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Contents
February 2024
keeping it local 36
Recognized as leaders in their fields and top companies to work for, S-One Holdings Corporation and Perform[cb] are two global organizations headquartered in Sarasota. Art Lambert, co-founder of S-One, and Erin Cigich, CEO of Perform[cb], met with us to discuss the history, present-day status and future outlooks for these local success stories. WRITTEN BY BARBIE HEIT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN
sweet travels 84
If you have ever played Candy Land or watched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, you have, no doubt, imagined a world where wandering through lollipop woods or swimming in chocolate lakes is possible. While we don’t know of any chocolate (or alligator-free) lakes around Sarasota, we do know of some restaurants serving imaginative desserts fit for your inner child. So grab your gingerbread man movers and a handful of gummy alligators, and join us for an epic journey into sweets. WRITTEN BY LAURA PAQUETTE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN
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25 WOMEN WHO ROAR SPECIAL AWARDS SECTION COVERAGE OF THE TOGETHER WE ROAR LEADERSHIP AND AWARDS LUNCHEON FEATURING THE 2023 HONOREES, TRAILBLAZER AWARD RECIPIENT PAULINA PORIZKOVA AND ILLUMINATOR AWARD RECIPIENT LEISA PETERSON 43 ELITE TOP ATTORNEYS FEATURING 2023 HONOREES, SECOND PRINTING 71 GREAT PLACES TO WORK LIBERTY SAVINGS BANK
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At Flobucha, Florian Trinkwalder crafts delicious and healthy fresh kombucha for Sarasota. As part of the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota, The Queen’s Six performed at First Presbyterian Church. Jake Ilardi’s journey to the pinnacle of skateboarding from the perspective of those who helped him get there. Florida resident Sarah Penner shares how she went from working in corporate finance to becoming a New York Times bestselling author.
culture city 58
Two of the pioneers of Sarasota Contemporary Dance look back at how the company evolved in its 18 seasons. Sarasota Opera’s latest season boasts a blend of old favorites with rare gems. Peter Rothstein brings back an old classic in Asolo Rep’s production of Inherit the Wind.
forage 102
By Patrik Pettersson at Kompose Hotel Sarasota puts an outstanding new chef at center stage. Channel your inner cheesemonger at Artisan Cheese Company’s fun and flavorful classes.
giving coast 90 Corporate Good Hero Norman Love Confections gives back to the region that has supported the company since its inception. Cover: Blueberry Cashew Cheesecake from Chef Aaron Boeve at Lila, photo by Wyatt Kostygan. This page: Confit Egg Yolk Caviar by Patrik Pettersson, photo by Wyatt Kostygan; The Queen’s Six, photo by Wes Roberts; and Norman Love Chocolates, photo by Wyatt Kostygan.
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FEBRUARY 2024 CEO / PRESIDENT / EDITOR IN CHIEF
LISL LIANG EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER
WES ROBERTS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT
Ashley Grant ACCOUNTS + CLIENT SERVICE AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Robinson Valverde SENIOR SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE
Suzanne Munroe SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE
Nichole Knutson Rob Wardlaw VP OF PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEO
Wyatt Kostygan MANAGING EDITOR
Barbie Heit CLIENT MARKETING+ DIGITAL PROGRAMS MANAGER
Gabriella Alfonso DIGITAL MARKETING + EVENTS MANAGER
Megan Mitchell CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTOR + SENIOR DESIGNER
Virginia Jankovsky EDITORIAL ASSOCIATES
Dylan Campbell Emma Dannenfelser Laura Paquette CONTRIBUTING EDITORS + ARTISTS
Andrew Fabian, Kari King, Phil Lederer, Chris Leverett, Jacob Ogles, Kate Wight
SRQ MEDIA ADVERTISING GROWMYBUSINESS@SRQME.COM 941-365-7702 x1 SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIBE@SRQME.COM 941-365-7702 x2
GET SRQ DAILY The magazine in your hands offers enormous insight into our community, but the most informed in our community follow our constant coverage of Sarasota and the Bradenton Area in SRQ Daily. The electronic newsletter is a must-read in thousands of inboxes. Check our special editions: Monday Business Edition, Tuesday Foodie Edition, Wednesday Philanthropy Edition, Thursday Family and Education Edition, Friday Weekend Edition and the much-discussed Saturday Perspectives Edition, featuring a diverse range of opinions from the region’s top pundits and newsmakers. SIGN UP ONLINE AT SRQMAG.COM/SRQDAILY
ORIGINS OF “SRQ” The “SRQ” in SRQ magazine originates from the designated call letters for the local Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. “SR” was the original abbreviation for the airport before the growth in total number of airports required the use of a three-letter code. Letters like “X” and “Q” were used as filler, thus the original “SR” was revised to “SRQ,” much as the Los Angeles airport became “LAX.” As a regional publication committed to the residents of and visitors to both Sarasota and Manatee counties, SRQ captures the place that we call home. LOCAL PUBLISHERS OF SRQ MAGAZINE, LIVING LAKEWOOD, SRQ TOP DOCTORS MEDICAL RESOURCE GUIDE, SRQ ELITE TOP ATTORNEYS PROGRAM, SRQ HOME & DESIGN, SHE ROARS AND WELLEN PARK LIVING MAGAZINE.
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SUBSCRIBE TO THE PRINT AND DIGITAL EDITION Join our readers in the pleasurable experience of receiving SRQ magazine in your mailbox every month during season and bimonthly during the summer. To reserve your subscription, provide your information and payment online. You can set up multiple addresses, renewals and special instructions directly through your online account. When you subscribe online, your first print issue will arrive in your mailbox in 6-10 weeks. Subscribe online at SRQMAG.COM/SUBSCRIBE. Contact us via email at subscribe@srqme.com Vol. 27, Issue 262 Copyright © 2024 SRQ MEDIA. SRQ: Live Local | Love Locall. Sarasota and Bradenton Area is published 10 times a year. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The entire contents of SRQ are copyrighted by Trafalger Communications, Inc. Column and department names are property of Trafalger Communications, Inc. and may not be used or reproduced without express written permission of the publisher. SUBSCRIPTION: Subscriptions to SRQ are $36 for 20 issues. Single copies are $4 at area newsstands.
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STORIES ABOUT THE LOCAL PEOPLE, PLACES AND EXPERIENCES THAT DEFINE OUR HOMETOWN
GO WITH THE FLO
Florian Trinkwalder crafts premium raw kombucha. Laura Paquette
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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ON A SLEEPY AFTERNOON IN GULF GATE, SOMETHING EXCITING IS BREWING. Florian Trinkwalder, the founder and owner of Flobucha,
tends to his latest batches of kombucha, as regular customers trickle in for refills of this fermented tea. “Kombucha is a drink known for its health benefits, including supporting gut health and the immune system in general. It’s probiotic, prebiotic, and has a lot of antioxidants and vitamins,” says Trinkwalder, who discovered the benefits of the beverage about five years ago, when he decided to embrace two lifestyle changes: eliminating sugar from his diet and not drinking alcohol. His journey led him to discover kombucha, which worked wonders for his overall health. “Gut health, mental health and emotional health are connected. Many of the neurotransmitters, like serotonin, that you need in the brain are produced in the gut,” he adds. “Getting my gut in check was a huge boost to my mental and emotional health.” When he first began drinking kombucha, Trinkwalder purchased it in stores. But he learned that transportation, storage and the process of pasteurization—which kills the good bacteria in the tea—can render many store-bought varieties less beneficial than their homemade cousins. 16 | srq magazine_ FEB24 live local
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“My wife got me a kombucha home brewing kit for Christmas in 2019, and that’s when I started brewing at home. I didn’t look at what others were doing for flavoring; I just started with a clean slate and invited my friends over for taste parties,” Trinkwalder says. A software engineer by trade, he created permutations of berry, fruit, herbal and floral flavors. “I gave my friends a sheet where they could rate everything, from taste to color to texture, on a scale of one to 10, and anything that scored an eight or higher, I pursued further,” he adds. Those same friends soon became eager customers, and even strangers showed PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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Visit Flobucha, 2725 Mall Dr., Sarasota, 941-2482133, flobucha.com
up at his home, asking, “Are you the kombucha guy?” in hopes of purchasing the product. “At some point, I figured ‘I’ve got something here,’” he says. After over a year of obtaining a space and licenses, Trinkwalder opened Flobucha in October 2022. “I wanted to be around people and work with my hands,” he adds. “As a software engineer, you work with your mind, but brewing something and making a product by hand is so fulfilling.” In the back room of his shop, he brews the drink, paying the utmost attention to flavor profiles. Organic black tea is steeped, then organic cane sugar is added to it. Once cooled to room temperature, the tea is added to a fermenter with SCOBY (a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), which not only eats the sugar and caffeine but creates good acids and enzymes. The tea then reaches the second fermentation stage, where fruit flavors are added and the drink obtains its characteristic bubbliness. “Most producers treat or pasteurize their kombucha and then add probiotics so that they can call it a probiotic drink. Why do that if you have a natural probiotic drink?,” he says. “Ours is never treated; it’s unfiltered, unpasteurized, raw kombucha and it’s super fresh. The fresher your kombucha, the better the health benefits and taste.” Trinkwalder explains that, because he brews his kombucha fresh and hand distributes it to local businesses, its flavors are well-preserved. Whereas many store-bought kombuchas cater to the palates of beer and cider drinkers, Flobucha (with rich and fruity elements) is more in line with that of a wine drinker. Noteworthy flavors include the Pomegranate Lemon Ginger Lavender, which was inspired by Trinkwalder’s
wife’s suggestion to add lavender to the beverage. The POG, made from passionfruit, orange and guava, is Flobucha’s interpretation of a beloved Hawaiian drink of the same name. While a 16-ounce bottle of Flobucha only contains between one and two grams of sugar, it still tastes pleasantly sweet, thanks to the strategic use of other flavor carriers (like organic lemon). The shop carries staples of both on tap, in kegs and in smaller sizes, ranging from 16-ounce bottles to half-gallon glass growlers, which are sterilized and reused. Flobucha designates two taps for seasonal flavors, or those suggested by customers, and brews kombucha-based non-alcoholic wines that cater to the trend of nonalcoholic drinks. “When I stopped drinking alcohol, I missed just going somewhere, hanging out with people, socializing and going for a drink but not being immersed in the whole drinking culture. I think a non-alcoholic bar was missing, and that’s what we have here at Flobucha,” Trinkwalder says. In the shop and taproom, patrons can enjoy a refreshing beverage, Wi-Fi, and oftentimes, live music, open mics and food pop-ups. Since Trinkwalder started the company, it has grown by leaps and bounds, thanks to other businesses like Crop Juice and Florence and the Spice Boys, and loyal customers that have spread the company’s mission across the community. “In my experience, it takes about three to five years to reach a point where your business is self-sufficient, and we reached that point much earlier,” he adds. “We are very grateful to our customers who put us on the map, for helping us carry our message forward.” SRQ
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A ROYAL PERFORMANCE
As part of the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota, The Queen’s Six visited Sarasota. Interview by Wes Roberts, Edited by Barbie Heit
AS PART OF THE ARTIST SERIES CONCERTS OF SARASOTA, THE QUEEN’S SIX PERFORMED IN DECEMBER AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The singing group was established in 2008, the 450th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth I (from whom the group takes its name). Based at Windsor Castle, members of The Queen's Six make up part of the lay clerks of St. George's Chapel, whose homes lie within the castle walls. In 2018, group members' duties with the chapel choir included singing for the wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle, now The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In 2021, three members of the group sang at the funeral of HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. In 2022-2023, members of the group sang at the funeral services for Queen Elizabeth II, appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and CBS Sunday Morning, and were featured in People Magazine. Members of The Queen’s Six met with SRQ on their recent visit to Sarasota. 16 | srq magazine_ FEB24 live local
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srqist Left: The Queen's Six singers are (from left to right): Simon Whiteley, Dominic Bland, Tom Lilburn, Lissie Paul, Nicholas Madden and Andrew Thompson
Elizabeth I. We're not named after Elizabeth II, as many people have thought. That being said, I think we did still have to get permission to use the name The Queen's Six. IS THAT A REFERENCE TO THE “KING’S MEN” OF SHAKESPEARE AND BURBAGE FAME? NICK: At the beginning, we were
looking at music from the court of Elizabeth I. She had a remarkable set of composers around the world that are still sung today. We chose the top six [composers] and we refer to them as the “Queen's Six Composers.” Our first two albums, one sacred and one more secular, were music from the six. AND WHAT IS YOUR MISSION? SIMON: LAY CLERKS SINGING A CAPELLA IS ABOUT AS ENGLISH AS A BOWLER HAT. WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE TRAVELING IN AMERICA WITH THIS EXTREMELY ENGLISH ART STYLE? SIMON: It's fun. We
love coming to the states. We always have a great time here and have great audiences. We sing in wonderful churches like here at First Presbyterian. Oh, and we do love the chicken wings and the beer. WHAT IS A LAY CLERK? NICK: Lay clerk
is a medieval term, which basically describes the role of a professional singer within a cathedral environment in the UK or a chapel environment like we have in Windsor Castle. It separates into two, but the “lay” part of lay clerk means we are not ordained in any way like a deacon or a priest. We're non-religious members of the college. And the “clerk” bit actually refers to the college (the collegiate environment), but rather than a school or university environment, it's more like a community. So, within the community of the castle, St. George's (where we sing), it’s not just a chapel and a place where people come to worship; it is actually a whole community where people live and work. 18 | srq magazine_ FEB24 live local
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IS LIVING AND WORKING IN A CASTLE AS INCREDIBLY PRESTIGIOUS AS IT SOUNDS? TOM: It is a pretty special privilege
to work there. And, as part of our jobs, we live there, and we're very, very close to the chapel. So, to be coming in and out of Windsor Castle as part of your day-to-day routine is pretty remarkable. And I certainly always love bringing new guests, friends and family to the castle because it reminds you just how amazing it is. It is a special place where we get to live and work every single day. NICK: It's a unique environment, and what makes it different from the other places is we get to live in property that was built for the singers in 1470, essentially. And it's been continuously lived in. We live in these amazing, ancient houses within the castle walls, and it's part of our salary. THE QUEEN'S SIX IS AN ATTACHED ENTITY TO THE CHAPEL AND WINDSOR, SO ARE YOU A COMPANY? SIMON: We say
that we are “royal-adjacent” and adjacent to St. George's Chapel. We have no official link with the castle or the royal family; we are named after Queen Elizabeth I. The group was formed on the 450th anniversary of the accession of
To spread the wonderful music that we love singing as far and wide as we can (whilst, also, in a small way, act as quasi, unofficial ambassadors for St George’s). We wish to entertain as many people as we possibly can. TOM: Traveling with The Queen’s Six gives us all a chance to do something a little bit different from our day-to-day jobs. Often, in the chapel, we'll be singing religious music, and serious classical music. Whereas, in our programs with The Queen’s Six, we like to broaden our styles and use our voices a bit differently—do some pop, a capella and jazz arrangements, and sort of explore harmonies and sound worlds that we wouldn't do on a day-to-day basis. NICK: We did a disc of music from Tom Lehrer [the famed American singer-songwriter, pianist and satirist]. His music has always been something we've loved. It was during COVID time, when we were looking for projects to do, and so it just worked out really nicely. YOU SING FOR THE ROYALS. WHAT ARE SOME RECENT HIGHLIGHTS? DOMINIC:
In 2018, it was the wedding of Harry and Meghan Markle. Some of the group sang at Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh's funeral, and we sang at the committal part of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. SRQ IMAGE COURTESY OF THE QUEEN'S SIX.
