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R E A LM A G A Z I N E

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The first, known, written record of taxes dates back to ancient Egypt. Back then taxes were not paid in the form of money, but rather in items such as grain, livestock or oils. At the time there was a proverb, "You can have a lord, you can have a king, but the man to fear is the tax collector!"

From 1791 to 1802, the United States government was funded by internal taxes on alcohol, sugar, tobacco and slaves, to name a few. The cost of the War of 1812 brought about the nation's first sales tax on gold, silverware and jewelry. Congress did away with all internal taxes in 1817, instead imposing tariffs on imported goods to provide funding for the government.

To support the Civil War, Congress enacted the nation's first income tax law in 1862. It was a forerunner of our modern income tax in that it was based on the principle of progressive taxation.

The office of Commissioner of Internal Revenue was established in 1862. The Commissioner was given the power to levy and collect taxes, and the right to enforce the tax laws. The powers and authority remain very much the same today.

In 1868 Congress again focused its taxation efforts on tobacco and alcohol and in 1872 eliminated income tax. Income tax came back briefly again in 1894 and 1895.

The 16th Amendment to the Constitution made the income tax a permanent fixture in the U.S. law in 1913. The amendment gave Congress legal authority to tax income and resulted in a revenue law that taxed the income of both individuals and corporations.

The 16th Amendment and April 15th go hand in hand.

Ed BerthaEd Bertha | April 2012

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Christopher Roy

“I don’t believe I could be limited to any one artistic medium. My passions are limitless; everything I do leads me to something else.”

Like those who have inspired him, it is impossible to succinctly define Christopher Roy McConnell. His work is substantial, significant, yet maintains an unlikely fluidity at the cusp of art and design, between aether and earth. His high-end, original furniture and interior design firm reflect the signature contradictions that tantalize and challenge, creating sumptuous environments driven by tangible masculinity. “I want to experience the drama when I walk into a room,” he asserts. “I want to be enveloped in the atmosphere.”

I don’t believe I could be limited to any one artistic medium. My passions are limitless; everything I do leads me to something else. Interior design inspired furniture, which leads to textiles. The truth is, the total experience of an environment should encompass everything: the architecture, the grounds, the interior and the lighting right down to the last detail.

Growing up in his native England, Christopher pursued an academic path that focused on business courses. “I always assumed I’d be in business because that’s what seemed logical to my family,” he reveals. “I wasn’t thrilled with the idea.” Despite his best efforts to conform, Christopher’s creativity and vision were unwavering, demanding that he engage and nurture them to their fullest. In 1999 he left the University of Richmond and

relocated to Sarasota, graduating from the prestigious Ringling School of Art + Design with a degree in Interior Design.

Christopher’s fascination with fashion and textiles has inspired the tailored elegance that he imparts into every project. Textiles, though, are only one layer of the design process. “The total experience of an environment should encompass everything,” he remarks. “Every detail, from the architecture, to the grounds, to the interior and the lighting, should reflect a lifestyle.”

His work is sensual, stimulating. Residential design strains against the corsets of signature style; furniture straddles the divide between form and function. Christopher’s brand is a sultry ambiance, daring and perched on the edge of something feral and undiscovered.

Style is most potent when it is least complicated. Finely-made things add meaning and grace to life.

His signature furniture line, a series of limited-edition pieces with a focus on design, reflects Christopher’s attitude toward material acquisitions. “I buy things I love,” he muses. “An object has to move me.” This belief system extends to his clientele. Notes

INTERVIEW

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Christopher, “A piece has to have a story; people want to be able to talk about it. We provide that narrative.”

As his interior-based design projects became increasingly complex, Christopher began to create custom furniture pieces for his clientele. His work led to relationships with a growing group of skilled

tradespeople, artists whose products were purposeful, powerful. Long interested in launching his own furniture line, Christopher cultivated his network of craftsmen until the dream took tangible forms.

“A piece has to have a story; people want to be able to talk about it. We provide that narrative.”

His current furniture pieces are inspired by the clean lines of Amish workmanship, though they transcend the utilitarian limits imposed by centuries of functional living. The process of crossing cultural boundaries wasn’t without its challenges; Christopher recalls his early meetings with Amish craftsmen who were baffled by his non-traditional vision. “As I began to experiment with alternative functions, to push the boundaries of usage, I met with initial resistance,” he says. It became a professional seduction; as workers entertained the ideas of furniture as art, they gently succumbed to his designs and something intensely original was achieved.

Why Not Bespoke’s pieces are part of a juried design competition in Italy, and are poised to redefine the American influence on high-end furniture.

Eclecticism, to me, produces excitement through creative tension ... Eclectic interiors may startle you at first, but it is that surprising quality that holds you there and calls you back.

Christopher Roy, the design firm, represents high-end residential and unique commercial projects that require the attention and savvy of a sophisticated internationally-driven approach. He educates his clients, empowering them to become curators of their own homes. “People want to show off their individuality and take ownership of their home design, rather than being dictated to buy brands and transient trends,” he observes.

Christopher acknowledges that while he may initially thrust his clients beyond their comfort zones, there is a symbiotic experience that guides the process. “While I always try to push myself to find ways to invent environments that stimulate and challenge expectations, I don’t consciously go for an over-the-top effect,” he offers. “My clients’ needs and desires are the soul of each project. Even a room with very vivid contrasts should be timeless, a pleasurable place to work, play, relax and live a little.”

“Real luxury, after all, is not a status. It’s a service.”

He continues, “I’m attracted to things that are different, thought provoking. This is what I provide for my clients. Quality is the integral element of every project; timeless sophistication transcends interior design and elevates a space into something imperceptibly exclusive. Real luxury, after all, is not a status. It’s a service.”

