Made Manufacturers Build a
by David Castagnacci
HERE:
BETTER
Life for Northeast Florida
Manufacturers are key in building the backbone of St. Johns, Flagler and Volusia counties. There are about 900 businesses scattered throughout the tri-county area, churning out a vast array of products. Some are part of everyday life: from foods and beverages to sunscreen and sunglasses. Others are producing materials used around the world for marine, military and medical industries.
Although often overlooked by the general public, manufacturing’ s impact on the economy is as valuable as the products produced. These businesses employ more than 20,000 workers. And within the skilled labor segments, annual salaries exceed $ 60,000— and even average $ 91,000 in St. Johns County— among the highest in Florida.( Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research).
Facilities such as Sparton Electronics in DeLeon Springs are part of national and international corporations, and that plant alone employs up to 1,000 workers. At the other end of the spectrum are small and mediumsized businesses rooted in family history, passed on from generation to generation: B & S Signs in St. Augustine; and Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory and Zeno’ s World’ s Most Famous Taffy, both based in Daytona Beach.
HOMEGROWN
The three counties boast manufacturers that have sprouted from the innovation and energy of local individuals and / or teams. A standout is Senergy Power
Solutions in St. Augustine, a producer of rugged, portable power systems that can provide energy in remote locations that are off the grid of conventional power systems. The company( formerly known as Solar Stik) is the brainchild of husband-and-wife team, Brian Bosley and Dr. Stephanie Hollis. Their compact generators were first crafted in a small garage to help maintain power on their sailboat while out on the water. In the past 20 years, the company has“ evolved into a bigger business with a bigger mission,” said Dr. Hollis, who also is an anesthesiologist.
Senergy now has close to 50 team members, and their primary customer is the U. S, Department of Defense. Their portable power systems have proven invaluable to military personnel stationed in remote areas throughout the world.“ When you are out in the desert you have the same power shortage issues that you do if you are out in the ocean,” Dr. Hollis said.
In starting the venture,“ we both had a passion to have a business that serves a greater purpose,” Dr. Hollis said.“ Saving lives across the globe through innovative power solutions” is the company’ s mission statement. And she stresses they also strive to have a positive impact on the community with the expansion and renovation of their acquired properties in the King Street district— as well as supporting other American-made manufacturers in doing business.
Dr. Stephanie Hollis
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025 | 15 |