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2nd Site Is Martial Arts Advantage

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By MARK HOLAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 30, 2008

TAMPA - Martial Arts Advantage has opened a second location at 3801 S. Manhattan Ave.

The academy has taught tae kwon do, jujitsu and other techniques at 14214 N. Nebraska Ave. for eight years.

The new 2,800-square-foot location is open for viewing from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays until the grand opening in March, said owner and chief instructor Anthony Kuntz, a 30-year martial arts veteran.

"It's a great facility for the whole family to train together," Kuntz said. "It's a real fun atmosphere."
Kuntz said martial arts can instill self-esteem and discipline in children and provide fitness and confidence for adults.

"We do everything from housewives to homeland security," he said.

For information, call (813) 832-8800 or go to www.martial artsadvantage.com.

Property Companies Find Own Real Estate

Engel & Voelkers Florida, which opened late last year at 718 S. Village Circle in Hyde Park Village, will host a grand opening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 8.

The shop specializes in luxury properties and marketing to international buyers.

For information, call (813) 258-9000 or go to www.engel voelkers.com/florida.

•Jamal Wilson, who opened Venture Financial and One Market Realty in September at 1213 N. Franklin St., said 10 people now work in the office.

"It's got a downtown feel, but it's a lot like a little neighborhood," Wilson said of the city's trendy uptown district.

Wilson said he isn't fazed by the real estate downturn.

"Now is the perfect time to invest. There are a lot of foreclosures, and the properties are cheaper," he said.

For information, call (813) 514-9940 or go to www.one marketrealty.com.

•Vicinity Realty Services has moved a few doors to offices at 2506 S. MacDill Ave., Suite C.
Chief executive officer Jeramiah Bustin said the company handles property-management services and plans to add two associates to its five-member team. Vicinity opened in 1997.

For information, call (813) 832-4049 or go to www.vicinity tampabay.com.

Jewelry Boutique Gets Spot At Plaza

David Zuckerman wanted to get closer to his customers.

So in October, the wholesale jeweler opened a retail boutique for DK Designs at International Plaza, 2223 N. West Shore Blvd.

"It was a good experiment to get feedback as to what the market wants," Zuckerman said. "You can't get too stuck in your ivory tower. You've got to give the market what it wants."

He said most of the customers for his pearl and gemstone designs are wealthy Tampa socialites and European tourists ages 35 to 65. But he also attracts younger, less-affluent shoppers who can exert influence on his creations through their hip fashions.

Prices range from $22 for a simple pearl necklace to $1,200 for a bracelet, earrings and pendant set.

The jewelry is manufactured in Asia. The wholesale business is run mostly from Zuckerman's home in Westchase.

Zuckerman, 35, who has one full-time and one part-time employee, said he's aiming to open a gallery showroom in South Tampa in a year or two.

DK Designs is next to Victoria's Secret in the mall. For information, call (813) 600-3195 or go to www.dkdesigns .com.

Opening a new business? Expanding or relocating? Contact reporter Mark Holan at mholan@tampatrib.com or (813) 835-2102.

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