The Bay Builds Podcast

There is a moment Mike DiBlasi does not forget. It is 2008, the market has collapsed, every broker around him is either making excuses or making an exit, and he is beyond broke. Not almost broke. Beyond it. His dad is telling him he should have stayed in accounting. His friends are leaving the business. And Mike is standing there thinking: at this point, I can't get any more broke. Might as well keep going.

That decision to stay when everything said leave is the thread that runs through everything Mike DiBlasi has built.

A former closer on the FSU baseball team that went to the College World Series three times alongside future MLB players Kevin Cash and Matt Diaz, Mike came out of school with a CPA he did not love and a plan that fell apart fast. He cold-called every major Tampa brokerage looking for a shot. Most did not call back. He found his way in anyway. What followed was nearly two decades of grinding through commercial real estate at Cushman and Wakefield, Liberty Property Trust, and Feldman Equities before landing at CBRE, where he now serves as Senior Managing Director and North Florida Market Leader overseeing Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.

Nearly 650 transactions. More than 9 million square feet. Four consecutive years on the Tampa Bay Business Journal Power 100 List. And a 125-person office he has helped build into the number one commercial real estate operation in the market.

In this episode, Tracie Domino sits down with a guy she has known since the late 1990s at Florida State, and the conversation goes everywhere. How losing a lead in the College World Series semi-final taught him more than any win ever did. Why locker room culture is the non-negotiable he never compromises on. What he looks for in people that goes way beyond a GPA. How AI is reshaping demand for commercial space across North Florida. And what he tells every young professional who reaches out to him still grinding and wondering if it is ever going to turn.

This one is for anyone who has ever been told to go back to the safe path and chose to keep going instead.

Visit cbre.com to find Mike DiBlasi and his team across Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.

00:00 Beyond Broke Beginnings

00:51 Podcast Intro Mike Delos

02:41 Closer Mindset Under Pressure

03:25 Pivot After Baseball Ends

04:27 CPA To Brokerage Hustle

06:23 Early CRE Lessons And 2008

08:08 From Producer To Leader

10:31 Building Team Culture

13:26 North Florida Market Trends

14:58 Failing Forward Like Sports

17:01 People Skills And Hiring

20:38 Legacy Vision And Growth

21:44 Advice For Next Generation

25:02 Lightning Round Fun

26:16 Closing Thoughts

Tracie is the founder of Event Outfitters, the gifting partner for donors, VIPs, executives, and honored guests. If you want the framework she uses with every client, grab the free Guide to Gifting That Builds Relationships: https://stan.store/EventOutfitters

Mindy Murphy did not plan to run a domestic violence center. She had been out of the workforce for 13 years raising her son, was not looking for a job, and had never worked in domestic violence. Then she had a dream, called back the board member who had been quietly recruiting her, and interviewed in the back room of a Cracker Barrel. A week later she was giving a speech about an organization she barely knew.

That was 2012. Since then she has grown the Spring of Tampa Bay from a three and a half million dollar organization to nearly ten million, added the largest domestic violence law firm in the state of Florida, built a licensed therapy division, launched a sleepaway camp program, opened a new survivor services center in an 85-year-old World War II building in Drew Park, and maintained the only accredited onsite school for resident children in the United States.

In this conversation with host Tracie Domino, Mindy talks about what most people get completely wrong about domestic violence, why the most dangerous moment for a survivor is when they decide to leave, the societal habit of blaming victims instead of holding abusers accountable, and what it looks like to run a nearly ten million dollar organization with 90 employees across a law firm, a therapy practice, a shelter, a thrift store, transitional housing, a childcare center, and a sleepaway camp. All through one lens. All in service of one mission.

She also talks about the phone call she took yesterday. And why fourteen years in, the disclosures still stop her cold.

The Spring of Tampa Bay has provided sanctuary and services to more than 60,000 adults and children since 1977. If you or someone you know needs help, call the Spring at 813-247-SAFE.

Tracie is the founder of Event Outfitters, the gifting partner for donors, VIPs, executives, and honored guests. If you want the framework she uses with every client, grab the free Guide to Gifting That Builds Relationships: https://stan.store/EventOutfitters

Before she was dressing Water Street in large-scale art installations and producing seven-figure destination weddings, Anna Richardson was a project manager in real estate development with a company called Exceptional Events and no real plan. On this episode, she sits down with Tracie Domino to talk about what it actually takes to build a boutique luxury brand in a market people used to underestimate, why she turned down Miami, how growing up in construction taught her more about running a business than any MBA would have, and the midnight phone call that ended with a grand piano in a Ritz-Carlton presidential suite. Anna is the founder of Anna Lucia Events, a global boutique brand known for sensory-driven weddings, high-end social celebrations, and major art activations across Tampa Bay and beyond. This one is for anyone who has ever bet on themselves in a city no one was watching yet.

