Mots2013

S A R A S O TA | M A N AT E E

MEN ON THE SCENE

SURGERY WITH MORE PRECISION, LESS PAIN, AND FASTER RECOVERY?

That’s

GOOD NEWS. Surgery – that’s one word you don’t want to hear. But knowing that your doctor can use the robotic-assisted da Vinci® SiTM Surgical System, should reduce your concerns. This advanced technique provides greater precision for your surgeon. And, it’s minimally invasive, which means less pain and a quicker recovery, so you can get back to what you really want to do. Isn’t that great news?

To learn more visit VeniceRegional.com/robotics.

DiScovEr A nEw wAy to ExprESS yourSElf

Sleek Styling, Serious Performance…Meet the Jupiter 41! The Flagship 41 starts with a time-tested and proven deep-V hull design built for running through the rough stuff in comfort, while also offering speed when you want it courtesy of triple 350-hp Yamaha V-8 outboards. The Jupiter 41 is equally at home island hopping or trolling the 1,000-fathom line.

• Sleeping Accommodations for 5 or More • 60-gal. Livewell 2/90 gal. Fishboxes with Macerators • Custom Wood Cabinetry • Diesel Generator

PowErED BY

I f Yo u E n j oY T h E f I n E r T h I n g s I n L I f E , D E m a n D T h E V E r Y B E s T !

26’ fs

30’ fs

32’ fs/CuDDY

34’ fs/T

38’ fs/T/CuDDY

41’ Ex/Sb

for more information, contact jupiter marine at 941.729.5000 or visit www.JupiterMarine.com

Family

is Life.

Enjoy it to the Fullest.

Laurel Oak

T H E PR E M I E R FA M I LY C O U N T RY C LU B

Member-owned since 1999, at Laurel Oak you will find very warm, welcoming, and friendly members. With abundant natural beauty teeming with wildlife, the Club’s many amenities include 36 holes of championship golf, 12 Har Tru tennis courts, a junior Olympic-size pool and a 45,000 sq ft clubhouse.

Whether you play golf or tennis, or like to socialize, dine and party with friends in a warm and inviting environment, we have a membership plan for your lifestyle. In addition to our retired members, there are many young families at Laurel Oak, giving the Club a very energetic, highly participatory membership with many family-oriented events throughout the year.

We invite you for a Club tour anytime or take advantage of our try-us-out membership, designed to allow you to experience Laurel Oak Country Club, with virtually all the privileges of a full member, before making the commitment to full membership.

Call today for your personal tour. Enjoy family and life to the fullest at Laurel Oak.

Try-Us-Out this Season!

90 day Trial Memberships

Golf & Tennis $2,500 Tennis $800 Social $500

941-378-3399 2700 Gary Player Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34240 www.laureloak.com A Private Club

Plus Tax

Inviting. Inspired. Incomparable.

Doctors Hospital is My Hospital for Orthopaedic Care Personal service, respected surgeons and national recognition. We are dedicated to providing

OUTSTANDING QUALITY AND

AWARD-WINNING CARE

FOR YOU Since I had my hips done by Dr. Stolarski, I feel like I am 21 again. It was a great experience and I am back to work without any limitations. As the owner of Phillips Landscape, being on the job means everything to me and my staff.

– Mike Phillips, Orthopaedic Patient

To learn more about Mike’s healthcare journey, visit us at DoctorsofSarasota.com 5731 Bee Ridge Road 1-888-685-1596 (toll-free)

Chef Selected, Farm to Table Ingredients.

Herbs grown onsite.

5104 Ocean Blvd. | Siesta Key | 941-349-1423 | cafegabbiano.com Open Daily 5pm-10pm. Tasting Menus available Sunday to Thursday.

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

From the Publisher Scene Magazine proudly presents Men on the Scene II, part of our family of “on the SCENE” special issues profiling influential and successful professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders.

Please take the time to read each profile and learn about these outstanding individuals on both a professional and personal level – from their various backgrounds and experiences, to their skill sets and commitment to excellence, to their values and integrity. As you learn the stories behind these gentlemen, I encourage you to support local business as I do, and consider utilizing their services, patronizing their businesses and supporting their causes so we may thrive as a community.

My sincere thanks to everyone who worked so capably to make this issue extra special – Debbi Benedict (Issue Coordinator); Michelle Cross (Art Director); Cliff Roles and Daniel Perales (Primary Photographers); Sue Engelhart and Steven J. Smith (Writers), and everyone else who took part in the production of this special publication.

Ron Milton Publisher

CEO/Publisher Ronald W. Milton Executive Editor Julie A. Milton

MEN ON THE SCENE

Issue Coordinator Debbi Benedict Art Director Michelle Cross Distribution Dick Jackson

A SCENE MAGAZINE SPECIAL ISSUE

Writers Sue Engelhart & Steven J. Smith

Photographers Barbara Banks, Nancy Nassiff, Daniel Perales & Cliff Roles Principal Office & Mailing Address: 7269 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota FL 34241 941.365.1119 scenesarasota.com SCENE Magazine is a locally owned, operated and printed publication.

SCENE Magazine is published monthly by RJM Ventures,

LLC. Subscription price: $12.95 per year, $24.95 for two years.

All contents copyrighted. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. ISSN 1535-8895.

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

When You Love Her

You Want Something Special Something Only She Will Have

MK Designs and The Golden Image Jewelry Store Unique *Distinctive* One of a Kind 30 South Palm Ave., Downtown Sarasota | 941.364.8439 | www.mymkdesigns.com

S A R A S O TA | M A N AT E E

MEN ON THE SCENE

Profiles

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

Lew Bennett, Anthony Dubbaneh & Michael Landsberg

Pooling their decades of combined experience as valued financial advisors at prominent investment firms, Michael Landsberg and Lew Bennett — along with fellow partner Anthony Dubbaneh — launched Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management, a company dedicated to helping a select group of families in Charlotte, Sarasota and Manatee counties manage their financial affairs.

Landsberg and Bennett met as financial advisors at Merrill Lynch in Punta Gorda in 1999 and eventually decided to put together a team that would offer objective investment guidance, asset preservation strategies and risk management techniques to clients in a uniquely personal way. “We wanted to control our service delivery for clients as well as our culture,” Landsberg said. “We wanted to have an entrepreneurial culture and have the ability to make decisions — and service our clients — in a way that we felt could be controlled on a more local level.”

Bennett was drawn to the investment planning field back in the late 1990s. “I was always the one who fell in love with the future value button on my calculator,” he said.

“That was the button showing people what they can have when they retire.”

Landsberg went back even further, to sixth grade, when as part of a career day he was allowed to shadow a stockbroker. “I was interested and intrigued by the numbers and the fast-paced math involved in buying this and selling that,” he said. “That led me to business school, then internships in college. I had a securities registration before I graduated.”

Dubbaneh said what differentiates Landsberg Bennett from other wealth management firms is the ability to specialize in customer service. “We have a phenomenal support team in place,” he said. “A handful of them have been trained as former advisors at Merrill Lynch, and have the capability to do a lot of things for people — three CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™, a private banker, an attorney. We have a vast amount of resources that are central in one team, focusing on our clients.”

Bennett added from a service standpoint the company has the ability to control the experience its clients have with the firm. “All decisions are made locally,” he said.

“This is a personal business. We work very hard to find the right fit with our clients.

And it’s a high-service business. It requires the right people and the right culture to be able to deliver that to clients, for them to get what they need and what they want.

The success we have with our clients is in spending time with them and focusing on what their goals are. It’s a strong planning base we provide for them, allowing them to make rational investment decisions rather than emotional decisions.”

Landsberg said a lot of financial firms are cutting staff these days, which he believes is a bad idea. “Support is not a profit maker for a big firm,” he said. “It’s a cost. But we realized a few years back that the constant cutting of support staff — who serve clients’ needs, handling any and all questions — is not going to be a long term, beneficial feature for clients. What’s unique in our business is we have probably twice as many service folks as we have advisors. And we want clients to have fantastic service.”

In addition to the firm’s Punta Gorda office, it has established a presence in Sarasota and Manatee counties as well. “We’re working with a select group of clients and we want to be able to service people in a place where they want to be serviced,” Landsberg said.

“We’re considering other office locations as well. It’s all about meeting clients where they want to be met. It’s another thing that differentiates our business.”

Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network is not a legal or tax advisor. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC Landsberg Bennett PWM is a separate entity from WFAFN. Men on the Scene 2013 | SCENE

Matt Auen

Before rising to his current position as director of golf at Laurel Oak Country Club, Delaware native Matt Auen lived to play the game. “As a kid I worked in the cart barn and loved being around golf,” he said. “I played junior golf and after graduating college I got a job at The Country Club of Virginia in Richmond, a very high-end club with two clubhouses and 54 holes of golf.”

After working his way up the ladder there, Auen took a career detour and worked for UPS for six years. But golf was still in his blood.

“In the 90s I played the Space Coast Tour in Orlando on my own ticket,” he said. “But it’s tough standing over a three-footer, worrying about how you’re going to pay the electric bill.”

Soon Auen returned to the operations end of the business as an assistant pro in Lakeland.

Through a progression of hard earned upgrades in his career, he arrived as director of golf at Laurel Oak in 2000 and has prospered there ever since — expertly organizing tournaments and events, teaching, and winning merchandiser of the year in ’03 and ‘13.

Auen said his wide variety of experiences in the golf world uniquely qualify him for his present position. “I played as a professional,” he said. “From there I worked at public courses, a resort setting, and now back into the private sector. I’ve seen every side of this business.”

Now that he’s over 50, Auen said he’s concentrating on playing more golf in some senior events — perhaps on the Senior Tour.

“I’m actually playing better than I’ve ever played,” he said. “I’m a plus-one right now, right around scratch. Thankfully my body’s held up and the older you get, the smarter you get at golf.” The game is still in his blood.

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

Scott Barcomb

In his senior year in college, Scott Barcomb received offers from three major accounting firms, all vying for his talents — but he felt the options they presented weren’t creative or entrepreneurial enough.

“So I segued from accounting into the investment arena, and in 1985 found a job with E.F. Hutton on Wall Street,” he said.

Seeking a lifestyle change, Barcomb relocated to Sarasota in 1987, then eventually moved over to Morgan Stanley. Within three years he rose to vice president of investments, but always yearned to form his own company. In 1999 he founded Barcomb & Associates, believing he would better serve his clients. It was an almost immediate success, which he attributes to his background on Wall Street in finance and investments.

“Most independents come from an insurance background, which is somewhat limiting,” he said.

“Also, my method of marketing has been public speaking. When I get in front of people and speak to them, I think I’m able to connect in a way that does separate me from a lot of my competition.

And I think that people have more of a desire to come in and sit down and visit with me in my office than perhaps most others.”

Add in Barcomb’s propensity for hard work and his commitment to individual and personalized service, and you’ve got a firm that quickly surpassed the $100 million threshold of assets under management.

“That was an important milestone, and we’ve grown from there,” he said, adding his company is in the process of expanding its office space and hiring more employees.

“I would say my main goal going forward over the next couple of years is that in this community when people think of independent financial advice, Barcomb & Associates will be the first company that comes to mind,” he said.

