
the offering Amember’s
ownership. key controlinterest for the
indicator, identicalisprice.
of course, For multi-member
the seller’s delivery of a address changes to the business and the dynamics of the relationship.
result in the transaction being treated as a finance lease – which will have
companies,
deed at closing, which transfers legal title to the buyer. that provides for a
the parties may include a buy-sell provision While it might
unintended not be
financial fun to talk about the potential for the end of
consequences.
right of first refusal or right of first offer. The parties can also agree to a buy- your relationship, going through the process will likely save you some
sell
Willprovision
Your Lease that Qualify
values members’ interestsLease?
as an Operating by applying a predetermined heartache
Jo Clairedown
Speartheis road.
an attorney in Trenam Law’s Real Estate and Lending
formula, based on financial records or a third-party
The lease between the seller and buyer needs to qualify appraisal process.
as an “operating Practice Group where she represents owners, tenants and lenders in
As with other provisions of the operating agreement, there
lease.” A different classification of the lease can disqualify the transaction are a broad Maggie Knaust
acquisitions, is anleasing
financing, attorneyand
at dispositions.
Trenam Law Sheandcan
a member of the
be reached at
variety of options for how a buy-sell provision is structured.
as a sale-leaseback and affect the amount and timing of recording the lease A thoughtfully firm’s Litigation
jspear@trenam.com.and Dispute Resolution Practice Group. She can be
planned and well-drafted buy-sell provision, appropriate to the industry reached at mknaust@trenam.com.
JANUARY 2023Respecting Time
& Deadlines
Providing
Accessibility
Understanding 21
Your Business
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Establishing
Certainty
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At Trenam, we are committed to our clients.
We are committed to understanding you and your business,
providing greater certainty about our fees, delivering our
services timely, and ensuring we are accessible and responsive at
all times. That is what full-service means to us.
This is the Trenam Code of Client Commitment.
TA M PA | ST. P E T E RS BURG
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JANUARY 202322
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JANUARY 2023the sky is
THE LIMIT
THE CEO OF VALOR CAPITAL
HAS BIG VISIONS FOR
PROJECTS IN TAMPA BAY
BY JO-LYNN BROWN
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL MCCOY
23
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JANUARY 2023i
24
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t’s not the first time we’ve heard this part of the story. In take something out of the blue and learn all about it and then
fact, it’s becoming quite the theme. learn to do it. I was very happy there.”
Someone visits the Tampa Bay area, falls in love and, down He was there for four years and graduated at the age of 17.
the road, decides to plant roots and start a business here. But college wasn’t something that interested him. He want-
Moises Agami is another chief executive officer to have ed to see the world.
such a story. He spent about a year backpacking around the world and
Born in Mexico City, Agami is currently CEO of Valor Cap- doing odd jobs like waiting tables, working in a hotel and
ital. His company is the development force of Serena by the even some construction work.
Sea, in Clearwater, which is still under construction but com- “I eventually came home and became an adult,” he says,
pletely sold out. And now, he’s setting his sights on expand- with a laugh.
ing his vision to St. Petersburg. Becoming an adult meant he moved back home to Mexico
His company had revenue of $70 million in 2022, but is ex- City to be close to his family. This was in 1998, and the Mex-
pected to more than double, in 2023, to $150 million. With ico that Agami left was drastically different than the one he
Serena nearing completion and the unnamed St. Petersburg returned to.
project nearing the point of announcement, Agami is eager He had an idyllic memory of growing up there but, by 1993,
for what’s coming next. it had experienced a major recession.
● Agami began working in the family business, a cosmetics
Agami was born in Mexico City in 1979. He has an older factory located about an hour and a half away from his home.
brother and three younger brothers. “It was a great adventure and a lot of learning,” Agami
“I had the most incredible childhood that I could have says. “I did a lot of growing up and finding out about the
dreamed of,” Agami says. world … and about paying taxes.”
