Sarasota Stories

Hey Sarasota - it's Bob. 

So it's been a wonderful grind over the past 18 months. Fabulous guests. 150+ episodes and 10,000 listens from the wonderful folks in the Greater Sarasota Area.

It's been a lot of fun and a lot of work went into it so we've decided to take a little break till this fall.

When you check out other podcasts you’ll see that most put out a new episode only once a week. We put out 2. Of course, that means there’s twice the work.

So we’ve decided to take a little break for the rest of the summer and resume in the fall.

But before I sign off can you do me a favor? Reach out to us via email Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, and drop us a note.

I’d like to know what you want to hear more of when we do resume in a few weeks. That would be a big help because without you we would not exist.

As always thank you for tuning in. Have a great summer and we’ll be back soon where you can listen ... learn ... and connect.

Onward and upward!

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If you're a concert lover like me I'll bet you rarely consider the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to create the audible art we enjoy - especially when it entails hundreds of moving parts.

But for any production to work well it needs planning, staff, and leadership to help the musicians actually deliver an excellent performance.

Hi, I'm your host Bob Williams, and I'm very pleased to welcome Joe McKenna, President & CEO of the Sarasota Orchestra.

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing that most people don't know about Joe
• Why he chose a career in the performing arts
• What it's like to manage 50+ staff members in 10 different departments plus Music Festivals, Concert Series, Youth Orchestra, and Summer Camps
• Why & how the next generation of "Fellows" end up here from all over the world
• An update on the new world-class, 32-acre music hall campus on Fruitville Road
• .... and much much more!

Thank you for stopping by today as it is my hope you will listen ... learn ... and connect!

About Joseph McKenna

Originally from the state of Rhode Island, Joe joined the Orchestra in 2001

Joe oversees all operational and administrative functions. He is responsible for executing the strategic direction of the Board and ensuring the organization's financial security.

During his tenure, the endowment corpus increased by more than $10 million, the Youth Orchestra had its debut performance at Carnegie Hall and the orchestra re-launched its brand including the name change to Sarasota Orchestra.

His previous positions include Managing Director of the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center (in Wisconsin), Executive Director of the Great Woods Educational Forum, and Assistant Professor of Music at Wheaton College.

Joe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Trombone Performance and Music Education from the New England Conservatory.

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Our local economy is booming causing more and more businesses to compete for a limited labor pool. This fact is even more visible in the healthcare industry.

Still, if you're a healthcare professional looking to move here or simply wanting to move up in your career, you do need a seasoned professional who has the pulse on the local labor market and can advise and help you find your next job.

Today I'm very pleased to welcome Justin Bellante, Vice President of Business Development for the Titan Placement Group.

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• ...one thing most people don't know about Justin
• Which jobs are most currently in demand in Healthcare
• How Justin ensures the right "fit" between candidate and organization.
• What sets Titan Placement Group apart from other healthcare recruitment agencies
• Justin's favorite story where he helped a candidate find the perfect match
• Why you might want to reach out
• ...and much .... much... more!

Thank you for listening today as it is my hope you will listen ... learn ... and connect!

About Justin:

Justin Bellante is a Managing Partner with Titan Placement Group - a newer recruiting organization based in Sarasota.

I have been in Sarasota since elementary school and graduated from Sarasota High. Since then, I have been immersed in the recruiting world and just branched out on my own with a few colleague. We're growing and looking to expand our service to the Sarasota community.

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A 40-year career with a single company is certainly a rarity today. Even rarer is to spend all those 40 years with one goal in mind ...

"To see every young adult reach their potential."

Hi I'm your host Bob Williams and I'm very happy to welcome Joy Mahler, CEO at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.

In this episode, you'll learn...

• One thing that most people don't know about Joy
• How Big Brothers Big Sisters pair adolescents in need with the right adult
• Why Joy's organization has such a strong connection with the US military
• Joy's favorite story which will certainly warm your heart
• How you can get involved.
• ... and much ... much ... more!

Thank you for stopping by in today as it's my hope you will listen ... learn ... and connect!

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Many people don't realize that most counties in Florida and the US are in competition with each other. They compete to attract and retain business.

Of course, whoever wins this competition better ensures the local economy is vibrant and growing. The smarter counties form private-public alliances where the local government and local industry work together.

Fortunately for us, Sarasota County has such a partnership, and the economic winds are certainly in our sails in no small part to their efforts.

Hi, I'm your host Bob Williams and I'm very happy to welcome Josh Ewen, Vice President of Development for the Sarasota Economic Development Corporation. Better known as the EDC.

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don't know about Josh.
• The mission of the EDC and how it benefits your community.
• Which industry sectors the EDC is focused on now to better help diversify our economy.
• How local companies benefit by supporting the EDC.
• What the EDC plans are for the future.
• ... and much ... much... more!

Thank you for stopping by today as it is my hope you will listen ... learn ... and connect!

About Josh...

Joshua Ewen serves as the Director of Economic Development for the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Sarasota County serving as a key team member to attract, grow and diversify business throughout Sarasota County. His roles include managing the EDC’s project development pipeline, assisting existing business with retention, expansion and marketing Sarasota County’ business strengths to the world.

Mr. Ewen has 15 years of local government management experience.

Mr. Ewen received his college education at California State University, Stanislaus with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master of Public Administration. He also possesses a post-baccalaureate certificate in Construction Management.

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Cliches are cliches for a reason because they do have a lot of truth in them.

Take the cliche that "the quickest route is always a straight line." One local business trainer and the coach believe in this concept so much that he has a coach for every major area of his life to reach his goals faster.

