Ruiz joins Stevens Construction

Stevens Construction Inc. has expanded the Fort Myers special projects division with the addition of Assistant Project Manager Fabio Ruiz, announced Joseph Cimilluca, special projects division manager.

Ruiz is an accomplished manager, bringing 17 years of experience in customer service, sales and operations. As assistant project manager, Ruiz is responsible for preconstruction initiatives such as creating proposals and coordinating with subcontractors, as well as supporting the field team during construction.

With revenues growing 73% from 2022 to 2023, the special projects division was launched in 2018 to serve projects under $1 million. This division provides self-performance with a team of skilled tradespeople allowing more flexibility with schedule, an ability to perform tasks on demand and with cost control. Special projects include tenant improvements, additions, renovations, repairs and specialty projects.

With offices in Fort Myers, Sarasota and Orlando, Stevens Construction specializes in providing construction management, general contracting and consulting services to clients and design professionals. Other services include site and design team selection, budgeting, project scheduling, permitting, cost and quality control and warranty service. The company builds healthcare, commercial and hospitality facilities. For information, visit stevensbuilds.com or call 239-936-9006.

Fowler Construction & Development unveils rebranding reflecting growth and tradition

Fowler Construction & Development has unveiled a new logo, tagline and website that gives a nod to its strong history while focusing on a future highlighting unique and transformational projects in the marina, restaurant and hospitality industries.

As Fowler Construction & Development continues its 55-year evolution, the company’s brand is also evolving to reflect Fowler’s generational excellence, growth, expertise and gold-standard commitment to serving clients at the highest level.

The new logo maintains the vintage “F” that originated more than 50 years ago and represents Fowler’s equity and continuity. With an eye to the future, the remaining letters are designed in a new, modern font, with the blue color highlighting Fowler’s scope of work and expertise in the marina sector while also working in the company’s familiar red.

Past and current projects are on display on the new website at fowlercompany.com.

Founded in 1968 by Robert Fowler Sr. and now directed by Robert Fowler, Jr., Fowler Construction & Development has delivered hundreds of projects through the decades for clients in many industries, including marine, restaurant and hospitality. Built on a rich history, Fowler has built numerous fire stations, restaurants, condominiums, docks and piers, and restored historic landmarks.

To learn more about Fowler Construction & Development, go to fowlercompany.com or call 239-275-7000.

CCIM Institute to host 23rd Annual Commercial Real Estate Outlook Conference

Southwest Florida’s District of the Global CCIM Institute and its Certified Commercial Investment Members will host its highly anticipated 23rd Annual Commercial Real Estate Outlook Conference Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs.

This year’s conference is set to surpass expectations, featuring a lineup of distinguished keynote speakers, including Brad O’Connor, CCIM CRE; Chief Economist at the Florida Association of Realtors Brian Bailey Sr., Financial Policy Advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta; and Richard Swank, associate general counsel at the Florida Association of Realtors, among other notable figures in the Southwest Florida commercial real estate community. Esteemed sponsors such as The CoStar Group, RPCRA, NABOR, CRE Consultants, Lee County Economic Development, and Maxwell Hendry Simmons Real Estate Appraisers & Consultants further underscore the event’s significance.

Each year, this flagship event draws hundreds of influential local business leaders, investors, property owners, brokers, managers and other stakeholders with an interest in the thriving commercial real estate landscape of Southwest Florida.

The CCIM Institute shares a common mission of providing members with leading-edge knowledge, tools, access to renowned experts, innovative technology, and a global network. The CCIM Designation is likened to a PhD in commercial real estate.

Visit flccim.com to guarantee your participation in this landmark event. Act now — your future in commercial real estate awaits.

REIS scholarship program receives boost from Vulcan Materials

The Real Estate Investment Society will be offering 10 additional scholarships to students at Florida Gulf Coast University, thanks to the generosity of Vulcan Materials Company. The firm has donated $25,000 to the REIS Scholarship Foundation, which funds scholarships for outstanding students pursuing degrees in real estate, finance, engineering and construction management. The presentation took place at the REIS Jan. 9 luncheon.

The scholarships each provide $2,500 toward tuition and books. The recipients also receive honorary membership in REIS for one year and may attend meetings on a complimentary basis.

Vulcan Materials Company is one of the nation’s largest producers of construction aggregates — primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel — and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials, including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. The firm has a large presence in Southwest Florida with extensive land holdings and mining operations, primarily in eastern Lee County.

Information on contributing to the REIS scholarship program is available at the REIS website or by calling Bev Larson at 239-281-1290. Criteria, school contacts and other information on the program are also available on the REIS website.