Firm Buy Owner in liquidation

DEERFIELD BEACH — The Buy Owner broker-free real estate firm, known for its familiar “Thanks, Buy Owner” advertisements, has filed for liquidation as the housing market continues to struggle.

The Deerfield Beach-based company will continue to operate with a reduced staff as a buyer is sought for its assets, which could include the purchase of the firm in its entirety, minus its debt.

“The phones, as far as people interested in the service remain very active, and we are signing up new clients everyday,” said Philip J. von Kahle, managing director for Michael Moecker & Associates, which is the assignee for Buy Owner. “There is still a very valuable core business here.”

Buy Owner president and CEO Scott A. Eckert lives in Boca Raton. The company filed last month for an assignment for the benefit of creditors in Broward County, which is similar to a Chapter 7 federal bankruptcy but in state court.

As assignee, the Fort Lauderdale-based Michael Moecker & Associates, is responsible for maximizing the assets of the company so creditors can get paid.

Von Kahle said the combination of a down real estate market and a large Bank of America loan that recently required payment led to the liquidation filing.

Signs Now buys Budget Signs company

BRADENTON — Signs Now in Bradenton and Sarasota has purchased another local sign company — Budget Signs. The merged company will be headquartered at the Signs Now facility on Cortez Road West. Former Budget Signs owner Christian Slager will be on the board to manage the combined store.

“It’s a win-win situation for customers of both businesses,” said owner Brian Lamb. “Our enhanced capabilities will help us serve our diverse and growing client base. The combined resources allow us to offer more capabilities while increasing work flow efficiencies.”

Signs Now provides outdoor and indoor signage, banners, window and vehicle graphics, exhibit and trade show graphics, ADA signage, dimensional letters, directional systems and other visual communications tools. Signs Now is also a member of Allegra Network LLC, a marketing, print, graphics and signage communications franchise.

For more information, call (941) 792-4453, or visit www.signsnowbradenton.com.

‘Great idea’ workshop scheduled Wednesday

MANATEE — Curtis Zimmerman, principal of The Zimmerman Agency in Tallahassee, will present “Great Ideas Can Come From Anywhere” Wednesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the meeting of the local chapter of the American Advertising Federation. The event will be held at the Holiday Inn, 8009 15th St. E.

Zimmerman is the creator of several AFLAC campaigns. He’s also done work for American Airlines, the British Virgin Islands, Tobacco Free Florida, the Algonquin Hotel, Party City, Nature’s Own Bread and Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Along with the presentation, the Silver Medal Award will be given to a member of the local advertising community. The American Advertising Federation’s Silver Medal Award Program was established in 1959 to recognize men and women who have made outstanding contributions to advertising and who have been active in furthering the industry’s standards, creative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern.

Cost is $30 for members and $35 for non-members.

Self Defense Firearms & Hobbies store opens

PALMETTO — Self Defense Firearms & Hobbies has opened at 421 Ninth Ave. W.

The business offers self defense handguns for men and women along with rifles, ammunition, holsters, cleaning kits and pepper spray.

Store hours are: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p,m.

For more information, call (941) 840-1327 or visit www.auav.net/sdf&h.html.

— Herald staff reports