Spotlight on Good People by Robert of Philadelphia

Continuing our conversation with legendary landscape architect Christian Busk, we dive into the evolution of Naples' public spaces and the dedication required to maintain world-class gardens for over 40 years. In Part 2, Christian shares his experiences designing the iconic medians of Southwest Florida, working on the same properties through multiple owners, and why he refuses to retire from...

Christian Busk is the founder and principal of Busk & Associates, serving as a visionary landscape architect who has spent over 40 years shaping the aesthetic of Naples.  In Part 1 of our interview, he shares incredible stories of physically moving historic homes to save them from demolition, designing the city's first vanishing-edge pool, and his mission to preserve and elevate the natur...

For over four decades, Kim Ciccarelli Kantor has helped shape the financial and cultural landscape of Southwest Florida as the co-founder and President of Ciccarelli Advisory Services. In this episode, we explore her family's deep roots in Naples, the realities of running a multi-generational family business, and her holistic approach to wealth management that prioritizes life's true pri...

For 13 years, Eileen Connolly-Kessler has served as the President and CEO of the Collier Community Foundation, an organization that has distributed over $400 million to local causes. In this episode, we explore the hidden needs of our wealthy community, the massive Golden Gate housing project for essential workers, and the critical importance of building endowments to protect Southwest Florida&apo...

For 45 years, Robyn Bonaquist has had a front-row seat to the explosion of Naples, Florida—evolving from a young newspaper editor to the founder and president of B2 Advertising. In this episode, we explore the nostalgic history of Southwest Florida, the brutal realities of surviving economic crashes, and her masterclass on identifying your business's unique selling propositions. 👉 Subscribe...

For 25 years, Erin Blankenship has dedicated her life to preserving the stories of Holocaust survivors and educating the next generation. In this episode, we explore the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center's newest permanent exhibit, the fight against rising antisemitism, and the power of becoming an "Upstander" in today's world. 👉 Subscribe for more inspiring storie...

The former NBC-2 anchor breaks his silence on why he left the news desk to lead communications for Collier County Public Schools . Chad Oliver opens up about the "white-collar assembly line" of daily news, the pressure of live TV, and the advice that made him choose Naples as his forever home. 👉 Subscribe for more inspiring stories: https://www.youtube.com/@SpotlightonGoodPeople 📈 Supp...

Imagine standing between your parents with a baseball bat at just six years old, desperate to protect your mother—that was the terrified reality that forged the unstoppable spirit of today’s guest, Megan.  In this episode of Spotlight on Good People , we explore how Megan turned personal childhood trauma into a revolution, founding Better Together to save families from a broken, reactive governmen...

With gold prices spiking over $4,600 an ounce and lab-grown diamonds disrupting the market, the jewelry industry is undergoing a massive shift. In this episode of Spotlight on Good People, we go behind the scenes at Venetian Village in Naples, Florida, with John Phelps, owner of Phelps Jewelers, to uncover how technology and tradition are colliding in the luxury world. John reveals the insider rea...

In this episode of *Spotlight on Good People*, Robert sits down with **Michael DeLuca**, Principal at HBK CPAs and Consultants, to discuss the rapidly changing landscape of business and the "messy beautiful complexity" of leadership. Moving beyond standard accounting advice, Michael reveals why he refuses to hire based on a 4.0 GPA alone, preferring a "3.0 student with hustle"...

 From mopping floors at the Ramada Inn to transforming Fortune 500 giants like UPS and Iron Mountain, Jeff Kaminski shares a 40-year journey of leadership and friendship. In this episode, we reveal the "unseen history of Southwest Florida-including how we helped clear the land for the Ritz-Carlton and the night we picked up music legend Sly Stone at a Naples 7-Eleven. Plus, Jeff delivers a ma...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Patrick Dearborn, a multifaceted community leader in Naples, Florida, to discuss the intertwining roles of community service, personal resilience, and the importance of staying true to one’s values. Patrick shares profound insights from his diverse experiences, from his time in the 82nd Airborne Division to his current roles in real estate and as a fire...

