What services do you provide?

We are a structural restoration company that offers two modes of operation — non-catastrophe restorations and post-catastrophe restorations. For non-catastrophe, we limit our scope to the exterior, which includes anything structural, from the roof to the foundation. For post-catastrophe, we often hire subcontractors to cover the entire building, from interior to exterior work.

What sets your company apart?

The people, without a doubt. Many of the employees in management, administration and fieldwork have been with the company since its beginning in 1988. That kind of longevity often makes other companies envious because I can ensure the quality of each job will be reliable and held to the same high standard.

How did you get into this business? 

I am a third-generation construction worker, and after spending some time in the Marine Corps, I returned back to my roots. My wife Louise and I have remained the owners for over three decades.

What is your company’s mission? 

To be the area’s leading contractor for concrete rehabilitation, waterproofing and building reconstruction services. To maintain our leadership edge by providing excellence in products and services and by anticipating the future needs of our clients. To be fiscally responsible in the management of our company.

How do you define success?

Getting up every day and going to work, whether I feel bad or good, whether things are going wrong or well. It is all about perseverance. Calvin Coolidge said of all the traits in the world, one that is never wasted is perseverance. If you have perseverance, you can overcome anything.

What do you hope people experience from working with your company? 

A respect for work ethic. If we can impart a strong work ethic into our younger generations, then they will be better business people, fathers, mothers and citizens.

What impact do you hope to make within your community?

I hope my legacy will be that I was fair. Whether I am working with an employee, a community member or a client, they should be treated with fairness and respect.

The beloved South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is leveling up this year, filling attendees’ cups with wines from the prestigious Napa Valley Vintners. As a premier wine and food festival in the region, guests can sip and sample over 600 fine wines, spirits, and cuisine with a featured tent dedicated to bringing the flavors of Napa Valley to the Emerald Coast.

The thirteenth annual South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival will take place the weekend of April 24-27, spanning the streets of Grand Boulevard’s Town Center.

This signature event treats attendees with access to some of the finest winemakers, distillers, brewers, and chefs in the country by taking part in tastings, educational seminars, and culinary stations all in support of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, benefitting local children’s charities.

The festival begins on Thursday, April 24, with the Winemakers & Shakers event from 5-7 p.m. VIP guests begin Friday with the VIP Tasting from 4-6 p.m. with an extensive, rare library of wines ready for tasting, and a Taste of Grand Boulevard, featuring top-tiered bites from Grand Boulevard’s exciting array of restaurants. Friday continues with the Craft Beer & Spirits Jam. This event, taking place from 5:30-8 p.m., offers a vibrant block party vibe complete with craft beers, local spirits, food truck-style samples, and live music.

The main event, The Grand Tasting, will take place on Saturday from 3-6 p.m. and Sunday from
1-4 p.m. Attendees stroll the streets tasting hundreds of varieties of wines from throughout the world, poured by knowledgeable wine industry leaders and sommeliers.

For the first year, the festival has the honor of welcoming the Napa Valley Vintners in their own dedicated tent. This esteemed organization will bring 15 of the region’s best wineries to provide tastes of some of the world’s most coveted wines.

“We are thrilled to welcome Napa Valley Vintners and excited to have attendees try something new and different that they will fall in love with,” says Stacey Brady, executive director of South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival. “Having them be a part of our event shows this festival’s credibility and influence within the industry.”

Back for a second year by popluar demand, another applauded wine region, Willamette Valley, will have a dedicated tent pouring from more than a dozen renowned Oregon winemakers.

There will be four total seminars, two on Saturday and two on Sunday, which provide guests with the opportunity to hear from seasoned winemakers and distillers while being treated to tastings that can’t be found anywhere else at the festival.

Between glasses, visit the Culinary Village and Nosh Pavilions for provisions provided by some of the best restaurants and chefs in the region.

Throughout the weekend, the soothing sounds and soulful croons of songwriters will be heard from stages from the Nashville Songwriters Showcase, brought in by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.

In its thirteenth year, the festival felt it was due for a marketing rebrand, which will be revealed as an exciting new element that promotes and furthers the reach of this already prestigious event.

“We are excited to show off the next iteration of what the festival looks and feels like through this rebrand,” said Brady. “Each year, we continue to offer more exclusive opportunities for our guests to experience.”

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit sowalwine.com.

585 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach  |  (850) 837-3099 ext. 203

As a commercial business owner, it would be naive to assume headwinds regarding the market won’t come your way. Rather than induce anxiety, it’s best to be aware and prepared for the biggest concerns that face the commercial real estate market in 2025.

