kaufman lynn construction - News - The Coastal Star2024-03-28T19:21:18Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/kaufman+lynn+constructionMeet Your Neighbor: Ben Bafferhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/meet-your-neighbor-ben-baffer2022-06-29T15:30:49.000Z2022-06-29T15:30:49.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10604940893,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10604940893,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10604940893?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Kaufman Lynn Construction executive Ben Baffer, chairman of the Delray Beach Historic Preservation Board, believes that historic buildings and sites ‘are our community’s collective legacy, and our link to our past.’ This photo mural of projects — including the historic Miami Freedom Tower — graces the Kaufman Lynn conference room. <strong>Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star</strong></em></p>
<p>Perhaps no one is more aware of the importance of preserving historic buildings in our communities than someone who builds new ones for a living.<br /> That is one of the elements that has made Ben Baffer an excellent choice for chairman of the Delray Beach Historic Preservation Board. His two-year term in that role will come to an end in August.<br /> Baffer, 57, recently rejoined Kaufman Lynn Construction as senior vice president after spending the last three years with a Miami firm. He also spent two years (2010-12) with Kaufman Lynn in Miami working on the restoration of the Freedom Tower, one of South Florida’s most iconic buildings, dating to 1925.<br /> Considered one of South Florida’s leading experts on historical restoration projects, Baffer initially joined Kaufman Lynn in 2007 as a senior project manager before a promotion to vice president of operations. He and his family have lived in Delray Beach for 21 years.<br /> “There is so little history in South Florida, compared to other parts of the country,” Baffer said. “That makes the few historic buildings we have become so precious, especially in areas that are attractive for development like Delray Beach.<br /> “Historic buildings and sites are our community’s collective legacy, and our link to our past. This is critical to our identity as a community, regardless of whether you are a newcomer, a part-time resident of Delray Beach, or if your family has been here for generations. <br /> “And from a purely economic standpoint, it is a well-known fact that communities with a strong commitment to historic preservation are able to sustain significantly higher property values.”<br /> Baffer said as he nears the end of his final term, he is particularly proud of the way “we have furthered the mission of historic preservation by incorporating things like landscaping, sustainability and resiliency to our purview.”<br /> Also, “the fact that we have been able to conduct our business as a board in a manner that has always been civil, collaborative and supportive of one another, the city staff and the applicants who come before us.” <br /> “The paradox of historic preservation is that for it to be sustainable, property owners must be able to continuously maintain, improve and invest in their historic properties. If not, historic properties will be left to deteriorate and the historic resource will be eventually lost. <br /> “Our job as a historic preservation board is to help property owners to improve and maintain their historic properties in a way that is consistent with the land development regulations, and the Secretary of the Interior’s standards for historic preservation. In other words, we are here to help people make good decisions.”<br /> Baffer’s wife, Kathy, spent 14 years as president of the Seagate Neighborhood Association and is a Realtor in Delray. Their daughter Grace, 19, is a sophomore at the University of Florida, and Ava, 16, is a junior at American Heritage School.<br /> The Baffers bought a small travel trailer camper during the pandemic and have used it extensively for family trips.</p>
<p style="text-align:right;"><em>— Brian Biggane</em></p>
<p><strong>Q:</strong> Where did you grow up and go to school? How do you think that has influenced you? <br /> <strong>A:</strong> I grew up in Newport News, Virginia, which is in the southeastern corner of the state where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Growing up there, I got to know humidity, mosquitoes and the smell of low tide. I grew up on the water, and I knew at an early age that I could never live far from the coast. So, it should come as no surprise that I eventually ended up in Delray Beach. I went to college at Virginia Tech, and then graduate school at the University of Florida.</p>
