GOLD STANDARD BEARERS

WILLIAM N. BEYNON

Partner, President, and CEO Capital Wealth Advisors

As president and CEO of Capital Wealth Advisors, William “Bill” N. Beynon leads a team of more than 45 professionals focused on wealth management and estate planning. During his 25-year career, Beynon was director of estate planning at Creative Asset Services in Pittsburgh and a partner at First Financial Resources in Naples. Beynon cofounded Capital Wealth Advisors in 2004. He and his wife Nena are co-chairs of the 2023 Naples Winter Wine Festival.

EDUCATION: West Virginia University NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Named in 2022 among Forbes’ “Best In-state Wealth Advisors” and “Top Financial Security Professionals” WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: When I was 16 years old, my father passed away unexpectedly, and I saw the impact fi nancial planning has on a family. BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Be yourself. SECRET TO SUCCESS: I wake up every day with the intention to learn and grow. HOBBIES: Golf, cycling, fi shing, hunting ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: There is no substitute for hard work. BUCKET LIST: Complete my travel to all 50 states—three left!

(Photo: Erik Kellar)

RUSSELL BUDD

Founder PBS Contractors

A graduate of Naples High School, Russell Budd earned a bachelor’s degree in building construction before becoming a state-certifi ed general contractor. He founded PBS Contractors in 1986. PBS approaches each commercial or residential project by focusing on lifelong relationships. An active member of the Naples community, Budd has established a set of 28 fundamental practices known as the “PBS Way” to provide a stable company culture and excellent client services.

EDUCATION: University of Florida WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: I went to college for three and a half years as a marine biology major. In my senior year, I started looking at employment opportunities but there were limited opportunities in that fi eld. Having worked my way through college in construction jobs that I liked, I decided to change focus and get a degree in construction management. FAVORITE BOOK: I read more than one book a week, but do not have one favorite. ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Manage your personal fi nances like a business. A budget is a good start, but you will be rewarded if you take a more active engagement in your future. CHARITIES: Serves on the boards of Avow Hospice, David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, Collier 100 Club, and Farm-City BBQ

GREG BRISSON

President BCB Homes

Greg Brisson moved to Southwest Florida in 1975; he left to study architecture and fi ne art and returned to start a career and a family. For 16 years, Brisson has worked with BCB clients to build their dream home. He helped brainstorm The Immokalee Foundation’s Career Pathways Learning Lab—an 18-home subdivision that provides students with paid, on-the-job training—and serves as the general contractor. BCB Homes has donated more than $350,000 of in-kind contributions and hires program graduates.

EDUCATION: Rhode Island School of Design FIRST JOB: I was a draftsman in my father’s architecture fi rm (Steven J. Brisson Architecture). It was the fi rst exposure I had to the intimate client relationships that still drive me today. FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: The Amalfi Coast, where culture, history, and beauty are all woven into a rugged environment SECRET TO SUCCESS: Be passionate and never give up. ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Be honest with yourself. Find what you are passionate about and commit. Own what you do. FAVORITE BOOK: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig CHARITIES: The Immokalee Foundation, Laces of Love, STARability Foundation

JOHN P. CARDILLO

Of Counsel Cardillo Law PLLC

A native of Fort Lee, New Jersey, John P. Cardillo has been associated with dozens of professional, charitable, and social organizations throughout the country and has been recognized by his peers and others for his achievements and humanitarian work throughout his career. Cardillo serves as the chair of both the Neighborhood Health Clinic board of directors and president of the Terra Cotta Charities and on the board of the Florida Bar Foundation. He has served on many professional boards and was cofounder of Big Brothers of Collier County.