Registered Rep of and securities offered through Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC Barcomb and associates is independent of BFCFS.

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Scott Bush & Jason Carney Under the leadership of Scott Bush and Jason Carney, the Suncoast Communities Blood Bank has stepped into a much larger role in the local health care community.

With roots in the collection and distribution of safe blood products stretching back to 1949, SCBB has transformed into a health care partner providing access to advanced treatments as well as sophisticated data analysis and education for clinicians to help area hospitals improve patient outcomes and lower health care costs through greater efficiencies. Bush’s and Carney’s combined experience have provided the right mix of technical knowledge, business improvement skills and vision that earned SCBB a prestigious Award of Excellence from The Foundation of America’s Blood Centers.

Bush, as CEO, has the perspective of 22 years of experience in the blood bank industry. He has successfully led SCBB through the complexities of regulatory requirements to stay at the leading edge of medical

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

advancements, such as converting to leucocyte reduced blood products that minimize reactions and opening two centers to provide mononuclear cell treatments that offer hope for some cancers. With an eye to best practices, Bush completed a master’s degree in nonprofit management at the University of Central Florida, and his leadership of the 501(c) 3 nonprofit has earned him “Executive of the Year” recognition by the Florida Association of Blood Banks.

Carney’s title of COO and Transfusion Safety Officer speaks to the critical nature of his role. With a strong background in business improvement as a business analyst for the nation’s largest blood banks, he also provides in-depth analysis of patient response data to help clinicians, and helps hospitals benchmark their data and manage their blood products for greater freshness, all leading to better patient outcomes. Carney makes his mark as someone who works daily to improve the quality of health care in the community.

Don Carlson & Donald Carlson, Jr. As a younger man, Don Carlson learned the dry cleaning business in New York through family members. Today, his children are preparing to carry the business into the next generation. “In February of 1989 I purchased the store on Southgate Circle in Sarasota,” Don said. “It was an existing business that was failing and we turned it around by bringing our expertise and dedication to quality to it.”

He believes what sets Carlson Cleaners apart from other dry cleaning businesses is attention to detail, same-day service, and a laser-like focus on excellence.

Free pick-up and delivery customers enjoy the very special convenience of not having to make a special trip to the dry cleaner. Carlson Cleaners handles a variety of household items as well including comforters and blankets, area rugs and carpets, tablecloths and linens, pillows and cushions, and drapes and curtains.

The company also uses an eco-friendly solvent instead of harsh chemical cleaners.

In 2008, the company’s growth inspired the establishment of another location in Venice. “That location has been very successful as well,” Don said.

“And we’re planning right now to open one or two more in the near future. My son Donald Jr. and my daughter Amanda are becoming very active in the business. We want to continue to grow the business and I want to pass it on to them eventually, because they really enjoy it.”

Donald Jr. agreed. Entering the business full time last year, he said he developed an urge to learn the business.

“I just love every second of it,” he said. “I’m here every minute of the day working with the customers, making sure everything looks good, as well as drawing in new customers. Every part of this business I love. My dad built the business and I want to keep it going.”

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Fred Cochran

While conventional wisdom labeled the real estate meltdown a disaster, Fred Cochran saw opportunity, and his willingness to risk investing when others wouldn’t has created thriving real estate investment and property management businesses. Cochran founded Insula Properties along with partner Larry Fox in 2009 and began acquiring multi-family apartment complexes, many of which were in foreclosure, and renovating them. The firm has acquired more than 2,000 units, and now shares its expertise with other individual and institutional investors by offering real estate investment and management services.

Cochran’s MBA from the University of Florida and nearly 13 years of experience managing apartment investments for a regional apartment management firm are put to good use researching, underwriting, and acquiring properties. He also has responsibility for securing financing, including raising private equity SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

and permanent agency debt. Westwind Property Management was also formed to manage the properties and now manages 4,500 apartment units in six states for both Insula Properties and other investors and has about 125 employees. Cochran’s role is to stay in close touch with investors and also to act as the liaison with Westwind’s Operations Director Lori Kruli.

It is the quality of the employees who are responsible for the management of investments going forward as well as Cochran’s insistence on excellence in reporting that has created a track record that sets the firms apart.

Cochran helps retain his focus on his vision, best business practices, and high standards through active participation in the global Young President’s Organization. When he’s not navigating real estate waters, he enjoys spending his time at the beach or on the boat with his wife and two young daughters. The family also likes to bike, travel, and explore the cuisine at the area’s many restaurants.

Dan Dannheisser

Talk with personal injury lawyer Dan Dannheisser for five minutes and you realize he’s an attorney who cares about his job and the people he represents.

A trial attorney highly rated by Martindale-Hubbell and with a 30-year trial record, Dannheisser explains, “I like trying cases and I work hard. My clients are injured, they don’t know what to do next and need a real trial attorney with passion for the courtroom and compassion for the client, and up to the task to achieve the results. We understand the art of trying cases and we understand medicine from neurology or neurosurgery to orthopedics or radiology. These commitments give our clients a valuable leg up.”

Dannheisser added he doesn’t delegate anything. “I handle every case myself,” he said. “In order to best represent your client and obtain the monetary award they deserve you have to completely and personally

know the case from soup to nuts.”

The personal attention given to clients further separates his law practice, he added. “We spend a lot of time with our clients. Every client is given individual personalized attention and focus. I spend time with my client so I can personally understand everything about them, how their lives have been changed because of these injuries and what they need to make their lives better. It can be hard work. It’s not for everybody, but we take every client’s case seriously. The stakes are high for our clients and their families. It’s personal to them and it’s personal to us.”

That personal touch includes everyone, whether they’re a victim of the Lockerbie bombing — a case Dannheisser worked — or local families in complex wrongful death cases. “My goal every day is to make a difference for my client,” he said.

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Dr. Michael Dattoli & Dr. Richard Sorace The Dattoli Cancer Center was created nearly two decades ago by a team of highly respected experts in the field of brachytherapy and advanced radiation delivery systems for the treatment of prostate cancer, which now includes nanotechnology. Dr. Michael Dattoli has performed many thousands of prostate seed implant procedures and Dr. Richard Sorace has an extensive background in the multimodal approach to cancer treatment. Together, they form the core of this peerless prostate cancer center, which has prolonged the lives of countless grateful patients — many of whom have lived decades beyond their diagnosis.

“There’s no place in America — or the world — that has our capabilities to treat prostate cancer,” Dattoli said. “We have published data showing the highest cure rates in the world, including intermediate to high risk patients — patients other practitioners and institutions cannot cure.” Patients travel from around the country and world for treatment at this Center.

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

For men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer, treatment occurs in three stages: seven to eight weeks of daily Dynamic Adaptive RadioTherapy (DART), then “seed implant” brachytherapy, and finally, approximately 90 days following the seeding, a DART boost to relevant lymph nodes. This last step may consist of 3-10 daily treatments. “Our treatment protocol is unmatched by anything you can find elsewhere,” Sorace said. “It works well on both early stage or aggressive prostate cancer. Cases are individualized.

DART also is appropriate for patients who have had surgery and who experience a recurrence.”

Dattoli foresees great progress in this field coming from new technology and new pharmaceuticals. “We can now stack the deck by utilizing nanoparticles created specifically to fight a specific man’s tumor” he said.

“Nanotechnology brings promising new pathways of treating diseases even outside of the cancer spectrum.

Nanomedicine is the future!”

Paul DeSantis

Originally from New Jersey, Michael Saunders & Company Realtor Paul DeSantis graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and planned to attend medical school, until real estate beckoned. “Just weeks after my graduation, I was mentored by two topproducing agents,” he said. “That was during the real estate boom and I quickly became enamored with the business and the market.”

Paul’s career skyrocketed as he rose to a broker/owner, earning wide recognition for his exceptional production — moving over 350 properties in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, which have totaled close to $50 million in sales. “I have a lot of experience for my age of 32,” he said. “In the past eight years I ran a six-person sales team, helped manage an office as a broker, and recruited and mentored many new realtors — all while selling a high volume of properties each year.”

However, working closely with buyers and sellers has always been Paul’s favorite part of the job, and what ignites his passion.“Since I joined Michael Saunders three years ago, it has been my primary focus and it has been fantastic,” he said. “This year has been my best year to date, and it’s not over yet.”

And Paul still aims to expand his horizons. “I work with properties in all price ranges, but I’ve had a lot of experience in luxury waterfront homes,” he said. “And I plan to concentrate more on that aspect of my business.”

Paul is a member of the Young Professionals Group of Sarasota and is a talented ice hockey player. “A large part of my client base has come through my hockey experiences, my friends and my networks,” he said. “It is great when your life and career are consistent and heading in the same direction.”

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Jaime DiDomenico

As Cool Today celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, President Jaime DiDomenico is ensuring the company’s continued growth by building on the firm’s long-held values and his own very people-oriented approach. A focus on creating long-term relationships with customers hails back to the company’s early days in new construction when it installed many of the old oil furnaces on the barrier islands. When DiDomenico acquired it in 2004, N & M Cool Today was experiencing a decline in sales. Under his leadership, sales have grown eightfold, employment has grown from 16 to more than 100, and Cool Today is one of the region’s leading home service providers for air conditioning, plumbing, electrical and solar systems.

DiDomenico began his career in accounting with an air conditioning and electrical contractor in Boca Raton in the early 1980s, then moved into operations for an air conditioning consolidator. While he has an aptitude for the numbers, he has fueled Cool Today’s tremendous growth through his unrelenting focus on people. DiDomenico believes that by hiring the best people, providing top tier pay and benefits, and focusing them on serving customers, bottom line results will follow. As importantly, he has demonstrated that a company can grow and still maintain highly personal service. As a result, 11,000 residents have placed their trust with Cool Today by signing yearly service agreements.

Family and community also play big roles in DiDomenico’s life including time with his wife and four children. The company is known for its support of nonprofits like the Boys & Girls Clubs, SPARCC, and Asolo Repertory Theatre (pictured). DiDomenico helps area youth as a board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County and the Buckle Up 4 BSwag & Bubba Association, which educates young and experienced drivers about the importance of wearing seatbelts.

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

Scott W. Dunlap & John A. Moran The law firm of Dunlap & Moran, P.A, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. With offices in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, the firm excels at offering its clients an array of quality legal services including corporate and business transactions, real estate closings and title insurance, estate planning, probate administration, tax matters, commercial transactions, and civil trial practice.

Shareholders Scott W. Dunlap and John A. Moran agree that the practice succeeds through hands-on service combined with the unique blend of experience that each of the shareholders, attorneys and staff bring to the firm they founded in 1993. “My clients have access to me, our legal assistants and all of our attorneys,” Scott said. “We have depth in our practice areas, and feel our size perfectly fits the Sarasota and Gulfcoast area and the multiple needs of our clients.” John added the firm’s shareholders are five of the hardest working

people he knows. “Our clients know we’re not going to stop working until we’ve solved their issues,” he said.

“We will put in the time needed to accomplish any goal.”

When Scott first started out, his fellow attorneys affectionately called him “the kid.” “When John and I formed our firm, we thought at that point we knew it all, and soon discovered we couldn’t make a simple phone call from our phone system,” he said.

