Sarasota Stories

When you have a diverse work background in both for and non-profit businesses you learn skills applicable to both worlds. A career move that eventually makes sense is to apply those skills in what may be the most diverse business association around -- the local Chamber of Commerce.

I'm pleased to welcome Ed Hill, Vice President of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

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

• One thing most people don't know about Ed
• What many people get wrong about the chamber
• How current members can get more results from their membership
• Insights on the Chamber's highly regarded Leadership Sarasota program
• Why you should consider joining the Great Sarasota Chamber of Commerce (just as your host did!)

... and much much more!

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

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I've often thought of writing a book titled: "It Takes Two, Three Is Better" just to document that virtually everyone who's ever built something great needs someone else - an advocate or a partner.

Think Rockefeller & Flagler of Standard Oil; Jobs & Wozniak of Apple Computers; Schwarzenegger & Columbo from the bodybuilding world; or even Goodwill & Gerdeman of Creative Liberties right here in Sarasota.

Wait... who are those last two you ask?

I'm very happy to welcome (back) Elizabeth Goodwill & Barbara Gerdeman of Creative Liberties Artist Studio & Gallery.

In this episode, you'll hear ...

• The big expansion Barbara & Elizabeth are going through right now
• How they use Blackberry Martinis in their business planning meetings
• Why they believe Creative Liberties is becoming a true artist community
• How you can get involved
• ... and much, much, more!

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

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Visit Us!

Creative Liberties Artist Studios & Gallery

901 B Apricot Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237

Email us: [email protected]

(941) 799-6634

Hours:

Thursday - Saturday, 10am–3pm

Sunday - Wednesday by appointment only

E. Ramey is an ISSA-certified Fitness and Nutrition Coach who does things a bit differently.

As founder of DLA Personal Training & Nutrition Services, not only does E (yes "E") design functional training routines for his clients, but he also designs functional nutrition plans after he checks out your hormones.

As you'll find out hormonal problems are much more common than most people think.

APPLE | SPOTIFY | GOOGLE | AMAZON | STITCHER

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

• Why our guest's name is only 1 letter
• The very cool influence his father had on the naming of his business
• The environmental factors that impact our health
• Why he encourages clients to get a blood test before working with him
• Why he likes to work with frustrated clients ready to give up on their fitness goals
• ... and much ... much ... more!

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

E. Ramey

I am the owner of DLA (Don't Let Anyone) Personal Training and Nutrition. In addition to helping people with training and nutrition, I am also able to help people with Functional Health needs such as thyroid, hormones, testosterone, PCOS, gut, and more.

In addition to this as my business, I am also the Director of Recreation and Wellness at Ringling College of Art and Design, where I oversee the Fitness Center, Club sports, Esports, and more. Also, I am on the board of Sister Cities of Sarasota as the Vice President of Sports, where my main role is to connect with the other Sister Cities around the world in terms of sporting events.

You can reach E. Ramey at:

Phone: (941) 323-6990

Email: [email protected]

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It's clear that the state of Florida has the wind at its back. Of course, we got way too much wind when hurricane Ian left a path of destruction for so many back in September of last year.

But one local community that got bludgeoned by Ian is bouncing back in a big way to become the second fastest-growing city in the entire nation.

I'm very pleased to welcome Vinnie Mascarenhas - Interim Manager of the Economic Development Division (EDD) at the City of North Port.

In this episode, you'll learn...

• One thing most people don't know about Vinnie
• How Vinnie's department helps current and future businesses prosper in North Port
• The tremendous utility expansion the city going through to support all the growth
• Stories that will warm your heart of how North Port came together after hurricane Ian
• ... and much... much... more!

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

Vinnie Mascarenhas is the Interim Manager of the Economic Development Division at the City of North Port, Florida. With over 20 years of experience working at local, state, and federal levels of government and in the private sector, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the City's Economic Development Division. 

Vinnie works to provide businesses with resources and actively marketing North Port, recently named the 2nd fastest-growing City in the United States, to new business and development opportunities. 

Under her leadership, the Economic Development Division works to ensure North Port has a thriving economy and remains hugely attractive to anyone looking to locate or relocate their business to the Southwest Florida region.

