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LETTER
The Men They Are Watching
There’s something different about raising boys. It heightens your awareness in a way that’s impossible to ignore. Every interaction, every example, every man they encounter quietly contributes to the blueprint of who they will become.
As a mother of three sons, I think about that often. Because the truth is, my boys are always watching. They’re watching how men show up. How they lead. How they treat others. How they respond under pressure. They’re learning what strength looks like—not through words, but through action.
And it’s made one thing incredibly clear: the presence of good men isn’t optional in a community, it’s foundational.
This June, our Gentlemen’s Issue isn’t about surface-level success. It’s about something far more enduring. It’s about legacy.
The men featured in these pages have built businesses, reputations, and influence, but what stands out most is what they’re building beyond that. They are mentors. Fathers. Leaders. Men who understand that their impact doesn’t end with them.
Because real leadership isn’t confined to titles or achievements. It shows up in consistency. In accountability. In doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
That’s what shapes communities. And it’s what shapes the next generation.
As a mother, this issue is deeply personal. Because the men we highlight, celebrate, and surround ourselves with are helping define the standard our sons will grow into.
So as you read this month, I encourage you to look beyond accomplishments and into character.
Because legacy isn’t what you leave behind, it’s what you build into others.
JESSI NEITZEL, PUBLISHER @LAKEWOODCITYLIFESTYLE
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Jessi Neitzel | jessi.neitzel@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Michelle Numann | michelle.numann@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Sean Averso | sean.averso@citylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT
Carley Ridley | carley.ridley@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Kristi Sellers
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Photo Guru SRQ, Gulf Coast Realty Media, Roni Padua Photo, Nicole Mac Photography, A Simple Dreamer Co.
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
3:5-6
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Marie Byrd is today an energetic, tenured education professor and the single mother of a daughter who is active in everything from teen leadership groups, to orchestra, piano and band.
Back in 2012, however, Marie was newly divorced and transitioning to the life of a single career mother. She wanted to find a way to stay in shape and build strength to keep up with her busy daughter and relieve stress in her hectic professional life. Also as a goal for Marie, she wanted Michelle Obama arms and shoulders.
Time, however, was a huge problem. The six to eight hours a week she once spent to stay fit and trim had been reallocated to her career and her daughter, leaving little time for a traditional workout.
So Marie did what any serious university professor would do. She conducted research. An online search led her to 20 Minutes to Fitness, a fitness program that, by its very name, sounded too good to be true. After all, it offered the tantalizing possibility of getting fit with just ONE, 20-minute workout a week.
Marie was skeptical. Could a 20-minute, once-a-week workout deliver the same benefits as multiple hour-long training sessions three or four times a week at a gym?
She decided to find out.
Marie arranged for a free consultation and introductory workout at 20 Minutes to Fitness’ studio in Lakewood Ranch. There, she met a nationally certified fitness coach who introduced her to slow-cadence training, a safe, medically based exercise method that involves lifting weights using ultra-slow movements on specialized MedX equipment. Originally designed for use in physical therapy, the equipment is calibrated to work specific muscle groups without putting undue stress on joints or ligaments – making it a safe option for all ages.
Marie’s coach tailored a workout to her fitness level. Then the coach remained attentively at her side
By Marie Byrd
throughout the entire session, explaining the muscle groups being worked, checking her posture and technique to achieve maximum benefit and providing continuous encouragement.
Twenty minutes later, she had progressed through a series of seven machines and systematically exhausted each of her major muscle groups. In the time between workouts, the muscle fibers rebuild and strengthen.
When she finished her first session, Marie says she was physically drained – and excited for the chance to do all again the next week.
She has been a regular at 20 Minutes to Fitness ever since.
Under the guidance of her coach, she has built strength in her legs and core muscles. At 53, she has the Michelle Obama arms and shoulders she’d always dreamed of. More importantly, she can keep up with her daughter – or drop and do 40 pushups. No problem!
Because her coach tracks her progress, her workouts are as physically challenging today as they were when she started. And they can be scheduled around her very busy schedule.