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FROM OSPREY TO THE OLYMPICS
Sarasota County native Jake Ilardi made history by making the first-ever U.S. Olympic skateboarding team. His twin brother Nate caught it all on camera. Dylan Campbell
“IT FEELS GOOD TO SKATE SOMEWHERE THAT’S NOT MEANT TO BE SKATED,” says Jake Ilardi. The entire ethos of street skateboarding
is just that: being somewhere you’re not supposed to be. From handrails to grass gaps to staircases, the sport is defined by the ability of its disciples to skate the un-skatable. Ilardi has made a career out of being in places he’s not supposed to be. He wasn’t supposed to be in the Street League Super Crown event in Rio de Janeiro in 2019, as an amateur with no sponsorships filling in for an injured Jagger Eaton at the first qualification event for the 2020 Summer Olympics. He wasn’t supposed to be in the finals of the 2021 Street Skateboarding World Championships in Rome, with a chance to qualify for the Olympic Games on the line. And he definitely wasn’t supposed to be one of just three street skaters on the first-ever U.S. Olympic Skateboarding team. For as long as Ilardi has been skateboarding, his twin brother, Nate Ilardi, has been filming him. Raised by their grandmother in Osprey, Florida, the Ilardis have been skateboard-obsessed since their grandmother surprised them with a couple of boards on their fourth birthday. “I think one deck was Mickey Mouse and the other was Winnie the Pooh from Walmart,” says Jake 20 | srq magazine_ FEB24 live local
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Ilardi. “We started pushing around the driveway on our hands and knees and, from there, we learned how to stand on the boards. Then we went to the Compound Boardshop when we were eight and got real skateboards, and we started to learn how to do ollies and kickflips and other tricks and it kind of just snowballed from there.” IMAGES COURTESY OF JAKE ILARDI.
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It made sense then, in 2020, when Jake Ilardi was in the midst of qualifying for the Olympics, that Nate Ilardi would continue to do what he’d always done: film his brother. “I was working with my friend, Liam Jordan, in the WNBA’s bubble during the 2020 COVID season,” says Nate Ilardi. “We were stuck there for 80 or 90 days and started joking around about making a documentary about Jake turning pro and going to the Olympics (since I have all this old footage of him skating from growing up). I got my first camera at eight years old. Now I have a production company, and I figured we could make something much more polished and higher-end.” With Jordan as the director, Jake and Nate Ilardi set out on twin journeys: one to make the Olympics and the other to film it. “Everything was happening in real time and so we just slowly started following Jake during the process,” says Jordan. “It really stemmed from Jake wanting to go to the Olympics but it became a life piece of Jake, and the trials and tribulations he was going through throughout his progression in skateboarding. We see him from being a little kid to growing into a man and kind of living that American dream of becoming a pro athlete.” The project only grew as Jake Ilardi continued to progress through the qualification rankings, eventually turning pro for Blind Skateboards in October 2020. At the time, he was in the second of three open spots for the men’s street skateboarding Olympic team, but there were still plenty of chances for Jake Ilardi to slip back down in the rankings. “The journey was very intense, not only for Jake, but for us filming. We started off with him as an amateur skater, high up in the rankings, with just a handful of contests that determined if he was going to make it or not. A few skateboarders were right there on his tail,” says Jordan. “Going through that, we see him fumble and lose contests, and win contests.We were on the edge of our seats.” What resulted was a guerilla-style filming experience that eventually blossomed into a feature-length documentary about Jake Ilardi, his life and his journey to the Olympics. Nate Ilardi and Jordan followed Jake Ilardi around the world, from China to Italy to London and across the United States, clipping microphones onto Jake Ilardi, sneaking cameras into contests, and snagging interviews with the likes of professional skateboarders Jamie Foy and Tony Hawk. By the time Jake Ilardi had finally qualified for the Olympics, following his finals placement in the 2021 Street Skateboarding World Championships in Rome, Nate Ilardi and Jordan had somewhere around 700 hours of footage. Nate Ilardi and Jordan recruited outside help to assist in editing the project down to a 93-minutelong feature. After months of editing, sound mixing and color correction, Into the Spotlight: The Jake Ilardi Documentary was born, with a premiere set in Sarasota and New York in January. SRQ
GOING PRO When Jake Ilardi began his quest to qualify for the first-ever U.S. Olympic Skateboarding team, he was lacking a title that most of his competitors already had: “professional.” In 2019, Ilardi was still technically an amateur skateboarder, despite participating and beating out some of the biggest names in the industry. So how does this happen? In skateboarding, there are three levels of sponsorship: company flow, amateur and professional. A flow sponsorship means that the skater gets free products from the company’s promotional budget and nothing more. “I was on Nike flow for 10 years, just getting free shoes with no money involved,” says Jake Ilardi. Then he progressed to amateur status, which meant that he was “still getting free stuff, maybe a little more than before and around a $250-$500 stipend per month.” It was a little cash in the pocket but nothing that was going to pay the rent. Then, finally, in October 2020, Jake Ilardi turned pro for Blind Skateboards, and that meant a salary and signature-model skateboard from an internationally recognized board brand. “There are two different routes you can take to turn pro: you can do the contest route and start winning competitions, or you can do the more pure route with street skating (which is through filming video parts and getting photos in magazines),” says Jake Ilardi. “I chose to do both because I like to do both. I enjoy skating contests, but I also like skating street and getting that raw footage.”
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A NEW CHAPTER Florida resident Sarah Penner shares how she went from working in corporate finance to becoming a New York Times bestselling author. Laura Paquette
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cameo
THE SARASOTA COUNTY LIBRARY HOSTED ITS INAUGURAL OFF THE PAGE LITERARY CELEBRATION THIS PAST NOVEMBER. Over the course of two weeks, writers and illustrators from all genres descended upon
Sarasota, sharing their passion with local readers. We caught up with Sarah Penner, the St. Petersburgbased New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary and The London Séance Society, to hear about her journey from working in corporate finance to becoming a full-time writer. We learned about her process and sources of inspiration and her advice for those hoping to follow in her footsteps.
AT WHAT POINT IN YOUR LIFE DID YOU KNOW OR DECIDE THAT YOU WERE INTERESTED IN BEING A WRITER, AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU? SARAH PENNER: As a child, I loved writing. I kept journals and
Left: New York Times and international bestselling author Sarah Penner spoke at the Sarasota County Library's Off the Page Literary Celebration this past November.
diaries of various sorts, and I distinctly remember going to Borders bookstore (millennials and above know what that was). I remember, I used to walk up to the tables at the front and marvel at these beautiful, brand-new books. They smelled good, they were shiny, and I thought to myself, “How amazing would it be to have my name on one of these books?” That dream was established when I was a lot younger, but then I went to school for finance. I’m an analytical, numbers-oriented person. After I was working in the corporate workforce, I started to find myself creatively unfulfilled; this was in my late 20s. I’m an introspective person, and I love change and growth, so I decided, if I’m feeling unfulfilled, I’m going to revisit some of my childhood interests, and one of those was writing. I think a lot of us, when we were children, that’s when we were most free or creative, so a lot of our deep passions existed at that time (but then we lose them in adulthood because we’re busy with bills and stress). So, I decided to enroll in an online creative writing class. I took several of them, absolutely loved them, and decided I was going to start writing more seriously and try my hand at writing a novel-length project. CAN YOU SHARE YOUR JOURNEY FROM WORKING FOR 13 YEARS IN THE CORPORATE FINANCE WORLD TO BECOMING A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR? PENNER: After I made
my first attempt at writing a novel, I sent it out to over 130 literary agents, the gatekeepers into the publishing industry. I received rejections from all of these agents, and a couple of them gave me some advice, which was that the women characters in my story needed more agency. Things were happening to them, but they weren’t the heroes of their own stories. During my corporate years, I would wake up at 5 am every day to write, and I would write until I had to go to work. I sat down to try writing a second book, and I made a point from the outlining and idea-generating stage that this needed to be a book about women with agency. That book became The Lost Apothecary.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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I sent The Lost Apothecary to 12 agents, and five of them offered representation. It was a vastly different experience from my 130 rejections. I signed with an agent, and we worked on manuscript revisions for a few months. She sent it to HarperCollins and they bought it overnight. It was an instant New York Times bestseller, and it has been published in over 40 languages. I have a second New York Times bestseller out and two more books under contract, and I quit my day job in 2021. I’ve now been writing full-time for almost three years. My life took this different trajectory from finance to writing (I can’t think of two things that are more dissimilar), but here we are, and I’m loving almost every day of it. I’m a big believer in constructive criticism. I don’t take things personally and I believe in the concept of “fail fast,” which means if you have something you want to achieve, you’re going to make repeated attempts to make it happen and most are going to fail. That’s okay, that’s actually good, because that’s how you’re getting to the better product, but you need to be quick about it. You can’t sit there and shed tears for months on end if something you do isn’t working. So, as soon as I was getting this feedback on that first manuscript, I went back to the drawing board and came up with my second idea. HOW DID YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FOR THE LOST APOTHECARY AND THE LONDON SÉANCE SOCIETY? PENNER: Both books are set in London.
London is my favorite city in the world. From the first moment I set foot there, I felt inspired and energized, so when I wrote The Lost Apothecary, I knew I wanted it to be set in London. I’ve also always liked apothecary-ish things. I’m big into herbal teas and cooking, I’ve dabbled in gardening, and I love candles and herbs. So, all of these things that an apothecary would deal with in a shop, I have a personal interest in. Readers love poison, I love researching poison, and I thought, “How cool would it be if this apothecary sold poison to women and had this secret whisper network?” I noticed, throughout my travels around the world, that a lot of “apothecary” retail shops were opening up in big cities, and they sell toiletries or candles or what have you. I just felt like it was kind of becoming trendy, but if you go to Barnes & Noble and look for a book about an apothecary, there’s not much out there. It was a confluence of my personal interest and what I felt was trendy. srq magazine_ FEB24 live local | 23
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cameo With The London Séance Society, I always wanted to write a ghost story, but I wanted to avoid the haunted house trope that we see so often in paranormal fiction, so I decided to take the séance approach. Similar to the apothecary in my first book, I wanted to write about a medium or a spiritualist who was best-in-class, highly respected and an expert. I was able to do that with my main character and, ultimately, she and her apprentice end up exposing this fraudulent gentlemen’s society. With all of my books, I aim to give the reader lots of twists and cliffhangers. My books all have a feminist bent. I love atmosphere and a sense of place; I often settle on the location before I even know anything about the characters. I like to visualize things cinematically in a way that would make them adaptable to the screen. HOW DO YOU GET YOUR CHARACTER INSPIRATION AND TURN THAT INTO SOMEONE WHO LIVES ON THE PAGE? PENNER: None of the characters in my books
are real-life characters. My writing is not what you would call biographical historical fiction. However, the two main characters (the apothecary in my first book and the medium in my second) are representative of the types of people in that profession, based on information that I’ve learned through my research. For Vaudeline, the medium in my second book, what I learned when I was researching the spiritualist movement in Victorian London was that women were more highly respected as mediums than men because they were considered more amenable to allowing a spirit to take control of their psyche. I purposely built this character as representative of what I was covering through my research about women. They would garner huge audiences and put on elaborate shows for which they charged exorbitant ticket prices. They were adored, loved and respected by their fans and their crowds. I made Vaudeline mysterious and seductive, and that was a personal preference. I like writing about enigmatic women in my stories.
The Lost Apothecary and The London Séance Society are available for purchase, and Penner’s third book will be announced this year. To learn more, visit sarahpenner.com.
and there are these old wooden floors beneath you and a hearth or fireplace that’s covered in soot and ash. This balance of new and old keeps things really interesting for me. I feel like the city is bustling and vibrant, but there are so many historical nooks and crannies to explore. WHAT CAN YOU SHARE ABOUT THE NEXT BOOK? PENNER: My third book is set on the
WHAT DOES YOUR RESEARCH PROCESS LOOK LIKE? PENNER: I take a top-down
approach, meaning that, before I start drafting, I spend a few months researching the setting, profession or subject matter. I call that taking a 30,000-foot view, and I’ll read really broadstroke non-fiction, go to museums, immerse myself however I can and take classes to teach myself about the topic. Once I have foundational knowledge and I feel like I can start writing actual scenes without looking like I’m totally ignorant about what I’m talking about, then I’ll go draft the book. It’s a raw, rough draft, and I use brackets in the story to indicate open research gaps that I need to revisit later. After I have the story drafted, as I’m going through revisions, I’ll follow up on those research gaps. A perfect example is my third book that I’m working on right now. My present-day character is a nautical archeologist, and I didn’t know anything about nautical archeology. I didn’t know how shipwrecks are excavated. I’m a scuba diver, but that’s about the extent of it. I took two different courses on maritime archeology, I have countless books about it on my bookshelf, and I scoured the internet for information on specific shipwrecks and how archeologists treat them and safely excavate them. I informed myself, and that allowed me to build that character more realistically. WHY DO YOU LOVE LONDON SO MUCH AS A SETTING? PENNER: I find London really
interesting because it’s this juxtaposition of new and old. You can be walking down a street and walk into a brand-new, trendy sushi restaurant, but right next door will be a brick alleyway with a placard that says “The pub behind the alleyway is 400 years old.” You can walk into that pub,
Amalfi coastline in Italy, specifically the Positano area. Most people don’t realize that Positano was a tiny, quaint fishing village in the 1800s; now it’s one of the most touristy places in the world. It’s about a present-day nautical archeologist and advanced scuba diver who is investigating a cluster of mysterious shipwrecks off the coast of Positano. She suspects that they may be related to a coven of sea witches who lived 200 years earlier and possibly have returned to the area. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WRITERS? PENNER: The first piece of advice,
for writers who are aspiring to traditional publication, is to make sure that you don’t just love the idea of being published, but that you love the exercise of writing and revising. On my social media, which is very curated, I show images of myself writing at a coffee shop with a beautiful latte next to me, and I show myself traveling to festivals in cool cities, meeting with big authors and getting advanced reader copies of books. All the fun stuff. What I don’t show are those hours sitting at my computer, tearing up one chapter over and over, to the point that I’m about to pull my hair out. I think a lot of people who want to write romanticize what it is based on what they see authors putting out there, which are book tours and coffee shop writing sessions. The reality is that that’s just a fraction of writing. Make sure you enjoy that revision process because that’s mostly what you’re doing. Writing can be a very lonely profession, so finding your community early is my second piece of advice. Long before I was agented, I started going to different writing workshops and a conference through the Historical Novel Society, where I met some amazing fellow writers, some of whom have had careers that have run parallel to mine. We’ve gotten agented and published around the same time, and they have been wonderful resources for me to bounce ideas off of, to commiserate with and to celebrate with. That community may be virtual, whether it’s Reddit forums, social media or whatever it is. There are a lot of opportunities for writers to connect. SRQ
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P O W E R E D B Y T H E W O M E N W H O R O A R I N I T I AT I V E
WOMEN 2023
COMMUNITY
LEADERSHIP
RECOGNIZING WOMEN LEADERS IN SARASOTA AND BRADENTON WHO HAVE MADE MEANINGFUL AND SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE AREAS OF BUSINESS, HEALTH, EDUCATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, SCIENCE, SPORTS, PHILANTHROPY AND THE ARTS.
