By Richard Burnett, Orlando Sentinel 10:36 p.m. EST, February 20, 2012

After years of lab work, Dan Rini is finally setting up a factory to make high-tech, air-conditioned uniforms for the military. But unlike many U.S. factories of recent decades, it’s not in China, India or, for that matter, South Carolina or Alabama. It’s tucked in an Oviedo office park with his company’s headquarters.

“The products we are developing, from a manufacturing point of view, are pretty technically challenging,” said Rini, the 40-year-old founder of Rini Technologies Inc. and a University of Central Florida engineering-graduate-turned-entrepreneur. “We needed the production…”

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rburnett@tribune.com or 407-420-5256

Wake up and good morning. An 11-year-old private Tampa firm called Enporion that carved a niche providing supply chain software and productivity services to the utility industry will announce today that it has been acquired by a larger competitor in New Jersey.

Enporion, based on Harbour Island, was started in 2000 by seven Fortune 500 utilities. Enporion executive and prominent Tampa Bay technology advocate George Gordon bought the company in 2009, becoming its largest shareholder with employees at that time also getting a stake in the small company.

The buyer, Clark, N.J.-based GEP, says it will brand Enporion as “A GEP Company” and Gordon and other key members of his team will be retained. Terms of the deal were not made public. GEP was formerly known as Global eProcure.

“With this acquisition, Enporion and its customers will derive benefits by becoming a part a larger organization focused on customer delight and best-in-class solutions,” Gordon, an ex-U.S. Navy officer and longtime influential with the Tampa Bay Technology Forum, said in a statement. Gordon joined Enporion a year after its founding.

Enporion had been one of seven Tampa Bay area firms to make a list of 50 “companies to watch” that GrowFL, part of a statewide initiative called the Florida Economic Gardening Institute, identifed as having high growth potential in the Sunshine State. Here’s an early 2011 video interview of Gordon telling the Florida Technology Journal about Enporion’s niche.

Enporion has battled stiff competition, a difficult economy and a utility industry prone (given the regulated industry that it is) to making conservative decisions about vendors. As an entrepreneur, Gordon would have preferred to grow his company independently. But he recognized Enporion would fare better with a larger organization like GEP.

GEP co-founder and CEO, Dr. Subhash Makhija said GEP will “leverage Enporion’s decade-long industry expertise and accelerate our already strong footprint in this space.” Here is Makhija in a short video describing his business approach.

