Innovation + Job News

A marketing company specializing in strategic services for loyalty management is planning to hire in 2012.

Kobie Marketing plans to fill at least eight positions in coming months, which will include adding a director of client services, a solutions architect and several positions in its IT department.

Selena McLaughlin, human resources manager, says that the client services director and solutions architect positions require specific skill sets from candidates looking to fill them. "We are a specific niche," McLaughlin explains. "The person filling the director position needs to be familiar with loyalty rewards and marketing so they can hit the ground running. Any candidate for the solutions architect definitely needs to be business as well as tech savvy. This position used to be in Operations and we've shifted it to IT. So the person in this position needs to know IT solutions with respect to business. It's tough to fill because it's a compilation of roles rolled in to one. It will take a very specific individual with a very specific skill set: IT, business analytics and sales."

McLaughlin says Kobie has enjoyed steady growth and hiring, due mostly to word of mouth. "We've been growing exponentially every year," she says. "Last year we hired more than 25 employees, which speaks to our client base increasing as well as the diverse industries they represent. Certainly from a market perspective, we never stopped recruiting and hiring, even during the down time. When I've interviewed potential candidates, everyone is surprised that Kobie has continued to grow.
 
"Kobie also has enjoyed a lot more exposure in the media," McLaughlin continues. "We've won some awards and been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the area. That's helped, too. And we're a women-owned business, which definitely gives us some exposure. Our employees talk about us a lot. Social media has been a big plus for us as well. So for us it's really word of mouth. We are very thankful for our success and try to give to the community on a quarterly basis. We don't forget our roots and where we've come from."

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Source: Selena McLaughlin, Kobie Marketing

Entrepreneurs with products and services related to the life sciences, biotech and medical fields soon will have an opportunity to share and hone their ideas alongside vetted professionals. 

The Tampa Bay Innovation Center, formerly known as Startec, is partnering with St. Petersburg College Collaborative Labs, BioFlorida, Florida Medical Manufacturers' Consortium and Moffitt Cancer Center to present an IDEA Camp Wednesday, March 21, 2012, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the St. Petersburg College Collaborative Labs at 13805 58 St. N. in Clearwater. Applications are being accepted until the deadline on Friday, Feb. 24, 2012, and can be downloaded from the innovation center's website.

According to Danielle Weitlauf, venture manager at the Innovation Center, 12 to 15 applicants will be chosen to participate in its IDEA Camp, which will help entrepreneurs refine their business model and further develop their ideas and products. Participants will receive feedback from vetted professionals and make new contacts who can help them move their ideas forward. A $99 fee will cover pre-conference and full-day workshops as well as meals for participants accepted for participation in the camp. 

Weitlauf says the concentration of medically related industries throughout the Tampa Bay region combined with positive feedback about last year's camp contributed to the center's decision to focus on emerging businesses with bio relevance. 

"The camp was originally open to any industry, but last year we focused on web ventures and found it brought greater value to attendees," says Weitlauf. "We chose emerging businesses in biotech, medical products and life sciences because of the knowledge base already available in the area. These are focused industries in the Tampa Bay area that provide a greater return, provide a greater impact and create direct and indirect jobs in terms of home ownership and other spending."

Weitlauf says applicants will be chosen by a small panel comprised of representatives from the Tampa Bay Innovation Center as well as each of this year's sponsor entities. Participants will be chosen based on their ability to demonstrate a well thought-out idea or product that can be further developed on the day of the camp.

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Source: Danielle Weitlauf, Tampa Bay Innovation Center

A Sarasota company taking "drug interaction" to the next level is reaping benefits and hiring new employees to meet demand.

voiceTech, a technology services company that provides interactive solutions to the pharmacy industry, launched ServiceLink-Rx in September 2011. The product enables patients to interact with their pharmacy to fill prescriptions, receive vital health information and be informed of special discounts via text, email or phone call through their cell phone or computer. voiceTech President Tim Garofalo says the success of the product has necessitated a move from Venice to bigger facilities in Sarasota, along with the hiring of more people to meet demand. 

"My crystal ball says five to seven people in 2012," he says. "The talent pool in Sarasota and south Tampa is promising. the move will bring us closer to that and provide more space and room for growth."

