Business Observer

+ Ranch company films ShleterBox documentary
Two-time Emmy and 26-time Telly award-winning Salt & Light Productions, based in Lakewood Ranch, has produced a short-form documentary for ShelterBox USA.

ShelterBox, whose U.S. headquarters are in Lakewood Ranch, is an international disaster relief charity that provides shelter and supplies to disaster victims.

“We are extremely honored to have the support of the Center (for Faith and Freedom) and the Salt & Light team,” said Emily Sperling, ShelterBox USA president. “This documentary shines light on the needs of disaster survivors and the work of ShelterBox to provide shelter, warmth and dignity in the immediate aftermath.”

The six-minute video is available for viewing at www.youtube.com/shelterboxus.

+ Pope Financial launches in Ranch
Pope Financial last week announced its opening in Lakewood Ranch.

Pope Financial is a registered investment advisory firm offering comprehensive solutions for families.
Founder Brian Pope said the mission of his business is to help all families grow wealth.

“When it comes to money, most people live their lives without a plan,” Pope said. “We offer a reality check, hope and solid planning so that most families can afford the wants in life like college savings and retirement, without those events sneaking up on them.”

Pope, the exclusive Dave Ramsey-certified counselor in Southwest Florida since 2008, began by helping families in crisis through local churches. His services now also include wealth building, investments and long-term planning.

For more information, visit pope-financial.com or call 275-2873.

+ SMR introduces assistance program
At Lakewood Ranch’s information centers, few days go by without someone asking where to find rental properties within Lakewood Ranch.

So in a move to improve customer service, Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch has initiated a plan to assist prospective residents with the task.

“We need to provide a higher level of customer service,” SMR’s Vice President of Sales Jimmy Stewart said. “The people looking for rentals are future homebuyers.”

Visitors to any of Lakewood Ranch’s three information centers can obtain packets that include a list of available rentals within the community. Realtors or homeowners looking to rent properties can have their property included in the listing for $150 per month.

“It’s Lakewood Ranch specific,” Stewart said. “If you’re at my information center, you probably are interested in Lakewood Ranch to begin with.”

Listings include information such as property contact, property address, rental period available and a rental property description.

Individuals wishing to include their rental property in the program should contact Sherri Spanos or Nattaly Perez at 907-6000.