Sarasota Stories

For a small city, we're famous for our art scene. Front and center are our opera, symphony, and art galleries. But what about the art of comedy and improv?

Today, I'm pleased to welcome, Will Luera, Director of Improvisation at the Florida Studio Theater in Sarasota.

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don’t know about Will.
• Why Will chose a career pivot from technology to improv.
• Behind the scenes look at the improv/comedy industry.
• Why maybe you should consider learning a little improve.
• Where you can see Will in action.
• And much much more!

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

FLORIDA STUDIO

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The city of Sarasota recently changed its official seal but kept the tagline: "May Sarasota Prosper."

If ever the tagline were to change it probably should read: "Sarasota Gives Back."

Today we present a wonderful example of giving by two local women who combine their passion for fashion to help the less fortunate in our community.

I'm very pleased to welcome two guests today: Christin Lilly & Terra Tominelli, Founders of the non-profit SRQFashion Inc. Its a place, "Where art, fashion, & community become ONE”

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don't know about Christin & Terra
• How they organize their "Fashion Shows With a Cause."
• Their favorite story of a local woman with very little possessions they helped but who blessed them instead
• Special request they have for our listening audience
• ... and much... much... more!

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

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I've always been a big supporter of our local chambers of commerce. As a member, you not only become a business insider but you get to hear from experts you wouldn't have otherwise.

My guest today is one of those experts I recently heard at the 102nd Sarasota Chamber Annual Meeting.

I'm happy to introduce Dr. Kerry Szymanski or "Dr. Kerry" as she is better known.

She is an entrepreneur, business consultant, and stand-up comedian who believes "Leading Through Laughter" is indeed a leadership skill that is needed in business today.

In this episode, you'll learn...

• One thing most people don’t know about Dr. Kerry
• How she discovered her passion for stand-up
• Why business leaders should use humor as a management tool
• A favorite story Dr. Kerry has from her work
• Why you should reach out to Dr. Kerry
• ... and much much more!

Thank you so much for stopping by today. It's my hope that you will listen, learn and connect!

Since 2014, “Dr. Kerry” has been sharing her love of stand-up comedy with audiences across the country. She has performed at the Fort Lauderdale Improv, Palm Beach Improv, Carlson Comedy Club, Library Comedy Club, Cricket Comedy Club and has hosted several comedy shows and showcases across Florida. During the day, Dr. Kerry Szymanski is the Director of the Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre (WBC). She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in consulting, entrepreneurship, higher education, and corporate marketing. Her entrepreneurial experience includes Kerry Communications consulting, Groovy Face Masks and SassyBB retail boutique. Corporate marketing experience includes working with Bally Total Fitness, Harry and David and Duty-Free Americas. Dr. Szymanski has more than 17 years of experience teaching undergraduate and MBA courses in marketing, strategy, branding, leadership and entrepreneurship at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and American Business & Technology University. She holds her DBA from Argosy University, MBA from the University of Oregon, and BA in International Relations from Syracuse University. Dr. Szymanski is the author of, Seduce Your Customers, a professional speaker and stand-up comedian.

Frankly, I love doing all these interviews. I get to meet really creative people doing amazing work. Plus, I always feel I grow as a person after hearing their wonderful stories.

My latest interview is no exception. She is smart, dynamic, and building an award-winning marketing/advertising firm that would make any community proud.

Today I'm very pleased to introduce President/CEO & Owner, Allison Imre of Grapevine Communications.

After buying this Lakewood Ranch firm in 2017 Allison continues to build upon the 20-year legacy of the previous owners by being CREATIVE. STRATEGIC. ACCOUNTABLE®

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don’t know about Allison
• What led her to buy Grapevine over 5 years ago
• What type of work they do for their customers
• Why it's OK to be authentic and unvarnished on social media
• Who should reach out to Grapevine
• ... and much ... much ... more!

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

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ALLISON IMRE

President/CEO/Owner

Born and raised in Kansas City, KS by a mother from LA and a father from NJ • Often regaled by stories of her parents’ bi-coastal upbringing that created a hard-to-suppress wanderlust • Discovered her destiny for a career in communications at an early age, playing “radio” with family friend and veteran broadcaster Pete Gabriel • Landed a coveted position with the KC Royals Radio Network, combining her two loves: broadcasting and sports • Became the Owner/President of Grapevine in April 2017 • Lived in the Virgin Islands, on the Baja Peninsula, San Diego, New Orleans, Lake Tahoe and Colorado before settling in SRQ in 2004 • Married to a slightly above average fella named David • Mother to a toddler aptly named “Rip” • Paddleboarder, cancer survivor, snappy dresser and fantasy football champion.

Inflation, covid 19, and Hurricane Ian: It's enough to make you want to pull the covers over your head and just make the world go away. So what should you really do?

How about focusing on all the good that's happening right here in our town?

For example, there are many non-profit organizations investing millions directly into our community despite the tough times right now.

Today I'm very pleased to welcome Veronica Thames: Chief Operating Officer Of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

In this episode, you'll learn...

One thing most people don’t know about Veronica.

• Why she chose to move from the healthcare industry to philanthropy
• How the Gulf Coast Community Foundation continually impacts our community in major ways
• Where their funding comes from
• Who can actually apply for funding
• Their current disaster relief work from Hurricane Ian
• ... and much much more!

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

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Business guru John Maxwell once said, "Everything rises and falls on leadership."

It is safe to say a major reason why Sarasota Memorial Health Care Systems (SMH) keeps rising is its incredible leader who was recently and severely tested via a worldwide pandemic and a Cat-4 hurricane.

I'm very pleased to welcome David Verinder, CEO of Sarasota Medical Health Systems (SMHCS).

In today's episode, you learn...

• One thing most people don't know about David.
• Why he chose a career in healthcare administration.
• How incredibly difficult it was for him to lead a 9,000-employee healthcare organization during Covid.
• What David learned from Hurricane Irma that prepared him and his team for Hurricane Ian.
• ... and much much more!

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

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As the Holidays are upon us, there's much gratitude and thank you's that need to be acknowledged.

In this episode, you hear...

• Me sing for the first and last time!
• Why we're only publishing only one episode on Thanksgiving week
• Why I believe that after 85 episodes several guests need an extra "thank you."
• Who these wonderful people are.
• ... 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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Years ago my kids used to watch an animated movie called "All Dogs Go to Heaven." After you listen to this episode you'll come to the conclusion as I did that it might just be true!

I'm very pleased to welcome Sean Brown, Associate Director of Philanthropy for Southeastern Guide Dogs (SEGD).

For 40 years SEGD has bred trained and placed over 1200 puppies and dogs with veterans suffering from PTSD, the visually impaired, and children with special needs.

In this episode, you'll learn...

• One thing most people don’t know about Sean
• Sean's military background and how he came to SEGD
• How they train the dogs they place
• Their current funding needs
• How you can volunteer or donate
• ... and much, much more!

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

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It may be the single best way to meet new friends and develop life-long relationships. It is also a great way to stay fit while learning one of the forgotten social graces.

I'm very pleased to welcome Tiana Ramirez, Owner of Sarasota Fred Astaire Dance Studio.

In this episode, you'll learn ...

• One thing most people don’t know about Tiana
• How simply being a volunteer in college gave her the direction of her life's work
• Why Tiana ended up owning a Fred Astaire Dance Studio
• The different programs she offers
• Why Tiana is moving to a new location with more space
• ... and much much more!

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

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Fred Astaire Dance Studios Sarasota [New Location]

4414 Bee Ridge Road

P: 941-921-6651 | F: 941-924-6458

[email protected]