SOCIALLY JOE: Recent Episodes
Joe Riggio
Entrepreneurs from all over Sarasota and Bradenton tell their stories, share their successes and how they make it all work.
In this episode Joseph Riggio will be sharing with us what the latest graphic design trends are in 2022.
In this episode Joseph Riggio will be sharing with us what the latest real estate insighta that are happening in 2022.
Dr. Coeurlida Louis Ashby is a Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician who obtained her medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency training at Yale where she also served as Chief Resident.
Dr. Ashby moved to Florida in 2009, has over 16 yrs of medical experience and created Conscious Health to focus on prevention and natural healing. Dr. Ashby’s certification in Lifestyle Medicine uses food, movement, and other lifestyle measures to prevent and reverse chronic diseases. Dr. Ashby is accepting new patients interested in using lifestyle to prevent, reverse diseases, and reduce medications.
Started: Painting with a Twist started from humble beginnings in 2007 when two enterprising women - Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney - started doing their part to rebuild their Hurricane Katrina-devastated community. They wanted to create an escape for people to come together and have a little fun amidst the chaos - and that's precisely what they did!
From hosting the very first event in Cathy's "barn" to now hosting events in 300 franchise locations across the
nation, Cathy & Renee's small business they originally called “Corks & Canvas” has become an entire industry,
the paint & sip industry.
Manatee Children’s Services is a Child Advocacy Center dedicated to breaking the cycle of child abuse. Our mission is “to advocate for and provide the resources, skills, and shelter to alleviate abuse through prevention and intervention for all children and their families.” MCS was founded in 1977 and has grown to offer treatment, prevention, intervention, and residential services.
Manatee Children’s Services is a Child Advocacy Center dedicated to breaking the cycle of child abuse. Our mission is “to advocate for and provide the resources, skills, and shelter to alleviate abuse through prevention and intervention for all children and their families.” MCS was founded in 1977 and has grown to offer treatment, prevention, intervention, and residential services.
Stacey Efaw is the new Executive Director with Selah Freedom, which is a faith based, 501 3c Non Profit that is “Bringing Light into the Darkness of Sex Trafficking”.
Their mission is to end sex trafficking and bring freedom to the exploited, through 5 strong programs:
1.AWARENESS
2.PREVENTION
3.OUTREACH
4.RESIDENTIAL HOMES
and newly adding:
5.ORGANIZATIONAL CONSULTING
Southeastern Guide Dogs transforms lives by creating and nurturing extraordinary partnerships between people and dogs. We breed, raise, and train elite working dogs and provide life-changing services for people with vision loss, veterans with disabilities, and children with significant challenges. We offer our premier dogs and lifetime follow-up services at no cost.
website: www.GuideDogs.org
FB: https://www.facebook.com/southeasternguidedogs
Dr. Coeurlida Louis Ashby is a Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician who obtained her medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency training at Yale where she also served as Chief Resident.
Dr. Ashby moved to Florida in 2009, has over 16 yrs of medical experience and created Conscious Health to focus on prevention and natural healing. Dr. Ashby’s certification in Lifestyle Medicine uses food, movement, and other lifestyle measures to prevent and reverse chronic diseases. Dr. Ashby is accepting new patients interested in using lifestyle to prevent, reverse diseases, and reduce medications.
website: NOT YET LIVE: LifestyleMedicineSarasota.com; ConsciousHealthSarasota.com
FB: IG: @Coeurlida
Terry Damm was born in Hove, Sussex on the South Coast of
England. Where I went to school, college, and then traveled and worked
overseas for 9 months, before moving to London, where I had a career in
the Fashion Industry in Sales and Marketing for 17 years. During this
time, in London I met and married my husband Douglas and had my 3
children.
In 1994 our moved the family to Sarasota Florida. I became a full
time stay at home mom, in a new and strange environment!! The children
started school, and I was very involved in all the schools activites. Once the
fledgling’s left, I knew I wanted to have the flexibility of working
from anywhere, and earning extra. A friend introduced me to Rodan and
Fields Skincare, I have always been interested in skincare and taken
good care of my skin, so I immediately jumped in.
Rodan and Fields was founded by 2 Stanford-trained dermatologists, Dr.
Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, Rodan + Fields® puts the power of
dermatology-based skincare in your hands. They have dedicated their
careers to making visible, life-changing results possible without a trip
to the doctor's office.
R n F is the fast growing skincare brand in the US, Canada and
Australia, with a global expansion in the near future
The beauty of R & F for me is that it is still to this day purely skin care
that hasn’t diversified into makeup or a cosmetic make up company that
has diversified into skin care. It particularly targets the issues and stands
by its products. There are always so many questions concerning skin
during this interview with Joe I’m hoping that I can answer some of them
for you.
website: https://terrydamm.myrandf.com/
Maz has enjoyed over 40 years of working with individuals with varying disabilities as well as involvement with various non-profit, not for profit and community service organizations. Working in these various areas developed expertise in the most critical areas of events planning and soliciting donations. This passion of helping others takes up most of her time, but whatever brought her to the Privateers 10 years ago indicates that she has more to do.
The most important thing Maz has accomplished during her time with the Privateers is being elected as the first woman President in 2013. She has held other Board positions such as Vice President and currently serves on the Board as Past President.