Those days are long past, but the firm maintains its youthful exuberance for the practice of law and its attorneys now have the benefit of years of experience.

“There’s nothing more satisfying than meeting with clients, learning about their needs, and developing the solutions and paths,” John said. “Attracting clients who also become our friends — and future referral sources — is what we’ve done for the last twenty years. It’s our wish to continue that for the next twenty years.”

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards of Solutions Realty has been involved in the real estate business for almost as long as he can remember — first as a hotel general manager, then as an RV resort manager, and ultimately as a highly-respected real estate broker dealing primarily in short sales. “I became a licensed real estate broker in 2002, and originally concentrated on commercial real estate,” he said. “Then, as short sales became more prevalent, that became the focus of my company.”

“My brokerage works in conjunction with The Edwards Law Firm which is owned by my wife, Sherry.” Edwards feels that this partnership sets him apart from other brokers because he is able to see all sides of a transaction. Edwards says he feels good about the short sales he’s been able to negotiate for his clients. The most satisfying part of his work is helping clients out of a foreclosure or underwater property that has consumed their lives. “Often, people in foreclosure feel lost.

They don’t know how to go forward. They don’t know what to do. They are literally frozen, afraid to make any decision and that is absolutely the worst thing to do. We’re able to sit down with them, evaluate their particular circumstances and objectives and map out a strategy on how to move forward. Seeing a client smile when their short sale is finished is a very rewarding feeling. Many clients say that we have given them their lives back and they can now move forward.”

Edwards added his goal is to continue to offer one-on-one service to clients needing the very valuable assistance his company offers. “I am available to my clients during all steps of the process. My clients know that this is a team effort and we work together to obtain a successful result.”

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

John Fain

As co-owner of advertising, marketing and public relations firm Grapevine Communications, John Fain brings a wealth of marketing knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to this remarkable company.

Fain began his career with Scott Paper Company, but eschewed what he called “chasing down the corporate path.” Instead, Fain joined start-up company Lantech, which invented the revolutionary process called stretch wrapping, where shipping pallets are enveloped in a durable plastic film.

“They started out with 90 days of working capital, a jar of peanut butter and a dream,” said Fain. “Today that’s a multi-billion dollar industry.”

Fain moved up in that organization, headed their marketing efforts and served on its board of directors. After 20 years, he left Lantech for Montreal-based Intertape Polymer Group (IPG), which ultimately relocated management to Sarasota. During this move, IPG bought its existing marketing firm called Grapevine Communications, and started its own in-house agency in Sarasota.

The owner of Grapevine was Angela Massaro, who later married Fain, and in 2002 the two decided to strike out on their own by restarting and reinventing Grapevine.

“Over the last 11 years we’ve done very well,” said Fain. “We have a uniquely run agency with nearly 90 clients now and a full-time, in-house staff of 14 that has grown to support our expanding client base.”

The company was selected as Young Business of the Year by the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce in 2006, and followed that up in 2010 as the Small Business of the Year winner.

“We continue to set our eyes towards the future,” said Fain. “We look to grow the business and have added staff to help manage our increase in production.

If you stop growing, you’re going to decline. That’s our philosophy. So we are always searching for great opportunities to work with great clients.”

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Frank Folsom Smith

Since his arrival following graduation from UVA in 1959, architect Frank Folsom Smith’s buildings have made an indelible mark on Sarasota’s impressive cityscape. Smith was at the leading edge of retirement center design with Plymouth Harbor, a 26-story complex which received the FAAIA Honor Award in 1966 and the Test of Time Award in 1991. Designed with associate Louis Schneider, it remains one of the premiere retirement centers in America.

Dissatisfied with the sprawling development patterns of the 1960s, Smith designed and developed the clustered community of Sandy Cove, on Siesta Key. His concept of this 113-home project on 12 acres stressed personal privacy in an architecturally diverse environment while preserving the natural shoreline and hundreds of native trees. It won another FAAIA Honor award in 1970. In the 1980s, Smith acquired and rehabilitated over 20 downtown Sarasota buildings

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

built in the 1920s. This began a renaissance in this part of the city. Several of those properties have achieved listings on the National Register of Historic Places and became known as the Burns Court Historic District. In 2001, his Conrad Beach, a 27-home infill village on Longboat Key, was cited as the Community Development of the Year by Coastal Living Magazine.

Smith’s long affiliation with New College of Florida culminated in a Campus Master Plan, which projects the sustainable growth of the college for the first half of the 21st century. A charter member of the Congress for the New Urbanism, Smith has practiced town planning as a tool for creating sustainable neighborhoods and walkable mixed-use infill projects in towns and cities. “My passion today involves urban design and community development with its focus on the public realm, although I still enjoy the challenge of designing single family homes,” he said.

James A. Fowler Jr.

A native of Sarasota County, James Fowler attended Ferrum College in Virginia where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science and graduated with honors.

Following his graduation in 2003, James returned to Sarasota and worked for the Manatee County Public Defender’s Office for two years as an investigator. There he gained invaluable experience in criminal law.

“My family has owned and operated a bail bonding company in Sarasota and Manatee County since before I was born,” he said. “So my interest in the criminal justice system has been with me since I can remember. I have also held jobs as an associate attorney focusing on family and criminal law, and as an assistant state attorney.”

Today, the Fowler Law Group defends clients involved in all aspects of criminal law. He has a unique advantage defending clients, due to his intimate knowledge and insight into how prosecutors currently prepare a case.

“While we as a community are well served in my field, perhaps my passion for justice and attention to detail — driven by my strong competitive nature — sets me apart from others in my field,” he said.

James is engaged in various volunteer activities in Sarasota County, including his work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He is also a member of the American Inns of Court, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

“My adult life has been blessed with ever-growing proud moments,” he said. “Graduation from college then law school, followed by passing the bar, my marriage to Alene, the recent arrival of our son James and the birth of Fowler Law Group. I plan to continue expanding my involvement in our community, be a great father, husband and lead the Fowler Law Group to a position of leadership in our field.”

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Tim Garofalo

voiceTech, an innovator of pharmacy communication technology for two decades, recently released the industry’s first comprehensive pharmacy-to-patient communication platform. The technology of this unique company — founded by Tim and Sara Garofalo — allows pharmacies to speedily connect to their customers through outbound phone calls, texts, e-mail, or mobile applications.

“We focus on about 40,000-45,000 pharmacies consisting of regional and local chains and independently owned stores across the U.S. and Canada,” Tim said. “Our technology has to interface with a pharmacy’s computer software system that tracks prescriptions and insurance company plans. There are over 50 companies that develop those software systems, and we have a relationship with every single one of them — as well as the pharmacies themselves.” voiceTech is a household name in the pharmacy industry, and with good reason. “The national chains can afford to create technologies and have IT people to support them, but smaller pharmacies don’t have those resources,” Tim said. “So they look to vendors like us, that have a trusted name. We’ve earned that trust by supporting the industry over the last 20 years.”

He added this is an exciting time for his company, as it creates new offerings and expands its reach into larger companies that house pharmacies, such as Publix. They have recently hired new sales, technical and administrative staff and he has also relocated his offices from Venice to a more upscale and larger facility in Sarasota. But he plans to stick to the pharmacy industry, where his real niche is.

“With about 4,500 pharmacies currently using one or more of our technology offerings, there are still so many that don’t — yet,” he said. “If we worked as hard as we possibly could over the next five years, we couldn’t reach them all. So our real goal is to continue increasing our infrastructure.”

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

Jim Gettel

A graduate of Michigan State University, Jim got involved in the automotive industry in Michigan shortly after college.

In 1991 he decided to come to Florida and purchase a Toyota dealership in Bradenton. It proved to be a great idea. Over the past 20 years he has grown the business, resulting in 15 Florida dealerships that employ 675 associates.

Jim believes what sets his dealerships apart from others is a talented and dedicated staff of employees and the extensive training program they undergo. “Our training stresses not only product knowledge, but also how to make customers comfortable and give them a great experience when buying or servicing a vehicle,” he said. “We try to make it a seamless and non-stressful experience. It’s why we’ve been able to grow our business and why our customers keep coming back to buy from us.”

The Gettel Automotive Group has won a number of top honors from the myriad franchisees it represents — including Acura, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

“For instance, Toyota issues the President’s Award to the top 20 percent of the dealers every year,” Jim said. “We have won that several times. The other franchises have similar awards, and that’s the benchmark we’re measured on in our industry.”

Jim’s company is also very active in supporting numerous local charities. For instance, last year it donated three cars to the Teacher of the Year program in counties where they do business. “We strongly believe in recognizing the teachers in our area,” Jim said. “As for the future, I would like to keep growing the business and continue actively supporting the community that has been so good to me and my family.”

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Dr. Arthur Guilford

Creativity comes in many forms, and for Dr. Arthur Guilford it manifests as the ability to dream big, supported by the leadership skills to bring those visions to life. During his six years as Regional Chancellor of the University of South Florida SarasotaManatee, Dr. Guilford has been responsible for a host of transformations, including welcoming the first freshman class this fall marking the university’s transition to a four-year program. He also has built innovative partnerships, including creating the university’s first science program at Mote Marine Laboratory.

A unique Center for Partnerships for ArtsIntegrated Teaching (PAinT) within the College of Education partners with schools like Ringling College of Art + Design and State College of Florida.

Through the Artist-to-Teacher program, students may smoothly transition to a USFSM bachelor’s or master’s in education and teach in elementary schools.

Dr. Guilford also stepped in to support the Perlman SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

Music Program Suncoast and the Lifelong Learning Academy, by hosting both on campus; spearheaded the launch of the highly successful College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership at USFSM, and oversaw the university’s separate accreditation, manifesting a rich, local community focus.

Dr. Guilford began his career with USF as an assistant professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders and was chair of that department for 15 years before being named Associate Dean of USF Tampa’s College of Arts and Sciences in 2004 with responsibility for 650 faculty members. That career path took an unexpected turn in 2006 when he was tapped to head the search for a new Regional Chancellor and, at the urging of faculty, was named to the position himself in 2007. He credits the efforts of dedicated and talented faculty, staff and students with USFSM’s continuing achievements and evolution and is also sustained by steadfast support from his wife, Lynn, and their adult children.

Derek Han

Pianist Derek Han’s elegant, polished, and compelling playing has dazzled audiences across five continents, and he has played for the presidents of three nations: Argentina, Cyprus, and Nelson Mandela of South Africa. Born in Columbus, Ohio to Chinese parents, Han is the only musician in his family.

“I started almost by mistake, when I was seven years old,” he said. “My parents had a piano and tried to get my sister to take lessons. She didn’t want to, so I agreed to take lessons. Pure sibling rivalry.”

Progressing rapidly with his phenomenal talent, Han eventually entered Juilliard, where he graduated at age 18. His breakthrough came in 1977 when he captured first prize at the Athens International Piano Competition. His meteoric rise resulted in appearances as soloist with leading European and American orchestras. By the 1990s Han emerged not only as an important figure on the concert scene, but as a popular recording artist as well.

Han came to Sarasota in 1987 to help Bruno Giuranna create La Musica, the international chamber music festival held here annually. “In the mid-80s I was living in Italy, in the town of Asolo,” he said. Bruno Giuranna lived there too, and he had come to Sarasota to teach and play in a summer festival. He came back and told me there was an original theater from Asolo here — the Historic Asolo Theatre.”

