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JOSH DINESEN
Call of Duty: First Impressions Printing
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TUCKSON GARNES
Out with the Old: Owner of Junk Removal Service Builds Something New
35
CHEF LORING FELIX
Fiery Chef: Restaurateur, Caterer, & Carpenter
Volume 01, Issue No. 06 • NOVEMBER 2021
It’s Medicare
Open Enrollment
October 15 – December 7 YOUR PLACE INSURANCE • 2320 NE 2ND STREET, UNIT 5 • OCALA, FLORIDA 34470
When It Comes To
Medicare,
You Have Choices
Our No. 1 Priority is Helping You Find the RIGHT Plan to Fit Your Needs & Budget.
Contact Us for a FREE, No-Obligation Consultation 352.415.4589 • YOURPLACEOCALA.COM CHAD TAYLOR • LICENSED FLORIDA SALES AGENT • CHAD@YOURPLACEOCALA.COM
LISA ANDERSON, PUBLISHER lisa@lisaandersonmedia.com senior copy editor JODI ANDERSON staff advisor CHAD TAYLOR
PHOTOGRAPHY staff photographer LISA ANDERSON contributing photographer BRETT GOLDIN staff photographer JOSHUA JACOBS stock photography service DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
EDITORIAL staff writer JODI ANDERSON staff writer LISA ANDERSON contributing writer DR. MANAL FAKHOURY contributing writer CYNTHIA MCFARLAND
GRAPHIC DESIGN staff designer LISA ANDERSON staff designer JOSHUA JACOBS
ADVERTISING general inquiries SALES@LOCALAMAG.COM senior sales representative MELISSA TARICIC melissa@lisaandersonmedia.com
LOCALA DIVERSITY COMMITTEE ANGELA BOONE ESMIRNA CARABALLO MANAL FAKHOURY R.J. JENKINS DAVID LUGO REBECCA POOLE HERB SILVERMAN
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LISA ANDERSON MEDIA, LLC chief executive officer LISA ANDERSON media manager JOSHUA JACOBS website LISAANDERSONMEDIA.COM © Lisa Anderson Media, LLC and Locala. All rights reserved. November 2021, Volume 01, Issue Number 06. Locala is a monthly publication, which is published by Lisa Anderson Media, LLC, 2320 NE 2nd Street, Unit 5, Ocala, FL 34470. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For reprint or reuse permission, email info@localamag.com.
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
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Dear Ocala Celebrating Manhood
BREAKING SOCIAL NORMS
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Healing Horses, Helping Humans: Equine Veterinarian Volunteers to Change Lives
FOLLOW ME
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Reconnecting: The Conclusion of Angela’s Story
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The Conductor: Ocala Symphony Chorus Director Lives Harmoniously Through the Love of Music
FROM THE EXPERTS
ON THE COVER
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25
Camera Ready: Should You DIY Your Next Video Project?
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The Importance of Personal Development
THE CHEWS LETTER
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Fiery Chef: Restaurateur, Caterer, & Carpenter
ARTIST Q&A
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Patricia Teal: Visual Fine Artist
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Andres Garcia: The Laughing Artist
C E L E B R AT I N G M A N H O O D
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Out with the Old: Owner of Junk Removal Service Builds Something New
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Fitness for Life: More than Just a Work Out
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A Sure Bet: Ocala Man Has Faith in Himself to Overcome Life’s Obstacles
F E AT U R E
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Josh Dinesen: The Call of Duty
GIVERTORIAL
35
07
Putting Compassion into Community Companion Care
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Taking the Call: Good Customer Service is the Foundation for a 25-Year Business Relationship
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FABLES
NOMA Gallery Presents:
A celebration of figurative art through storytelling
On View November December 2021
Little Red and the Wolf by Grace Netanya
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
LISA ANDERSON DEAR OCALA,
Photo by Baily Aro Hutchence
I
f we’re going to celebrate womanhood, then we should also celebrate manhood. What better time to do that than during Men’s Health Awareness month, otherwise known as “Movember.” Gentlemen, you rocked my world with your enthusiasm to be a part of this magazine. In fact, this issue was almost fully planned out before the preceding one! In this issue, we have Willy Richeson’s journey of health, Woodly Oralus’ dedication to overcoming life’s walls, Tuckson Garnes’ purpose behind building his own business, and Josh Dinesen’s journey from police officer to printing expert. We couldn’t just stop at these amazing themed stories and feature. We were excited to sit down and talk with Dr. Alberto Rullan, so he could tell us how he is “Breaking Social Norms” with his equine work. To keep the inspiration going, we talked with videographer Mike Palma for some tips on why DIY
may not be the best option, and sat down with Joshua Mazur, conductor of the Ocala Symphony Chorus. Joshua’s musical story is this month’s Follow Me, and Angela Boone’s story concludes. Plus, Dr. Manal Fakhoury tells us about “The Importance of Personal Development.” Last, but never least, is Ocala’s beloved Fiery Chef, Loring Felix. We couldn’t pass up an opportunity to sit down and chat with the man who has filled our stomachs with delicious food since the Eighties.