Roger “Hoodat The Magnificent” Murphree comes to the Privateers by the way of Dallas, Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree north Texas State University. He’s retired from PepsiCo, in their IT Dept. He joined because not only does he enjoy helping to raise funds for local children but he has a lot of fun taking on his pirate persons.Hoodat the Magnificent. Hoodat has served in a plethora of functions- crew member, bilge rat, powder monkey and ball hauler (don't even ask). And has had several turns on the Board of Directors as Vice Pres., President, and Past Pres. When asked his favorite thing about being a pirate he says, "AAARRGH! When I walks down the street, children marvel, women swoon and men quake with fear! “As an Emcee Extraordinaire, he has come to be the "Mouth of the Privateers", look for him to be fronting our next car show, concert, poker run, bar capture or any other of our great fundraisers! And, as if that were not already enough, as an ordained Reverend, he's also available for weddings, christenings, funerals and in a pinch, bar mitzvahs! A veritable Renaissance Man to be sure!
website: www.amiprivateers.org
I was born near Philadelphia, PA and grew up there for a good portion of my life. In PA I study Graphic Design and got not only my Associates Degree as well as my BFA in Graphic Design. During my work history I have started out as a Preproduction Artist for a sign shop up to Graphic Designer for an advertising agency and because of this I know what needs to be done with every project. One of my favorite jobs in my past was with Best Buy as the community Specialist and Hiring/Training Coordinator. I really enjoyed this job because I got to utilize my marketing skills but I was able to help our Local 5013c Non-Profits. I implore everyone to learn about his or her local Non-Profits and see how they can help them out. My passions are exploring new areas, learning new things, exercise, movies, photography and drawing, just to name a few items. My favorite time of the year is Fall and Spring with the different colors of the Season they bring. Even though the colors don’t change in the plant life, the weather from October till April here in Florida is the temps I enjoy during those two seasons. My philosophy is “Never be afraid to take chances in life”. You may just miss out on a great opportunity calling to you.
website: www.valiant-grp.com
Paul Bachmann is an effective, well-rounded Commercial Insurance Agent with repeated and awarded success while developing relationships with clients. He is eager to tackle any new challenges that come his way.
Shauntelle Hoffman is not your typical accountant. Her passion for helping her clients shines through in every interaction. With nearly 15 years of experience in the industry, she now focuses her time on helping new businesses start out on the right foot, supporting individuals to navigate through various life events and assisting international clients with the complex US tax code!
Starting a new business can be a thrilling adventure but the parts that you don’t know or don’t quite understand are always unnerving. Our goal today is to help answer some of those questions from a tax perspective and help your new business to start out successfully so that you can focus more time and energy into what you truly do best!
website: www.whitesandstax.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/whitesandstax/
Hi, my name is Suzanne Stacy and I moved to Florida from the South Side of Chicago. I first went to Cape Coral, FL in 1988 with 2 of my 3 kids. I lived there for 9.5 years and happily moved to the Sarasota area in 1997. I moved here with the intent to open a jewelry store from the very beginning. Somehow life got in the way and I ended up doing other things. In 1998 I took my Diamond exam with GIA and decided I would start my jewelry business by appointment only. I studied with GIA in the mid 1980’s. That was the beginning!! I am still almost 23 years later working at building a business that I love!
Email: suzjewels@comcast.net
Website: www.suzzjewels.com
FB: Suzanne’s J.A.P. Services
Debi Kleer is a Certified Reflexologist and has been in the industry since 1992. Reflexology, is a holistic approach involving the application of pressure to specific reflex points on the feet, that are corresponds to organs and systems in the body.
Debi was born in South Africa, where she obtained her International Certification withITEC(which is the International Therapist and Examination Council)
Debi immigrated to the US in May of 2009 and has since been in the Health and Wellness industry. She completed a 750 hour massage therapy course and became a licensed massage therapist. She is a Reiki Master and certified in lymph drainage massage.
She practices Aroma Touch MassageTechnique and Reflexology– which combines the Relaxation benefitsof Massage Therapy and the healing effects of Reflexology to bring the body in balance.
With her qualifications, experience, techniques and passionshe combined these healing modalities and founded ~ REVITALIZE REFLEX– Where she now turns her passion into purpose!
So, let’s get to meet the lady behind the purpose …
website: www.RevitalizeReflex.com
FB: Libelle Health and Healing
Sarah Rubin is the Education Coordinator at Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. She comes from a long line of zoo, aquarium, and museum work and has worked at The Florida Aquarium, Mote Marine Laboratory, the Salisbury Zoological Park, the National Park Service, and the Brevard Zoo. She now calls Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, on the St. Petersburg Pier, her home. At the Discovery Center, Sarah manages the Education Department. She manages and develops STEM based programs that fit all ages, including summer camps, afterschool programs, overnights, birthday parties, young learning classes, and various public and private programs.
Today, she would like to talk about the various programs that are offered at the center and the Discovery Center’s new eco-vessel The Discovery.
The Discovery is a 40’ Coast Guard Certified vessel that will enable guests to receive an intimate look at the life in Tampa Bay. We will have tours that will enable you to identify dolphins and see rich bird habitats. It will be a one of a kind experience. This is slated to come online in late May 2021.
