Sarasota SpeaX

Innovation starts with solving everyday problems! On this episode of the Sarasota SpeaX Podcast, we're joined by Westley Soto, creator and owner of Hat Dock, to talk about the simple but ingenious product designed to keep your hat securely on your vehicle's dashboard without sliding around. We dive into the inspiration behind the invention and the entrepreneurial journey that continues t...

This week on the Sarasota SpeaX Podcast , we're joined by Kiki Bowers , owner of Suncoast DogWatch , to talk about keeping pets safe while giving them the freedom to roam. From hidden dog fences and pet training solutions to building a trusted local business that serves families across the Suncoast, Kiki shares her passion for protecting pets and supporting the community.  You can get more in...

Powerhouse entrepreneur Jen Smith joins the Sarasota SpeaX Podcast to talk about her work as a fractional COO, helping businesses scale and operate more effectively. We also dive into her exciting plans to relaunch her coffee company and the lessons she's learned from building businesses over the years. It's a conversation packed with leadership, entrepreneurship, and what's next fo...

On this episode of the Sarasota SpeaX Podcast, we sit down with entrepreneur Broc Smith, the owner and operator of Dive Wine & Spirits and co-owner of the intimate fine dining experience Masō Steakhouse. From building one of Sarasota’s premier destinations for craft cocktails and rare wines to creating a unique upscale steakhouse experience, Broc shares the story behind his growing hospitality...

On this episode, we’re getting the “Home Team” together to have a roundtable discussion about vacations.  With school now being out, and the summer in full force, we posed the question, “Where do those who already live in paradise go for vacation?”  Sarasota sees so much tourism through the course of the year, and we thought it was a great discussion to have. If you live in the Sarasota area, wher...

Join us on this episode of Sarasota SpeaX as we sit down with Chef Mark Majorie, co-owner and executive chef of Lucky 8 SRQ, one of Sarasota's hottest culinary destinations. Fresh off earning recognition from the Michelin Guide, Mark shares the story behind bringing the flavors and spirit of New Orleans to Sarasota, blending Southern comfort food, po'boys, gumbo, and their wildly popular...

This week, Michael Calamaras joins the Sarasota SpeaX Podcast for a conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, financial planning, and building meaningful connections in the Sarasota community. As a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual and host of the Leaders + Legends Podcast , Michael shares insights on personal growth, business success, mindset, and what it takes to level up both pr...

Step right up for an inspiring conversation on this episode of Sarasota SpeaX as we welcome Heather Hawley from the Big Top Dreams Foundation. Heather shares the mission behind this incredible organization, how they’re creating life-changing opportunities for children and families, and the impact they’re making right here in the Sarasota community. We dive into the power of giving back, building b...

On this episode of Sarasota SpeaX, we sit down with Sarah Stone, the founder of MUSE MVMT, Sarasota’s only women-only Lagree studio. Sarah shares the story behind building a fitness community focused on strength, confidence, and connection through high-intensity, low-impact workouts. We dive into entrepreneurship, wellness, the rise of Lagree fitness, and how MUSE MVMT is creating a unique experie...

In this episode of the Sarasota SpeaX Podcast, Gregg Center, Director of Sales for Saravela, takes you inside one of the most exciting new luxury condo developments coming to downtown Sarasota. Discover how Saravela is redefining modern coastal living with high-rise residences, resort-style amenities, and a unique short-term rental program designed for flexibility and investment potential. Located...

In this episode of Sarasota SpeaX, we sit down with Jennifer Groff, VP of Philanthropy at The Haven in Sarasota, to explore the powerful impact of nonprofit work in our local community. Learn how The Haven supports individuals with disabilities through innovative programs, community outreach, and life-changing services. Jennifer shares inspiring stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and the true me...

After a one-week hiatus, The 2 time platinum award winning Sarasota SpeaX Podcast is back…with some changes.  We’ve moved to a new studio…which is still in progress.  We’ve added to the podcast family, which will include episodes featuring the 3 main hosts, and 3 rotating co-host (dubbed “The Home Team”), and we’re focused on fine-tuning our content to give our listeners an even better experience....

In this episode of the Sarasota SpeaX Podcast, we sit down with Jon Mast, CEO of the Suncoast Builders Association, a leading voice for the building and development industry across Manatee and Sarasota counties. Representing hundreds of builders, developers, and industry professionals, the association plays a major role in shaping the future of our local communities.  Jon shares insights on the st...