20 Minutes to Fitness: it works for Marie. It may work for you, too. Schedule your first free session today.
www.20minutestofitness.com
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Optimized Strength Starts Within
At Aspect Wellness, men’s health is redefined through precision, performance, and longevity. From hormone optimization and comprehensive lab work to personalized treatment plans, their science-backed approach helps men regain energy, sharpen focus, improve recovery, and perform at their peak—at every stage of life. Because real strength isn’t just physical—it’s sustainable, measurable, and built to last. Located at 5454 Lena Road in Bradenton. To book, visit aspect-wellness.com or call 941-343-7700. Follow @aspectwellness on Instagram. Scan
Refined. Restored. Elevated. Men’s Aesthetics at Lee Plastic Surgery
In today’s world, men aren’t chasing perfection, they’re refining presence. At Lee Plastic Surgery, that means subtle, strategic enhancements designed to restore confidence without looking “done.” Led by board-certified surgeon Richard K. Lee, the practice offers advanced procedures for the face and body, from facelifts to liposuction, all rooted in precision and natural results. Because the modern man doesn’t change who he is, he sharpens it. Call: (941) 340 4731
Built for What’s Next: Investing with Intention
For today’s man, strength isn’t just measured in the present, it’s defined by what he builds for the future. Joey Scheerle of Edward Jones helps men take control of that future through disciplined, personalized investment strategies. From retirement planning to wealth preservation, his approach is rooted in clarity and long-term vision. Because real leadership isn’t just about earning, it’s about building something that lasts.
Photography by Gulf Coast Realty Media
Photography by Photo Guru SRQ
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ARTICLE BY KRISTI SELLERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOTO GURU SRQ
The Rise of Private Risk Management
Tailored protection for high-value automotive portfolios
In today’s world, uncertainty has become part of the everyday landscape and a quieter, more intentional approach to protection is taking hold. In Lakewood Ranch, Florida, Prestige Planning is at the forefront of that evolution, redefining what it means to safeguard not just assets, but your entire lifestyle. At the center of it all is CEO and founder Jeremy Keller, whose vision is helping shape the rise of what he calls private risk management.
Jeremy didn’t set out to build a traditional insurance firm. In fact, much of Prestige Planning’s identity comes from an intentional move away from the transactional nature of the industry. Instead, Keller envisioned something more refined. He wanted to give his clients an experience rooted in strategy, discretion, and long-term thinking. The result is a firm that operates less like a provider and more like a partner, guiding clients through an increasingly complex world with clarity and control.
According to Jeremy, “Traditional insurance focuses on products and premiums— reactive protection after a loss occurs. Private risk management is proactive and strategic. It starts with understanding a client’s entire life—family, assets, business interests, passions, and future goals—and
then designs protection around how they live, not just what they own.
At Prestige Planning, insurance is simply one tool inside a much larger strategy. The goal isn’t to transfer risk blindly—it’s to anticipate, reduce, and control risk so disruptions are minimized or avoided entirely.”
At Prestige Planning, protection isn’t just about coverage. It’s about understanding how people live, what they value, and what they’re working toward. It’s about anticipating risks before they happen and creating a framework that supports both stability and growth. In a community like Lakewood Ranch, where success often brings added layers of complexity, that approach definitely resonates.
Prestige Planning’s process begins with listening. Clients are invited into a conversation that goes far beyond policies and premiums. It’s an exploration of lifestyle including homes, travel, business interests, family dynamics, and future goals. From there, Jeremy and his team craft a tailored risk management strategy designed to align with every facet of that life.
“True risk isn’t just financial—it’s emotional, reputational, and experiential. Loss of mobility, time, privacy, control, or independence can be just as damaging as a monetary loss,” says Jeremy.
“When the asset is irreplaceable, the protection should be equally precise, intentional, and built without compromise.”
Prestige Planning embodies a sense of quiet power. There’s an intentional absence of noise and zero aggressive pitches, and no one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, there is a calm and measured confidence. True control doesn’t need to be loud. It’s found in preparation, precision, and the ability to adapt seamlessly as life evolves.
This sense of control is especially meaningful in today’s environment, where risks are no longer isolated or predictable. From environmental factors to legal exposure to the shifting dynamics of wealth, the landscape is constantly changing. Jeremy’s approach acknowledges that reality, positioning Prestige as a steady, strategic presence in the lives of its clients.
