Sarasota Stories

I was always worried about Siesta Beach being named the #1 beach in America.

To me, it was the kiss of death as I believed the title would draw hundreds of thousands of new tourists from across the US thus ruining the quaintness many of us have loved about the place.

Given the now ever-expanding parking lot --which always seems full -- I think my concerns were warranted. The beauty (and marketing) of the beach meant that demand would skyrocket while the supply was limited.

Sarasota Housing is in a similar predicament.

Throngs of new residents have discovered us but the supply of reasonably-priced homes hasn't been able to keep up. And now, we have an affordable housing crisis.

Today's guest and I will explore this topic to see if there is a solution for this problem which has been building for years.

Hi I'm your host Bob Williams and I'm very happy to welcome Jon Thaxton, Senior Vice President for Community Leadership of The Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

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

One thing most people don't know about Jon.

• What he learned as a young real estate agent that gave him a heart for first-time home buyers.
• The accepted definition of "affordable housing."
• The scope of the problem.
• Why Jon believes Inclusionary Zoning is a must to address the current housing crisis
• ... and much ... much ... more.

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

About Jon ...

Jon Thaxton creates and implements Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s key strategies for transforming our region’s nonprofit community and provides leadership on emerging issues. Jon joined Gulf Coast in 2012 as director of community investment after completing his 12th year of service on the Sarasota County Commission. He was promoted to senior vice president in 2015.

In this role, Jon works with nonprofit organizations, donors, and other community partners to invest Gulf Coast resources in initiatives that will transform our region and improve public policies.

Jon is also recognized throughout Florida as a leading advocate for protecting the natural environment. Jon began his environmental advocacy at Venice High School in 1974 as a founding member of the Ecology Club, and in 1996 he was featured in National Geographic for his efforts to protect endangered species.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Email Jon

Since I came to Sarasota in 2015 one topic has come up over and over again -- workforce housing.

Let's face it: living in this area is both beautiful and expensive.

So how can young families, professionals, and essential, front-line workers find a decent place to live while still putting away money for the future?

My guest today is doing his part to help in the workforce housing shortage. His company "believes everyone deserves a place to live" and has been able to create a niche where they are for profit but with a philanthropic approach.

In this episode, you'll hear from Mark Vengroft, Managing Partner of One Stop Housing where he'll share:

• One thing most people don’t know about Mark
• Why he left a very successful career in California running a billion-dollar company to focus on workforce housing in Sarasota
• How One Stop Housing acquires properties and refurbishes them
• Why their rents are as much as 40% below market
• Where Mark hopes to take One Stop Housing
• ... and much much more!

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

Mark's Bio:

Prior to joining One Stop Housing, Mark was the CEO of Walker Advertising, a company owned by the Private Equity firm, Clearlight Partners. Walker is the largest legal advertising agency in the country. 

Mark was the CEO of VWA for 9 years and was responsible for VWA growing the receivable management business from $10 million in revenue to managing over $32 billion in assets, with 1,100 employees and offices in 19 countries.

Mark was named one of the 15 “Change Makers” in September 2022, by Business Observer. In honor of Mark’s philanthropic efforts, Mayor Arroyo named October 10 2022 as “Mark Vengroff Day” in the City of Sarasota. Mark currently sits on the Board of Directors for FL Incubator, WebCollect, and RJE International and is a Managing Partner of One Stop Housing and One Stop Development & Construction. Mark is a commissioner for the Sarasota affordable housing authority and Chairman of One Stop Cares (501c3)

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

From the Archives: Right now many of you are thinking about your physical fitness in the new year. It's a common goal to "get into the best shape of your life" whenever January rolls around.

But what about your mental fitness given all the pressures and toxicity of modern life today?

I'm very pleased to welcome today, Denise Schonwald -Author, Registered Nurse & Nationally Licensed Mental Health Counsellor.

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don't know about Denise
• Why she made the transition from Registered Nurse to Licensed Mental Health Counsellor
• Excerpts from her book: "Healing Your Body by Mastering Your Mind."
• 2 tips to follow to improve your mental health in the new year
• Who should reach out to Denise
• ... and much ... much ... more!

I'm so glad you tuned in today as it is my hope you will listen, learn, and connect!

Denise Schonwald is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor located in Sarasota, Florida. She brings 30 years of experience working as a registered nurse (RN) within the intensive care unit (ICU). Denise integrates mental health and physical health into a cohesive treatment plan, she provides a holistic approach to her patients. These synergistic treatment methodologies support client healing more effectively than traditional counseling.

