|
The burgeoning business community of Lake County is comprised of unique, growing businesses that are diverse in size and industry. Entrepreneurs with a spirit of individualism and a dream of business ownership thrive in the area. From interactive video producers to trucking distributors to luggage conveyer systems manufacturers, Lake County businesses are as distinctive as the people who start them. Their dreams of carving their own business path and living among gently rolling hills and friendly neighbors have become the success stories of Lake County. Here are a few examples:
Brad Verkaik, Partner, Executive Producer
Green Machine
Brothers Brad and DJ Verkaik grew up in Eustis playing with a toy bike called "the Green Machine." Now as adults, they run a company by the same name, but are playing with far more sophisticated toys. The brothers own a video production company with capabilities that range from local television advertising to interactive marketing pieces for national clients. Together, Brad and DJ create video concepts, direct shoots and produce the final product.
The brothers' backgrounds lend themselves to success in this creative field. DJ earned a degree in video and film production and operated his own company starting in 1992. Brad's degree in advertising propelled him to two years with a large Chicago advertising agency, where he worked on national accounts. But the bright lights of the city seemed dim in comparison to the natural beauty of Lake County. The brothers decided to settle in their hometown and find an outlet for their creative energy.
Their plan worked. They have successfully built a client base that would rival that of larger companies in bigger markets. Green Machine has created video products for Trane Air Conditioning, Vactron Inc., ShotSaversGolf.com, the New York Times Group and several Central Florida hospitals. In addition, their pro bono work for nonprofit organization "Hair Angels" is slated to appear on "The Oprah Show."
Brad and DJ have found that through technology, they are able to work easily with clients all over the world. They send video proofs by e-mail, hold telephone conference calls and take advantage of other modern means of communication.
"Today's communications options allow us to work with companies anywhere," Brad said. "For the New York Times Group, which is located in Atlanta, we went through an entire production process from concept to video proofs — all from our office here in downtown Eustis."
TOP
Lou Arasi, President
Southeast Assemblies, Inc.
Lou Arasi moved to Lake County 25 years ago, to open a facility for his employer, a Product identification manufacturing company. Arasi had always dreamed of owning a business, so he opened a wire technology company with a partner. When he had the opportunity to sell his share of the business, Arasi knew the time had come for him to be his own boss. He started Southeast Assemblies with his wife Pattie, who is now chief operating officer of the company.
The Eustis company, whose sales reached $3.5 million in 2000, manufactures parts such as wire harnesses, cable assemblies and printed circuits for computer printers, bar code printers and other machines. This high-tech product demands sophisticated machinery and skilled workers. The company's 38 employees have been able to hone their skills with training programs funded by the state's Incumbent Worker Training Grant. Arasi sites Lake County's business-friendly environment and low overhead as the advantages of Southeast Assemblies' location.
"It was always a goal of mine to own a business," Arasi said. "Now living off the beaten path and working with my wife as CEO, we are living our dream."
TOP
Mark A. Casp, CEO
Casmin Inc.
When faced with the daunting task of introducing new manufacturing software to the nearly 150 employees in Leesburg and Lady Lake, executives at wood building component manufacturer Casmin Inc. knew that a comprehensive training program was the answer.
Valorie Burleigh, Mark's executive assistant, aided in directing the training program, which entailed hiring a consultant to coordinate in-house training for all workers over a six-month period. Casmin also arranged for willing employees to participate in an online training program to become proficient in using the software. Burleigh took advantage of Workforce Florida Incumbent Worker Training Grant to fund the undertaking.
Casmin has always been a company that is dedicated to training its employees in the skills and experiences they need to be successful. Casmin maintains consistency in its workers' skills through paid training for new employees. New workers participate in a 13-week training course and receive a pay increase at the program's completion.
Casmin has a staff of 15 talented designers who design the company's roof and floor trusses. Some are recruited from national searches, but many are Lake County residents who have been trained for the job.
"Whenever possible, Casmin makes every effort to train the loyal, dependable workers we have here in Lake County, " Burleigh said. "That way, our employees are able to grow professionally while the company grows in sales and capabilities."
TOP
John Majewski, CEO
G&T Conveyer Co., Inc.
Thanks to a renewed emphasis on airport security and baggage handling, business for Tavares luggage conveyer systems manufacturer G&T Conveyer Co., Inc. is moving right along. Company sales were expected to top $40 million in 2002, up from $30 million in 2001.
As John Majewski likes to say, if it moves luggage through airports, G&T may have designed and built it. The company produces the hardware and software that hauls, sorts and guides baggage through a complex airport transport network.
"We have a 'soup-to-nuts' operation," Majewski said. "G&T does everything in house — system design, engineering, manufacturing, integration and maintenance."
John's brothers Gerald and Ted Jr. started G&T in 1987 with just 24 workers. After its asset acquisition from competitor BAE Automated Systems in June 2002, the company has grown to 450 employees and has eight regional offices.
In order to grow, G&T needs the capital to expand its facilities and hire new employees. G&T anticipates hiring another 150 employees in the next two years. That's why Lake County Government recently approved a request by G&T to defer payment of impact fees for its facility expansion.
Thanks to the Lake County Impact Deferral Fee Program, G&T will be able to immediately invest the $82,000 it would ordinarily owe the local government for its expansion project.
TOP
John Somerville, President
Restor Telecom, Inc.
Lake County's tech-savvy workers looking for a telecommunications job don't have to look farther than Restor Telecom Inc. in Leesburg. The telecommunications repair company tests and refurbishes more than 43,000 circuit boards for Verizon, regional service provider Century Telephone and many small independent telephone companies.
When he bought the business in 1999, Somerville moved it from Orlando to his hometown of Leesburg. Many Restor employees lived in Lake County and were delighted at the chance to eliminate their lengthy commute. Today, Somerville says he continues to be impressed with the technical workforce in Lake County. The free recruiting assistance provided by Workforce Central Florida enhances the company's ability to find qualified employees.
"The state and local recruiting and training resources available to Lake County businesses are awesome," Somerville said. "Workforce Central Florida and the state's Incumbent Worker Training Program has helped us assemble and maintain a talented, skilled local staff that enhances our capabilities."
Restor has grown from a staff of 20 to 48 employees in just three years. Somerville attributes this to a continued effort to uncover new business opportunities and streamline expenses. The company has taken other steps to boost its abilities. Restor has upgraded its quality systems, developed new operations software and acquired two new digital central offices that will speed the circuit board testing and repair process.
|
You are here: Home