According to Jeremy, “Lakewood Ranch is defined by successful, active, lifestyle-driven families. That introduces a very specific risk profile: High-end homes, golf carts, water exposure, and recreational assets, Luxury and collectible vehicles and public visibility, social exposure, and higher liability risk.”
While insurance remains a component, it is only one piece of a much larger picture. The firm integrates risk assessment, asset protection, liability strategy, and legacy planning into an organized, forward-thinking plan. Every decision is made with intention, ensuring that each layer of protection supports a broader vision.
For many clients, that vision extends beyond their own lifetime. Legacy planning plays a central role in the Prestige approach, helping families think through not just how to preserve wealth, but how to pass it on with purpose. Jeremy understands that legacy is as much about values as it is about assets and that perspective informs every strategy the firm develops.
“Legacy isn’t lost through one dramatic event—it’s often eroded quietly through misalignment and neglect,” says Jeremy.
There’s also an element of lifestyle woven throughout the Prestige experience. Clients aren’t simply preparing
for worst-case scenarios; they’re creating the freedom to live fully in the present. Whether it’s investing in a second home, expanding a business, or planning for future generations, the confidence that comes from a well-structured risk strategy allows for greater ease and enjoyment in everyday life.
This is where private risk management becomes more than a concept. It becomes a way of living. It’s the ability to move forward without hesitation, knowing that every detail has been considered. It’s the quiet assurance that comes from having a trusted advisor who understands both the big picture and the smallest nuances.
According to Jeremy, “True peace of mind means you don’t think about risk—because it’s already handled.”
As Lakewood Ranch continues to grow, so does the demand for this kind of thoughtful, high-level guidance. Prestige Planning is meeting that demand with a model that feels both modern and timeless. They are grounded in relationships, driven by strategy, and defined by intention.
For Jeremy, the mission is clear: to elevate the conversation around protection and to offer clients something more meaningful than a policy. Something that reflects the complexity of their lives and the legacy they’re building.
Jeremy, wife Brittany and children
“Stop thinking “What do I own?” Start asking “What do I need to preserve?” When clients shift from asset-based thinking to lifestyle-based thinking, protection becomes clearer, smarter, and far more effective,” says Jeremy.
In the end, Prestige Planning isn’t just changing how people think about risk. It’s changing how they experience security. And under Jeremy’s leadership, that experience is one of quiet strength, unwavering
focus, and a deep commitment to protecting what matters most.
Prestige Planning was built on biblical principles, integrity, and a commitment to stewardship. Jeremy and his wife place great emphasis on spending time together as a family. When Jeremy’s not working with a client at Prestige Planning, you can find him at the golf course, on the water, or spending time with family and friends.
The Ritual
ARTICLE BY JESSI NEITZEL PHOTOGRAPHY
BY A SIMPLE DREAMER CO.
Why Men Still Reach for a Cigar
of the Flame
It usually starts in silence.
Not the kind forced by obligation, but the kind chosen.
The kind a man steps into after a long day of decisions, conversations, and responsibility. The kind where the phone is finally set down, the noise fades, and for a moment… nothing is being asked of him.
He reaches for a cigar.
Not out of habit.
Not out of need.
But out of intention.
Because in a world that rewards speed, scale, and constant output, the cigar remains one of the last true rituals that demands presence. It cannot be rushed. It cannot be automated. It requires time and more importantly, it requires a man willing to take it.
To light a cigar is to make a decision. To step out of the noise. To pause the constant pull forward. To create space, not because everything is finished, but because clarity depends on it.
For Daryl Turner, founder of Fat Ash Cigar Co., that moment is exactly where everything begins. He didn’t set out to create just another cigar brand. There are already plenty of those, well-made, well-marketed, and easily forgotten. What he saw instead was something missing. Not in the product, but in the experience. “I saw a gap in experience, not product,” Turner says. “There are plenty of good cigars out there, but very few brands that actually stand for something.”
What he built with Fat Ash wasn’t just a line of cigars. It was a reflection of a mindset. A cigar has never really been about nicotine. It’s about punctuation. The exhale after the deal closes. The stillness after a long day of leading. The moment a man steps away, not because he’s finished, but because he’s earned the pause.
