Architecture and Design

STEVEN L. SANDERSON President and CEO United Way of Collier County and the Keys

A certified fundraising executive, Steven L. Sanderson has led the organization since 2012. Since then, the United Way has grown from $1.9 million to more than $6.1 million in revenue. He has built the information and referral helpline, Collier 211, and established Volunteer Collier. His team has secured local, state, federal, and international funding, and revamped the United Way’s funding review process. Sanderson is a member of the United Way of Florida Board of Directors.

EDUCATION: Ottawa University HOMETOWN: Topeka, Kansas FIRST JOB: Shoveling snow in the winter and cutting lawns in the summer to save money for my first car. I am pleased to share I was successful in purchasing a used 1971 AMC Javelin. LESSON LEARNED: Hurricane Irma pushed our United Way to the limit as our team worked non-stop for several months to bring aid to Collier County. Now we are more prepared than ever to respond to disaster, as we undertake a critical role in the pandemic response. FAVORITE BOOK: The Maxwell Daily Reader by John. C. Maxwell SUSAN BAY Owner and CEO Bay Design Store Susan Bay opened her first interior design firm in 1978 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, serving clients for decades before opening her second location in Naples in 2003. She ultimately began to focus entirely on the Naples market. Located just two blocks from the beach, her award-winning design team and fine furniture store reflect Naples’ subtropical surroundings. Bay continues to be recognized as a leading entrepreneur in the home furnishings and interior design industries. JACK WERT Executive Director Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)

Since 2003, Jack Wert has led Collier County’s efforts to improve and promote tourism—one of the top three local industries that adds hundreds of millions of dollars into the economy and supports thousands of jobs annually. Visitorship has reached two million each year, and the CVB’s promotional efforts have grown to encompass areas such as sports, wellness, arts, and culture. Wert’s love of Naples and “interest in sharing it with travelers from all over the world” fuels his career.

EDUCATION: Miami University FIRST JOB: Marketing manager for Professional Bowlers Association FUNNIEST WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE: As a banker in Akron, Ohio, my 2-year-old son got behind the teller counter and set off the alarm. The first cop to respond was my cousin, and he gave me a real ration of abuse for the false alarm. TOUGHEST CHALLENGE: Starting a business and collecting payment for good work HOBBIES: Boating and scuba diving FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY PLACE TO VISIT: Keewaydin Island

HIDDEN TALENT: Licensed Merchant Marine Captain

EDUCATION: University of Michigan FIRST JOB: Taking over my brother’s newspaper route for the summer at age 11. It came with his bike. BEST ADVICE: You can correct a mistake quickly or leave it and live with it forever. SECRET TO SUCCESS: Attention to detail HIDDEN TALENT: Playing the flute FAVORITE MOVIE: The Longest Day FAVORITE TRAVEL SPOT: Paris FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY SPOT: Chokoloskee FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: Bleu Provence ANDREA CLARK BROWN Owner, Director, and Curator Andrea Clark Brown Architects, PA Up Art Contemporary

Andrea Clark Brown is a well-established architect in Naples, closely serving private clients as well as high-profile public projects. She founded her firm in 1986 and has designed notable landmarks such as the Sugden Community Theatre, Sugden Plaza, the downtown public parking garages, churches, and corporate and commercial offices. She has held several professorial positions (Harvard University and University of Miami) and is a lecturer, juror, and writer. Her firm also provides interior design services and landscape planning.

DARREN MILES PHOTOGRAPHY EDUCATION: University of Virginia (MAarch) FUNNIEST WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE: Arriving at an important project interview with my team in separate cars, only to find that each thought the other team member brought the presentation materials. I had to ad-lib the interview with a marker and paper on easel. BEST ADVICE: Make NO assumptions. SECRET TO SUCCESS: Positive attitude, resiliency, and coping skills HOBBIES: Piano and writing BUCKET LIST: Practice piano as much as I want, travel Italy with my husband, and have the perfect gallery kitchen to hone my now-rusty Iron Chef skills

KIM COLLINS Vice President, Principal, and Owner Collins & DuPont Design Group

Kim Collins has earned more than 100 design awards. She established Collins & DuPont Design Group with Sherri DuPont in 1987 to bring together their shared philosophy of serving their clients with high standards of personal service with designs that genuinely reflect individual tastes. Their leadership and visionary thinking have built a successful full-service concierge style firm, working with clients throughout Florida, the United States, and globally. She undertook postgraduate studies and has traveled extensively seeking knowledge and inspiration.