And don’t forget to check out the GIVErtorials! These sponsored stories are certainly worth the read. For all those who celebrate, I want to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. Thank you, Ocala, for embracing me, this magazine, and all the stories of those who opened their hearts to us. Most Sincerely,
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Lisa Anderson Media
HELPING YOU SHARE YOUR STORY
352.360.7206
info@lisaandersonmedia.com
“
Putting Compassion into Community Companion Care
I feel there is such a need here. I feel there are people that don’t know agencies like this even exist. It’s hard to think someone might need support or help, [but] if you can just get them to experience it and see how beneficial to one’s life it can be, it would be more accepted.” Becky Poole taught for over 14 years, spending the bulk of her career in reading intervention for students. However, when she and her husband moved to Florida, the state wouldn’t recognize her teaching certificate. “I felt it was really the time for me to look for something else.” She spent some time in the school district, but when the opportunity came for Becky to join Community Companion Care, a home-help agency, she jumped. “My background is really nutrition education and not just basic education.” It felt like a natural transition to Becky. “Life is a journey. You take a lot of different stepping stones to get where you are, but I think your path never ends. I’m in a good place. I’m able to give back, again. Giving back is really important to me.” The agency tackles any non-medical services a client might need. “Anything from running errands with the client, going to pick up lunch, to going to the hairdresser. A lot of our clients are here without family or have lost their spouse, and so they are alone. We can kind of step in and fill that
void by providing them with a person—companionship first and foremost.” Not having a cookie-cutter service is something Becky is very proud of. “We are very client-driven. Every client’s needs are specific to them because everybody’s needs are different. Our caregivers are very passionate for that as well.” Becky’s title is Case Manager, but she feels her job is so much more than the title implies. “I meet. I greet. I develop care plans. I also interview caregivers. I do the office piece of our company, but I also don’t want to be so removed from the interaction of our clients that I don’t know what [they] need when [they] call. I’m the first line of interaction they get before the caregiver steps in. “There are many of our clients that need this, because without it, they would never leave their home, eat a meal, or take their medicine. That’s the piece I get really passionate about, because how can you tell someone that this isn’t something they need to live a fruitful and thriving life?” LEARN MORE Phone: 352.854.1358 Email: communitycompanioncare@cox.net Web: CommunityCompanionCare.com
GIVERTOR IA L SPO NSO RE D BY L ISA AN DE RSO N ME DIA , L LC
BREAKING SOCIAL NORMS
Healing Horses,
HELPING HUMANS: EQUINE VETERINARIAN VOLUNTEERS TO CHANGE LIVES
DR. ALBERTO RULLAN Story by CYNTHIA MCFARL AND
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Photo by JOSHUA JACOBS
He was only eight years old when a traumatic event inspired the course of his future. Growing up on a cattle farm in rural Puerto Rico, Alberto Rullan’s horses were an important part of daily life. His father trained horses, and, on this particular day in 1988, he was training Alberto’s favorite horse. While riding along the road, a driver, in the midst of an asthma attack, swerved, and the car struck them. Man and horse fell to the pavement. On that same road, Alberto was on the school bus headed home and watched in horror as the accident unfolded. “My dad was taken to the hospital with a broken back. The horse was still alive and had a broken leg; he was dragged into a truck and brought home,” Alberto remembers. “There were no veterinarians in our town. Finally, a country vet came from about an hour away. The only thing he could do was euthanize the horse. At that moment, I decided I was going to be a veterinarian and help horses with leg injuries. It was something that affected my life forever.”
GALLOPING TOWARD THE FUTURE
Ten years later, the 18-year-old who dreamed of becoming an equine veterinarian enrolled in Penn State University. From a country school of only 50 kids, he was now one of 50,000 students. Alberto earned his Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University in 2002 and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. Alberto Rullan, VMD then spent a year completing his in-house internship at the Louisiana State University Veterinary Equine Teaching Hospital and Clinic. “If you’re in Puerto Rico, there are three places you think of, if you want to work with horses: Ocala, Lexington, and Texas,” says Alberto. “We had many friends who had moved to Ocala, and when I finished my internship, I moved to Ocala in 2007.” In 2009, Alberto and his brother William, who was already in Ocala, founded Performance Equine Veterinary Services: Alberto as the veterinarian, William as the technician. He was now working with horses who needed his unique skills. Many of these were horses people were ready to give up on because of serious issues.
A NEAR MISS
Amazingly, the practice also helped save his brother’s life. “William had a cold for about a month. Doctors kept prescribing meds, but he didn’t get better,” recalls Alberto. “One day, when we were working on a horse, he got kicked. The bruise didn’t go away. Instead, it got bigger until his whole leg turned bruised. That, combined with the long-lasting cold, prompted his doctor to do blood work. They found out he was anemic and required an immediate transfusion. That blood work led to a leukemia diagnosis.” Aware of how stem cells had helped horses in their practice, the brothers starting researching. William was able to participate in a stem cell study at the University
of Florida. “That kick saved his life, and William is still with us today,” says a grateful Alberto.
GRABBING A NON-PROFIT BY THE REINS
Helping others has been ingrained in Alberto’s life. While still in school, he participated in the non-profit Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS), providing veterinary services to animals on U.S. Indian reservations. After vet school, Alberto began volunteering with Equitarian Initiative, a non-profit international organization that provides veterinary care to horses in less fortunate communities and teaches basic veterinary care to the people there. “We would go to Guatemala and Peru and teach vet students how to do procedures. We weren’t just helping horses and students, but also the people who live there, teaching them how to take care of their horses, donkeys, and mules,” he explains. “The people were so appreciative; some of them have stayed in touch over the years.” With a mother who was a university professor, Alberto grew up with a great appreciation for education. This, combined with his experiences with Equitarian Initiative, inspired him to develop his own program to help people learn to be veterinary technicians. “There wasn’t a lot of education, even in the U.S., for people who work with horses to assist
the veterinarians,” says Alberto. He created Rullan University, a program that offers both online and hands-on learning at his practice in Ocala. He also volunteers with at-risk youth, alongside of his client, Velvette Saulsberry, who was a juvenile corrections officer. She was using equine therapy with troubled youth, and after seeing the impressive results, Alberto was on board. “One of my longterm goals is to prove to correctional facilities that horses will rehabilitate juveniles much more quickly than medication,” says Alberto. In 2017, Alberto founded Equine Performance Center, a comprehensive equine rehabilitation facility in Ocala, focused on physical rehab and regenerative therapies. After he joined Phillip Hammock, DVM, a board certified surgeon, the facility was renamed Equine Performance Innovative Center (EPIC). Located in the heart of Ocala’s horse country, EPIC’s success stories include many equine athletes who have returned to painfree performance. Despite his impressive efforts to heal horses and help people, Alberto isn’t superhuman. He’s simply more mindful of time. “Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day,” he says. “I see patients about 40 hours a week, but the week has far more hours than that! My new goal is to start timing everything I do to become more efficient. I’m always trying to see how to get more done in a day.”