Garofalo says positions he intends to fill include technological as well as administrative. "Candidates for technological positions need to be tech savvy, of course," he says. "But they don't necessarily need a degree. We're looking for sharp people with a strong skill set. And they need to have good people and customer service skills as they will be going out to visit clients at times. Administrative candidates need to be good with paperwork and detail oriented."

Garofalo credits the ServiceLink-Rx product with the growth voiceTech is enjoying. "We’ve been providing Interactive Voice Response (IVR) solutions for a long time," explains Garofalo. "Cell phones -- particularly smart phones -- have changed the technology. We've created an application that allows the user to interact directly with the computer system in the pharmacy and track user preferences. This is sparking our growth." 

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Source: Tim Garofalo, voiceTech
 

Parents of children with special needs now have double the resources for help with behavioral issues related to autism, attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities.

During 2011 Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay evolved from a staff of 6 with 16 contractors to a staff of 33 employees. And they plan to open an additional location in 2012, which will require filling four staff positions: A board-certified behavior analyst, a board-certified assistant behavior analyst, two behavior therapists and additional support staff.

Kelley Prince, Behavioral Consulting president, says that the rapid growth is due to a combination of need, legislation and word of mouth.

"Children are being diagnosed with autism at an increased rate," says Prince. "One in 100 is the current rate. Another reason [for company growth] is that state legislation was passed that requires insurance companies to cover autism therapy. Now that families only have to pay a co-pay, they've increased their services. And we've built a good reputation for our services throughout the community."

Prince explains that word of mouth is what initially launched her company.

"I was in an undergraduate program in psychology at USF," Prince explains. "And I was working as a nanny for a family with a four-year-old child who had been diagnosed with autism. The family hired a consultant who trained me to work with him."

Prince says she worked with the child for about 20 hours a week for an 18-month period, and the results were so astounding they launched her career.

"At the end of that time, he no longer had a diagnosis of autism," Prince explains. The parents were excited and started talking to other families. It all kind of fell into my lap."

Prince went on to get her master's degree, hire other therapists and open her first location. Behavioral Consultants now has two locations: 6916 W. Linebaugh Avenue in Tampa's Westchase, and 3717 Turman Loop in Wesley Chapel. She says she is hoping to open one in Brandon sometimes between June and September of 2012. 

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Source: Kelley Prince, Behavioral Consultants of Tampa Bay

Jeff Walter says TruGreen is growing like a weed -- pun intended.

The company's director announced TruGreen's Job Fair, to be held at the lawn care company's new call center at the Netpark office complex located at 5701 E. Hillsborough Ave. in Tampa on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012. Orientations will be held from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 2 to 2:30 p.m. The company plans to fill 175 sales positions and has immediate needs for inside sales, sales supervisors and management positions. Candidates should be professionally dressed with resumes and valid identification in hand, and be prepared to talk about their experience in sales.

"We are looking for highly engaged people to build a high-performing, diverse team," says Walter. "We are looking for people who can display core competencies as demonstrated in prior sales positions. And they need to be on board with TruGreen's core values: Honor God by doing the right thing; help people develop; grow profits and excel with the customer."

Walter explains that the new call center is a result of nationwide growth for the Memphis-based lawn care company, and that Tampa was chosen for the call center due to the area's own high-performing track record.

"We had opportunities in other areas," says Walter. "But we chose Tampa for two reasons: 1. We had a small regional center in Clearwater whose high performing staff we wanted to retain; and 2. Tampa has a very diverse recruitment population and a high concentration of contact centers. We knew we'd find the kind of employees we are looking for here."

The new contact center boasts an on-site gym, food court and on-campus daycare. New hires will receive three weeks of paid training. Seasonal sales associates will receive an hourly wage plus commission; management staff salary plus bonus. Minimum requirements for sales staff include a high school diploma or GED and six months' direct sales experience.

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Source: Jeff Walter, TruGreen

Doctors are facing a big deadline in 2014, and a Spring Hill company is hiring more staff to help them make that deadline.

By 2014, all patient medical records must be electronic, and eDocs Conversion Solutions is helping docs throughout Tampa Bay to convert their paper records to electronic. eDocs needs additional staff to accomplish its goal.