In 1992, La Musica moved from the Historic Asolo Theater to the Sarasota Opera House to perform its concerts and in 2000 Han moved here with his family.

Today he continues to work with Artistic Director Bruno Giuranna serving as La Musica’s Associate Artistic Director. “Being a musician is great, because it is a neverending journey,” he said. “A musician’s development is a lifelong study and a lifelong search for a deeper meaning in your work.”

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

David Haenel

As a skilled criminal defense attorney, David Haenel of Finebloom, Haenel & Higgins, P.A. works hard to vigorously defend his clients. That devotion to professional excellence and caring for his clients’ welfare has earned Haenel a current “Superb” rating by clients and other attorneys on Avvo.com, an independent review site. While he and his team handle misdemeanor and felony cases of many kinds, Haenel has a particular concentration in traffic cases.

With offices in Sarasota, Tampa and Orlando, Haenel is frequently called upon to lecture statewide on DUI and traffic related matters. He is also the author of two books, including “Florida DUI Survival Guide,” and has co-authored three others.

What provides the underpinning of his defense work is the understanding of criminal prosecution he gained working with the State Attorney’s office. Since Finebloom, Haenel & Higgins was founded nine years SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

ago, Haenel also has demonstrated an astute ability to reach those who need his services, quickly establishing the FightYourTickets.com website. Today, more than 60 “Fight Your” websites are dedicated to specific client needs.

Haenel’s drive and passion for client service, which includes making an attorney available to help people 24/7, were fueled by observing his father, a physician, who daily demonstrated an unwavering devotion to his patients. Active professionally and dedicated to continuing education, Haenel earned a Master’s of Law degree from SUNY Buffalo School of Law after graduating from Widener Law School in the top third of his class. He has served for six years on the Florida Bar Traffic Court Rules Committee, of which he was the 2012-2013 chair. Whenever he has the chance, Haenel enjoys travel, dining out and simply spending time with family, including its newest addition, his 10-month-old son.

Michael Harshman Najmy Thompson lawyer Michael Harshman built his success in the early 1980s by marketing legal services over television and radio, which had never been done before. “I was probably the first lawyer in the state of Ohio to do that,” he said. By 2005, Harshman merged his practice with another marketing law firm in eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania, then set his sights on Florida. “I’m a pilot, among other things,” he said. “I flew all over the state trying to decide where to live and ended up here in Sarasota. Took the Florida bar, passed it, and became a Florida lawyer in 2012.”

Although he’s spent most of his career since 1966 as a personal injury lawyer handling such cases as slip and fall, aviation accidents, and medical malpractice, Harshman recently got into family law as well, through an act of volunteerism. “When I first came to town, I

volunteered at Manasota Legal Aid,” he said. “Family law is what they needed, so that’s what I did for about a year — representing people without funds, for free.

Some of these people had no access to the legal system whatsoever. I handled a couple of very difficult family cases, and we were successful.”

What sets Harshman apart from other area lawyers is his extensive experience and convenient Sarasota location. He has made a home for himself here and takes great satisfaction in the work he does for the community.

“My work with Legal Aid of Manasota has been very rewarding and I’m on their board,” he said. “I’m also on the board of Jewish Family and Children Services.”

Harshman said his main goal for the future is to represent clients in the Sarasota-Manatee area in personal injury cases. “I like being in a position to help people,” he said.

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Michael S. Holderness

For Michael Holderness, real estate is a family business not just because he is a third generation Realtor in a family brokerage, but because of the families he serves every day. The same drive that earned him a kick boxing championship in his early 20s, fuels Holderness’ commitment to his clients whether he is helping them find the perfect home or selling their current residence. As a native Sarasotan whose parents founded SaraBay Real Estate and have been in business since 1979, he has a thorough understanding of the area and a passion for real estate, which led him to choose it as a career right out of school.

Holderness’ goal oriented approach consistently lands him in the top 1 percent of agents in terms of sales, and drives him to study the Sarasota/Manatee market continually, particularly now as it rapidly has warped from a buyers’ to a sellers’ advantage. Doing SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

the necessary research and taking the time to educate buyers on today’s market realities helps him close the sale on their behalf. He also enjoys helping new agents in the office get a good start in the business.

With strong roots in the community, Holderness devotes time to its improvement, including as a fire commissioner who worked to improve homeowners’ safety through construction of a new fire station and transitioning from a volunteer to full time firefighting team. Active in water sports, Holderness sponsors the Friendliest Catch Tournament fundraiser during the Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix. He participates in Making Strides for Breast Cancer to raise money for the cause and shine a light on the importance of early detection. For relaxation, he enjoys family vacations along with boating, fishing and scuba diving, and curling up with his two “girls,” German Shepherds Quena and Karma.

Bill Johnston & Donal O’Shea Ask Dr. Donal O’Shea and Bill Johnston a question about themselves and they’ll frame their answers around New College, the institution both have served for a year — O’Shea as president and Johnston as board chair. “New College is one of the most distinguished national liberal arts colleges,” O’Shea said. “It’s a great institution, of very high quality, and one that matters to our state and the nation.” “Young people keep you young,” Johnston added. “And these are some of the brightest kids in the state of Florida, if not the whole country.”

A Harvard-trained mathematician and passionate advocate of liberal arts education, O’Shea was dean of Mount Holyoke for 14 years. There, he diversified the faculty, increased external funding, introduced posttenure review, improved leave policies, made teaching load equitable, established professional programs and oversaw creation of a fiber-optic network linking the Five Colleges Consortium in western Massachusetts.

Johnston enjoyed a distinguished career on Wall Street with a number of high-profile firms. He served from 1996 to 2001 as president and chief operating officer of the New York Stock Exchange, followed by two years of consulting with the Exchange.

O’Shea has embraced his New College post and sees great possibilities in making the 53-year-old institution stronger. “Some parts are underdeveloped,” he said, “such as links with alumni and the cultivation of philanthropy on a national scale that an institution like ours needs and deserves. There’s an opportunity there.”

Johnston measures meaningful achievement these days in terms of what one can do to keep New College financially secure, filled with diligent students and teachers of the highest caliber. “We want to continue, like every charitable organization you know, to try and raise money so that we can provide superior programs at New College to offer these kids,” he said.

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Jeffery Kin The man behind the curtain at The Players Theatre may not actually be a wizard, but Jeffery Kin’s bold vision as artistic director has wowed the crowds and shaped what being a community theatre means in a town that takes its arts very seriously. Being willing to take risks with challenging productions like “Tommy,” “Sunset Boulevard,” and “A Chorus Line” have sent the creative pulse of the theatre soaring while still minding the bottom line. That creative and financial success helped The Players Theatre earn the Sarasota Chamber’s Cultural Organization of the Year Award. “A Chorus Line” also showcased Kin’s range as an award-winning theatre professional. He directed and played Zach in the production, which was a huge success and the highest grossing show in the theatre’s 83-year history.

Kin’s own plays have earned awards, and he also founded etc., the company that produces the acclaimed

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

one-minute-play festivals whose proceeds support cancer research. As one of those fortunate few who knew their calling from an early age, Kin was bitten by the theatre bug early in the somewhat unlikely surroundings of an Ohio farm community. After playing Rumpelstiltskin in first grade, he took aim at the bright lights of Broadway, producing his own puppet performances, belting out show tunes while doing chores, and then heading to Otterbein University for a BFA in performance.

His willingness to make an impact on the community and individuals, whether by helping organizations with the props and talent to create a fabulous fundraiser or through personal encouragement, is what keeps Kin energized. His keen sense of what will electrify residents has kept The Players Theatre a vital part of the community and is what has earned the applause that keeps audiences coming back for more.

Scott Lamoureaux

Scott Lamoureaux, General Manager of the brand new Esplanade Golf & Country Club at Lakewood Ranch, brings a wealth of experience to his new position as a connoisseur of fine dining and a peerless server of members in high-end private clubs, an established golf professional and an avid tennis player.

“I’ve spent most of my life in the service industry,” Lamoureaux said. “I worked in some of the finest restaurants since I was a teenager; cooking tableside, learning the intricacies of fine dining and serving a variety of guests from a young age. I have a passion for food and wine and Esplanade will feature a true culinary experience.”

He has been a golf professional for 24 years, 20 of them serving members in private clubs. He began his career at Interlachen Country Club, an exclusive private club in Winter Park, Florida near Rollins College, where

he graduated in 1989. Lamoureaux moved to Lakewood Ranch in 2001, where he was an integral part of the team to open and develop all three golf courses at the private Club. “I love this area!” he said. “I visited my parents frequently after they moved to Sarasota in 1997 and learned of the new course being built in Lakewood Ranch. I couldn’t let it go. I now have another amazing opportunity to help launch Esplanade, which should open in early 2014. The temporary pro shop should be open before the end of this year.”

Lamoureaux will oversee all of the club’s notable amenities including dining, fitness, tennis, and golf.

“I pride myself on attention to detail, along with my ability to build a strong team,” he said. “Esplanade is a cutting-edge community with a focus on casual elegance and extraordinary service and I am thrilled to be part of this incredible community!”

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Peter Laughlin As one of Sarasota’s top real estate brokers, Peter Laughlin has built a stellar reputation providing oneof-a-kind opportunities in Sarasota’s luxury home market. Since 1990, he has consistently assisted buyers and sellers in making choices that have positively impacted their lifestyles and wealth.

In addition to representing sellers and buyers, Peter has developed over 25 magnificent custom spec homes on Sarasota’s Bay and Gulf of Mexico ranging in sale price from $1,875,000 to over $6,000,000. In the words of one of the buyers of his houses: “you built my dream home, even though I did not know you when it was built.”

Hailing from Trinidad, in the Caribbean, Peter was involved in the development and marketing of singlefamily and resort properties. He also ran an international consulting business in Miami, handling major companies and investors who needed representation in South America, the Caribbean, and the USA. Peter brought his remarkable international SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

background to Sarasota where he consistently helps buyers and sellers make the best choices to achieve their unique lifestyles and realize their dreams. He attributes his success to vision planning, tenacity, a highperforming team of professionals and a commitment to outstanding results for his clients and customers.

As a part of the leading company in the luxury real estate market on the west coast of Florida, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Peter’s goal is simply to create the most outstanding results for his clients through a multidisciplinary process that involves many qualified professionals to make the transaction as easy and prosperous as possible. This unique philosophy includes utilizing a team of the best of the best in Real Estate Law, Financial Advisors, Lenders, Tax Consultants, Insurance Providers, top Advisors for International Clients, and over 6,000 Realtors in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

With such vast experience and knowledge, it is no doubt why Peter is a leader in his profession.

Dr. Walter Leise

A doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biology and an MBA coupled with more than 10 years of experience in the medical products industry provide the credentials Dr. Walter Leise has used to launch a new medical products company. Leise’s drive to take Sarasota Medical Products from a concept to a company demonstrating an increasing trajectory of sales in just three years, however, comes from his desire to build something significant for himself and his family and, in the process, help the Sarasota community diversify its economic base.