EDUCATION: University of South Carolina (JD) FIRST JOB: Cardillo and Corbett in New York City, in maritime law WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: I could make a greater positive impact on society as a lawyer. SECRET TO SUCCESS: Persistence and determination HIDDEN TALENT: I play the piano. ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Pay attention. BUCKET LIST: Egypt, Jerusalem, Jordan, and Dubai

JOHN DEANGELIS

President and Cofounder DeAngelis Diamond

As the son of a builder in West Virginia, John remembers painting and mowing at properties when he was 10 years old. He teamed up with David Diamond in 1996 to establish DeAngelis Diamond in Naples, which has grown into an awardwinning national construction fi rm. He continues to establish new ventures and is the recipient of numerous accolades for his leadership and innovation. DeAngelis is active in Summit Church and supports at-risk youth in foster care and human traffi cking.

EDUCATION: University of Florida WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: My father was a builder and I remember being fascinated by the buildings he built. BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Always surround yourself with people who are smarter than yourself. MOST INSPIRING PERSON: Jesus Christ SECRET TO SUCCESS: Serve and love others unconditionally, and honor God in all things. FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: Sails TOUGHEST CHALLENGE: Raising fi ve kids (also biggest blessing) BUCKET LIST: Race in the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway

DAVID DIAMOND

Cofounder and CEO DeAngelis Diamond Cofounder Venture X

David Diamond was inspired by Walt Disney’s innovation and creative spirit. The creation of EPCOT inspired David toward a career in architecture and large-scale developments. He cofounded DeAngelis Diamond with John DeAngelis in 1996. Today, it is one of Florida’s largest companies. Diamond has launched more than 20 start-ups, including Venture X with his son, Brett, which they recently sold while maintaining a fi nancial stake. Diamond was ordained as a deacon at the age of 29.

HOMETOWN: West Palm Beach EDUCATION: University of Florida BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: My grandfather, who lived through the Great Depression and owned a wholesale fi sh market, decided to never borrow money or take on debt, not even a home mortgage or car loan. I started my fi rst company DeAngelis Diamond with that principle. I sacrifi ced and saved for 10 years to start the business. Twenty-six year later, we have never borrowed money or received outside investments. HIDDEN TALENT: I was a paid extra in the movie Smokey and the Bandit; I was also invited to join Elton John on stage in concert to sing next to him at his piano.

ASHLEY DEWJI

Vice President and Banker JPMorgan Chase & Co.

When she was only 16 years old, Ashley Dewji joined JPMorgan as a receptionist in 2007 in Boston. Since then, she has held roles in the fi rm’s Los Angeles and Dallas offi ces. In 2017, Ashley relocated to the Naples offi ce, where she has developed a solid reputation in investment, capital, and wealth advisory for private clients and family trust and estate strategies. Dewji is highly regarded by her clients as a knowledgeable professional, advocate, and friend.

EDUCATION: York University WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: I love learning from the success stories of others; my clients, many of whom are the most successful in their fi eld, teach me something new every day. BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: The only thing equal among all humans is the number of hours in a day. How you use the hours will determine your success. MOST INSPIRING PERSON: My dad—he is both my cheerleader and my coach. ADVICE TO A RECENT GRADUATE: You are going to accomplish more than you ever thought possible. FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: Molto Trattoria. My fi ance Tyler Smith and I tend to celebrate most of our exciting occasions there. The servers are always wonderful and the food is delicious.

BOB EDWARDS

CEO, Chief Investment Officer, and Senior PIM Portfolio Manager Edwards Asset Management

Bob Edwards has been in business in Naples for nearly 40 years, and his grandchildren are fourth-generation Neapolitans. As a fi nancial advisor, he helps clients achieve their goals of a sustainable income. Edwards and his wife Terry are regulars in the local charitable fundraising community, have served on various nonprofi t boards, and as chairpersons for numerous local galas. They have been publicly recognized for helping to raise more than $50 million for nonprofi ts that serve the community.