<p><strong>Q:</strong> What professions have you worked in? What professional accomplishments are you most proud of? <br /> <strong>A:</strong> I have only worked in one profession, as a general contractor in the construction industry. On the advice of my older sister, who was majoring in architecture, I majored in building construction. This turned out to be the right decision. I was hired by a general contractor immediately after college, and this is all I have ever done. <br /> Construction is one of the few careers where we have lasting, tangible proof of our efforts and accomplishments, and so much of my professional identity is wrapped up in the buildings and projects that I have built, and I am proud of them all. <br /> However, in 2010 I had the opportunity with Kaufman Lynn Construction to perform a two-year historic restoration of the Miami Freedom Tower. This is the one project I am most proud of since this building is so meaningful to Miami and the Cuban community. This project won numerous local and national restoration awards, including Engineering News- Record’s “Best Project of the Year.” A decade later, people still send me photos of the Freedom Tower lit up at night.</p>
<p><strong>Q:</strong> What advice do you have for a young person seeking a career today? <br /> <strong>A:</strong> Instead of chasing the money, find something that you really like to do, because you will spend a lifetime doing it. On the other hand, never forget that your job is still work. They call it work for a reason, and if it was fun all the time, it would be called a hobby. Never underestimate the value of showing up on time and giving an honest effort every day. This will pay off in the long run, in ways you cannot imagine. </p>
<p><strong>Q:</strong> How did you choose to make your home in coastal Delray Beach? <br /> <strong>A:</strong> My wife, Kathy, is a Florida native who grew up in Boca Raton. She owned a small cottage in the Seagate neighborhood before we were married. After we were married and started having children, we realized we needed more space. We did not want to leave the Seagate neighborhood, so in 2003 we built a larger home, and we have been here ever since.</p>
<p><strong>Q:</strong> What is your favorite part about living in coastal Delray Beach? <br /> <strong>A:</strong> Delray Beach is a special place. It has everything you would ever want or need, but still has a small-town feel. Not to mention, the 2 miles of accessible, public-access beach. I also love to remind myself that we are so fortunate to be able to live, work and raise our families in a place where people from all over the world want to visit on vacation. Because of this, I try to make a point to live a little bit of vacation every day. </p>
<p><strong>Q:</strong> What book are you reading now? <br /> <strong>A:</strong> <em>The Storyteller</em>, by Dave Grohl. I am a big fan of the Foo Fighters, who in my opinion are one of the last of the great American rock bands. Dave Grohl is about my age and grew up in Springfield, Virginia. I guess he’s living out my rock and roll fantasy life. I started reading his book before Taylor Hawkins died, so this just makes it so much more poignant. <br /> <br /> <strong>Q:</strong> What music do you listen to when you want to relax? When you want to be inspired? <br /> <strong>A:</strong> My musical tastes are pretty much stuck in the two decades of the 1970s and 1990s. When I want to be inspired, I like to listen to my daughter Grace, who is an accomplished classical pianist, and to my daughter Ava, who is becoming an excellent guitarist. I love to listen to both of them play, since as a parent, there is no prouder moment than when you realize your child is really good at something that you cannot do.</p>
<p><strong>Q:</strong> Have you had mentors in your life? Individuals who have inspired your life decisions? <br /> <strong>A:</strong> Yes, too many to mention, starting with my father, from whom I inherited my work ethic, and to Mike Kaufman, who taught me the business side of the construction business. As far as life decisions go, I have found it is usually best to listen to my wife, Kathy, who keeps me grounded. She is a great sounding board, and she helps me to make good decisions.</p>
<p><strong>Q:</strong> If your life story were to be made into a movie, who would play you? <br /> <strong>A:</strong> Vince Vaughn. Mainly because of his height, and the fact that he doesn’t seem to take himself too seriously. Vince Vaughn is known for his comedy roles and doesn’t necessarily have leading man looks, but he can carry a heavy role when he needs to.</p>
<p><strong>Q:</strong> Who/what makes you laugh? <br /> <strong>A:</strong> I’m not proud of the fact that I still have the sense of humor of a 10th-grader. Totally unsophisticated, basic, stupid humor. <em>Caddyshack</em>, <em>Fletch</em> and <em>Animal House</em> make me laugh hysterically, no matter how many times I’ve seen them.</p></div>Business Spotlight: Boynton Beach library wins state recognitionhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/business-spotlight-boynton-beach-library-wins-state-recognition2022-06-01T14:25:01.000Z2022-06-01T14:25:01.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10530483261,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10530483261,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10530483261?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong><em>The Boynton Beach City Library moved to its current location after a new city hall-library complex was completed in 2020. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p>The Florida Library Association has named the Boynton Beach City Library the 2022 Library of the Year. The designation recognizes the library and its staff for tackling unavoidable change by creating innovative programs for the community.<br /> “It’s an honor to be recognized by our professional peers and to be reassured that our library is providing innovative and life-changing programming to the citizens of Boynton Beach,” said Craig Clark, library director. “We have a talented and creative team here at the Boynton Beach City Library, and I am very proud of them.” <br /> To sign up for a library card or to learn more about library resources and programs, call 561-742-6390 or visit boyntonlibrary.org.</p>
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<p>Boynton Beach City Library archivist <strong>Georgen Charnes</strong> received the Award of Excellence from the <strong>Boynton Beach Historical Society</strong> for her service and dedication to the library’s local history archives, which include photographs, personal papers, scrapbooks, small organizational records and newspapers.<br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10530474089,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10530474089,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="97" alt="10530474089?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>When Charnes began as archivist at the library in early 2019, most of the collection was in storage until the new library opened at 100 E. Ocean Ave. in the summer of 2020. She focused on outreach through the internet. <br /> “Our mission is to collect, preserve and make accessible the heritage of the people of our region,” Charnes said. “Over the last couple of years we have focused on getting our materials online, where we have collection descriptions, some newspapers digitized, some photographs and oral histories available.”<br /> Charnes has also helped to “iron out a partnership with the Historical Society,” which she says is “beneficial to the city, the library, the Historical Society and to local people.”<br /> An archivist for more than 30 years, Charnes previously worked at the Nantucket Historical Association. She became interested in archival work during studies toward her library science master’s degree at the University of Kentucky. <br /> “I love handling historical material and I love the stories that each diary, letter and scrapbook represent,” she said. “It’s all that’s left of a person’s life and finding out about them involves some detective work. It’s important to me that people learn about history, because if we don’t, we are doomed to repeat it.” <br /> To view the collection or to donate archival material, contact Charnes at <a href="http://www.boynton-beach.org/library/archives-faq">www.boynton-beach.org/library/archives-faq</a> using the “Contact the Archivist” link.</p>
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<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10530520289,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10530520289,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="97" alt="10530520289?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Stacey Hallberg</strong> has been appointed senior managing director of the Boca Raton and Delray Beach offices of <strong>Northern Trust</strong>. Hallberg most recently served as managing director of the Delray Beach office. <br />“Stacey has a proven track record leading diverse and high-performing teams, and we look forward to her leadership and more accomplishments in south Palm Beach County,” said Mike Bracci, president of Northern Trust’s East Florida Region. <br /> Hallberg, a certified financial planner, received her B.S. at the University of Florida. She serves on the board of directors for the Achievement Centers for Children and Families and previously served on leadership boards at Bethesda Hospital Foundation, Delray Beach Historical Society, Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, Old School Square and Bethesda Corporate Partners.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10530522269,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10530522269,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="101" alt="10530522269?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Delray Beach resident <strong>Ben Baffer</strong>, an operations and project management expert with 34 years of experience in the building industry, has returned to <strong>Kaufman Lynn Construction</strong> as senior vice president. <br />Previously, Baffer worked with Kaufman Lynn Construction for more than 11 years, beginning as a senior project manager and later serving as vice president of operations. He left the company in 2019 to serve as a senior vice president at Plaza Construction Co. in Miami.<br /> “I’m thrilled to be returning to Kaufman Lynn Construction in this new leadership role,” Baffer said. “I look forward to collaborating with such a talented team … and it’s great to be back in the Delray Beach community.” <br /> Baffer has lived in Delray Beach with his family for the past 21 years, and serves as chairman of the Delray Beach Historic Preservation Board.</p>