He describes his childhood as a tremendous amount of Eventually, Agami was ready to go off on his own. He had
fun, playing with his brothers and attending a Montessori built up mom and dad’s business, which is still in operation
school, which he says he loved. in Mexico today, yet it was time for him to find his own pas-
He played a lot of sports like tennis, karate, basketball and sion.
swimming. Moving into high school, he admits, he mostly “I found this company that had this amazing technology
focused on soccer. that could track vehicles,” Agami says.
He attended the Delphian School in Sheridan, Oregon, a At the time, Mexico was experiencing a rise in theft of au-
boarding school. It was the kind of school that had students tomobiles, but there was no way to track it, he says.
studying at their own pace. He ended up working, and investing, in a business called
“It’s where I learned to learn on my own,” Agami says. Road-Track, which went on to become the OnStar of Lat-
“I think that’s the biggest thing, where I learned to figure in America. Agami put together a group of investors and
things out on my own and find out about new subjects. To bought the majority stake of Road-Track, in 2004. They grew
JANUARY 202325
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JANUARY 202326
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the company from 80 team members quality checked, it actually has to be
to 3,000 team members, over the span HIS BIGGEST FAILURE corrected. And then after it’s corrected,
of 17 years, with operations in 11 coun- then it can really be a product and ex-
tries. “I made a lot of them. They happen changed with society.”
He admits there were unique chal- constantly and I have to correct them, In 2018, Agami sold that company,
lenges he faced in this industry. push through them and get better. That while maintaining a leadership role
“If you put a device in a car, that de- happens all the time,” Agami says. “I up until February of 2022. Meanwhile,
vice has to be perfect and has to op- think the biggest one is probably not even before his departure, he was
erate under every weather condition, thinking, and dreaming, big enough slowly dipping his feet into the world
under every vibration, all types of hu- from the very beginning. Every time I of real estate.
midity, every temperature, all kinds of do something, I go, ‘Wow, that was too ●
movements, all kinds of everything. It small. I needed to do it way bigger.’ Real estate had been in Agami’s ex-
can’t fail or our devices would, literal- Just go bigger!” tended family for years. He began in-
ly, stop vehicles. One of the functions vesting in real estate, in a passive role,
of our devices is to immobilize stolen more than 20 years ago.
vehicles,” he says. “So, if our device young, entrepreneurial journey was Growing up, he visited the Tampa
doesn’t work, the whole car will not the secular business teachings of L. Bay area often. He says he has many
work.” Ron Hubbard, an author and founder of fond memories of those trips and the
Failure, he admits, is inevitable and the Scientology religion. area. When he returned, as an adult,
to be expected. “He talked a lot about there being with his wife in 2009, amid the great
“There are failures in every part one missing thing in most compa- recession, it felt like it could be home.
of the process,” Agami says. “It’s not nies in the world and that was quali- They rented a home near Sunset Point
whether or not there could be a failure, ty control,” Agami says. “He said every Road in Clearwater.
it’s that there will be failures.” product that is produced has to be cor- “I was traveling two or three weeks
One of the tools he used in his rected. So, it’s not just that it has to be out of the month,” he says. When rob-
JANUARY 2023PHILANTHROPY
“I actually support a lot of charities,
but I think the most important part of my
community giving is in the work that I do,”
27
Agami says. “Now that we’re developing,
we include a significant amount of art
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into our projects. We’re going to go to Art
Basel this weekend and find a beautiful $860, all the money he had at the time.
beries and other criminal activity be- piece of art for the front of Serena by the She was wearing the same necklace
gan occurring near their home, he was Sea. We’re putting in these incredible the day Tampa Bay Business & Wealth
eager to move his wife to a more se- green walls that are going to be on the visited Agami for this interview. She al-
cure location. face of the building. The building itself is a ways wears it.