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On the Cover26 AimeeCogan:

TheArtofNumbers

byEdBertha

REAL Cares36 "RinglingontheWater"PreviewEvent

46 Care2Tri:GregSimony

byLalaenaGonzalez-Figueroa

RSVP Required20 JoAnnKoontz:Koontz&Associates,PL

byLalaenaGonzalez-Figueroa

24 BrianaO'BrienandtheGreenHopper

byJennyAcheson

REAL Beauty34 Spring&SummerHairstyles

bySheilaVenancia

In the News22 SusanDanis,HabitatSarasota,

Jack&JillDowd

23 NakedFlorist,PlymouthHarbor,

SarasotaOpera

Perspectives18 InterviewWithMasterPianist

DerekHan

byEdBertha

38 TheCanadianEffect

byPatriciaTan

42 PowerOfBureaucracyIncreasesAs

PowerOfPoliticiansWaneInFlorida

byWilliamHenry,PhD

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REAL Magazine is produced monthly by Enterprise Connections, Inc. Principal office: 6743 Ashley Court, Sarasota, FL 34241. COPYRIGHT © 2011 REAL MAGAZINE. All content copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, REAL Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. All listing information published in REAL Magazine is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Contact agent directly to verify listing information which is subject to change.

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One of the leading American pianists of his generation, Derek Han has dazzled audiences across six continents. Playing private performances for three presidents, his public performances have touched the lives of many, from Milan’s La Scala to New York’s Lincoln Center. Entering Juilliard at an early age he left for Europe upon graduating and soon won the Gold Medal at the Athens International Piano Competition catapulting his career. Beyond live performances Derek has recorded complete concerto cycles of the likes of Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven. Traveling extensively, Derek and his family made Sarasota home in 2000.

What led you to piano?We had a piano at home that my dad played for about 10 minutes a year at Christmas time, and we all cringed. Eventually my parents decided this was an inefficient use of an expensive piece of furniture. They tried to get my older sister, who was 10 at the time, to take piano lessons, and she didn’t want to. I saw that my parents were just nagging her to do it. Out of pure sibling rivalry, to get one up one her I said, 'I’ll take piano lessons.' After my 1st lesson the teacher asked how I liked it and I said, ‘I’m going to become a concert pianist.’ That’s how I started.

Tell us about a watershed moment in your career?I started taking lessons with a professor at Ohio State University and ended up winning a local competition to play with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. That led to attending a symphony later in the year featuring a very famous pianist named Gina Bachauer. I received an invitation to the reception and was introduced to her. She asked if I would like to play something for her. I did, and she had me play a couple more pieces. She said, ‘Next year I won’t be coming to Columbus, but would like to hear you play again.’ Guess what? That next year I received a call from her to play. I did and she said, ‘I think you should change teachers.’

Gina asked me to go play for Ilona Kabos. Ilona Kabos was so well known she didn’t even teach at Juilliard. Juilliard

would put her up in a hotel in New York, have Steinway bring in a piano and she would teach from her suite. Talk about intimidation. So I played for her. When I finished she wouldn’t say anything other than, ‘Play something else for me.’ Then all of a sudden she said, ‘All right darling next week you bring…,’ and she gave me a list of items. Suddenly I found myself in the Juilliard pre-college division studying with her. I was placed into Juilliard pre-college without an audition, without an application, because she called the president and said, ‘I will teach this young boy.’ So from age ten to fourteen I commuted on weekends to New York City, the four or five months she was there. So that’s how I became a musician.

What do you find challenging about playing piano?The challenging aspect of playing the piano is having the time to allow things to mature within you. It’s a very unusual experience when you start playing pieces you haven’t played for twenty, twenty five years. You realize that with time, through your experience as a performing artist, many of the things that were problems somehow work themselves out. In other words the music starts to mature within you, without you even realizing it. Over time you gain a different perspective, like a fine wine needs to rest. When it is ripe it will make sense.

Winning the Gold Medal at the Athens International Piano CompetitionI went to Europe after graduating from Juilliard in 1976. Winning the gold medal in 1977 gave my career a huge boost and I began to play in Europe a great deal. The award generated exposure and many opportunities to play. I thought I would stay in Europe a year or two and ended up staying twenty years, playing a lot of concerts there. It was certainly something that changed my career.

Describe your style.I try to be as faithful as possible to what I believe the composer wanted. As a concert pianist I look at my role as the medium between the composer and the audience. I try to transmit to the audience what I believe the composer wants us to feel and hear. I always am in awe of what composers do. They have something in their head, take a blank sheet of paper and by putting inscriptions on it they give us these sensations of great joy, great sadness, great pain, great exhilaration. That for me is really a miracle, generating an emotional experience for the performer and the audience. For me as a musician I try to recreate as authentically as possible what I feel the composer wrote.

Interview With Master Pianist, Derek HanBy Ed Bertha

18|REAL Magazine |www.the-real-magazine.com

http://www.lamusicafestival.org/

What goes through your mind leading up to a performance?Right before you go out on stage you focus on so many little areas. You set little markers in your head on things you need to be careful of. Then when you sit on stage you simply let the music take over. Everything else sort of recedes into the background. You focus into your own world with the music. It’s like your own little communion with the composer.

Is there a difference in preparing a live recording?Yes it’s very different. In a recording session you get together, the light goes on and it’s like be inspired. You’re making something that will live forever. You can start something and in the middle of it all of a sudden the producer jumps in, ‘We need to change….’ It’s like stop, rewind, start over. It’s very hard to turn on and off. You’re also working against the clock.

The hardest thing in recording is you are in the hands of the producer. Once you’re done the producer gathers all

of the takes and develops the first edit to approve, which you receive several months later. They ask, ‘how does this sound? ’ It is very difficult to remember what you did months ago. You have to place a great deal of faith in that the producer knows you as a person, as a musician and knows what your style and tastes are.

What are you looking forward to this year with La Musica?La Musica is one of the very special times of the year for me as a solo artist as it gives me a chance to play with my colleagues in an intimate setting. It gives me a chance to play with just a handful of colleagues. It is a wonderful change of scenery for many of us who play in La Musica. We really like working very intensely, in a very short period, putting together performances that are unique and alive. It is definitely interesting to see how it evolves with American and European artists and our differing views. It’s like the difference between inches and centimeters, but very special.