FIRST JOB: At age 10, I got a Naples Daily News delivery route and at 11, I made a career pivot to hawk wayward range balls and clean golf clubs for at the Naples Golf & Beach Club. The pay wasn’t much, but the perks were being able to practice and play golf. HOBBIES: I love to build collections: art, rare books, wine, vintage cars, even a portfolio of stocks bought at reasonable prices. I’ve applied “value investing” principles to collecting for several decades and it works in a compounding fashion. FAVORITE BOOK: The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham CHARITIES: Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Artis—Naples and The Baker Museum, Naples Zoo, Naples Botanical Garden, Naples Children & Education Foundation

BLAKE GABLE

CEO Barron Collier Companies

Barron Collier Companies is a fourth-generation private investment, agriculture, and land development company. Blake Gable joined his family’s company in 1999 after graduating with his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University. Gable is chair of the Florida Gulf Coast University board of trustees and chair-elect for the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce board. A graduate of the Leadership Collier and Leadership Florida programs, he spends his free time with his wife and their two children.

EDUCATION: Florida Gulf Coast University (MBA) HOMETOWN: Naples FIRST JOB: Pumping gas at Gulf Oil Station on U.S. 41 BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: My old boss, U.S. Representative Ed Pastor, used to say, “Treat people well. You never know when you will cross paths with them again.” MOST INSPIRING PERSON: U.S. Representative Ed Pastor, the fi rst in his family to graduate high school and college and fi rst Hispanic American elected to the U.S. Congress from Arizona FAVORITE BOOK: Red Notice by Bill Browder FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: Molto Trattoria CHARITIES: Friends of Foster Children Forever, St. Matthew’s House, and RCMA (formerly known as Redlands Christian Migrant Association), among others.

CLAUDINE LEGER-WETZEL

Vice President, Sales and Marketing Stock Development

Originally from Montréal, Canada, Claudine Leger-Wetzel has called Naples home since 1985. For 20 years, Leger-Wetzel has been an integral part of Stock Development, a diversifi ed real estate company. She is involved in all aspects of the company, including master community planning, product design, hospitality, amenities, sales, and marketing. Stock was recently named the thirteenth largest privately held company in Southwest Florida and it continues to expand in Florida and beyond.

EDUCATION: Florida State University FUNNIEST WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE: For my birthday, a coworker hired a provocative dancer to come to the o ce—and she had no idea how embarrassed I could possibly be. MOST INSPIRING PERSON: My mother raised 10 children as a widow. She taught us that hard work, honesty, resilience, faith, and family are the most important rules for success. HIDDEN TALENT: I am the consummate hostess. FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS: Montana and Montréal CHARITIES: Pace Collier, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation, Champions For Learning, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Habitat for Humanity of Collier County, Collier Building Industry Association

MICHAEL G. LAWLER

Luxury Real Estate Consultant Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Michael G. Lawler began his real estate career in 1988, moving to Naples in 1999 where he began focusing on luxury residential properties in coastal communities. With a keen knowledge of the industry and an established network, Lawler is consistently recognized as a top agent in Southwest Florida, ranking No. 21 in 2022 RealTrends “The Thousand.” Lawler has built a team of qualifi ed experts working in conjunction to cultivate a trusted reputation.

FIRST JOB: Server WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: I have a natural ability to work with people and after working in corporate relocation, I developed a passion for the real estate industry. BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: I have been blessed to know many infl uential people so, although I get great advice all the time, I always remember to stay tenacious. LESSON LEARNED: Although you cannot hold everyone to your same standards, it’s always best to take the high road. HOBBIES: I’m an outdoor enthusiast and appreciate nature. FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Montana

JOSEPH MATINA

Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor UBS Private Wealth Management

Joseph Matina founded The Matina Group, an 11-person UBS Private Wealth Management team, in 2000. Matina has more than 30 years of investment industry experience and he and his team are nationally recognized for developing best-in-class, customized solutions for individuals and families. Matina and his wife Dana support local women’s and children’s causes. The Matina Group partnered with Barron’s to provide its Investing in Education Program digital fi nancial literacy curriculum to students and faculty at Ave Maria University.

