Resources: Targeting Teamwork

Ask executives and human resource managers what qualities

they want in a new recruit and they’re apt to cite the virtues inherent in

teamwork. Teamwork increases creativity and enhances overall satisfaction from

top ranks to the bottom line. And popular corporate teambuilding programs, from

one-day sailing courses to intense weeklong workshops, boost productivity and

improve communication among employees, managers say.

We’ve zeroed in on seven area businesses that specialize in

corporate teambuilding. Boasting clients from AT&T to the Collier County

Board of Commissioners, most customize programs and recommend reservations at

least 90 days in advance, although they try to accommodate groups with shorter

notice.

Florida Sailing and

Cruising School

For nearly two decades, Vic and Barb Hansen worked with

business clients who enjoyed group retreats on the water, typically in addition

to a management seminar. Seeing a growing demand for such services, the Hansens

recently made corporate teambuilding a focus, marketing their customized

programs to companies nationwide.

Their school offers six-day power training and sailing

courses, ranging from $1,600-$1,800 per person. Shorter sessions, such as a

one-day course, often supplement off-the-water corporate teambuilding, Barb

says. 3444 N.W. Marinatown Lane, North Fort Myers; 656-1339;

www.flsailandcruiseschool.com.

Offshore Sailing School

Soon after moving its headquarters to Fort Myers in the late

’80s, Offshore Sailing School hosted 94 physicians from the American Medical

Association. Steve and Doris Colgate have been combining sailing with

teambuilding ever since.

Clients have included the Boston Red Sox and Dr.

Pepper/Seven Up. For a half-day of teambuilding programs, the base cost is $695

per boat, which accommodates four people, says Doris.

“We have some who have never sailed before and that will put

them beyond their comfort level. Sailing is a pure teamwork thing. You have to

communicate very well and between each other,” says Kirk Williams, head of

marketing for Offshore. 16731 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers; 454-1700, (888)

454-8002; www.offshore-sailing.com.

Pro.Opt Inc.

Pro.Opt Inc., derived from the words profit and

optimization, teaches conflict resolution skills, budget and goal setting in

various classes and workshops. The company was formed in November of 1999 with

the merger of Brewster & Associates Inc. and HMS Management Group Inc.

Rates range from $50 per hour for one-on-one computer

application coaching to $1,100 per day for on-site training of up to 20 people,

says president Harold Brewster. 381 Hidden Valley Drive, Naples; 775-5200;

www.proopt.com.

The Sky’s the Limit Consulting Inc.

President Joshua Sky conducts coaching sessions called

“Success Teams” and offers training products and programs by Inscape Publishers

(formerly Carlson Learning Co.). He also coaches small business owners,

entrepreneurs and middle managers on dealing with career issues, balancing work

and life and goalsetting.

Sky founded the firm in 1999 and has presented programs for

national corporations including AT&T.

Most programs, which are offered at the client’s office or

at a hotel or retreat setting, are at least one day. Sky also conducts half-day

programs and “lunch and learn” sessions. “I like to work with an organization

once a quarter over the course of a year so the training intervention is

working as a process, not a one-time event,” he says.

Fees vary based on factors including the length of program,

number of participants, customization, preparation time and materials. 11409

Worcester Run, Estero; 949-6529; www.theskysthelimitconsulting.com.

Teamwork in Action

President Ryan Combs describes his company as a mobile

leadership training and teambuilding business that provides experiential

training, or learning by doing. Combs’ programs are conducted outdoors, at a

resort or in the office.

Training varies from half-day sessions to multi-day

adventures, which include nature hikes, kayaking and camping, all tailored to

the group’s fitness level. Fees vary.

Clients include the Small Business Development Center at

Florida Gulf Coast University, the Lee County Parks and Recreation Department,

the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Inc. 21301 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 320-101, Estero; 948-3172;

www.teamwork-in-action.com.

Character Pitch Inc.

Character First, a training company founded in Oklahoma City

to provide lasting solutions to problems facing an organization, is represented in Southwest Florida by Gerry

Peterson. Peterson works with business owners, managers and other company

leaders in half-day, one-day and two-day seminars.

With seminar topics such as “Character-Based Correction” and

“Hiring for Character,” Peterson helps an organization plan and implement a

character focus. He often walks through a recommended plan of action and

assists with employee meetings. Peterson, whose company is named Character

Pitch Inc., uses Character First’s training materials and character-building

tools.

Peterson provides on-site seminars that cost about $2,000 a

day plus a material fee, which varies. One-day training programs for smaller

organizations cost $195 per person and include materials, lunch and a one-year

subscription to the Character First newsletter. Fees for government agencies

and non-profits are reduced.

Local clients include Suncoast Contractors Supply Inc.,

Sutter Roofing of Southwest Florida and the Collier County Board of

Commis-sioners. 1437 Davis Drive, Fort Myers; 479-3700; www.characterfirst.com.

Tartan Consulting Inc.

Founder Stephen McIntosh works with clients nationwide to

develop relationships between management and employees. One recent teambuilding

assignment took him to New York to work through disputes between the city’s

transit authority maintenance staff and management. He rode buses, worked the

midnight shift, and met with members of both groups to assess how they could

resolve problems.

McIntosh, who also launched the Southern Leadership

Institute two years ago for individual training, has done additional consulting

for major corporations, such as Disney. Fees vary. 24461 Woodsage Drive, Suite

400, Bonita Springs; 947-7472; www.tartanconsulting.com.