Are girls in Southwest Florida facing a mental health emergency? Data shows that one in three girls seriously consider suicide, and over 70% report feeling sad or depressed,. In this episode, we sit down with Kristen Manomat, Executive Director of 56Girls on the Run SWFL, to discuss the critical "confidence crisis" facing young women today and the Surgeon General-recognized program that...

Join us in an inspiring conversation that weaves together the themes of family heritage, the mental and physical demands of ultramarathons, and the power of community building. Jamie DePaola shares profound insights into her Cherokee and Italian roots, the joy and discipline of long-distance running, and founding a runner's club to foster local connections. Learn about her upcoming mission tr...

In this episode, we delve deep into the heart of Naples with Eileen Arsenault, a longtime resident and living archive of the town's rich history. Eileen shares fascinating stories about her new 240-page book filled with colorful pictures, vintage photographs, and postcards of Naples. She reflects on the challenges of preserving historic districts and the fragility of downtown shopping areas a...

In this powerful episode, John Huffman shares his incredible journey from addiction and despair to becoming a successful entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and devoted father. Hear about John's early life struggles, a life-changing encounter with faith, and how he leverages his experiences to coach business owners and help those battling addiction. Discover profound insights on the importanc...

Join us in this enlightening episode as we delve into the life and journey of William "Bill" Beynon. Discover how growing up in a small steel town shaped his values, the pivotal moments that led him to start Capital Wealth Advisors, and his impactful philanthropic efforts through the annual Turkey Drop initiative. From navigating the volatility of the market to inspiring a culture of giv...

Join us in this heartwarming episode as we delve into the life and mission of Lori Oliver, the passionate leader behind the Naples Performing Arts Center (NPAC). Lori shares her inspiring journey from her early love for performing arts to becoming a dedicated educator and mentor. Discover the profound impact NPAC has on children of all ages, teaching them more than just the technical skills of per...

In this episode of 'Spotlight on Good People,' we meet Laura Dalsanto Wu, founder of Bella Diva Wellness. Laura shares her journey from competitive fitness to facing a life-changing health scare that reshaped her outlook on wellness. She emphasizes the importance of balance, listening to your body, and empowering women to live their best lives. Laura talks about the challenges of dealing...

In this episode, we dive into an engaging conversation with Dr. Stephanie Ahasic, a dedicated chiropractor and the driving force behind Synergy Health and Thrive IV Bar in Naples, Florida. Stephanie shares her journey from Chicago to Naples, providing insights into her entrepreneurial spirit, life as a mother and wife, and her deep-rooted commitment to community and healthcare. She discusses the c...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Blake shares his extraordinary journey from addiction and crime to becoming a successful entrepreneur and community leader. Blake reflects on his struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction, his turning point at St. Matthew's House, and the invaluable lessons he learned from various mentors, including Brian Roland. Through hard work, faith, and the su...

In this episode of the Spotlight on Good People, we sit down with Carmen Cali, the first Naples High School graduate to reach Major League Baseball. Carmen shares his journey from humble beginnings in Naples, Florida, to playing for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Minnesota Twins. Discover how this exceptional athlete overcame obstacles, embraced his roots, and now gives back to the community that...

In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Michelle, a passionate jeweler who brings a unique, personal touch to her craft. Michelle shares the essence of her work, from redesigning heirloom pieces to creating custom jewelry that embodies her clients' memories and stories. She opens up about her Italian-American heritage, life experiences, and the deep family bonds that shape her life. He...

What if your workout saved your spirit? In this episode, Holly Strickland shares the remarkable journey of building a women-centered fitness community where strength isn’t just measured in reps — it’s measured in how we show up for each other. As a Naples native and Burn Boot Camp franchise owner, Holly has cultivated a space that defies stereotypes: no competition, no comparison — just connection...

If you think the Miccosukee are history—think again. Popeye Osceola, Secretary of the Miccosukee Business Council, joins us for a gripping conversation on sovereignty, survival, and why protecting the Everglades and Big Cypress isn’t just cultural—it’s life or death for South Florida’s water. We get real about matrilineal clans, language reclamation, brutal chapters like Indian Removal, and the mo...