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<p>Attorney <strong>Erin L. Deady</strong>, a certified land planner in Delray Beach, recently assisted local city and county governments in securing funding for six planning awards totaling $1,133,125 from the state of Florida by having their grant projects approved. The grants were announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis. <br /> In Southeast Florida, they include three vulnerability assessment update and expansion plans, for $139,350, $192,475 and $178,100, as well as $75,000 for a natural resources adaptation plan.<br />The funds “are desperately needed by local governments to plan for the impacts of future flood risk and develop projects adapting to the flooding and sea level impacts from climate change,” Deady said. “These plans are required to develop projects for future funding cycles, so the efforts really start at the planning level first.” </p>
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<p><strong>Eau Palm Beach</strong> has earned five stars in the annual Forbes Travel Guide for the seventh consecutive year for its hotel and the eighth consecutive year for its spa. <br /> “We are thrilled once again to be recognized with the prestigious Forbes five-star rating for Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in 2022, making us only one of six double-star hotel and spa winners in Florida,” said general manager Tim Nardi. <br /> <strong>Four Seasons Palm Beach</strong> also was recognized. This marks the 24th consecutive year the Four Seasons has received a five-star designation and the sixth year its spa has earned five stars.</p>
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<p><strong>PEBB Enterprises</strong> and joint venture partner <strong>Banyan Development</strong>, both of Boca Raton, paid $37.5 million for a long-term ground leasehold interest position in the R<strong>esearch Park at Florida Atlantic University</strong>. <br /> The lease includes seven multi-tenant office buildings with 308,305 square feet at 3600-3998 FAU Blvd., Boca Raton, according to a PEBB Enterprises news release. <br /> According to newspaper reports, the seller is the international sovereign wealth fund <strong>Boca R&D Finance</strong>, which shares the same address as New York-based Global Securitization Services. The landlord remains the Florida Atlantic Research and Development Authority, which governs the Research Park at FAU. <br /> Avison Young’s Keith O’Donnell listed the portfolio on behalf of the seller and led the off-market transaction. <br /> The Research Park, a regional technology business incubator, allows for companies to collaborate with FAU faculty with the goal to strengthen and diversify Boca Raton’s business community. <br /> “This is a unique opportunity to own and operate prime office space adjacent to the FAU campus,” said PEBB Enterprises President and CEO Ian Weiner. “We continue to target new investment opportunities in Boca Raton, which is underserved from an office supply standpoint.”<br /> Current tenants include American Sugar Refining, Xeriant, Baptist Health Surgery Center, FAU College of Medicine Clinical Skills Simulation Center, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Sandow Media, GenesisCare and 4ocean.</p>
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<p>Miami-based <strong>Edgewater Capital Investments</strong> purchased a multifamily development site in Boynton Beach for $12 million in a deal that was recorded May 9. The sellers were East Ocean Avenue LLC, 206 Boynton LLC, Boynton Beach Property Holdings LLC, 416 Boynton LLC and First Avenue Boynton LLC. <br /> The 5.1 acres of vacant land at 405 E. Ocean Ave. and 306 SE First Ave. was assembled in multiple transactions from 2013 to 2015 for a total of $2.74 million, and the city gave approval for 371 apartments and 15,757 square feet of commercial space. <br /> Construction of the <strong>Villages at East Ocean Avenue</strong> did not move forward. Now, under Edgewater, the first phase of the project is scheduled to break ground within a year at 405 E. Ocean Ave. and consist of 336 apartments and about 10,000 square feet of retail, with amenities including a pool, fitness center and clubhouse.</p>
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<p>Rental rates for homes and apartments have spiked across the nation, and Florida is at the center of the surge, according to a new study from <strong>Florida Atlantic University</strong>, <strong>Florida Gulf Coast University</strong> and <strong>University of Alabama</strong>. <br /> While ranking the 25 most overvalued U.S. rental markets, they found that the first five are all in Florida. And, South Florida heads that list, with renters in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties paying an average $2,832 a month, which is 21.75% above what they should be paying, based on the area’s long-term leasing trends. <br /> Fort Myers is No. 2, with a $2,052 monthly average rent, which is 18.16% above the long-term leasing trend for the area. Tampa (17.08% premium), Sarasota-Bradenton (16.98%) and Port St. Lucie (15.61%) round out the top five. <br /> “Landlords can charge exorbitant rents because if the existing tenants do not accept the new lease terms, other people will accept them quickly. This all points back to a persistent inventory shortage in rental units,” said Ken H. Johnson, Ph.D., an economist in FAU’s College of Business.</p>
