ORIGINALS

FABRIZIO AIELLI

Chef and Owner Aielli Group

Fabrizio Aielli began his culinary career working in his mother’s kitchen in Venice, Italy, before traveling the world to gain more experience. In 1995, Fabrizio and his wife Ingrid opened their rst restaurant in Washington D.C. In 2007, the couple moved to Naples, seeking a location for their next restaurant. Sea Salt opened in November 2008. It was followed by Barbatella, Sea Salt St. Pete, Dorona, and Grappino. The group employs more than 300 today.

FIRST JOBS: Delivering fl owers in Venice, Italy, and working in the kitchen WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: I like to create, cook, and make people happy. BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Listen. MOST INSPIRING PEOPLE: My father, my mother, and my wife SECRET TO SUCCESS: My sta and my wife ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Listen, learn, and love what you do. BUCKET LIST: To drive a Formula 1 car while listening to Pink Floyd

PAUL ARSENAULT

Artist

Born in Montreal, Canada, Paul Arsenault grew up in Massachusetts, where his love for the sea and travel converged. After graduating from the Art Institute of Boston in 1973, he worked as a deckhand on a research vessel, signing o in Florida. For half a century, Arsenault’s paintings of local vignettes and landscapes have recorded the region’s natural, cultural, and architectural gems. His skill for capturing the essence of coastal communities is enhanced by his passion for history and storytelling.

EDUCATION: Art Institute of Boston FIRST JOB: Paper delivery boy for the Quincy Patriot Ledger in Massachusetts BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Whenever you get a chance to travel, take it (from my great-uncle Joe, who I only met once). MOST INSPIRING PERSON: Pablo Picasso SECRET TO SUCCESS: Hard work and lucky breaks FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Any tropical island with waterfalls and parrots ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Believe in yourself. BUCKET LIST: Finishing a book about the centennial of Naples and Collier County

BRYCE ALEXANDER

Executive Artistic Director The Naples Players

Since Bryce Alexander arrived at The Naples Players in 2017, the nonprofit community theater organization has experienced significant growth through community partnerships. Its home, Sugden Community Theatre, is undergoing a $15 million expansion and renovation with the goal to make The Naples Players a national model for engaging the community. Alexander was named “Man of the Year” by Gulfshore Life in 2021 for finding innovative ways to serve the community during the pandemic.

EDUCATION: University of Colorado WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: Performing arts have a tremendous power to transform and empower a community, and our community deserves that opportunity. MOST INSPIRING PERSON: My mother, who raised four sons by herself SECRET TO SUCCESS: Great community support SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW: I enjoy chicken tenders more than any other meal. ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Don’t grow up too soon. FAVORITE MOVIE: The Shawshank Redemption BUCKET LIST: Canoeing down the Amazon River

VINCENZO BETULIA

Chef and Owner The French Brasserie Rustique, Osteria Tulia, and Bar Tulia (two locations)

Vincenzo Betulia’s parents wanted him to start working at a young age “in case something bad happened to them.” When he was 14, his father found him a job at a mom-and-pop Italian restaurant where he “fell in love with the action of the business.” Today, the 46-year-old owns and operates four restaurants through Campagna Hospitality Group and is proud of the fun company culture he’s created for his 400 employees.

EDUCATION: Kendall College BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Do it with passion or don’t do it at all. SECRET TO SUCCESS: Being a hard worker; success isn’t gifted. You won’t succeed at business if you don’t want to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself. ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: I would ask myself, “Are you sure you still wanna be in this business?” The restaurant business is not for the faint of heart. You work when everyone else plays. It’s a passion business where the drive comes from the soul. SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW: I’m a crazy soccer fan and live vicariously through my soccer-playing twins. I play guitar and was a bowling coach. I have a mean hook. BUCKET LIST: To open a catering division of Campagna Hospitality Group

PAULA BRODY

Artist and President Naples Art District

Paula Brody’s career leading several nonprofi t organizations has enabled her to excel in her position as president of Naples Art District. Brody has achieved increased growth and visibility for the vibrant community of 100 artists with working studios north of Pine Ridge Road. The district is designated by Collier County as a unique regional cultural arts destination. Brody specializes in textured mixed-media paintings and collages and teaches at her studio in the district.

EDUCATION: Boston University (EdD) and University of Michigan (MSW) FIRST JOB: I was a clinical social worker at the National Institute for Burn Medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan. BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Never let a day go by without telling your husband that you love him! HIDDEN TALENT: I’m a passionate gardener of large perennial gardens at my summer home on Cape Cod. FAVORITE BOOK: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: Pelagos Café for Greek food BUCKET LIST: I would like to be a resident artist on a cruise ship.