They also offer many other opportunities at the center. They typically offer 4-6 public programs a day, which can range from aquarium talks, creature features, food chain lessons, plankton labs, shark biology and conservation, and many more. Their most popular classes are our dissection classes. They offer lionfish dissections and squid dissections on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. They book fast so make sure to get your ticket early on their website.
email: srubin@tampabaywatch.org
website: tbwdiscoverycenter.org
FB: https://www.facebook.com/TBWDiscoveryCenter
Sarah Rubin is the Education Coordinator at Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. She comes from a long line of zoo, aquarium, and museum work and has worked at The Florida Aquarium, Mote Marine Laboratory, the Salisbury Zoological Park, the National Park Service, and the Brevard Zoo. She now calls Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, on the St. Petersburg Pier, her home. At the Discovery Center, Sarah manages the Education Department. She manages and develops STEM based programs that fit all ages, including summer camps, afterschool programs, overnights, birthday parties, young learning classes, and various public and private programs.
Today, she would like to talk about the various programs that are offered at the center and the Discovery Center’s new eco-vessel The Discovery.
The Discovery is a 40’ Coast Guard Certified vessel that will enable guests to receive an intimate look at the life in Tampa Bay. We will have tours that will enable you to identify dolphins and see rich bird habitats. It will be a one of a kind experience. This is slated to come online in late May 2021.
They also offer many other opportunities at the center. They typically offer 4-6 public programs a day, which can range from aquarium talks, creature features, food chain lessons, plankton labs, shark biology and conservation, and many more. Their most popular classes are our dissection classes. They offer lionfish dissections and squid dissections on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. They book fast so make sure to get your ticket early on their website.
email: srubin@tampabaywatch.org
website: tbwdiscoverycenter.org
FB: https://www.facebook.com/TBWDiscoveryCenter
Program Director for Society Bytes Radio, Kate has had more than one career but has always ended up in media somehow. She is a hands on producer, editing and dispensing shows for a multitude of shows. She and her partner produce well over 300 podcasts a month and spend a good deal of time teaching new hosts how to have a successful show.
On this episode of Socially Joe, both Lisa Johnson and Joe Riggio Announce Gulf Coast Giving and who we are, who we support, what we are up to in 2021 plus how you can help us support our Local Charities.
We strive to inspire and improve the lives of those who need assistance by professionally fundraising for our Local Charities through Events, where you can meet the Non-Profits as well as enjoy the Event. The two Non-Profits Gulf Coast Giving is supporting for 2021 are Satchels's Last Resort Rescue and Sanctuary and Florida Cancer Specialist Foundation. If you wish to learn more about us, attend upcoming events, volunteer or help support our Local Charities you can go towww.gulfcoastgiving.com
website: www.gulfcoastgiving.com
Dr. Rachel Siditsky is a Nationally Board-Certified Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist. She holds four degrees, a MS in Oriental Medicine and a BS in Professional Health Sciences from East West College of Natural Medicine, a BA in History from Binghamton University, and a MS in Higher Education Administration from Florida State University. Dr. Siditsky is also certified in Cold Laser Therapy and Acupuncture Point Injection Therapy.
During her time at East West, Dr. Siditsky was instrumental in starting an externship at Turning Points Bill Galvano One Stop Clinic, a homeless assistance agency in Bradenton Florida. This program offers acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine modalities to hundreds of local homeless and low-income people in the Bradenton area. Giving back to the community is important to Dr. Siditsky and she continues to volunteer at Turning Points as an Acupuncture Physician one day a week. Throughout her clinic experience Dr. Siditsky has focused on working with cancer, stroke, and pain patients.
Dr. Siditsky was born and raised in Western NY. Dr. Siditsky’s passion for Traditional Chinese Medicine stemmed from personal experience. After being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and chronic urticaria she struggled with chronic health issues that were not being resolved with conventional medicine. After turning to Traditional Chinese Medicine, she found relief and was able to stop medication that she was told she would need to be on for the rest of her life. Dr. Siditsky had always considered going in to medicine, and after this life changing experience she knew it was time to pursue Traditional Chinese Medicine. As a primary health care physician, Dr. Siditsky is devoted to helping her patients by focusing on holistic body health to treat the root cause of a problem instead of just treating the symptoms.
Dr. Rachel Siditsky
website: www.acupuncture-healing-center.com
FB: ww.facebook.com/drsiditsky
Susan (Sue) Fitzgerald, Travel Consultant, AAA Sarasota
Born and raised in Rochester NY. Got her love of travel when her Grandmother took her family to Hawaii when she was about 13 years old. She studied Travel and tourism as both Niagara University and Genesee Community College. She has been working the travel industry as a travel agent or a teacher for over 40 years. Most of those years (in various cities) she has worked for AAA. She has traveled to over 100 countries and most of the states. She has been on over 25 cruises including the large cruise ship, the transatlantic ocean liner, the small (100 passenger) ships and river cruises. She has been to 5 of the 7 continents.
Her passions are Travel, Her Family, Sarasota, the Buffalo Bills and Cooking.
Sue lives with her husband of 38 years, Leo and her absolutely adorable Cocker Spaniel, Billy. They have lived in Rochester, NY, Buffalo, NY, Bay Head, NJ and Sarasota, FL. While in Buffalo, they became die hard Buffalo Bills fans and are still die hard today! She loves Sarasota and is out and about in the city as much as Covid will allow right now. She is a great cook and spends a lot of her free time cooking. She especially loves to cook for her parents (that she is still blessed to have as they are in their late 80’s). She loves taking their grand dog Billy over to see them.
website: autoclubsouth.aaa.com/susan.fitzgerald
Guest Name: Laura Lynch
email: laura.lynch@edwardjones.com
website: act.alz.org/sarasota-
manateeFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sarasotamanateewalk/
Laura Lynch serves as the 2021 Chair of the Sarasota Manatee Walk to End Alzheimer's. Currently one in three Florida seniors dies with this disease. Laura is committed to raising funds so that you and I will see a future cure. The Walk, held November 20, 2021 raises funds for support for those affected by the disease and dementia research in the Sarasota Manatee community.