“We often find that these concerns become connected, creating a snowball effect, which we want to get ahead of,” says Stewart Proctor, CCIM.

Recognizing these concerns can help the Ciminelli team to help you address and mitigate the issue.

“We operate as the quarterback in these situations alongside our strategic partners,” said Proctor.

Where the Ciminelli team are the sales/leasing agents and property managers, they enlist a supporting cast including architects, designers, litigation attorneys,  planners, contractors, and other professionals to assist based upon the company’s concern.

Ciminelli works alongside clients and strategic partners to ensure good year-round preventative measures are in place such as testing generators weekly and checking that all technology has effective backup systems. Should a storm strike, they are out assessing damage to properties as soon as it’s safely possible.

By leveraging their extensive experience and full-service capabilities, Ciminelli can provide tailored solutions to help clients effectively manage the various challenges facing the commercial real estate market today.

→ Interest Rate Increases

As interest rates rise, the cost of borrowing increases, making it more costly for investors to pursue new projects or refinance existing ones. This can lead to reduced demand in commercial real estate and lower property values.

To combat this, the Ciminelli team assists clients in exploring alternative financing options such as fixed-rate loans, interest rate caps, or private equity partnerships.

→ Economic Uncertainty and Recession Fears

Over the past few years, the possibility of a recession has been lingering. Recession can lead to reduced business spending which in turn lowers demand for commercial space, creates higher vacancy rates, induces downsizing, and  decreases rental income. This almost always puts downward pressure on rent.

Ciminelli offers portfolio-management services to diversify and balance risk, ensuring clients are not overly exposed to volatile sectors, repositioning properties to attract stable, recession-resistant tenants.

→ Shifts in Work and Consumer Behavior

Since the emergence of COVID-19, there has been a continuation of remote and hybrid work models. Many companies have either downsized or eliminated traditional office spaces, leading to higher vacancy rates and reduced service and merchandise demands. Adaptability is key, and Ciminelli has helped many clients reimagine and repurpose their office spaces. They work alongside strategic partners to offer interior and exterior planning and redesigns to convert spaces into flexible, hybrid-friendly environments, or to reconfigure retail footprints to accommodate e-commerce integration.

→ Inflation and Rising Operating Costs

Rising inflation impacts virtually every area of life, especially when it comes to a business. Higher costs reduce profitability, can lead to increase property taxes, a rise in utility costs, and more.

Ciminelli can help clients manage swelling costs by conducting operational audits to identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities such as implementing energy management programs, optimizing service contracts, reducing maintenance and operations costs, and exploring purchasing in bulk.

→ Regulatory and Political Risks

During an election year, concerns increase around shifting politics and the potential change in regulations which often come with new administrations. Morphing (or fluctuating) regulations and zoning laws can impede an owners’ ability to develop or repurpose properties.  Changes in tax policies could also affect property taxes, capital gains taxes, or deductions can increase the cost of doing business.

As a result of staying informed on local laws and regulations, Ciminelli offers services in navigating zoning changes, obtaining necessary permits, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

→ Hurricanes/Natural Disasters

Possibly the hardest to predict is the occurrence of a hurricane or natural disaster. As the 2024 storm season proved for Florida and beyond, the impressions of a weather-related event can be devastating, be it flooding, property damage, or equipment damage. Contact Ciminelli to discuss how they can help assist during challenging times.

Ciminelli Real Estate Services

CiminelliFlorida.com  |  (850) 765-7063

In 2019, Ashley Guy took a chance on Tallahassee, opening the first non-franchise CBD store. What many thought was a fad has resulted in seven Tallulah CBD Mushrooms THC locations and Guy’s recognition as an award-winning business owner. 

Guy has long been an advocate for CBD products having suffered from arthritis pain for years and finding relief in CBD creams and tinctures. Her belief never wavered, and her customer base quickly grew as others reaped product benefits. 

As Tallulah approaches its five-year anniversary, Guy owns six stores in Tallahassee and one in Thomasville, Georgia. The stores offer premium alternative products including CBD, THC slushies, THC edibles, pet CBD, vapes, kratom, THC flower, kava and mushroom products, beverages, topicals and more. 

As of late, Guy has noted that the float pods, also known as sensory deprivation tanks, kava drinks and THC slushies, are particularly popular among clients. As a result, she is expanding her Railroad Square location to include a coffee and kava bar. 