00:00 Guest List Magic

00:58 Podcast Intro and Guest

02:14 Naming the Brand

04:48 Grit and Early Lessons

07:03 Being Underestimated

08:27 Why Tampa Won

13:20 Raising the Local Bar

16:59 Designing Emotion

21:50 Surprise and Delight

26:26 Multi Day Wedding Flow

28:39 Art Activations Leap

32:03 Big Art Activations

34:04 Making Art Accessible

37:07 Weatherproof Event Planning

38:56 Hurricane Venue Pivot

45:35 Permits Gone Wrong

49:52 Bridezilla Stories

55:06 Red Flags and Fit

58:23 Press and Success Shift

59:16 Publications Matter Less

01:01:19 Top Planner Lists Critique

01:02:19 Referrals And Legacy Clients

01:03:14 Client First Publishing Ethics

01:04:48 Founder Stress And Cashflow

01:07:50 Sales Cycles And Budget Talks

01:11:16 Behind The Scenes Reality

01:15:46 Sacrifices And Boundaries

01:20:55 Lightning Round Fun

01:24:34 Final Thanks And Wrap

Tracie is the founder of Event Outfitters, the gifting partner for donors, VIPs, executives, and honored guests. If you want the framework she uses with every client, grab the free Guide to Gifting That Builds Relationships: https://stan.store/EventOutfitters

Scott Price did not plan to start a company. He had a spreadsheet with his entire career mapped out and Arthur Andersen was part of every line of it.

Then Enron happened.

At 26, he signed voluntary termination papers, walked to the Hilton, had lunch, had a beer, and by Monday had delivered his first contract with his name signed as president.

Twenty-four years later, A-LIGN is one of the top three cybersecurity and compliance firms in the world. Two of the top three were founded in Tampa Bay. Scott built his from a clearance speakerphone, a $29-a-night hotel room, and 10 holiday seasons in Baton Rouge that no one was watching.

In this conversation he talks about the failures nobody saw, the sacrifices that shaped everything, what servant leadership actually looks like across 770 employees on multiple continents, and why success now means watching other people succeed.

When someone needs him at 2 AM, Scott Price shows up. With a gun or a shovel. Every time. This is that story.

00:00 Laid Off At 26

01:55 First Customer Rush

03:51 Enron Changed Everything

04:57 Spotting The Market Gap

06:42 Scrappy Early Sacrifices

09:24 Tampa And Private Equity

10:15 Florida State Mindset

12:03 Servant Leadership Culture

15:28 Life Moments With Employees

17:25 Values Hiring And Retention

20:47 Staying Grounded In Growth

24:01 Success Redefined

26:58 Client Chaos Stories

30:07 When Align Became Brand

32:33 Starting Today With AI

34:18 Proudest Culture Moments

37:51 Legacy In 25 Years

40:16 Lightning Round

43:18 Final Thanks

Tracie is the founder of Event Outfitters, the gifting partner for donors, VIPs, executives, and honored guests. If you want the framework she uses with every client, grab the free Guide to Gifting That Builds Relationships: https://stan.store/EventOutfitters

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

Tracie is the founder of Event Outfitters, the gifting partner for donors, VIPs, executives, and honored guests. If you want the framework she uses with every client, grab the free Guide to Gifting That Builds Relationships: https://stan.store/EventOutfitters

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

Tracie is the founder of Event Outfitters, the gifting partner for donors, VIPs, executives, and honored guests. If you want the framework she uses with every client, grab the free Guide to Gifting That Builds Relationships: https://stan.store/EventOutfitters

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

Tracie is the founder of Event Outfitters, the gifting partner for donors, VIPs, executives, and honored guests. If you want the framework she uses with every client, grab the free Guide to Gifting That Builds Relationships: https://stan.store/EventOutfitters

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 Podcast

00:23 Meet Your Host: Tracie Domino

00:31 Why Tampa Bay Has a Unique Business Energy

00:49 Real People, Real Businesses

00:56 Tampa Bay’s Inspiring Success Stories

01:12 The Power of Community and Branding

01:25 Spotlighting Builders and Hidden Gems

01:45 Behind the Scenes of Business Success

01:56 What Makes the Tampa Bay Spirit Different

02:01 What to Expect Each Episode

02:09 Lessons from Tampa’s Business Leaders

02:25 Fun Segments and Rapid Fire Questions

02:39 Progress, Purpose, and Building Something That Lasts

02:57 Tracie’s Philosophy on Business and Belief

03:13 What Truly Makes Businesses Successful

03:28 Join Us on the Journey

03:45 Subscribe and Stay Connected

Tracie is the founder of Event Outfitters, the gifting partner for donors, VIPs, executives, and honored guests. If you want the framework she uses with every client, grab the free Guide to Gifting That Builds Relationships: https://stan.store/EventOutfitters