Guest Name: Cheryl Albright
email: cheryl@soultosoulyogasrq.com
website: www.soultosoulyogasrq.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/soultosoulyogasrq
Cheryl Albright is an occupational therapist and the owner of Soul To Soul Yoga, LLC/All Ages Therapy Services, DBA. She is a graduate of East Carolina University in 2003. Cheryl moved to Manatee County in 2015 and has been very active in the community. She serves on the board of directors for Manasota Family Network on Disabilities, current OT South Bay Forum president, active participant in the Developmental Disability subcommittee in Sarasota County, and disability subcommittee for the Department of Health at the state level. She currently resides in Bradenton with her husband. Cheryl is a graduate of the Leadership Manatee class of 2018. She has an older brother on the autism spectrum and continuously advocates not just for her brother but anyone with a disability for inclusion and acceptance in our community.
Guest Name: Marie & Riana
email: marie@u-organized.com riana@u-organized.com
website: www.U-Organized.com
FB: U-Organized.com
Melissa Lilly is a local Mortgage Broker with Core Financial Inc. Partners with “A” rated, Lenders, Realtors, Title Companies and Insurance professionals, to offer you a seamless transition with a purchase or refinance loan. Melissa is a Native Floridian, living in Manatee & Sarasota County for over 35 years.
She is involved in her Community, supporting Downtown Ministries, CareNet, Member of Real Estate Association of Sarasota/Manatee, Women’s Council of Realtors, East Manatee Eco Rotary, and the American Legion, Post 312
Melissa has a great network of professionals and will point you in the right direction for all your financial needs. She provides weekly communication, loves helping people get into their “Dream” home. Specializes in First Time Home Buyers.
Growing up in the Bronx Andrew enjoyed playing what some have called “the most Bronx sport of them all, ” Handball. Andrew loves to cook and experiment in the kitchen. He cooked for over 100 people for his complex’ holiday party here in Florida and he also grilled for charity for over 200 people in Long Island.
He attended Rutgers University in New Jersey for a year and then came home to help his parents who were not in the best of health. His first job was in customer service for an online gifts and collectibles company where he found out that some people have an obsession with porcelain cows….go figure.
He finished his degree at Baruch College while going to school at night and working full time during the day. He quickly switched jobs from talking to people about cows to working for a commercial landlord in New York City. He stayed here for the next 10 years working closely with tenants, commercial insurance, operations, and brokers. It is here that he found his love for real estate and a dream started, to become a commercial realtor. Andrew worked to get his New York real estate license in order to get into the business. At this time Andrew also met his wonderful wife, Veronica and her adorable pitbull mix Violet and he started working part time for a brokerage in the city. This takes us to Florida where Veronica had accepted a job as a clinical pediatric psychologist and Andrew had the opportunity to succeed in a new commercial real estate market including the sales of businesses.
At Farmhouse Animal & Nature Sanctuary our mission is to care for,
protect, love and support the exotic & farm animals that live at the
sanctuary & to educate the public on animal care & nature.
Dave & Lisa Burns, founders, volunteered for many years at a friend’s
wild, farm & exotic animal rescue, & later became live in care takers
there before the founders retired. They decided they needed to continue
caring for animals in-need, so they founded FANS, a 501(C)3 nonprofit.
Chel is a Breakup and Relationship strategist who helps those who are going through the break up or break down of a relationship. Chel has been a divorce wellness coach for over 12 years, as well as an author. Her unique and compassionate approach supports men and women to build confidence in themselves to attract healthy loving relationships. Chel’s clients appreciate her direct “how to” methods.
Updates on the state of animal welfare in our community, the power of collaboration with non-profits and the community and providing essential services during very challenging pandemic conditions. I will also talk about the ongoing expansion of services and the growth that are taking place at the Humane Society of Manatee County.
Jazzy Dogs Publishing works with local restaurants to provide quality placemats & glassware for their customers. The placemats are placed on each table for each customer to easily see the menu, happy hours and/or daily specials. The placemats can be taken home as well for menu's or information they found on them. On this episode Lisa will be sharing information about marketing during covid-19
Mark Goddard Director of Provider Development with Soafee.co has lived and worked in Sarasota for 35 years. He has owned his own business here and has been in the healthcare industry for the past 20 years. Jessica Patraw One year ago Mark and Jessica were approached by the soafee team to help support their mission to empower americans nation wide to take control of their healthcare with by using price transparency to shop for healthcare and insurance.
Jessica Patraw is currently the Director of Benefits & Client Relations for Soafee.com. She is a licensed health and life insurance agent. Jessica has been in the health care industry for over 30 years from nursing to deputy coroner and practice administrator. Jessica has lived in the Sarasota area for 15 years.
After studying Business Administration at Montclair State University and doing several business ventures decided to move to Florida and start something new. I came across Waxing the City and love it! Waxing is a life style and you are helping someone to have an amazing skin. We do Body & Facial waxing, brow & lash tinting, Henna Brows and Lash Lift for Men and Women. Our Cerologist (Wax Experts) received an intensive training and skill to be the best at their craft. We are located at The Shoppes at UTC – 8475 Cooper Creek Blvd.