All of our rehearsals are open to the public. It’s an opportunity for people who are curious to see how chamber music is prepared. How a performance is prepared. You can come see how we conduct our first reading together. You can see how a piece evolves and how each one of us tries to bring our experience to putting a performance together. The open rehearsals are like a documentary on how a performance gets put together.

What’s next for Derek?I leave Wednesday for England to go on tour with the English Chamber Orchestra. Were playing five concerts in a week ending in London. Then I return to Sarasota for two days and leave for Vancouver. After that it’s off to China. On average I do seventy to eighty performances a year.

http://www.lamusicafestival.org/

r s v p r e q u i r e dr sv p re q u i re d

Jo Ann KoontzKoontz & Associates, PLBy Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa | Photo by Peter Acker

As both an attorney and CPA, Jo Ann Koontz is uniquely qualified to offer legal solutions that provide the best tax situation for her clients. Essentially, clients benefit from the services of two professionals, avoiding pitfalls they didn’t even know were there.

Especially in today’s real estate climate, short sales, loan modifications, deeds in lieu and foreclosures all present unique tax consequences that vary from person to person, and require skilled representation. From capital gains to rules impacting foreign nationals, Jo Ann provides her clients with a short- and long-term outlook on the financial ramifications of their real estate transactions.

Jo Ann is enigmatic, a no-nonsense individual with a quick wit, who communicates with impeccable efficiency. She is also an empathetic and caring advocate for her clients, many of whom are successful professionals who are facing immense challenges for the first time.

“One of the most important things people should understand is that planning can save tremendous amounts of time, money and stress,” reflects Jo Ann. People often wait for dire circumstances before seeking assistance, but there are more options available if they seek help early.

“Clients leave my office armed with information – and information is power,” she explains. “I give them the pros and cons, and an action plan, so they know exactly what they need to do. This gives them enormous peace of mind.”

In addition to handling distressed property situations, Jo Ann also focuses on traditional residential and commercial real estate transactions, as well as business law, and federal and state tax law. Her dual certification enables her to bring a comprehensive approach to all areas of practice. “Tax law is another layer that affects everything you do,” she says.

Jo Ann’s boutique practice is designed to offer clients attentive, concierge-level services. Associate attorney Jacqueline Meeker helps serve a growing clientele, focusing on real estate, civil litigation and tax law, and Jo Ann’s support staff has been with her since she first began practicing. In striving to build an organization that caters to client needs, she recently introduced a user-friendly website that allows people to initiate contact and request consultations online. “Our website has become a wonderful tool for local and out-of-town clients alike,” Jo Ann observes.

In addition to referrals from real estate agents, she also receives referrals from CPAs and financial planners, and is

often an early point of contact for consumers. She was a leader in helping the real estate community navigate the changing market, and was a sought-after speaker on short sales, foreclosures and their tax implications. She is tapped into the local professional community, and is involved with the community at large as well. A former board member for the Center for Autism Resources and Education (CARE), she continues to volunteer her time on behalf of the organization. She also volunteers with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

In addition to her legal practice, Jo Ann also maintains a separate tax preparation business for businesses and individuals. She is also involved in tax planning, positioning clients in the best situation before tax time. In all of her professional endeavors she is focused and committed to facilitating successful outcomes for her clients whenever possible. “There is a light at the end of every tunnel,” she says. “Our clients trust us to help guide them there.”

Koontz & Associates, PL 1819 Main Street, Suite 215 Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 225.2615 [email protected] www.koontzassociates.com


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INTEGRITY

ACTION

RESULTS!

Susan Danis Appointed To Board Of Directors

Susan Danis, Executive Director of Sarasota Opera, was appointed to the South Florida affiliate’s board of directors for Fifth Third Bank. Recognized for her long standing career as an advocate and leader in the Arts, she will lend industry-specific perspectives during the 2012 term to help guide the bank’s endeavors throughout South Florida.

“Fifth Third Bank has been a wonderful supporter of Sarasota Opera and the Arts in Florida for many years,” says Danis of her new appointment. “I am humbled by this honor and I look forward to working closely with Fifth Third Bank to help them continue to effectively support the Arts in the state of Florida.”

Habitat Sarasota Receives A $25,000 Grant

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc. awarded Habitat for Humanity, Sarasota a grant for $25,000. The grant was made possible through the Sarasota Association of Realtors’ (SAR) Affordable Housing Fund. The grant is targeted to fund a SAR TEAM Build ReHabitat Home.

The ceremonial presentation of the check occurred at REAL, Heels and Wheels, a fundraiser for Habitat

Sarasota, hosted by Suncoast Motorsports. The check was presented to Rene Snyder, Habitat Sarasota's Executive Director, by Elaine Adair, Chair of the Community Outreach Committee of the Sarasota Association of Realtors.

Jack And Jill Dowd Celebrate 50 Years Together

Artist, Jack Dowd and his lovely wife Jill recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. A private reception took place at the Dowd’s home/studio. Those attending enjoyed playing softball, beverages and cuisine prepared by long time family friend Paul Mattison. Everyone had a ton of fun. To many more years of bliss Jack and Jill from REAL Magazine!

Jack is well known for his sculpture, including Andy 20 Times (Andy Warhol) and the 22 foot mahogany bar scene, Last Call. Jack’s latest endeavor takes him into painting, specifically with pastels. His work, including John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Andy Warhol and others, are on display in the lobby of Outdoor Academy in Lakewood Ranch. Dowd’s latest project revolves around painting twenty musicians who died at age twenty-seven. It’s an incredible series that will debut in May.

i n t h e n e w si n t h e n ew s


Left to Right: Renee Snyder, Elaine Adair


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Naked Florist Relocates In Sarasota

The Naked Florist has relocated from Sarasota’s Rosemary District to a more central location downtown. The Naked Florist’s new location is at 1412 State Street, Sarasota 34236.