EDUCATION: Colorado State University FUNNIEST WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE: We left the market by valet with another person’s car. We noticed after one of the designers I was with thought someone stole her candy and soda that had been left in the car. When we returned, the family, whose car we were driving, was sitting wide-eyed at the curb. BEST ADVICE: Luke:37: Faith does not make things easy; it makes them possible. FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Italy ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: In the midst of your difficulty lies opportunity and learning. FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY PLACE TO VISIT: Gulf of Mexico DAVID CORBAN Architect David Corban Architects David Corban’s work as an architect is marked by a dedication to environmental and community sustainability. Recent projects include the Shelly Stayer Shelter, the first purpose-built shelter for human trafficking victims in the United States, and the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center. His firm’s design for Celebration Park received an “Award of Excellence” in 2019 from Metal Architecture. LEEDaccredited, Corban has earned several regional and statewide American Institute of Architects Awards, including “Citizen Architect.” JOHN M. COONEY Partner Stofft Cooney Architects

John M. Cooney has earned a reputation for exemplary, award-winning architecture. Growing up in New York informed Cooney’s sense of design. Stofft Cooney Architects prides itself on its wide array of projects ranging from intimate residences to substantial estates with a scope of work that encompasses all genres to reveal influences from the most emulated, diverse styles throughout history. Regardless of style, the firm’s philosophy is to create timeless architecture with modern amenities.

EDUCATION: Kent State University HOMETOWN: East Hampton, Long Island FIRST JOB: Lifeguard BEST ADVICE: Make sure you love what you do for work as it’s the majority of your waking day. HIDDEN TALENT: I’m a good writer and can write poetry. HOBBIES: Yachting, fishing, traveling, and pushing the envelope when and where I can FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: The Continental CHARITIES: STARability Foundation and its Trailblazers Academy

BUCKET LIST: Bordeaux, France for some wine

EDUCATION: Mississippi State University HOMETOWN: Heflin, Alabama FIRST JOB: Mowing lawns for gas money TOUGHEST CHALLENGE: Starting a new architecture firm in the teeth of the Great Recession HOBBIES: Cycling, hiking, and traveling with family and friends FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Western Canada FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY PLACE TO VISIT: Fakahatchee State Preserve State Park FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: Taqueria San Julian BUCKET LIST: Travel to Asia SHERRI DUPONT President, Principal, and Owner Collins & DuPont Design Group

Sherri DuPont found a kindred spirit in Kim Collins, and the two established their award-winning interior design firm in 1987. She considers the company’s 40 employees as family. DuPont finds inspiration from her travels throughout Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, and, most recently, Cuba. Her experience and in-depth understanding of international design has led her to receive many awards and accolades throughout her career. Collins & DuPont works with clients throughout Florida, the United States, and globally.

EDUCATION: Florida State University HOMETOWN: Evansville, Indiana FUNNIEST WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE: I had a client who walked me around their house and kept requesting raspberry-colored “turlets” as we went into each bathroom. HOBBIES: Cooking, 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 Gardens

ELLIN GOETZ President Goetz+Stropes Landscape Architects

Ellin Goetz has seen many changes since becoming a landscape architect in Florida in 1986. She has sought to balance growth and sustainability, which has led to projects such as the award-winning restoration of Mina Edison’s 1927 Moonlight Garden, innovative designs at the Naples Botanical Garden, and the visitor entry at the Naples Zoo. She brings an appreciation for native plants to all of her work. She is vice chair of the Everglades Foundation.

EDUCATION: University of Massachusetts (MLA) HOMETOWN: Staten Island, New York SECRET TO SUCCESS: I do nothing perfectly. LESSON LEARNED: Plants are easy when compared to people... HOBBIES: A herd of Connemara ponies and a flock of free-range hens FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY PLACE TO VISIT: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: HB’s on the Gulf MATTHEW KRAGH President MHK Architecture & Planning Matthew Kragh worked under the guidance of Chicago-based architect Helmut Jahn before relocating to Naples in 1997. Kragh launched his firm in 2009; today it has offices in Naples and Palm Beach, as well as South Carolina, North Carolina, and Colorado. The firm donated its services for Naples Dog Park, Norris Center, and Baker Park. He’s served on many boards and earned several awards, including the American Institute of Architects’ Firm of the Year and President’s Award. RUFINO HERNANDEZ Creative Director and Managing Partner Garden District

Since launching the Garden District in downtown Naples in 2004, Rufino Hernandez has garnered a loyal legion of high-end clients for his creative floral designs for large events and intimate residential interiors. Hernandez also co-owns and runs Golden Gate Nursery, which his Cuba-born parents established, with his brother, Jorge. Garden District provides stunning displays for multimillion-dollar events, the likes of Swarovski, Royal Bank of Scotland, and March of Dimes.