EDUCATION: Albright College NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Consistently named to Financial Times’ “Top 400 Financial Advisors;” Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors;” and Forbes’ “Top 250 Financial Advisors” and “Best-in-State” BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Work harder than anyone else and the rest will take care of itself. SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW: I started skiing at age 50. BUCKET LIST: To live in various cities worldwide for at least a month when I retire. CHARITIES: Naples Children & Education Foundation, Youth Haven, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, Path2Freedom, Women’s Foundation of Collier County, The Ireland Fund, NCH Healthcare System, Humane Society Naples

THOMAS M. MORAN

Chairman, CEO, and Chief Investment Officer Moran Wealth Management®

Moran Wealth Management® is an independent registered investment advisor based in Naples with more than 36 professionals, including many equity partners. The boutique practice founded by Thomas “Tom” M. Moran is responsible for client assets exceeding $4 billion (as of 5/31/2022) and provides comprehensive investment services for sophisticated investors through personalized, customizable proprietary investment portfolios. Moran and his team rank among the top 100 advisors nationwide and he is member of Barron’s Hall of Fame.

EDUCATION: University of Colorado WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: I enjoy the educational aspect of helping my clients make informed decisions about their investments. BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Don’t sweat the small stu . Try to always look at life from others’ perspective. HIDDEN TALENT: I tell great “dad jokes.” FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Linville Ridge, North Carolina ADVICE TO A RECENT GRADUATE: Find a career that you truly love and not necessarily one that pays the most. CHARITIES: Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples Children & Education Foundation, Youth Haven

WILLIAM M. RAVEIS JR.

CEO William Raveis, Inc.

William “Bill” M. Raveis Jr. launched William Raveis Real Estate in 1974 in a single o ce above a grocery store in his hometown of Fair eld, Connecticut, with a $2,000 bank loan. Today, his eponymous rm is the eighth largest real estate company in the United Sates with a network of more than 5,000 employees and sales associates in eight states. In 2021, the company achieved $21 billion in real estate sales. He’s been named among the “Most In uential Real Estate Executives in America” by Real Estate Executive magazine.

EDUCATION: University of Dayton SECRET TO SUCCESS: Relationships. Relationships. Relationships. A successful business is built with a foundation of strong and loyal relationships. FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Tibet and Kathmandu FAVORITE BOOK: My newest book, The Vision and The Passion, comes out this fall and is my favorite read right now. Also, I always recommend Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Infl uence People. HOBBIES: Golf, collecting Revolutionary War memorabilia and artifacts, and studying history and world religions BUCKET LIST: I would love to see my grandchildren enter the family business.

KYLE NORTON/WRRE

F. FRED PEZESHKAN

Owner, Naples Bay Resort & Marina Summit Management Group of Florida

F. Fred Pezeshkan has been a resident of Southwest Florida for 40 years. With a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, he served for 40 years as president, CEO, and chairman of KRAFT/Manhattan Construction Company. Since 2008, he has developed large o ces, medical buildings, and mixed-use projects. His current project is Metropolitan Naples, a cluster of four mid- and high-rises, including the 15-story Aura condo tower. Pezeshkan has served on many civic and charitable boards, currently for the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company and Lee Health.

EDUCATION: Ohio State University BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Keep pushing the envelope. TOUGHEST CHALLENGE: Revolution in my home country (Iran) changed my life; I lost everything. LESSON LEARNED: With a good education and hard work, you can restart your life. SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW: I’m passionate about backgammon and dancing. FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: London ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Take the time to think things through. Don’t make emotional or spontaneous decisions.

TIM SAVAGE

Owner and Principal Gulf Coast International Properties

Born in Champaign, Illinois, Tim Savage was raised in Naples and is a graduate of Florida State University. He started Gulf Coast International Properties in 2009 with a fellow Realtor. Today his company is one of the leading boutique rms in Naples specializing in luxury waterfront estates with an emphasis on new construction. Savage has continually grown his business and currently leads more than 88 agents and employees. He consistently ranks among the nation’s most successful Realtors in luxury real estate sales.