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C E L E B R AT I N G M A N H O O D
Out with the Old OWNER OF JUNK REMOVAL SERVICE BUILDS SOMETHING NEW
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TUCKSON GARNES Story by JODI ANDERSON
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Photo by LISA ANDERSON
C E L E B R AT I N G M A N H O O D
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rowing up in The Bronx, New York, Tuckson Garnes never dreamed he would one day be a business owner. His neighborhood was comprised of dirty, gray buildings and pothole-riddled streets. But when he took the bus into Manhattan, the scenery changed to clean high rises and Rolls Royces on pristine roads. “I wanted to be that guy in the tailored suit with a briefcase and a phone.” He thought about his dad, who had been a computer programmer on Wall Street, until drugs overcame him, and he lost everything. Tuckson’s mother also had her struggles with addiction, but she hung on to a job and her kids. He didn’t have the fancy Jordans, but “no matter what, I still had school clothes every year. I never had to worry about eating. I did have a good childhood.” Every year, his family would travel to Florida to visit his mother’s relatives in Jacksonville, and they would sometimes visit Disney World.
A BIG MOVE
In 2006, Tuckson moved to Florida. He ended up in the Gainesville area, where he “got into trouble.” After two years of poor decisions and legal consequences, Tuckson decided to straighten up and find a job. He wandered into a Denny’s, where his now partner Laquay was a server. “She just attracted me in so many ways.” Tuckson was
No matter what you’re going through, there’s no excuse not to live the life you want to. You just gotta go out there and do it. — Tuckson Garnes
impressed by her coolness under pressure and the way that she stepped up and led when the restaurant got really busy. Laquay already had two children when they met. Her son is now in college in Syracuse, New York, on a soccer scholarship. Her daughter, a toddler at the time, is in advanced classes at Howard Middle School. Ashton was born not long after they met. Tuckson was 22. He cites his son as a motivation to be successful, setting the example for him to be an entrepreneur—to call his own shots and be a success on his terms.
A NEW START
Tuckson was tired of working long hours and began to look for another way to bring in money but be more available to his family. “I wanted to find a business or service that wasn’t so hard, so I could focus on building it.” He had a trailer and thought he might be able to make that into something. He started by helping people move, but the liability and fear of breaking other people’s things was too much. Then, people started asking him to help them get rid of unwanted furniture. In 2018, he founded Q & Q Junk Removal. (The Q’s stand for “quality” and “quick.”) Despite having two degrees in business organization from the College of Central Florida, Tuckson admits, “I realized very quickly I didn’t know as much as I thought I did.” The company provides both commercial and residential services by cleaning out vacated apartments, warehouses, homes, etc. They will also drop a dumpster for people who are cleaning out the home of a loved one or who are doing home
renovation. Most of his customers are older, Tuckson explains, and he’s motivated by the desire to help people. The company’s ethos is working: It has dozens of five-star reviews. He doesn’t have to do much advertising, either. “Seventy-five percent of my business comes from word-of-mouth.”
LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE
Even though he has more competition than when he started, Tuckson is confident in the direction his business is growing. He has a five- to ten-year plan to get it to the point where it can sustain itself. He may even want to franchise it. He says that his business has taught him to slow down and say no when he has to. He had to “learn my own self-value.” He has a clear eye on the future. “I don’t want to stress super hard. I want to be able to travel in my forties; I realize it’s not that far away. I would like to be able to travel the world.” Tuckson holds his mother up as his role model. She taught him to go after what he wanted in life, to get up when he didn’t want to, and to work hard. “No matter what you’re going through, there’s no excuse not to live the life you want to. You just gotta go out there and do it.”
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Fitness for Life MORE THAN JUST WORKING OUT
WILLY RICHESON Story by CYNTHIA MCFARL AND
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Photo by LISA ANDERSON
C E L E B R AT I N G M A N H O O D
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itness became a lifestyle for Willy Richeson in his late teens. Although he played football and competed in wrestling and track and field events in high school, he didn’t really start working out until he went into the Wisconsin National Guard at age 18. Beyond improved physical appearance, Willy saw other powerful benefits. “I started working out and fell in love with it. Seeing results boosts your confidence and it also got me to evolve and be more engaged,” he says. “I had a hard time focusing on one task growing up. Working out helped me with planning and building a routine. It gave me a passion.”
MOVING ACROSS THE COUNTRY
In 2019, the Wisconsin native moved to Ocala, Florida, where some of his family had relocated. One of his first steps to meeting people and making friends was getting connected with a local gym. He soon took the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) course and became a personal trainer. Currently working as a personal trainer at a local gym in Ocala, he’s able to share his passion and help others on their journey to better health. He’s excited that he and his family are opening a fitness center in Dunnellon this December. “I’m a ‘people person,’” says Willy, 23. “I have always liked helping people, so helping them live a healthier lifestyle was something that appealed to me.”
