Written by: Victoria Wirtz, Florida Backyard?Store Manager

When most people think about a business they think about income, sales, and how to increase profits. ?Just like most business owners, they have to make sure decisions are made in the best interest of the company. Florida Backyard is a small, family owned and operated company that has been in business for almost 20 years.

You probably have seen some of our work at your favorite local restaurant, or even at your community pool. We have been installing high end furnishings in the Jacksonville area since 2000.

Bernadette Moran came to meet with me and discussed the plans for The Village. I knew right then that this was something that I wanted to be a part of! ?I was so excited! ?I still needed to talk to the owners and see if this was even possible. ?As far as I knew Florida Backyard had never done a project like this.

The Ebels are very special people to me. Yes they are business owners, but they also hold a special place in their hearts for people with disabilities.

The Village was going to open in a quick year,?and Florida Backyard agreed to donate all of the outdoor furniture for the entire project. ?We were able to donate everything from the pool furniture, to firepits and benches around the property. ?Each porch was graced with two big comfy chairs for socializing and relaxing. ?Now I am known around the campus as the ?Patio Girl? and I wouldn?t have it any other way!

I saw The Village blossom from pen and paper to Club Arc on Friday nights! ?The project and the people involved have now become my friends and family. ?I have personally been involved with The Village, not only as the sales representative for all of the outdoor furnishings, but also as co-chair?of the Young Professionals Council, and an active volunteer at The Village.

Florida Backyard by Ebel, Inc. is a family owned company founded in 1988 with the first showrooms opening in 2000. Florida Backyard offers merchandise for any outdoor setting including outdoor furniture, patio furniture, pool furniture, fire pits and more.