John is originally from Bogota, Colombia. He has been married for 19 years with two wonderful teenagers. His passion is helping others, especially business owners. John holds a Master’s Degree in business and specializes in commercial lending. John helps clients face challenges and seize opportunities in order to achieve the long-term goals they desire. With a broad background in lending, John has worked with all types of businesses and helped meet financial needs ranging from small startups to major expansion funds. John manages the Bank OZK Branch in Lakewood Ranch FL and he is very involve with the community. Give John a call today to share your vision for your company. He will help you get there!
Our goal is to find the program that will work the best for each of our client's individual needs. This is why having your own personal health coach is so important. We are helping you reach your goals by walking with you each step of your journey.
Having a program that is easy to follow is key to help our clients succeed. In our busy busy lives, with all the pressures of life, work, raising a family and serving our community simplicity was a priority. Our meals are either ready to eat or can be prepared in minutes. We have more than 60 nutritional, scientifically designed meals that will assist your body to enter a gentle fat burning stated. With high protein, pro biotic cultures and key vitamins and minerals that our bodies need in each meal. Our programs have been developed by physicians, dietitians and scientists and used to help more than 1 million clients. Our programs have been recommended for over 30 years by health care providers to their patients. By eating every 2-3 hours we also learn the healthy habit of preparing a healthy meal for yourself and your family. Your journey has the ability to impact your entire family to learn healthy habits for themselves.
Operation Shoebox was founded in 2003 by Mary Harper after her 3 sons, daughter and son in law were deployed to Iraq at the same time. In an effort to get much needed support over to the troops Mary, her mom and friend Debbee placed boxes around the city to collect items needed by the troops. OSB is currently working towards our 2 millionth care package. We have volunteers working all over the state of Florida and across the country to get our care packages over to the troops! Our veterans here in the US are getting a lot of support through charities which is wonderful but we still have thousands of deployed troops that need us and thats why what we do is so important.
Len was born in St Ann’s Parrish, Alexandria, Jamaica. His father was a Plasterer and his Mother a Dietician. When Len was 10 years old Len’s family moved to America, settling in Miami. Len’s younger brother passed away when Len was 15. Len’s sister is a Dean in Port St Lucie, Florida. As a teenager Len worked as a paper boy, at Publix and at Woolworth before seeking out a trade. “Some people catch what they want and others get caught” = Roofing caught Len! He could see the value a roofing job would bring. The craftsmanship that goes into roofing caught his eye and he said to himself, “I am going to learn this”. He first saw his sweet April at church. Soon, April and Len married. One day April asked him, “What do you want to do?” and Len replied, “I want to own my own a Roofing Company. Encouraged by April, Len’s Roofing was born in Miami, Florida. Soon after, Hurricane Andrew hit southeast Florida hard. As a team, Len and April worked tirelessly – Len would climb the ladder and call the measurements down to April who was busy sketching the roof. Len would price the jobs and April would type the estimates. This young couple “walked by faith”.Len’s Roofing was getting busier so April took a one month leave of absence from her work at the College, to work full time with Len. And, business took off from there. Miami was getting overcrowded. A roofer was retiring and so he invited Len and April to come and check out Bradenton, Florida. Soon after the move, the economy took a dive. Len worked where he could to stay afloat. When he was let go from his job, once again he opened Len’s Roofing. Len and April worked out of their house until they grew large enough to rent a warehouse and a place to store trailers. Then, they just worked it!!
Colleen serves as the ED of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Sarasota and Manatee Counties where she is responsible for management of the affiliate along with its education, support, and advocacy programs.
NAMI Sarasota and Manatee is an affiliate of NAMI, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of American’s impacted by mental illness.
We offer free peer-and family-peer led support groups and education classes for the community. We also focus on helping people navigate the mental health system, steer them to resources that can be helpful, and advocate at all levels for policies that support strong mental health.
Sylwia Ok is an award-winning Portrait Artist, Master Photographer, and Certified Professional Photographer, specializing in commercial and fine art portrait photography. For the last 9 years, she has been creating magazine quality images for other businesses as well as helping families with decorating their homes with people they loved. Her professional studio is located in Lakewood Ranch Corporate Park.
Marlene has worked with parents, teachers and children for 30 years, directed foster care and counseling programs, provided parent and teacher education in MA & FL. She also taught Child/Family/Teacher Relations at USFL for 8 years.
She holds a M.A. In Family Studies from Goddard College had the privilege of attending the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School, as well as three years in a Ph.D program on public policy and child welfare. She is a mother and grandmother.
She is the author of If Only They Came with Instructions, as well as a series of books for first grade students and their families.
Storygenie comes from the Mythical Hamlet of Peekin, where The Great Poobah "wished" her into being! Storygenie is Peekin's official storyteller, poet, and general entertainer of children (and grownups, too!). She just LOVES words & rhymes, poems and songs, dancing and jokes, riddles and stories and more. Storygenie firmly and happily believes that: "POWER OVER WORDS empowers children throughout their lives - building language skills and literacy, personal expression in all forms, comprehension in all human interactions!
Joy Leitner has a widely varied background in several educational and professional disciplines. Her first job was as a professional singer in the Catholic Church at age 12. Her first formal teaching experience was teaching Business Basics to 6th graders at age 15. Her early education focus was in business, marketing and music. Ms. Leitner holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music in Vocal Performance and a Master’s Degree in Community Music with an emphasis in education for arts organizations. Joy has performed professionally for over 25 years and taught voice and piano for 18 years. In addition to her formal education degrees, Joy holds a State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser License and A State Life Health and Variable Annuity. Her specialty is working with Seniors to educate them on the Medicare system and has done so for 10 years.
