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CLEARWATER - Shade sails, hand-crafted, wood bar stools and tables, Adirondack-style chairs, porch swings and other outdoor wood furniture and accessories, as well as custom entry doors - all are featured at GreenBenches & More's new home in Clearwater.
The business hasn't had a retail store since owner Flash Gordon C. Williamson moved four years ago from his original production facility, showroom and Club More in downtown Clearwater.
Williamson started the business in 1980 as a do-it-yourself woodworking shop. Over the years, he developed a distinctive style of wood furniture construction based on comfort and graceful design.
He leased the 2,500-square-foot space at 528 S Missouri Ave. just south of Court Street, he said, in celebration of his 25th year in business. Moving in and setting up cost about $50,000, he said.
In addition to furniture and accessories, the 1,000-square-foot showroom has a deck that displays the variety of woods used in making the furniture and doubles as a stage for monthly live music events.
Dan Nash of Woodworks International in Clearwater makes the custom doors for the business. Paul La Cross of Palm Harbor and Robin Saenger of Tarpon Springs are two of the artists who make the custom glass designs for the doors. Sam Marchand and his son Tim of Clearwater have taken over production of the furnishings for GreenBenches & More.
New products include triangular and square shade sails made in Australia and Korea, Sincol entry doors premade in Brazil and Stallion interior doors premade in Minnesota. Williamson also carries a line of Sikkens wood care products.
Although he hasn't had a showroom for four years, Williamson said, "the business never had a day off and we never changed its goal or focus."
For more on GreenBenches & More, visit the Web site at www.greenbenches.com
Z-Life pain relief footwear store expands to Largo
Mike and Debi Rogers have purchased a second Z-Coil footwear dealership and opened a store June 20 in the recently renovated Country Club Center at 1555 East Bay Drive in Largo.
The Dunedin couple opened the county's first dealership in October 2003 in Palm Harbor. Both stores are named Z-Life.
"I think this is a good area," said Mike Rogers, who manages the Largo store. "We already had a lot of customers down here. This will save them a trip to Palm Harbor."
Rogers said this second dealership took an investment of about $50,000.
In addition to the variety of Z-Coil shoes, the Largo shop carries non-slip Crocs shoes. Originally marketed as boat shoes, the lightweight Crocs provide arch support and weigh less than 6 ounces. They are priced from $29.95 to $49.95 and come in several styles and lots of colors. The shoes are made for adults and children.
Z-Coils, which feature a spring between the heel and sole and have a built-in orthotic, range in price from $179.95 to $249.95. Styles include sandals, walking, running and hiking shoes, clogs and work boots.
The heel gives the Z-Coil a peculiar look, but "we're not really into looks, we're into function to help people," Rogers said.
Debi Rogers, who has arthritis in her knees and no cartilage in one, began wearing Z-Coil shoes two years ago when someone noticed she was limping and told her about the shoes.
When she wears the shoes, she said, "I can walk without pain. I don't wear anything else. They've been a life saver fo me." The Z-Coil, she said, is a shock-absorber and the shoes are "beneficial for anyone who wants to preserve the life of their joints."
For more information, visit the Web site at www.livezlife.com
Realty firm expands, opens second office
Joanne Hiller, who for 27 years has been operating Island Estates Realty, has opened a second office at 132 Island Way and hired eight real estate agents and a receptionist.
The new office in the Island Estates Plaza at 132 Island Way also has a new name: Joanne Hiller & Associates.
Renovating the new office and furnishing it with custom-made desks, credenzas, bookcases, accessories and new equipment took an investment of about $100,000, she said.
Hiller said she decided to expand "because this area is in such a fast-growth mode. We're gearing up for the future."
The new agents are Martin Donovan, Jeanne Horne, Susan Gaddis, Debbie Walser, Colleen Bonner, Rick Erickson and Brian and Nancy McLeroth.
Island Estates Realty, founded 38 years ago by Hiller's father, is at 110 Island Way and also employs eight agents and a receptionist.
--News of businesses and business people can be faxed to the Business Digest at 445-4119, e-mailed to cosdon@sptimes.com or mailed to Business Digest, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. We are interested in new and unusual businesses, promotions, expansions and major new contracts. Photos can be sent, but not all will be used and they cannot be returned.