Sarasota Medical Products initially has focused on private label manufacturing based on proprietary technology in hydrocolloid dressings for minor and chronic wound care as well as ostomy and custom hydrocolloid products. Leise also promotes the firm’s capabilities in contract manufacturing for product development and production. While other companies fund the sales forces and marketing budgets for now, Leise has directed

resources toward innovation, quality and efficiency. The company has developed dressings with skin friendly adhesives that help reduce pain, scarring, and the risk of infection. Patents are pending on a dressing that can deliver controlled dosages of actives and a portable oxygen chamber to promote wound healing.

Leise’s leadership capabilities were honed in the Army where he had responsibility for six men and a fleet of helicopters and participated in the mission to capture the infamous Manuel Noriega, for which he earned two Commendation Medals. As a self-described “terrible” student, his military training ignited his ability to lead and to learn. He has continued to hone those qualities by pursuing advanced degrees and in his current position as CEO, which gives him the same sense of challenge and accomplishment fueled by the determination to deliver on the faith and trust placed in him by those who have invested in his vision.

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Peter Liashek & Michael Brigger If getting healthy is your passion, look no further than Studio South Fitness where it is the goal of co-owner Peter Liashek and training manager Michael Brigger to inspire clients toward a higher level of wellness.

Liashek hails from Washington, D.C. and went to Stetson University graduating with a degree in Marketing while playing Division I baseball. He spent 14 years in sales and management. Due to the success of the Studio in its inaugural year, he left the corporate world to join his wife, Tiffany, and run marketing and operations at the Studio this summer.

“We felt Sarasota lacked a high-end fitness facility and wanted to provide consumers with more personal attention in an exclusive environment.” The result was Studio South Fitness, an elite facility that balances the best of boutique studios and big box gyms.

“I’m certified to train and teach classes, but my expertise is business operations. We’re focused on the one-on-one customer experience. Our maximum class size is eight and our core is personal training.

The Studio is an outstanding atmosphere for complete wellness,” says Liashek.

Michael Brigger exemplifies the standard of personal trainer on staff at Studio South Fitness.

Training manager, Michael, originally from Ohio, excelled in sports throughout his education. His love and talent for athletics carried him toward the study of kinesiology as a lead-in to a career in personal training.

Michael has trained at Equinox in Santa Monica, CA and was an instructor at NPTI, a certifying body for NSCA trainers. His intense and effective techniques incorporate injury rehabilitation, endurance training, hypertrophy, and weight management.

“The education level of the trainers and the staff around me is top-notch,” Brigger said. “Everybody here has multiple certifications and is on a talent level that is by far the best I’ve ever seen.”

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

Steve Martin

“It frustrates me when I see successful people whose lives are more complicated now than before they were successful, “ says Martin, “It doesn’t have to be this way.” It’s the reason he co-founded SRQ Wealth Management. “After meeting some of our clients’ concierge physicians and understanding their thorough approach to healthcare, we realized that a similar model for financial services is not readily available in Sarasota.” Today, he and his partner, Karin Grablin, provide comprehensive financial planning strategies to a very select group of clients delivered with a conciergestyle of service that they believe sets them apart.

“Helping clients simplify their financial lives in order to enjoy their wealth without worry is our fundamental mission. Clients can rest assured that the many facets of their financial lives (investment, retirement, tax, asset protection and estate planning strategies) are being coordinated with competence and integrity to help address their goals. We regularly communicate with clients’

attorneys and CPAs,” says Martin, “Such collaboration can be key to a client’s continued success.” As a result of this concierge approach, Martin has been recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager for the past three years (2011-2013).

Growing up in small-town Indiana, Martin’s values about helping others were established early on. With a physics/mathematics degree from the University of Indianapolis, and being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® practitioner and Certified Estate Planner, he applies these values regularly when giving financial advice: by encouraging decisions based on sound analysis versus emotion. Martin insists on spending extra time with clients to understand their unique situation, offer practical strategies toward addressing their goals, and to help them thoroughly understand his recommendations.

Embracing a good work-life balance, he and his wife Lori stay busy with the activities of their three young children. An accomplished triathlete and All Pro Dads chapter founder, his personal motto is to “aspire and inspire” every day.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Chef Paul Mattison

If you haven’t dined at one of Paul Mattison’s restaurants, you’re missing out on a Sarasota gem.

He arrived here in 1991 after launching a very successful eatery in Aspen, Colorado. “While I was there I met the owner of the Summerhouse on Siesta Key. He offered me a partnership and it was a great opportunity,” he said. Chef Paul moved to Florida and the rest was history.

After a decade with the Summerhouse, Chef Paul opened his own restaurants and Catering Company – Mattison’s City Grille, an open outdoor experience in downtown Sarasota; Mattison’s Forty-One, a beautiful fine dining restaurant in south Sarasota; and Mattison’s Bayside, located in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. His philosophy is straightforward: keep it simple but make sure you add creativity and freshness. “I try not to make our food too complicated,” he said.

“Often times you can put too many ingredients into a dish and stretch it too far. When catering a wedding or special event, we customize every menu and we don’t limit ourselves to one type of cuisine. We always ask our customers what they would like to see for each unique occasion.”

Chef Paul Mattison’s keys to success are staying actively involved in his community and having an amazing team. “I’ve learned to find really great people and give them the tools and the environment to be successful,” he said. “Roll up your sleeves and help them when they need it and get out of the way when they don’t.” Chef Paul added he looks for locally grown ingredients while sticking to what is seasonal and fresh. He’s currently spearheading a school garden at Phillippi Shores Elementary as part of the Chefs Move to School initiative. “Giving back to the community is an integral part of our business model and who I am.” As the father of two small children, Chef Paul knows the importance of raising healthy children and being a strong role model. He is an active board member for All Faiths Food Bank and serves on several other boards and committees benefiting children’s charities. “I’m so grateful everyday to wake up and do what I love.”

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

Maurice Menager & Lin Dunn Maurice Menager and Lin Dunn personify professionalism and integrity in their relationships with clients — and they’re known as much for being Sarasota ambassadors as they are for their skills as exceptional realtors with Michael Saunders and Company.

“We show our clients Sarasota first, before we start looking at any properties,” Lin said. “To me personally, the love of where we live and work sets us apart from many other realtors. We have the true dedication to make sure that each and every customer is a long time friend, and is as happy to live here as we are. We came to Sarasota in 2001 and we will never leave.”

Lin and Maurice work as the perfect team, forging friendships with customers that last far beyond the real estate transaction process. Their nearly 24 years of combined real estate knowledge and peerless client care translate to phenomenal results for their customers, and has placed them

in an elite group of agents selected for the 5-Star Client Satisfaction Award — which they’ve won for six consecutive years.

Maurice said the pair also offers an international aspect to client services, as he is French and understands the needs of his European neighbors. “We have customers from Canada, France, England and Germany,” Maurice said. “Being French, I enjoy opening more opportunities to serve people from all over Europe.”

Lin added referrals are the best compliments he and Maurice can ever receive — and they’ve received a great many. “It’s a wonderful feeling knowing you helped a customer ten or twelve years ago and they call you to assist them with the purchase of a new home — or to help a family member or friend purchase a home,” Lin said. “That’s very rewarding. And our ultimate goal is continuing to help our clients, both today and tomorrow.”

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Dr. Michael Mullan

The Roskamp Institute is devoted to understanding causes of, and finding cures for, neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders and addictions. Dr. Michael Mullan is the institute’s president and CEO, directing it since its inception in 2003. “I trained originally in medicine and specialized in psychiatry and neurology,” Mullan said. “Then I retrained and earned a PhD in molecular genetics. That is when I was involved with finding the first ever genetic causes of Alzheimer’s disease, back in the early 1990s.”

The discovery of genetic causes of Alzheimer’s led to new treatment and approaches for the disease, which put Mullan in contact with Robert and Diane Roskamp, who had been funding research into neurological and psychiatric disorders. “We formed a great partnership and they have funded some of the work ever since, resulting in valuable scientific findings,” Mullan said.

Mullan added his team has taken the development of drugs designed to combat the disease all the way to late stage clinical trials, which is the stage prior to FDA approval. An effective treatment that can slow down Alzheimer’s disease has not yet been found, so Mullan sees more work ahead to get to the point where a drug is approved that can halt the disease.

As the Alzheimer’s clinical trials advance, the institute is also tackling other disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, along with addictions and other psychiatric disorders — particularly “inflamm-aging,” a combination of the effects of inflammation and aging, which contribute to Alzheimer’s. “I’m interested in a lot of other related neuropsychiatric conditions, such as traumatic brain injury,” Mullan said. “There are a lot of links between head injury and loss of cognition and what we are learning in Alzheimer’s we are applying to develop new treatments for head injury.”

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

Bengt Niebuhr With an early background in governmental and personal security that reads like a best-selling thriller, Bengt Niebuhr focuses nowadays on international joint venture opportunities through the private equity arm of LBK Capital, a family office for private investments.

Bengt began his career in Germany with the high-stakes responsibility for protecting members of the German government against terrorist bombings, kidnappings and other attacks during the waning days of the Cold War. As he watched the historic demise of the Iron Curtain and its physical symbol the Berlin Wall, he knew his job with the German Secret Service was about to change.

Never one to be satisfied sitting behind a desk, Bengt’s expertise in high level security took him around the globe and introduced him to many influential politicians. He gained inside access to the highest seats of government, including the White House, 10 Downing Street, Élysée Palace, and the Kremlin. Learning from the integration process of the East German Secret

Service into the democratic West German system was another challenging lesson. Following the bombing death of the CEO of Deutsche Bank, Bengt was hired to be part of a small group of highly trained security professionals overseeing the security of a publicly traded, multibillion dollar company and its CEO. When this executive founded his own U.S.-based private equity fund, he asked Bengt to open an office in Frankfurt to manage its European activities, allowing him to utilize his master’s degrees in computer science and business administration. Subsequently, Bengt came to the U.S. and has since focused on building LBK Capital’s business, mainly targeting joint ventures with large firms in Germany and China. As someone who always looks for new challenges and adventures, Bengt is very interested in vintage road rallies. He also enjoys spending his spare time with his wife and children while he contemplates possibly participating in the Beijing to Paris rally in a 1950s Mercedes Benz.

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Matt Otto, CFP® At age 17, Matt Otto found himself on his own after his father was downsized from an executive position and overly aggressive financial decisions disrupted his family’s finances. Otto vowed to create his own success and by age 21, he had successfully built and sold a small business. After giving half the proceeds to his family, he relocated to Florida and demonstrated a flair for investing by increasing his half several multiples. This success naturally led him to the financial industry where he developed a passion for helping others build and preserve wealth through comprehensive and dynamic planning strategies.

Now, some 20 years later, Otto and his wealth management team, with more than 120 years of combined industry experience, have devoted themselves to earning clients’ trust by providing comprehensive financial planning services. Having learned early on

that success is built on hard work, high standards, integrity and honesty, Otto, a Certified Financial Planner ®, distinguishes himself by taking a longer view of client relationships, offering family office-level services with lower minimum asset requirements, which has nurtured steady growth.

