Taking the Lead

Southwest Florida's population has been growing explosively, and our corporate population isn't lagging behind. For some time, the region's officials have been working to attract dynamic new businesses to diversify our tourism, construction and service-heavy economy; and the region's life-style, climate and growth are all helping to fuel business relocation and expansion here. Major corporate activity in Southwest Florida now covers a wide range of industries, including banking, insurance, real estate development, technology, retail, agriculture, hospitality and health care.

This annual listing offers a quick look at the most successful private and public companies in Southwest Florida, ranked by annual revenues or sales. This year's list includes 85 companies-up from 75 last year-and a considerable number are major players, indeed, with 27 exceeding $100 million in annual revenues, and four topping $1 billion. Judging from the companies on our list, 2003 was a good year for Gulfshore business, with the majority of firms reporting gains. Among the mega-gainers: Fort Myers' Lee Memorial Health System grew by 158 percent, or $753 million; Naples-based Stock Development, which grew by 240 percent or $156 million; and Fort Myers-based EarthMark Companies grew by 492 percent, or $166.2 million.

"Southwest Florida is becoming more populated and popular," says Russ Whitney, founder of Cape Coral-based Whitney Information Network, which grew from $62 million to $95 million. "There are professionals moving here from large cities. With great executives, you build great companies."

What's attracting those executives-and new companies? "Tremendous growth," says Clay Cone, spokesman for Naples-based First National Bankshares of Florida. Business decision-makers are realizing that Southwest Florida is one of the nation's most vibrant markets, and the quality of life is added inducement to make the move. Gary Tice, CEO of First National Bankshares, moved here from Pennsylvania several years ago to escape the cold, Cone says; and he's discovered that the business climate is equally sunny.

Growth is also fueling the expansion of many local businesses; and both existing and new businesses enjoy other benefits, says Jennifer Dunn of Lee County's Economic Development Office in Fort Myers. "We have the right business costs, business development infrastructure and telecommunications," she says. (A recent study by Boyd Company, a consulting operation in Princeton, N.J., shows Fort Myers as the fifth least-expensive place to operate a corporate office in the country.)

To be eligible for our list, companies must report at least $10 million in annual revenues or sales and be either headquartered in Southwest Florida, or be self-contained divisions of larger companies. We publish information as reported by the companies. When companies decline to report their revenues to us, we estimate, using a variety of sources. All estimates are marked as such. We are constantly prospecting for new candidates for our list; and for the first time this year, we included car dealerships and insurance firms. We exclude some companies-physicians, hotel chains and investment firms, for example-because their reporting does not easily compare with the other businesses on our list.

The business landscape changes so rapidly in Southwest Florida that we may have overlooked qualified companies; if so, please let us know by contacting listing editor Katie S. Betz, Gulfshore Life, 9051 N. Tamiami Trail, Suite 202, Naples, FL 34108 or kbetz@gulfshorelifemag.com.

We're proud to present our annual list of Southwest Florida's top companies.

1. Health Management Associates (Collier)
Operator of nonurban acute-care hospitals throughout the U.S.
Chief executive:
Joseph V. Vumbacco
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $2.6 billion
2002: $2.3 billion
Employees: 30,000
Founded: 1977
Web site: www.hma-corp.com

2. Abbey Carpet Company (Lee)
Franchiser of floor covering stores
Chief executive: Philip Gutierrez
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $1.8 billion
2002: $1.7 billion
Employees: 57
Founded: 1958
www.abbeycarpet.com

3. WCI Communities (Lee)
Developer of master-planned
communities
Chief executive: Al Hoffman Jr.
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $1.4 billion
2002: $1.2 billion
Employees: 3,000
Founded: 1946
www.wcicommunities.com

4. Lee Memorial Health System (Lee)
Community-owned health-care delivery system
Chief executive: James R. Nathan
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $1.23 billion
2002: $477.3 million (net)
Employees: 5,896; 875 physicians, 2,500 volunteers and auxilians
Founded: 1916
www.leememorial.org

5. NCH Healthcare System (Collier)
Hospital and health-care affiliates
Chief executive: Edward Morton
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $954.6 million
2002: $816.8 million
Employees: 3,700
Founded: 1956
www.nchmd.org

6. Chico's FAS (Lee)
Retailer of women's clothing and accessories
Chief executive: Scott A. Edmonds
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $769 million
2002: $531 million
Employees: 5,500 nationwide;
500 in Fort Myers
Founded: 1983
www.chicos.com