The company, owned and operated by Victoria Kaczynski and Teresina Jessie, added two employees since the beginning of 2012 and plans to add eight more by the end of the year. They also have entered into a partnership with Hielix, a company that helps facilitate the conversion process by assisting doctors' offices in choosing the right IT vendor.

"We saw an approximate 16 percent growth in 2011 and anticipate that if not more next year," says Kaczynski. "As we grow, we’re going need to hire staff to prepare records, to scan charts, someone to handle Q & A and, of course, more medical transcriptionists."

Kaczynski explains the relationship between her company and Hielix, and how it benefits their doctor-clients. 

"Hielix helps the doctor decide on a vendor that will work best for their practice. The next step involves what to do with all the existing patient records. This is where eDocs comes in. We help them incorporate their old charts to integrate seamlessly with the EMR system Hielix has helped them choose."

Kaczynski and Jessie attribute the growth of the business not only to the impending conversion deadline, but also to their focus and ability to stay ahead of industry trends. 

"We started out as transcribers," explains Kaczynski. "In the last couple of years, we've been focusing on branching out." 

Adds Jessie: "We’ve always tried to keep a step ahead. We saw the move to EMR compliance as an opportunity. So we hopped on board."

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Sources: Victoria Kaczynski and Teresina Jessie, eDocs Conversion Solutions

When Marcus Meyer opened Gator Janitorial Services in 2004 it was a one-man operation. 

His company has expanded its services and staff, and changed its name to reflect its broader range. Gator Cleaning Solutions provides commercial cleaning services, including floor care, windows and construction cleanup in addition to general cleaning. And Meyer and his wife and partner, Erin, recently hired a quality assurance specialist and plan to add more sales staff.

"Up until now, it’s been myself and our first hire making cold calls, etc.," says Marcus. "Hopefully we’ll bring on our first sales rep soon. And if growth goes as we plan, we want to bring on another one. As the sales team brings in new business, we can then add another QA specialist as well as an account manager. So we're anticipating 20 to 25 new hires. full-time, part-time and contracted cleaners."

Marcus attributes the growth to word-of-mouth and a consistent commitment to personal service.

"Through the years of having the company, it’s always been the personal touch," he says. We get a large amount of referral business. I still have clients I had as an individual from the very beginning. We get a large amount of referral business. Even through the down economy, we’ve enjoyed a 35 percent growth rate."

Adds Erin: "We pride ourselves in our constant research of products and services. We use state-of-the-art equipment and eco-friendly products. With our healthcare and education clients, we strive for high satisfaction scores and low infection rates. For our business clients, its about their image. We help create and maintain that."

Marcus says he has noticed more demand for services recently, which may be indicative of an improved economy.

"I do feel that the economy is improving," he says. "I can tell because our clients are asking for more frequent cleanings again. For a while there, they'd gone down to two or three a week. Now they're asking for five times a week again. They’re reinvesting in their image, which is what we help them do."
 
Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Sources: Marcus and Erin Meyer, Gator Cleaning Solutions

Suncoast Community Capital recently announced major investments from two major financial institutions to support its collaboration with an urban entrepreneurship program. 

SCC, which is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, has formed a partnership with the Kauffman Foundation's Urban Entrepreneur Partnership program to further develop small and emerging businesses reach their goals and create jobs. Wells Fargo recently invested $50,000 in the program and the Bradenton Central Community Redevelopment Agency invested $40,000.

Mike Kennedy, SCC president and CEO, shares three ways the investments in the partnership will stimulate economic development in the area.

"First, UEP-coached entrepreneurs are going to create badly needed, good-paying jobs," says Kennedy. "Next, it’s going to create a relationship with our region and the world’s most-renowned and largest foundation devoted to entrepreneurship. Finally, Kauffman UEP has a track record of delivering results in the communities it serves. The UEP has identified $204 million in opportunities for its clients, helped secure $87 million in contracts for them, increased their business revenue by 44 percent since 2005 and increased their profits by 24 percent."

Kennedy explains that businesses will be admitted to the program based on their willingness and ability to grow their businesses to scale and creating jobs. But points out that certain industries present ideal opportunities. 

