Business

By Julie A. Martin 2023 has been a strange year for insurance in the state of Florida. We have seen some massive increases in premiums across the board. Home, Auto and Flood insurance premiums have risen above levels seen last in 2005. Between 2022 and 2023, nearly 20 carriers either went...

By Lori Leath Smith The doors have opened at a new Training Center for students pursuing careers in the automotive industry. The Center of Excellence, a state-of-the-art facility, is a milestone achievement made possible through the unique and valuable partnership of Step One Automotive Group and Northwest Florida State College...

By Bill Mason, Rocket Fuel Coach Mark Twain once told a story about a man searching for the world’s greatest general. The man searched his whole life until one day he died and met St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. The man told St. Peter he was looking for the...

By Maurice Stouse, Financial Advisor and Branch Manager When it comes to saving and investing, we encourage individuals to do a review of tax strategies and to consider if some of these might work for you and your situation. There is tax deferral, tax deduction, tax free, tax reduction and tax...

In an exciting move that marks a significant expansion beyond the culinary world, Lady Ray’s Culinary Delights has ventured into the beauty industry with the acquisition of the Shores Salon located at 831 Harbor Blvd. in the heart of Destin, Florida. This strategic decision showcases Lady Ray’s commitment to...

By Julie A. Martin It can be scary to be driving along one minute, and the next, either you’ve been run off the road, or spun out into the intersection, or even into a ditch. You or your passenger might even be injured, and need medical attention. Here is the...

By Julie A. Martin 1. Update your home. In this property insurance market, most of the standard carriers are imposing strict age guidelines on Roof, Heating, Wiring, and Plumbing. If your home is 20 years old or older, keep in mind that the older your roof is, the harder it will...

By Bill Mason In the relentless pursuit of excellence, successful leaders understand that the path to greatness need not be a solitary effort. The adage, “It’s lonely at the top,” does not have to be your reality. Engage a leadership coach and discover a partner committed to your success, an...

By Maurice Stouse, Financial Advisor and Branch Manager This month we will do a review of the various levers – be those government, business or consumer that impact economic activity, the markets – stock, bond and money markets, and the cost of borrowing and the return when lending (bonds, CDs,...

By Kenneth Books Jamie Hernandez wasn’t born to a family of clothiers. She came about it in a roundabout way. The Southern Illinois University graduate was a CrossFit instructor, helping clients to develop confidence and body awareness while performing movements that are natural for their bodies. But the idea of creating...