7. Source Interlink Companies (Lee)
Direct-to-retail magazine
distributor
Chief executive: S. Leslie Flegel
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $340 million
2002: $290 million
Employees: 1,200
Founded: 1995
www.sourceinterlink.com

8. Kraft Construction (Collier)
Construction manager/general contractor
Chief executive: F. Fred Pezeshkan
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $322 million
2002: $255 million
Employees: 316
Founded: 1968
www.kraftconstruction.com

9. Cleveland Clinic Florida (Collier)
Specialty medical care provider
Chief executive:
Robert J. Zehr, M.D.
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $298.5 million
2002: $210 million
Employees: 750
Founded: 1999
www.clevelandclinicflorida.org

10. DeVoe Auto Group (Collier)
Auto dealerships
Chief executive: Mark A. DeVoe
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $250 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 350
Founded: 1968

11. Robb & Stucky (Lee)
Retailer for home furnishings for indoor, outdoor and interior design
Chief executive: Clive Lubner
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $240 million
2002: $218 million
Employees: 1,100
Founded: 1915
www.robbstucky.net

12. Scanlon Auto Group (Lee)
Retail automobile sales and service
Chief executive: John E. Scanlon
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $236.8 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 230
Founded: 1980
www.scanlonauto.com

13. Stock Development (Collier)
Developer of country-club
communities
Chief executive: Brian Stock
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $221 million
2002: $65 million
Employees: 280
Founded: 2001
www.stockdevelopment.com

14. Arthrex (Collier)
Designer and manufacturer of surgical devices for arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine
Chief executive:
Reinhold Schmieding
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $210 million
2002: $160 million-plus
Employees: 325
Founded: 1981
www.arthrex.com

15. Boran Craig Barber Engel Construction (Collier)
General Contractor
Chief executive:
Melvin L. Engel Jr.
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $202 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 300
Founded: 1972
www.bcbe.com

16. EarthMark (Lee)
Real estate and environmental development company
Chief executive: Michael Rosen
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $200 million (projected)
2002: $33.8 million
Employees: 230
Founded: 2002
www.earthmark.us

17. First National Bankshares of Florida (Collier)
Bank holding company
Chief executive: Gary L. Tice
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $178.7 million
2002: $407.7 million
Employees:1,304 full; 119 part-time
Founded: 1974
www.firstnationalbankshares.com

18. ASG Software Solutions (Collier)
Global enterprise software and professional services
Chief executive: Arthur L. Allen
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $169.2 million
2002: $157 million
Employees: 900-plus
Founded: 1986
www.asg.com

19. The Bonita Bay Group (Lee)
Developer of master-planned
communities
Chief executive: Dennis E. Gilkey
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $164 million
2002: $180 million
Employees: 1,400
Founded: 1981
www.BonitaBayGroup.com

20. Pulte Homes (Lee)
Home builder
Chief executive: Richard J. Dugas Jr.
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $151.8 million locally;
$9 billion nationally
2002: $117.7 million locally;
$7.5 billion nationally
Employees: 80 locally
Founded: 1952
www.pulte.com

21. First Home Builders of Florida (Lee)
Builder of affordable homes
Chief executive: Fred Hermann
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $150 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 500 approx.
Founded: 1997
www.firsthomebuilders.com

22. Raymond Building Supply (Lee)
Full-service building-material supplier and manufacturer for contractors
Chief executive: Charlie Babb
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $140 million
2002: $121.5 million
Employees: 700
Founded: 1957
www.rbsc.net

23. Beasley Broadcast Group (Collier)
Radio broadcasting
Chief executive: George G. Beasley
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $115 million
2002: $115 million
Employees: 674
Founded: 1961
www.bbgi.com

24. Vineyards Development Corporation (Collier)
Real estate development of resort communities
Chief executive: Michael Saadeh
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $109 million
2002: $58 million
Employees: approx. 500
Founded: 1986
www.vineyardsnaples.com

25. Colonial Homes (Lee)
Home builder
Chief executive: Anthony Persichilli
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $104 million
2002: $78 million
Employees: 62
Founded: 1999
www.colonialhomes.com

26. Barron Collier Companies (Collier)
Real estate development, agriculture and oil operations
Chief executive: Paul J. Marinelli
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $100 million-plus
2002: N/A
Employees: 1,000-plus
Founded: 1920s
www.barroncollier.com

27. Krehling Industries (Collier)
Construction/ general contracting
Chief executive: Henry Krehling
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $100 million (estimated)
2002: N/A
Employees: 400
Founded: 1964
www.krehling.com

