40 Under 40

Roger Mercado, 36, neighborhood relations coordinator, Lee County Department of Human Services, Fort Myers

When Lee County citizens need help, Roger Mercado is there for them. Through his efforts, the county's Department of Human Services has established an array of programs.

For example, Mercado helped develop a Web site that helps emergency and social-service workers make appropriate referrals. He's established a grant program that today has become a national model. And thanks to the Neighborhood Accountability Boards, volunteers throughout the county are now connecting youth with the resources necessary to prevent future delinquency. Recidivism is almost nonexistent.

In the four years he has worked in the department's Neighborhood Building Program, Mercado has developed partnerships with more than 100 different organizations, government agencies and businesses.

Shari Ogilvie, 39, chiropractor, Bonita Chiropractic Center, Bonita Springs

Patients seeking chiropractic help are looking for someone with just the right touch. Shari Ogilvie offers that dexter-ity on a physical and emotional level. "I give my patients the comfort of knowing that I am approachable and available when they need to speak with me personally," she says. Ogilvie's bedside manner has helped her build a strong practice in Southwest Florida. She's also well known for her accomplishments on a community level as an active volunteer, fundraiser and membership booster in various organizations.

"When Shari talks, people listen," says Trish Leonard, the membership director for Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. "She is definitely, by far, the most enthusiastic person I have ever met, and she is a great chamber member."

Recently recognized as the Top New Member Recruiter of 2004 for the Bonita Springs Chamber, Ogilvie is secretary of the Collier County Chiropractic Society and membership chairwoman for Bonita's chapter of Zonta Club. She has also been active in Young Professionals of Collier County's Women of Vision and Action program, and the Greater Naples Area Chamber of Commerce's Profession-als Organized for Leadership and Opportunity program.

Amy Patnode, 28, director of resource development, Boys & Girls Club of Collier County

Amy Patnode knows how to get things done. Colleagues describe her as driven, going above and beyond her professional obligations to ensure success. Patnode also goes the extra mile for children in need. She's on the advisory board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida. In 2003, the organization named her Southern volunteer of the year.

She also has a weekly lunch date mentoring a child as part of the Collier County Education Foundation Take Stock in Children program.

Michael Peel, 39, and Stephen Peel, 33, co-owners, Gulfstream Homes, Naples

The Peel brothers, co-owners of Gulfstream Homes, set an example other construction companies could follow. They've built their reputation on honesty and consistency. And the siblings are committed not only to treating their customers fairly, but to making their community a better place to live as well.

In the new Veridian community, they plan to be the first builders in the state to have all the homes certified as environmentally friendly. Winners of multiple Lee Building Industry Association Pinnacle Awards, they've been named Florida Junior Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurs of the Year two years in a row, and American Specialty Con-tractors of Florida Builder of the Year in 1999 and 2002. Stephen and Michael have also built two Habitat for Humanity homes, and are committed to completing a home each year for the organization and sponsoring families at the St. Matthews House at Christmas.

And the two take care of their employees as well as their customers. The company has twice been named to Professional Builder's "Top 101 Best Companies to Work For" list.

Pamela Prasad-Puccia, 39, co-owner, L.A. Limousine Service, Naples

Pam Puccia is a role model for working mothers everywhere. She and her husband, Anthony, have owned and operated L.A. Limousine Service for four years. In the beginning, Puccia completed the company's market research and created its logo. Nowadays, she still develops advertising campaigns, is in charge of hiring and customer relations, and acquires and negotiates corporate accounts. "My basic premise is to provide excellent customer service from your heart," she says.

In addition to being a busy businesswoman, Puccia is also a mother of two young children. Puccia donates limousine services as fund raisers for several community organizations, including American Cancer Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Florida and the March of Dimes. She also believes that dedication to service starts at home. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, her family serves the homeless at St. Matthews House. "I believe if everyone just gave a little, in whatever way they can, it would be a happier world," Puccia says.