For men who carry responsibility, business, family, expectations—those moments are rare. Life moves in constant motion. There’s always something next. Something unresolved. Something pulling attention forward.
And yet, without pause, everything blurs. That’s where the ritual comes in. A cigar forces stillness. It slows the pace. It creates a boundary between what just happened and what comes next.
Not indulgence.
Discipline.
A quiet kind of control.
And in that space, something shifts. Thoughts settle. Perspective returns. Decisions become clearer.
It’s no longer about the cigar itself, it’s about what happens while it burns.
Fat Ash cigars are built with that philosophy at their core. Handcrafted with premium Dominican fillers, each blend is designed not
Groom's Room at Elia- Venue in Terra Ceia
“FAT ASH CIGAR WAS NEVER BUILT ALONE. IT STANDS ON THE SUPPORT OF TRINA, MY PARENTS AL AND NANCY, MY SONS CHASE AND BRYCE, AND THE FRIENDS AND ADVISORS WHO BELIEVED IN THE VISION. HERE’S TO MANY MORE GREAT SMOKES.”
Groom's Room at Elia- Venue in Palmetto
just for flavor, but for feeling. Some moments call for boldness. Others for ease. Some require reflection. Others, celebration. The lineup reflects that range:
• The 458 — bold, layered, unapologetically complex
• The Wrangler — smooth, relaxed, with subtle tropical notes
• The Wraith — refined, polished, steady from start to finish
• The Trina Carrera — balanced, powerful, quietly confident
Each one begins not with tobacco, but with intention. What should this moment feel like? Then, it’s built from there.
There was a time when cigars symbolized excess. Today, they signal something else entirely. Restraint. Awareness. Control. The modern man isn’t indulging, he’s curating. He’s building something that matters. Thinking long-term. Leading with intention. Carrying responsibility not just for today, but for what comes years from now. And he understands something many don’t:
Power isn’t just in what you build.
It’s in how you hold it.
The ability to pause, to reflect instead of react, is what separates a man who is building with intention from one who is simply moving through life as it comes.
Turner puts it simply: masculinity isn’t loud. It isn’t performative. It’s responsibility—leading, protecting, providing—with discipline and control.
Long before emails and quick calls, business happened differently. It happened slowly. Deliberately. Face-to-face.
Over time.
Cigars have always lived in that space, where conversation deepens, where guards drop, where real connection happens.
Deals have been shaped over them. Partnerships built. Friendships formed.
There’s something about the ritual that changes the pace of interaction. It invites presence. It removes urgency. It allows people to actually listen.
Fat Ash leans into that tradition.
Not as nostalgia, but as necessity.
Because in a world defined by speed and surface-level communication, real connection has become rare.
And because it’s rare, it’s powerful.
Legacy isn’t built in constant motion. It’s built in the moments no one sees. The pause before a decision. The clarity before a pivot. The quiet reflection that shapes the next move.
A cigar won’t build your business.
It won’t close your deals.
It won’t carry your responsibilities.
But it will give you something just as valuable: Space, and in that space—real decisions are made.
“A fat ash means you didn’t rush it,” Turner says. “You stayed present. You let it burn slow and steady.”
In other words, you respected the process.
The strongest men aren’t the ones who never stop. They’re the ones who know when to. Because sometimes, the most powerful move a man can make…is to sit still—and think.
And when that moment comes, when the noise fades and clarity takes its place—the ritual matters.
To experience Fat Ash Cigar Co., explore the blends, and create your own moment of pause, visit fatashcigar.net
Photo shoot location: Elia Olive Farm and Wedding & Event Venue in Terra Ceia
ARTICLE BY JESSI NEITZEL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GULF COAST REALTY MEDIA
RELENTLESS BY DESIGN
“LEGACY ISN’T BUILT IN BIG MOMENTS, IT’S BUILT IN DAILY DECISIONS. THE WAY YOU LEAD YOURSELF DETERMINES HOW YOU LEAD YOUR FAMILY AND OTHERS.”
Some men are shaped by their circumstances. Others decide to reshape them. For Eric Konovalov, that decision came early. Born in Eastern Europe and immigrating to the United States as a young boy, Eric’s life began with uncertainty, transition, and the quiet understanding that nothing would be handed to him. The American dream wasn’t something he inherited, it was something he would have to build. That foundation would go on to define everything. Before he became a coach, a speaker, and a leader in business development, Eric became something else first: disciplined. His time in the United States Marine Corps sharpened that edge, instilling structure, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to follow through, regardless of circumstance.