That approach has earned Otto more than 50 awards throughout his career, including being named one of Barron’s Top Advisors for the past three years in a row based on assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practice and philanthropic work. Through a client’s Foundation, Otto mentors college youth who, like him, face a tough start, one with whom he has a strong relationship spanning nearly 20 years. When outside the office, Matt, his wife, Megan, and two sons enjoy quality family time together.

Investment and Insurance Products: • Are not FDIC or any other Government Agency Insured • Are not Bank Guaranteed • May Lose Value SunTrust Private Wealth Management is a marketing name used by SunTrust Banks, Inc. and the following affiliates: Banking and trust products and services, including investment advisory products and services, are provided by SunTrust Bank. Securities, insurance (including annuities) and other investment products and services are offered by SunTrust Investment Services, Inc., an SEC registered investment adviser and broker-dealer, member FINRA, SIPC, and a licensed insurance agency.

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

Dr. Todd J. Reuter

With dual training as a dentist and a physician, and board certification as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Todd Reuter is often trusted to restore the functionality and beauty of a patient’s teeth for both adults and children. Dr. Reuter grounds his practice in ethical, evidence-based procedures performing many dental implants and reconstructive bone graft surgeries.

Using advanced technology like cone beam CT scanning, which provides highly-detailed 3D imaging, he offers his patients the meticulous planning necessary for precise implant placement, which has given him a track record of excellent outcomes. As a surgeon utilizing state of the art techniques and materials, Dr. Reuter can reduce discomfort of many bone grafting and implant procedures while increasing the effectiveness, resulting in a high quality teeth replacement.

In joining one of the longest-established oral surgery practices, Dr. Reuter now leads the practice that cared for both him and his family growing up in Sarasota.

With many pediatric patients, his office maintains the family friendly atmosphere he once enjoyed. Having received his undergraduate, medical and dental degrees from the University of Florida, he and his staff enjoy the friendly football rivalries amongst their college patients undergoing wisdom teeth removal.

Dr. Reuter remains active in the profession of oral surgery and has been recognized as an outstanding teacher by his peers. He has received many other awards as well, including from the Florida Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (FSOMS), and has been active in leadership roles with state and national dental associations where he currently serves as a FSOMS trustee. Dr. Reuter also donates his time and services to many local charities and organizations.

When he’s not helping patients, he tries to find time to golf, scuba dive, fish, and spend time with his wife and two young children.

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Cliff Roles

Cliff Roles is a man of many enthusiasms and accomplishments. Sarasotans began getting to know him 11 years ago as he made his mark in the arts and social scene as an award winning theater actor and tuxedo-clad emcee for the season’s must-attend events.

His popular daily radio show aired for more than four years, and during that time he interviewed 2,500 guests. For the past five years, Roles has spent much of his time behind the lens. In his quest for the “it” photo, he chronicles the festivities at gala fundraisers privately and as Scene’s event photographer or works more personally with individual portraits and for families commemorating engagements, weddings, anniversaries, parties, babies or pets.

His passion for photography was further fueled by his trip this year to the Grand Canyon to document Nik Wallenda’s historic crossing. Not only did that ignite a desire to do more photojournalism, it sparked a creative

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

impulse to record the Earth’s natural and man-made beauty. As someone who is continually creating new “roles” for himself, his goal is to shoot “photos that matter” and expand his photography nationally.

Roles began his foray onto a broader stage this summer during a two-month trek across Southern and Eastern Europe where he photographed Sarasota Orchestra’s new artistic director in her homeland Estonia and into Israel for the Jewish Federation. Along the way, he delighted his 3,500 Facebook friends with photos ranging from glorious scenery to his gastronomic adventures. A native of the U.K., Roles learned the meaning of living life on a larger stage after promoting 130 rock and pop artists for 16 years, working with luminaries like Elton John, Bon Jovi and Celine Dion.

Roles emigrated to the U.S. to be with his wife, Maria, whose support he prizes, and he enjoys sharing Sarasota’s many pleasures with her and his Cockapoo, Sam.

Bob Rosinsky Shortly after Bob Rosinsky began working with severely disabled individuals in his new job at the Goodwill in Milwaukee, WI, he found that he no longer saw disabilities — he simply saw people.

That was 40 years ago, when Bob was fresh out of college with a degree in psychology. Today, as president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota, he leads an organization that helps employers do the same, focusing society on ability, not disability. Goodwill’s efforts stimulate economic development, help participants become contributing members of society, and provide jobs for individuals who are often overlooked in the job market.

Having worked with numerous Goodwills throughout North America, Rosinsky has strived to help the local community understand how Goodwill Manasota has evolved since its inception in 1982. The organization’s sustainable missionintegrated business model has been so successful that its programs are self-funded through the sale of donated goods. This means that Goodwill Manasota has the freedom and flexibility to adjust its priorities based on community need.

Goodwill’s growth has created jobs for more than 750 people in a four county area. It also shares its methodology through coaching and training other Goodwills around the country.

Rosinsky began his career with Goodwill as a behavior modification specialist, so he understands how important Goodwill’s support is to clients’ success in the job market. Individuals with barriers to employment, such as homelessness or lack of transportation, are not only given job placement assistance, but are assigned life coaches to help them adjust to their new jobs. Donated goods sales currently fund these critical programs, but Rosinsky regularly reminds the community that monetary contributions are also essential to maintaining the organization’s numerous trucks, equipment and buildings. It is the community that creates Goodwill through their donations, Rosinsky says, and he is proud that those contributions are changing lives through the power of work.

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Stuart Roth

Stuart Roth is a familiar face and well known for the philanthropic work of Salt & Light Productions®, which helps nonprofits tell their stories through video productions that have won numerous awards, including two Emmys. What many do not realize is that Roth spends the bulk of his time practicing international law, championing first amendment and other Constitutional issues including human rights and religious liberties. He does this as senior legal counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice, based in Washington, D.C., and the European Center for Law and Justice, with offices in Europe, Russia, Pakistan, Kenya and Israel.

Roth has collaborated on 12 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court with his partner, Jay Sekulow, a wellknown judicial advocate. Through his work, Roth has helped shape the legal landscape in the area of religious liberties litigation, securing the right of faith-based organizations to engage in religious speech in the public arena. Currently, the ACLJ is representing 41 Tea Party Groups suing the IRS for discriminatory treatment, and religious companies that are in federal court litigating Obamacare’s requirement that they pay for health insurance including coverage for contraceptives, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs — all in violation of the owner’s religious beliefs.

Internationally, Roth focuses on protecting religious minorities including ethnic Arab Christians in countries with fundamentalist Islamic leadership. In pursuit of democratic principles and human dignity, Roth’s practice has extended to the European Court of Human Rights and the International Criminal Court at the Hague.

Having built a network of full power television stations during which time he hosted his own syndicated TV show, Roth still keeps his hand in the media business.

He has launched his own program, Salt & Light Radio, on WSRQ to provide another way for nonprofits to have a voice in our community.

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

M. David Shapiro The impulse to affect people’s lives in a positive way led David Shapiro initially into journalism and then into the law, where he helps those whose lives have been devastated by serious injury or wrongful death. Shapiro is a familiar face on television and in the community, and the firm’s website, GetMeJustice.com, is also the mission of Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni & Walsh. As a trial attorney, Shapiro is willing to take up the challenge of educating six jurors about his clients’ predicament and convince jurors to award fair compensation.

The body of work he has built in nearly 25 years as a boardcertified civil trial attorney has earned him an AV rating by Martindale Hubbell, which is the highest rating awarded to attorneys by their peers. Shapiro also has been named to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum for lawyers who have achieved million dollar settlements or verdicts for clients, and he has been selected for the “Super Lawyers” publication. He credits that recognition to the more than 100 years of combined experience he and his partners offer clients and the firm’s financial strength, which allows them to fund cases through trial if necessary to maximize clients’ financial recovery.

In addition to the service to their clients, the firm is active in the community. Shapiro currently is treasurer of Children First and serves on the board of the Sarasota Film Festival. The law firm enthusiastically supports the arts, including the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe and the Sarasota Ballet. The firm is also a supporter of Legal Aid of Manasota and Resurrection House.

Although no longer in journalism, Shapiro continues to be a popular writer who has penned numerous articles on the justice system and pending legislation for local publications.

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Greg Steube Just as he began his first semester at the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law in 2001, Greg Steube’s life turned on an historic event. “That was when September 11 occurred,” he said. “Due to those events, I decided to graduate law school early and enlist in the Army.”

After more than a year in the infantry and three more years in the JAG Corps, Steube rose to the rank of captain then deployed to Iraq in 2006. There he served as chief of detainee operations. After his tour in Iraq he returned home in 2008 and got elected to the State Legislature in 2010 and re-elected in 2012. He joined the law firm of Becker and Poliakoff in 2011.

“I specialize in local government law especially as it relates to public-private partnerships, family law, real estate litigation, and business and commercial litigation,” he said, counting his time in the JAG SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

Corps as invaluable to him as an attorney. “You get a lot of trial experience there as a prosecutor,” he said.

“And you’re thrown into doing trials very quickly. It prepares you for civilian law and gives you a different perspective on how the law works.”

Steube also believes his experience in crafting legislation as an elected official has given him unique insights into the law — particularly in marital and family matters as well as in private-public partnership issues.

“Helping families is very rewarding,” he said. “I also like working with public entities and clients that want to work together to build infrastructure projects. That’s experience a lot of attorneys out there don’t have.”

Accomplished as he is, Steube is driven to excel even more as a lawyer. “It’s important to continue to improve and become an expert in your profession.”

Howard Tevlowitz

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s vision is establishing a vibrant Jewish community, and Howard Tevlowitz, its dynamic executive director, believes his organization can realize this vision by developing a committed cadre of donors, volunteer leadership, and staff to build what he calls a 21st century engagement and partnership model. “Before there was a United Way, there was The Jewish Federation,” Tevlowitz said. “Our model goes back a hundred years, from Boston and other east coast communities. We’ve improved on that to understand the needs of individuals and their families, not necessarily of buildings and organizations.”

Tevlowitz brings a wealth of experience and passion to his post. Educated at Brandeis University and the University of Florida, he lived in Israel twice and began his Jewish communal activities in the 1980s, working in a variety of settings — from Minneapolis and Long Beach, California to Philadelphia and Sarasota. He

credits his education and travels with acquiring a valuable understanding of issues and needs within the Jewish community. “We’ve entered into a wide variety of partnerships,” he said. “Well over 15 of them, including the United Way, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota Orchestra, Florida Studio Theatre, Embracing Our Differences, Mote Marine and Asolo Rep. These partnerships have given us an ability to fashion multiple entry points for Jews to enter Jewish life. It doesn’t have to be in a synagogue. It doesn’t have to be in a building. It can be content-based. Almost everybody we work with is providing some kind of Jewish or Israel-focused service.”

Looking to the future, Tevlowitz said the Jewish Federation is setting up what he calls a “concierge outreach model” — focused on Jewish culture, food, Israel and the arts — and the strategic philanthropy required to sustain it.

“We’re an incubator here,” he said, “developing and testing new ideas that can be replicated around the country.”