KRISTEN COURY

Founder, CEO, and Producing Artistic Director Gulfshore Playhouse

Kristen Coury has spearheaded the development of the new Baker Theatre and Education Center, which will have an operating budget of $10 million and create a $20 million annual economic impact when it opens in 2024. She’s come a long in creating this gateway campus to downtown Naples—one of the region’s largest public-private partnerships—since moving to Naples from New York City and founding the nonprofi t equity company in a municipal building in 2004.

EDUCATION: University at Albany – State University of New York FIRST JOB: Selling shoes for Thom McAn at the local mall at the age of 16. WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: It was the only thing I ever wanted to do, and to this day, is what keeps me getting up in the morning and about which I am truly passionate. SECRET TO SUCCESS: The Merlin Principle: Visualizing the end goal, seeing it in perfect detail, and then working your way backwards so that you very clearly see all the next steps that are needed to make your dream a reality. FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: London, England ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Don’t ever give up! BUCKET LIST: Istanbul

KIM COLLINS

Vice President, Principal, and Owner Collins DuPont Design Group

Kim Collins is a licensed Florida interior designer with more than 40 years of experience designing interiors worldwide. After earning her bachelor’s in interior design, Collins attended Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. In 1987, Collins cofounded the Bonita Springs design fi rm bearing her name along with partner Sherri DuPont. Collins DuPont—which has won more than 100 awards, including from the American Society of Interior Designers-Florida South Chapter—recently celebrated its thirty-fi fth year in business in Southwest Florida.

EDUCATION: Colorado State University, Harvard University Graduate School of Design BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Faith does not make things easy; it makes them possible (Luke:37). HOBBIES: Boating and biking ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: In the midst of your di culty lies opportunity and learning. FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANTS: Sea Salt and Dorona BUCKET LIST: The Baltic, especially St. Petersburg, the Hermitage Museum

SHERRI DUPONT

President, Principal, and Owner Collins DuPont Design Group

Sherri DuPont is a licensed Florida interior designer with over 40 years of experience designing interiors worldwide. After college, DuPont attended the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University. In 1987, she founded the design fi rm bearing her name along with partner Kim Collins. She fi nds inspiration from her travels throughout Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, and most recently, a study tour in Cuba. The award-winning design fi rm recently celebrated its thirty-fi fth year in business in Southwest Florida.

EDUCATION: Florida State University HOBBIES: Cooking and traveling TOUGHEST CHALLENGE: The death of my parents. I learned that life continues on despite the heartbreak. HIDDEN TALENT: I raced cars when I was young. ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Marry a rich man! FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY PLACE TO VISIT: Naples Botanical Garden

DAVID FRUSCIONE

Founder and Creative Director Republic of Decor

With degrees in interior architecture, marketing, and buying and merchandising, David Fruscione was well suited to create Republic of Decor in 2015. His shop in the Naples Design District is a popular stop for savvy customers seeking unique products for their homes. Fruscione also provides residential interior design services. His forte is transforming spaces using his natural intuition, out-of-thebox thinking, and extensive educational background. Fruscione is a founding member and past president of the Naples Design District.

EDUCATION: California College of the Arts/University of San Francisco NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: Design Excellence Award from the American Society of Interior Designers; two-time fi nalist for the National Interior Design Society’s Interior Designer of the Year Award; twice named among Retail Rockstar’s Top 50 Independent Home Furnishings Store in the United States FIRST JOB: Salesperson at the Gap, where I learned how to fold a perfect stack of chinos WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: I believe my purpose in life is to use my creative talents and expertise to create spaces that people can thrive in. CHARITIES: I participated in the design of the SWFL Ronald McDonald House. It was very rewarding to provide unexpected joy and a moment of peace for families.

RUFINO HERNANDEZ

Creative Director and Managing Partner Garden District

Rufi no Hernandez launched the Garden District, a fl oral, event, and personalized home and garden design store in Naples in 2004. He also co-owns and runs Golden Gate Nursery, which his Cuba-born parents established, with his brother, Jorge. Hernandez has garnered a loyal legion of high-end clients for his creative designs for large events and intimate residential interiors. Garden District creates stunning designs for multimillion-dollar events for the likes of Swarovski, Royal Bank of Scotland, and March of Dimes.