STEPPING UP TO HELP
The quarantines and isolation imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic have had far-reaching consequences—physical, mental, and emotional. Willy has seen this firsthand, noting that many of the people seeking a personal trainer in the last year were motivated to do so because of gaining weight during shutdown. “A lot of my clients are first-timers to the gym and come in looking for knowledge,” he notes. “People are entering a gym for the first time, because they’re trying to live healthier now. Some came to me saying they had depression.” In addition to newcomers, Willy has also seen people who were in the habit of working out before COVID hit and are returning to take their health more seriously. Whether a client is hoping to lose weight or strengthen their immune system or is struggling with depression, Willy encourages them with the fact that studies show that physical activity can help. “It’s important that people who are coming to the gym for the first time are doing correct movements when working out, so they can live that healthy lifestyle for a long time,” says Willy. “I like to focus on that.” He’s found that many new athletes tend to be slightly intimidated. “They have no idea how to hit their personal goals or if they’re even possible. They want a personal trainer to guide them, make sure they don’t hurt themselves, and help them succeed,” he says. One of his first questions with any new client is asking what made them decide to come in. Clients have specific reasons for seeking a personal trainer. Often, these include losing weight and improving their immune systems. Another very common reason? “They have an event coming up where photos will be taken,” says Willy, “and they want to look good for those pictures.” Willy never wants to burst anyone’s bubble. If a client comes to him with unrealistic goals, he gives them stepping stones to reach their main goal. As they achieve each stepping stone, he helps them set a new target with their ultimate objective in mind. “If someone comes to me and wants to lose 50 pounds, we’ll break it down over a period of months,” he explains. “Not focusing on the number on the scale is hard to do, but when you see results, it’s very uplifting. For example, someone may weigh the same but be a lot more fit and in better proportion, once they put on muscle and lose fat.” When a client comes to him and has doubts about what they can accomplish, Willy enjoys watching their transformation as they set and reach goals. He shares
the success of one client who came to him hoping to lose a significant amount of weight. After three months, she was only down seven pounds, but she had lost over seven inches, a transformation that left her clothes loose. “She’s had to buy new clothes,” says Willy, “so this was very exciting for her.”
SETTING GOALS
Willy has an equal number of male and female clients, and they range in age from 13 to 85 years old. Older clients often just want to stay active, so they can continue to be able to do everyday tasks. Willy helps them work on mobility and strengthening. Success stories are as varied as his clients and, for Willy, that’s one of the most satisfying things about his job. “I helped one client be able to do their first push up, even though they didn’t believe it was possible,” he says. “Another person was afraid to jump on anything, so we started with just inches. It’s very rewarding to see them overcome their fear.” Life in the gym takes up most of Willy’s days, but when he’s not training or helping others work out, he loves paddleboarding and kayaking. Also tops on his list is spending time with his German Shepherd/pit mix Magni, who was named for the Norse god of strength.
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WOODLY ORALUS 16
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A Sure Bet
OCALA MAN HAS FAITH IN HIMSELF TO OVERCOME LIFE’S OBSTACLES Story & Photo by LISA ANDERSON
W
oodly Oralus was on track to success, so it probably comes as no big shock to people he knew in his youth that he has an MBA and owns a business. For Woodly, however, it was a hard journey with several bumps, walls, and pitfalls along the way. “I bet on myself over and over again.” Woodly ran track, did a little boxing, and started his football career at the age of 12. When he graduated from Forest High School in 2012, he was under-recruited due to his smaller size. Admittedly, he was “not the most ideal size for a running back in my position, but I was blazing fast.” He also had an excellent academic record, which helped him choose a school where he would have the best chance of getting onto the field sooner. He chose
When my hard work was not enough, God stepped in to help me with my situation. For three days straight, three days, I feel that God blessed me. — Woodly Oralus
and was accepted to Florida State University in Tallahassee. With a lot of hard work and some extra muscle to bump up his weight, Woodly went from “sixth or seventh string” to starter in one season. However, his dedication to football caused him to put his academics on the backburner. Self-inflicted or not, this was the first of many bumps in his road to success.
OVERCOMING
Woodly’s loss of focus on his studies made him academically ineligible to play football and continue to receive the scholarship that helped covered his tuition. His romantic relationship and his friendships also began to crumble. When he decided to continue with school, he was faced with financial difficulties and a hard class load, if he wanted to graduate on time. That was one of the first times Woodly truly bet on himself. Despite working multiple jobs and keeping up on his school work, he found himself with no food on the table, little sleep, and five dollars in his pocket. During a particularly difficult week, where he hadn’t eaten in several days, lost 25 pounds, and wasn’t getting enough rest, Woodly felt he received a blessing. “When my hard work was not enough, God stepped in to help me with my situation. For three days straight, three days, I feel that God blessed me.” With his last five dollars, Woodly headed to the cafeteria where an employee waived his lunch fee. He hadn’t told her what was going on, but for three days, she let him eat for free. It was the beginning of a pattern for him. Work extra
hard, stay positive, help others, and hit his limit to be followed by what he considers divine intervention. In the end, he graduated on time and received his bachelor’s degree, only to repeat the process so he could get his MBA.
BRIGHT FUTURE
Woodly would go on to simultaneously become one of Enterprise’s top sales associates and build his business, Biznct—a full-service internet marketing agency. Shortly after he left Enterprise to pursue his business full time, the nation shut down for the COVID-19 pandemic. Woodly, like so many others, had to find ways to keep his business afloat and help his Ocala clients. Once again, his hard work and dedication paid off. “I believe God loves all of us, and all of us have different stuff we go through—things that aren’t necessarily righteous, but there’s a purpose to everything.” Woodly looks forward to continued growth and has some wonderful plans for business expansion in the coming years.
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FOLLOW ME
Reconnecting
THE CONCLUSION OF ANGELA’S STORY
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FOLLOW ME
ANGELA BOONE Story & Photo by LISA ANDERSON
A
ngela Boone has loved dancing for her entire life. She began dancing in middle school with typical classes, such as jazz, ballet, and tap, and found her way to ballroom dancing in her adulthood. When she moved back to the Ocala area, after living in northern Florida for several years, dance was no longer at the center of her life. So, in 2020, during the pandemic, Angela decided to start a podcast for two reasons: “One, to rekindle my relationship with dance that didn’t require me to be dancing. Two, I love podcasts. I’m always listening to a podcast, an audiobook, or something of that nature,” she explains. “The thought behind it was to hear everyone’s story and relate it to dance. Then, talk about things that you wouldn’t necessarily think about that happens in dance. For example, things that happen after you’ve
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given birth and your body changes, things that happen if you’re selfconscience about the way you look, or maybe you were older and started dancing. You just don’t realize how that can effect someone’s outlook.” Angela even confesses the color of a person’s skin can also change the way people may interact with a person on the dance floor, and these types of things played a large role in her decision
to create the podcast. She wanted to get the stories out there to open people’s eyes. “It’s not just about the movement. There’s a person there. There’s a connection there. There’s more than just choreography or doing the moves right. It’s how you treat people on the dance floor.”