"We bet on the jockey and not the horse," says Kennedy. "Therefore, the entrepreneur’s commitment and make-up are important. However, Kauffman does like our region’s mix of businesses related to manufacturing, agriculture, aquaculture and Port Manatee, just to name a few.Therefore, we’ll look for opportunities in those sectors as we evaluate applicants."

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Source: Mike Kennedy, Suncoast Community Capital

Talk Fusion, a Brandon-based video communications company, has created an innovative new app for smart phones.

The Fusion-On-The-Go app is a video email app for the iPhone and other smart phones on the market and, according to Talk Fusion founder and CEO Bob Reina, there are no other apps like it on the market.

“We are very confident that Talk Fusion’s Fusion-On-the-Go is the only video email app available for not only the iPhone, but any smart phone,” Reina says. “It is a one of a kind in the industry. ”

The app allows users to create personal and professional video emails while on the go. Users can use their smartphone video camera to shoot videos or upload pre-recorded videos and send emails to their contacts. The app has personal and business templates in more than 20 languages allowing a wide range of users the ability to use the app.

“Fusion-On-the-Go video email app for the iPhone was created in response to match the growing trend of mobile device use,” Reina says. “We are staying in tune with the growing needs of our customers. ”

Currently the app is only available to Talk Fusion’s customers and associates, however, for those affiliated with the company, the app is free to download. In addition to Fusion-On-The-Go, the company offers several other innovative products, including video conferencing, live broadcasting and video blogging.

“We also have Fusion Wall, the world’s first video-driven 3D social networking site to make friends, and attract customers for your business while having fun,” Reina says. “We are committed to continuing our development of world-class solutions for an affordable cost.”

Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Source: Bob Reina, Talk Fusion

Innovators, investors and entrepreneurs are encouraged to save the date Feb. 6^th as the Moffitt Cancer Center will host its annual Business of Biotech conference.

The conference offers businesses and investors the opportunity to network with each other in an effort to bring biotech concepts to fruition. In fact, that is the theme of this year’s conference, “Turning Vision into Reality.”

“Our team wanted to develop a conference theme that reflects today’s biotech progress in the Tampa Bay area,” says Jarett Rieger, director of technology management and commercialization at Moffitt Cancer Center. “Speakers at the conference will look at the history of biotechnology, the current state and the future of diagnostics, medical devices and personalized medicine.”

The keynote speaker for the event is Dr. Risa Stack, a venture capitalist with Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers. She has experience investing in personalized medicine, therapeutics and platform technologies.

“Dr. Stack has over 15 years of experience in investing and she will share her knowledge with the audience, focusing on personalized medicine,” Rieger says. “Other speakers will give talks on fundraising, personalized medicine, the future of biotech and issues facing medical device companies.”

According to Rieger, last year’s conference attracted more than 310 attendees, including scientists, investors, entrepreneurs, businesses and students. He expects attendance to surpass 300 again this year.

“The Business of Biotech conference is an opportunity to network with other members within the Tampa Bay biotech cluster to learn about what’s new in the region, ask questions of local area experts and gain a national perspective on biotechnology.”

The one-day conference will be held at Moffitt’s Vincent A. Stabile Research Building. Those interested in attending should register online or email Patricia Teston.

Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Source: Jarett Rieger, Moffitt Cancer Center

The Morean Arts Center, in St. Petersburg, has found an innovative way to connect local artists with buyers and collectors. The center has implemented a model called Community Supported Art (CSA), which has been successful in other parts of the country.

“We were mulling over ways to present collectors with quality works of art at an affordable price, while supporting our local artists,” says Amanda Cooper, curator of exhibitions for the Morean Arts Center. “I came across an article about the CSA project in a recent issue of American Craft Magazine and knew it was perfect for us and our community. Our local project is modeled on CSA in Minnesota, created by mnartists.org and springboard for the arts. ”

Cooper goes on to explain that the CSA model is used widely in farming. People will buy shares at a local farm and then collect their share of the harvest. With art it is the same concept.