EDUCATION: Johnson & Wales University FIRST JOB: Program director for a neighborhood redevelopment nonprofi t SECRET TO SUCCESS: Stay fl exible and adaptable to capitalize on opportunities. HOBBIES: Boating and cooking ADVICE TO A RECENT GRADUATE: Don’t just look for your path on the road that’s before you. Look around, turn over stones, and see what lies beneath. The universe will open for you. BUCKET LIST: Southeast Asia

RENÉE GADDIS

Principal and Owner Renée Gaddis Interiors

Since Renée Gaddis founded her eponymous Naples fi rm in 2012, it has garnered more than 80 design awards, and more than a dozen projects have been featured in national and regional publications. She pushes design boundaries to provide unique living spaces and believes each client’s home should represent their personality and be a true sanctuary. Gaddis has traveled extensively throughout Europe, from Iceland to Spain to Switzerland, as well as Croatia and Chile.

EDUCATION: Iowa State University WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: My passion for interior design was fueled by my undergraduate studies in apparel design. BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: When you follow people and copy what they do, you will always be one step behind. Instead, just focus on being the best you! SECRET TO SUCCESS: I sweat the small stu . There are many times when the little things matter. SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW: I love animals and would love to have a farm someday. ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Slow down and enjoy being in the moment; life is not a race. CHARITIES: American Heart Association, Southwest Florida Children’s Charities

EMILY JAMES

Artist and Owner Emily James Art Gallery

As a native Floridian, Emily James specializes in Florida scenes with an abstract twist. She says she enjoys “capturing the beauty found throughout the state. Our unique ecosystems, colors, and wildlife are a constant source of inspiration to me.” Her eponymous working gallery featuring her original paintings and fi ne art prints is consistently voted as one of the best galleries in Naples. James works in acrylics and oil on canvas and consults with clients and collectors.

EDUCATION: Florida State University NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: Two of her images have been among the 50 top-selling prints worldwide; exhibited at the High Museum in Atlanta; selected as an “Outstanding American Woman in the Arts”; a signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society; accepted into the competitive Watercolor U.S.A. exhibition; and featured in the book, The Best of Watercolor WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: It was a marvelous gift I was given. I arrived in this world as an artist, and I’ve loved every second. FUNNIEST WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE: I needed a heavy painting moved and told someone at Vergina Restaurant I needed his muscles, and he thought I meant mussels and brought me a bowlful!

MATTHEW KRAGH

Founder and President MHK Architecture & Planning

Mattew Kragh launched MHK Architecture & Planning in Naples in 2009, and it has grown into a far-reaching rm with four studios in Florida—Naples, Palm Beach, Sarasota, and Islamorada—and four others in North and South Carolina and Colorado creating award-winning commercial and residential designs. Kragh worked under the guidance of Chicago-based architect Helmut Jahn before moving to Naples in 1997. MHK has earned the American Institute of Architects’ Firm of the Year and President’s Award.

EDUCATION: Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago (MArch) FIRST JOB: Cleaning golf clubs and serving hot dogs at a country club BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Never burn bridges. SECRET TO SUCCESS: Reputation is everything. HIDDEN TALENT: I was an NCAA Division 1 diver. BUCKET LIST: Play Augusta National Golf Club

DANIEL LUBNER

Cofounder and CEO Clive Daniel Home Principal Lubner Group

Daniel Lubner was born in South Africa and his family moved to the United States when he was 4 years old. He is the fourth generation of a family with roots in furniture making and retail sales. Lubner began his career in advertising and guides marketing and business development. Clive Daniel Home was launched in 2011 and today has three showrooms. He oversees the company’s hospitality design division, which has completed projects on ve continents, including three hotels in Croatia.

EDUCATION: University of South Florida FIRST JOB: Sweeping furniture warehouses at age 12 BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Don’t worry about your competition; they are not your client nor your concern. SECRET TO SUCCESS: Embrace failure. Don’t be afraid of it—and hopefully learn from it. FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: My wife loves to travel; I just carry the bags. We do seem to fi nd our way out to Napa every year. ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Don’t spend money on hair products. FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: Sea Salt

JUDITH LIEGEOIS

Principal Designer and Owner Judith Liegeois Designs

Inspired by the colors, textures, and spirit of places she experiences during her extensive travels, Judith Liegeois enjoys collaborating with clients in all aspects of the design process. The New Zealand native is lauded for her sense of color, style, and placement, and detail. Liegeois’ team approaches each project with fresh enthusiasm. Roundtable discussions for all aspects of the design process create an environment that is personable and comfortable for each client.