28. Whitney Information Network (Lee)
Career training programs in real estate investing and more
Chief executive: Russell A. Whitney
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $95 million
2002: $62.2 million
Employees: 408
Founded: 1994
www.russwhitney.com

29. Signature Communities (Collier)
Real-estate development company
Chief executive: Keith A. Sharpe
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $90.1 million
2002: $93.2 million
Employees: 13
Founded: 1987
www.signaturecommunities.com

30. (tie) Better Roads (Lee)
Highway and asphalt paving contractor
Chief executive:
Joseph D. Bonness III
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $90 million
2002: $75 million
Employees: 330
Founded: 1967
www.betterroads.net

30. (tie) Beazer Homes (Lee)
Home builder
Chief executive: Scott Osmond
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $90 million
2002: $78 million
Employees: 70
Founded: 1952
www.beazer.com

32. (tie) Taylor Woodrow Communities (Collier)
Developer and builder
Chief executive: Douglas L. Schwartz
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $80 million
2002: $50 million
Employees: 57
Founded: 1995 locally (1921 worldwide)
www.taylorwoodrow.com

32. (tie) Landmark Development Group (Collier)
Real estate development and
custom home construction
Chief executive:
Art Shafran and James Pierce
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $80 million
2002: $45 million
Employees: 60
Founded: 1997
www.landmarkdevelopmentgroup.com

34. Orion Bancorp (Collier)
Bank holding company
Chief executive: Jerry J. Williams
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $75 million (operating
revenue)
2002: $47.9 million (operating
revenue)
Employees: 180
Founded: 1977
www.orionbank.com

35. FindWhat.com (Lee)
Performance-based marketing
services for online businesses
Chief executive:
Craig Pisaris-Henderson
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $72.2 million
2002: $42.8 million
Employees: 221
Founded: 1998
www.findwhat.com

36. (tie) Causeway Lumber (Lee)
Manufacturer and supplier of building materials and components
Chief executive: M. Scott Whiddon
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $70 million
2002: $64 million
Employees: 367
Founded: 1939
www.causewaylumber.com

36. (tie) Lutgert Smith Lesher Insurance (Collier)
Commercial and personal insurance products, employee benefits and estate planning services
Chief executive:
H.A. (Bud) Hornbeck II
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $70 million
2002: $50 million
Employees: 50
Founded: 1953
www.lutgertsmithlesher.com

38. Premier Builders (Collier)
Residential construction company
Chief executive: Michael Saadeh
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $64 million
2002: $58 million
Employees: 45
Founded: 1996
www.vineyardsnaples.com

39. Owens-Ames-Kimball Co. (Lee)
General contractor and construction manager
Chief executive: Steven C. Shimp
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $60 million-plus
2002: $50 million-plus
Employees: 52
Founded: 1982
www.owen-ames-kimball.com

40. (tie) IRMS (Insurance and Risk Management Services) (Collier)
Business and personal insurance, employee benefits, financial planning and performance management
Chief executive: George C. Schmelzle
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $55 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 50
Founded: 1989
www.irmsinc.com

40. (tie) Fifth Third Bank (Collier)
Banking, investment and electronic payment processing services
Chief executive: Colleen Kvetko
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $55 million (locally), $900 million (nationally)
2002: N/A
Employees: 200
Founded: 1991 (locally)
www.53.com

42. Collier County Produce (DBA Incredible Fresh-Capt. Jerry's) (Collier)
Wholesaler, retailer and processor of produce and seafood
Chief executive: Jack Roberts
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $54 million
2002: $47 million
Employees: 192
Founded: 1989
www.incrediblefresh.com

43. Grosse Pointe Development Company (Lee)
Real estate development
Chief executive: Robert D. Hensley
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $50 million-plus
2002: $25 million-plus
Employees: 30
Founded: 1996
www.gpdevelopment.com

44. Rinker Materials, Southwest Region (Lee)
Concrete, block, rebar and building materials
Chief executive: Darryl Fales
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $50 million
2002: $50 million
Employees: 200
Founded: 1988
www.rinker.com

45. Empire Builders of Collier County (Collier)
Custom Home builders/
model homes
Chief executive: Bill Slavich
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $48 million
2002: $38 million
Employees: 24
Founded: 1986
www.builtbyempire.com

