From 1979 through 1987, I have written a quarterly newsletter for 1600 persons on my mailing list.  Since 1987, we have become a successful real estate investor and for 29 years have owned one of Naples' most successful retail/wholesale businesses.  During the year 2001 - tiring of golf and working on several business purchases for friends, I decided to become active in business brokerage and real estate.

September 16, 2004

Our 30 Year Trip:  We first saw Naples, April 23, 1978, and moved here permanently July 10, 1978.  It was a six month winter visitor place in 1978 with many stores shutting down from June through October.  The birth of the Ritz Carlton and Registry hotels in the mid 80s began the fast track that has led to explosive growth the last 15 years.

Population Trends
In 1978, Pelican Bay was a dirt road and the Westinghouse Corporation was telling us build-out would take 25 years.  It happened.  Should be completed by 2004.

The city of Naples' population has not changed in the 24 years except by annexation -17,500 then & today in the original city boundaries.

The big story is Collier County itself and our explosive growth to the north into Bonita Springs & Estero within Lee County.

Let's look at Collier County first!

* Bonita Springs census was 33,000 for year 2000 included in the 278,000 unincorporated above.

Lee County part time / winter residents are 90,000.  So, let's summarize.  Between Lee and Collier -our combined population during the season totals 310,000 in Collier and 530,000 in Lee or 840,000 people in 2000.
vs. 580,000 people in 1990
vs. 340,000 people in 1980

Collier's growth last 10 years was 67%, Lee's 37%.  This excludes visitors here 2 months or less!  And this number is in the millions.

Investments
As 2004 comes to a close - the years seem to be roaring by- Naples, Florida is booming!  Let us help you find an investment and treasure the Naples area!

Business For Sale

1.  Retail / Wholesale - Sales over 3 million.  Established 20 years.  15% net to owner, real estate available.  Management in place.

2.  A 30 plus years business in Naples --all cash--no credit cards...run by 2 people--no Sat/Sunday but could be open...sells used everything building supplies you could think of and many new products....lots of other products other than building supplies....low inventory costs very high profit business....unique---one of a kind business.....price $195,000 includes all inventory. training...etc....current owners do not advertise--hard to believe-and do not even have a sign on the front of their business....yet I have seen 5 customers in less than 15 minutes buying stuff. A business opportunity that is special...owners retiring...call 239 571 8855

Contact Us to let me know what you are looking to buy or sell.  As a member of the Multiple Listing Service, I can help with any business listing not specifically listed here and opportunities not publicly listed.  

A December 1979 Naples Newsletter from the William Morris Company offers an historical insight into the Naples market that continues to boom today, 22 years later.