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Hernando Today

A Hurricane Specialist Reaches Out

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: July 28, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - There is an ominous painting of a Category 5 hurricane swooping toward the western coast of Florida on the wall of Wayne Bennett's business.

When he was told of how frightening the image might be to some people, he laughed and said out loud how much he needs hurricanes to keep his business rolling.

The past three years have been lean times at American Hurricane Specialists.

Bennett is still finding ways to keep busy. He is about to install free storm-resistant shutters to two churches the local Coast Guard Auxiliary and an animal shelter.

"For me, either we exist or we do not exist," he said. "It's our legacy that matters. If we do these things, good things come back to us."

This summer, Bennett and his crew will be installing the shutters at St. Andrews Episcopalian, Grace Presbyterian, the Coast Guard Auxiliary at Hernando Beach and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Brooksville.

Last year, they did the same jobs for Hope Community Bible Church in Spring Hill and the Pasco County SPCA.

The publicity from Bennett's work with the latter led to one woman donating a $50,000 to the shelter, he said.

"It yields me great satisfaction to know even during hard times, we're doing good things for our community," Bennett said. "If we don't see any hurricanes, how many hurricane (specialist) companies can survive? But our legacy will definitely survive."

He also hopes other local businesses owners will follow his example and donate their time and money to assist local charities and churches.

Bennett's charity work isn't the only thing drawing attention. His company has earned a stellar reputation as well.

Timber Pines, a local retirement community, recently held a hurricane expo. American Hurricane Specialists was the only company invited.

"That was one heck of a compliment," Bennett said.

He decided to begin his own company in 2004, at a time when the area was being pelted with hurricanes. He was working as an installer for another local company. He became convinced he could go out on his own and "make a fortune."

His first couple of years only resulted in substantial financial losses. His fortunes turned around when a 74-year-old inventor from Wisconsin came knocking.

He had created a hurricane screen resistant to Category 5 winds.

At first, Bennett was not interested.

A day later, the man's wife paid him a visit. The fiery Irish woman gave him a sales pitch for the ages. He agreed to sell their product.

Nowadays, he ships the Category 5 Screens across the country.

"We would've gone down, man," Bennett admitted. The inventor and his Irish wife saved him.

The company focuses on protecting windows and door openings from high winds and heavy debris.

Openings in the doors and windows can cause high-pressure winds to enter the house or building and blow off the roof. Storm shutters are designed to protect those openings, according to the company's Web site.

Some of the company's products include storm panels, accordion windows and rolling shutters.

Biz at a glance:

Name of biz - American Hurricane Specialists
Owner - Wayne Bennett
What it is - Hurricane-resistant supplier, installer

Where it is - 13484 Chambord St.

Get in touch - 352-592-2008

On the Web - www.americanhurricanespecialists.com.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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