KENT JIMISON Development

Officer

Easterseals Happiness House

What is your business?

For 76 years, Easterseals Happiness House has provided exceptional services for people with disabilities. Therapeutic services include behavioral, occupational, physical, and speech as well as equine-assisted programs at our 62-acre InStride Equine Therapy Center.

Describe Your Job/Position

As the Development Officer, I establish and grow relationships with donors, advancing the mission of Easterseals and, therefore, the care of its clients. Each gift, regardless of its size, makes an impact on our clients – and every time I learn of a story about a client who has achieved a goal that conventional wisdom said he or she could not, my gratitude grows deeper and more profound. I don’t have to go to work. I get to.

What do you like about doing Business in Lakewood Ranch?

Lakewood Ranch is a vibrant, growing city where passionate people live AND engage. That lively pulse is infused in the business community and drives opportunity that serves all elements of professional life here – from the arts, finance, real estate, medical, retail and so much more.

If you could use one word to describe the Lakewood Ranch community, what would it be and why? Trendsetting.

I have lived in planned communities all over the US. Lakewood Ranch achieves new heights in the complete live-here-workhere-play-here concept. The community’s commitment to preserve the beauty of the area contributes to the continued, impressive growth.

What is your favorite fun thing to do when you are not working? Food! My wife and I love to try the many different restaurants throughout Southwest Florida. I also like to cook and – no one believes this until they try it – bake!