PROGRAM PRODUCED BY SRQ MEDIA | LISL LIANG, ASHLEY GRANT COORDINATED BY MEGAN MITCHELL
TOGETHER WE ROAR
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ABOUT THE WOMEN WHO ROAR Each year, SRQ Magazine invites the community to nominate women they feel exemplify the personal integrity, expertise and community engagement qualities recognized by the Women Who Roar platform in our regional change makers. Nominees were asked to share their insights with our judges in nine key areas via a written application: how they define success, what personal experiences have motivated and inspired their professional success, their most meaningful accomplishment, how they took a leap of faith to embrace a risk, their "secret sauce" and outlook on life in six words, the TV or movie character they would play in real life, who they would bring back from history to spend a morning with, their favorite child bedtime story and the wisdom they would share in a letter to their younger selves. Judges from outside-the-market spend time with the applications from each nominee to render the selection of the exclusive group of honorees who are then inducted into the Women Who Roar Leadership Circle at the Annual Together We Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon held each October. Ambassadors of the Leadership Circle work on SMARTgirl and SkillSHARE programming that catalyzes the science and art of mentorship to memorably engage with women of all ages in our region.
2023TogertherWe RoarSpecialGuests TRAILBLAZER AWARD RECIPIENT
SAVE THE DATE FOR 2024 TOGETHER WE ROAR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024
ILLUMINATOR AWARD RECIPIENT LEISA PETERSON A VISIONARY DEDICATED TO TRANSFORMING MILLIONS OF LIVES THROUGH HEIGHTENED FINANCIALCONSCIOUSNESS.
PAULINA PORIZKOVA WRITER, AUTHOR OF NO FILTER: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, MODEL AND AN ADVOCATE FOR CELEBRATING WOMEN OF EVERY AGE. Born in Cold War Czechoslovakia, Porizkova was the first central European woman to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in 1984. Now, she has discovered her voice—and it is astute, wise and vulnerable. After a lifetime of being looked at, Paulina is ready to be heard.
As a facilitator, strategic advisor, author of The Mindful Millionaire, and seeker of knowledge, Leisa’s journey is marked by an unwavering commitment to personal growth. Central to her philosophy is the conviction that abundance is an attainable reality for all. With a three-decade tenure in finance, Leisa stands for leaders, entrepreneurs, and teams as they navigate the sometimes thorny intersection of money, identity, and vision, particularly during pivotal crossroads.
THANK YOU 2023 TOGETHER WE ROAR SPONSORS HOSPITALITY PARTNER
EVENT PARTNER
ACCOMMODATIONS PARTNER
LEADERSHIP PIN PARTNER
TROPHY PARTNER
TRANSPORTATION PARTNER
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
FLORAL PARTNER
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RECOGNIZING OUR 2023 NOMINEES Kim Adler Kim Alexander Livengood April Barnes Melissa Beachy Robyn Bell Morgan Bettes Angell Katrina Bing Blair Bloomston Susie Bowie Christina Bowman Nicole Brandt Franciska Bray-Mezey Menchie Calesa Sharon Carole Sinead Carr Amanda Champ Erin Cigich
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Kathy Collums Jennifer Compton Stacey Corley Kim Daglish Dana Dalpra Olivia D’Amico Jeneth D’Alonzo Jacquelyn Daum Tammy Daum Julia Dees Debbie Devito Jackie Dezelski Linda DiGabriele Vilia Dragovoy Meredith Dropkin Racheal Eible Cintia Elenstar Cheryl Evans Shon Ewens Jianina Foltz, D.C. Kathy Francoletti Lourdes Gallagher Jill Gass Alyssa Gay Barbara Gerdeman Deanna Gerhardt Rachel Glubiak Elizabeth Goodwill Annemarie Graff Stacy Groff Jennifer Grondahl Stephanie Grosskreutz Dania Hammand Bianca Harris Lela Haas Laura Hayes Jessica Hays Sorelly Henao Susan Hines Karen Holbrok Kinga Huse Dolly Jacobs Jamie Jalwan Roxanne Joffe Valerie Jones
Dr. Arunachalam Jothivijayarani Christine Kasten Lori Kayser Terri Klauber Heather Koester Lisa Krouse Liza Kubik Brittany Lamont Debbie LaPinska Julie Leach Anne LeBaron Jennifer Lee Natalie Levey Stephnie Lomazov Aneta Lundquist Stephanie Magaldi/Grae Christina Maksoud Jamie Marco Stacey Marks Jenna McCoy Laurie McCracken Katie McCurry Candice Mcelyea Fiona McFarland Karen Medford Nelle Miller Cara Misiewicz Nicole Mobley Ana Molinari Lisa Moore Alix Morin Lynn Morris Tish Murphy Kourtney Murray Lucy Nicandri Debra Otey Morgan Palm Lynne Parrington Hallie Peilet Clara Ramos Eleonora Raso Kim Richmond Brittany Riner
Catherine Roper Marissa Rossnagle Eleonora Raso Leah Reda Carrie Riley Karen Riley-Love Michelle Robey Laura Rode Jessica Rogers Tanya Ryskind Cynthia Salomone Rachel Saltzberg Manoela Santos Andrea Saputo-Cox Cynthia Saunders Jenny Schenk Erin Silk Kendra Simpkins Sandy Smith Jodi Sobol Eleni Sokos Hillary Spencer Leann Spofford Barbara Sucoff Colleen Thayer Tiffany Thornhill Marra Torres Gonzalez Jenny Townsend Madeline Tympanick Megan Ucello Chelsea Vacca Ella Walker Mary Davis Wallace Summer Wallace Erendira Wallenda Melissa Walsh Cina Welch Heather Williams Kabrena Williams Kelly Williams Rachel Wolfe Bridget Ziegler Alyson Zildjian
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MEET THE 2023 HONOREES BLAIR BLOOMSTON As CEO of Game On Nation, Blair has spent the last 17 years working with the world’s most recognizable athletes, teams, executives, corporations, and brands. She is considered a leading expert on the use of Game Dynamics and Game Theory to improve communication, leadership, team building, and culture. Some of Blair’s current clients include Hilton, NASCAR, Deloitte, Joint Special Operations Command, and Abby Wambach’s Wolfpack Endeavor. Blair has been featured as a speaker for the United States Olympic Committee’s National Coaching Conference and the NCAA Alliance of Women Coaches, as well as the Deloitte Inclusion Summit and SHRM Inclusion Summit in 2019. She holds a BFA in Theater/Performance from Marymount Manhattan College, and resides in Bradenton, FL, with her husband and two young sons. ERIN CIGICH Erin Cigich, 16-year industry veteran, is CEO of the award-winning outcome-based marketing company, Perform[cb]. Perform[cb]’s Outcome Engine and premium affiliate management team connect brands with new customers through their website, app, or call center on an outcome-based model—AKA, brands only pay for real results that truly matter to their business. Erin has received multiple industry awards, including the University of Florida - “40 Under 40” (2019), Tampa Bay Business Journal - “40 Under 40” (2019) and “Business Woman of the Year” (2011 & 2013), and the Florida Women’s Conference “Glass Ceiling Award” (2013). In 2020, Perform[cb] was also ranked #17 on the Gator100—a list that honors the 100 fastest-growing, Gator-owned or Gator-led businesses in the world. Under Erin’s leadership, Perform[cb] has undergone tremendous organic revenue growth, in addition to two successful sale processes to leading private equity firms. Cigich has also led Perform[cb], formerly known as Clickbooth, through a series of four strategic subsequent acquisitions - Adperio (mobile app install network), IgniteOPM (OPM agency), ThriveTracker (affiliate media tracking), and Digital Remedy Direct (internal media buying and pay per call execution). Maintaining a focus on company culture and client services are the foundations Erin has built for Perform[cb]’s 100+ team members, earning numerous awards, including Florida Trend Magazine’s “Best Florida Companies to Work For” for seven consecutive years, and #1 in Outcomes by mThink’s Blue Book Survey for seven years in a row.
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JENNIFER COMPTON Breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings, Jennifer Compton is the first female Chair of Shumaker, a national law firm with offices in Florida, Ohio, Minnesota, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Her focus on paving a path of equality and change began long before she became Chair of the nearly century-old firm. Jennifer served as Vice Chair of the Management Committee for the past two consecutive years, and she is the Managing Partner of the Sarasota office. Jennifer’s legal career began when she earned her J.D. with honors from Cumberland School of Law of Samford University. She has been practicing employment and litigation law for more than 25 years, and she is a Florida Board Certified Labor and Employment attorney. Seen as a true pioneer in all aspects of her life, Jennifer is a Sarasota native with an unwavering commitment to the Sarasota community. She has used her legal expertise to pave the way for The Bay, creating a first-of-its-kind private/public partnership agreement between The Bay and City of Sarasota. As Chair of the Bay Park Conservancy (BPC) Board of Directors and as a founding member of the Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization (SBPO), Jennifer is helping to create a world class 54-acre park on the Sarasota Bayfront that is open and accessible to all. In addition, Jennifer is founding director and Vice Chair of Gulfside Bank, Sarasota’s only locally owned community bank, and she has served on multiple boards in various capacities.
Below: A joyful experience celebrating one another at the Together We Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon hosted at Michael’s On East this past October.
SUSAN HINES Susan Hines is the Managing Principal of the Sarasota Office of Sabal Trust and brings more than 30 years of trust experience to her clients. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management, magna cum laude, and Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from the University of Florida. Susan is an honors graduate of the ABA’s National Graduate Trust School at Northwestern University. She is a licensed attorney in Florida, a Florida Bar member, a past director of the Sarasota County Bar
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Association, a Leadership Sarasota graduate and a past chair of the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council. Susan is passionate about financial literacy and youth development and has committed her time in the community as a Board Member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, The Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, and the Jerome and Mildred Paddock Foundation. Recently, Susan has begun serving as the Chair of the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation Board.
HEATHER KOESTER Heather Koester is a seasoned professional who has a rich background in education, community service, and business leadership. Embarking on her journey in the Army at the age of 17, Heather’s commitment to meaningful impact and service to her country led her to a special assignment in community development, where she honed invaluable skills in building and strengthening communities during her military service. In her role as the CEO of Invigorate Nexus, Heather demonstrates exceptional leadership, overseeing projects spanning seven counties in Florida, multiple states, and international clients. The extensive portfolio of work includes diverse projects such as feasibility studies, tax program reforms, community action programs, disaster resilience and recovery research, business continuity planning, technology development, workforce research, and board retreat facilitator. This showcases the depth and breadth of their work and Heather’s ability to lead and manage complex and diverse projects. Currently working on obtaining her doctorate in strategic leadership and organizational development, Heather is dedicated to furthering her knowledge and skills in shaping effective leadership strategies for organizational growth and development. In addition to her educational and professional pursuits, Heather’s commitment to community service extends beyond her work, evidenced by her proven track record of service on multiple boards. Her ability to balance her educational journey, professional accomplishments, and community service involvement is a testament to her exceptional time management skills and sincere dedication to making a lasting impact. JENNIFER LEE Jennifer Lee is the founder of Modern-Wealth; a Sarasota-based financial firm with a focus on helping individuals experiencing transition. Originally from Maryland, Jennifer brought almost 30 years (45 years if you count going into the office with her father as a child) of expertise in the financial services industry to Florida. Jennifer has found that a relationship with
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an advisor is most critical at the intersections in life where emotions collide with financial events. She enjoys facilitating her clients (especially women) through challenges as they experience life’s upsets such as divorce, the loss of a spouse, or business to retirement transition. Whether you are experiencing divorce, a business client expanding or selling your operation, or a couple wanting to make sure they have provided for their family, Modern-Wealth may be a good fit. Jennifer provides a fresh perspective to the financial planning process by digging deep to understand what drives her clients. At Modern-Wealth, they build long-lasting relationships. As part of their process, they encourage clients to communicate their values to the most important people in their lives by writing a family love letter. This led her to write Squeeze the Juice: Live With Purpose-Then Leave a Legacy.
KAREN MEDFORD “As the youngest daughter of an Italian immigrant, my father always had my life perfectly planned out. My father, the youngest of seven, was the first to graduate from college and in his eyes, it was simple—follow his lead. As an independent thinker with a vivid vision, I was determined to move to Los Angeles to make it in the music industry. Through years of living like a pauper and sleeping on eggshell foam as glorified intern at a record label, I became a top executive and relocated to New York City, restoring my father’s faith in my future.” A former music industry leader and medical sales executive, Karen followed her dream of owning her own business. As a wife and mother of two girls, it was so important for her to set an example and create a legacy for her family. With a passion for others, she set her sights on becoming a leader in the “confidence” business. Falling in love with the area, she built a team of over 40 professionals to create the ultimate luxury wellness and beauty centers. Sirius Day Spa, Salon and Medspas was created in 2018, and now has two nearly 4000 sq ft prime locations in UTC and Lakewood Ranch, with 200+ services ranging from massage, facials & skincare, hair/nail salon services, Botox and Medspa treatments including laser hair removal, chemical peels, IPL, Morpheus8 and more. A community
Above: Illuminator Award Recipient Leisa Peterson shared a mindful moment of reflection at this past year’s Together We Roar luncheon.
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MEET THE 2023 HONOREES COLLEEN THAYER Colleen is one of the fortu-
advocate, Medford has been an active member, committee member, and sponsor of Sisterhood for Good, Inc, an all-female all-volunteer philanthropic organization, and was also recognized for her support of the Manatee County School District, American Cancer Society, Brain Health Initiative, Sunshine Kids Foundation to name a few.
TANYA RYSKIND Tanya earned her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of New Hampshire (Franklin Pierce Law Center). Her career journey began in social work, focusing on addiction and adolescent residential treatments. She later transitioned to the legal field, starting in a prosecuting attorney’s office and subsequently working as a lobbyist for organizations like the New Hampshire Small Business Association, Proctor and Gamble, and Yamaha. Upon moving to Michigan, Tanya spent a decade working at Western Michigan University. Following the birth of her children, she became involved with their Montessori School. Currently, Tanya serves as the Head of NewGate School, the lab school of The Montessori Foundation. With extensive experience in both legal and educational realms, Tanya is recognized internationally as a respected Montessori school community leader. She has served as a Montessori teacher trainer, an International Montessori consultant, a motivational speaker, an author, and a frequent presenter at Montessori conferences worldwide. Tanya has contributed to the field for over 20 years as a member of the School Accreditation Commission for the International Montessori Council.
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nate people who earned a degree in political science that she’s been able to use in her professional career in legislative, advocacy, and public relations. One of her earlier career experiences was in mental health advocacy and that came full circle when NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties (NAMI) was seeking its first Executive Director, at the same time Colleen’s family was experiencing mental health challenges and she was navigating the behavioral health system and looking for supports. The support and education she and her family gained through NAMI have been immeasurable, and she often reflects that this position allows her to pay it forward daily. Colleen holds a master’s degree in Management and Leadership and is also accredited in Public Relations and a Certified Public Relations Counselor. She is active with several local organizations including the Circus Arts Conservatory and SRQ Strong and currently chairs the board of Centerstone Florida. Colleen and her husband Chad live in Sarasota County, and are proud parents of two sons and a daughter, along with three fabulous black labs.
Left: Trailblazer Award Recipient Paulina Porizkova shares insights from her incredible career as a writer, author and global model.
ALYSON ZILDJIAN Chef Alyson Zildjian is the innovative force behind Zildjian Catering and Consulting, celebrating 14 years in business here in Sarasota. She is a Johnson & Wales University graduate, with degrees in both culinary arts and business. She has been working and creating in the industry for almost 40 years. Chef Alyson is a committed leader in green business practices and her dedication to sustainability extends beyond the kitchen, teaching and educating our community on the benefits of sourcing locally and seasonal food. This dedication led her company to win a Sustany Foundation Award in 2019 and again in 2023. Her passion for her craft has also led Zildjian Catering to be the recipient of the “Best Caterer - Readers Choice Award” for 5 years in a row starting in 2019 - 2023. Chef Alyson’s leadership in her industry and fervent advocacy for food as medicine promotes health and well-being through all aspects of her business. She will tell you that the most important ingredient in your food is LOVE. “You can Taste It!” and her menus reflect the belief that delicious food should also be nourishing to the body and soul. Chef Alyson can also be seen in Feb 2024 in Austin Texas at the National Catering Conference speaking and educating her peers on how to create green events and reduce our impact on the planet. Chef Alyson desires to be part of a society that supports environmental sustainability and social justice by having a food system that is good, clean, and fair for all.