“I found out that Water’s Edge had beautiful piece of art.” He enjoys traveling. Private is al-
gone broke and it was up for auction,” Agami also has a passion for helping ways nice, he adds, but he also genu-
Agami recalls. “I made a bid for it on charities that deal with addiction, includ- inely appreciates the low-key Clearwa-
my own and I lost.” ing Foundation for a Drug Free World ter lifestyle with his family.
He ended up joining forces with the and also causes that support literacy and “I don’t have as much downtime as
individual who won the bid and, work- human rights. you’d think that I that I might have, I
ing together, they turned the property “There are two ways to give back to work a lot,” Agami says. “My pleasure
around. The 26-story condominium the community. One is fixing the problems in life is to spend time with my kids
community still stands today. and another one is improving the good and with my family. Time off with
A few blocks away, a property that things,” he says. “Now that I’m in St. Pete, them, that’s what I collect. Good mem-
was a former bank building was being I am extremely excited about meeting ories and good experiences.”
foreclosed on. Agami snapped that one the associations that have to do with art With more projects coming that will
up too. It became Skyview. and artistic movements. I think that we keep his attention close to home, he
“The units in Water’s Edge were can contribute to this artistic movement seems to be excited to focus on work
flying off the shelf like pancakes. And that, while it doesn’t fix a bad thing, really in, and around, his current “home
so I said, let’s buy the property that enhances a good thing.” base.”
became Skyview from the bank. Let’s His next big project will take him
do something with it. And that’s how to the other end of Pinellas County,
it kind of started,” Agami says. “We ● where he is planning a multi-use proj-
bought everything back from the bank Agami’s personal life is focused on ect, in downtown St. Petersburg, near
and I, originally, was supposed to just family, as he now has four small chil- The Dali Museum.
be a passive investor in the real estate. dren and a puppy. The project will have homes for the
That was my role, not an active inves- He has been married for 15 years. He younger, single professional, he says,
tor. But things weren’t going the way met his wife in Acapulco when he was as well as restaurant, retail and office
that they should be. So, I really took an 23 years old. space.
active role.” “We had both been going to the “St. Pete has this authenticity of still
By 2012, Agami was the CEO of Valor same place, to vacation, for years but being this small American town but yet
Capital’s U.S. operations, the company had never met,” he says. “We knew we it’s also very sophisticated, very colorful
that had purchased Water’s Edge and wanted to get married the day after we and very booming,” he says. “I’m excited
Skyview. met, certainly at least the week after.” to be able to join that community … it
Valor Capital’s latest luxury living He notes that around this time, he will be a new, fresh angle for St. Pete.”
property, Serena by the Sea, also in had started his business and didn’t re- As someone who doesn’t seem to do
Clearwater, is currently nearing its ally have any money. But he did pur- “small” well, Agami is sure to succeed
completion and is completely sold out. chase his future wife a necklace for on that promise. ♦
JANUARY 2023MARCH 14-19
INNISBROOK
28
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New Affordable Home Ownership Opportunity to Break Ground in South St. Petersburg
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas exclusively to potential homeowners making and with an investment by the city, each unit
and West Pasco counties, in partnership less than 80% of the area median income will have a maximum sales price capped at
with Exact-Shell Dash and the city of St. and willing to participate in the Habitat for $219,000.
Petersburg, broke ground on a 10-unit Humanity program. The townhomes will be DuCon Construction will serve as the
townhome development, located on the two-story, three-bedroom, three-bathroom general contractor for the development
16th Street business corridor, bordering the units with a single-car garage. and is a state-certified minority business
Campbell Park neighborhood. Through the Habitat program, homebuyers enterprise. Construction is slated to be
The new development will be marketed will be provided an interest-free mortgage completed by the third quarter of 2024.