LEARN MORE
Find episodes of Angela’s podcast, Stellar Step at bit.ly/stellar-step.
FOLLOW ME
The Conductor
Photo by Lisa Anderson
OCALA SYMPHONY CHORUS DIRECTOR LIVES HARMONIOUSLY THROUGH THE LOVE OF MUSIC
JOSHUA L. MAZUR Story by LISA ANDERSON
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FOLLOW ME
O
ur community is tied by the people who bring inspiration to it, and Joshua L. Mazur has certainly brought a deep stirring of the soul to the Ocala area. Originally from Lakeland and currently a resident of Gainesville, he is the Director of Music and Digital Ministry at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church and the conductor of the Ocala Symphony Chorus. “I consider myself a servant of the orchestra that I direct the choir, as all the conductors do.”
THE ART OF STUDY
Joshua has always felt drawn to being a conductor. It’s almost easy to imagine him standing in front of the mirror as a child, waving his first baton to a soundtrack of his favorite music. Good or bad, his arms seek to follow the notes and his eyes see the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing under his leadership. “I wanted to do a lot of things in music, because I have always been taken by what music can do to me and to others, when done well, and the epitome of music-making is leading it from the podium. Leading a
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big group of people is a thrilling thing.” He attended the Harrison School for the Arts, which allowed for a great musical education, but not too many opportunities to conduct. “Everyone is a budding genius and a budding conductor. So, there are lots of big fish in a little pond, but I did conduct a few times. Particularly, my director allowed me to compose some music for our little chamber wind ensemble, and I did conduct them in the performance of a suite of pieces and then one other piece. After that, I knew I was hooked. “Working under great conductors inspired me to be a great conductor,”
FOLLOW JOSHUA’S STORY
This story continues through our Social Media Channels on Instagram and Facebook every Wednesday in November. Be sure to follow us @localamag to find out more about Joshua’s musical journey. #localafollowme
Photo by Joshua L. Mazur
“I don’t think I’ve ever perceived myself as holding to [inspiration], but I do think I have felt held by it. – Joshua L. Mazur
he conveys in a modest, quiet voice. Joshua attributes his abilities to the abundance of study material he had at Harrison and during grad school at the University of Florida (UF). He consumed everything available to him through their libraries of DVDs and CDs. “I [was] just trying to hear and see as much as I could, all while [studying] under great conductors. I saw how they [could] take a group of seemingly unrelated people, who may not be affiliated with each other otherwise, and create a cohesive group out of them. I think it was in college that I heard for the first time this idea that beautiful musicmaking done in large groups is greater than the sum of its parts. I saw firsthand how a bunch of amateurs, for instance, in a community band, under a great conductor, suddenly sounds more professional and is doing musical things that are profoundly unique. Whereas, under a different conductor, maybe they wouldn’t be able to do that.”
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FROM THE EXPERTS
Camera Ready SHOULD YOU DIY YOUR NEXT VIDEO PROJECT?
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FROM THE EXPERTS
Story by LISA ANDERSON
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Mike recommends doing your research before hiring someone: Look at their portfolio, read reviews, and ask people you trust about their experiences. “Whatever specific company you go with, make sure it is a perfect fit for you. [Don’t]
PREPARATION
Once you hire someone, don’t stress about shooting day. “Just be prepared to be comfortable and loose. Don’t be afraid. We’re here to help guide and direct you through the process. You know your business. Speak to the camera or director as if you’re speaking with a client or prospect. It’s the same process. It’s just that you’re being filmed. Have fun with it,” says Mike.
Photo by Lisa Anderson
Our phones are amazing. They help us capture our dayto-day activities in business. However, when looking to highlight your company or a special event, doing it yourself might not be the way to go. “It’s an art form and, definitely, a skill. As a professional, we have the fundamentals of what it takes to shoot something, such as lighting, editing, and filming,” Mike explains. If you don’t truly know how your phone or camera works, you won’t get the polished look or feel you were trying to achieve. It also takes time, and hiring a videographer could save you hours. “I’m not going to try to do plumbing by myself. I don’t know anything about it. I’m going to call a plumber. I’ve seen people [who are] trying to do it on their own, and they tell me, ‘Hey, I did this little thing,’” Mike describes. “They’ll tell me, ‘It took
CHOOSING A COMPANY
just pay money and hope you get a good product.”
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I’LL DO IT MYSELF
me five hours just to figure out that one little cut and how to make it work.’ That’s too much time to be spending on something that’ll take [a professional] five seconds.”
ABOUT MIKE PALMA Mike is the owner of and Creative Content Strategist at Palma Productions in Ocala, Florida.
Phone: (352) 552-0727 FB: @PalmaProductions1995
Photo by monkeybusiness/EnvatoElements
M
arketing today has everything to do with telling a story, but how do you tell your business’ story in 60 seconds or less? Why should you spend the money on a professional videographer, when there are so many DIY apps? We reached out to Mike Palma, who has over eight years of film experience and a passion for helping small businesses. Mike grew up scrutinizing reruns and movies with his grandfather—sometimes ruining them for other family members. “[My grandfather] was a film editor and one of the pioneers in nonlinear film editing. When I got to high school, I was able to pick up a camera for the first time. I instantly fell in love with video and being able to express myself through that medium.”