Ryan Richeal, 34, regional marketing and business development director, Miami Dolphins, Fort Myers regional office

In our state, there is no shortage of teams to root for. But Ryan Richeal wants fans in Southwest Florida to pledge their allegiance to the Miami Dolphins. He's out there huddling with the public and media to get to that goal.

As director of the Dolphins' regional marketing and business development, Richeal successfully negotiated a deal to broadcast the Coach Dave Wannstedt Show on WZVN-TV, ABC Channel 26 in Fort Myers, and a weekly half-hour segment with defensive lineman Jeff Zgonina on Beasley Broadcast Group's Sports Radio 770. He develops new corporate sponsorship accounts, and works with existing sponsors to create promotions to help increase ticket sales.

Richeal's ability to score business in the big leagues has come through experience. He previously worked for the Boston Red Sox, for the Madison Black Wolf (an independent Northern League team in Madison, Wis.), and for the Burlington Bees (a class A Midwest League affiliate in Iowa).

But Richeal has priorities aside from selling tickets. For example, he's big into working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida. The organization grants wishes to children who suffer from life-threatening medical conditions.

"He is very dedicated to the mission," says Make-A-Wish's Sally Maitland. "When we opened our office here in Bonita four years go, he was one of the first people to help us out."

Rose Rundle, 32, general manager, Harborside Event Center, Fort Myers

Harborside Event Center is looking mighty sharp these days. Better yet, it's also pulling in more income. Why the changes? Two words: Rose Rundle.

"She oversaw the renovations and restoration of the Harborside." says Fort Myers Mayor Jim Humphrey. "She has achieved a significant increase in the revenues and has improved bookings and programs."

A graduate of Florida International University, Rundle joined the Miami Arena Football Team as director of operations, responsible for game production and promotions. It was then that she decided to focus her career on the "economics and operational challenges of public-assembly facilities," she says.

Subsequent years found her climbing the success ladder at various venues, including the Miami Arena, the James L. Knight/Miami Convention Center and the Reliant Park Complex in Houston.

Rundle serves on the Lee County Alliance for the Arts board of directors, and on the Fort Myers Confer-ence and Convention Council.

In addition to helping to increase Harborside's revenues, she's made it "much more accessible to community organizations and to other groups," Humphrey says.

Deborah Jude Schivinski, 34, owner and CEO, Portofino Homes, Cape Coral

Building a successful home-construction firm is a hands-on pursuit for Deborah Jude Schivinski. She oversees field operations, works closely with sales associates and keeps an eye on financial management.

When Schivinski started Portofino Homes in 2000, she had three employees and sold 10 homes. Today her staff has grown to 13; and in 2003, she sold 84 houses. Her home designs have been recognized by the Lee Building Industry Association, receiving two Pinnacle Awards last year.

"Debby sets a great example for young women entering the workplace," says Patti Schnell, executive director of the Cape Coral Construc-tion Industry Association Builders Association. Only six percent of women-owned businesses are in construction, according to the Center for Women's Business Research.

In high school, Schivinski helped at her father's painting business. While attending the University of South Florida, where she earned a bachelor's degree in business administration, she worked for the city of Cape Coral as an assistant to the clerk. She later went out on her own, offering consulting for homebuilders to help move them through the planning-approval process.

"She has proven you can accomplish anything you want if you put your mind to it," says Schnell.

Jessica Schneider, 32, director of marketing, Robb & Stucky, Naples

As marketing director for Robb and Stucky, Jessica Schneider, is responsible for the company's public relations in Naples and Bonita Springs, oversees special events and fund raising, and serves as a liaison between the company and builders.

The Marco Island native maintains a simple work philosophy. "I try to be honest with my customers and treat them with respect and professionalism," she says.

Schneider is active with the Collier Building Industry Association, serving on the sales and marketing council. She is the 2005 chairperson for CBIA's Sand Dollar Awards.

But Schneider never forgets where she came from. Her mother ran a cleaning service. When her mother died several years ago, Schneider took over, and now spends part of her weekend managing the business.