– Robert Trigaux, Business Columnist, Tampa Bay Times

Naples, Florida. (October 27, 2011) - One of Southwest Florida’s highly successful small businesses announced today they are renaming, rebranding and expanding.  Mr. Shower Door of Florida will now be known as MY SHOWER DOOR to reflect their expansion plans in Florida. After more than twenty years in business, Mr. Shower Door’s owners and officers have decided to create and execute a bigger plan for future growth. The plan for the newly named MY SHOWER DOOR will also include additional jobs for Southwest Florida. The current name, Mr. Shower Door, is a licensed agreement with a Northern founding company. The new name, MY SHOWER DOOR, will be wholly owned by its Florida owners. This change will allow for expansion and job creation in Florida.  Having to change their name and create a new identity, without losing focus on the core business of shower doors, has been a smooth transition for veteran business owners, the Daubmann family. “The new company name, MY SHOWER DOOR, will still carry the marketing tagline of – ‘Let’s make it your shower door.’ The new identity is fresh and alive and is more personal than the previous, nationally licensed one and includes the words ‘experience and perfection’ — which embodies the company’s mission and culture,” said co-owner, Bill Daubmann.  “We are perfectly positioned to open more frameless shower door showrooms within Florida over the next two years as the business plan has been tested and proven in various markets elsewhere.” A beta test site (showroom business), using a similar business model as MY SHOWER DOOR, was opened this past year in the Midwest and has been exceeding projected income levels thus far. They are already planning to open an additional location in the near future. Locally, MY SHOWER DOOR has showrooms in Naples at Wiggins Pass and in Fort Myers next to the Bonefish Grille. A third location will be opening this December at the Expo on Clark in Sarasota. Along with the renaming and rebranding come expansion plans that will have an economic effect on Southwest Florida. To supply the product needed for each of the MY SHOWER DOOR locations, the Daubmann family has invested in a state-of-the-art glass manufacturing facility in Lee County. The subsidiary company, D3 Glass, was formed to augment the current capabilities. “The glass manufacturing company will supply the highest quality glass for use by all of the MY SHOWER DOOR locations, plus be able to meet the glass needs of other businesses. The facility is completely tooled with cutting, polishing and tempering machinery,” added Daubmann. “Additionally, D3 Glass will have the ability to cut, polish and sell mirrors, tabletops, stair railings and other high quality glass products used in a variety of applications other than shower doors.” MY SHOWER DOOR is expanding, both, vertically and horizontally. The vertical move is to open and expand locations; the horizontal move is to open the manufacturing plant to add jobs. Making this move for expansion in a challenging economic climate has created interest from other business owners and business leaders.  The Daubmann family business has been successful in the past 10 years growing from three employees to the 23 that they currently employee.  Their company has also been honored with awards locally, regionally and nationally with the most recent honor coming from the United States Small Business Administration’s award in 2010. The entire Daubmann family agrees they are prepared for additional growth and are on track to be one of the next high growth companies in Florida. In Naples, the MY SHOWER DOOR showroom is located at 13500 Tamiami Trail, Unit 8 and may be reached at 239-596-3255. The Fort Myers location is at 14261 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 2 and is reachable at 239-337-3667. For more information about the new name, brand and expansion plans, please call Bill Daubmann or visit www.msdoorfl.com.

Combining gaming and hiring, Employment Technologies’ new EASy Simulation® – Virtual Customer is recognized by Human Resource Executive as one of the Top HR Products of 2011. Las Vegas, Nevada (PRWEB) October 13, 2011 Employment Technologies, the world’s founder and leading expert in employment simulations, today announced that EASy Simulation® – Virtual Customer was named one of the Top HR Products of the Year by Human Resource Executive. “We’re honored to be recognized by Human Resource Executive for innovation and excellence.” states Joseph Sefcik, President of Employment Technologies. “And we’re thrilled to offer businesses a whole new way to attract and hire top talent.” “When it comes to employment testing,” explains Sefcik, “one word that never comes to mind is fun. With the Virtual Customer, we’ve changed all that. The Virtual Customer is a seriously fun assessment that predicts success with unparalleled accuracy and creates an engaging way to introduce candidates to the job.” This ‘cool factor’ helps to build a progressive brand image during the recruiting process and enables companies to attract and hire better candidates. For businesses that hire front-line employees who work directly with customers, this is very good news. The Virtual Customer uses high-end graphics and a compelling, easy-to-follow story line to immerse applicants in the customer service role. “But the simulation isn’t all fun and games,” according to Joe LaTorre, Director of Design and Development. “The Virtual Customer is a serious assessment that delivers proven, scientific results. Recent studies confirm that Virtual Customer improves hiring accuracy and reduces employee turnover by as much as 50%.” “Human Resource Executive has been evaluating HR products and conducting this competition for 23 years,” explains David Shadovitz, editor of Human Resource Executive. “Our goal has always been to identify products and services that clearly offer value to the HR community while demonstrating innovation. The Virtual Customer clearly stood out from the pack as one of the first simulations to effectively blend gaming and assessment technologies. In the midst of shrinking HR budgets, we also like that the Virtual Customer provides multiple benefits for hiring, training, and onboarding.” Employment Technologies offers a suite of Virtual Customer products, designed to assess and develop strong customer service and sales skills. To request a free preview, contact an EASy Simulation representative at 866.919.0095 or visit http://www.etc-easy.com/_products/virtualcustomer-service/main.htm. Information about Virtual Customer – Service, Virtual Customer – Sales, and Virtual Cash Drawer is also available. About Employment Technologies  Employment Technologies Corporation (ETC) is the world’s #1 provider of employment simulations. Nationally recognized for quality and innovation, ETC’s EASy Simulations continue to lead the industry in excellence and value. EASy Simulations are consistently rated Best in Class in independent reviews and are proven to increase hiring accuracy, reduce hiring time and costs, decrease employee turnover, and increase sales and referrals. For more information, visit http://www.etc-easy.com or call 866-919-0095.