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Anyone who's a fan of local comedy already knows about McCurdy's Comedy Theatre on Ringing BLVD in downtown Sarasota.

But what I didn't know until recently is that only one of the dynamic husband-wife team who started McCurdy's over 35 years ago, actually wanted to be in the comedy business.

I'm excited to welcome Pam & Les McCurdy of McCurdy's Comedy Theatre.

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don't know about the McCurdy's
• Why running a comedy club isn't all jokes & giggles
• The undiscovered McCurdy comedians who went on to become household names
• Why the incredible Humor Institute is something you might want to try for yourself
• The special way Pam & Les help the mentally challenged through the O'laughics
• What they're excited about
• and much ... much ... more!

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

Here's a TED Talk about Spby Les you've got the hear.

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Mystic Junkies Podcast

As an industry, podcasting is arguably still in its adolescent years. It's only 15-20 years old and changing all the time.

One of its charming features is you can choose a topic you're interested in and become the voice of that show.

I recently met a fellow podcaster through my internet hosting company and decided to bring her on the show to share her voice and journey into this industry.

Hello, I'm your host Bob Williams and I'm very pleased to welcome Jennifer Thomas, Cohost of the Honestly Unfiltered Podcasts.

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• Her connection with Tennis great Nick Bollettieri
• What it's like to work full time as an accountant while getting established as a podcaster
• What you'll hear on Jennifer's Honestly Unfiltered Podcast show
• ... and much much more!

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

Jeni Thomas is the Producer and Co-Host of The Honestly Unfiltered Podcast. In their podcast, Jeni and her Co-Host, Ellie David, share open and honest conversations, discussing anything and everything. They created the podcast to embody discussions women would share with their closest friends. Because in times of uncertainty, it helps to know that you are not alone in what you are going through.

Jeni is also a Tax Accountant and Strategist and has spent the last ten years in Public Accounting. At her accounting firm, The Tax Office in Parrish, she focuses on helping small business owners navigate strategies to minimize their tax liability.

Jeni also helps small business owners in their day-to-day operations with day-to-day operations such as Bookkeeping, Payroll Administration, Audits, Quarterly Payroll Taxes, Sales Tax, and Corporate Income Tax Filings.

Jeni is also a Licensed Real Estate Agent in the state of Florida. She studied Business Management and Journalism at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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We all want something unique especially when it reflects our personality and style.

Of course our clothing and home furnishings come to mind.

However, one local company has taken women's accessories way beyond crafted to individual works of art.

I'm very pleased to welcome Gretchen Bauer, Founder/Designer of BSwanky Luxury Handbags.

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don't know about Gretchen
• How she made the transition from a 20-year career in interior design to luxury handbags
• How she ended up working with NFL wives during the recent Super Bowl weekend
• Why Bswanky was a finalist for the prestigious Accessories Council in NY
• How she leverages her luxury handbags to raise money for charity
• ... and much much more!

I'm so glad you stopped by today as it is my hope you will listen... learn ... and connect!

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My passion is rooted in designing and creating one of a kind works of art that elevate the women who carry them. Fearless and bold describe my approach to design. I believe that inspiration can come from anywhere including the very exotics I incorporate. I often claim "they speak to me and I choose to listen". Each element meticulously handcrafted into one of our luxury handbags has a story that is often nearly as important as the visual aesthetic of the material. I insist on pushing the boundaries by fearlessly pairing the most unconventional patterns, textures, and colors where no two of our legacy pieces will ever be exactly alike.

Never boring, and always bold, I believe that standing out is much more adventurous than blending in!

Our luxury handbags we handcraft are designed to be coveted, collected and passed down.

ABC News Tampa Blend

Virtually every community has one.

It's the iconic company that serves as a foundational anchor by providing jobs and even shaping the culture of the entire region.

....today's guest represents exactly this type of company.

I'm very pleased to welcome Drayton Saunders, President of Michael Saunders & Company.

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don't know about Drayton
• His past connection with the country Chile
• What it was like to take over the family business
• Drayton's take on the big issue of affordable housing
• The future he sees for Michael Saunders & Co
• ... and much, much, more!