FROM THE EXPERTS
The Importance OF PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Story by DR. MANAL FAKHOURY
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s many of you know, I am highly invested in personal development. Why? Because I have grown as a person, which impacts every aspect of my life.
Photo by DragonImages/EnvatoElements
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Photo submitted by Manal Fakhoury
WHY LIVE EVENTS ARE IMPORTANT
I am a raving student of Anthony Robbins and his programs. What I have found in doing the work on myself is it elevates others around me as well. Not just those in attendance but those who are in my life and are observers of my life. If you don’t look beyond yourself for mentorship, there is a likelihood that you will keep repeating patterns and behaviors and having the same old mental conversations. At one of my events, I was introduced to someone that I might not have ever met otherwise. He said something that shifted the direction of my life. Often, we need to learn from others as they can see what we are not able to yet. When loved ones encourage growth, it can come off as a message of not being good enough because your heartstrings are attached to it. I would highly recommend that you invest time or money into programs that stretch how you think, give you new perspectives, and open you up to ideas that you
might not have had on your own. This is why community is so very important in life. Napoleon Hill wrote about the power of the Mastermind in his writings. Others bring new perspectives. Timing is often impeccable as you are there to learn, grow, and receive.
WHY READING IS IMPORTANT
I am also a reader. One of the things I have been able to do in my professional life is encourage others to read books that grow them as a person. I belong to a women’s group that has a book club, and I work with mentors on reading
and integrating the new ideas learned. Knowledge without action is simply knowledge.
THE IMPACT OF PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AS A LEADER
I encourage all leaders in today’s world to work on you, and you’ll see an immediate improvement in every other area of your company, team, relationships, monetary increase, and more. You are worth the investment. What program or book are you currently working through?
ABOUT DR. MANAL FAKHOURY For the past 35 years, Manal has been making a difference in Ocala with hard work, generosity and outstanding leadership. Visit: myfli.com or vestechpartners.com
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5 COMMON
MYTHS ABOUT TITLE INSURANCE Buying a new home is one of life’s most gratifying experiences. Making sure your right to own the property is protected can be just as rewarding. During the process of purchasing your dream home, you’ll hear two words you’ve probably never given much thought – title insurance. As with the rest of the home-buying process, title insurance can be difficult to comprehend. To complicate matters, the topic is often surrounded by misconceptions that keep home buyers from recognizing its importance. Let Your Place Insurance help dispel some of those myths and put you on the path to protection.
1. TITLE INSURANCE OFFERS ONLY MINIMAL PROTECTION
When you purchase a home, you receive “title” to the property. Title is your legal right to own it. Title defects can remain undiscovered for months or even years after you purchase the home, but Title Insurance can protect your home from unforeseen dangers.
2. THERE IS ONLY ONE TYPE OF TITLE INSURANCE
There are two types of title insurance policies: an owner’s policy and a loan policy. An owner’s policy protects you, the property owner, and a loan policy protects the lender’s interest in the property, until the mortgage loan is paid in full. The loan policy provides no coverage to the homeowner.
3. TITLE INSURANCE REQUIRES A MONTHLY OR ANNUAL PREMIUM
Unlike most insurance policies, there is no monthly or annual premium. Title insurance is a one-time cost you pay at closing when you purchase or refinance real property, and lasts until you sell it again.
4. HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE AND TITLE INSURANCE OFFER THE SAME PROTECTION
Title insurance protects a buyer’s right to ownership and a lender’s investment. On the other hand, homeowner’s insurance is a policy that protects you against potential losses or damage you can experience to the structure of your home or its contents during an insurable incident.
5. HOME BUYERS DO NOT GET TO CHOOSE THE TITLE COMPANY
Under the terms of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), the buyer generally has the right to choose the title company when the property is purchased with the assistance of a federally related mortgage loan. The property seller may not require the buyer to purchase title insurance from any specific title company, unless it has been instructed that the seller will pay for both the owner’s and loan policies associated with the real estate transaction.
Chad Taylor • Your Independent Insurance Agent
O: (352) 415-4589 • TF: (800) 317-1563 Email: chad@yourplaceocala.com
www.yourplaceocala.com
Taking the Call
GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE FOUNDATION FOR A 25-YEAR BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP Photos by JOSHUA JACOBS
T
om Damron is the Regional Sales Manager for Electronic Payments, a credit card processing company. He’s been with the company for about eight years, but he’s been in the industry for “well over 25 years, but you can say over 20. It makes me sound younger,” he laughs. “I first went into training for it in 1988, and I sat in the class for a week. I decided I didn’t want anything to do with it.” Tom didn’t feel comfortable with the ethics being taught in the class and decided it wasn’t the right industry for him—that is, until a few years later, when he saw an ad in the paper. “It didn’t tell you what it was. It just told you how great the opportunity was. It turned into a four-hour interview. I told the guy, ‘I’m not interested.’” However, once the recruiter explained how they did business versus the class Tom had taken in the Eighties, he agreed to give it a 30-day trial. The rest is history. Not long after Tom began, he received a call from one of his sales reps who was trying to make a weekend purchase while at Shannon Roth’s store, originally located on Broadway Street in the mid-Nineties. Tom received a call from his sales rep stating, “She’s got a problem with a credit card machine. Can you come down here?” Shannon Roth, owner of Shannon Roth Collection and Olivia & Co. Kids, located on Magnolia Avenue, was using a bank to
