< Previous58 www.crestviewchamber.com “Learning today…Building tomorrow!” Business in Crestview BUSINESS IN CRESTVIEW D espite the incredible growth of Florida’s population and economy, the construction industry is facing a skilled workforce shortage. To help promote the construction industry as a great career opportunity to Florida’s future employees, visionary industry leaders created the Future Builders of America (FBA). The mission is to engage in construction educational activities and help youth understand and pursue rewarding careers construction. FBA links students in area schools with the local building community. Guest speakers and field trips to building sites along with opportunities for summer and post-graduation employment help introduce students to ewarding opportuni- ties in the construction industry. FBA meetings also provide for camaraderie and an opportunity for students to improve their leadership and teamwork skills. On Monday, September 17th, members from the newly formed BIA Education Committee, chaired by BIA Board member Randy Wise (Randy Wise Homes), Okaloosa County teachers, school and district administration “laid the bricks” for a foundational partnership to fill the skills gap in the construction trades. Through the partnership, Okaloosa County School District programs at Baker School, Crestview High School and Laurel Hill School will have the opportunity to become chapters of the Future Builders of America, where they will gain industry expertise and network with industry professionals.www.crestviewchamber.com 59 We were delighted to meet the new faces of the Construction Education in Okaloosa County School District. Ken Jackson, carpentry instructor at Laurel Hill, Nick Rodgers, carpentry instructor at Baker School and Dan Meinecke, electrical and HVAC instructor at Crestview High School have moved from the construction industry into education. The gentleman all share a passion for helping the next generation to find their path to meaningful and rewarding careers”. “They each bring a wealth of expertise and talent in to our classrooms” says April Branscome, Director of Career & Technical Education for Okaloosa County. Developing the next generation of skilled workers in the talent pipeline for the construction trades is a top priority for the BIA, said BIA education committee chairman Randy Wise. This partnership between the schools and the industry is key in creating students' passion for the multiple career pathways in our construction industries. In today’s competitive world, many people believe that a four- year college education is required to be successful. However, a traditional four-year degree is not necessary to earn high wages, with benefits. Skilled trades are in more demand than any time in the 20-30 years. With the average age of a worker in construction at 58, the opportunities are endless for young adults. Alan Baggett, Executive Vice President stated that this partnership is important for our region as it addresses several critical challenges facing our current labor pool; the skills gap, an aging workforce, and the lack of a talent pipeline for the construction industry. Through this partnership, students will learn the value of trade skills, work ethic, critical thinking, problem-solving, craftsmanship and attention to detail. They will be better prepared for their adult life, regardless of what path they choose to follow. BUSINESS IN CRESTVIEW The mission of the Future Builders of America is to be engaged in construction-related educational activities, including assisting students in understanding and pursuing rewarding careers in construction and related trades. 60 www.crestviewchamber.com BUSINESS IN CRESTVIEW #PowerToCare At Gulf Power we are working together with the communities we serve to make Northwest Florida an even better place to raise a family and do business. 1126 North Ferdon Blvd. Crestview, Fl 32536 All Okaloosa County residents are eligible for membership. WWW.OKALOOSAFCU.ORG 850.682.2225 www.VacationsDesignedForYou.com HARRY & JULIE LEBOEUF (850) 306-3194 Contact us today and let’s get started on your Bucket List. At Vacations Designed for You, we strive to make your vacation planning eff ortless. We specialize in All types of travel, from cruises, to land tours, or packaged vacations and will create a complete unforgettable vacation specifically for you. Book with us and receive a free travel gift! Book early with only a small deposit to lock in the best accommodations and rates.www.crestviewchamber.com 61 BUSINESS IN CRESTVIEW 345 East James Lee Blvd. Crestview, FL 32539 850.683.8822 WWW.XPERIENCEBENEFITS.COM JAMES KING Benefit Executive, Xperience james.king@xperiencebenefits.com 904-704-2127 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND MEDICARE James “Jimmy” King returned with his wife and children to his deep Crestview roots after 36 years. “In addition to my work teaching, I love helping business owners and seniors and feel like I am helping strengthen the backbone of our community. I really like helping others be successful." May you prosper! Xperience Benefitswww.crestviewchamber.com 63 BUSINESS IN CRESTVIEW Alignments • Shocks/Struts • F/E Repair • Hitches • Brakes • Oil Change • Tune-Ups • Smiling Faces 2510 S. Ferdon Boulevard, Crestview, Florida 32536 Serving Crestview & Surrounding Areas Since 1979 CALL OR STOP IN TODAY! (850) 634-0677 DAY’S TIRE & SERVICE CENTER, INC. www.daystirepros.com Services: Complete Car Care Nationwide Warranty Since opening in January 1979, Day’s Tire and Service Center has provided Crestview with a vast Selection of tires, expert installation, automotive service and Top-Notch customer service that keeps the customers coming back, over and over again. Today, better known as Day’s Tire Pros, we are still committed to our customer’s needs by providing excellent service, support and satisfaction. We pledge to give our customers the best advice and guidance we can offer, so they can make an Informed decisions about their car, truck and van needs. Day’s promises a hassle-free experience which means we