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W WOMEN WOMEN WHO ROAR NOMINEE | 2023
2023
COMMUNITY
LEADERSHIP
SUSAN H. HINES, J.D, MANAGING PRINCIPAL | SABAL TRUST
"Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader… they set out to make a difference".
COMING UP THROUGH THE LEGAL AND BUSINESS WORLD
“Sabal Trust is unique in the financial industry as our firm is the largest independent, employee-owned trust company in Florida. Many of my partners have careers spanning 25 years or more in the trust and investment industry and we are proud that we can bring our experience and talents to an organization that allows us to work face to face, across the table from our clients. By making an investment in Sabal Trust we have made a personal commitment to our clients and their families to be there for them when they need us. Our business is a relationship focused business, and we spend our working lives helping families grow their wealth, take care of their families and leave financial legacies in their communities and sometimes across many generations. My education, personal strengths and leadership acumen have led me to the perfect career where I am blessed to spend each day serving others, and hopefully, making a small difference in their lives.”
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in the early 1990s most of my role models for leadership were men. As I rose through the ranks, I always compared myself to them and often questioned my ability to be a strong leader. In setting sales or leadership goals I never focused on “the next title” or “the big win”, I just focused on helping others, and they always appeared. It often surprised me when I was selected to lead a team or take on larger territories. When someone asked me one day who my leadership role models were, I paused, and the first thought that came to my mind was my parents. Looking back at my childhood I can say, without doubt, that I hit the parent lottery. My parents were educators and very humble, inspiring, and thoughtful leaders. Although they often had a current leadership book in their hands, they always modeled for me and others the teachings of Jesus. They taught me that first and foremost, great leaders lead from the inside out and recognize that at the core of each decision are matters of character, trust, empathy, and integrity. The best leaders have a servant’s heart and firmly believe that leadership is about encouraging and empowering others to be all they can be, not about bettering yourself. The best leaders are also the best listeners and enjoy working with others to balance their or their company’s goals and values with the compassion needed to fully explore and acknowledge the, sometimes conflicting values and beliefs of others. Creating a culture where everyone feels valued and supported, as well as challenged and encouraged to become all they can be, has worked wonders across many generations, and is even more important in the fast-paced society we live and work in today. I believe that my single most significant strength is my optimistic set point toward joy. I have learned that there is a difference between joy and happiness and although life can bring challenges that can steal my happiness temporarily, I have always worked hard to compartmentalize them and focus on the joy that can be found all around us. This strength helped me grow even stronger through a two-year period of sadness as I worked through the loss of a long-term relationship. Through forgiveness came great freedom and the ability to refocus my memories on the pure joy that this relationship had brought to my life for many years. Life, love and friendship are gifts for the soul.
1800 2nd Street | Suite 103 | Sarasota, FL 34236 P 941.556.4866 | F 941.556.4869 | TOLL FREE 866.243.2540 shines@sabaltrust.com SABALTRUST.COM
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MEET OUR 2023 COMPETITION JUDGES Kellee Johnson | Ballast Group Kellee founded Ballast Group, Chicago’s first cloud-based PR firm in 2006. It has grown to an award-winning, international presence focused on developing campaigns for well-funded healthcare and technology entrepreneurs. The team uses a methodology to help leaders articulate their stories to their most important audiences in the channels that matter. Ballast Group’s approach applies paid, earned, shared and owned media (PESO) campaigns, that earn clients news coverage in US News & World Report, the Associated Press, Wall Street Journal, Crain’s Chicago and more. Additional campaigns focus on social media; advocacy; analyst relations; and crisis communications.
Ria Persad | Climate Venture Studio and StatWeather Ria Persad studied math and physics at Harvard, Princeton and Cambridge with PhD at Rice. She was a climate modeler at Lawrence Berkeley Lab, a Space Scientist at NASA then a quant and AI expert on Wall Street. Persad is Founder of StatWeather, ranked #1 in climate tech by Environmental Business International, was a “Top 7” Lifetime Achievement Leader by S&P Global Energy Awards and was the International Renewable Energy Woman of the Year. She is a Global AI Ambassador for SwissCognitive as an AI expert and mentors females in STEM through her nonprofit, Climate Science Foundation
Samantha Bond Richman | Sam Bond Benefit Group, Inc. Samantha has guided business owners seeking solutions for employee benefits, payroll administration, workers’ compensation, liability reduction, and multiple employer 401(k) plans for over thirty years. Initially hired as an hourly employee, Samantha developed her career into a commission-only sales representative position, company shareholder, and with the sale of her former employer, into an independent broker of PEO services in 2006. Her company holds Life, Health & Annuity (2-15) licenses in Florida and Virginia. She is a member of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals and the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations. Currently, Samantha and her husband live and work in downtown St. Petersburg, where for fun she is a contributing writer to the Northeast Journal and struggling golfer.
Pamela van der Lee Pamela van der Lee is a marketing and strategic planning consultant. Pam spent much of her career as a senior executive for Paramount +, formerly Viacom, Inc. and Nickelodeon, in New York City, as the Corporate VP of Marketing, Head of the Marketing, Licensing and Research Councils and as the VP Promotions Marketing respectively. She also served as the Chief Marketing Officer for AltX, formerly iMatchative, a hedge fund intelligence and data analytics platform in San Francisco. Pam has dedicated over 20 years to board service, primarily working in the education and disability fields, serving as the President of the Board for organizations such as the National Down Syndrome Society and Tuxedo Park School, and serving on the executive committee/board for Rollins College Alumni Association, St. Mary’s Preschool and Roadtrip Nation. Most recently, Pam has been working as a consultant on a number of commercial and pro-social start-ups.
Join us for the coming year of programming. Nominations for the 2024 Women Who Roar Competition open on March 1, 2024 Save the Date for Together We Roar 2024 on October 25, 2024
SRQMAG.COM/WWR
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Spread: S-One’s co-founder Art Lambert credits his team and the company’s culture for their 30 years of success.
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KEEPING IT LOCAL WRITTEN BY BARBIET HEIT
TWO LOCAL COMPANIES, S-ONE HOLDINGS AND PERFORM[CB], SHARE THEIR HISTORY, PRESENT-DAY SUCCESS STORIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOKS FOR THEIR BRANDS. Recognized as leaders in their fields and top companies to work for, S-One Holdings Corporation and Perform[cb] are two global organizations headquartered in Sarasota. Art Lambert, c0-founder of S-One, and Erin Cigich, CEO of Perform[cb], met with us to discuss the history, present-day status and future outlooks for these local success stories. SRQ
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S-ONE HOLDINGS CORPORATION In the early 1990s, Art Lambert and Ron Simkins—two friends and colleagues working in the computer industry in the Midwest—decided to pick up and leave the frigid air of Chicago, Illinois behind for the sunny shores of Southwest Florida. They settled on Sarasota because it was, and still is, one of the fastest-growing parts of the U.S., according to Lambert. While the friends did think they might just sit back, relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine, they instead began to dream up a whole new approach for the printing and signage business. S-One Holdings Corporation is about to celebrate its 30th year in business in Sarasota. “This is where we started. It’s where it all began for us, and we never imagined that we’d be doing it 30 years later, but we sure are, and it’s been a lot of fun,” says Lambert. The dynamic duo’s first local venture began with a braille sign business based on the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. With the new law enacted, Lambert and Simkins noticed that companies were struggling to create signage that included braille lettering. At the same time, digital inkjet printing was taking off as the fastest way to print posters. “Using our technology backgrounds, we developed a way to print sign faces with braille lettering digitally, using the emerging wide-format inkjet printers, and it was a very cost-effective process,” says Lambert. “We soon realized, however, that it was much easier to sell that material to our competitors who wanted it than it was to make signs ourselves, so we sold the sign business and we started another company in 1994, LexJet (which was our flagship company), and we sold that product. We were a one-trick pony. We sold that product to not only the other sign companies, but more importantly, to the trade show graphics producers and those companies that were able to print their graphics for trade show displays.” With newfound success, the team grew to include Lambert’s son, Dean, and four of his University of Kentucky buddies (three of whom are still with the company today). Calling themselves “opportunists,” Lambert and Simkins then started a string of other companies, all within the digital imaging business under the S-One umbrella. The companies included Abaqa, which makes private-label materials for large companies such as Hewlett-Packard and Kodak; Brand Management Group (BMG), which holds licenses for large printer companies; Digiprint, a parts company in Brussels, Belgium; and S-One Labels and Packaging, which makes the film and ink that are used in creating sustainable, flexible packages. S-One is recognized locally and nationally as one of the best places to work. “We have a team of young professionals who are passionate about creating new opportunities for their customers, themselves and, of course, the company, and that’s what sets us apart,” Lambert says. “Sure, we have some unique products, but anybody can come up 38 | srq magazine_ FEB24 live local
with products. It’s the culture that we’ve cultivated that really makes us unique.” Looking back through the decades, Lambert finds the growth and change of the S-One organization to be remarkable. “We’ve gone from just five teammates to over 200. We’ve grown beyond the U.S. to over 22 countries around the world. We’ve grown from being a one-trick pony to having over 20,000 stock-keeping units, and from one distribution facility to a dozen,” Lambert says. “We started with just a handful of customers and have over 40,000 today. We’ve grown from our initial startup to four successful companies. Our web presence at LexJet now represents 30% of our LexJet business, and our web presence for Digiprint is 100% web sales.” While many companies struggle or even fail during difficult times, Lambert boasts that S-One managed to grow during the recession, the COVID pandemic and even during the great resignation (when many employees voluntarily resigned from their jobs in the wake of the pandemic). He believes this success can be attributed to the fact that S-One continued investing when its competitors were cutting back. “Even more than the continued growth, I think what I’m most proud of is our community engagement programming,” shares Lambert. “We have teams that are mentors, we’re volunteers, we provide internships to local students, we serve on boards and we support charitable organizations in each of the communities we serve. We didn’t do that when we started, but it is a major focus for us now.” Starting a company from scratch can be intimidating, but Lambert confidently shares that, with the right attitude, hard work and planning, it can be incredibly rewarding. “Do your due diligence and do your planning,” he advises. “There’s nothing that takes the place of a solid business plan. It doesn’t have to be a five-year plan; get through the first year, make sure you’re well-capitalized and, most importantly, be passionate about what you’re starting.” Lambert and Simkins started their business venture three decades ago with three simple rules: “Have fun, make money, and don’t get in anybody else’s way of having fun and making money.” Today, as he walks around the company, he stops and asks his team members, “Hey, are you having any fun today?” They often look at him and say, “No, but we’re not getting in anybody else’s way of having fun,” and he knows they’ve learned well.
Above right:
Perform [cb] CEO Erin Cigich has seen the company evolve from a small local company to a globally distributed workforce with 115 employees.
PERFORM[CB] Just five days after graduating from the University of Florida in 2007, Erin Cigich joined a small company called Clickbooth in Nokomis. She recalls those early days with a smile. “Our office was above a small pool supply store in Nokomis. There was actually an external staircase—a metal staircase that you had to go up—and the entire office had no windows,” Cigich says. “We had 10 employees and everybody got to wear a lot of hats. It was definitely the classic ‘You’re not signing up for a role, you’re just there and everybody’s there to figure things out and help,’ which was really exciting. I went to school for advertising and it was an advertising business, so I thought it was the perfect place for me.” Sixteen years later, that college grad is now the CEO of Perform[cb]—a bigger, prettier, fancier, more well-funded version of what Clickbooth did when Cigich first joined the team. srq magazine_ FEB24 live local | 39
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The core of the business is outcome-based marketing, meaning Perform[cb] works with marketers who only pay them when they get a customer. “It was a really exciting prospect as a new college grad to join, and it’s still a really exciting prospect all these years later as a CEO to be running that business because I know that we provide real value for our clients,” Cigich says. “So that could look like anything from LendingTree (which pays us when someone fills out a form and says they want to refinance their home) to Walmart paying us when someone downloads their app and signs up for the Walmart delivery service, or BET paying us when someone downloads their app and signs up for their streaming service, or Nationwide which pays us when someone calls into their call center and signs up for a new insurance policy.” The 10-person company that Cigich started with now has 115 employees (about 50 in Sarasota), with a globally distributed workforce spread all over the United States, Europe and Canada. “When I first joined, our name was Clickbooth. In 2016, we sold the private equity and we acquired four companies over that time period, all of different brands and names,” Cigich says. “And in 2021, we rebranded all of them to Perform[cb]—with [cb] serving as a nod to the original name—and they all just did different capabilities still within that outcome-based marketing umbrella.” Growing has been awesome, Cigich says, but it has not been without its share of growing pains. “We’ve acquired many companies and, every time we’ve acquired a company, we have learned a good lesson. The first company that we acquired told us that absolutely everything in their technology was automated. The founder exited, we signed the checks, and it turned out it was automated because there was one person that did all of the things. He pushed the button, he sent the email, he did it all, so it wasn’t really automated. So we added that to our checklist of things that we really need to confirm when we’re buying companies,” Cigich shares. “The second acquisition we did, I stood up in front of the entire company and said, ‘We’re buying you because we love you. We love your clients. We love your client relationships. It’s not our intention to shake things up or change things.’ And boy was that a dumb thing to say to peo-
ple because business is all about change. We did things like bringing in a new, upgraded coffee machine and Sonos speakers for the office, and we moved them from Microsoft to Gmail. And that was met with resistance every step of the way with them saying, ‘You said nothing was ever going to change,’ even though I thought these were positive things. So now I go the opposite route and I say, ‘We’re buying you because we really value you and we value your business and we value
have to figure out how to get all the drop-offs done and deal with all of the commuting, and I can flip a load of laundry and still be on my next sales call. I think that it will be really impactful for women in leadership and hopefully help folks continue to move up the ranks that way.” As for the secret sauce in the company’s success, it’s clear to see that it can be attributed to both the leadership and the business model. “I really like to see people be successful and I’ve always felt that way,” shares Cigich. “So, when
“When I think about where I can drive the biggest impact, it has always been how I can get people positioned to shine and create a great team. Our leadership team has been with the business, many of them for 14 or 15 years (we’ve got a phenomenal tenure). And the fact that we’ve got a really tenured leadership team and people that are still passionate about what they do but bring a lot of experience to the table definitely sets us apart.” —Erin Cigich, Perform[cb] your opinions, but this is business and things change all the time. So things will change as they go along. That’s not a matter of whether we bought you or didn’t buy you; things are going to change in your business life.’” Pre-pandemic, the Perform[cb] headquarters was in Sarasota. Since then, the company has subleased all of its office space and every employee is remote, Cigich explains. “The transition from in-office to the initial COVID remote working environment went smoother than expected for two reasons,” she says. “One, we had already prepped all of the technology so that people could work from anywhere because we had dealt with the hurricane the year before and understood we needed to be able to be a distributed workforce. And then the second thing was we had a Sarasota office, a Denver office and an office in Europe pre-pandemic, and so we were developing this culture of ‘the Sarasota office does it this way but the Denver office does it this way.’ But when everybody just became a box on Zoom, the walls went down and it was a lot more collaborative, which was really positive.” Being remote has enabled the company to hire people from all parts of the world, creating a flexible work environment. “My soapbox that I stand on for remote work is that I think, because it is so much more prevalent now, it is going to allow more women in leadership,” shares Cigich. “Being a CEO and a mom myself, it makes my day so much simpler not to
I think about where I can drive the biggest impact, it has always been how I can get people positioned to shine and create a great team. Our leadership team has been with the business, many of them for 14 or 15 years (we’ve got a phenomenal tenure). And the fact that we’ve got a really tenured leadership team and people that are still passionate about what they do but bring a lot of experience to the table definitely sets us apart.” The other piece that sets Perform[cb] apart from competitors is that the company has invested very heavily in technology. “The platform that powers our entire business has two patents, and it is a big competitive differentiator for us versus what the competition offers,” says Cigich. What does the future look like for Perform[cb]? Currently, Cigich shares that the group is midway through a potential acquisition, still within the outcome-based marketing umbrella. “It’s been really incredible watching the organization grow over the past 16 years. When I first joined the company, it was very unrecognizable,” Cigich says. “Now, nine out of our top 10 advertisers are completely well-known brands that anybody would recognize. It’s really exciting to see big brands investing dollars in the outcome-based marketing space, and I think that trend will only continue because there’s a very defensible investment thesis around spending money here. You only pay when you get a customer. I think the sky’s really the limit for us.” SRQ
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FEBRUARY 2024 | SPECIAL AWARDS SECTION
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ERIC C. FLEMING HONOREE | Real Estate & Business
CONTACT 5011 Ocean Blvd. | Suite 305 | Siesta Key, FL 34242 941.225.8877 | Eric@SRQesq.com | SRQesq.com
What sets your firm apart from others? We pride ourselves on being very involved in the local community and enjoy serving the needs of others. Eric is on the Board of Directors for several business-centric organizations, including the Argus Foundation, Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, and the Bay Area Real Estate Counsel, which allows him to provide knowledge and insight for the betterment of the local community. In addition, Eric and his wife Jordan are on the Board of The Payton Wright Foundation, a local charitable foundation that provides financial assistance to families with children suffering from brain and spinal cancer so they can focus on their child’s care.