The Naked Florist is a cutting edge couture floral boutique with uniquely decadent floral arrangements custom designed for individuals as well as weddings and events. Specializing in wedding and event design The Naked Florist honors both fashion and modern elements of design so each guest will discover a chic, sophisticated floral decor and gift experience.

Plymouth Harbor Tower Nominated For Florida Top 100 Buildings

Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay announced that their signature tower building was one of nine Sarasota County buildings nominated for the Top 100 by the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects. Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay was built in 1966 by Frank Folsom Smith, FAIA, Architect of Record and Associate Architect Louis F. Schneider, AIA.

The Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Florida) developed the list of what they consider to be the Top 100 Buildings in the state of Florida. The public was encouraged to participate in the selection of “Florida’s Favorite Buildings” by voting online.

Sarasota Opera Ranked 2nd Most Popular Attraction In Sarasota

Sarasota Opera was ranked the second most popular attraction in Sarasota, ranking only behind Siesta Key Beach, according to TripAdvisor.com. The geographic demographic of the people making comments was broad. Reviewers that made comments stemmed from 7 different communities in Florida, 11 different states and several different countries including France, Switzerland, Japan and Canada.

“What this illustrates is that people are traveling to Sarasota and finding more than just a beach,” says Sam Lowry, Communications Officer with Sarasota Opera. “This is not only a testament to the high quality of arts that exist in Sarasota, this is also validation that Sarasota continues to evolve into a multi-dimensional destination location for travelers worldwide. People can not only enjoy beautiful scenery, they can leave the beach and enjoy artistic performances that are on par with organizations based in the large metropolitan areas they are traveling from.”

www.the-real-magazine.com|REAL Magazine |23


r s v p r e q u i r e dr sv p re q u i re d

Briana O'Brien and the Green HopperStory and photography by Jenny Acheson

"Cheap, easy, fun and friendly" is how Briana O'Brien describes her transport service, the Green Hopper. A self-proclaimed dreamer from New Jersey, it was her ideas and aspirations that brought her to Sarasota where, with partner and friend Kevin Watts, she set up the company.

With a fleet of four 100% electric zero emission 6 seated vehicles, she totes people around 3 locations, including downtown Sarasota. It had been working at Daiquiri Deck on Siesta Key where she noticed people's frustration - at the lack of public transport (and disdain of it), slow and pricey taxi service, little and inconvenient parking for all - and saw something the area needed.

After a lot of research and development she bought the company and name - the previous owner operating in Fort Lauderdale didn't fancy the hard graft involved - and closed the transaction. Free (with tips)

in Siesta Key, $3 a ride elsewhere, she is the first person to secure a 'for hire' vehicle permit for her hoppers. She "found a niche, got lucky..." with the chance to support Sarasota's economy by serving tourists and locals alike. The Green Hoppers moved 250 people at Siesta Fiesta, was involved with the boat show, the proceeds of which went to a children's charity, and worked several other festivals - Take Over Music, Harvey Milk and the Shrimp and Lobster Festival.

After a thrilling tour gliding gently through Sarasota's elegant downtown, waving at admirers and enjoying the open-air appeal of the ride, we sit in Briana's office surrounded by stuffed frogs and green walls. She admits how satisfying it is to be getting noticed, in the press and on the street where people are always curious and love to take photos of her bright green and yellow carts.

Her shy, striking blue eyes and long blonde looks belie the tough attitude, strong opinions and ideals developed by an upbringing in the 'rat race'. She does not support corporations, wants

to be part of a national association of micro transit vehicles to secure safety standards and operating procedures, and hopes to join the City Council. "It's about making an honest living helping to generate more income by moving people around while keeping the environment clean," she says.

The lights seem stuck on green for this bright young spark.

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Rated one of the Top 100 Women Financial Advisors in the nation by Barron’s Magazine, Aimee Cogan’s congenial personality masks the passion she imparts to her clients and their financial portfolios.

“It requires an understanding of each client’s personal circumstances, their time horizon, liquidity needs, risk tolerances and, most importantly, their personal goals. The art is then in developing a wealth management strategy that allows them to sleep at night,” she explains.

By Ed BerthaPhotography by Giovanni Lunardi

Left to Right: Aimee Cogan, Chris Cogan, Rich Williams, Linda Mikos, Scott Rockwell, Melanie Barber

Aimee-Cogan-NEW-2.kk.indd 2-3 4/9/12 6:06 PM


Rated one of the Top 100 Women Financial Advisors in the nation by Barron’s Magazine, Aimee Cogan’s congenial personality masks the passion she imparts to her clients and their financial portfolios.

“It requires an understanding of each client’s personal circumstances, their time horizon, liquidity needs, risk tolerances and, most importantly, their personal goals. The art is then in developing a wealth management strategy that allows them to sleep at night,” she explains.

By Ed BerthaPhotography by Giovanni Lunardi

Left to Right: Aimee Cogan, Chris Cogan, Rich Williams, Linda Mikos, Scott Rockwell, Melanie Barber


“Iwas always strong in math, and knew I wanted to work in a related field. Around the second grade, I was writing stories that were an early sign to my

parents. ‘Sally’s Mom gave her money to buy a loaf of bread at the store. On the way, she stopped and bought a house with some of the money. Her mom was angry but later Sally sold the house for a profit….it goes on!’ So, it was easy to see that math would play a role in my future.”

Born in Boston, Aimee moved with her family to Ft Lauder-dale at the age of three when her father assumed the man-agement of Port Everglades. A later move landed Aimee in Jacksonville, where she enrolled at Bartram, a college prep school for girls. “While at Bartram, I would join my father on various outings to business and community events. As my Dad’s frequent companion, I became comfortable in the company of business and community leaders at a relatively young age.”

Aimee then attended the University of Florida where friends remember her setting the grade curve on exams while also managing a demanding work schedule. “I worked through school at the Outback Steakhouse, which was a great way to develop a focus on customer and client service. The demand-ing load at school combined with the Outback training and work regimen instilled a strong work ethic in me.”

