Three brothers embrace entreprenuership

Entrepreneurship runs deep in the Telfair family. Brothers Alexander, Brendan and Charles Jr. drew inspiration from their father, Charles Sr., who started a law practice in Sarasota.

The trio have started their own businesses serving communities in Longboat Key, St. Armands and Sarasota.

Their grandfather started the trend before him, operating as a business owner up north. He worked in the arcade and landscaping fields, and even after retiring, dabbled in flipping properties.

"We come from a very entrepreneurial family," Brendan said. "Both instilled a sense of pride in us, a sort of 'eat what you catch' mentality."

Last September, Alexander started Telfair Chiropractic at The Paradise Center building. Just last month he moved from the Paradise Center to downtown Sarasota, where he continues to see many of his Longboat patients.

Charles and Brendan recently teamed up to launch Telfair Building Co., tackling eight major projects on Longboat Key in the first two years of business. The brothers have worked on well over 20 projects on the island before starting their venture.

Courtesy image

"Between Brendan's high-end commercial experience and my high-end residential experience, we're able to bring quite a bit to the table that, I don't think, other firms our size are able to do," CJ said.

All born a few years apart and raised in the Oak Ford area of Sarasota, the three brothers cherished the chaotic fun of growing up together. They were imbued with a solid work ethic from a young age as they helped maintain the 7-acre property.

Their parents, Charles Sr. and Valerie, were a big inspiration for keeping the family together here, Brendan said.

"Our father and his father have grown such deep roots here that it would feel foolish to move somewhere else and completely start over," he said.

Alexander added, "We're about as tight-knit as families get these days. We lean on each other and pick each other's brains regarding work or anything else. We think alike, but we also help fill in the gaps."

Alexander drew inspiration for his chiropractic career from his background in sports, specifically basketball. 

"Growing up, I was an athlete, and I experienced my own injuries and woes," he said. "I got the best results from chiropractors, and I became very interested in what they did and the nature of healing, particularly through rehab and nutrition." 

He graduated as salutatorian from the National University of Health Sciences.

Once he knew the career path he wanted to pursue, Alexander decided he wanted to do it through his own business.

"I didn't want to conform to a practice model that wasn't what I wanted to do with my practice, not that any others are better or worse," he said. "I wanted to treat patients in a certain way, spending the time with them that they need, and I wanted to have my own reign with that decision-making."

His practice focuses on sports-related injuries, chronic pain and long-term biomechanical health. Services include hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

"My focus is to make sure that people can go to the gym or go fishing or whatever they love without pain," he said.

Brendan and CJ have gotten to know the local market well over the years, and they appreciate being able to consult one another on various aspects of the business.

Photo by Dana Kampa

Brendan credited his brother for his previous experience, adding, "CJ has a good idea of the trending designs and looks of the time." 

CJ explained, "My first foray into construction was in concrete countertops, which exposed me to nothing but high-end clientele. It's not only fun and exactly the kind of work I want to be doing, but there's also a lot of demand for it around here."

Particularly on Longboat Key, a clean aesthetic continues to rise in popularity, with many white-on-white features, complemented by blue and grey accents. Lines tend to be sleek, rather than curved, and many people are favoring waterfall-style counters, flat cabinets with hidden handles, and lots of recessed lighting.

While there have been plenty of highlights since starting the company, Brendan and CJ said they'll never forget the satisfaction of completing their first build that they tackled from initial design to finished structure.

They agreed that they enjoy working with Longboat Key clients because they often have a clear vision of what they want for a project and the means to realize a beautiful project to its fullest.

"It's a blessing to get to work with folks like that," he said.

To future fellow entrepreneurs, they advise having a concrete plan, constantly learning and networking, and staying the course, no matter what. 

"You can prepare as much as you want for your venture, but at some point, you just have to jump," Brendan said.

CJ, the eldest, welcomed baby Charles, nicknamed JJ, to the world last month. Time will tell if the newest addition to the Telfair family will continue the entrepreneurial legacy.

"We've already been talking construction in front of him," CJ said.

Alexander said all three of them appreciate carrying forward the family legacy.

CJ added, "When Brendan and I were just college kids talking about starting a business, I never realized what a big, gratifying portion of it would be continuing to carry the torch."