WHY THE MEN WHO BUILD LEGACY DON’T LEAVE IT TO CHANCE
Eric, wife Julia and children
But discipline alone wasn’t the breakthrough. The real shift came when he realized that success wasn’t about working harder, it was about thinking differently.
“Most people let their past define them,” Eric says. “But the truth is, your past has no power unless you give it permission.” That belief became the cornerstone of his life’s work.
Through The Goal Guide, Eric now helps entrepreneurs, executives, and teams break free from the mental patterns that keep them stuck. His philosophy is simple but profound: if you want different results, you must first become a different person.
Not externally, but internally. At the center of his methodology are four intellectual faculties: imagination, visualization, memory, and will. It starts by defining a vision so clear it feels real. Then, through intentional focus, individuals begin to embody that future version of themselves, before it physically exists.
Because in Eric’s world, transformation doesn’t begin with action. It begins with identity. From there, execution becomes inevitable.Too often, people hesitate—waiting for certainty, clarity, or confidence before taking action. But Eric teaches the opposite. Action comes first. Clarity follows.
“I don’t know if I’m making the right decision,” he explains, “but I know I can make any decision right.”
It’s a mindset that removes fear from the equation and replaces it with momentum. And momentum, over time, becomes power. Still, none of it works without discipline.
For Eric, discipline isn’t a concept, it’s a daily practice. Waking before dawn. Training his mind and body. Setting standards and honoring them, even when it’s inconvenient. Not perfectly, but consistently. Because consistency builds trust. And trust, especially in yourself, is the foundation of everything else.
Today, his impact extends far beyond individual coaching sessions. Through his involvement with organizations like SRQ VETS and his leadership within the Lakewood Ranch business community, Eric is helping shape not just businesses, but people.
Men who lead their families with intention. Leaders who communicate with clarity. Individuals who understand that their past does not dictate their future. And that’s the legacy he’s building. Not one defined by titles or accolades, but by transformation.
By helping others realize they are not stuck, not limited, and not bound by where they started. Because at the end of the day, no one accidentally builds a life they’re proud of. It’s built through discipline. Strengthened through consistency. And defined by the decision to take control. Relentlessly. By design.
“DISCIPLINE
TODAY CREATES THE FREEDOM YOU WANT.”
TESTED, REFINED, UNBREAKABLE
Eric Konovalov’s mindset wasn’t built in comfort, it was forged through adversity. After a routine ER visit for back pain, he was unexpectedly diagnosed with multiple heart defects, leading to urgent open-heart surgery. What followed was not just physical recovery, but a complete shift in perspective. That experience reinforced his belief that life is fragile, time is limited, and intentional living is non-negotiable. Today, he carries that lesson into his work, teaching others to act boldly, live purposefully, and never take a single day for granted.
LEGACY BUILDERS
The Men
Shaping
What Comes Next
There’s a difference between success and significance. Success is measured in numbers—revenue, growth, accolades. But significance is measured in what remains when the noise quiets. It’s found in the businesses that outlast their founders, the families strengthened by intentional leadership, and the communities elevated because someone chose to build something that mattered.
This year, we set out to identify the men in our community who are doing just that—not simply building businesses, but building legacies.
ARTICLE BY JESSI NEITZEL
From a powerful group of nominees, three finalists emerged: Jason, Ronnie, and Ben. Each brings a different approach, a different story, and a different lens on leadership. But what unites them is unmistakable: they are not building for today alone—they are building for what comes next.
There’s a quiet shift that happens when a business stops chasing performance and starts shaping people.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RONI PADUA PHOTO
For Jason Riley, CEO and Elite Sports Trainer at Positive Sports Lab, that shift wasn’t a single moment. It was a conviction.
From the beginning, the mission was clear: this would never be transactional. It would be a place where discipline is taught, character is formed, and young athletes understand who they are becoming, not just how they perform.
Because in Jason’s world, performance is the entry point.
Identity is the outcome.