DELAND, Fla. (September 5, 2011) –The DeLand Bakery Group – a family owned business firmly rooted in the DeLand community – recently completed participation in the state-funded GrowFL program, part of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. Founded in 1989 by Pablo Hernandez, (Alfredo Avila bought it in 1998) the DeLand Bakery Group offers fresh, natural and organic produce grown by local farmers, as well as fresh-baked products and natural supplements. “Our affiliation with GrowFL is helped us in many ways with our growth and the future opening of our exclusive in-store natural spa and bistro,” Avila said. Created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature, the GrowFL program is based at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.  When selecting businesses to participate, members of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute look for companies that have growth potential, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. “The DeLand Bakery Group was a good candidate for the program as it already has 40 employees and the potential for continued growth and expansion,” said Dr. O’Neal, who also is associate vice president for the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization. O’Neal said GrowFL supported the DeLand Bakery Group through a number of services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization. Avila said his company’s new, 42,000-square foot, high-tech facility is helping him maintain his quest for excellence, creativity and innovation, as well his company’s mission of honesty to its customers. “We believe our customers have a fundamental right to know exactly what is contained in the products they are buying and, therefore, we give full ingredient disclosure on all of our baked goods,” Avila said. The DeLand Bakery Group supports healthy families by promoting an organic lifestyle and providing high-quality, gluten-free and natural health products, he said. “With the assistance from GrowFL we’re able to expand our line of certified organic and natural products and supplements.” About DeLand Bakery:  Founded in 1989 by Pablo Hernandez, (Alfredo Avila bought it 1998), the DeLand Bakery Group maintains a quest for excellence, creativity and innovation. The family-run company prides itself in educating its employees about the fresh, natural and organic produce sold there, as well as the certified organic and natural products and supplements offered.  For more information about the DeLand Bakery Group, visit www.delandbakery.com.

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 30, 2011) –RADISE International – a 14-year-old, full-service Geotechnical engineering and Software Development firm – recently was selected to participate in the state-funded GrowFL program, part of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. Founded in 1997 by President Kumar A. Allady and Vice President Vishalaxmi Allady, RADISE is on active status with the state’s board of professional engineers to operate a geotechnical professional engineering, construction inspection, and materials testing and threshold inspection business.  RADISE also provides custom software development and GIS Consulting services to clients utilizing onsite and offsite personnel as best meets the client’s needs. “With help from GrowFL we have access to services that include help with publications, potential client listings, and networking with industry peers,” Kumar Allady said. Created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature, the GrowFL program is based at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.  When selecting businesses to participate, members of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute looks for companies that have growth potential, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. “RADISE is ideal for the program as it is a well-respected, professional company that has the potential for growth,” said Dr. O’Neal, who also is associate vice president for the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization. Allady said the company currently has 22 employees, but is expected to expand throughout the state with GrowFL’s assistance in the form of market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization. “We focus on solving challenges and we’ve built a reputation as a firm that delivers on time, on budget and on target,” Allady said.  “Our affiliation with GrowFL will provide us with more visibility and publicity as we expand our business throughout Florida.” About RADISE International:  RADISE International LC – one of the leading laboratory facilities in the state – is a full-service professional geotechnical engineering, construction inspection and materials testing firm.  RADISE is certified by the CMEC [Construction Materials Engineering Council] and the AMRL [AASHTO Material Reference Laboratory], approved by the Florida Department of Transportation, and validated by the Army Corps of Engineers.  For more information about RADISE, visit www.radise.net.