process her credit cards and there was no customer service on the weekends. Tom answered the call and fixed the problem. “She became a client the next week.” “You know what,” Shannon muses, “he’s done things like that for me ever since. He’s always there. I don’t take advantage of it, but if I text him with some problem, he answers me back. I have had other people doing my credit cards along the way. You try to call them, and you get six different lines of people. I mean, [Tom] is a godsend. He always takes the call.” Shannon has been Tom’s loyal customer for over 25 years— trusting his decision when he moved his loyalty to Electronic Payments. He’s very proud to be a part of this company—calling them the best company he’s seen in the industry. No matter what, Tom’s primary goal is taking care of his customers. “We get constant calls from other companies, wanting us to change our system over,” says Shannon. “No, we’re happy. Take us off your list. Click.” LEARN MORE Mobile: 352.266.1488 Email: tomdamron@gmail.com Web: www.eletronicpayments.com Shop Shannon Roth Collection: 22 S Magnolia Avenue, Ocala
GIVERTOR IA L S PO NSO RE D BY YO UR PL ACE IN SURAN CE , L LC
Call of Duty Story by Cynthia McFarland
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Photos submitted by Josh Dinesen
water pants because my dad couldn't buy me new clothes when I was in a growth spurt," he remembers. Josh was 14 on 9/11. "I wished I could have done something," he muses. "That's when I realized I wanted to be a police officer." After high school, he learned he had to be 21 to get into law enforcement, but only 18 to join the Army. In the Army, Josh was Military Police. Serving from 2006 to 2014, he deployed to Iraq in 2008. Immediately after his time in the military, he entered the
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winding and indirect road brought Josh Dinesen, 34, to the helm of First Impressions Printing, a long-standing Ocala business, yet it's clear he's where he was meant to be. Born and raised in southern California, Josh was the youngest of five kids in a blended family. Stability was not common in his childhood experience. When Josh was born, his father was an addict and drug dealer. "When I was three, he gave his life to God, turned himself around and was a great father. He taught me not to let circumstances dictate how you end up," recalls Josh. By the time Josh was in elementary school, his parents' marriage was rocky—as was their neighborhood. One of his friends was killed in a drive-by shooting. His mother left his father numerous times, taking Josh with her to live with different boyfriends, one of whom was abusive to him. This pattern changed after 12-year-old Josh and his parents moved to Norfolk, Nebraska to escape the gang violence prevalent in the Los Angeles area. Five days later, his mom left for good. Josh didn't hear from her for nine months. She and his father divorced and she got remarried in another state. She asked Josh to stay for the summer, but the situation with his new step-family turned violent and rapidly deteriorated. Josh returned to Nebraska with his dad. He didn't see his mother again until he was 25. Fortunately, his best friend through high school had a rock-solid family. "His mom was like a mom to me. They helped me a lot, and we're still very close," says Josh. "My dad and I lived in low-income apartments. I was the kid with high
Title Photo by Lisa Anderson
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police force in Norfolk, Nebraska, a job he loved for five years. In July 2015, Josh met Kayla. The couple married on August 27, 2016. Living in a small town meant Josh routinely ran into people he'd previously arrested. That hadn't caused a problem, until one of these angry individuals showed up at their house in the middle of the night. Not long afterwards, Josh arrested someone for DUI. A week later, that man was out of jail and saw Josh and Kayla out shopping. That volatile confrontation—and the man's threats against his wife—left Josh rethinking his career. "I loved helping and protecting people. I always thought I'd retire as a police officer. I was willing to make sacrifices, but I didn't want my family to have to make that sacrifice," he declares. "I knew if I was leaving law enforcement, the only other thing I'd want to do is be a business owner." He came up with the concept of a unique gym that also included rock climbing, trampolines, and ninja warrior training. Parents could work out on one side, while their kids played on the other. "We met with lawyers, CPAs, the city and contractors; we had all the steps in place to make it happen," says Josh. Kayla was working for a local promotional and apparel company, so Josh asked her boss to share
her experiences about starting a business. "One thing led to another, and they asked if we'd be interested in buying that business.” He and Kayla bought in as partners in January 2018 and bought out their partners in April 2019. Then, the pandemic struck. "When Covid happened, our business got hit hard; we needed to diversify," says Josh. "I realized printing was struggling, but compared to promotional and apparel, it was still doing well. I started searching for printing businesses for sale." His research revealed about 50 options, which he finally narrowed down to three. They were
located in Texas, Arizona and Ocala, Florida. "Kayla and I had talked of retiring to Florida one day but never thought it'd be realistic to live here before.” On December 15, 2020, First Impressions Printing, which opened in 1979, came under new ownership. Josh and Kayla cashed in their retirement accounts to come up with the downpayment and got a business loan. Instead of being an absentee owner, Josh realized the opportunity was perfect for him and Kayla to move to Ocala and be personally involved in their new venture. "We've brought our background in the promotional and apparel business, and we're all in on this now," says Josh, who's been revamping the website, turning to e-commerce, and working towards creating a nationwide presence for the company. Josh, who was heavily involved in the local chamber of commerce in Nebraska, has already joined the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership. "I want to work hard, so I can retire early and get involved in activities where I can help people, especially kids in troubled circumstances and veterans, because I know what's it's like to deal with PTSD," he says. "I may not win, but I don't lose: I learn," affirms Josh. "I take the things I go through and apply them to how I can be a better person."
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COME BE A PART OF THE MOVEMENT. Shameless: 40 Women Share Their Journey of Self-Awareness, Self-Love, & Leading with Light
APPLY TO BE AN AUTHOR BY DECEMBER 1ST CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION P: (352) 360–7206, ext. 1 E: info@lisaandersonmedia.com
THE CHEWS LETTER
Fiery Chef
RESTAURATEUR, CATERER, & CARPENTER
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THE CHEWS LETTER
CHEF LORING FELIX Story & Portrait by LISA ANDERSON
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THE CHEWS LETTER
He was stationed in Southern California for five years and took the opportunity to skateboard and surf whenever possible. He returned to Ocala in 1981. “I actually opened O’Neal Brothers when I got out of the Marine Corps. That’s where Harry’s is [now]. “I was one of 15 cooks that were hired in the kitchen, and I was one of the last five standing after a month.”
HIRED GUN
Genoese Chicken: Plated vs. Container (for visual reference) Photos submitted by Chef Loring Felix.