JASON RILEY: BUILDING MORE THAN ATHLETES— BUILDING MEN WHO LEAD
While modern athletics often prioritizes immediate results, Jason has taken a different path—one rooted in patience, intention, and responsibility. Inside his facility, athletes are educated, challenged, and developed beyond the physical.
They learn that habits matter.
Consistency matters.
And small decisions compound into who they become.
His philosophy—perform, educate, inspire—isn’t branding. It’s a standard. And that standard extends far beyond the gym.
Through partnerships with local health and performance professionals, Jason has built something rare: a collaborative ecosystem where success is shared. Because legacy-minded leaders don’t just build businesses, they strengthen communities.
But what defines Jason most isn’t what he’s built. It’s how he shows up.
He believes success is not meant to be kept, it’s meant to be multiplied.
That belief is lived out daily through mentorship, leadership, and a growing men’s Bible study that has become a multi-generational community rooted in accountability and growth.
Because to Jason, leadership is not about position.
It’s about stewardship.
He isn’t building something with his name on it, he’s building people. Individuals who carry discipline, confidence, and character into every room they enter long after their time as athletes ends.
Because legacy isn’t built at the end.
It’s built daily, in decisions made with integrity, consistency, and long-term vision. CONTINUED >
RONNIE POWELL (DJ TRUTH): THE POWER OF PRESENCE, INFLUENCE, AND IMPACT
Some people build businesses.
Others build energy—something you feel the moment they enter a room.
Ronnie Powell, known as DJ Truth, is the latter.
For Ronnie, there was no defining moment of survival. Passion has always been the constant. Long before it paid, it fulfilled him. Long before recognition, there was purpose.
And that’s what makes his journey different. Because when passion leads, growth follows.
Rather than chasing validation, Ronnie documented the process. Through social media and realtime visibility, he’s built influence rooted in transparency—showing not just success, but the path to it.
Because for him, success isn’t meant to be hidden.
It’s meant to be witnessed.
That visibility carries weight, especially when working in spaces where he may not often see others who share his lived experience. He understands the responsibility not just to succeed, but to be seen.
To represent.
To create space.
To remind others they belong.
His commitment to creating opportunity and expanding representation is deeply personal, rooted in his story, his values, and the belief that visibility opens doors for others.
Because legacy isn’t just about what you build.
It’s about what you open for others.
Ronnie’s philosophy is simple: everyone has a responsibility to give back.
“Each one, teach one.”
He lives this by sharing resources, opening doors, and helping others access opportunities he’s worked hard to create. There is no gatekeeping—only growth.
Mentorship played a defining role in his life, particularly through DJ Jewels, who challenged him to believe in himself at a higher level. That influence continues today in how Ronnie leads others. What he’s building isn’t confined to a business model.
It’s impact.
The kind that lives in how people feel after encountering him. Because while people may forget what you said or did, they will always remember how you made them feel.
And Ronnie is intentional about that—every room, every interaction, every opportunity.
When it comes to decisions, he doesn’t overanalyze. He trusts instinct. He moves forward. He lives with the outcome.
Because legacy isn’t always perfectly planned. Sometimes, it’s built in real time.
That mindset was tested when he walked away from a major opportunity that would have required leaving someone behind. He chose integrity instead. And it paid off.
Because today, that same opportunity has returned—this time with respect. At his core, Ronnie’s definition of leadership is simple: Do your part.
No spotlight required.
Because legacy isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.
Some men build businesses. Others build things that endure.
For Ben Dumitrascuta, owner of Gulf & Key Remodel, legacy isn’t a concept— it’s a standard.
When he relocated from California to Florida in 2021, he left behind a reputation built over decades. In Sarasota, he started from scratch.
At first, it was survival—earning trust, proving his work, rebuilding credibility.
But the real shift came when he redefined the purpose behind it all.
Because for Ben, the business stopped being about building homes.
And started being about building people.
Through mentoring his sons and young men entering the trades, he began passing down more than skills. He passed down discipline, standards, and a mindset rooted in precision and pride.
Because structure, when done right, lasts.
Through his work, Ben strengthens more than homes—he strengthens the local economy. By hiring locally and supporting surrounding businesses, he creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond a single project.
But his work is grounded in something deeper: conviction.