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<p><strong>Lang Realty</strong>, through its community outreach arm Lang Cares, delivered more than 13,000 diapers to several South Florida charities through <strong>The Diaper Bank Covering South Florida</strong>. “There is a great need for diapers throughout South Florida,” Lang’s Pamela Agran and Amy Snook said in a news release. “Our agents, partners and communities rallied together to help make this substantial donation and our first diaper drive such a success.”</p>
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<p><strong>Salt Life</strong>, a store that sells sunglasses and accessories, opened in May at <strong>Mizner Park</strong>, 327 Plaza Real in Boca Raton. The 1,952-square-foot retail store is between Max’s Grille and Blue Mercury. <br /> This new store will be joined by others in the next few months. <br />New restaurants slated to open include the American Social, Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar, Penelope New Orleans Kitchen, Pure Green, Shaker & Pie, and Eddie V’s Prime Seafood. Also due to open soon are Liv2100 Aesthetics & Hormones, the Shade Store, and Spirits & Spice. <br /> “We are looking forward to welcoming a diverse roster of new tenants in the coming months that will bring an exciting mix of eateries, hot spots and more to downtown Boca Raton,” said Vicki Baisden, general manager of Mizner Park. </p>
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<p>The owners of <strong>Ellie’s 50’s Diner</strong> in Delray Beach announced their retirement in May — and the sale of the landmark eatery.<br /> <strong>Bob</strong> and <strong>Ellie Smela</strong> have owned and run the nostalgia-filled spot for 32 years. They announced the sale of the property on their social media site, but assured diners they have time to visit through mid-July when the diner will close permanently. <br /> There was no immediate word on what’s next for the property at 2410 N. Federal Highway.</p>
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<p>The first S<strong>outh Florida Business & Brews</strong>, a networking social for community-engaged professionals, planned to kick off June 1 at <strong>NOBO Brewing Co.</strong>, with Boynton Beach Director of Economic Development David Scott.<br />Periodic meetings will each have a presentation by a community leader, followed by a Q&A. <br /> Business & Brews, launched in South Carolina in 2015, plans to make stops in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Martin counties over the next 12 months. Visit its events page at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/1207543203338295">www.facebook.com/events/1207543203338295</a>.</p>
<p><em>Jan Norris contributed to this column.</em></p>
<p><em>Send business news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.<br /></em></p>
<p> </p></div>Coastal Star: Boca construction mogul has built a reputation as a philanthropisthttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/coastal-star-boca-construction-mogul-has-built-a-reputation-as-a-2017-08-30T17:00:00.000Z2017-08-30T17:00:00.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960744899,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960744899,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="600" alt="7960744899?profile=original" /></a><em>Mike Kaufman at last year’s Mayor’s Ball. <strong>Photo by Gina Fontana</strong></em></p>
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<p><strong>By Rich Pollack</strong><br /> <br /> Were it not for his inability to grasp college chemistry, Mike Kaufman might have become an athletic trainer for a professional sports team rather than president of one of South Florida’s most successful construction companies as well as a leader in corporate philanthropy. <br /> An athlete while at South Broward High School in Hollywood, Kaufman went on to the University of Florida with his heart set on becoming an NFL trainer. <br /> Then he met the periodic table and decided it was time to move in a different direction. <br /> He changed his major to the university’s building and construction program. It appealed to him for two reasons. The first was that he learned a lot from his dad, who was handy and could fix anything. The second reason was more, ah, elementary.<br /> “I looked it up and it didn’t require chemistry,” Kaufman said. <br /> Now president of Boca Raton-based Kaufman Lynn Construction, he will be honored when his company is recognized with a George Long Award at this year’s Boca Raton Mayor’s Ball on Oct. 14.