El Guappo got to hear two proposals last night on the future of a golf course at The Ravines.
The contrast between the two groups was stark. The degree of preparation, quality of presentation, command of the information, ability to clearly and effectively communicate the goals and vision were quite different. One group demonstrated respect, trust and accountability. The other simply did not. One group had a vision of a future albiet with a price tag that was 'sticker shock' realization for the crowd. One group had a vision of a future that was simply what was here before you might have again without significant improvements and no clear price tag.
The meeting was held 24 April in the cafeteria at the Middleburg Elementary School and the room was packed. Ravines residents filled every child-sized table and it was a standing room only crowd in sweltering environment. Current Ravines owner Ken DeBusk and his wife were there as well. We listened with rapt attention. Notes were taken. Residents had side-bar conversations with much nodding of heads and shaking of heads throughout the evening.
The event was moderated with dignity and aplomb and all questions from the residents to the presenters were answered.
The first group was from Tampa and Frank Hayden was the speaker. The presentation was very well done. There was a PowerPoint slide component along with large aerial photos of the Ravines showing proposed housing development. There were brochures. There was incontrovertible evidence of experience in the industry (Emerald Greens, Tampa,FL - Web Address: http://www.stayandplaytampa.com/ [1]). This group did their homework. They understand the process from many different aspects and they have good command of the financial impacts of their goals on the residents. They also have a vision - a real vision of a better future with intermediate and long term potential unencumbered with wishful thinking. The vision has a big pricetag but that price is spread out over many years and we all know that prices will always go up. You simply cannot get a future at yesterday's prices. The group's ability to communicate their vision, it's impacts on the Ravines community and the benefits/risks were outstanding. I have given and been in a lot of presentations and this one was so very well done and el Guappo left feeling satisfied that there had been a full and frank disclosure of their plans and costs and benefits.
The second group was led by John Wait of Sirius Golf. He had no slides. No brochures. No photos. No evidence of due diligence. The actual buyer, Michael Throup, simply did not show up. He wants to own the course but, in El Guappo's opinion, did not deign to speak to the crowd. That left el Guappo with a taste of baaaaad biz in the mouth. The representative, Mr. Wait, demonstrated clearly through his speaking, and behavior that the community is held beneath contempt. He was ill prepared, disorganized, could not articulate a vision other than to do what was done a few years ago by the current owner which is to keep the current pool, tennis court, clubhouse & 'fix them up'. Development = yes but, as with the current owner, the paucity of specifics represents a dangerous precedent that el Guappo would never follow. He was unprepared to answer questions specific to the costs. He was glib and disingenuous. El Guappo does not trust him and his company. The crowd thinned out rapidly as he spoke. A lot of head shaking went on. El Guappo read the disgust and dissapointment in their faces. They don't want this 'businessman' in their community. Granted he claims his price tag is only $10million but there was no evidence of math that led to that amount. El Guappo suspects that the amount was pulled from thin air based on discussions with the golf fairy. It seems to EG to be a vanity investment. This group has NO experience in the industry. When one brave resident spoke out with a question at the end of this groups presentation about the remarkable similarity to the current owner's stated plans and this groups plans, Mr. Debusk visibly bristled and then confronted this person within minutes. We do not know what was spoken. It could have been quite cordial and friendly but the body language did not go along with a pleasant, friendly interaction.
El Guappo recommends that the Ravines residents vigorously repel Sirius Golf from the Ravines.
El Guappo recommends that the Ravines residents carefully review the information provided by the Tampa group. This was a well done presentation but read the fine print of course. If there is a better offer none of us have heard it.