Denise has expertise in helping clients through a variety of mental and emotional struggles, including anxiety, depression, panic, marital problems, adolescent behavior issues, family issues, childhood trauma, and more. To assist in her method, she draws upon some rather unconventional sources, including Henry, a certified therapy dog.

If you have a question or would like to book an appointment, 

please contact Denise via phone or email.

For emergencies call 911 or visit your nearest hospital

Phone: (410) 913-8963

Email: [email protected]

Denise Website

Denise YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

It's been said that a true entrepreneur can start and run any business regardless of whether they have specific expertise in the industry.

Vision, enthusiasm, true grit, and a high tolerance for ambiguity are the required ingredients these unique individuals employ to build a successful business.

...and for the record, these qualities can be found just as much in women as men.

Hi I'm your host Bob Williams and I'm very happy to welcome Jenny Townsend, Chief Executive Orchestrator at The Music Compound

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don't know about Jenny.
• Why she chose to start a music business even though she's not a musician and does really follow the latest trends.
• Why her music school is actually more like a social club.
• The creative way The Music Compound combines the love of music with acquiring life and leadership skills.
• Why you might want to join the Music Compound.
• ... and much ... much ... more!

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

About Jenny...

Jenny Townsend is the founder and President of Music Compound. Music Compound is a performance-based music school that offers a holistic and contemporary approach. Founded in 2016, Music Compound has become one of Florida’s leading music schools. The Music Compound is in its eight year of business with two locations, 30 employees, over 500 members. Jenny was not a musician when she started her business. Her background is in sales, marketing, fundraising, real estate, and assisting startups with rapid growth.

Jenny has been instrumental in helping to grow several for and not-for-profit businesses. She attributes her success to her entrepreneurial parents, private school education, 10 years of 4-H, and youth sports.

She currently leads her team by investing in their mental health, personal play, and health. The staff at Music Compound rocks because our culture and company are quality.

LOCATIONS:

1751 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

4740 SR 64 East, Bradenton, FL 34208

Phone: 941.379.9100

Music Compound Facebook

Music Compound Youtube

Music Compound Instagram

Music Compound LinkedIn

If hope springs eternal, there is no better place to find it than in a high school band. Four friends with real playing chops are striving to make their mark in the music world.

Hi I'm your host Bob Williams and I'm very pleased to welcome Royal Fools Band to today's show.

Royal Fools reached out wanting to expand their musical reach and I couldn't resist given their enthusiasm.

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don't know about Royal Fools
• Why they chose the Headbanger/Punk Genre
• The reception from family and friends
• Upcoming performances
• What their aspiration 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!

Facebook

TikTok

Youtube

[email protected]

Everyone knows bees make honey. But few people know that without bees we all might very well starve. As pollinators, bees are critical to virtually every area of agriculture.

Hi, I’m your host Bob Williams and I'm very pleased to welcome Chris Vasquez, Owner, and Head Beekeeper at Heritage Bee Farm.

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don't know about Chris
• Why he chose beekeeping despite a successful corporate career.
• Threats to this multi-billion dollar industry that few people know about.
• Why Chris breeds special queen bees for specific traits to help other farms in different parts of the country with different climates.
• ... and much, much, more!

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

Our Story

It was curiosity and amazement in the honeybee that started owner and operator Chris Vasquez down the path of keeping bees. "A church friend who was a commercial beekeeper knew there was an interest, so he dropped off a couple of hives at our house one day." That was the beginning that fueled the ongoing interest and passion for bees! The hobby with just two hives turned into 10, then to 50.... Several years and over a thousand hives later, the appreciation for bees has only continued growing.

Our business is a family endeavor where everyone can contribute. Chris and Melissa have 9 Children, 3 Married with 3 Grandchildren and have centered their business on providing the highest quality, pure and most natural product. "We work together as a family in different aspects of the business. Some of the family enjoys working with the bees while others are content bottling and labeling and creating honey products. We have also had the wonderful opportunity to have been mentored by one of the best queen producers in the country and our oldest son has worked for a few years side by side producing the best queens and queen cells for the hobbyist and backyard beekeeper, to the large scale commercial pollinator."

Our family business is in beautiful Myakka City, Florida. Our apiary (bee and honey farm) is nestled in a country setting surrounded by pasture land, oaks and pine trees and hundreds of acres of citrus groves. Our bee farm is just 1 mile from the Myakka River...as the bee flies!