JANUARY 2023Tampa Bay Business and Wealth_16.750x10.875.pdf 1 12/5/22 3:11 PM
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THE LARGEST
BOAT SHOW
ON THE GULF COAST
JANUARY 2023Real Estate Quarterly
BY JO-LYNN BROWN
32
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Trends in Tampa Bay
THE PRESIDENT OF UNITED LANDMARK ASSOCIATES TALKS ABOUT THE RISE
OF RESORT AMENITIES, KEEPING YOUNG TALENT IN TAMPA BAY AND MORE.
d on Niederpruem is a 30-plus
year real estate marketing vet-
eran whose company, United
Landmark Associates, has been on the
leading edge of marketing some of the
market?
We have developed expertise in
master-planned communities and
mixed-use developments, including
some in the form of luxury condomini-
along behind Sarasota in terms of at-
tracting that market. But also, in the
last five to 10 years, because of job
growth and business relocation, St.
Pete has found itself attracting a pri-
largest projects in the Tampa Bay area um towers. We have a very long track mary buyer to the urban core. Also,
such as Saltaire and ONE, both in St. record of doing the majority of the there’s been a general sense
Petersburg, Hyde Park House, Hunter’s high-rise buildings in downtown St. of people wanting to return
Green and MiraBay, in Tampa, and the Petersburg, Sarasota and Tampa. That to the city centers for walk- (Above:) An aerial
Ritz-Carlton Residences properties, in work includes not only branding and ability and lifestyle, and that view of downtown
Sarasota. developing the strategic lead genera- has been fueling the urban Tampa. (Right:) Don
During his lucrative career, he has tion, but all the digital marketing and center cores of the Tampa, Niederpruem.
navigated a multitude of market shifts related advertising that goes with it. St. Petersburg and Sarasota
and is proud of clients’ success, even markets. It really accelerated
during challenging market conditions. Do you find that you must change during the COVID-19 explo-
Tampa Bay Business & Wealth chat- your approach when dealing with sion, because Florida was open and in
ted with Niederpruem to gain a differ- those projects? Or do you find that business, and at the same time, had
ent perspective in the ever-changing the same strategy works for mar- a welcoming climate, virtually year-
and booming real estate market in the kets across the board? round. That really supercharged all
Tampa Bay area. Real estate is a very localized busi- three of those markets.
ness. What you do in St. Petersburg is
You’ve worked on some of the big- very different than what you do in St. You have a unique perspective,
gest luxury projects in the Tampa Augustine. Sarasota has, historically, being that you look at these projects
Bay area. How did United Land- had more people looking for second from a strategic marketing aspect.
mark Associates enter that niche homes. St. Petersburg obviously came What are some of the unique trends,
JANUARY 2023or changes, that you think are inter- ed amenities and lifestyle benefits, pur- go back to our hometowns after getting
esting to talk about? What should chasers will want to be there. In fact, our degrees in a Florida college. We
people be mindful going into this they’ll pay a premium to be there. didn’t get to go back to Sarasota and St.
new year? Rent at Water Street and Midtown Pete for work, because there weren’t
The most important focus of our Tampa are the highest in the region, employment opportunities. So, we had
work, and for builders and developers, and they aren’t necessarily located in to go to Miami or Atlanta, or up north.
is that you need to create uniqueness the best place. They’re creating what But now we have more opportunity
for your home products and develop- we call a “placemaking function.” And than ever to create an environment to
ments to create differentiation. Here in that’s the kind of thing we help clients keep young people here, to attract and
Florida, as we have a mature audience, with. We are creating, crafting and keep our youth.
home prices have increased and so has That’s the biggest change that you 33
carving out that niche … establishing a
the sophistication of purchasers. destination that is really more than just and I have seen to Sarasota, St. Pete
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Another driver in the marketplace the sum of its parts. and even Tampa. There are simply more
is the concept of work-from-home, In the past, developer would simply young people here than ever before.