EDUCATION: Florida State University FIRST JOB: Dipper Dell ice cream shop on Vanderbilt Beach when I was 12 years old. I could walk there. There weren’t a lot of options. HIDDEN TALENT: I’m not terrible at karaoke. FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: Osteria Tulia FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY PLACE TO VISIT: Keewaydin Island CHARITIES: Hope for Haiti, Child Evangelism Ministries, Naples Children & Education Foundation, STARability Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, Sons of the American Legion BUCKET LIST: To race in the Porsche Sprint Cup Challenge series

JULIE A. SCHMELZLE

Senior Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager Bank of America

Since joining Bank of America in 1989, Julie A. Schmelzle has served commercial clients in a variety of roles. Today, she is responsible for corporate client relationships with $50 million to $2 billion in revenues across diversifi ed industry sectors with deep expertise in agribusiness, retail, and fi nancial intermediaries. Schmelzle is actively involved in local civic organizations focused on economic development and workforce housing and volunteers to teach fi nancial literacy. She is a long-time board trustee at the Community School of Naples.

EDUCATION: Bowling Green State University FIRST JOB: Car wash attendant for Sohio—the bright blue jumpsuits were awesome. BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: From a business colleague early in my career: Always take the high road and have grace. From my mother: Be kind and say please and thank you. MOST INSPIRING PERSON: Nelson Mandela LESSON LEARNED: Learning to give myself (and others) a break. Perfectionism doesn’t exist and mistakes are opportunities. ADVICE TO A RECENT GRADUATE: Be open to new experiences even if it feels daunting or uncertain that you will succeed. BUCKET LIST: Scotland and England for a walk through history

ANTHONY SOLOMON

President and Owner The Ronto Group

Anthony Solomon grew up in Toronto, Canada, and moved to Southwest Florida in 1997 to become an integral part of The Ronto Group after fi nishing college. The development company has been well-known in the local market for more than 30 years, and today it is one of the largest real estate developers in Southwest Florida, with projects from Naples to Tampa. The company, headquartered in Naples, has been recognized internationally for building communities that exemplify the luxury lifestyle, thoughtful planning, and dedicated craftsmanship.

EDUCATION: Concordia University NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENT: Since assuming the role of president, Solomon has sourced and executed $1.5 billion in real estate ventures. FIRST JOB: Washing and waxing cars BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: There’s always another streetcar (always more opportunities). SECRET TO SUCCESS: Tenacity HIDDEN TALENT: I can cook! CHARITIES: Guardian ad Litem

CHRIS SHUCART

President JCS Realty Group

From an early age, Christopher Shucart was drawn to building and construction, an interest that led him to various jobs in the industry throughout the country. After relocating to Naples in 2003, he and his father James launched JCS Realty Group. The Naples-based, full-service commercial real estate investment and development company provides management, leasing, and construction services. The fi rm’s philosophy is guided by “28 rules” which include, “Ignoring the facts does not change the facts.”

EDUCATION: Arizona State University NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: East Naples Civic Association board member, past treasurer, and past president; Fifth Avenue South Business Improvement District board member, past treasurer, past vice president, and current president BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: 1. When banks stop lending money, buy. 2. Common sense is not so common. SECRET TO SUCCESS: Working hard. The harder I work, the luckier I get! HOBBIES: Spending time with my family, traveling, concert events, and outdoor activities, including boating, fi shing, jogging, and tennis BUCKET LIST: To attend the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon

ADRIA D. STARKEY

Collier County President FineMark National Bank and Trust Company

Adria D. Starkey has three decades of experience in fi nancial services. Prior to joining FineMark, Starkey was COO of The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company and president of The Naples Trust Company. During her career, Starkey has held executive positions at major banking institutions. Starkey serves on the boards of Florida Prepaid College Board, Suncoast Chapter of the International Women’s Forum, and Forum Club of Southwest Florida. She is chair of the Healthcare Network Development and Community Awareness Committee.

EDUCATION: University of Florida WHY I CHOSE THIS FIELD: Out of college, I had no interest in banking. I originally got involved because of a training program that seemed like an opportunity I could not pass up. It worked out to be even better than I imagined. The reason I still love it so many years later is because I have the opportunity to help people make dreams come true every day. BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: 1. Speak up; don’t be afraid to share your thoughts with others. 2. MOPFI—make other people feel important. FAVORITE BOOK: I love to read, and I have so many favorite books. I read Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh annually.