“It’s been fun and really rewarding to bring these cutting-edge products and ideas to Tallahassee,” said Guy. “It always makes me glad when people stop in and say that Tallulah makes the city more hip and comparable to bigger cities.”

Her fast-growing and successful business model has garnered her much recognition. Tallulah CBD was acknowledged as a winner on the 2024 Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America list. 

Tallulah was awarded as a 2024 Top 100 Women-Led Business in Florida by The Women’s Edge, an organization that connects, supports and advances women business leaders. The top 100 list is ranked through an algorithm that factors in revenue, diversity, innovation and customer benefits. 

Guy is also honored to have won Best Cannabis/CBD store from Tallahassee Magazine and the Tallahassee Democrat. 

Tallulah has over 50 employees and the Tallulah stores are open seven days a week. Some locations have hours opening at 8 a.m. and closing at 1 a.m. Guy is currently working on a new store in Port St. Joe that will open soon!

Where many business owners begin to experience burnout at year five, Guy feels more motivated than ever. She attends conferences throughout the nation to ensure she’s offering the latest and greatest products and plans to expand her business further. 

“Tallahassee has been a wonderfully supportive city for someone like me who started as a business novice,” said Guy. “The community has always provided opportunities for networking and a loyal customer following.”

7 locations  |  (850) 727-5708  |  TALLULAHSMOKES.COM

Jason Alves is a numbers man. Numbers are predictable, steady, trusted. He likes the black and white that numbers present. But as a certified public accountant (CPA), Alves enjoys helping clients tackle the gray areas of business. 

When entering college and considering what career path to take, he relied on numbers to make a decision. Noting that, statistically, there was a 97% hire rate for those who studied accounting, Alves’ trajectory became evident. 

A master’s degree in accounting served him well, and he began a career in audit practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Moving up to director in PwC’s transaction advisory group, Alves served clients domestically and abroad, spending two years living in Sydney, Australia. 

In 2016, Alves relocated to Panama City where he became a member in Warren Averett’s audit and transaction advisory divisions. Alves entered the company at an opportune time, as Jinks & Moody, a trusted name serving the community since 1996, merged with the national name Warren Averett.

Since 1972, Warren Averett has been recognized as a top accounting firm, providing traditional accounting, tax services, auditing, consulting, risk, security and IT consulting, human resources solutions and more to help companies throughout the Southeast optimize their businesses.

“The Panama City office of Warren Averett is able to provide a blending of local roots with the talented resources a national firm can provide,” said Alves. 

Alves brings to the company extensive knowledge of financial accounting, advisory and consulting, which he provides to a diverse range of clients, specializing in manufacturing, distribution, construction and private equity. 

“My purpose is to help clients navigate any situation so they can focus on what’s important — running their business,” said Alves. “We bring all the resources you could possibly need to the table to help you achieve your goals.”

Where Alves enjoys talking numbers and advising strategies, his favorite part of the role is getting to know each business on a personal level. The trust built through meetings often transcends into lasting friendships. 

This personalized service comes naturally influenced by a company that hires good people — people who care about their clients, coworkers and community. 

Alves reflects on the outpouring of compassion he received from his Warren Averett home office and others after his Northwest Florida home suffered damages from Hurricane Michael. 

“It’s no shock that the people are the best part of this company,” said Alves. “The guidance and support my mentors provided inspire me to pay it forward by mentoring our team so they can grow, flourish and reach their full potential.”

Alves’ happiness stems from being able to provide for his wife of 12 years, two sons and lab retriever, all while getting to help businesses accomplish their goals. 

(850) 785-6808  |  warrenaverett.com

J.R. Long and Stewart Proctor are two names synonymous with the Tallahassee commercial real estate market. Partners for over 20 years, their families’ ties go back generations, with their grandfathers having been business associates. J.R. and Stewart’s professional relationship began when they shared an office at their first job in commercial real estate.

Through collaboration and attending educational courses across Florida and neighboring states, they developed a strong friendship and eventually became business partners, launching Proctor & Long LLC, in 2004. 

“Over those years of talking and getting to know each other’s goals and aspirations, we found we both desired to have the autonomy of owning our own business,” said Proctor. They established an office in the Midtown neighborhood of Tallahassee, which they still operate today, and began a full-service commercial brokerage. Their business has remained consistent in values and committed to their clientele, even during industry fluctuations. 