In this episode of Sarasota SpeaX, we sit down with Elizabeth Harrison, founder of Sarasota Home Organizer, to talk about turning chaos into calm. With over a decade of experience helping clients declutter, streamline, and create functional living spaces, Elizabeth shares her expert approach to organization and how small changes can make a big impact in your home and life. She also dives into some...

This week, we welcome Phil Sherry, Owner of Platinum Pools SRQ.  We’re diving into all things custom pools…pun totally intended.  We discuss Phils background prior to getting into the custom pool business, and some of the wild and interesting pools he’s had a hand in building. As always, we bring the conversation back to Sarasota, getting Phil’s thoughts on roundabouts, and we send him through the...

This week, we sit down with lead instructor and owner of the Gustavo Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Justin McQuown.  We discuss how Justin ultimately became involved with this specific form of martial art, and why he decided to open his own academy in downtown Sarasota.  We also get into his day job, managing global music tours, what life is like on the road, and some of the performers he’s had the...

In this episode of Sarasota SpeaX, we sit down with Dimitri Syros, owner of The Breakfast Company, and Troy King, owner of the iconic The Hob Nob. The two local entrepreneurs share the story behind their recent purchase of The Hob Nob and their vision to revitalize one of Sarasota’s most beloved historic restaurants with a menu guaranteed to represent the brand accordingly. Dimitri and Troy dive i...

Get ready for an exciting new season of Sarasota Paradise Soccer Club as we sit down with Head Coach Mika Elavaaro and standout player Jonathan Bolaños ! ⚽🌴 In this exclusive video podcast interview, we talk about team expectations, preseason preparation, player development, and what fans can expect from Sarasota Paradise FC this year. The season officially kicks off March 7 at home , and you wo...

We’re getting ready to roll out a whole new Sarasota SpeaX.  New format, new co-host, and a new studio on the way.  We introduce you to “The Home Team”, comprised of Brad Hannon, Trey Martell and Vic Cipolla.  The podcast will continue to air interviews with some of the finest Sarasota has to offer, highlighting all the great talent our community has to offer.  In this episode, we’re going to peel...

This week, we’re sitting down with the owner of DryPro Inc., Adrian Tolentino. We’re diving into many of the potential hazards Florida homeowners have to deal with from time to time…mainly, water damage, mold, and fire.  Adrian’s company, DryPro Inc. are the professionals you call to clean up that damage.  They’ll jump into the scenarios, the stories, and the numerous ways DryPro lends their exper...

This week, we welcome the VP of Operations of John Cannon Homes, Jack Cannon to the podcast.  John Cannon has a rich history of building custom luxury homes in the Sarasota area for almost 40 years.  We get the opportunity to learn about the backstory of the company, what it’s like to take on a more prominent role in his father’s company, and some of the builds they’ve been a part of over the year...

This week, we sit down for an in-depth conversation with Parker Stroop, filmmaker and CEO of Second Watch Network and Pillar Productions.  We discuss his background in TV and Film, along with a few projects he’s in the process of completing and releasing for viewership.  One of them, Coastal Torque, features the Sarasota car scene. You can also follow Parker and his companies on Instagram at: http...

It’s a new year, and Nicolas Maduro and the state of Minnesota have been in the headlines.  This week, we sit down with former Sarasota Mayor and Attorney, Erik Arroyo, to discuss some events that have been on the national stage this past week.  Specifically, we’re going to talk about the capture and indictment of Venezuelan “President” Nicolas Maduro, how the mission played out, and the powers ut...

This week, we sit down with Jamie Dunnam, Co-Founder of iBusiness Solutions for an in-depth conversation. We'll be touching on the key features of his business and it's ties into a total HR solutions for businesses. And as an avid water enthusiast, we also dive into some of his personal favorite activities on the water.  You'll also get Jamie's thoughts on roundabouts, and we s...

This week, we sit down with local businessman and entrepreneur, Anish Patel.  We get into his start within the family business, Patellini’s Pizza, and how hard work helped maintain an establishment that has survived the changes for 30 years in downtown Sarasota.  We also jump into Anish’s work in the real estate investment world, and how that ultimately led him to found Loanova Funding, which focu...