46. Shaw Aero Development (Collier)
Designs and manufactures fuel, lubrication and water-system products for the aerospace industry Chief executive: Robert D. Patton
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $43 million
2002: $43 million
Employees: 247
Founded: 1954
www.shawaero.com

47. WilsonMiller (Collier)
Planning, design and engineering
Chief executive: Alan D. Reynolds
Gross annual revenue
2003: $41.7 million
2002: $37 million
Employees: 425
Founded: 1956
www.wilsonmiller.com

48. Naples Lumber and Supply (Collier)
Retail building materials
Chief executive: Ron Labbe
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $36.1 million
2002: $33.5 million
Employees: 136
Founded: 1971
www.napleslumber.com

49. Bateman Communities of SW Florida (Collier)
Real estate development company
Chief executive: Arthur L. Bateman
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $35.4 million
2002: $35.2 million
Employees: 11
Founded: 1988
www.batemanhomes.com

50. (tie) Elias Brothers Communities (Collier)
Residential real estate development and home building company
Chief executive: Roni Elias
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $35 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 40
Founded: 1990
www.elias-brothers.com

50. (tie) J. McGarvey Construction (Lee)
Real estate development, construction and custom homebuilding
Chief executive: John S. McGarvey
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $35 million
2002: $35 million
Employees: 115
Founded: 1985
www.mcgarveycustomhomes.com

52. Arthur Rutenberg Homes/A.R.B.C. (Collier)
Custom homebuilder
Chief executive: John Globetti
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $34.8 million
2002: $34.2 million
Employees: 33
Founded: 1987
www.arhomes.com

53. Divco Construction (Collier)
Custom homebuilder
Chief executive: Stephen Kauffman
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $33.2 million
2002: $26.6 million
Employees: 21
Founded: 1979
www.divcoconstructioncorp.com

54. Fox Electronics (Lee)
Multinational manufacturer of
frequency control products
Chief executive: Gene Trefethen and Edward Fox Jr.
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $32 million
2002: $30 million
Employees: 108
Founded: 1979
www.foxonline.com

55. Naples Medical Center (Collier)
Multispecialty physicians' medical practice
Chief executive: Richard Roland, M.D.
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $30 million-plus
2002: $30 million-plus
Employees: 200
Founded:1953
www.naplesmedicalcenter.com

56. The Jack Parker Corporation (Collier)
Commercial and residential builder/developer
Chief executive: John Reisman
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $30 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 50
Founded: 1955
www.jackparkerhomes.com

57. Crowther Roofing & Sheet Metal of Florida (Lee)
Roof trusses and roof deck
Chief executive: Lee J. Crowther Sr.
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $28.5 million
2002: $23.2 million
Employees: 315
Founded: 1975
www.crowther.net

58. Gulfstream Homes (Collier)
Custom home builder
Chief executive: Michael J. Peel and Stephen L. Peel
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $25.9 million
2002: $24.3 million
Employees: 40
Founded: 1998
www.gulfstreamhomes.com

59. Seacoast Supply (Lee)
Building materials
Chief executive: Larry McDowell
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $25 million
2002: $25 million
Employees: 43
Founded: 1972
www.lwsupply.com

60. (tie) Philharmonic Center for the Arts (Collier)
Performing arts center, professional orchestra and 30,000-square-foot Naples Museum of Art
Chief executive: Myra Janco Daniels
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $24 million
2002: $28.5 million
Employees: 413
Founded: 1989
www.thephil.org

60. (tie) B&I Contractors (Lee)
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractor with HVAC service
Chief executive: Gary H. Griffin
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $24 million
2002: $22 million
Employees: 210
Founded: 1961
www.bandicontractors.com

62. Flex Bon Paints (Lee)
Manufacturer and retailer of architectural paints and coatings
Chief executive: Terry L. Phillips
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $22.6 million
2002: $22 million
Employees: 120
Founded: 1959
www.flexbon.com

63. Commercial Concrete Systems (Collier)
Concrete masonry and concrete tilt panel contractor
Chief executive: Bill Williams
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $22 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 178
Founded: 1990

64. Gulf Coast American Fabrication (Collier)
Fabricator and wholesale distributor of brand-name window
coverings
Chief executive: Carlos A. Diaz
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $20 million
2002: $20 million
Employees: 150
Founded: 1986
www.gcaf.us

65. Cement Industries (Lee)
Manufactures and installs pre-stressed concrete products
Chief executive:
Gay Rebel Thompson
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $19 million
2002: $18 million
Employees: 150
Founded: 1953
www.cementindustries.com

