Sarasota Stories

Everyone knows bees make honey. But few people know that without bees we all might very well starve. As pollinators, bees are critical to virtually every area of agriculture. Hi, I’m your host Bob Williams and I'm very pleased to welcome Chris Vasquez , Owner, and Head Beekeeper at Heritage Bee Farm . In this episode, you'll learn ... One thing most people don't know about Chris Why he chose beeke...

One of the reasons I started this podcast was to meet fascinating people doing fascinating work. Today's guest CLEARLY fits the bill as a former investigative reporter for CNN who's interviewed some of the most notorious and dangerous people in the world. I'm very pleased to welcome Mercedes Soler , co-owner and President of Solmart Media In this episode, you'll learn ... One thing most people don...

When one considers that most of our media is controlled by conglomerates it's indeed a pleasure to find a local, family-owned organization that gets it right at the community level. Hi, I’m your host Bob Williams and I'm very pleased to welcome Emily Walsh, president of The Observer Media Group In this episode, you'll learn ... One thing most people don't know about Emily. What it was like prepari...

It's incredible to think that a local organization with roots back to the Civil War is even now making its biggest impact. Today's guest will share what tremendous reach this philanthropic organization has upon our community and the lives they are changing. Hi, I’m your host Bob Williams and I'm very pleased to welcome Debra Jacobs , President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation (TPF). In this epi...

There are thousands of real estate agents in The Greater Sarasota Area. To say it's hyper-competitive is an understatement. Not surprisingly one agent gets traction using Youtube and other internet tools to promote his business. Hi, I'm your host Bob Williams and I'm very pleased to welcome realtor Matt Leicht of Real Broker . In this episode, you'll learn ... One thing most people don't know abou...

When you have a diverse work background in both for and non-profit businesses you learn skills applicable to both worlds. A career move that eventually makes sense is to apply those skills in what may be the most diverse business association around -- the local Chamber of Commerce. I'm pleased to welcome Ed Hill, Vice President of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce . In today's episode, you'...

I've often thought of writing a book titled: "It Takes Two, Three Is Better" just to document that virtually everyone who's ever built something great needs someone else - an advocate or a partner. Think Rockefeller & Flagler of Standard Oil; Jobs & Wozniak of Apple Computers; Schwarzenegger & Columbo from the bodybuilding world; or even Goodwill & Gerdeman of Creative Liberties ri...

E. Ramey is an ISSA-certified Fitness and Nutrition Coach who does things a bit differently. As founder of DLA Personal Training & Nutrition Services, not only does E (yes "E") design functional training routines for his clients, but he also designs functional nutrition plans after he checks out your hormones. As you'll find out hormonal problems are much more common than most people think. SU...

It's clear that the state of Florida has the wind at its back. Of course, we got way too much wind when hurricane Ian left a path of destruction for so many back in September of last year. But one local community that got bludgeoned by Ian is bouncing back in a big way to become the second fastest-growing city in the entire nation. I'm very pleased to welcome Vinnie Mascarenhas - Interim Manager o...

Anyone who's a fan of local comedy already knows about McCurdy's Comedy Theatre on Ringing BLVD in downtown Sarasota. But what I didn't know until recently is that only one of the dynamic husband-wife team who started McCurdy's over 35 years ago, actually wanted to be in the comedy business. I'm excited to welcome Pam & Les McCurdy of McCurdy's Comedy Theatre . In this episode, you'll learn .....

As an industry, podcasting is arguably still in its adolescent years. It's only 15-20 years old and changing all the time. One of its charming features is you can choose a topic you're interested in and become the voice of that show. I recently met a fellow podcaster through my internet hosting company and decided to bring her on the show to share her voice and journey into this industry. Hello, I...

We all want something unique especially when it reflects our personality and style. Of course our clothing and home furnishings come to mind. However, one local company has taken women's accessories way beyond crafted to individual works of art. I'm very pleased to welcome Gretchen Bauer, Founder/Designer of BSwanky Luxury Handbags. In this episode, you'll learn ... One thing most people don't kno...