which has been one of the most im- put a building on the beach every- The key to markets like ours, in addition
portant recent changes to how homes body would go there. And the beach is, to cities like Austin, Texas and Boulder,
are designed and how people want to certainly still a big amenity. But now, Colorado, is keeping young people here
live. Yes, they want open space, but we would look at this region and say, and keeping them employed.
now we’ve started to see homes, and where would you rather be on the I think our business community
buildings being designed with private beach? Would you rather be on Clear- needs to do more to create employment
and co-working spaces. water Beach, even though it’s con- opportunities, attract bigger employers
I think that the wellness and health gested but there’s a lot of things going here and more technology, which is
movement has accelerated during on? Or would you rather be on St. Pete what fuels much of our growth. That
COVID, for all the obvious reasons, so Beach where it’s congested, but there’s will create the job opportunities to
now we’re looking at aspects of green not as much going on? If you’re build- keep our youth here. And I think that’s
living being standard features in homes ing a luxury development today, you’d one of the most important things we
and buildings. Just a few years ago, that probably gravitate towards Clearwater can all do.♦
was thought to be either too expensive Beach, because it just seems to have a
or just not appealing. So, consumers little bit more going on.
weren’t willing to pay more for it. Now And if you go to Sarasota, that’s
they are. I think those two factors have where you see the next level of luxu-
become important short-term trends. ry, possibly because of arts and culture
What I also think is important is that and the other trappings of the area,
more enhanced resort amenities are which has become the centerpiece of
being included. It used to be enough the west coast of Florida. The person
to have tennis courts and a swimming that is highly motivated by that will go
pool, but now we’re seeing large la- into that market and pay even more.
goon pools, wellness centers, pickleball
courts, miles of walking trails and more. What haven’t I asked you that you
These drive absorption rates and higher think our readers should know?
average prices. It wasn’t that long ago I am trying to get my head wrapped
that you didn’t think that you’d live in around how to benefit from the largest
a resort as a primary homebuyer. Now, student population in the state of Flor-
you have those choices and people are ida, which is right here in the Bay Area.
flocking to them. How do we create even more opportu-
nities for young people to stay? With
Multiuse communities seem to be all of our excellent local colleges and
having a moment. Do you see those universities, we just have a treasure
projects continuing to be desirable trove of talent. And our mission is to
for developers? try to keep as much of that talent here
If we offer well-designed real estate as possible.
offerings, with enhanced and expand- In the past, many of us didn’t get to
JANUARY 2023the good life
0123 The Good Life
34
Photos filed
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THE HAMPTON
CHOCOLATE FACTORY
The Hampton Chocolate Factory, with a location
at 615 Channelside Drive, in Tampa, has been a
family-owned business since 2014 with a mission
to showcase the luxury, and taste, of the Hamptons
through artisan chocolates and decadent desserts.
The company is now owned and operated by
the two brothers, Austin and Grant Gappelberg,
the Hampton Chocolate Factory and its collection
of artisan chocolate are becoming a luxury brand
coveted by everyone. They offer a variety of gift
options, which start at $34, shop here: www.
hamptonchocolatefactory.com
JANUARY 202335
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DOXA
At a diameter of 42 mm, the SUB 200
is topped by a scratch-resistant sapphire
crystal with an anti-reflective coating
and the distinctive curvature of the
domed plexiglass used back in the day.
Waterproof to a depth of 200 meters (20
ATM), the model features a unidirectional
rotating bezel. All the elements providing
dive-relevant information, including
the bezel, have a SuperLumiNova
luminescent coating. The bracelet is 316L
stainless steel and features a folding
clasp with the DOXA fish symbol. ($950
to $900) For more
doxawatches.com
JANUARY 2023Dining A L L E LO | 3 0 0 B E AC H D R N E , S T. P E T E R S B U R G
STORY AND PHOTOS BY BARBARA LYNCH | @AMBASSADORBARB
36
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(b
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Allelo:
t
s
The Place to Flock to on Beach Drive
he restaurant industry is challenging and establishments change hands, bringing variety to the
ever-growing food scene, in the Tampa Bay area. A welcome addition to St. Petersburg is Allelo, a
Mediterranean influenced restaurant on Beach Drive. Shawn and Jeanna Damkoehler combined
forces with Volet Hospitality and the innovativeness of Chef Alex Pyser to bring a remarkable new
dining experience to the market.