After graduating from the University of Florida with honors, and a major in Finance, Aimee planned to continue on to the school’s MBA program. Fortuitously, the Dean of the busi-ness school suggested that she consider gaining a minimum of five years’ work experience before working on an MBA. “I initially wanted to move into investment banking, but trusted his advice.” He also asked if she would be interested in spending a year preparing real-world business case studies in conjunction with the MBA program. Aimee agreed and it turned out to be a career path diversion with a practical ap-peal. “It felt like the best of both worlds and certainly gave me jump start and a rare insight.”

Finished with case studies, Aimee began interviewing with banks across the southeast including SunBank, (now Sun-Trust) in Sarasota. “I had family living nearby, at the time.

I loved the setting, and strong sense of community here.” Upon accepting that job, she became one of the bank’s first management associates. “I spent the first few years in com-mercial credit, underwriting and lending, but really enjoyed the wealth management side of the business.”

Having worked the five years recommended by the Dean, Ai-mee was now at a crossroads. “I had grown fond of Sarasota and didn’t want to leave. I thought, why leave, go back, get an MBA and start from scratch. I saw few, well established, investment banking operations in Sarasota but recognized the potential opportunities within personal finance. I felt that wealth management was my best career opportunity and it was something that I really loved.”

The death of Aimee’s grandfather reaffirmed her decision. “During 50 years of married life, my grandfather, like many others of that generation, handled most of the financial mat-ters in the household. When he passed-away my grandmoth-er didn’t know what investments they had or what to do with them.” Aimee worked with her family to construct a compre-hensive wealth management plan for her grandmother and helped them avert some difficult situations in her later years. “Knowing I could help many clients in the same circum-stances confirmed my decision to enter the field.”

Aimee spent the next 12 years at SunTrust, where she was licensed in securities and insurance, and then became a Cer-tified Financial Planner™. She spent most of those years as one of the top 5 advisors in the company nationwide.

After her marriage to Chris in 2003, the prospects of starting a family began to enter into the picture. “I needed a posi-tion and working environment with more flexibility to raise a family.” As a top performer in the region, the major financial institutions were making inquiries about her on a regular ba-sis and offering the flexibility she sought. One of those was Morgan Stanley.

An initial meeting or two at Morgan Stanley led to an inter-view with John Mack (Chairman and CEO at the time) at the company’s headquarters in New York. That meeting sealed the deal for Aimee. “There was no question about moving

A Saturday morning finds Aimee reviewing the week’s market activity before settling into another chapter of John Mauldin’s End Game.

“Genuine concern for our clients is the foundation upon which we have built our practice’ ‘We intentionally keep our client list small because we become

very much like family.” Aimee Cogan

Trust


to Morgan Stanley.” Joining the firm in 2006 Aimee soon became one of their top producers in the region, an honor she has held every year since.

Aimee was invited to serve on Morgan Stanley’s elite Finan-cial Advisors Council from 2006 to 2009. Consisting of 16 members, selected from the top of the firm’s 18,000 advisors, the council meets regularly with senior management in New York. “We reviewed and analyzed virtually every aspect of our business from the markets to investment products and services, technology platforms and, client service initiatives. My term on the council provided insight into the firm’s im-pressive resources and an allowed me to contribute to mak-ing those resources more accessible to our clients.”

Aimee’s regular trips to the firm’s headquarters in New York and her close work with senior management have resulted in valued relationships. “I joined Morgan Stanley because I believed in the people running the firm and that trust has been reaffirmed in the years since.” Several members of the senior management team, including the Chief Investment Strategist, have become close friends and trusted mentors. “They’ve had a positive impact on my life, both personally and professionally.”

Access to Morgan Stanley’s top minds helped Aimee devel-op a disciplined approach to wealth management. Investing in this climate is challenging, and a client’s asset allocation is critical to a portfolio’s success. “We focus on how our underlying managers are performing, not only for the short term, but how their performance tracks over the longer term

probably as many great hats at T.J. Maxx as I have at Saks. I can go across the board. My favorite hat is one done by Christina Moore, a designer from New York. I was featured on ESPN as part of their Derby advertising wearing it a few years ago. The spot was aired na-tionally hundreds of times and we were getting calls from friends all over the country.”

Asking if her approach to fashion is all about the ‘art of the hunt’, Ai-mee leans forwards and enthusiastically asserts: “Absolutely, and if you can get it at a discount it was a successful hunt!”

Every girl loves shoes and Aimee is no different, but for a different rea-son. A local philanthropic event pushes her competitive button to find the ultimate pair of shoes. “Wine, Women and Shoes is a fund raiser for Forty Carrots, a local non-profit organization that provides parenting outreach programs for families in our community. So it’s a great combination, of having fun and supporting a very good cause.” And, once again it is about the art of the hunt. “Chris and I were in an outlet mall in Orlando and he called my attention to what he referred to as a crazy pair of shoes. Of course, I loved them, and they were just crazy enough to win!”

Wine, Women and Shoes currently hosts fund raisers in twenty cities across the United States. To help the organization launch into a new market, Aimee recently introduced founder, Elaine Honig to sister-in-law, Shannon Hori Cogan, a news anchor for CBS in Miami. “I put the two of them together and they did their first Wine, Women and Shoes event earlier this year raising over $250,000 for All Children’s Hospital in Miami. It was gratifying to connect them and see the result. Con-necting people is one of the things I enjoy most.”

as well. When a manager is outperforming the markets, we need to make sure they’re not taking on too much risk or go-ing outside of their charter with what is called ‘style drift’. We’re not afraid to do the heavy lifting when it comes to protecting client’s assets.”

When Aimee first arrived in Sarasota, a friend with strong ties to New College introduced her to Pique Nique, a fund raiser for the college. Aimee’s involvement with New College and Pique Nique grew over time leading to an invitation to Chair the 29th annual event this month. “The event includes an el-egant luncheon, sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue, and raises money for the New College Library Association. “All of the ladies wear hats. In my early years of attending, I didn’t have any fun hats, so I always borrowed them.” That would soon change as the Kentucky Derby entered Aimee’s life.