Virtually every community has one. It's the iconic company that serves as a foundational anchor by providing jobs and even shaping the culture of the entire region. ....today's guest represents exactly this type of company. I'm very pleased to welcome Drayton Saunders, President of Michael Saunders & Company . In this episode, you'll learn ... One thing most people don't know about Drayton His...

What would the world do without coffee ? I was briefly in the specialty coffee business before moving to Sarasota and still love my morning Joe. I also love trying new coffee shops whenever I can. So when I heard of a new independent store opening up, I had to try it. I'm very pleased to welcome Patrick Robinson of Coast to Coast Coffee . In this episode, you'll learn... One thing most people don'...

You could say "Life is a Highway" like the 1991 hit song by Rascal Flats. Or, you could say it's more like a game. Honda, Hilton, Edward Jones, Gatorade, and dozens of other household name companies including first-round draft picks seem to think it's the latter. How can you argue with them when these firms turn to a special company in Bradenton to help cross-department teams, CEO's and US politic...

If you're like me you get on with your busy life not really thinking about our local hospital-- until you need it. It's then you hope you're getting truly superior care. But what I hadn't considered until recently is the incredible role fundraising plays in the quality of front-line care you and I receive. I'm so very pleased to welcome Stacey Corley, President Sarasota Memorial Health Care Founda...

You grow up in the church with a love for the Lord and decide you want to serve Him as a youth pastor. The problem is you later get married, and have children so your financial needs keep growing. So what to do? Sell million-dollar jets of course! I'm very happy to welcome Tom Lelyo, President of Jet Life Aero . In this episode, you'll learn ... One thing most people don't know about Tom The surpr...

"1000 people a day." That's the number of people moving to Florida each and every day for the past several years. Actually to me it seems more at times. Regardless, all these newcomers need homes and until recently there simply hasn't been enough. But one organization saw this migration trend happening years ago and is building an amazing planned community of 11,000 acres with 22,000 homes and eve...

Love and care take many forms. But what happens when you combine a creative idea to help some of the most misunderstood and marginalized people in a way that everyone will love? In short, you have a sweet and wonderful way of making caring -- amazing. Today, I'm very pleased to welcome Beaver Shriver. Beaver is co-founder of Rise and Nye's , a downtown Sarasota coffee and ice cream shop that emplo...

I'd argue we don't talk enough about the amazing amount of philanthropy around here. This is indeed an area where people give and give again. ... and Lakewood Ranch is shining in this area too as you'll hear from today's guest. I'm very pleased to welcome Adrienne Bookhamer to today's show. As Executive Director of the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund (LWRCF), Adrienne ensures the fund "enhances...

Made in the USA and veteran-owned is a rare combination. But one enterprising entrepreneur (and military man) invented a surprisingly clever and effective device he proudly makes right here in Sarasota. I'm very pleased to welcome Ken Kwiatkowski to the show today. Ken is the President/CEO of Grass Hole Corporation , which manufactures protective rings for sprinkler heads. In this episode, you'll...

This area is growing drastically so it is no wonder that the sports scene is growing too. One aspiring soccer coach from Sweden has a unique perspective on how to bring a professional club to Sarasota while connecting the team to our community. It is my pleasure to welcome Marcus Walfridson , Owner of SarasotaParadise. US . In this episode, you'll learn ... One thing most people don't know about M...

It seems like forever that the Greater Sarasota real estate market has been on fire. All you have to do is look at the out-of-state license plates to know people are moving here in droves, changing the local R.E. landscape forever. Today's guest has the pulse of what's happening in these local markets and shares where we are and what to expect going forward. I'm very pleased to welcome Clint Kaste...

It seems like forever that the Greater Sarasota real estate market has been on fire. All you have to do is look at the out-of-state license plates to know people are moving here in droves, changing the local R.E. landscape forever. Today's guest has the pulse of what's happening in these local markets and shares where we are and what to expect going forward. I'm very pleased to welcome Clint Kaste...

I guess it was bound to happen. People began to ask me when was I going to tell my story after helping tell those of so many others. Well, today is that day.