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Aaron Thiel

Following his passion for helping people, Aaron Thiel leverages his experience in both the practice of law and corporate trust management in order to help families achieve their wealth and financial planning goals. Thiel first became interested in wealth planning as a law student at the University of Miami where he clerked for a prominent judge at the time the battle over the estate of Joe Robbie, the Dolphins original owner, was coming to an end. At that point, Thiel decided he wanted to help families have the right plans in place to make certain they wouldn’t have to face some of those same issues.

Today, after having gained experience managing a corporate trust department, Thiel is helping families build and protect their wealth as a Senior Wealth Planner with PNC Wealth Management®. His responsibilities include financial planning and highlevel wealth planning in collaboration with the team of five or more PNC professionals who work directly with each family. Thiel’s strength lies in his ability to ask the right questions in order to gain a deep understanding of each family’s goals and using that clarity to discover the best options to help achieve those goals or to offer a “second set of eyes” to make sure existing plans are on track.

What is most gratifying to him is watching his clients’ plans come to fruition over time and measuring his success by his clients reaching their retirement goals, their children receiving college educations, and the difference clients can make in the community because they are able to increase their philanthropy. On the personal side, Thiel also gains a lot of satisfaction in supporting his three children. On weekends, it’s always possible to catch him at the gym watching his five-year-old daughter’s gymnastics or cheering on his seven- and 12-year-old sons who are very involved in travel baseball.

The material presented in article is of a general nature and does not constitute the provision by PNC of investment, legal, tax or accounting advice to any person, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or adopt any investment strategy. You should seek the advice of an investment professional to tailor a financial plan to your particular needs. For more information, please contact PNC at 1-888-762-6226. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”) uses the name PNC Wealth Management® to provide investment and wealth management, fiduciary services, FDIC-insured banking products and services and lending of funds through its subsidiary, PNC Bank, National Association, which is a Member FDIC, and uses the name PNC Wealth Management® to provide certain fiduciary and agency services through its subsidiary, PNC Delaware Trust Company. PNC does not provide legal or accounting advice nor does it provide tax advice in the absence of a specific written engagement to do so. “PNC Wealth Management” is a registered trademark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. Investments: Not FDIC Insured. No Bank Guarantee. May Lose Value. Insurance: Not FDIC Insured.

No Bank or Federal Government Guarantee. May Lose Value.

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

Dr. Larry R. Thompson On the surface, Dr. Larry R. Thompson might seem an unlikely person to be President of a top art and design college. His background is loaded with left brain training: an undergraduate degree in mathematics, a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration and Counseling, plus a Juris Doctorate. What ties it all together, though, is his constant commitment to — and profound interest in — education.

Dr. Thompson was practicing law in Columbus, Ohio before being offered the role of Special Assistant to the President of The Ohio State University. Seven years later, he became the founding Director and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, where his responsibilities included fundraising and working with famed architect I. M. Pei. Dr. Thompson’s next role was as President and CEO of the Flint Cultural Center in Michigan — a 30-acre campus encompassing the nine leading cultural institutions of the Greater Flint area.

And that’s when he made the move — 14 years ago now — to become President of the Ringling College of Art + Design where Dr. Thompson has been an energetic, visionary leader both on and off campus. One of his early goals was to take Ringling College on a path to preeminence. This meant growing the institution while retaining its reputation for quality education. Over the past 8 years, Ringling College went from 6 majors to 14 by adding cutting edge programs like digital filmmaking, motion design, and the business of art and design.

Another innovation on campus is the Ringling College Collaboratory (supported by The Patterson Foundation), which has the goal of transforming the way art is taught with every Ringling student having real-world experience with real-world clients. Dr. Thompson’s most recent project is the Center for Creativity, which engages with businesses to help leaders and employees connect with their creative selves, often leading to shocking successes these left-brained people — like Dr. Thompson himself once was — never expected.

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Clark W. Toole III

Harnessing the quantitative and qualitative skills he learned from his parents, Clark Toole has carved out a phenomenally successful career in real estate. “I grew up with a great mother and father,” he said. “They gave me valuable lessons in my life that have helped me throughout my career. My father taught me discipline and my mother taught me people skills.”

As president of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate — and of Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT in Florida — Toole oversees the operations of Florida’s largest residential real estate company. With more than 80 offices and 4,900 agents, Coldwell Banker closed 37,405 units and $9.6 billion in Florida residential sales in 2012.

Since coming to Coldwell Banker, Toole has run seven different offices — three at one time — and has had three regional assignments and three presidential assignments in Florida and Texas. One assignment brought him back to Florida just in time for the 2007 real estate crash, but Toole and his team maneuvered successfully through the economic downturn. “We became even more successful,” he said. “In fact, Coldwell Banker NRT is one of the most successful real estate companies for the past two years.”

Toole believes his knowledge of his home state positions him advantageously over his competition, with four company acquisitions and more expansion on the way. “I travel from Sarasota to Naples to Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Flagler County, and Orlando,” he said.

“I’m on the ground a lot, and I get a lot of local intelligence by being on the ground and talking to people.”

Toole’s company goal is to keep giving consumers a great real estate experience.

“That’s what it’s all about,” he said. “If we keep focusing on that, the derivative of that is being successful.”

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

Ladd Waldo

Graced with a CPA and a master’s degree in business administration, Ladd Waldo has devoted much of his fruitful career to not-for-profits. Thinking he would retire to Sarasota six years ago, Easter Seals of Southwest Florida had other ideas. He was appointed president and CEO of the organization in early 2010 after serving as the CFO for two and a half years.

Waldo’s financial expertise helped provide economic stability to Easter Seals, aiding greatly in securing the organization’s mission for the future. That mission is to provide exceptional services for people with disabilities and their families by empowering them to live their lives to the fullest. “Easter Seals has been in this community since 1946, so we’re not going away,” he said. “We clearly offer a service that is needed. We’ve expanded the programming since I’ve been here to include a preschool.

We believe that the first five years of a child’s life can make a long-lasting difference for all of their life.”

Waldo added Easter Seals also offers speech/ language therapy, occupational therapy, physical and developmental/early intervention services to children as well. His next goal is to address the organization’s aging building. “The parents of children with polio built our facility in the 50s as a school and therapy center for their children,” he said. “As one of my vice presidents likes to say, the building is waving goodbye to us. We’re challenged with ongoing maintenance to keep it in good shape. And I’d like to see us develop a secure financial future that might include a replacement facility.”

He’d also like to see more collaboration, cooperation, and partnership among Sarasota-Manatee’s numerous nonprofit organizations. “I have experience in merging hospitals together,” he said. “And I would like to see more of this among local nonprofits, and those who serve people with disabilities.”

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Dr. John Welch

Since obtaining his B.S. and M.D. degrees at the University of Illinois, Dr. John D. Welch has remained a noteworthy member of the medical community. In his five years at Tampa General Hospital, Dr. Welch went from Intern to Resident to Chief Resident. He then served as a Major at McDill Air Force Base in Tampa before coming to Sarasota in 1970 to found Sarasota Urological Associates (later renamed Florida Urology Specialists). His many honors include being President of the Florida Urological Society, Chief of Surgery and later, Chief of Staff at Doctor’s Hospital.

But to know Dr. Welch’s medical career is to only know one side of his story. He’s also actively involved in the arts. A fan of the Asolo Center for Performing Arts, Dr. Welch and his wife Myrna have seen every main stage production since 1970. He’s also served as President and was a 30-year member of the Board of Directors. For the past 15 years, he’s been a student sponsor for the Asolo-FSU Acting Conservatory.

In addition, Dr. Welch is the Founder of the Sarasota Film Festival, an event he conceived after the Sarasota French Film Festival (where he was on the Board of Directors) ended in 1997. He also served on the board of the Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Council, is presently on the board of the Sarasota Season of Sculpture and the Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office, and is a member of the Ringling College of Art + Design Digital Film Founder’s Circle.

Although he and Myrna are avid travelers who have been to all the continents, his primary passion is sports — as a participant and fan. He is extremely proud of being a Founding Member of the YMCA Elbows for Lunch Bunch, an ongoing pickup basketball game for players 30+ years old that started in 1971. For more than four decades, Dr. Welch rained three-pointers up until an on-court bump last year tore his rotator cuff. But after successful surgery, he’s back shooting threes like a pro again!

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

Peter Wozniak

Having entered the healthcare field as an oncology nurse caring for those with devastating illnesses, Peter Wozniak knows the benefits of patient-focused care delivered daily. While his career path led him into hospital administration, Wozniak has never lost his patient focused approach. That has enabled him to keep Venice Regional Medical Center at the forefront of advanced medicine and expand its geographic impact through excellent care and strategic alliances during his three years as CEO. Wozniak is well known for his belief that being a powerful leader means empowering those on the frontline of patient care, providing them with resources and technology, and setting expectations for exceeding standards of care. As a result, Venice Regional Medical Center is the busiest robotic hospital south of Pinellas County and the only one providing robotics in all specialty areas. With Venice’s high population of older adults, Wozniak has expanded the hospital’s renowned cardiac and stroke capabilities with an electrophysiology lab and cath lab and added an expert in electrophysiology studies.

Similar advancements are evident in emergency room care and endocrinology, particularly in diabetes care. Staff podiatrists care for foot sores, and bariatric surgery now may be performed, which can cure Type 2 diabetes. The orthopedic program also has been recognized with Blue Cross Blue Distinction status for knees and hips. In addition, Venice Regional’s Easy Street rehabilitation facility is one of only 17 hospital-based occupational and physical therapy centers in the nation. Through its alliance with Bayfront Health System, emergency patients are easily transferred to the region’s leading trauma center and pediatric patients to All Children’s Hospital. Even heart transplants are available through the University of Florida Shands Medical Center, and the hospital has access to the university’s leading edge research. Regardless of all those achievements, what satisfies Wozniak the most is seeing healed patients walking out the door with their families.

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

Brian Zeitz With over 20 years of experience managing securities portfolios at large brokerage firms and major banks, Brian Zeitz’s strength lies in portfolio construction and risk oversight experience. However it’s the deep personal relationships the advisors at Monarch Asset Management have built over the years that make their clients so dedicated. “I moved my family to St. Petersburg from West Virginia about 15 years ago,” Zeitz said. “I oversaw portfolio management on the west coast of Florida for a very large bank and fell in love with the Sarasota community. We relocated here from St. Petersburg in 2004.”

Zeitz partnered with a banking colleague to found Monarch in downtown Sarasota, where the company thrives today. He believes there are two paths someone in his business can follow. One path is to work for a large corporation wherein investment decision-making is increasingly centralized and modeldriven and the other is to partner with, rather than be employed by, a large financial organization.

“I’ve chosen the latter, and I think that’s what makes me different from other fiduciary managers,” he said. “As for being proud of my achievements, I think there is very little room for pride in my business. I hope to look back someday with a sense of pride at what has been accomplished. But for now, I think humility serves me far better.”

Zeitz sets his future goals in the short term, intermediate term, and long term. First he wants to acquire national regulatory registration for his business, rather than state-by-state.

Next, he’d like to find the ability and time to support in a greater way the human services organizations in the community he cares so much about.

“My long term goal is to be a husband and father that people reflect on with admiration and love,” he said.