BIO
Eric, a fifth-generation Florida Native, received his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law and MBA from Stetson University School of Business Administration in 2008 after earning a B.A. in Business Management and a minor in Leadership Studies from the University of South Florida. In 2012 Eric founded the Law Offices of Eric C. Fleming with the goal of creating a laid-back boutique law firm focused on assisting clients with their real estate, business, and estate planning needs. In addition to his office being on Siesta Key, Eric and his wife Jordan also live on Siesta with their amazing children, Sawyer and Sailor. In their free time, they enjoy partaking in all the splendors of Sarasota such as boating, the beach, and amazing restaurant scene.
FLORIDA BAR DATE OF ADMISSION November 3, 2008 DEGREES JD/MBA- 2008 Stetson University PRACTICE AREAS Real Estate Business Estate Planning LAW FIRM The Law Offices of Eric C. Fleming, P.A.
How do you represent, protect and support your clients? Despite the laid back feeling of the office, as a real estate attorney, I represent, protect, and support my clients by employing a comprehensive approach to their legal needs. I ensure their investments are protected by conducting thorough due diligence, reviewing contracts, and identifying potential risks. I provide guidance and advice, addressing any concerns or uncertainties they may have. Additionally, I am committed to providing personalized support, maintaining open lines of communication, and navigating any legal challenges that may arise. Ultimately, my goal on every transaction is to have my clients feel confident and satisfied after a smooth, seamless closing.
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WELCOME The Sarasota and Bradenton Area region is home to a robust cadre of legal minds. As part of the annual SRQ Magazine Elite Top Attorneys program, we invited attorneys from Anna Maria and Lakewood Ranch down through Downtown Sarasota, Venice and North Port to nominate the peers who had garnered their utmost respect—whether on the same or opposite side of the negotiating table—and they answered. The respect of one’s peers, especially in the discerning legal profession, reflects a defining level of great achievement. We are humbled by the overwhelming number of thoughtful nominations we received from this community of professionals this year and are pleased to share the results with you, our readers. In SRQ Magazine’s 2023 Elite Top Attorneys Legal Guide and awards section you will meet this year’s honorees whose skills have helped their clients realize their goals. Many of our honorees share their expertise with the community as noted by their philanthropic and leadership contributions. The legal profession is part of a proud and long lineage that has been vital in establishing our modern world. The quality of a society can be judged in part by the measure of fairness manifested in how individuals are treated by our system of laws. Conscientious and skilled litigators are the reliable engines of our legal system, and the smart, skilled men and women represented in this peer-review program ensure the inevitable conflicts of human life can be dealt with in a manner that is equitable and honest. We hope you enjoy meeting SRQ Magazine’s 2023 Elite Top Attorneys—congratulations are in order.
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BARBAR A H. GORMLEY, ESQ. HONOREE | Personal Injury
CONTACT 2831 Ringling Blvd., Suite 214E, Sarasota, Florida 34237 941-366-1290 | barbara@barbarahgormleypa.com | barbarahgormleypa.com
Her practice involves personal injury, including serious and catastrophic injuries, wrongful death as a result of automobile and trucking accidents, pedestrians and bicyclists hit by a motor vehicle, motorcycle accidents, trip/slip and fall cases on commercial and residential properties, negligent security resulting in injury cases, as well as nursing home and assisted living facility abuse cases.
BIO
Over the last 24 years, attorney Barbara H. Gormley has proudly represented only individuals that have been injured as a result of the negligence of another. Ms. Gormley is rated “AV Preeminent” which is the highest level of peer rating and means that her peers, lawyers and judges, have ranked her at the highest level of professional excellence for her legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards. Ms. Gormley has provided the highest quality of legal services both inside and out of the courtroom since 1999 and is known for treating every case as if it is going to trial. She represents clients throughout the State of Florida.
Tell us about yourself. Juris Doctor Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, Davie, Florida, Deans List Member of the Nova Southeastern University’s Moot Court Honor Society State Bar of Florida, Admitted 1999 U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida Florida Bar Association, Trial Lawyers Section Member Eagle Member of the Florida Justice Association Sarasota County Bar Association Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® Since 2014 to the present 2023.
FLORIDA BAR DATE OF ADMISSION April 16, 1999 All Florida State Courts and the Federal Middle District of Florida PRACTICE AREAS Motor Vehicle Accidents Trucking Accidents Motorcycle, Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents Negligent Security resulting in injury Slip/Trip and Fall Accidents Nursing Home and ALF abuse DEGREES Juris Doctor, Nova Southeastern Shepard Broad Law Center YEARS OF EXPERIENCE 24 Years AV Rated Eagle Member of the Florida Justice Association LAW FIRM Law Office of Barbara H. Gormley, P.A.
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FEATURED HONOREES SECOND EDITION Recognizing the attorneys in the region who garnered the respect of their professional peers as honorees for the 2023 Elite Top Attorneys Legal Guide.
ATTORNEYS FOR NON PROFITS Pennewill, Betsy Community Foundation of Sarasota County 2635 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237 941-556-7152 Lic.#156140
BUSINESS LAW Whitney, Jonathan P. Lutz Bobo & Telfair PA 2 N Tamiami Trl | 5th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236-5574 941-951-1800 Lic.#14874 Siegel, Michael E. Shutts & Bowen LLP 1858 Ringling Blvd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-552-3775 Lic.#821845
CIVIL LAW LITIGATION Schuchat, Michael E. Lutz Bobo & Telfair 2 N Tamiami Trl | Ste 500 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-951-1800 Lic.#85382
CONSTRUCTION Hanson, Erik M. Shutts & Bowen LLP 1858 Ringling Blvd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-552-3774 Lic.#98529 Rans, E. Zachary Shutts & Bowen LLP 1858 Ringling Blvd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-552-3787 Lic.#316740
CRIMINAL DEFENSE Fowler Jr, James Fowler Law Group PA 2075 Main St | Ste 38 Sarasota, FL 34237 941-900-3100 Lic.#55830 Pouget, Andrew Fowler Law Group PA 2075 Main St | Ste 38 Sarasota, FL 34237 941-900-3100 Lic.#1013551
EDUCATION Windsor, Jane Elizabeth Windsor Law LLC 2014 4th St | Sarasota, FL 34237 941-584-9510 Lic.#86988
LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT Sensenig, Christine Sensenig Law Firm PA 1515 Ringling Blvd | Ste 230 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-953-2828 Lic.#74276
LAND USE ENVIRONMENT Colburn, Casey The Colburn Firm PL 7321 Merchant Ct | Ste A Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 941-928-6801 Lic.#647551
PERSONAL INJURY Gormley, Barbara H. Barbara H. Gormley PA 2831 Ringling Blvd | Ste 214E Sarasota, FL 34237 941-366-1290 Lic.#164747 Fernandez, Stephen Goldman Babboni Fernandez Murphy & Walsh 2822 University Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34243-2410 941-752-7000 – Bradenton 941-954-1234 – Sarasota Lic.#723673
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GREGORY P. LINEHAN, ESQ. HONOREE | Personal Injury
CONTACT 1515 Ringling Blvd., Suite 230, Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.559.4529 | glinehan@greglinehanlaw.com | greglinehanlaw.com
What sets your firm apart from others? With more than 26 years of experience practicing law, Greg Linehan is prepared to get a client’s case underway immediately. The same attorney and legal assistant work on each case throughout the entirety of the case. When someone becomes a client of Greg Linehan Law, they will have direct contact with their attorney and legal assistant, as the team works together to take the stress off of the client and their loved ones. All successful outcomes at Greg Linehan Law come about through a concerted team effort. When our firm helps someone with their injury claim or lawsuit, they can count on our entire team to join forces vigorously on their behalf. Our team will work together to deliver the outcome the each client deserves.
BIO
Mr. Linehan is a longtime Sarasota resident having lived here for over 55 years. After completing his studies at the University of Florida, he then attended law school in Miami. He worked in Miami for a brief period of time following law school before relocating back to Sarasota in 1997. Upon his return to Sarasota, Mr. Linehan joined a firm where his primary focus was worker’s compensation law. There he was active in advocating for the rights of injured people in the State of Florida. In addition to the practice of worker’s compensation law, Mr. Linehan began practicing personal injury and Social Security Disability. In 2003, he joined a smaller firm to help expand that firm’s areas of practice and to focus more on personal injury law. In 2022, Mr. Linehan formed his own firm, Greg Linehan Law, in order to provide more personalized and supportive services to his clients. Mr. Linehan practices in all State and Federal Courts throughout Florida.
FLORIDA BAR DATE OF ADMISSION September 26. 1996 DEGREES Juris Doctor, St. Thomas University Law School PRACTICE AREAS Auto Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Workers Compensation Civil Litigation Slip & Fall LAW FIRM Greg Linehan Law
How do you represent, protect and support your clients? Over the decades, Greg Linehan has established many long-lasting relationships with clients and their families, who in turn, refer others to us in times of need. The multiple areas of practice that we offer allow our firm to deliver personalized and integrated legal services that often involve complementary or overlapping areas of law. For example, we may bring a wrongful death claim while simultaneously guiding a family through the process of setting up an Estate. We may help an injured worker secure support through a workers’ compensation appeal, a third-party liability personal injury case and Social Security Disability benefits at the same time. We take each individual’s ‘big picture’ and work through their case from the ground up to maximize their recovery.
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FEATURED HONOREES SECOND EDITION Recognizing the attorneys in the region who garnered the respect of their professional peers as honorees for the 2023 Elite Top Attorneys Legal Guide.
Goldman, David L. Goldman Babboni Fernandez Murphy & Walsh 2822 University Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34243-2410 941-752-7000 – Bradenton 941-954-1234 – Sarasota Lic.#724300 Murphy, Daniel Goldman Babboni Fernandez Murphy & Walsh 2822 University Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34243-2410 941-752-7000 – Bradenton 941-954-1234 – Sarasota Lic.#119576 Walsh, Bernard F. Goldman Babboni Fernandez Murphy & Walsh 2822 University Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34243-2410 941-752-7000 – Bradenton 941-954-1234 – Sarasota Lic.#263826
Telfair, Charles W. Lutz Bobo & Telfair PA 2 N Tamiami Trl | 5th Fl Sarasota, FL 34236-5574 941-951-1800 Lic.#883964 Mallard, Damian Mallard Perez PLLC 889 N Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 941-952-1682 Lic.#882348 Perez, Alan L. Mallard Perez PLLC 889 N Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 941-952-1682 Lic.#60409 Velado, Elizete Mallard Perez PLLC 889 N Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 941-952-1682 Lic.#99668
Linehan, Gregory Greg Linehan Law 1515 Ringling Blvd | Ste 230 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-559-4529 Lic.#87970
REAL ESTATE Fleming, Eric C. The Law Offices of Eric C. Fleming PA 5011 Ocean Blvd | Ste 305 Sarasota, FL 34242 941-225-8877 Lic.#60327 Sorrell, Benjamin C. Shutts & Bowen LLP 1858 Ringling Blvd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-552-3505 Lic.#127208
WILLS Burchett, Charla M. Legacy Shutts & Bowen LLP 1858 Ringling Blvd | Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-552-3780 Lic.#813230
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DAMIAN MALLARD, ESQ. HONOREE | Personal Injury
CONTACT 889 N Washington Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236 941.952.1682 | damian@mallardperez.com | mallardperez.com
BIO
Damian Mallard is a BoardCertified Expert Attorney in the field of Civil Trial Litigation with over 32 years’ experience. His law practice includes all types of Negligence cases with a special emphasis on cases involving Nursing Home/ALF abuse, Institutional Child Abuse, Construction Site Injuries, Catastrophic Auto Accidents, and various types of Premises Liability cases. He has an “AV Preeminent” rating by Martindale-Hubbell. The AV Preeminent rating is only earned through blind peer review evidencing elite legal ability. He is also Board Certified in Civil Trial Law, a distinction held by approximately 2% of lawyers in Florida. He is the Vice President of the Manasota Trial Lawyer’s Board (Sarasota/Bradenton area), an Eagle Member of Florida Justice Association (which advocates for consumer rights) and has been a
Board Member of that organization since 2014. He has tried cases in fourteen different cities in Florida and has obtained several million or multimillion-dollar verdicts and/ or settlements for his clients. Mr. Mallard is particularly proud of the fact that he has represented men, women, children, and young adults in claims for Institutional sexual abuse against churches, schools, day care centers and other organizations, most notably, the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Mallard graduated from the Stetson University College of Law in 1990 where he served on the Editorial Board of the Stetson Law Review. He has authored books on Auto Negligence Law, Nursing Home/ALF Abuse, and Child Abuse/Injury cases. He has been married for 29 years and has two daughters.
MISSION
Mallard Perez provides legal services to individuals who have been harmed in Nursing homes, ALFs, Catastrophic Auto Accidents, Institutional Child/ Sex Abuse matters, Construction Injuries, Medical Malpractice and Premises Liability matters. We treat each client with compassion and respect and provide one-one personal assistance and service to each client.
FLORIDA BAR DATE OF ADMISSION April 30, 1991 DEGREES J.D. Stetson University College of Law 1990. PRACTICE AREAS Car & Truck Accidents Motorcycle & Bicycle Accidents Pedestrian Accidents Slip & Fall Iniuries Child Abuse Nursing Home/ALF Abuse Medical Malpractice Construction Iniuries Boating Accidents COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT M.A.D.D. The Salvation Army Toy Drive each Christmas The Special Olympics, Many other worthwhile endeavors LAW FIRM Mallard Perez, PLLC
Testimonials “There are no words to express our overwhelming thanks. May God pour out blessings on every one of you.” “The Compassion and Professionalism from everyone at your firm helped me get through this most devastating event.”