PENSACOLA, Fla. (Aug. 26, 2011) – IMS ExpertServices, an executive search/expert witness firm, was recently selected to receive free technical training from the state-funded GrowFL program, part of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. Founded in 1992 by Mike Wein and Bill Wein, IMS ExpertServices began as an interim executive firm focusing on the telecommunications industry.  Eight years later, when a former client needed an expert witness, the company began the transition to an “expert search” company, said Mike Wein, who serves as chief executive officer. “It is an honor to receive this recognition from GrowFL,” Wein said.  “This will help us as a growing company to attract high-quality talent and coordinate with other local second-stage companies.” The GrowFL program was created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature and is based at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.  When selecting businesses to participate, members of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute look for companies that have the potential for success, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. GrowFL will support IMS ExpertServices through a number of free services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization. “IMS ExpertServices is ideal for the program as it’s recognized as the premier expert provider in the legal industry,” said Dr. O’Neal, who also is associate vice president for the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization. With headquarters in Pensacola, IMS has more than 45 employees, who work from offices in Pensacola, New York City, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Denver and other areas. IMS provides highly-qualified experts and consultants to the world’s top litigators, which include 97 of the top 100 largest law firms, Wein said.  “Our unique search services allow our clients to secure the best expert for their specific needs.” “Receiving this award is recognition that we provide a valued service to clients who are satisfied with our work,” Wein said.  “We hope to continue to grow, hire great people and support our community and we owe it all to our dedicated employees, who consistently deliver on the company promise.” About IMS ExpertServices:  Recognized as the premier expert and consultant provider in the legal industry, IMS ExpertServices has been named by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in America for five consecutive years.  For more information, visit www.ims-expertservices.com.

ODESSA, Fla. (Aug. 24, 2011) –SmartScience Laboratories Inc., - a developer, manufacturer and marketer of over-the-counter drug products – recently was selected to participate in the state-funded GrowFL program, part of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. Founded in 1998 by President/CEO Gene C. Weitz, SmartScience Laboratories is an FDA registered pharmaceutical contract manufacturer of over-the-counter drugs and cosmetic products.  The company also  operates a marketing division which markets consumer products straight to consumers utilizing direct response marketing strategies. “After qualifying and receiving the Economic Gardening Loan Fund, we have been participating in the CEO roundtables and in a number of additional GrowFL research functions,” Weitz said. Created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature, the GrowFL program is based at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.  When selecting businesses to participate, members of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute look for companies that have significant growth potential, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal√, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. “SmartScience is ideal for the program as it has the potential for continued growth,” said Dr. O’Neal, who also is associate vice president for the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization. O’Neal said GrowFL will support SmartScience through a number of free services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization. Weitz said his company currently has 12 employees, but is expected to be able to expand with the assistance provided by GrowFL. “All of these items are helping us to continue growing our company and taking it to the next level,” he said. About Smart Science Laboratories:  Founded in 1998 by Gene C. Weitz, SmartScience Laboratories Inc. is primarily a contract manufacturer of over-the-counter drug products.  The company’s facility is registered with the Federal Drug Administration and also sells consumer products, mainly health and beauty aids, directly to consumers.  For more information about SmartScience Laboratories Inc., visitwww.smartsciencelabs.com.