<br /> Named for Boca Raton’s first appointed mayor, the annual award recognizes visionary individuals or organizations that have left an indelible mark on the city.<br /> Since its founding in 1989 with crew of 10, Kaufman Lynn has grown into a multimillion-dollar company with 130 associates. <br /> While becoming one of the top 400 construction companies in the country, it has made a significant philanthropic contribution to improving the community. <br /> With a focus on arts, education and early childhood development, the company has supported several organizations and institutions, including the George Snow Scholarship Fund, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Helping Hands and the Florence Fuller Child Development Centers. Kaufman also is a member of the Florida Council of 100, an organization of business leaders that serves as an advisory board to Florida’s governor. <br /> “If you’re going to have a successful business with motivated associates, you have to be part of the community,” Kaufman says. “We have been supporting the community for all the right reasons for the last 15 years, whether we made money that year or not.”<br /> That commitment to doing the right thing, even when inconvenient, has been the foundation on which Kaufman Lynn is built. It is a deep part of the company’s culture and one of the reasons for its success. <br /> “Good character defines us,” Kaufman says. “This is absolutely a company of integrity.”<br /> Kaufman, 58, leads by example, making it a point to treat customers, subcontractors and associates the way he wants to be treated. <br /> “Everyone deserves the respect you ask for yourself,” he says. “No one is below you, no one is above you.” <br /> Part of that attitude may exist because Kaufman, an east Boca Raton resident, struggled in his career for a short time before finding success. <br /> After graduating from UF, he landed a job as an estimator with one of Broward County’s leading contractors. He soaked in everything he could learn, making lifelong friends along the way. He left after three years to join an out-of-state firm seeking to make an impact in South Florida. <br /> It turned out to be a mistake and within a short time, Kaufman found himself out of a job, right in the middle of a significant economic downturn. <br /> With a wife, two kids and another on the way to support, he traded in his pride-and-joy Porsche 911 for a 1988 Chevy pickup and started Michael I. Kaufman construction, doing any work he could find — including small carpentry jobs — to bring in revenue. <br /> Through a college buddy, Joe Lynn, Kaufman landed a large subcontracting job working on a new stadium at the University of Miami. He hired a crew of 10 to help him. To make payroll, he borrowed $12,000 from his mother-in-law, whom he was able to pay back a few years later when he teamed up with Lynn to form Kaufman Lynn Construction. <br /> Though Joe Lynn left the company and retired after 10 years, Kaufman kept the name. He will soon move to a 23,000-square-foot building just over the Boca Raton line in Delray Beach that will be the company’s new headquarters. <br /> Kaufman Lynn’s success in the highly competitive South Florida construction industry in large part may be due to Kaufman’s determination and tireless work ethic. <br /> “I still have the same aspiration — to do it bigger, better and best in class,” he said.</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>If You Go</strong></span><br /> <strong>What:</strong> Third Annual Boca Raton Mayor’s Ball<br /> <strong>Where:</strong> Boca Raton Resort and Club <br /> <strong>When:</strong> 6 p.m. Oct. 14<br /> <strong>Tickets:</strong> $300<br /> <strong>Info:</strong> Visit <a href="http://www.rotarydowntownbocaraton.org">www.rotarydowntownbocaraton.org</a> or contact Deborah Freudenberg at 299-1429 or mayorsball@rotarydowntownbocaraton.org.</p></div>Business Spotlight: Senior living community finishes $20 million upgradehttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/business-spotlight-senior-living-community-finishes-20-million-up2017-08-30T14:00:00.000Z2017-08-30T14:00:00.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960732654,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960732654,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="600" alt="7960732654?profile=original" /></a><em>Delray Beach Mayor Cary Glickstein (l-r) joins Kevin Knopf of Lifespace Communities and Dr. Leonard Sutton, president of the Harbour’s Edge resident council, to celebrate the completion of the senior living community’s $20 million renovation to add amenities. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p> Harbour’s Edge, a senior living community at 401 E. Linton Blvd., Delray Beach, recently completed the $20 million renovation of its new Lifelong Learning Center, a renovated theater, new spa and fitness center, a second dining venue and a remodeled restaurant with a new exhibition kitchen and wine bar. Also, it named a new executive director, James Horsman, a hotelier with more than 30 years of luxury hotel and resort experience at properties that include The Ritz-Carlton Hotel company and Destination Hotels.