Joy Leitner has a widely varied background in several educational and professional disciplines. Her first job was as a professional singer in the Catholic Church at age 12. Her first formal teaching experience was teaching Business Basics to 6th graders at age 15. Her early education focus was in business, marketing and music. Ms. Leitner holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music in Vocal Performance and a Master’s Degree in Community Music with an emphasis in education for arts organizations. Joy has performed professionally for over 25 years and taught voice and piano for 18 years. In addition to her formal education degrees, Joy holds a State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser License and A State Life Health and Variable Annuity. Her specialty is working with Seniors to educate them on the Medicare system and has done so for 10 years.
Maribeth Ditmars is an author, speaker, and blogger. Her writing journey began years ago when her 10-year old son, Chris, was diagnosed with leukemia and she kept a detailed journal. This eventually became her first book. Maribeth has also published a children’s book about cancer, and she has a brand-new book that was just released. It is a faith-based book about her family’s struggles with adversity and loss. She blogs about her life experiences in child-loss, grief, and addiction. With 16 years of recovery, Maribeth loves helping other women who are new in recovery. Maribeth also enjoys speaking and reminding others that laughter and tears are only a moment apart, but joy is eternal.
Mitch is the Executive Director of Finance at Excellence Performance, a business coaching, and personal development company. Coming from an immigrant family, a strong work ethic and a desire to make a difference were ingrained into who is he is today.
During his time in college, he earned two degrees with honors in accountancy and finance while building a sales team for a health and wellness company. He then graduated from the Excellence Performance Coaching Academy, a rigorous two-year coaching certification program.
Mitch began building his department from scratch at the age of 21 and since then has attracted and leads a team of experts in business strategy, taxation, financial investing, and more. He utilizes psychology and behavioral finance to make more impactful and permanent changes in his clients’ financial lives. In addition to his finance work, Mitch is a professional speaker and young adult coach helping people in their twenties discover their passions, move past the obstacles holding them back, and begin to live in purpose on purpose.
In today’s episode, he reveals the way he expedited reaching his goals and what he recommends for everyone who wants to fast track their success.
Stacey McKee is the Development Director for HOPE Family Services, Manatee County’s only certified domestic violence service provider. She is currently working on her MBA degree at Springfield College and is slated to graduate in December 2020. Stacey’s professional life can be described as the pursuit of a “mission”. Hope’s mission strikes a deeply personal cord with Stacey. After serving as a Board Member and volunteer for HOPE for a number of years, the opportunity to become a part of the team presented itself and she jumped at it. Stacey was moved by the empowerment-based programs and fully immersed herself into the movement. Stacey is a mother to a wonderful 11 year old boy Mason and a yellow Lab named Murphy.
Wines for Humanity is a Wine Tasting company helping local charities by introducing fine wines, in a fun & educational environment. Since 2007, WFH has donated over $7 million dollars to various charity organizations, by hosting events, wine club, & online orders.
Brenda would love share how to hold a wine glass like a "Pro Taster", placing 3 fingers on the stem & wrapping your little finger under the glass, helps provide stability, and prevents your hand from warming up your wine.
Self-employed Sarasota small business owner and Executive Director and Co-Founder of an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) Florida nonprofit. I was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to Maryland in the early 80s. After moving to Florida in 1996 with my husband and two children, I became a part of many local nonprofit organizations including schools, churches and local charity events. Co-founded Infinite Wishes Foundation in 2015 and continues to work towards expanding services for the charity.
In this show Joe Riggio talks about the most common questions that customers ask their Realtors. Being a Licensed Realtor with Weichert Realtors Hallmark Properties he helps his customers with all their Real Estate needs, either by helping them List their property or Finding them their dream home. This is a show you do not want to miss.
Barkboss pets is an ecommerce pet boutique ran by 3 sisters located in SWFL. Inspired by the desire to help dogs in shelter, they donate a portion of every sale to shelters as well as work with them to promote adoption.
I have been working as a product manager for Mirasol Fafco Solar for about 5 years now. The company, which is local in Sarasota has been in the solar business for over 43 years and currently has over 14,000 customers. We are a full service solar company that encompasses both solar electric(PV), solar hot water heating, solar pool heating, pool automation, and Tesla Powerwall battery back up systems. We do not use subcontractors and in addition to our solar contractor license, we also have a plumbing and roofing license. The company is committed to using the highest quality products available with the best warranties in the industry and we enjoy a 5 star rating on Yelp and Angie's List.