WINTER PARK , Fla. (Aug. 24, 2011) – Bajalia International Group– a local importer of designer-quality products – recently was selected to participate in the state-funded GrowFL program, part of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. Debbie Farah, company founder and chief executive officer, said Bajalia’s designation as a GrowFL company simply translates into one thing for her eight-year-old company: growth. “This means our company will get the necessary support-services as we are a fast-growth company. We’ve hired nine employees so far this year,” said Farah, a Jacksonville native and former banking and advertising executive who started the Winter Park-based company in 2003. The GrowFL program was created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature and is based at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.  When selecting businesses to participate, members of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute look for companies that have the potential for success, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute.  GrowFL will support Bajalia through a number of free services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization. “Bajalia is ideal for the program as it has a strong business leader with a philanthropic foundation,” said Dr. O’Neal, who also is associate vice president for the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization. Currently, Bajalia has 11 full-time and numerous part-time employees, who work from the Winter Park headquarters and from a satellite office in Dallas, Texas. Farah describes herself as a social entrepreneur as she is CEO for both Bajalia Trading Company and Bajalia International Group.  The two companies – one for profit and the other a non-profit – work simultaneously in 22 countries around the world.  Eighty percent of Bajalia International Group’s production workforce is made up of women artisans who craft handmade fair-trade creations in developing countries. The for-profit component of the business – which began selling products on the Home Shopping Network earlier this year – leads sales and marketing efforts, while the non-profit arm provides entrepreneurial training and developmental workshops, and incubates businesses in emerging economies. “Our mission is to alleviate poverty and empower low-income earners around the world through trade, training and other forms of community development while marketing their products to bring about sustainable, empowering, change in their lives,” Farah said.  “Having access to the experts and consultants that GrowFL is providing to us is helping us do that.” About Bajalia Trading Company:  With a mission of alleviating poverty and empowering low-income earners around the world, Bajalia uses the sale of its products to bring about sustainable, empowering change in people’s lives.  Influenced by the impact of her Palestinian ancestry, founder Debbie Farah longed to do something to strengthen women throughout the world and left a lucrative creative director career to do so.  Her company is committed to alleviating poverty “one entrepreneur at a time.”  Earlier this year, she was named one of “150 Women Who Shake the World” by Newsweek Magazine for her philanthropic efforts. For more information about Bajalia, visit www.bajalia.com.

TAMPA, Fla. (August 8, 2011) – Preferred Travel of Naples – the largest full-service travel agency in Southwest Florida – has been selected to receive free technical assistance from the state-funded GrowFL program. Founded in 1984 by President Wilma Boyd, Preferred Travel of Naples – a member of the Signature Travel Network – is a world-wide luxury travel group that offers significant savings, amenities and privileged access experiences on luxury cruises, tours, hotels and adventures. Boyd said the GrowFL designation means “growth and expansion” for Preferred Travel’s 45 employees, and the benefit of the research provided by their team of experts will guide them in decisions and strategy that will help shape the company. “As a second stage company, it is beneficial to have access, guidance and support from our peers. Their [GrowFL] expertise and assistance in providing key information on market penetration, technology and core strategy will help in decision making and strategy,” she said. Part of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute, GrowFL was created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature and is based at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.  When selecting businesses for the program, the institute looks for companies that have the potential for success, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. “Preferred Travel of Naples is ideal for the program as it has shown that it has the potential to succeed and it continues to grow,” said Dr. O’Neal, who also is associate vice president for the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization. Preferred Travel’s main office is in Naples and it works with independent contractors in other Florida locations, as well as Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina, Michigan and Pennsylvania. “We have a well-traveled team of knowledgeable and professional consultants who provide the ultimate in travel services. But, what sets us apart is our dedication to our clients and our focus on personalized service that exceeds our clients’ expectations,” Boyd said. She described Preferred Travel as a “growth-oriented company” that is poised and ready to move to the next level.  “This designation will help us mature as a company and continue to expand, while providing the best service with the best staff.” About Preferred Travel of Naples:  With a dedication to clients and a focus on personalized service, Preferred Travel of Naples exceeds clients’ expectations.  Founder Wilma Boyd’s goal was to recruit an accomplished team of well-traveled professionals to provide the ultimate in travel services from planning to homecoming, and she continues to achieve that goal 27 years later.  Clients of Preferred Travel have peace of mind knowing that travel professionals are available to assist them 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  The company’s motto is, “Always a voice, never a machine.”  For more information visitwww.preferrednaples.com.