The archways of Allelo invite you into a chic bar area, designed by the New York-based firm,
AvroKO. The combination of the black and white tile, glass wine wall and raw brick makes the
cozy space seem larger. The bar showcases artwork by Annette Gloomis, an artist with
ties to Safety Harbor and a passion for Mother Nature. Her featured painting portrays
Florida birds, connecting to the Allelo name, which derives from the word allelomimesis, A VISION
the phenomenon of a group, such as birds, coming together to form a flock. The space This page, (top)
is purposefully designed into two distinct areas—the bar lounge area and the dining Beet salad; (left)
area, each with a slightly different vibe. Food is meant to be shared and each dish Like a Virgin +
allows everyone to create their version of the perfect bite, each with a special tie to Sumac That.
the Mediterranean.
JANUARY 2023LIBATIONS
There are times when a cocktail defies
expectations and awakens the taste buds.
Like a Virgin is such an elixir.
The gin-based drink is paired with
mastica, a sweet liquor from Greece,
chartreuse and citrus flavored olive oil.
The beads of olive oil add a pop of color to
the drink and taste to the tongue.
The Sumac That doesn’t disappoint as
a slightly, sweeter cocktail.
Beyond strawberries, lemon
PRESENTATION and prosecco, this vodka drink 37
MATTERS has sumac, a spice with citrus
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This page, (top) overtones, which refresh the
Endive Salad; palate.
(bottom) Colossal
Prawns. SALADS
Although the round, flat
salad bowl is the same building
base for the Beet Salad and the Endive
Salad, the final presentation of the two
salads couldn’t be more different. The Beet Salad has a layer of chevre, topped with an like a lobster. The saffron chili remoulade
array of colorful beets. The Endive Salad brings out the buttery flavor of the
arranges the radicchio, endives, pears, prawns to melt in your mouth.
pecans and blue cheese in a lovely nest, Allelo’s version of traditional Bolognese
held together by the mustard vinaigrette. brings forward the Mediterranean
The deconstructed salads allow each influences with fresh tomatoes and a
person to build the perfect bite, based on touch of citrus, adding a zing to the dish.
their flavor preferences. Agilanico, a delightful red wine from
Campania, Italy plays on the acidity from
SHARED PLATES the sauce, a pleasant pairing.
Every dish is designed to the last detail,
including the serving ware. The thinly DESSERT
sliced petals of snapper crudo, dusted The deconstructed lemon custard
with peppercorns, a touch of yogurt, citrus dessert is the last chance to end a
sprig of mint and surrounded by the cool perfect meal. There are ways to build that
cucumber puree melt on your tongue. spoonful including fennel jam, graham
The beef tartare is in a category of its crackers, toasted pasta, coconut and olive
own, prepared table side, starting with the oil. It takes practice to find the perfect
ring of finely cut rare beef. The spices are combination of the flavors, but it’s a good
colorfully arranged, with a raw egg in the kind of practice. The infused olive oil that
middle to create the binding. Once this is started the evening off in the cocktails,
stirred together at the table, it slides onto rounded the evening out in the desserts
fresh Khobz—a Moroccan flatbread that - Mediterranean to the finish.