“My husband, Chris, is from Louisville, home of the historic Kentucky Derby. Of course, every year you need a fun hat, and actually more than one for this time honored, social and cultural event. You need one hat for the Oaks (the day of rac-es featuring fillies on Friday before the Derby) and another for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.” Aimee and Chris regularly invite friends, which has helped build a strong contingent of Derby fans in Sarasota. “It’s an event people should definite-ly include on their bucket list,” she adds.

“Like many, I have fun with fashion. Because of my finan-cial background I like to buy at a discount. So, I have found

Aimee makes quality time with the family a priority. Bella refers to them as “three buds together”.

Hats and Horses

Shoes; A Girls Best Friend


Portraitswww.lunardi.com 941-359-9155

Coming to Morgan Stanley on her own in 2006, Aimee’s reason for change took hold the following year with the birth of her daughter, Caragh Bella. At that point she made the decision to assemble a diversified team. To create the strongest possible group, she sought out other top advisors with complimentary skill-sets. The selection process was rigorous and resulted in The Bellwether Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney which consists of six individuals from multiple strategic disciplines sharing the same passion for their client’s financial well-being.

Aimee explains, “I approached Rich Williams and Scott Rockwell because I always had great respect for them as competitors in the Sarasota market.” Rich holds the Chartered Financial Analyst™ designation, the most prestigious in the field of fundamental stock analysis. He manages the Group’s core investment portfolio which serves as a stable investment vehicle and a hedge against volatility and risk. Scott is a technical analyst and he runs the Group’s equity growth portfolio. Rich and Scott both oversee the group’s fixed income portfolio’s as well. As a Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Investment Management Analyst™, Aimee’s focus is on separately managed accounts, alternative investments, precious metals and foreign currencies. Together, the three of them form The Bellwether Group’s investment committee. To summarize the team’s approach, Aimee states, “We remain focused on effectively deploying capital and managing volatility, and are always tactically evaluating anomalies in pricing and market opportunities.”

Aimee’s husband Chris, a successful technology entrepreneur and private equity investor, joined the firm in 2010 to serve as The Bellwether Group’s managing partner. Chris holds the designation of Certified Commercial Investment Member™ and is uniquely qualified to advise on business matters including, mergers and acquisitions, expansion capital, initial public offerings, exit strategies and, commercial real estate.

Assisting all of them are Melanie Barber and Linda

Mikos. Aimee adds, “I must admit that Melanie and Linda really run things at the practice management level.”

Much like the rest of Aimee’s world her team operates with the efficiency and precision of a Swiss watch. Chris is an entrepreneur and brings the type of out of the box thinking and experience which makes our clients’ small businesses successful. Rich has been in the investment business for over 20 years and has taken clients through two significant bear markets and their subsequent recoveries. Scott adds eleven years of commercial banking experience to his 11 years in the investment business. The four of them approach problems and situations from different perspectives, but they use these perspectives to give their clients the best possible solutions to their respective financial situations. Working with this team

is a bit like assembling the perfect outfit. It doesn’t matter if they start with the shoes, the dress, or the hat – when they blend it all together it works really well for their clients.

The bottom line for Aimee and her team is taking care of clients. When clients can tell her “Even with all the uncertainty in the market, I can still say I’m comfortable with the portfolio and trust what you are doing.” This is why she is here. It goes back to the situation with Aimee’s grandparents. Helping people with complex circumstances is what she enjoys and the satisfaction she gets when it is done well is one reason she has been so successful.

The Bellwether Groupat

Morgan Stanley Smith BarneyTwo North Tamiami Trail

Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 363.8515 | (800) 347.9656

[email protected]

The Bellwether Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Aimee-Cogan-NEW-2.kk.indd 8 4/9/12 6:06 PM



Portraitswww.lunardi.com 941-359-9155

http://www.lunardi.com/

Spring is the perfect time to be bold and change to one of many fresh hairstyles just like the seasons. Whether it’s the color, a new haircut, the overall style or all three, what better time is there to reinvent yourself?

Mostofthehairtrendsforthisspringandsummerseasonarecarefree,relaxedandveryeasytorecreateathome.Oneofthebiggesttrendsforthisseasonisthelookofscarfswornonthehead.

Anotherbigtrendthisseasonisthewetlookorslickedbackhair.Youcanrecreatethistrendbysimplywearingyourhairandstylingitwithproductsthatwillkeepyourlockslookingslickedbackallday.

Still,nothingwastooperfectorimpeccable,deconstructedwavesandundoneknotsandtwistsprovedthathavingabitofanedgeisaschicasever.

Thelookofbangsisreturningtothefashionandbeautyworldthisseason,andwe’rewelcomingitinwithlooksofbluntbangs,fringes,asymmetricalbangs,andchoppy.Eventhoughbangswereinforthefallandwinterseason,designersseemedtolovethelookatNewYorkFashionweek,andsincethenthetrendhasexploded.Trendybangsstylesareperfectforthosewithsquareandheartfaceshapes,sincethelookcaneasilyadddimensionandcreateamoredesirableovalshapetoyourface.

Ifyou’rewonderingwhathairtrendsareontheradarforspringandsummer2012,bobhaircutsaredefinitelymakingtheirwaybackintothebeautyandfashionscene.Bobcutswereseenallovertherunways.

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Catering: Half Shell Oyster House

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www.the-real-magazine.com|REAL Magazine |37

p e r s p e c t i v e sp e r s p e c t i ve s

The Canadian EffectBy Patricia Tan

Patricia Tan was born in England, and her career in international sales and marketing led her to live and work in many countries around the world before moving to Sarasota in 1997. Patricia is a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), and Transnational Referral Certified (TRC). She is involved in global activities of the Sarasota, Florida and National Association of Realtors, and currently serves as NAR President’s Liaison to U.K. Her real estate business operates from Coldwell Banker on St Armands Key, where her focus is to bring international buyers to the local market. She regularly makes marketing trips to Canada, Asia and Europe, to promote Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Sarasota area in particular.