Margi is the Director of Development of Turning Points. She has been with the organization for 5 1/2 years and oversees donor development, marketing and fundraising. She previously worked in the for-profit industry as a buyer for a regional department store chain for 16 years. She felt the need to assist others and made the switch to the not-for-profit world and has not regretted that decision at all! Kathleen is the new Executive Director of Turning Points. She brings 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a wealth of knowledge in team building, community engagement, fundraising and planned giving to the organization. Most recently, she served as a licensed financial advisor with a Fortune 300 not-for-profit org. She is originally from MI but has lived all over the US. She and her husband, a retired Navy Veteran, are brand new to Manatee/Sarasota
John is a husband to Courtney and Father to Johnny, Luke and Kya. 7th, 6th and 5th graders. John was born and raised in Chicago and lived there his whole life until moving to Lakewood Ranch Florida in 2012. John is a Regional Vice President in ACN, the worlds largest direct seller of telecom, energy and identity theft protection. John has been consistently in the top 10 of his teams global production for over 5 years and has trained thousands of Independent Business Owners how to grow a business that provides residual income. John has a passion to help people build a business that grows without them. He enables people to hold themselves accountable to their potential. He is a HUGE believer that the human mind should grow every day
Jazzy Dogs Publishing works with local restaurants to provide quality placemats & glassware for their customers. The placemats are placed on each table for each customer to easily see the menu, happy hours and/or daily specials. The placemats can be taken home as well for menu's or information they found on them. On this episode Lisa will be sharing information about marketing during covid-19
In this show Joe Riggio shares his knowledge of Design and Marketing with our listeners. He talks about Logo's, Social Media and much more. You do not want to miss this show.
Adriana Pabon is the President and Founder of The Affirmations Project. Adriana started The Affirmations Project in 2016, and what she thought was going to be a one-time event quickly became a thriving non-profit organization that has brought inspiration, healing, and hope to countless women in the Tampa Bay Area and throughout the country. Adriana is originally from Medellin, Colombia, and immigrated to the United States when she was seventeen years-old. Adriana attended Florida International University in Miami, Florida, where she obtained her Legal Studies Certification. Professionally, Adriana has been in the legal field for over twenty-five years, but her true passion is community service and helping women. Adriana’s passion for community service and for empowering women inspired her to start The Affirmations Project. The Affirmations Project is an organization dedicated to helping women by promoting self-love and self-acceptance. As part of its platform, The Affirmations Project also provides financial assistance to cancer and domestic violence survivors. It holds an annual fundraising gala showcasing survivors who select a word of affirmation. Their affirmation word is then painted on their bodies, and they share their stories of resilience, perseverance and hope while participating in an empowering photo shoot. As a result of her life’s journey, Adriana understands the importance and need for self-love and self-acceptance. With the help of friends and local artists the first Affirmations Project Gallery was unveiled in October of 2016. The event has since become a staple of the Tampa Community and is part of Adriana’s commitment to celebrate women and their strength in the face of impossible circumstances
Michelle Caudle, Vice President and photographer for The Affirmations Project, has been an artist all her life. As a graduate from the Florida State University Art School, Michelle focused her college efforts in the realm of fine art painting with a secondary focus in photography. In 2016 Michelle joined The Affirmations Project as one of the photographers and assisted Adriana Pabon, the founder and president, in launching their first ever gala. Michelle later became Vice President of the nonprofit. Michelle continues to pour her heart into connecting with the participants of The Affirmations Project and capturing the essence of their personalities and stories through visual portraiture. Over the years, the intimate experience has taught her much about herself and her inner thirst to serve others. This project has become something that she wants to see prosper and make a positive imprint on the lives of women in her community. She is truly committed to her work at The Affirmations Project.
Heather Andrews is an agent with Goosehead Insurance located in Bradenton, Florida. Heather joined Goosehead because of her unwavering commitment to take care of their clients. Using cutting edge technology to shop with dozens of “A” rated insurance companies in just a few short minutes, she is able to find the right coverage at a competitive price. Heather takes the time to review all of the options and customizes a policy based on the unique risks and desires of each client. In this show Heather shares information on how you can be prepared for Hurricane season.
Remington Walls, never dreams about food, whether it is Thanksgiving or any ordinary day. He hasn’t been able to eat real food since he was four years old. The game-changing disease that hit their family when Remington was only three years old changed his life and the lives of those around him in fundamental ways. For the past few years Remington along with his mother and co-author of new book Home Plate, have been working with legislators and speaking in front of congressional hearings in DC this past summer, to affect the laws regarding insurance. Today Remington is still unable to eat or drink regular food, maybe for the rest of his life. The food that gives the rest of us nourishment was slowly destroying Remington’s esophagus. He has an amazing story of resilience and hope and he would make an excellent guest this thanksgiving season to encourage the rest of us to “count our blessings” not the food we plan to intake This Thanksgiving, Remington will be signing copies of Home Plate, and when he goes home, he will avoid the food that the rest of his family is able to eat, subsisting instead on elemental formula. However, his spirit is undaunted and his contagious enthusiasm for life motivates everyone around him.
Dejana, owner and the talent of Beautiyad, has been working as a professional Makeup Artist and Esthetician for the last 17+ years. Her training and experience came from highly respected luxury brands, which include Chanel, Tom Ford, Giorgio Armani and Sisley-Paris and Laura Mercier just to name a few. Makeup Artistry: Her international background has helped her grow her career, understanding her diverse high-end clientele and their individual and cultural beauty wishes and demands. As the beauty industry is ever changing, Dejana continues to evolve her craft. That said, her style of makeup would be best described as timeless, feminine, elegant, glamorous, yet with a modern twist. Dejana is originally from Europe and also has a background in counseling. She speaks English, German, Serbo-Croatian fluently and some Russian, Italian and Spanish. Favorite hobby: food. Currently she resides in Sarasota, Florida with her husband, Dr. Iyad Fakhouri.