I'm so gratified you stopped by today as it is my hope you will listen ... learn ... and connect!

Drayton Saunders

Office: Corporate

100 S. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236

Office phone: 941.953.7900 Mobile: 941.376.1617.

[email protected]

As President of Michael Saunders & Company, Drayton continues to build on a 46-year culture of service, ensuring the company maintains its focus on people, growth and the evolving ways it serves buyers and sellers in an ever-changing real estate market.

A native Floridian, Drayton grew up in the Sarasota, graduated from Colgate University in New York and joined Michael Saunders & Company in 2003, holding several leadership roles before becoming President in 2010.

As a leader of the top independent real estate broker on Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast, Drayton is committed to the success of Suncoast communities and is involved in numerous organizations and committees, including serving as President of the 2022-2023 Stellar MLS board of directors. He also serves on the board of directors of Gulfside Bank and the Van Wezel Foundation and is a member of Sarasota County's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. Previously, he was on the board of directors of both the Sarasota County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Giving back to the communities it serves has been a priority of Michael Saunders & Company since its founding in 1976, and Drayton is proud to serve as Vice President of the company's philanthropic arm, the MSC Foundation, which has raised more than $1.1 million since its inception in 2011. Through the donations of the company's agents and staff, the Foundation has provided grants to nearly 250 organizations in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties that support its mission of improving lives by offering shelter, sustenance, education and a path to self-sufficiency.

Drayton and his wife, Kara, are the proud parents of two children.

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What would the world do without coffee?

I was briefly in the specialty coffee business before moving to Sarasota and still love my morning Joe. I also love trying new coffee shops whenever I can.

So when I heard of a new independent store opening up, I had to try it.

I'm very pleased to welcome Patrick Robinson of Coast to Coast Coffee.

In this episode, you'll learn...

• One thing most people don't know about Patrick
• Why he decided to go into the coffee business
• The nearly disastrous first date Patrick and his wife Gabrielle had which led to their skateboard logo.
• How Coast-to-Coast makes their coffee differently from Starbucks.
• ... and much much more!

I appreciate you stopping by today as it is my hop you will listen ... learn ... and connect!

Coast To Coast Coffee (in South Point Village & Marina)

7650 S Tamiami trail STE 3

Sarasota, Florida 34231

(941) 210-3583

Monday 6:00 am - 3:30 pm

Tuesday 6:00 am - 3:30 pm

Wednesday 6:00 am - 3:30 pm

Thursday 6:00 am - 3:30 pm

Friday 6:00 am - 3:30 pm

Saturday 6:00 am - 3:30 pm

Sunday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

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You could say "Life is a Highway" like the 1991 hit song by Rascal Flats.

Or, you could say it's more like a game.

Honda, Hilton, Edward Jones, Gatorade, and dozens of other household name companies including first-round draft picks seem to think it's the latter.

How can you argue with them when these firms turn to a special company in Bradenton to help cross-department teams, CEO's and US politicians learn the technique of Gamification.

I'm very pleased to welcome Blair Bloomston, Chief Development Office of Game On Nation.

Game On Nation is a purpose-driven, teamwork, and communication training company that works with some of the largest and most prestigious organizations in the US.

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don't know about Blair
• What is game theory & gamification
• How it's applied in a corporate setting
• What types of results companies and individuals achieve through gamification techniques
• Who should reach out to Blair
• ...and much ... much ... more!

I so much appreciate you stopping by today as you listen ... learn ... and connect!

As Chief Development Officer of Game On Nation, Blair has spent the last 18 years working with the world’s most recognizable athletes, teams, executives, corporations, and brands. She is considered a leading expert on the use of game dynamics and gamification to improve communication, leadership, team building, and culture.

Some of Blair’s clients include NASA, Hilton, Deloitte, NASCAR, Gatorade, Joint Special Operations Command, and the U.S. House of Representatives. Blair has been featured as a speaker for the United States Olympic Committee’s National Coaching Conference and the NCAA Alliance of Women Coaches, as well as the Deloitte Inclusion Summit and SHRM Inclusion Summit. Blair holds a BFA in Theater/Performance from Marymount Manhattan College, and resides in Bradenton, FL with her husband and two young sons.

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