EDUCATION: Johnson & Wales University HOMETOWN: Naples, Florida FIRST JOB: Program director for a neighborhood redevelopment nonprofit SECRET TO SUCCESS: to success: Stay flexible and adaptable to capitalize on opportunities HOBBIES: Boating, cooking ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Don’t just look for your path on the road that’s before you. Look around, turn over stones, and see what lies beneath, and the universe will open up for you. BUCKET LIST: Southeast Asia CHARITIES: Humane Society Naples, STARability Foundation, Holocaust Museum & Cohen

Education Center

EDUCATION: Illinois Institute of Technology (MA) HOMETOWN: Monticello, Indiana FIRST JOB: Cleaning golf clubs and serving hot dogs at a county club BEST ADVICE: Never burn bridges. SECRET TO SUCCESS: Reputation is everything. HIDDEN TALENT: I was an NCAA Division 1 diver. FAVORITE MOVIE: The Big Lebowski FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Abaco Club at Winding Bay (Bahamas) CHARITY: St. Matthew’s House BUCKET LIST: Augusta National Golf Club JUDITH LIEGEOIS Owner Judith Liegeois Designs

Inspired by extensive travel abroad and throughout the United States, Judith Liegeois exudes creativity and a collaborative spirit at the firm she founded 20 years ago. Her unique sense of color, style, and placement, her keen eye for detail, and superb staff enhances each design project. Growing up in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, the beach was Liegeois’ playground—rocks were toys, and driftwood, seashells, and seaweed were art supplies. She has an innate sense for “organic glamour.”

ED CHAPPELL EDUCATION: University of Auckland HOMETOWN: Auckland, New Zealand FUNNIEST WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE: Being mistaken for the cleaning lady. I love cleaning the showroom and am often in my Lululemons and flip flops. FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: Bleu Provence and Chez Boët CAUSES: Naples Children & Education Foundation, Humane Society Naples, Naples Senior Center, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, St. Matthew’s House

CLIVE LUBNER Chairman Clive Daniel Home

Clive Lubner began guiding the nearly 100-year-old furnishings chain Robb & Stucky in 1981, transforming the firm with $2 million in revenue into a retail giant with $350 million in annual revenues by the time of the Great Recession. He launched Clive Daniel Home in 2011 with his son, Daniel. Today, there are two Clive Daniel Home retail operations in Naples and Boca Raton, and the company remains a visionary leader in interior design and furnishings.

EDUCATION: Damelin College HOMETOWN: Johannesburg, South Africa BEST ADVICE: If there is a better way, find it. BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Immigrating with my wife, Sunny, to the United States to escape Apartheid in 1978 with just a few suitcases of clothing and two young children, Daniel, 4, and Claudia, 7. FAVORITE MOVIE: Out of Africa CHARITIES: PACE Center for Girls, Arts for ACT, Dress for Success, SalusCare, and live theater, especially Florida Repertory Theatre GLENN MIDNET President and CEO Interiors by Design West Glenn Midnet established Design West in 1994, beginning a 25-year career that includes nationally and internationally renowned interior design projects. He lends his world-class interior design expertise and leadership to the design process, creating award-winning interiors throughout the country as part of the Design West team. 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. DANIEL LUBNER CEO and Cofounder Clive Daniel Home

Daniel Lubner was born in South Africa and his family immigrated to Southwest Florida 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 entered the furniture retail/design industry a few years later. Lubner aggressively pushes advertising and business development boundaries and has completed

EDUCATION: University of South Florida FIRST JOB: Slinging yogurt at TCBY BEST ADVICE: Naples is a playground for Fortune 500 CEOs. The lessons learned from them, in casual conversations, are a daily gift. HOBBY: Training for mixed martial arts FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: I have now completed two hotels in Croatia and will soon be working on a third. PET: Stella, a French bulldog and star of some of our commercials ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Save your money on fancy haircuts.

projects on five continents.

EDUCATION: Indiana State University NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I’m most proud of designing and holding the U.S. patent for the Pink Ribbon Alyce Chair, which is named in honor of my late mother. SECRET TO YOUR SUCCESS: When the going gets tough, get creative. TOUGHEST CHALLENGE: Facing, overcoming, and beating cancer HOBBIES: Boating, cycling, and golf FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: Capital Grille FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: French Riviera BEN RILEY President and COO, Thomas Riley Artisans’ Guild Managing Partner, Method & Concept

Ben Riley oversees all company finances, administrative operations, management information system, and work-flow processes at Thomas Riley Artisans’ Guild. Riley graduated cum laude with a degree in manufacturing engineering. He brings extensive knowledge of materials science and custom woodworking, as well as the principles of lean manufacturing and computer hardware, software, and technology integration. He is also a managing partner at Method & Concept, a gallery, art consultancy, and design atelier, a Thomas Riley Company.

EDUCATION: Boston University HOMETOWN: Naples, Florida FIRST JOB: After-hours janitor BEST ADVICE: Under promise, over deliver. HIDDEN TALENT: Playing guitar ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Make eye contact and do your best at everything you do, or don’t do it at all. FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: BrickTop’s BUCKET LIST: Visit all 50 states