What if removing the ask from your biggest fundraising event actually raised more money?

Frann Leppla, President of the Tampa General Hospital Foundation, joins host Tracie Domino to share how TGH Foundation eliminated night-of fundraising from their signature gala and sparked one of the most productive donor engagement periods in the foundation's history.

Frann breaks down the psychology behind major gifts, the rise of the investor-donor who wants a real return on their philanthropic investment, and why the hard work of fundraising begins after the check is written, not before. She also addresses the biggest misconception in healthcare philanthropy: that donors receive better care as patients. At Tampa General, the mission is simple. Every human being deserves the best possible healthcare regardless of their ability to pay. Philanthropic dollars make that standard of excellence possible for everyone.

This conversation also covers the extraordinary growth of the Tampa General system, what it truly means to be a Level 1 Trauma Center, and why the TGH Foundation has turned down significant gifts in order to protect the integrity of the mission.

Whether you lead a nonprofit, work in healthcare, sit on a foundation board, or simply believe in the power of community investment, this episode will change how you think about giving, gratitude, and the brands people choose to believe in.

Frann Leppla has served as President of the Tampa General Hospital Foundation for nearly eight years, growing its philanthropic impact year over year and helping position TGH as one of Florida's most trusted healthcare institutions.

The Bay Builds Podcast features weekly conversations with the founders and executives behind Tampa Bay's biggest brands, businesses, and boldest ideas.

00:00 Why Events Fall Flat

01:01 Meet Fran Leppla

02:00 No Ask Gala Strategy

03:27 Psychology of Giving

04:41 Momentum After Events

06:13 TGH Growth Vision

07:35 Where TGH Operates

08:24 Donor Motivations Today

09:46 Showing Impact After Gifts

11:31 Philanthropy Misconceptions

12:47 Major Gifts Shift Works

13:57 Proof the Model Worked

16:13 Sales to Fundraising

19:23 Building Team Culture

21:12 Protecting Brand Trust

22:51 Academic Care Difference

24:18 Trauma Center and NICU

25:58 Foundation Goals Ahead

27:13 Lightning Round

28:53 Closing Reflections

In this episode of “The Bay Builds,” we sit down with Richard Gonzmart, the fourth-generation owner of the Columbia Restaurant Group, to delve into a remarkable 120-year legacy of resilience, family, and community impact. 

Richard shares profound stories of how his family navigated challenges from the 1903 opening amidst the Wright Brothers' first flight to enduring World Wars, the Spanish flu, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining quality, supporting staff, community commitment, and honoring Tampa's rich history. 

Join us for an intimate conversation that goes beyond the usual interview to explore the deeper essence of what it takes to sustain a historic family business through generations.

00:00 The Beginnings of the Columbia Saloon

00:18 Challenges Through the Generations

00:53 Introducing Richard Smar

01:33 Legacy and Resilience

01:49 Memories and Stories

02:49 The Importance of Human Connection

03:25 Family Business Realities

06:16 Overcoming Financial Hardships

08:35 Commitment to Community and Staff

12:50 Preserving History and Legacy

23:23 Inspiring Medical Breakthroughs

23:57 Personal Impact of Childhood Cancer

24:21 Commitment to Cancer Research

25:28 Legacy and Education

28:00 Family and Business Values

29:53 Memories and Lessons from the Past

33:26 Living Life to the Fullest

36:17 Advice for the Next Generation

42:19 Honoring Family and Community

44:56 Final Reflections and Legacy

In this inaugural episode of The Bay Builds, host Tracie Domino sits down with Nick Friedman, co-founder of College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving.

Nick shares the incredible journey of how a summer gig with a beat-up cargo van transformed into a national brand with hundreds of franchisees.

From unloading deer carcasses to encountering unexpected weapons, Nick recounts some of the wild experiences and pivotal moments that shaped the company's success.

Discover how intentional micro habits, company culture, and a commitment to leadership development turned a catchy college idea into a thriving business.

Tune in for insights on branding, growth, and the importance of hustle and heart in building a legacy.

00:00 From College Van to National Brand

01:11 The Birth of College Hunks

03:44 Early Challenges and Funny Stories

08:47 Building a Legendary Company Culture

11:22 Leadership and Employee Development

16:06 Crazy Hauling Experiences

19:38 Brand Recognition and Future Goals

22:28 Lightning Round and Closing Thoughts

The Bay Builds Podcast is a behind-the-scenes look at how real businesses are built, right here in Tampa Bay.

Hosted by Tracie Domino, founder of Event Outfitters, the show features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, brand builders, and community leaders shaping the Bay.

These aren’t highlight reels. They’re honest stories about growth, setbacks, leadership, culture, and the small habits that lead to big wins.

From iconic local brands to hidden gems, each episode explores what it actually takes to build something that lasts, and why Tampa Bay builds differently.

New episodes bi-weekly.

00:00 Welcome to The Bay Builds Podcast00:23 Meet Your Host: Tracie Domino00:31 Why Tampa Bay Has a Unique Business Energy00:49 Real People, Real Businesses00:56 Tampa Bay’s Inspiring Success Stories01:12 The Power of Community and Branding01:25 Spotlighting Builders and Hidden Gems01:45 Behind the Scenes of Business Success01:56 What Makes the Tampa Bay Spirit Different02:01 What to Expect Each Episode02:09 Lessons from Tampa’s Business Leaders02:25 Fun Segments and Rapid Fire Questions02:39 Progress, Purpose, and Building Something That Lasts02:57 Tracie’s Philosophy on Business and Belief03:13 What Truly Makes Businesses Successful03:28 Join Us on the Journey03:45 Subscribe and Stay Connected