EDUCATION: University of Auckland FIRST JOB: At a hair salon called Hair We Are in Australia BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Be true to yourself. SECRET TO SUCCESS: Supporting the artists represented at Judith Liegeois Designs and incorporated into design projects. I see their talent and honor it as a collaboration through my design work. HOBBIES: Gardening FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: Chez Böet CHARITIES: Naples Children & Education Foundation, Youth Haven

GLENN MIDNET

President and CEO Design West

Glenn Midnet established Design West in Naples in 1994, launching a 29-year career that includes nationally and internationally renowned interior design projects. He lends his world-class design expertise and leadership to the design process, creating award-winning interiors as part of the team at Design West. Midnet has a passion for philanthropy, particularly breast cancer research. He is the creator of Furniture for the Cure, a sophisticated furniture line that artistically incorporates the breast cancer ribbon.

EDUCATION: Indiana State University WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: You get to use your creativity and imagination while working for some of the most successful people in the world. BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Whatever you do, give it 100 percent. TOUGHEST CHALLENGE: Facing, overcoming, and beating cancer HIDDEN TALENT: Cooking—I love creating in the kitchen. FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: French Riviera ADVICE TO A RECENT GRADUATE: Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.

JETT THOMPSON

Owner and Principal Designer Jett Thompson Home

Jett Thompson Home is lled with antiques from around the world, furniture, artwork, lighting, jewelry, gifts, and accessories for the home and garden. A sixthgeneration Floridian, Jett Thompson had a 25-year design career in Atlanta before moving to Naples and opening her rst design showroom in Naples in 2012. After ve years, she doubled her showroom and studio space, expanding again in December 2022 with a second location. In addition to private estates, she has accessorized a Ralph Lauren Home and Ritz-Carlton residence.

EDUCATION: Florida State University BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Do what you do best and what you love. Hire the best people to do the things that slow you down, and that are outside of your skill sets. MOST INSPIRING PERSON: My mother, Nelda Thompson SECRET TO SUCCESS: Never be afraid of taking a risk; it gives you back the greatest reward. HOBBIES: Pilates, gardening, and travel ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Trust your instincts. FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY PLACE TO VISIT: Naples Botanical Garden

FRANK VERPOORTEN

Executive Director and Chief Curator Naples Art Institute

Frank Verpoorten brings more than 20 years of curatorial and artistic leadership to his role at the Naples Art Institute, home of the 69-year-old Naples Art Association. Verpoorten has organized more than 100 exhibitions of modern and contemporary art and facilitated The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples’ acquisition of the Olga Hirshhorn collection. Verpoorten champions arts education for all.

EDUCATION: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium (two MAs), City University of New York HOMETOWN: Brussels, Belgium FIRST JOB: Research associate in the Museum of Musical Instruments in Brussels HOBBIES: Cooking, tennis, running, hiking, and collecting Belgian comic strips and graphic novels SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW: I am a long-distance runner and love participating in ultra-trail races. ADVICE TO A RECENT GRADUATE: Expand your mind, travel internationally and across continents to form a global perspective on the human experience.

KATHLEEN VAN BERGEN

CEO and President Artis—Naples

Now in her twelfth season at the helm of Artis—Naples, home of The Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic, Kathleen van Bergen continues to chart an ambitious course for the regional destination. She has broadened the organization’s multidisciplinary programming, with a mission dedicated to the visual and performing arts while ensuring scal stability. During her tenure, organizational debt has been eliminated and the balance sheet has more than doubled. She holds a degree in violin performance.

EDUCATION: Eastman School of Music BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Before you can think out of the box, you have to master what is in the box. SECRET TO SUCCESS: A collaborative approach: No one accomplishes anything alone; people get things done with other people. SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW: I have heard performances in 100-plus concert halls in more than 35 countries. FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: A new one in my goal to visit 50 countries before I turn 50 FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY PLACE TO VISIT: The beach from Doctor’s Pass to Third Avenue during that magical golden hour.

MARK D. WILSON

President and CEO London Bay

With a business and construction background, England native Mark D. Wilson founded Naples-based London Bay with his wife Gemma to build luxury homes in 1990. Today, it encompasses a growing family of companies: Homes, Renovation, Romanza Interior Design, and Development Group. Its latest project is Saltleaf on Estero Bay featuring The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay. Other recent projects include a luxury mid-rise tower in Grandview at Bay Beach, Moorings Park Grande Lake, and the single-family Cambridge Park neighborhood in Orange Blossom.

EDUCATION: Manchester Business School (MBA) FIRST JOB: At age 16, I worked on a construction site as a day laborer, which certainly encouraged me to get a good education. TOUGHEST CHALLENGE: The 2008 housing downturn was an extremely tough time for the business and an important learning lesson. Fortunately, we came out strong and continue to build the company. FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: No favorite. Travel opens the mind and allows for very rich experiences and o ers a welcome break from the hectic business environment.