creates a Mediterranean version of beef Allelo’s vision for being a place to come
tartare, velvety and light. together has come to fruition. Steps off
Beach Drive, you are invited to relax and
LARGE FORMAT dine in a space of togetherness, with a
Do not question the word colossal for Mediterranean vibe. The inventiveness
the description of the prawns at Allelo. of the dishes makes you want to try
Colossal is an understatement for these them all. Be sure to make reservations,
crustaceans. The four large Norwegian in advance, for this one-of-a-kind dining
shrimp are as big as a hand and yet, tender experience. ♦
JANUARY 2023Synapse
BY JO-LYNN BROWN
38
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Investing in the ‘Synapse’ connection
s
WHY SKYWAY CAPITAL MARKETS CAME BACK AS A
VIP SPONSOR FOR THE SECOND YEAR
kyway Capital Markets is back managing director at Skyway Capital. day, it has closer to 40.
on board as the Synapse VIP “We want people to understand what It’s a lower-middle-market invest-
sponsor for its 2023 summit. we do and meet companies at an ear- ment bank that deals with mergers
For a company that works in the ly stage so that we know them as they and acquisitions, with a hyperfocus on
mergers and acquisitions space, it may grow up and can be helpful to them if family-owned businesses and found-
seem like a head-scratcher, but really, they get to a point when they decide er-owned businesses that have decided
it’s a form of a brilliant investment from they’re ready to exit their business.” to sell either a part of their business or
a branding and name recognition per- Skyway Capital Markets, previous- all of their business.
spective. ly named Skyway Advisors, has been “In most cases the founders are run-
“We want people to know us and around since 2002. In 2016, it changed ning the business, or the original family
we want to be involved in the business hands along with its name. At the time is running it, or maybe it’s in the hands
community,” says Roger Overby, senior it had about eight employees and to- of the second-generation. In any case,
JANUARY 2023they have never been through a sale growing his business and might even help someone.
process,” Overby says. still be using QuickBooks.” “When we call on these types of po-
Skyway, Overby says, works with That’s Skyway’s specialty. They pro- tential clients. And we ask them, have
businesses in any industry, and all over vide the resources and intel to help you ever thought about selling your
the country, but it is uniquely posi- those businesses move from point A to business? They’ve thought about it, but
tioned, and intentional, about working point B to develop systems that can be they don’t know how to do it,” Overby
with lower-middle-market businesses. monetized if, or when, they decide they says. “They don’t know who to call or
“In the middle market space, every want to sell or reorganize. who to contact, so we get on the phone
firm in New York is a competitor. Every Enter the Synapse connection. The with them, and eventually we get to,
big firm in the United States is calling companies that frequent Synapse are ‘What do you think your company is 39
on those firms,” Overby says. “The low- the potential future clients for Skyway. worth? What would you sell it for to-
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er-middle market is underserved. We “You have to get in front of them day?’ We are always surprised they
thought, if we’re going to get into that early. Because if they don’t know us don’t know. But we know the market,
business, this feels like the and they grow up and build we understand what their business is
best niche for us.” SKYWAY’S this fabulous company, then worth and we can bring value and help
And it has worked well for SPECIALTY everybody knows who they them get to the best outcomes.”
Skyway. The lower-middle are, everybody’s calling them Getting in front of these early-stage
“In the middle market, market is Skyway and they’re going to build players is a part of the value that Syn-
everybody’s got an audit. Capital Markets’ a relationship with some- apse brings to Skyway Capital Markets.
Everybody’s thought about sweet spot. one,” Overby says. “If we When those companies hit the big
their systems. They have out- don’t build connections ear- time, Overby says, he hopes they think
side advisers, and have set up ly, somebody else will. And of Skyway.
a board of directors - all of somebody else would benefit “You want to meet [these business-
that creates value” Overby says. “And, from doing what we don’t.” es] now,” he says. “We are encouraged
whereas, the entrepreneur who has It’s that long-term, strategic think- by some people we know, and respect,
had his head down for 20 years just ing that has served Skyway Capital and they tell us, ‘It’s smart of you guys
running a company, hasn’t been given Markets well. And the most rewarding to get involved in Synapse.’”
the same playbook. He’s just focused on part of the job? When the company can
JANUARY 2023You can also read