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

DIRECTORY Auen, Matt

Carney, Jason

Dubbaneh, Anthony

Director of Golf Laurel Oak Country Club 2700 Gary Player Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34240 941.378.3600 mhapga@hotmail.com laureloak.com

Chief Operations Officer and Transfusion Safety Officer Suncoast Communities Blood Bank 1760 Mound St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941.954.1600 jcarney@scbb.org scbb.org

Partner Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management 252 W. Marion Ave., Ste 200 Punta Gorda, FL 33950 941.391.8000 | Toll Free: 855.654.8020 anthony.dubbaneh@lbpwm.com lbpwm.com

Cochran, Fred

Dunlap, Scott W., Esq

Insula Capital 1515 Ringling Blvd., Ste 840 Sarasota, FL 34236 941.960.7000 x202 Fcochran@InsCap.com WestwindMgt.com

Dunlap & Moran, P.A. 22 South Links Ave., Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236 6111 Exchange Way Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.366.0115 sdunlap@dunlapmoran.com dunlapmoran.com

Barcomb, Scott Barcomb & Associates, LLC 1819 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941.364.5700 sbarcomb@barcomb.net barcomb.net

Bennett, Lew CFPÂŽ Partner Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management 252 W. Marion Ave., Ste 200 Punta Gorda, FL 33950 941.391.8000 | Toll Free: 855.654.8020 lew.bennett@lbpwm.com lbpwm.com

Dannheisser, Dan

Brigger, Michael

Dattoli, Michael J., MD

Training Manager Studio South Fitness 711 S. Osprey Ave., Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.4584 info@studiosouthfitness.com StudioSouthFitness.com

Dattoli Cancer Center & Brachytherapy Research Institute 2803 Fruitville Rd. Sarasota, FL 34237 1.877.DATTOLI (328.8654) | 941.957.1221 dattoli.com

Bush, Scott

Michael Saunders & Company 1771 Ringling Blvd., #904 Sarasota, FL 34236 941.875.3699 pauldesantis@michaelsaunders.com michaelsaunders.com

CEO, Suncoast Communities Blood Bank 1760 Mound St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941.954.1600 sbush@scbb.org scbb.org

Carlson, Don & Donald Jr. President/Owner Carlson Cleaners 3115 Southgate Circle Sarasota, FL 34239 941.955.1311 1455 East Venice Ave. Venice, FL 34292 941.488.5656 carlsoncleaners@gmail.com carlsoncleaners.com

Trial Attorney Paderewski, Dannheisser and Flaherty Law Firm 1834 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.7600 Dan@pdfattorneys.com DanDannheisser.com | pdfattorneys.com

DeSantis, Paul

DiDomenico, Jaime President Cool Today, Plumbing Today, Energy Today 6143 Clark Center Rd. Sarasota, FL 34238 CoolToday.com Facebook.com/GetTheBestFromToday

Dunn, Lin Realtor Michael Saunders & Company 5100 Ocean Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34242 (c) 941.809.2154 | (o) 941.349.3444 Teamdunn@MichaelSaunders.com teamdunn.michaelsaunders.com

Edwards, Michael B. Broker/Solutions Realty 259 South Links Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 941.302.4818 Mike@SolutionsSarasota.com SolutionsSarasota.com

Fain, John Co-Owner Grapevine Communications Int’l, Inc. 5201 Paylor Lane Sarasota, FL 34240 (o) 941.351.0024 | (c) 941.928.5081 jfain@grapeinc.com grapeinc.com

Folsom Smith, Frank 330 S. Pineapple Ave., Ste 206 Sarasota, FL 34236 941.957.0434

Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

DIRECTORY Fowler, James A., Jr.

Han, Derek

Laughlin, Peter G., PA

Fowler Law Group Sarasota 2075 Main St., Ste 38 Sarasota, FL 34237 941.404.8909 Bradenton 1101 6th Avenue W., Ste 106 Bradenton, FL 34205 941.404.8919 james@fowlerlawpa.com fowlerlawpa.com

Associate Artistic Director La Musica P.O. Box 5442 Sarasota, FL 34277 derekhan01@yahoo.com www.lamusicafestival.org

Broker Associate Premier Sotheby’s International Realty The Plaza at Five Points 50 Central Ave., Ste. 110 Sarasota, FL 34236 941.356.8428 peter.laughlin@sothebysrealty.com peterglaughlin.com

Garofalo, Tim President & CEO voiceTech 551 N. Cattlemen Rd., Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34232 800.325.2017 tgarofalo@voicetechinc.com voicetechinc.com

Harshman, Michael Attorney Najmy Thompson PL, Attorneys At Law 6320 Venture Dr., Ste 104 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 (o) 941.907.3999 (c) 941.735.9015 mike@mikeharshman.com

Holderness, Michael S. Realtor SaraBay Real Estate, Inc. 941.725.0338 mike@mikeholderness.com

Gettel, Jim

Kin, Jeffery

Gettel Automotive 6423 14th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34207 941.756.5511 Gettel.com

Artistic Director The Players Theatre 838 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.2494 artisticdirector@theplayers.org theplayers.org

Guilford, Arthur Dr. Regional Chancellor University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Sarasota Campus 8350 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243 941.359.4200 North Port Campus 5920 Pan American Blvd.

North Port, FL 34287 941.426.7330 rlando@sar.usf.edu usfsm.edu

Haenel, David Criminal Defense Attorney Finebloom, Haenel & Higgins 200 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34236 941.404.3091 FHQ@FightYourCase.com FightYourCase.com

SCENE

|

Men on the Scene 2013

Lamoureaux, Scott General Manager Esplanade Golf & Country Club 5240 Esplanade Blvd.

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 (o) 941.254.1717 | (c) 941.961.3002 slamoureaux@popegolf.net popegolf.net | taylormorrison.com

Landsberg, Michael Partner Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management 252 W. Marion Ave., Ste 200 Punta Gorda, FL 33950 941.391.8000 | Toll Free: 855.654.8020 michael.landsberg@lbpwm.com lbpwm.com

Leise, Walt F. III, PhD CEO/President Sarasota Medical Products, Inc. 1451 Sarasota Center Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34240 (o) 941.377.1451 x222 | (c) 847.772.4317 dr.walter.leise@sarasotamedical.com sarasotamedical.com

Liashek, Peter Co-Owner Studio South Fitness 711 S. Osprey Ave., Ste 1 Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.4584 info@studiosouthfitness.com StudioSouthFitness.com

Martin, Steve CEO/Wealth Advisor SRQ Wealth Management 1819 Main St., Ste 905 Sarasota, FL 34243 941.556.9004 x203 steve@srqwealth.com srqwealth.com

Mattison, Paul Executive Chef and Proprietor Mattison’s Restaurants and Catering 7275 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 941.921.3400 mattisons.com

Menager, Maurice Realtor Michael Saunders & Company 5100 Ocean Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34242 (c) 941.809.2154 | (o) 941.349.3444 Teamdunn@MichaelSaunders.com teamdunn.michaelsaunders.com

DIRECTORY Moran, John, Esq

Roth, Stuart

Thompson, Larry R., Dr.

Dunlap & Moran, P.A. 22 South Links Ave., Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236 6111 Exchange Way Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.366.0115 jmoran@dunlapmoran.com

Founder and President Salt and Light Productions 7357 Merchant Court Sarasota, FL 34240 941.487.4061 sroth@saltandlightproductions.org saltandlightproductions.org American Center for Law and Justice 201 Maryland Ave. Washington, D.C. 20002 sroth@aclj.org aclj.org

President, Ringling College of Art & Design 2700 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34234 941.359.7601 officeofpres@ringling.edu ringling.edu

Mullan, Michael, MD, PhD President/CEO The Roskamp Institute, Inc. 2040 Whitfield Ave. Sarasota, FL 34243 941.752.2949 rfdn.org

Niebuhr, Bengt 646.262.2970 bengt@niebuhr.mobi

O’Shea, Donal Dr. President, New College of Florida 5800 Bay Shore Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 941.487.5000 ncf.edu

Otto, Matt CFP Senior VP, Private Financial Advisor SunTrust Private Wealth Management 1777 Main St., 7th Floor Sarasota, FL 34236 941.951.3052 matthew.otto@suntrust.com suntrust.com

Reuter, Todd J., DMD, MD Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 3300 South Tamiami Trail, Ste 7 Sarasota, FL 34239 941.365.3388 sarasotaoms.com

Roles, Cliff Cliff Roles Photography 941.685.9017 cliffroles@aol.com cliffroles.smugmug.com

Rosinsky, Bob President/CEO, Goodwill Manasota 7501 15th St. East Sarasota, FL 34243 941.355.2721 Bobr@gimi.org experiencegoodwill.org

Shapiro, M. David Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni & Walsh 308 Coconut Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 941.954.4000 dshapiro@getmejustice.com getmejustice.com

Steube, Greg Attorney/State Representative District 73 Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. 6230 University Pkwy, Ste 204 Sarasota, FL 34240 941.366.8826 wgsteube@becker-poliakoff.com becker-poliakoff.com/wgsteube

Sorace, Richard A., MD, PhD Dattoli Cancer Center & Brachytherapy Research Institute 2803 Fruitville Rd. Sarasota, FL 34237 1.877.DATTOLI (328.8654) | 941.957.1221 dattoli.com

Tevlowitz, Howard Executive Director The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee 580 McIntosh Rd. Sarasota, FL 34232 941.371.4546 | 941.343.2110 htevlowitz@jfedsrq.org TheJewishFederation.org

Thiel, Aaron

Toole, Clark W., III President Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT Florida 5951 Cattleridge Ave. Sarasota, FL 34232 941.487.1400 Clark.Toole@FloridaMoves.com FloridaMoves.com

Waldo, Ladd President and CEO Easter Seals Southwest Florida 350 Braden Ave. Sarasota, FL 34243 941.355.7637 lwaldo@easterseal.org www.easterseals-swfl.org

Welch, John D., MD 650 Mourning Dove Drive Sarasota, FL 34236 941.366.4396 srqdoc@aol.com

Wozniak, Peter CEO, Venice Regional Medical Center 540 The Rialto Venice, FL 34285 941.483.7773 Peter.Wozniak@hma.com veniceregional.com

Zeitz, Brian Managing Partner Monarch Asset Management 2639 Fruitville Rd., Ste 303 Sarasota, FL 34237 941.361.1212 my-monarch.com

Senior Wealth Planner PNC Wealth Management 1549 Ringling Blvd, 3rd Floor Sarasota, FL 34236 941.363.5060 aaron.thiel@pnc.com pnc.com/wealthmanagement Men on the Scene 2013

|

SCENE

WHERE GREAT MEMORIES, INNOVATIVE CUISINE AND IMPECCABLE SERVICE COME NEATLY WRAPPED.

So good, you’ll look for reasons to celebrate.

941.388.4415 | 431 St. Armands Circle | cafeleurope.net

Celebrate our 40th Anniversary with the Passport Series – a Culinary Tour of Europe!

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA, FL PERMIT #88

We know you’re too busy to read this.

2013 MOTS $3.95 U.S.

So let our professionals do all the work for you. We’ll find your next car, deliver it right to your door and save you valuable time and money.

It’s the easy, smart and stress-free way.

PERFORMANCE

AUTO SALES

First Class Service | First Class Experience All Makes & Models | Trade-Ins Accepted | Financing Available

941-921-6414