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JAMES FOWLER HONOREE | Criminal Defense
CONTACT 2075 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237 941.404.8909 | jfowler@teamflg.com | thefowlerlawgroup.com
BIO
FLORIDA BARADMISSION September 26, 2008 DEGREES Bachelor of Science, Ferrum College, 2002 Juris Doctorate, Coastal School of Law, 2008 PRACTICE AREAS Criminal Defense COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Forty Carrots Key to the Cure Lakewood Ranch Young Leaders Alliance Americans Inn of Court Sarasota County Bar Association Manatee County Bar Association Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
James Fowler is the founding partner of Fowler Law Group, P.A. James draws upon his diverse criminal law experiences to defend adults and juveniles involved in all types of criminal law matters, including federal and state crimes, DUI offenses, driver’s license suspensions and traffic cases. He is a 4th generation native of Sarasota County with strong ties to the local community. James served as a prosecutor with the Office of the State Attorney in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties. As a prosecuting attorney he handled numerous DUI, misdemeanor, felony and juvenile cases and received specialized training from the Florida Traffic Safety Resource Prosecution Program in the areas of drugged drivers and DUI refusal cases and Motion Practice. He has been recognized as a “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and “Top 40 Under 40” by the National Trial Lawyers Association from 2014 – 2020. He has been named to Super Lawyers Magazine list of “Rising Stars” from 2014 – 2020. James has also been nominated for Judicial Appointment by the 12th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission three times in as many years. James has been featured in numerous publications throughout his career; most notably Forbes, Entrepreneur, HuffPost and Business Insider.
CHARLES W. TELFAIR, IV HONOREE | Personal Injury
CONTACT 2 North Tamiami Trail | 5th Floor | Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.951.1800 | cwtelfair.com | lbtlaw.com
BIO FLORIDA BAR ADMISSION May 10, 1991
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, University of Tampa on a full ROTC scholarship, in 1987 Attended Officer Basic School at Fort McClellan 1988 Juris Doctorate, Stetson University College of Law in 1990, Stanley Milledge Award Retired from the US Army Reserves as Captain in 2000
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE 32 years
LAW FIRM
Lutz, Bobo & Telfair, Trial Lawyers
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Charles W. Telfair IV is a Personal Injury Attorney. Telfair began his career at Holland and Knight back in 1989. Holland and Knight chose to relocate to Tampa and Lutz, Bobo and Telfair opened its doors in April of 1992. Through his career Telfair has had the privilege of working with some of the biggest corporations in the world: Tropicana, Volvo Penta, Stanely Bostich, to name a few. Telfair believes accessibility and honesty are what his clients appreciate the most. Personal Injury law is personal. Telfair puts forth his energy, knowledge and time to ensure the best possible outcome for his clients.
MISSION Lutz, Bobo & Telfair is an AV rated law firm, by Martindale Hubbell. This means that our peers have given us the highest rating for both ethics and legal ability. Here at Lutz, Bobo & Telfair we are privileged to work with you, and we are honored to share our experience with you. At Lutz, Bobo and Telfair we treat our clients the way we prefer to be treated.
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ANDREW POUGET HONOREE | Criminal Defense
CONTACT 2075 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237 941.404.8909 | andrew@teamflg.com | thefowlerlawgroup.com
BIO
Andrew Pouget is a lifelong student of the law and vigilant advocate for justice. He understands that success is earned by hard work, determination, quality legal research, and framing arguments with precision and articulation. His passion for law is the driving force that compels him to take the extra step, and he does not quit until he achieves the best possible result for his clients. Since matriculating in 2018, Andrew has continued the firm’s legacy of providing high-quality criminal defense to Sarasota, Bradenton and Tampa. Andrew’s depth of legal knowledge and proficiency in legal writing provides an essential element to FLG’s comprehensive approach to criminal defense, and his aptitude for appellate practice sets FLG apart as a full-service criminal defense firm in the SRQ area.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE 16 years DEGREES University of Detroit Mercy, Suma Cum Laude, Majors in philosophy, political science, and pre-law Detroit College of Law, Magna Cum Laude, Juris Doctorate Certificates in Trial Practice and Criminal Law PRACTICE AREAS DUI Defense, Criminal Appeals Criminal Law RECOGNITION 3rd year SRQ ‘Elite Top Attorneys’
CHRISTINE SENSENIG HONOREE | Labor & Employment CONTACT 1515 Ringling Blvd., Suite 230, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.953.2828 | csensenig@senseniglawfirm.com | senseniglawfirm.com
BIO
Christine Sensenig is the managing partner of The Sensenig Law Firm, P.A. She provides human resources and employment law advice as well as litigation defense to employers of all sizes in all aspects of the employment relationship. To build strong long-term relationships with clients, the Firm explores the “why” behind a client’s concerns. In employment law, clients have needs in “real time” and the Firm believes in being an accessible resource to our clients. Christine Sensenig is grateful to have been recognized in her community by colleagues that she respects and admires as a member of SRQ Magazine’s Elite Top Attorneys. “I do my best because I am counting on you counting on me.” — Maya Angelou
FLORIDA BAR ADMISSION February 22, 1996
DEGREES
University of South Florida, B.A., B.A., 1988, and MLA 1992 University of Florida Levin College of Law, J.D. 1995
RECOGNITION
Florida Trend Magazine Legal Elite, 2009-2023 SuperLawyer, 2015-2023 University of Florida Alumni Leader of the Year 2009, AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell
LAW FIRM
Sensenig Law Firm
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CASEY COLBURN
HONOREE | Land Use, Environmental Law CONTACT 7321 Merchant Ct. | Ste A | Sarasota, FL 34240 941.928.6801 | 850-692-9656 | Casey@CaseyColburn.com | caseycolburn.com
BIO FLORIDA BAR ADMISSION September 17, 2003 Also licensed in Pennsylvania
PRACTICE AREAS
Zoning | Land Use Environmental | Real Estate Sustainability | Due Diligence FEMA | Development Permitting | Wetlands Green Building | Waterfront Permitting | Conservation Riparian Rights | Docks Contaminated Site Remediation Redevelopment | Code Enforcement | Ethics | Copyright Shopping Center Law
LAW FIRM
Mr. Colburn’s Florida-based boutique law practice is devoted to the acquisition, disposition and redevelopment of real estate. Casey assists landowners with zoning and permitting in the retail shopping center, waterfront, hospitality and residential sectors. He helps property owners and governments to properly apply FEMA’s “50% Rule” and other environmental, wetland, protected species, dock and navigation regulations. He leads due diligence teams for investor, merger, and portfolio deals. Casey also participates in the development and implementation of environmental rules, cleanup actions, renewable energy technologies, ethical practices, conservation and sustainable strategies. He has lectured about his experience with these topics. A significant part of his practice now involves co-counsel relationships with other lawyers and law firms from across the country. “Being brought in to assist a colleague’s valued client is a high honor, much like being recognized again this year by my talented local peers. Thank you, SRQ.”
The Colburn Firm, PL
BETSY PENNEWILL
Honoree | Estate Planning, Trusts, Real Estate CONTACT 2635 Fruitville Rd | Sarasota, FL 34237 941.556.7152 | cfsarasota.org
BIO FLORIDA BAR ADMISSION September 24, 1998
EDUCATION
Stetson University College of Law and Miami University
PRACTICE AREAS
Charitable 501c3 vehicles and Planned Giving Techniques Compliance with Regulations Concerning Foundations
LAW FIRM
Community Foundation of Sarasota County
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Betsy Pennewill serves as General Counsel at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, working with donors and professional advisors to craft planned giving agreements and ensuring compliance with IRC regulations for foundations. She is also skilled in real estate transactions and estate planning matters. Pennewill is a member of the Public Policy Committee of Philanthropy Southeast and the past board chair of Charitable Gift Planners of Southwest Florida. Tell us about yourself and your firm. Community Impact Powered by Philanthropy: The Community Foundation of Sarasota County unites people and organizations to create opportunities across generations to improve lives. Each one of us has the potential to impact a person, cause, community. Be The One.
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JANE WINDSOR Honoree | Education Law
CONTACT 1990 Main Street | Suite 750 | Sarasota, FL 34236 941.487.7527 | jane@windsoreducationlaw.com | windsoreducationlaw.com
BIO
What sets you/your firm apart from the others? We have a passion for helping students reach their potential and look at every case through multiple perspectives—as parents, as teachers and as attorneys to look for the best possible and most long term—sustainable solutions. How do you represent and support your clients? In the past 13 years, we have assisted over 1,700 students and their families from pre-kindergarten through 12 grade, college, graduate school and board exams helping them navigate and overcome all the various pitfalls along the way. Everything begins with an Advisory Consultation to be able to understand the problem(s) in order to determine the unique solution(s) needed.
MISSION & TESTIMONIALS
Our Mission is Protecting the Rights of Students. For testimonials please see https://www.windsoreducationlaw. com/testimonials/ and https://windsor-law-llc.business.site
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FLORIDA BAR ADMISSION Nov 28, 2010
EDUCATION
BS FSU JD Cooley Law School
PRACTICE AREAS Education Law Kindergarten through High School College and Graduate Students Adults taking Board Exams Students with Learning Disabilities PSAT, SAT, and ACT Accommodations Requests
LAW FIRM
Windsor Law, LLC
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BUSINESS PROFILE | FINANCIAL ACCESS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | SRQ MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2024
ACCESS TO LOW COST CAPITAL IS IMPORTANT FOR ANY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES. After serving as Chairman of the Small Business Council for the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and mentoring small business owners, Sherod Halliburton CEO of Financial Access Federal Credit Union has seen the demand up close. “I have been approached by business owners frustrated with their inability to access business capital. Many of these businesses have been operating for less than three years, funded their businesses on personal credit, have operational challenges, and/or need to borrow less than $100,000” states Halliburton. Financial Access in partnership with most of the area’s technical assistance providers is committed to filling the lending gap and serving as a bridge to traditional business lenders. While Financial Access Federal Credit Union was founded as Tropicana Employees Federal Credit Union in 1958, it has grown and changed significantly while SH ERO D H ALLI B U R TO N , still celebrating its heritage. It now serves a larger CEO of Financial Access Federal Credit Union field of membership and has expanded its geographic area. With $2 million in recent grants from the U.S. Treasury Department and a $1 million investment from Charter Communications, Financial Access can provide a more dynamic experience with upgraded technology, over 30,000 Fee-Free ATMs throughout the United States, and establishing a business lending program now available throughout the State of Florida. With improved technology, members and business owners can now easily conduct most of their business easily from the comfort of their homes and offices. Consumer loans are now offered for business purposes and business loans are available for up to $1 million. Small businesses are the life blood of our community and Financial Access will help them build credit and financial capacity with its unique strategies while serving as a bridge to larger traditional business loans.
“ALLOW FINANCIAL ACCESS TO HELP YOU GROW YOUR BUSINESS BY INCRE A SING YOUR ACCESS TO C APITAL .“ — SHERO D H A L L IBUR TON
FINANCIAL ACCESS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | 604 13TH AVE E. BRADENTON, FL 34208 | 941.748.7704 WWW.FINANCIALACCESSFCU.ORG | FACEBOOK: @FINANCIALACCESSFCU | TWITTER: @FINACCESSFCU | INSTAGRAM: @FINANCIALACCESSFCU
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This spread: Muriel Gordon Mayers (seated) and Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.
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LOCAL PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS+CULTURE
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SHARED LEGACY Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, co-founder of Sarasota Contemporary Dance, and founding board member Muriel Gordon Mayers, reflect on their special relationship over the years. Dylan Campbell
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culture city SOMETIMES, IT’S ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO WERE WITH YOU FROM THE BEGINNING. And, for Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, co-founder and artistic director of Sarasota Contemporary Dance (SCD), that means Muriel Gordon Mayers. Mayers, who is in her 90s, is a founding board member of SCD, a lifelong dance educator and a fiduciary accountant. She withdrew from the board in December, following admittance into hospice care at her home. Wilmott and Mayers sat down with SRQ to talk about their journey together and just how instrumental Mayers has been in the growth of SCD.
TELL US ABOUT HOW MURIEL INITIALLY BECAME INVOLVED WITH SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE? LEYMIS BOLAÑOS WILMOTT: The company This page, left to right: Juliana Cris-
tina performing in the Cuban Project.; performance from the 2012 season (as Fuzion Dance Artists.); and, the 2019 season. Opposite page, clockwise: Artistic
Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, a performance from the 2015-16 season and Monessa Salley from the 2023-24 season.
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has been around for 18 years, first as Fuzion Dance Artists and then later as Sarasota Contemporary Dance. And, 19 years ago, there was a Martha Graham performance at the Van Wezel. After that performance, there was a talk back, where a gentleman named Nelson Neal said to her, “Hey, there’s a dance company here in Sarasota. Come check it out.” MURIEL GORDON MAYERS: He told me that the company wanted to form a board, and they said, if I didn’t like it, I could get off the next day. And I said, “I can’t do that. I have to go and see what it looks like.” So we went to a rehearsal room and I remember it was this barren place. LEYMIS: We were rehearsing in a warehouse at the time, yes. MURIEL: Then I saw her choreography and was just blown away by it. It was just brilliant, really brilliant. That’s why I got involved, because there was somebody who was just a brilliant dancer and brilliant choreographer. And, with my experience with all this, I knew what I was seeing was really great. So that was it. I went on the board, where we had a president, vice president and secretary, and I became the treasurer because I also had fiduciary accounting experience. Shortly after, the president and vice president moved away, so I became the de facto president and treasurer. How long did that last, Leymis? LEYMIS:
At least seven or eight years. We had been operating under the banner of Fuzion Dance Artists. After Muriel saw that rehearsal, we created a board and everything became more official. Then, in 2006, Muriel was instrumental in helping us file for nonprofit status and incorporate into Fuzion Dance Artists as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. Not only was she essentially our entire administrative team, but she managed all the accounting and constantly advocated for us—from writing checks to helping us apply for grants. WHAT WAS IT ABOUT MURIEL THAT MADE HER SUCH A SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR? LEYMIS: Muriel
is someone who understands what it is to be a dancer. She went to college for dance. She has had her own dance studio. Not only does she have a love for dance and an understanding of the work ethic and dedication necessary for a company to succeed, but she has a knowledge of the financial aspect as well. Her experience really helped lay the groundwork for the organizational structure of our company today. HOW HAS SCD GROWN OVER THE PAST 18 YEARS? MURIEL: It has grown from a few dancers into a company of dancers and on a payroll. That’s how it’s grown. LEYMIS:
It’s grown a lot. We transitioned from having a show once a year to a show twice a year to now a full season, which has been happening for almost a decade now. When we first IMAGES COURTESY OF SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE.