treat our customers with honesty, integrity and respect and only charge for work that’s needed! Stop by, today, and see how our friendly and expert staff will go above and beyond to help you with all your automotive needs. Day’'’’’s Tire and Service Center, Inc66 www.crestviewchamber.com We take care of any repairs or maintenance you may need for lawn and farm equipment 1147 S. Ferdon Blvd. Crestview, FL 32536 WWW.WISEEQUIPMENT1.COM 850-682-3366 CALL FOR THE VERY BEST IN LAWN EQUIPMENT AND SALES SERVICES TODAY! We carry the best equipment from the best names in the industry: Bear Cat, Bush Hog, John Deere, Kubota and many others. TRUST WISE EQUIPMENT FOR EXPERIENCED, KNOWLEDGEABLE SERVICE AND THE BEST SELECTION What began as a hobby for his dad, John Wise, has grown into quite a business with Wise Equipment, Sales, and Service, currently located at 1147 South Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, Florida. Now owned in part by Jim and Lynne Wise, this outdoor power business is still growing. Jim recalls the humble beginnings of the vibrant business. Planning ahead for retirement years, John Wise, now deceased, began selling and servicing Stihl chainsaws in the corner of his barn during his spare time in 1974. When John retired from his thirty-year job at Eglin AFB, the barn business had increased to two paid employees, as well as additional showroom and office space added onto the barn. His wife, Edna, left her job with MR&R Trucking Company to work with her husband in the growing business. By 1979, John and Edna moved the business to its current location. Meanwhile, Jim earned his Marketing degree from the University of Florida, and owned a family clothing business. Deciding to move his family to his hometown, Crestview, Jim joined his mother and father at Wise Equipment in 1993. The business continued to prosper under the watchful eyes and strong work ethics of the father, mother, and son team. As new employees were hired to serve the growing business, John and Edna soon retired and left the management for their son, Jim. After being in the business since 1974, the mission of Wise Equipment continues to be to provide customers with top brands in the industry, as well as outstanding service and support. “Foremost,” Jim Says,” we humbly appreciate our customers’ patronage and trust.” Wise Equipment Sales & Services BUSINESS IN CRESTVIEWwww.crestviewchamber.com 67 SPONSORS Sponsors Allstate ................................................................................................5 Ann Teel Hatcher ..............................................................................B3 Back Home Bakery Cafe ...................................................................21 Bob Taylor's Carpet One ...................................................................36 Brackney Funeral Service ................................................................11 Carol Strom C21 Hill Minger Agency ...............................................36 Childcare Network ............................................................................31 City of Crestview .................................................................................8 Class 101 Blackwater .......................................................................42 Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate ..................................34-35 Community Bank ...............................................................................61 Crestview Health and Wellness Center ...........................................48 Crestview Urgent Care ......................................................................50 David's Catfish ...................................................................................20 Egg-Z-Lenee LLC DBA ......................................................................36 Eglin Federal Credit Union ...............................................................62 Elite Real Estate Services & NWFL ..................................................30 FAMU - Crestview ..............................................................................43 FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers ...........................................49 Gordon Air Conditioning ...................................................................23 Gordon Martial Arts ..........................................................................23 Gulf Power .........................................................................................60 Keller Williams Realty Emerald Coast ..............................................4 Moors & Cabot ...................................................................................37 NOMC: North Okaloosa Medical Center ............................Back cover NOPG: North Okaloosa Physician Group .........................................B2 Northwest Florida State College ......................................................42 Okaloosa County Teachers Federal Credit Union ............................60 Paradise Promotions of the Emerald Coast ....................................21 Pattison Professional Counseling & Meditation ..............................51 RE/MAX Agency One .........................................................................28 RE/MAX Agency One, Inc. .................................................................33 Shaw Moving & Storage ....................................................................32 Step One Automotive Group........................................................64-65 The Arc of The Emerald Coast ..........................................................49 The UPS Store 6577 ...........................................................................29 UpBeat Music .....................................................................................22 Vacation Designed For You - Cruise Planners .................................60 Wise Equipment Sales & Services....................................................66 Xperience Benefits ............................................................................61Next >