I write this article as our “season” draws to a close and we bid farewell to our cool weather comrades, our snow bird visitors who mean such a lot to our communities on the west coast Florida. This year, if you feel you may have heard more Canadian accents than usual, a quick look at our real estate buyer statistics may confirm your suspicions.

In preparation for a marketing trip to Toronto, I recently reviewed the latest statistics for Canadians buying real estate in Florida and they make interesting reading.

It comes as no surprise that Canadians are the number one foreign buyer of real estate in Florida. What is surprising, however, is just how large a group they are. Canadians represent 39% of all foreign buyers who purchased property in Florida in the last year. In second place, a long way behind with 8% of the sales was Brazil, followed by Venezuela and United Kingdom, each with 7%.

Some of the characteristics of Canadian buyers:

• 91% of all Canadians paid cash to purchase their Florida homes. We know from some of the Canadian banks that some of this cash was obtained by refinancing homes in Canada, but nevertheless, this is an impressive number.

• The median price of homes purchased by Canadians was $151,500 a little lower than the Brazilian median price of $215,000 but still higher than the statewide median for all purchases, which is $134,000

• Canadians favor condos over single family homes. Two thirds of their purchases were condominiums or town homes, as they like the ability to “lock it and leave it”, safe in the knowledge that someone will be taking care of the home exterior and community while they are gone.

• 48% of Canadian home owners will reside in their Florida property for between 3 and 6 months each year.

• Not surprisingly, when you think how Canadians use their Florida homes, 44% of Canadians purchased homes in resort areas.

• Other homes were purchased by Canadians who still have full time jobs, but realized the incredible values in the market, so they purchased homes as long term rental investments, to be used by them personally in the future as they move towards retirement.

Where are our Canadian cousins buying? “Across Florida” would be a good summary, as the table below illustrates, but they show a definite liking for the Gulf Coast as you can see.

What might we see in the future from Canada? We see demand for Florida property continuing into the next year, but outstanding home values may be harder to find as our inventory levels tighten, and Canadians may begin to look further afield, perhaps on the east coast of Florida in some of the markets that have not began to recover as strongly as Miami and the west coast markets. Jacksonville may be a market to watch for those Canadians interested in investment returns supported by strong economic indicators. Central Florida may still provide some bargains for the investor – a quick look at Orange County listings shows me that 51% of their lower priced inventory ($200,000 and below) represents a short sale or foreclosed home, indicating that aggressive pricing may continue there for some time. Meanwhile, here in our own backyard in Sarasota County, only 23% of homes under $200,000 are distress sales – a sure sign of a market in recovery.

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Disappointed in your elected leaders? You may direct this disenchantment toward your local bureaucrats.Many shrewd lobbyists and governmental liaisons have slowly come to realize that the best avenue for exerting influence on government policy and purchasing decisions may not run through elected government officials, but instead through appointed officials, better known as government staff. Enactment of industry-friendly policy or award of a lucrative governmental contract may be just a luncheon or phone call away; not to your local politician, but instead to your local agency staff member that routinely handles these matters.

Why has the influence of politicians waned? As a former appointed government official, I can point to three major reasons:

1. THE FLORIDA SUNSHINE LAW EMPOWERS GOVERNMENT STAFF.

Some time ago, Florida government officials came to the conclusion that decisions out of the public view in so-called ‘smoke filled rooms’ caused bad public policy leading to bad law. They could point to the Federal Government and Congress as an example of this. Congress is notorious for secret back room deals and arm twisting. The Sunshine Law simply means that no two elected officials can meet ‘out of the sunshine’ to discuss the public’s business. Instead, any such meeting must be scheduled in advance and ‘open to the public.’ This may be aired by the local news outlet.

Particularly troublesome is discussing the lack of performance of any government employee in the public forum. Such discussions could undermine any chance for a positive relationship with the staff member after such negativity is aired? Both parties often attempt to avoid such encounters.

The result is that staff can fly under the radar screen. They become emboldened to conduct activities and write policy that may not reflect the elected body’s intent. An avoidance game is played out to avoid controversy.

2. RISK ADVERSE PURCHASING DRIVES UP COST OF GOVERNMENT.

With purchasing decisions, non-elected officials don’t want to be ‘called on the carpet’ by the policy makers for making a mistake. They therefore create criteria for purchasing services or goods from private firms that are construed as ‘safe decisions.’ ‘Safe’ translates into selection criteria that entails the size of the company staff and so-called ‘comparable experience.’ This could eliminate from consideration many smaller more cost effective firms. Therefore, the cost of government goes up.

3. COMLEXITY OF GOVERNMENT MAKES ELECTED OFFICIALS DEPENDENT ON UNELECTED STAFF.

More rules and regulations engender more complex government. Then only long-term government employees can readily understand all the rules and regulations.

Newly elected politicians may want to change things, but quickly find out that they are dependent on their staff for the needed information on which to base decisions. If the staff denies access to this information, the elected leader can be made to look inexperienced and unknowledgeable in the public forum. Again, staff becomes emboldened as they can manipulate decisions to their own agenda. This could be very different from the citizenry’s.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Politicians need to be ardent students of government prior to seeking public office. Otherwise, they could become minions to staff agenda and government protocol. The Governor and State Attorney should look into the constitutionality of the Sunshine Law and the limits to Free Speech. Further, all government contracts to service providers should be publicly bid in lieu of sole sourced under the guise of the Consultants Competition Negotiations Act or what is fondly known by large established firms as ‘CCNA.’ These two steps can reduce the trend of government power being siphoned from elected leaders to non-elected government staff in Florida.

Power of Bureaucracy Increases As Power Of Politicians Wane In FloridaBy William Henry PhD

p e r s p e c t i v e sp e r s p e c t i ve s

Reliable Group, LLC Architects AA# 0003523 is a well-known architectural and construction management firm based in Tampa, Florida. RGA is headed by Dr. William Henry, both an architect and certified expert witness who issues opinions and testimony concerning design and construction related matters. Having designed over 250 landmark buildings in the state of Florida, he has represented and testified for both plaintiffs and defendants in cases involving code violations such as associated with design and construction defects as well as American Disabilities Act – ‘ADA’ violations. William Henry, PhD (Bill) may be reached at (813) 226.2220 or [email protected].