He is committed to supporting those facing homelessness and food insecurity—because to him, community isn’t defined by property. It’s defined by how people care for one another.
That belief shapes how he defines success.
It’s not something you keep.
It’s something you pass on.
Through hands-on mentorship, he teaches not only trades but financial literacy and emerging technologies—equipping the next generation for both present and future success.
His foundation was built by his father, who instilled the principles he still lives by today: integrity, hard work, responsibility, and respect.
And those values are tested when it matters most.
Like when Ben reduced his own profit by $20,000 to honor a more accurate bid for a client. No one would have known—but for him, it wasn’t about the money.
It was about integrity.
Because legacy doesn’t tolerate shortcuts. Today, every decision he makes is filtered through one question:
Will this last?
Not just structurally—but ethically and generationally.
Because true success isn’t measured in deals.
It’s measured in what remains.
At home, that philosophy is even more intentional. Leadership begins with presence, consistency, and example—because the next generation is always watching.
And for Ben, legacy isn’t built in grand moments. It’s built daily.
In how you show up.
In what you stand for.
In what you leave behind.
Because the strongest foundations aren’t just poured in concrete.
They’re passed on through people.
BEN DUMITRASCUTA: BUILT TO LAST
LEGACY BUILDERS
True legacy isn’t built in a single moment, it’s shaped daily through discipline, integrity, and intention. Jason, Ronnie, and Ben prove that leadership goes beyond business. It’s about impact, mentorship, and creating something that outlives you—strengthening not just industries, but the people and communities they serve.
Doing Greek Fresh for 100 Years
Come
Doordash & UberEats Available Open Daily 11AM to 8PM louispappas.com/sarasota 941-388-8719 8512 Cooper Creek Blvd University Park, FL 34201
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
realty report
A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN LAKEWOOD
This data is a sampling of sold properties from April 2026. Source: IRES MLS system.
JUNE 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JUNE 2ND
Tuesday Night Trivia at Ed's Tavern
10719 Rodeo Dr, Lakewood Ranch, FL | 7:00 PM
If you’re looking for a great time, this is it, trivia night goes beyond the basics with a wide range of intellectually stimulating topics, including current events, seasonal questions, sports, holidays, and much more. Gather your friends and compete against other teams for bragging rights and awesome prizes.
JUNE 3RD
Classic Car Show
Lakewood Ranch Main Street | 5:00 PM
First Wednesday of Each Month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bring your ride or just enjoy the show for free! You can bring anything on wheels, and it’s just $10 per vehicle to participate! Oh and don’t forget the food, music and prizes that take place during this event!
JUNE 7TH
Siesta Key Drum Circle
Siesta Key Beach | 7:30 PM
This weekly event also happens to be the most popular event for onlookers, not just the musically inclined either. Watch as the boho residents of Siesta Key make magic through dance and music. It’s not uncommon to spot some sword-swallowing, belly-dancing, and fire-dancing as the sun sinks beyond the horizon.
JUNE 11TH
Youth National Rowing Championships
Nathan Benderson Park | 9:00 AM
The 2026 USRowing Youth National Championships will be held from June 11–14, 2026, at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, FL, featuring over 3,500 athletes. This premier, invitation-only event showcases youth rowers competing in up to 43 events.
JUNE 15TH
Tasting the City - Sarasota Food Tasting Event
BMW of Sarasota | 5:30 PM
Indulge in Sarasota's culinary treasures at Tasting the City, a food tasting event showcasing local restaurants & businesses. Join us! Welcome to "Tasting the City - Sarasota Food Tasting Event," a culinary extravaganza celebrating Sarasota's vibrant food scene. Join us for a day filled with exploring local resturants through delectable bites, live entertainment, enter live giveaways and more!
JUNE 26TH - 28TH
1st Annual Full Send Fishing Tournament
Cortez Kitchen 4528 119th Street West Cortez, FL 34215 | 6:00 AM
1st Annual Full Send Fishing Tournament in memory of Captain Jason Stock. Captain Jason Stock Memorial is a multi -day, multi species event designed to reflect Jason's passion for the water and his inclusive spirit. With divisions that welcome anglers of all experience levels , this tournament truly offers something for everyone-just as Jason would have wanted.