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culture city Or teaching, yes. We’ve had certain board members come in and ask, “Why aren’t they under contract?” But, until we can pay a salary or until we can pay dancers more per hour, it’s a way of advocating for them and their well-being. WHAT WENT INTO THE MOVE TO THE ROSEMARY DISTRICT? LEYMIS: We had downsized our company
and added some more business-minded people to the board, and then that’s when we decided, “Okay, well if anyone’s going to take us seriously, we need our own space. We can’t keep asking possible donors to be going through the gravel at New College to come watch us for a rehearsal.” So, five years ago, we took a leap of faith and moved into this beautiful space in the Rosemary District, crossing our fingers that we would make rent. It was really a game changer because it aligned us with several arts organizations in the community. There’s the Players Studio and the Sarasota Ballet and the Sarasota Opera all in this arts area, which is really exciting. There’s a lot of growth happening. So, for us, it put us in a place and gave us a home right in the center of what’s happening. started, the board consisted of some educators and some people who really appreciated dance, but it was really just a process of gathering people to get behind this vision. As far as dancers, when we first began, we had 12 beautiful company members that we were just paying peanuts. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PIVOTAL MOMENTS? LEYMIS: A big transition happened when Above: Fuzion
Dance Artists performing at the SRQ Magazine’s Bal Masque: Hot List Soiree in 2015.
we hired Melissa Coleman as a dancer and administrative assistant in 2013. It was getting to a point in the organization where, between Muriel and me, there was just too much to do. We needed someone to help with the administrative aspect of the company. Melissa’s arrival also enabled us to expand our educational programming. She had experience in education and knew that strong educational programming was how a lot of companies survived. Those programs thrived under her guidance. We also began to downsize the company from 12 or 15 members to around 10, and transitioned from paying them as independent contractors to instead as employees. Do you remember, Muriel, when we transitioned to employees? MURIEL: A board member told us we were going to get in trouble with the IRS because the dancers didn’t fit the mold of independent contractors, so that’s when we had to put them on a payroll. LEYMIS: I think the model that we have as a company is very different from other dance companies, where they put their dancers under a 10-month contract. We pay our dancers hourly. Because our dancers wear other hats for us to survive, it’s important for us to be paying a dancer if they’re going to the storage room to pick up costumes or if someone’s picking up the phone or if someone’s going and posting stuff on social media or doing our newsletters. MURIEL: Or teaching classes. LEYMIS:
LEYMIS, WHAT HAS MURIEL MEANT TO YOU AND SCD OVER THE YEARS? LEYMIS: Muriel really has an
amazing care for detail. I always say she’s my greatest fan, but she’s also my worst critic. She can be that tough love. She would rave when it was good and, when it was not good, she would tell me. And I needed someone like that, especially in the beginning, where I had the tendency to say, “Oh, everything is great,” because I’m an optimistic person. Muriel would sometimes bring me down to earth and say, “Okay, Leymis, but to be able to do that, we need to have money” or “To be able to do that, you might have to not have that person in that piece because that’s not working out very well.” MURIEL: Because I had studied choreography at the University of Wisconsin. I had an eye for that. And I would say, “Yes, it was too long.” But, at first, I kept my space. I was the fiduciary and she was the dancer. When you came to realize that I had an eye for choreography because I had studied it, you allowed me to come into the dress rehearsals and say, “That costume looks awful. The sides are showing. The flaps should be on.” And so I would put in my two cents or maybe my 10 cents. When I would go and watch company class, they would look at me and see if I approved of it. And that was something I never really wanted. LEYMIS: She didn’t want that power. But they all knew that Muriel was committed to the vision, really cared about the company, respected me and the work that I was doing, and that she had helped start this company. We needed both. Yes, I can be a great artist, but if I don’t have the business knowledge or didn’t have Muriel’s support administratively to do that paperwork the way she did it, all of this could have looked very different. MURIEL: You used to call me your rock, right? LEYMIS: I still do. She’s my rock. SRQ
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INHERITING A COURTROOM CLASSIC Peter Rothstein brings back an old classic in Asolo Rep’s production of Inherit the Wind. Dylan Campbell
“YOU SEE, I HAVEN’T REALLY THOUGHT MUCH. I WAS ALWAYS AFRAID OF WHAT I MIGHT THINK, SO IT SEEMED SAFER TO NOT THINK AT ALL. But now I know. A thought is like a child inside your body. It has to be born. If it dies inside you, part of you dies, too,” says Rachel Brown at the end of Inherit the Wind. Freedom of thought is at the core of Asolo Repertory’s production of the 1955 play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, which is to be directed by Asolo Rep’s Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein. Inherit the Wind is a fictionalized account of the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial in Tennessee, in which schoolteacher John T. Scopes was indicted for breaking Tennessee state law by teaching Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution in class. 64 | srq magazine_ FEB24 live local
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culture city Right: Asolo Repertory’s Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein.
“I’m anxious to get in the room with all the actors,” said Rothstein in an interview prior to the start of rehearsals. “I have a fantastic, fantastic cast and design team. I’ve always loved this play since I first saw it in high school, but I’ve never been able to work on it. It’s actually a title that Michael Donald Edwards (his predecessor) tossed out last season when we were planning this season together, and I thought it was a brilliant idea.” Although Inherit the Wind is by no means a historical reenactment of the Scopes trial, the scaffolding in which the story sits is largely the same. A young school teacher, Betram Cates in the play, is being tried for teaching the theory of evolution in the classroom, which violates a state law. The trial—which was deliberately staged in real life to attract public attention to Dayton, Tennessee—becomes a national spectacle as the media descends on the small southern town of Hillsboro. Two nationally renowned lawyers, fundamentalist Matthew Harrison Brady (based on the prosecution’s three-time presidential candidate and former Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan) and Henry Drummond (based on the defense’s Clarence Darrow) spar with each other in a heated debate. The trial quickly becomes a theological argument about science, religion, freedom of thought and what schools should and should not be allowed to teach children. “The writers say that the setting of the play, ‘might’ve been yesterday’ or it could be tomorrow,” says Rothstein. “Our production will sit in 1925, but I think there’s a theatrical language that I hope feels very contemporary and very immediate and now. What makes an evening in the theater, no matter when the play is set, is that it feels like it has a foot in the now. You’re not looking at history as a documentary; there’s an immediacy to the telling or theatrical event.” When Inherit the Wind debuted in 1955, it was meant as an allegory to the wave of McCarthyism that had swept the nation—a battle cry for the importance of freedom of thought and expression in a time where the playwrights felt that liberty was being constricted. More than 60 years later, the conversations around science and religion are just as relevant in today’s political climate. “What I love about this play is that it’s a nuanced conversation. It’s not a tweet or a Facebook post. It’s an in-depth conversation with real people who are filled with contradictions and nuance and change,” says Rothstein. “I love the nuance around the conversation of science versus religion. What are
we allowed to teach inside our school systems, and what is the intersection of freedom of thought and responsibility, when we look at raising our young people? What is the role of the legal system inside academic discourse around academic freedom?” In the end, while still being a call for intellectual freedom, Inherit the Wind concedes that there is room for both science and religion. As Drummond, who argued staunchly for the defendant’s right to teach evolution in the classrooms, leaves the courthouse, he takes with him the defendant’s copy of Darwin’s The Descent of Man and a Bible. “The writers say that it’s not about science versus religion; it’s about science and religion. That’s where I hope folks, no matter where they live on the sides of the political spectrum, will give the play its due,” says Rothstein. “What is indisputable inside the play is that we need to have freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and that’s at the core of this country. When that’s at risk is when the play becomes an allegory for a society unwilling to exercise a liberation of freedom of thought and freedom of expression.” SRQ
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Below. left to right: The Sarasota Opera kicks off their year with a resounding performance of George Bizet’s Carmen. Romance proves to be bloody—and maddening—in Lucia di Lammermoor (right).
STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE The Sarasota Opera opens the season with three productions that exemplify the organization’s spirit. Dylan Campbell
THE SARASOTA OPERA IS AN ORGANIZATION OF CHANGE. Each year, dozens of new artists and performers come through the doors of the Opera House, ready to breathe life into each new season. And, with the turn of every year comes a new slate of operas—some as familiar as an old friend and others as new as an untold story—each with new costumes, sets, performers and artistic identities. With all this turnover, one might think that the Sarasota Opera is an organization that is constantly trying to reinvent itself, but it’s not. Through all of this yearto-year change, the company has stayed true to who it is since it first visited Sarasota as the touring Turnau Opera Players in 1960. “We aim to be true to our mission of doing great work as the composers envision it,” says Richard Russell, general director of Sarasota Opera. There’s a level of accountability from knowing exactly who you are as an organization. You know who your audience is, how to reach them and how to challenge them. You know your position in the community, what you mean to the next generation of opera lovers and your place in the ecosystem of Florida’s cultural coast. And, most importantly, you know how hard you have to work to deliver your very best. That level of accountability is what leads to the Opera producing great work, and it can be found throughout the company’s upcoming season. 68 | srq magazine_ FEB24 live local
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Above: This year’s
production of Luisa Miller is the company’s first in 25 years.
The season opens with Georges Bizet’s Carmen, one of the most recognizable and popular operas in the company’s repertoire. “It’s one of the favorites of our audience. It’s a great work with lots of recognizable music, which is why it’s a great first opera to see,” says Russell. “Interestingly, it’s the first opera I ever saw at 12 or 13 years old and the last role I ever sang, so it’s an important opera to me personally just because I love the piece so much. It’s one opera that I could probably sing every note from start to finish.” Although Carmen is not new to Russell and the team at the Sarasota Opera, it still shows the company’s organic approach to storytelling. Just because the Sarasota Opera can reuse the set and the costumes from previous years’ performances, it doesn’t mean that this year’s iteration of Carmen is akin to dusting an old book off the shelf. “We look at every production from the ground up. Our director and conductor always take a fresh look at the work. They don’t just, by rote, do something that they’ve done before,” says Russell.
“Additionally, it’s a completely different cast from years before (besides the lead, Chelsea Laggan, who was a studio artist with us last year).” Carmen also features a children’s chorus in the first act, paving the way for a prominent role for members of the Sarasota Youth Opera Program. Members of the program were given the opportunity to audition for the chorus, with the chance to appear in Carmen’s 12 mainstage productions this year. Following Carmen is Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, based on Sir Walter Scott’s novel, The Bride of Lammermoor. Set in the hills of Scotland, the tragedy follows the ill-fated romance between Miss Lucia and Edgardo, a member of a rival family. When Edgardo departs to France to improve his family’s fortune, Lucia’s brother Enrico promises her hand to a Scottish nobleman, instead of Edgardo, in the hopes of helping his family as well. “It’s a little bit of a bloody piece, but the music is extraordinary and beautiful,” says Russell. “It’s the type of opera that we call Bel canto, which means beautiful singing, because the pieces are very melodic and designed to highlight the qualities of singers’ voices and have been popular for many many years.” Luisa Miller, the penultimate opera of the company’s season, is a return to the works of Giuseppe Verdi (one of the composers for whom the Sarasota Opera is best known). The Sarasota Opera even completed the Verdi Cycle, a 28-year-long run of all the composer’s operas. Even though the Sarasota Opera is not doing another full Verdi Cycle, Verdi still remains an integral part of the company’s DNA. “Verdi is a lot of what built this company. Doing a piece like Luisa Miller is really consistent with the kind of work that we’re doing,” says Russell. “And the fact that we can put it together and produce it with a quality that I think is equal to any opera company in the world is really important.” This spring’s production of Luisa Miller marks the first time the company has performed the opera in 25 years. The decision to bring back the opera was made possible thanks to the Sarasota Opera’s completion of the Verdi Cycle in the first place; doing so allowed Russell and the rest of the company to take a step back and reevaluate what Verdi operas they really wanted to produce. “It’s a work that we like very much; it’s richly romantic with wonderful music, and it’s a great opportunity to revisit one of the pieces we haven’t done in a while,” says Russell. “Twenty-five years is a really long time, and we have a lot of new audience members since we last did Luisa Miller. And, as it happens, we have a very good cast, so I think it’s going to come together to make a wonderful production.”SRQ
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VENICE
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FEBRUARY 2024
T A E R G S E C A PL TO K R O W
RECOGNIZING GRE AT LOCAL WORKPL ACES AND WHAT MAKES THEM THAT WAY
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S RQ M A G A Z I N E F E B R U A RY 2024
GREAT PLACES TO WORK
LIBERTY SAVINGS BANK What Sets You Apart as a Great Place to Work? What sets Liberty Savings Bank apart is an atmosphere that is inclusive and supportive, emphasizing teamwork and open communication. The bank encourages innovation and values diverse perspectives, creating a dynamic workplace where every team member feels empowered to contribute their best.
What does it mean to be recognized by SRQ readers as a Top Best Place to Work this year? Being recognized by SRQ readers as a Top Best Place to Work is a testament to Liberty Savings Bank's dedication to employee satisfaction. The acknowledgment reflects the bank's success in cultivating a positive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being, career growth, and worklife balance. This accolade not only boosts morale within the organization but also enhances its reputation as an employer of choice in the community. "One of the things that make Liberty a great place to work is that it is family owned and operated, which brings the family feel to everything they do. For example, after Hurricane Ian they made sure that the employees that didn’t have power had generators and/or gas for their generators. They helped provide non-perishable foods. They even came down and put tarps on our roofs! They really pulled together for everyone affected. It was truly amazing and I am beyond grateful to work for a company that cares about their employees like Liberty does. It really makes you feel like you’re a part of the family!" —Jessica
Your One-Stop Solution For Total Skin Care DID YOU KNOW? - Employees choose their Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, Disability, and Accident and CI insurance. - Vacation time that increases with tenure. Eleven paid holidays throughout the year. - Fitness reimbursement and “Go for the Gold” employee recognition programs.
LIBERTY SAVINGS BANK 2323 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota, FL 34231 Patti Shirley: patti.shirley@libertysavingsbank.com libertysavingsbank.com facebook.com/LibertySB instagram.com/libertysavingsbank linkedin.com/company/liberty-savings-bank twitter.com/Liberty_Savings
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cargo BOUTIQUE SHOPPING, HOME DESIGN + ARCHITECTURE
BOX OF CHOCOLATES 25-Piece Holiday Gift Box, $60; 10-Piece Heart-Shaped Gift Box, $31. Norman Love Confections, 192 N. Cattlemen Rd., Unit 7, Sarasota, 941-777-5507.
Compiled by Emma Dannenfelser Megan Mitchell Photography by Wyatt Kostygan
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LIFE IS SWEET Chocolate Coconut Clusters, $29/lb; Custom 10-Piece Bear Claw Classic Box, $42; Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, $30/lb; Chocolate-Covered Rice Krispy Treat, $8; Dipped Waffle Cone, $3; White-Chocolate-Coated Caramel Apple, $11. River Street Sweets, 318 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, 941-217-4832.
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forage LOCAL EPICUREAN ADVENTURES AT THE TABLE
This page: A cured venison fillet with creamed kale and red wine sauce arrives topped with an egg yolk and drizzled bone marrow butter with lingonberries.
WHEN PATRIK PETTERSSON WAS SEVEN YEARS OLD, HE MADE THE BOLD DECISION TO INVITE TWO GIRLS FROM HIS SCHOOL CLASS TO DINNER AT HIS HOME. He expected, with the earnest innocence of a child, that his mom would
cook for his guests. “She told me, ‘If you’re going to invite girls over for dinner, then you will also cook,’” Pettersson says, recalling that, in the end, his mom did most of the cooking while he helped her. “The day after, I was king of the whole school. I was the guy who could cook. Even though I was young, I understood the power of food.”
MAKING AN ENTRANCE Like a magician, Executive Chef Patrik Pettersson astounds Sarasota with his ingenious dishes. Laura Paquette
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forage This page, clockwise: Pettersson’s version of the Swedish classic, Skagen, includes wild-caught shrimp tossed in a crème fraîche mayo with horseradish, shallots and dill, sitting on a thin slice of toast and topped with citrus dust and citrus gel; the inviting bar at Kompose welcomes diners; and the confit egg yolk with caviar, accompanied by a vinaigrette, shallots and salt and vinegar crisps is garnished with Kaluga Caviar. By Patrik Petterson, 965 University Pkwy., Sarasota, 941-284-3794.