This former tech CEO founded one of the first telecommunications professional services firms in the United States when she was twenty-seven years old. She brought this company to market, building offices in Seattle and Portland before selling and moving into publishing in 2014. Her first book, “Never Drink Coffee During a Business Meeting” was featured on a West Coast Barnes & Noble book tour in the summer of 2017. She also co-authored the book “My Calendar is Written in Crayon” and soon to be released “90 Day Author”. Ms. Garcia is now Chief Operating Officer and an equity partner NOW Publishing, a multi-genre publishing house located in the Tampa area. She is a mother of two daughters, ages 13 & 15, part of the SMILE ministry at City Life Church in Tampa, and is devoted to her family and her church. She ran a full marathon, golfs, plays the violin and piano, and is a USTA tennis maniac. Ms. Garcia believes Jesus is the head of her household.
Steven White, President of Adaptive Creations Group, Inc., will discuss the inspiration for his two new patent pending inventions; the Hands-Free Support System for the Disabled and Others, and the Universal Blender Tamper. ACG also helps other inventors to develop their visions into realities with a full range of support services, from product vision, business planning, prototyping, patenting, capital formation, licensing, manufacture sourcing, through marketing and sales. Prior to forming ACG, Steve was a business consultant with Business Strategies Corp. helping start-ups and other existing businesses and is a retired business attorney from Pennsylvania and new Jersey and also served as Assistant Regional Counsel for the U.S. Small Business Administration. Mr. White is a 1974 graduate of Temple University (summa cum laude) and 1977 graduate of Temple University School of Law.
In this episode we speak with my co-chairs of Florida Fabulous 50, Jeff Sassano & Lisa Johnson. Florida Fabulous 50 has been working hard with the help of our members and volunteers to help Local Charities in our area. We our focused on raising must needed funds for our Local Charities through Live or Online Events. We strive to inspire and improve the lives of those who need assistance. Get in touch to learn how you can make help us make a difference in your community!
Toddy Jadoo is an entrepreneur with a passion for problem solving. She is also a self- taught artist, an author, speaker and Body worker. She developed the JADU method of bodywork after she began her practice and felt there was more needed to the training she got while in school. Hence JADU manual therapy which is the foundation of the JADU Lifestyle program, she created to help business owners and entrepreneurs, OPTIMIZE the time in their day without compromising their HEALTH or WEALTH.
Andrea Ohmes is the Senior Producing Agent at Valiant Insurance. She excels in making insurance understandable and relatable. As a former Biology major at Florida Southern College she literally understands how life works. With eight years of experience specializing in home, auto, and umbrella insurance she truly cares about protecting the lives of her clients. She is driven to help others make the best insurance decisions to protect what matters most.
Doug Walker from Satchel's Last Resort in Sarasota Florida tells us how Satchel's helps pet's find their new home as well as help save them from bad situations. We even learn how we can help out Satchel's Last Resort by Donating and Volunteering.
Originally fom the NY-NJ area -graduate of Rutgers University in NJ and now residing in Bradenton Florida. Ivone Keenan is a multifaceted competitive leader as well as innovator with an entrepreneurial spirit and vision. Significant interest in the development and implementation of projects that significantly improve business bottom line and or improves an individual's work, life balance. Ivone is a dynamic mentor with management experience in a variety of industries including marketing, proprietary schools, government programs and Professional Employer Organizations(PEO). She is an active member of both the Manatee Chamber as well as the Latin Chamber of Commerce and other networking groups, plus volunteering with non-profit organizations.
Our History and Why we Started Suncoast Auto and Truck Repair.
Suncoast Auto and Truck Repair is an automotive repair and diagnostics shop with over 25 years’ experience! Jason and Jennifer Gallagher have been servicing the Bradenton and Sarasota area since 2008. They are locally family owned and operated. They work on a variety of vehicles including Cars, Trucks, and Fleets for both gas and diesel. They are fully licensed and insured. They have an electrical specialist on site. They have an A/C specialist on site. Their customers go to them because of their commitment to providing the most HONEST and RELIABLE solutions for their auto and truck needs!
“With Mind Whisperer Hypnosis.”
Hi, My name Donna Satiro, I’m a certified clinical Hypnotherapist, and RRT Practioner, (RRT) which stands for Rapid Resolution Therapy, which was developed by Dr Jon Connelly. Dr. Connelly specializes in Trauma for well over thirty plus years, which I have continually trained under Dr Connelly now for 8 plus years. My focus is clearing traumatic events, things that have been disturbing to my clients as well as educating and speaking. I am a Volunteer at Tidewell Hospice, for five years now, as well as an ordained minister, a Mother of four amazing kids and a grandma to 10 grand-kiddos, who have stolen my heart! Originally from the Chicago land area, I moved to Bradenton in 1975 with my parents when they retired. Being a Clinical hypnotherapist was never something that was on my menu for me to do growing up, but after having experienced a session in RRT, to clear my own trauma, I was really blown away! That is when I decided this is what I wanted to do and wanted to do that for others! It has inspired me in a big way, my passion is helping others live a more peaceful, fulfilling life, build connection, and create a better world.
“How A Young Couple Started A Complete, Full Service, State Of The Art Photography Company In Sarasota, Florida From Nothing”
Pictures say a thousand words...
Still, it is our great pleasure to "complete the picture" by sharing Our Story.
J&E Photography is a family owned and operated local photography company located in Sarasota, Florida. J&E simply reflects the complete definition of what WE are truly about. A husband and wife operation that are a nothing short of an amazing and loving team, inspired to provide the ABSOLUTE BEST experience for our clients.
Introduction to Socially Joe and what to expect by listening to my monthly podcast and find out how you can be part of it.