<br /> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960732683,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960732683,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" width="202" alt="7960732683?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p> Garlic Fest may have moved to Lake Worth, but Delray Beach artist Rebecca Loveless still comes out smelling like a rose. She won the first place SUNsational Award for the best commemorative poster during the Florida Festivals & Events Association’s 23rd annual convention and trade show in Orlando last month.<br /> Other local winners in the $250,000-plus budget category were iHeart Media, first place for best radio spot; and Real Time Marketing Group of Delray Beach, third place for best website, <a href="http://www.sflgarlicfest.com">www.sflgarlicfest.com</a>.<br /> Garlic Fest was founded to establish a fundraising source for local nonprofit organizations. The festival donated more than $610,000 this year.<br /> The Florida Festivals & Events Association is a not-for-profit group that supports and promotes more than 3,500 festivals, events and fairs in Florida. <br /> <br /> In August, Alexander P. Lee, 20, of Delray Beach, became a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. The son of Delray Beach residents Terry and Dorothy Lee, he is a junior at Florida Atlantic University majoring in mechanical engineering.</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960732696,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960732696,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" width="413" alt="7960732696?profile=original" /></a> Kaufman Lynn Construction, which has its corporate office in Boca Raton with other offices in Florida, North Carolina and Texas, announced two new hires and two promotions. <br /> Tom Thrasher was named vice president of operations in Kaufman Lynn’s South Florida headquarters. Previously, Thrasher held positions with Batson-Cook Construction, W.G. Yates and Sons and Archer-Western/Walsh Construction. Thrasher’s experience included building dam projects, call centers and data centers for Blue Cross Blue Shield in Texas. <br /> Jeff Blong joined Kaufman Lynn as vice president of preconstruction in its South Florida headquarters. He has worked on commercial projects that include performing arts centers, airports, churches and athletic facilities. He has held positions with Manhattan Construction Co., Hunt Construction Group and Hensel Phelps Construction Co. <br /> Derek Wolfhope and Dan Root have both been promoted to vice presidents of operations. Wolfhope has been at Kaufman Lynn for 10 years. Notable projects he’s contributed to include the Art Square in Hallandale, Claude Pepper Community Center, Signature at Doral, South of Atlantic in Delray Beach, Residences at Broken Sound, Pembroke Pines YMCA and Evernia Place in West Palm Beach. He’s also contributed to the renovations of Palm Beach State College and the construction of multifamily communities. <br /> Root, who oversees Kaufman Lynn’s Estero office, led the company’s preconstruction and construction effort for Moorings Park at Grey Oaks, a continuing care retirement community in southwest Florida. The Associated Builders and Contractors Florida Gulf Coast Chapter recognized the project with an Excellence in Construction award. <br /> <br /> Yachtico Inc., a company within the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University, was singled out as a “Florida Company to Watch” by Florida economic development organization GrowFL. <br /> The research park provides an environment for companies in the research and development stages. It is home to 20 high-tech, high-wage companies and five support organizations. <br /> Yachtico operates a regional Technology Business Incubator with companies that collectively employ 1,484 people with average salaries of $57,739, which include 149 FAU alumni and 107 student interns. <br /> In 2016, the overall economic impact of the research park activities was $643.5 million.<br /> Yachtico connects customers who want to rent or charter boats with fleet operators and boat owners. GrowFL is certified by the National Center for Economic Gardening through the Edward Lowe Foundation, a national nonprofit that supports entrepreneurship through research, recognition and educational programs. <br /> <br /> The Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce’s networking luncheon on Sept. 13 will host a program featuring city Police Chief Jeffrey Katz. Networking will begin at 11:30 a.m. with the program to follow at noon. Cost is $25. The event will be held at Benvenuto, 1730 N. Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach. <br /> The chamber also is gearing up for its 47th annual Boynton Beach Chamber Golf Tournament, which will be Oct. 20 at the Indian Spring Country Club, 11501 El Clair Ranch Road, Boynton Beach. Registration will be at 11:30 a.m.; a box lunch will be at noon; and the shotgun start is scheduled for 1 followed by a reception and award ceremony at 5:30. <br /> Prices are $550 for a foursome and $150 for a single player. To be a tee sign sponsor, the cost is $100. The tournament is sponsored by Porges & Eisenberg CPA LLC, TooJay’s, Florida Power & Light, Senior Helpers, Bethesda Help, and Palm Beach Community Bank. For information and to register, call 732-9501 or email elda@boyntonbeach.org <br /> <br /> The Lord’s Place ranked seventh of the Top 30 Best Mid-sized Florida Companies to Work For in “The Best Companies” list featured in Florida Trend magazine’s August issue. This was the fourth consecutive year the organization made the list. <br /> The Lord’s Place has worked for more than 30 years to help homeless people in Palm Beach County. Each year, hundreds of men, women and children transition out of homelessness at The Lord’s Place family campus, its men’s campus, three sites for homeless women and at more than 20 apartments throughout the county. The organization provides job training and placement as well as clinical services.<br /> <br /> The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties this year awarded $1.2 million in scholarships to 125 students who were evaluated by an advisory committee of board members and community volunteers based on a written application, test scores, transcripts and interviews. Individual scholarships ranged from $1,000 to $36,000 and were given to students from 32 high schools and colleges. <br /> For information on the scholarship program, or about establishing a charitable fund at the Community Foundation, call 659-6800 or visit <a href="http://www.yourcommunityfoundation.org">www.yourcommunityfoundation.org</a>.<br /> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960732855,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960732855,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" width="98" alt="7960732855?profile=original" /></a>The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County will offer two issues-oriented events this month. The first, a luncheon on “Why Courts Matter: The Impact Federal Court Decisions Have on Daily Lives,” is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Atlantis Country Club, 190 Atlantis Blvd., Lake Worth. The keynote speaker is Nancy Abudu, director of legal operation for the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. Tickets are $25 before Sept. 10 and $35 after. Register online at <a href="">www.lwvpbc.org or</a> call 968-4123. <br /> The second event, at 6 p.m. Sept. 27, features Irving Labovitz, adjunct professor of business law at Florida Atlantic University, whose topic is “Constitutional Crises (de jour) Guaranteed to Keep You Up at Night.” The free presentation and Q&A will be held at the Palm Beach Post Auditorium, 2751 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. Register online at <a href="http://www.lwvpbc.org">www.lwvpbc.org</a>. <br /> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960732470,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960732470,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="600" alt="7960732470?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>The WAV Group, a real estate business and consulting firm, gave the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches and Greater Fort Lauderdale Realtors its first WAVes of Change Award. ABOVE: (l-r) Marilyn Wilson, founder of the WAV Group; Kim Hansen, the Realtors’ chief operating office; Dionna Hall, their CEO, and Ron Lennen, president-elect. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
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<p> The Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches and Greater Fort Lauderdale Realtors were recognized as the top fundraising team by Habitat for Humanity Palm Beach County. <br /> The group donated more than $5,200, and team captain Kim Flossie won the Pink Hammer Top Individual Fundraising Award. <br /> The Community Outreach Taskforce of the Palm Beaches created a team, Tutu’s and Tool Belts, that raised money and helped construct a roof of a home. <br /> Also, the association was honored by the WAV Group, a real estate business and consulting firm, with the first WAVes of Change Award for taking innovative steps to create positive waves of change in the industry.<br /> <br /> The Space of Mind, a schoolhouse and community studio for students, adults, families and educators, will host a family open house from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 9 to introduce its new coaches as well as the interior redesign. <br /> The studio is at 102 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. For information, call 877-407-1122 or visit <a href="http://www.myspaceofmind.com">www.myspaceofmind.com</a>.<br /> <br /> Silver International Realty opened a second business, Silver International Realty 30A, for agents in the Santa Rosa Beach area in the Florida Panhandle. Owner Christel Silver’s daughter, Sabine Robertson, is on the sales team, and her grandson, Judson Robertson, has joined the company as an agent. <br /> The main office is at 55 SE Second Ave., Delray Beach.<br /> <br /> <em> Send business news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em><br /></p></div>