In 2010, they co-founded Structure Commercial Real Estate and Management, which resulted in a seven-year partnership. When a buy-out opportunity arose in 2017, the two reverted back to their original Proctor & Long LLC. Throughout their careers, Proctor and Long have been actively involved in the Florida CCIM chapter, a professional organization for commercial and investment real estate members. This involvement led to many valuable connections, including meeting Tom McGeachy and Hunter Swearingen from Ciminelli Real Estate Services’ Tampa, Florida, office. 

In 2020, Proctor and Long joined Ciminelli, establishing the Tallahassee office. The company has offices in Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, managing over 23 million square feet of property nationwide and brokering over $500 million of capital markets transactions in Florida alone. “Becoming a part of Ciminelli made sense because our company culture and goals aligned,” said Long. “We are all about building long-term relationships, serving our clients the best we can with honesty and growing our brand throughout the Panhandle.” 

With a regional office handling the marketing, accounting and HR tasks, Proctor and Long are able to focus their efforts on their specialties of leasing, sales and property management. Currently, they manage a portfolio of 950,000 square feet of commercial space. “We are very fortunate to wake up every day and look forward to going to work and growing our business,” said Proctor. “Success can be measured in various ways, but for us, integrity and honesty are crucial, as they lead to long-term client relationships.” 

825 Thomasville Road  |  (850) 765-7063  |  ciminelliflorida.com/tallahassee

If you’re a business owner, you want to be known for excelling at your specialty. James Moore & Co. desires to help you achieve and maintain that reputation by providing outsourced accounting services so you can focus on what you do best.

Whether you’re a small nonprofit, a mid-size startup or a multimillion-dollar health care company, the outsourced accounting services team is equipped to help your business. 

The outsourced accounting team — nearly 50 members strong — is trained to understand the intricacies and challenges of your industry, with accountants and CPAs specializing in government, health care, nonprofits, construction, technology, real estate, education and more. 

Katie Munday, CPA and director with James Moore, specializes in nonprofits with clientele including community-based care agencies, healthy start coalitions, arts associations and more. 

“One of the benefits of working with James Moore is the depth of knowledge we have when it comes to specific industries, which can be difficult to find in an accountant,” said Munday. “We aren’t just crunching numbers. We’re working with and becoming a part of your team to talk strategy and what works best for your company.”

The umbrella of outsourced accounting services includes help with monthly financial statements, tax returns, payroll administration, accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, audit assistance, monthly bank reconciliations, forecasting and more. Businesses can select an all-inclusive option or a la carte that caters to their needs. 

For over 60 years, James Moore has provided Tallahassee and the Florida Panhandle with longevity and continuity of service that is highly trusted. Many clients who either struggled to keep up with the accounting themselves or experienced turnover have found great relief in trusting James Moore with their accounting needs.

With James Moore, you have a team that not only guarantees that all compliance rules and regulations are followed, but also strives to strategize to better your business. 

“There’s a level of irreplaceable comfort in knowing we have their back and are going to meet their expectations not only as an accountant but as a business partner and advisor,” said Munday. 

2477 tim gamble place, ste. 200  |  (850) 386-6184  |  jmco.com

Regina Jaquess leads two professional lives, one as the owner of Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy and another as a member of the elite USA water ski team. For her, there are strong connections between those roles. 

Donning water skis for the first time at age 5, Jaquess learned that she liked standing up to a challenge. Later, as a scholarship athlete, she joined a water ski team at the University of Louisiana-Monroe that won two national championships. 

As an athlete, she pursued optimal health and conditioning. As a student, she was drawn to pharmacy school and the mind-body-spirit connection central to healing through pharmaceuticals. 

In 2010, she opened her business, Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy, in her hometown of Santa Rosa Beach. 

“Compounding pharmacy is really the origin of pharmacy in general because you’re making adjustments and modifications to fit the needs of each patient,” Jaquess said. “I love the challenge of compounding pharmacy because there are so many avenues you can take in order to find the medicine that will most benefit the patient with the least side effects.”

Her pharmacy addresses prescription compounding, bio-identical hormones, thyroid replacement, veterinary pharmacy, dermatology, dental, pain management, pediatric care and more. 

She is a 10-time world champion and has set 13 world records. She has won more than 300 medals in international competition. Last year, Regina swept the field at the World Games in Birmingham. She wrapped up the year defending her slalom, jump and overall titles at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, representing the USA under the United States Olympic Committee. 

She has her sights set on another slalom World Record in 2024!

1719 S. Co. HWY. 393, Santa Rosa Beach  |  (850) 622-5800  |  eccpharmacy.com