We are proud to produce and supply you with the finest natural Local Raw Honey, Queen Bees and Beehive Products.

We are amazed at the handy work of our Creator who made every living thing that moves... especially the bees!

Hands to work! Hearts to God!

Chris, Melissa and Family

Farm Hours

Open daily 8:30 - 5:00 ... Closed Sundays

13339 Mj Rd, Myakka City, FL 34251-5911

1-833-233-3276

Facebook

Instagram

Linkedin

One of the reasons I started this podcast was to meet fascinating people doing fascinating work.

Today's guest CLEARLY fits the bill as a former investigative reporter for CNN who's interviewed some of the most notorious and dangerous people in the world.

I'm very pleased to welcome Mercedes Soler, co-owner and President of Solmart Media

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don't know about Mercedes
• The famous American journalist who influenced her to pursue journalism as a young girl from Cuba
• What it was like interviewing Colombian Drug Kingpin Carlos Lehder
• Why she and her husband, Thomas, decided to buy a local radio station.
• ... and much, much, more!

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

Wikipedia Bio

Facebook

Solmart Media

Email

(941) 621-9910

(863) 494-4111

When one considers that most of our media is controlled by conglomerates it's indeed a pleasure to find a local, family-owned organization that gets it right at the community level.

Hi, I’m your host Bob Williams and I'm very pleased to welcome Emily Walsh, president of The Observer Media Group

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don't know about Emily.
• What it was like preparing to lead the family business her parents started.
• How she separates family from business.
• Where Emily is taking the Observer Group.
• ... and much...much... more!

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

Emily Walsh is a fourth-generation newspaper woman and President of the Observer Media Group, a family-owned multimedia company that publishes 10 newspapers, five magazines, five web sites, mobile apps and multiple social channels in Florida. Previously, Emily served as Publisher, Chief Digital Officer and Social Editor. Emily also was a professional ballerina with the Sarasota Ballet from 1995 to 2000. Emily serves as a member of the Board of Directors of America’s Newspapers, Ringling College Library Association, Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, Bay Park Conservancy, Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease and American Jewish Committee – West Coast Florida Chapter. She currently serves as the Chair of Florida Press Association and Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Emily is member of Leadership Florida Cornerstone Class XXXIV and the International Women’s Forum.

Facebook

Instagram

Linkedin

It's incredible to think that a local organization with roots back to the Civil War is even now making its biggest impact. Today's guest will share what tremendous reach this philanthropic organization has upon our community and the lives they are changing.

Hi, I’m your host Bob Williams and I'm very pleased to welcome Debra Jacobs, President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation (TPF).

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don't know about Debra.
• The 150+ year history of The Patterson Foundation.
• Why the Foundation funded the Patriot Plaza at the local National Cemetery
• The Five C's that drive all their funding decisions.
• ... and much much more!

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

Bio

In January 2009, Debra Jacobs became the President & CEO of The Patterson Foundation (TPF) based in Sarasota, Florida. Before transitioning to TPF, Debra was President of the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, based in Sarasota. In addition to the Selby Foundation, she was responsible for the administration of eight other independent foundations.

Before the Selby Foundation in May 1998, Debra was the Vice President for Institutional Advancement for Ringling College of Art and Design. Debra came to this position after 11 years as Executive Vice President for SunTrust Bank, Gulf Coast. Before joining SunTrust in December 1985, she was Senior Vice President and Retail Division Administrator of Central Trust Company in Rochester, New York.

Debra received her undergraduate degree from Utica College of Syracuse University in 1971 and earned her MBA in 1981 from the University of Rochester.

Facebook

Linkedin

Youtube

There are thousands of real estate agents in The Greater Sarasota Area. To say it's hyper-competitive is an understatement. Not surprisingly one agent gets traction using Youtube and other internet tools to promote his business.

Hi, I'm your host Bob Williams and I'm very pleased to welcome realtor Matt Leicht of Real Broker.

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don't know about Matt
• How becoming a family man pushed him into a career in R.E.
• What's happening in R.E. right now
• How rising interest rates are impacting the local market
• The importance church plays in his life

... and much, much, more!

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

From Matt

I'm Matt! A realtor in Sarasota with Real Broker. My real estate business has boomed since I began creating video content.

I am also a worship director at a local church here in Sarasota that I helped plant in 2017. I'm a husband and dad to 3 young kids!

Can't wait to chat more!

YouTube

Twitter

Instagram