“The CSA art model is similar to the farm model in that someone can purchase a share, which then entitles them to a farm box containing nine pieces of art from local artists, to be picked up in the spring,” Cooper says. “It’s a fantastic value. So instead of picking up a box of rutabaga and celery, you’ll get a box that may have a photo, a teacup, a small painting and a print, for example.”

The cost of buying a share of art is $350 plus tax starting Feb. 15; however, until then the center is offering early bird pricing of $300. There will be a pick-up event for shareholders on Saturday, May 12, from 5 p. m. to 8 p. m. Those interested in becoming a shareholder can contact the Morean Arts Center at 727-822-7872.

Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Source: Amanda Cooper, Morean Arts Center

Fireleaf Design, a creative graphic design and marketing services company in Tarpon Springs, plans to grow and hire three additional staff in 2012. The small company was founded by Alan Brusky, who is a graphic designer and marketer himself.

“Fireleaf officially became incorporated in June 2011, however, I was freelancing for about three years before that,” says Brusky.  “We offer graphic design, branding, website design and development, as well as social media consultation. ”

Due to his company’s success, Brusky recently moved business operations from his home office into a dedicated workspace in downtown Tarpon Springs. As his business continues to grow, so will the company’s headcount.

“My goal is to stay small and continue helping small businesses but I will need more staff,” Brusky says. “This year I would like to bring on a designer, a web developer and possibly a service representative or office manager.”

His focus on small businesses is exactly what Brusky attributes to his company’s success.

“I have a real dedication to helping my clients,” he says. “We only work with four to five clients at a time and they don’t go anywhere else. I have clients who have been with me for many years way before becoming incorporated.”

Brusky is also passionate about his company’s location.
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“Tarpon Springs is a great city for small business,” he says. “The chamber of commerce, which I am a member of, is working hard to bring in young entrepreneurs, especially in the downtown area. It’s a great place to be. ”

Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Source: Alan Brusky, Fireleaf Design

Doctors Express Tampa, an urgent care facility, opened in the Westchase-Citrus Park area in December. While the facility, which treats a wide range of illnesses and injuries, is currently open there are still job positions to be filled.

“We are hiring x-ray technicians, technologists and medical assistants for our Tampa location,” says Dr. Emad Yousef, co-owner of Doctor Express Tampa. “We want to fill these positions as soon as possible. ”

The new facility offers patients an on-site lab and digital X-ray. A board-certified physician will be on duty at all times, and the facility will also have a board-certified pediatrician on-staff.

“We offer the highest-quality, top-of-the-line equipment and on-site pharmacy,” Yousef says. “Patients can get treated, get lab work done and receive the prescription all in our office. ”

With the growing popularity of urgent care facilities, Yousef plans to open more locations.

“We hope to have another location open later this year,” he says. “We also plan to open one facility a year for the next five years. The urgent care centers will be throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. ”

In celebration of the facility’s opening, there will be a grand opening event on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 11 a. m. to 4 p. m. The event will feature music, food, children’s activities, giveaways and free health screenings.

Doctors Express Tampa is at 6182 Gunn Hwy. in Tampa. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, no appointment necessary. Most insurance plans are accepted, and payment plans are available for the uninsured.

Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Source: Dr. Emad Yousef, Doctors Express Tampa

The Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay is the lucky recipient of an anonymous $830 donation in honor of 83 Degrees Media.

The donation came after 83 Degrees partnered with Connect Your Cause before the holidays to urge readers to donate to your favorite charity or nonprofit organization in honor of our second birthday.

The promotion attracted donations from 83 Degrees readers to 11 different organizations in the Tampa Bay region, says Ginger Watters, principal at CYC.

The Nonprofit Leadership Center received the greatest number of new donations and thus earned the anonymous donor's $830 match. The Center teaches nonprofits the skills to operate their businesses through affordable training, coaching, and online resources.

The 10 other organizations that received donations as part of the promotion included:

CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse Inc.)
Community Tampa Bay
Family Promise of Pinellas County
Instruments of Change, Inc.
St. Petersburg Free Clinic, Inc.
Tampa Bay Watch
Tampa Theatre
Metropolitan Ministries
R'Club Child Care, Inc.
Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts

Thank you to all who contributed!

Diane Egner is publisher and managing editor of 83 Degrees Media. Comments? Contact 83 Degrees.