66. Premier Electric (Collier)
Electrical contractor specializing in residential new construction
Chief executive: Robert Forbis
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $18.7 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 240
Founded: 1988
www.premierelectric.com

67. Rice Insulation & Glass (Lee)
Subcontractor installing insulation, closet systems, mirrors, shower enclosures, windows, doors, firestopping and acoustical products
Chief executive: Philip W. Rice
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $18.6 million
2002: $19.2 million
Employees: 150
Founded: 1989
www.riceinsulation.com

68. (tie) David Lawrence Center (Collier)
Not-for-profit, community mental health center
Chief executive:
David C. Schimmel
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $18 million
2002: Estimated $16.6 million
Employees: 345
Founded: 1968
www.davidlawrencecenter.org

68. (tie) American Dream Builders (Lee)
Single-family home builder
Chief executive: James McCord
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $18 million
2002: $24 million
Employees: 30
Founded: 1996
www.adbhomes.com

70. Frey and Sons Homes (Lee)
Custom home builder
Chief executive: Barry E. Frey
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $17.8 million
2002: $22.6 million
Employees: 22
Founded: 1972
www.freyandson.com

71. Johnson Engineering (Lee)
Engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, development, transportation, environmental planning and GIS services
Chief executive:
Steven K. Morrison
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $17.5 million
2002: $13.6 million
Employees: 190
Founded: 1946
www.johnsonengineering.com

72. Oswald Trippe and Company (Lee)
Comprehensive insurance protection and risk management services
Chief executive: Gary V. Trippe
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $17.3 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 129
Founded: 1981
www.OTC1.com

73. Hadinger Carpet (Collier)
Floor covering store
Chief executive: Thomas Hadinger
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $17.1 million
2002: $15.6 million
Employees: 64
Founded: 1931
www.hadinger.com

74. Ruth Cooper Center for Behavioral Health Care (Lee)
Community-based nonprofit mental health-care facility
Chief executive: Janet W. Eustis
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $16 million
2002: $15.5 million
Employees: 375
Founded: 1969
www.ruthcoopercenter.org

75. Sunshine Structures (Lee)
Structural concrete and masonry shell construction contractor
Chief executive: Rorie C. Wilson
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $15-20 million
2002: $10-15 million
Employees: 127
Founded: 2002
www.sunshinestructures.com

76. A. Vernon Allen Builder (Collier)
Luxury custom home builder
Chief executive: John D. Remington
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $15.8 million
2002: $20 million
Employees: 55
Founded: 1951
www.avabuilder.com

77. O'Donnell Landscape (Lee)
Landscape and irrigation
contractors
Chief executive: Albert O'Donnell
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $15.1 million
2002: $20.7 million
Employees: 200
Founded: 1981

78. Community Bank of Naples (Collier)
Full-service commercial bank
Chief executive: Robert Guididas
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $15 million
2002: $13 million
Employees: 46
Founded: 1996
www.communitybankofnaples.com

79. K.A. Wallace (Lee)
Concrete, framing, concrete pumping and crane service
Chief executive: Kenneth A. Wallace
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $13.1 million
2002: $23 million
Employees: 120
Founded: 1994
www.kawallaceinc.com

80. Unified Marine Distributions (Collier)
Manufacturer and developer of marine, dive and trailer accessories
Chief executive: David Nirenberg
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $12.5 million
2002: $19 million
Employees: 24
Founded: 1984
www.seasense.com

81. American Farms (Collier)
Wholesale grower and distributor of annual and perennial plants
Chief executive: Christine Raber Somoza
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $12 million
2002: $12 million
Employees: 165
Founded: 1991
www.american-farms.com

82. Worthington Communities (Lee)
Real estate developer and builder
Chief executive: Jeff Darragh
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $12 million
2002: $47.7 million
Employees: 110
Founded: 1989
worthingtoncommunities.com

83. Bob Dean Supply (Lee)
Industrial supply-power transmission pumps and steel sales
Chief executive: Robert S. Dean Jr.
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $10.9 million
2002: $10.5 million
Employees: 72
Founded: 1946
www.deansupply.com

84. Bancshares of Florida (Collier)
Community banking and investment management
Chief executive: Michael McMullan
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $10.2 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 83
Founded: 1999
www.bankofflorida.com

85. Gulfshore Insurance (Collier)
Chief executive: Brad Havemeier
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $10 million-plus
2002: N/A
Employees: 75
Founded: 1970
www.gulfshoreinsurance.com