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[email protected]

Serving Southwest Florida Since 1992Serving Southwest Florida Since 1992

Appraising ResidentialProperties For:

Estate and Divorce SettlementLending Institutions

Property Disputes | GuardianshipsTax Disputes | Investors | Realtors

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Qualified Expert Witness941-750-6600

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MARY L. PATTERSON, SRA

State Certified ResidentialReal Estate Appraiser RD2516

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1801 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236

941-356-0437 [email protected]

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IN LUXURY REAL ESTATEA DYNAMIC REALTOR

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Debra Pitell –HaugeDebra Pitell –HaugeBroker/REALTOR , CRS, SRES , GRI, e-PRO

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2008

BEST IN CLIENT SATISFACTION

2011

Sarasota, Florida912 . 660 . 1354DS-LA.com

530 S. Orange Avenue

LA 6667044

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Matching People with Properties and Lifestyles

941.704.6749 [email protected]

www.SarasotaPropertiesUnlimited.com

Mirta Matheu Klauber REALTOR®, GRI

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realtor.com

“Highest Benchmark Sale Award” recipient with sales of $13 million and $13.2 million

2005 1st place Agent Website in Florida as named by Florida Association of REALTORS

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011 FIVE-STAR: Best in Client Satisfaction Real Estate Award

Exclusive Sarasota and Longboat Key affiliate for LuxuryRealty.com

29 years of experience selling Sarasota real estate



No REALTOR has you covered better!No REALTOR has you covered better!RR

FLORIDA REALTOR

Salesperson SitesSalesperson Sites

R S I T F

P E L A C

ADDYTHE ULTIMATE

CHALLENGE

R

1801 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236

941-356-0437 [email protected]

R

SM

IN LUXURY REAL ESTATEA DYNAMIC REALTOR

R

Debra Pitell –HaugeDebra Pitell –HaugeBroker/REALTOR , CRS, SRES , GRI, e-PRO

R R R

2008

BEST IN CLIENT SATISFACTION

2011

http://www.sarasotahomes4sale.com/

r e a l c a r e sr e a l c a r e s

Care 2 Tri Greg SimonyBy Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa | Photography by Alan Rodriguez, AlanRphoto.com

“You don’t fly up a hill. You struggle slowly and painfully up a hill, and maybe, if you work very hard, you get to the top…” ~Lance Armstrong

As a two-pack a day smoker and heavy drinker, Greg Simony knew he wasn’t living up to his full potential. A former collegiate athlete, he was competitive, driven. But he had lost his footing on the path to success, allowing addiction to cloud his vision and muddle his focus. A sobering experience changed all that and put him back on course. And as his addictive nature compelled him to pursue new highs, Greg rediscovered the joys of pushing his physical limits. He became a triathlete, challenging himself with a grueling regiment that reshaped his body and mind. Then, in his quest to explore his true abilities, he identified an exciting opportunity. “I wanted to do something bigger than myself,” he reflects. “I’ve always had an innate drive to motivate others, and realized I could to so in a really unique way.”

At a young age, Greg knew his mission was to help others. He just had to help himself, first. Once he was on his own path to wellness, he found a way to bring others along. Not everyone has the physical ability to turn their lives around, to sweat and struggle through the rigors of a triathlon. But Greg had energy and willpower to spare. He’d find a teammate, a partner who would have the opportunity to cross a finish line with him and to revel in the glory of the victory. To date over 50 disadvantaged individuals have raced with Greg and the number continues to climb.

“We all have disabilities,” asserts Greg. “It just so happens that some individuals’ are more apparent.” Such was the case with his first teammate, wheelchair-bound Nadia McKinnon. The duo trained for three months, Greg pushing Nadia in a special stroller. Her verbal communication was limited, but Nadia managed to get her point across from their first meeting. “I didn’t know if she liked me, if she wanted to be out there,” Greg recalls. “But when her


http://www.care2tri.org/

mom tried to take her out of the jogger, she bit her. That’s when we realized we were on to something.” In May 2009 Nadia and Greg completed the 10K portion of the Tri-Miami, and he like his teammate, was hooked.

“This is my gift, my calling,” remarks Greg. “I know that this is what I’m supposed to be doing.”

There is a huge outpouring of people wanting to race with Care 2 Tri and managing the influx is challenging, but Greg is unwavering in his commitment. Each teammate, each race, he says, is a new and rewarding experience. “I’ve never experienced an event where my teammate was unhappy,” he says. “Most of the time, they become incredibly peaceful. It’s amazing.” In addition to teaming with Nadia for subsequent races, Greg has also competed with a paralyzed veteran, a brain trauma victim and an individual living with autism. What the world at large may consider impairments, he notes, are simply labels. “I don’t believe in labels,” he adds. “They give way to excuses.”

Three years after completing his first team event, Greg founded Care 2 Tri. The non-profit organization reflects its leader’s lofty aspirations, with a current goal of completing 50 triathlons in 50 states in 50 days. Until then, Care 2 Tri is focused on smaller victories which include acquiring the equipment needed to safely partner teammates in swimming and biking portions of the races.

Greg’s underlying mission is simply to inspire others to pursue their own passions. “I want people to know, to believe, that they can change their own lives and make a difference in the lives of others,” he asserts. “I’m a voice for people who aren’t always heard, but what I do isn’t for everyone.” His message: “Take your passion and go beyond yourself. Anything is possible if you believe.”

Greg is penning a book about his journey, and looks forward to sharing his inspiring stories as a motivational speaker. He continues to train and compete with area teammates, changing lives with each event.

Care 2 Tri 309 39th Street Bradenton, FL 34208 (941) 587.6526 [email protected] www.care2tri.org

http://www.care2tri.org/

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REAL Magazine Aimee Cogan of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

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