Hi, I'm your host Bob Williams and I'm very pleased to welcome Tony Daum, CEO & Head Coach at EXCELLence Performance a company that provides "World Class Leadership and Personal Growth and Communication Skills Training."

In today's episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don't know about Tony
• What motivated him to start EXCELLence Performance
• Why he believes every business leader needs a coach
• How Tony and his team stay on top of a rapidly changing business world
• ... and much, much more!

Thank you for stopping by today as I hope you will listen, learn and connect!

About Tony...

Tony Daum is the CEO & Head Coach at EXCELLence Performance. He specializes in Business Consulting and Executive Coaching to C-Suite Executives, Leadership and Management Teams as well as Leadership and Communication Skills Training, Personal Development.

Tony was voted Best Business Leader by SRQ Local. EXCELLence Performance has also received the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award in 2022 and they’ve repeatedly been Voted #1 Business Consultant & Trainer by the Herald-Tribune Readers’ Choice Awards.

Tony is a highly sought after Keynote speaker and has opened for Robert Kiyosaki, John C. Maxwell, Dr. Denis Waitley, and Mark Victor Hanson. He’s been flown around the world to speak to audiences of 10,000+. He served six terms on the advisory board of a billion-dollar company and as an advisor on the Board of Directors for three 501c3 charities. He’s spent decades building successful businesses and helping others do the same.

Where to contact Tony

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It's easy to take July 4th, our Independence Day, for granted. After all, this will make 247 years since the founding of our country.

Far from being just another national holiday we at Sarasota Stories trust you will take a moment to stop and consider all the wonderful blessings we Americans enjoy...

So today's episode will be abbreviated but with a little trivia-fun attached.

Happy July 4th, 2023. And as always thank you for listening.

Onward & Upward!

Bob Williams

Some studies show that only the death of a loved one and divorce are more stressful than moving to a new home. But these studies focus on adults and not children.

One talented, local realtor (and mother) saw this problem and decided to write a children's book to deal with this very real problem.

Hi, I’m your host Bob Williams and I'm very pleased to welcome Alahna Nicolas of Living Vogue Real Estate.

In this episode, you'll hear ...

• One thing most people don’t know about Alahna
• What she wished everyone knew about being a realtor
• What she's seeing in the market right now
• Where the idea for writing a children’s book came from
• Where you can reach Alahna for your real estate needs
• ... an much, much more!

Thank you for listening in today as it is my hope you will listen ... learn ... and connect!

About Alahna...

Alahna Nicolas is a REALTOR, entrepreneur, author, and speaker. Growing up, she always knew that I wanted to do something impactful. She loves the thrill of solving problems and volunteering.

Alahna Nicolas endeavors to provide her clients with a professional, personalized, and pleasant experience, whether reading to the kiddos or working in Real Estate. Distinguished by an entrepreneurial spirit and positive attitude, Alahna approaches each transaction with efficiency & enthusiasm. She relishes the thrill of problem-solving and meets the many challenges that often occur during escrow head-on and with composure, fidelity & acuity.

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Some residents are very tuned-in to our local government, while others are not.

I used to be in the latter category. However, I changed my mind after speaking with today's guest who plays a critical role in broadcasting not only everyday governmental affairs but also such things as how to protect yourself during pandemics, Red Tides, and hurricanes.

I'm very pleased to welcome Jamie Carson, Director of Communications for Sarasota County.

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don't know about Jamie
• Why she's such a big believer in Public Service
• What it was like knowing Cat-4 hurricane Ian was going to hit our county causing major damage
• A hurricane story that will warm your heart
• Why you should dial 311 Connect if you need to reach out to our local government
• ... and much... much ... more!

Thank you for tuning in today as it's my hope you will listen ... learn ... and connect!

About Jamie

Jamie Carson is a motivated public affairs professional with 24 years of expertise in public information, government relations, media relations, community engagement, crisis communications, marketing, social media management, and public policy.

She has extensive experience in planning and executing internal and external strategies and plans that communicate an organization’s mission and programs. Award-winning creative talent with demonstrated strength in producing multi-media presentations, brochures, websites, photography, news and feature articles, graphics, and other communication materials for a wide variety of audiences. Reputation for integrity, dedication, analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and work ethic. Works well individually or as a team member.

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Every once in a while you run into a person whose record and reputation are so amazing you're a bit skeptical until you meet them face-to-face.

You think to yourself is this person really as advertised?

In today's episode, I interview one such individual and as you'll hear, indeed he is as advertised.

Today, my guest is Philip Tavill President & CEO of Children First.

Phillip will share with us...

• How his physician father made an incredible impact on his career choice.
• Why he continues to lead Children First even after 26 years at the helm.
• A story of redemption and success from a tragic and hopeless situation.
• Why it's critical for infants and toddlers to have a nurturing environment.
• How men of all ages are being trained to be better fathers and husbands.
• How you can connect with Children First to help carry on their legacy.

... and much much more!

Thank you for stopping by and please remember to Listen... Learn... and Connect!

About Philip Tavill

Philip Tavill has been President & CEO of Children First, Sarasota County’s exclusive Head Start provider, since 1996. This year is his 26th Anniversary at the helm of this wonderful agency we founded 60 years ago. 

Philip holds a B.A. in psychology from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and has dual master's degrees from Case Western Reserve University in Nonprofit Management and Social Work. He has worked in the human services field both in direct service and management capacities. 

Prior to his work with Children First, Philip served as the Executive Director of the Loveland Center. 

In 2021, he was honored by Sarasota Magazine as a Unity Award winner and most recently by the Sarasota Branch of the NAACP with the President’s Award. Both of these honors are in recognition of his years of service to the betterment of our community and to the impact he has made in the lives of thousands of children and families. 

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