C
hef Loring Felix’s hand swipes over my desk. He stops as he feels the tip of a nail sticking out. In a brief exchange about my desk, he surprises me. “My grandfather was a carpenter. I worked with him as a kid. That was my first love.” If you’ve lived in Ocala for a while, you have most likely heard of Chef Felix. He’s been executive chef, managing partner, or owner of several well-known restaurants in the area: Bella Luna Café, Felix’s Restaurant and Catering, Braised Onion Restaurant, Mesa De Notte, and currently, The Fiery Chef. “I started cooking because my mom was a single mom. She was a nurse and worked the 3:00 to 11:00 shift. So, I’m 11, 12, 13 years
I started looking through cookbooks, and I’d make some stuff. A lot of it wasn’t that good. I got a little better. — Chef Loring Felix
old, and I’m cooking for my brothers and sisters. I started looking through cookbooks, and I’d make some stuff. A lot of it wasn’t that good. I got a little better.” In 1974, at the age of 15, he got a job at the Long John Silver’s on Silver Springs Boulevard, but it was the Marine Corps that gave him his head start as a chef. “I always wanted to go to [culinary] school, and it was one of the reasons that I went into the Marine Corps. I was a baker, and I was a pastry chef for years. After that, I worked primarily in fine dining, upscale restaurants.”
Three years later, Chef Felix moved to South Florida to pursue his dream. “South Florida was doing all the fun, cool stuff. You know, chefs were the thing back then. I was a little hired gun. I’d do a show and somebody would be like, ‘You need to come work for me.’ I’d go work for them for a while, until somebody else would [say] come work for me.” He made his way back to Central Florida in the early Nineties and has been a beloved fixture ever since. Chef Felix has been carefully planning a national brand, but his love is for this city and the people. “This town knows me, and I know the people in it. I know what they like. I know who they are, the connections they have, and that’s what works for me. That’s why I’m so busy now, even with COVID.”
LEARN MORE
Learn more about Chef Felix or order your next meal from The Fiery Chef by visiting thefierychef.com.
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ARTIST Q&A
Patricia Teal VISUAL FINE ARTIST
What is your background, and how has it informed your art? In each period of my life, art has served a different purpose for me; it has been a source of comfort, therapy, recognition, pride, pain, and, most certainly, joy. What types of art and culture do you like to consume? I love it all! Every week my family and I travel into town to the bookstore to keep up on the latest happenings in the world of art and culture. It's my favorite day of the week! Is there a connection between your message and the way you make your art? Absolutely! I hope that my art highlights the importance of saving our animals and our precious environment, and I carry that message throughout my process. Watercolor is a medium with little to no waste, as you can rewet what you don't use. In particular, the paint brand I use uses honey instead of toxic chemicals or animal byproducts. My substrate is 100% cotton and recyclable.
Also, I use synthetic brushes, as I don't feel comfortable supporting the animal fur industry in any way. What are you besides an artist? How do you define your role in life? I am a follower of Jesus, and my faith is the most important thing to me. I am a wife to my best friend and husband of 23 years. I am a mother of two incredible daughters, which I co-teach during the school year, as we homeschool. I am a caretaker for my mother. I define my role in life by connecting with and serving others. How do you define success as an artist or person? What do you hope to accomplish? I define success as moving forward, whether
WANT TO BE FEATURED IN OUR ARTIST Q&A? Send us your email to info@localamag.com.
Inclusion in the magazine is based on first come, first served. You must complete the questionnaire and submit a headshot to be considered for publication.
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as an artist or a person. Certain seasons allow for tremendous momentum, while other seasons teach us in the slowness. My future goals include participating in FAFO, solo gallery shows, and perhaps even a public art project or workshop.
FIND PATRICIA AT Instagram: @ptealart Facebook: Patricia Teal
Photo submitted by Patricia Teal
What type of an artist are you/What is your medium? I am a visual fine artist with a focus on traditional watercolor. I was fortunate enough to attend Savannah College of Art and Design on a portfolio scholarship, where I studied Illustration and computer animation. My current body of work concentrates on beautiful flora and fauna.
ARTIST Q&A
Andres Garcia THE LAUGHING ARTIST What type of an artist are you/What is your medium? Painting (realism, pop culture, abstract, charcoal art). What is your background, and how has it informed your art? I grew up in Ocala. I never went to college or took any classes for art. I’m self-taught, and I learned from watching other artists. My biggest influence is my grandmother. I quit my job to spend time with her before she passed. She always knew I was happiest painting. She [said], “If you’re happy and making money from being an artist, then keep doing it.” What types of art and culture do you like to consume? The types of art and culture I like to consume are pop culture, comics, and any type of music. Music can define what I’m painting, as well: The tone, speed, theme, and so on. Is there a connection between your message and the way you make your art? My main message is to do what you love, to not be afraid to paint what you want. Many of my pieces have messages and meaning. A message to the world to hold on and be strong in these crazy times.
Photos submitted by Andres Garcia
What are you besides an artist? How do you define your role in life? Besides being an artist, I would say I am an influencer, a teacher, and a brother to many young artists.
How do you define success as an artist or person? What do you hope to accomplish? Success for me is when you accomplish the little things in order to get the big things. I’m on the path to success, as not only did I get my own studio space at the Magnolia Art Xchange, but I’ve been commissioned to do
murals by the city of Lake Wales and, now, a large mural commission in downtown Ocala. I’ve been featured in galleries and colleges throughout Florida in the matter of two years. I look to eventually accomplish teaching younger artists and help them become successful through learning my journey.
FIND ANDRES AT Instagram & Facebook: @OfficialLaughingArtist TikTok: @LaughingArtist Email: OfficialLaughingArtist@gmail.com
WANT TO BE FEATURED IN OUR ARTIST Q&A? Send us your email to info@localamag.com.
Inclusion in the magazine is based on first come, first served. You must complete the questionnaire and submit a headshot to be considered for publication.
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TELLING THE STORIES
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