These days, Pettersson wows not classmates but amazed diners at his new restaurant, By Patrik Pettersson, which is located inside the Kompose Hotel Sarasota adjacent to the airport. By day, the restaurant is a humble breakfast bar; by night, it sets the stage for an exhilarating five-or seven-course culinary performance that changes every three weeks and stars Pettersson and his team. Before relocating to the United States, the Swedish chef lived in Stockholm, where he worked in his family’s roofing business. He sold the company in 2019 and began his culinary pursuits in earnest, operating a restaurant from his house. “I’m more or less self-taught. Between the ages of 17 and 25, I worked in restaurants in Stockholm, but just as a line cook,” he says. “Entering the kitchen was like going into another world that wasn’t like anything else, and that’s what I liked.” During the pandemic, Pettersson’s home eatery rose in popularity, giving him a place to experiment with new recipes—a passion he brought with him when he moved to Sarasota in 2023 and joined his wife and children (former IMG students) who already lived in the area. Through his wife, Pettersson met Justin Bay, a marketer with restaurant experience. The pair decided to open a business and landed on the unique space inside the funky, modern 78 | srq magazine_ FEB24 live local
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Kompose Hotel. “When they built the hotel, the only thing they had in mind was a breakfast buffet, but it worked out perfectly because it’s an open kitchen,” Bay adds. “The chef is on display, he’s got great visibility of all the guests in the dining room, and it’s a very beautiful interior.” Like a magician under a spotlight and against a backdrop of cereal canisters, Pettersson astounds diners from the kitchen with his inventive concoctions. “For me, it took many hours to think of the kind of restaurant that we could start from here,” he says. “We can’t do certain dishes here because we don’t have the facility for them, so we create dishes that fit this environment.” Patrons can opt for either the five- or seven-course tasting menus, which show off the chef’s skill and playfulness. One evening in December, he served up a Mushroom Bisque Espuma. Small mushrooms sprout from the bowl of soup like a forest and an earthy porcini and truffle bread, tinged with mossy green, envelopes the diner in the flavors and aromas of the woods. The whimsical course takes guests on a culinary adventure, inviting them to rethink their preexisting notions of what food can be, and each course represents a destination in this expedition of Pettersson’s imagination. “I find inspiration everywhere. When I create a dish, it can take me months before I put it out,” Pettersson adds. “A lot of
times, my brain goes to what’s next. I put a dish together, serve it the first weekend, and then I’m thinking about the next weeks.” As an homage to his Swedish roots, he keeps the Toast Skagen as a permanent menu item. This dish, invented by a famous chef in Sweden following World War II, features wild-caught shrimp, tossed in a crème fraîche mayo with horseradish, shallots and dill, sitting on a thin slice of toast and topped with citrus dust and citrus gel (the chef’s special twist). “At least 40% of restaurants in Sweden serve this dish,” he says. While marveling at Pettersson’s creations, guests can indulge in wine pairings or cocktails and mocktails from the bar, and enjoy desserts made by Bay’s wife, Jessica. The bright green Thai Basil, with a simple syrup, gin and sour mix, arrives topped with fluffy coconut foam and a juniper garnish, amusing the palate and complementing the revolving tasting menus. “We have had guests who have been here three or four times because they like what we do and they want to try the next menu,” Bay says. “The menu changes every three weeks, and that does two things: it gives Sarasota something new to try out, and it helps the chef with his creativity so he’s not making the same thing over and over again. It looks like fine dining, but we want to make it fun dining.” SRQ PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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SCHOOL OF ROQUEFORT At Artisan Cheese Company’s classes, participants let their noses, taste buds and instructors guide them through the ABCs of cheese. Laura Paquette
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IN 2012, 24 EAGER ATTENDEES CROWDED THE SMALL SPACE at Artisan Cheese
Company’s former Main Street location, nibbling on 18 different varieties of cheese presented on paper plates at the store’s first class. When students posed a question for then-novice cheesemonger and shop owner Louise Converse and her team, she pointed to a blackboard reading “Owners in Training” that was displayed behind the counter. “I didn’t know what I was doing, and I made so many mistakes,” says Converse. Over the years, she has learned the recipe for an engaging and informative curriculum. “Now we do eight cheeses because, with any more, we’ve probably lost the room,” she adds. “We can do enough and explain enough with eight, hitting all the categories.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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Above spread, left to right: Cheese can pair with anything from jam to chocolate; Louise Converse shares her enthusiasm for cheese with students; and class participants experiment with wine and food pairings as they sample their cheese.
A lifelong food lover, Converse, originally from England and Scotland, spent years frequenting cheese shops in New England, where she once lived and worked. After falling in love with Sarasota, she opened her store, hoping to build a community around food in a city without an establishment dedicated to the product. “When I would go to many cheese shops, I would be so intimidated by the language being used, and all the different shapes, sizes and animals,” she says. “Once I decided to open my shop, I wanted to take away the intimidation from cheese and introduce Sarasota to a proper cheese shop, with hand-cut-to-order farmstead and artisanal cheeses.” While running the shop, Converse was inspired to start hosting cheese classes. “I realized that people wanted to learn. I had gone to classes up north and I found them fascinating. It’s a way of learning about this alchemy that is this magical cheese,” she adds.
As the class gathers around a long table, each participant finds a seat at a board laden with eight types of cheeses and various pairings (like jam, walnuts, strawberries, salami and chocolate), along with small tasting cups of red wine, white wine and water. Sneaky hands inch toward the delicious morsels, but the instructors ensure that the evening will be best enjoyed without skipping ahead. Every student is given a cheat sheet, which breaks down the cheeses, pairings and wines they’ll be tasting, along with a crash course detailing what distinguishes a smooth and creamy young cheese from a sharp-edged blue (as well as the other varieties that lie in-between them). This handy guide includes a word bank of vocabulary terms with which the class is encouraged to vividly describe the appearance, aroma, flavor and texture of the cheeses. Armed with this background knowledge, students embark on their quest through the land of blues and cheddars, starting with the basics. “We’re hoping that, by the end of the class, a person can identify the difference (by looking at, and certainly by tasting) between cow, sheep or goat milk cheeses, which are primarily the three types of animal milk you find here in America,” Converse says. The instructors explain that the digestive system of the type of animal producing the milk for a specific cheese often determines its color (a helpful hint when figuring out its origins). The instructors also give the students free rein to do what many have been taught to resist since kindergarten —play with their food. Like happy squirrels breaking into prized nuts, the students pull apart the cheese, allowing its aroma to escape. Before taking a bite, the students are told to inhale the scent, and they open their nostrils wide to capture every last bit. These steps are repeated for each of the cheeses presented, which range from young to blue cheeses. “It’s a progression, much like if you’re having a meal, you’d begin with lighter flavors and then end with a crescendo,” Converse adds. “It’s also how we want people to think when they’re building a cheese board—that they can begin on a softer, younger, lighter cheese and bring a person through a journey of different flavors, milk types, strengths, textures and countries, and end on a blue.” In the spirit of exploration, the team at Artisan Cheese Company highlights the critical role that geography plays in the product. Students might hear the term “terroir” used when instructors talk about why cheeses from particular physical locations are distinct from one another. “Terroir” is French for “soil,” says The New Food Lover’s Companion, “though in the culinary world, (it) has an expanded meaning referring to a sense of place—the contribution of environmental factors that affect the final product, such as wine or cheese.” “Terroir” comes into play from the initial stages of the cheesemaking process to the final ones, where whoever purchased the product selects pairings to complement it. “Because the cheesemakers rely so heavily on where the cheese is from, what the animals are eating and the ‘terroir’ or the srq magazine_ FEB24 live local | 81
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sense of place, you can have a cheese from Georgia, and if you have the same recipe, you couldn’t recreate that in Oregon (because the landscape is different, the animals are eating different food, and everything is completely different),” Converse says. “We also like the idea of ‘what grows together goes together.’ If you have a manchego, a true manchego that’s name-protected from La Mancha in Spain, then olives and wine from that region would be great pairings because the ‘terroir’ is a shared experience.” As they sample selections from Europe and the United States, students learn that a cheese’s geographical origin can affect its production from a legal standpoint. In the United States, raw milk cheese can be sold if it has been aged 60 days or more, which is not the case in Europe. “One of the biggest differences between American and European cheeses is the raw milk regulations. When you’re adding that extra heating of the milk, you’re taking away a little bit of the flavor. A lot of the American cheesemakers have to work extra hard to leave in as much flavor as they can, so their flavors, recipes and methods have to be on point,” says Converse, who carries American and European varieties and spotlights both in the classes. “American cheeses are winning competitions in Europe, world cheese awards and blind tastings. There are American cheeses in Europe and Australia, so we are doing amazing things,” she adds. “American cheesemakers are so innovative. They don’t copy what has happened in Europe; they learn from it.” If someone wants to make cheese in an American location that is hilly, arid or mountainous, Converse explains that they might consider looking for inspiration in Spain (which has a similar landscape, where sheep thrive) and decide to make a sheep milk cheese. 82 | srq magazine_ FEB24 live local
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“American cheesemakers learn from their European counterparts, but they don’t simply copy the cheeses. It’s an homage, certainly, but it’s really about where that cheese is being made, and paying homage to that landscape and the skill of a cheesemaker,” she says. The behind-the-scenes efforts of the cheesemakers, and of Converse’s team, are unseen by the shop’s patrons. “Because I am the last point for the customer, and because the cheesemakers can’t be here, I am in service not only to my customers but to the cheesemaker to make sure that their cheese is in tip-top condition,” she adds, noting that, if she sells someone a cheese that is not properly cared for, the customer might come back to her shop but will likely never buy that cheese again. Acting as ambassadors, the members of Converse’s team share each cheese and its story with shoppers and students. When the students have sipped every last drop of wine and only the rinds remain on their boards, they mill about the store to purchase more cheese. And they are shopping at an establishment that has been distinguished as one of the top 10 most iconic cheese shops in America in 2023 by Wine Enthusiast. “I just think of when we started in that cheese class with those 24 people and those 18 cheeses, not knowing what we were doing. We had a blackboard behind the counter that said ‘Owners in Training’ and, if somebody asked us a question, I would point to that thing, and now look at us. It’s only because customers keep coming back,” Converse says. “People who were in that first class still come into the shop and say ‘Remember me? I was at your first class!’” SRQ
Above, left to right: Get creative with your pairings, but don’t forget to appreciate the cheese on its own. Honey is a delicious addition to the cheese board. Artisan Cheese Company, 550 Central Ave., Sarasota, 941-951-7860, artisancheesecompany.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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BUSINESS PROFILE | SARASOTA TROPHY | SRQ MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2024
SARASOTA TROPHY “We’re So Much More Than Just Trophies! So many times, our customers
have said, “I didn’t know you do that!” Every day we try to show and explain what we can do. Standard awards and engraving sustain our business, but
custom and innovative awards ignite our souls! We pride ourselves and have
built a reputation on providing unusual solutions to meet customer’s needs as well as pushing the envelope of technology in our industry.” — Ken Levanti, Owner
TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE CREATIVE COAST
In Loving Memory of Sheree Levanti Oct. 14, 1957 – Dec. 6, 2023 IF YOU WEAR A NAMETAG FOR YOUR JOB EVERY DAY THAT WAS PURCHASED LOCALLY, CHANCES ARE THAT IT WAS PRINTED OR ENGRAVED WITH YOUR NAME BY THE FRIENDLY PEOPLE AT SARASOTA TROPHY. Since opening his custom engraving and trophy business in 1984 with his father, Ken Levanti and his loyal employees have delivered smiles to everyone from thousands of little league athletes commemorating ballpark victories to corporate employees in recognition of their service and achievements. Located in Gulf Gate, Sarasota Trophy was the first company in Sarasota to adopt laser engraving. While trophies will always be a major portion of Sarasota Trophy’s business, they also use cutting-edge technology and custom designs to deliver large-scale projects and detailed engraving. Sarasota Trophy has a heightened focus on major corporate projects like a custom display on Main Street at Walt Disney World in Orlando and has provided high-volume orders for major sporting events like The Tournament Players Club with The Professional Golfers’ Association of America. With each project, Sarasota Trophy provides a level of service expected from a local business and professionalism on par with that of a major corporation, which Ken attributes to the business’ roots and employees, some of whom have been on his team for over 20 years. Sarasota Trophy is an active member of three local business chamber organizations and has been consistently recognized for small business excellence since 2004 by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. Ken believes that the quality of his business is largely thanks to the experience of his dedicated team and their contribution to an atmosphere that clients trust. As Sarasota Trophy continues to serve local businesses and corporations, Ken and his team stay involved with the community through various board participation and volunteerism. Sarasota Trophy, established in 1984 is a premier supplier of engraved awards, plaques, trophies and imprinted products. However, their passion is delivering custom, high quality solutions using cutting edge technology and ideas. From sandblasting, deep metal routing and even jewelry engraving, the Sarasota Trophy team can accommodate projects large and incredibly small. Located in Gulf Gate, owner Ken Levanti and his team of designers and customer service representatives are dedicated to providing the utmost in service.
SARASOTA TROPHY | 6601 SUPERIOR AVENUE, SARASOTA, FL 34231 | 941.921.4339 | SARASOTATROPHY.COM
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SWEET TRAVELS Our itinerary for the taste bud trip of a lifetime includes marveling at peanut butter pyramids, traveling to Türkiye via Baklava Boulevard, and crossing the bridge into the land of vegan desserts. By Laura Paquette
Photography by Wyatt Kostygan
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IF YOU HAVE EVER PLAYED CANDY LAND or watched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, you have, no doubt,
imagined a world where wandering through lollipop woods or swimming in chocolate lakes is possible. While we don’t know of any chocolate (or alligator-free) lakes around Sarasota, we do know of some restaurants serving imaginative desserts fit for your inner child. So grab your gingerbread man movers and a handful of gummy alligators, and join us for an epic journey into sweets.
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DREAMING OF BAKLAVA TURKISH COFFEE CAKE One of Tzeva’s desserts (left) shares its heritage with Türkiye, located on the eastern side of the Mediterranean Sea. “I have a lot of people who work here in the hotel and are from Türkiye. They are on contract labor J-1 visas, which allow them to participate in a work or study exchange program. This dish is an homage to those hardworking people,” Executive Chef Ken Shiro Lumpkin says. The team prepares the Turkish coffee cake with cardamom and Turkish coffee, serving it with espresso ice cream. Topped with an orange glaze, the cake pairs well with a cup of coffee for a delightful treat. Tzeva, 1255 North Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-413-7425, tzevasarasota.com.
“How ‘bout a little more baklava?” is a question posed by Genie in Aladdin, and, most likely, anyone who samples this pastry (above right) at Divan Turkish Cuisine. “There are chefs who only make baklava,” says Ugur Sariyar, who owns and runs Divan with his wife, Khadija. “There are chefs, and then there are baklava makers.” Divan imports its baklava straight from Gaziantep, Türkiye, a province renowned for its pistachios and pastry chefs. Indulge in one of the eatery’s six types of baklava, including kadayif, made with shredded phyllo dough, semolina, honey and pistachios, all pressed to create a layered dessert. In the chocolate baklava, chocolate phyllo dough, pistachios and Nutella combine for peak cocoa flavor, and the pistachio baklava triangle presents this star ingredient in a new shape. The classics—pistachio baklava and walnut baklava—make for a fine introduction to the pastry. If you can’t decide on one variety, Divan offers a mix-and-match four for $10 option. Whichever baklava you choose, pair it with Turkish tea or coffee to balance out the pastry’s sweetness and add depth to the dish. Divan Turkish Cuisine, 6525 Superior Ave., Sarasota, 941-924-3030, divanturkishcuisine.com. srq magazine_ FEB24 live local | 85
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COOKIES AND CREAMS Let’s face it, who didn’t spend their childhood dreaming of having milk and cookies at bedtime? With their cookies and creams (above), State Street Eating House + Cocktails turns that fantasy into reality. Every week, four different types of cookies are generally served alongside cream and gelato. You might sample a lemon, ginger, chocolate-chocolate or classic chocolate chip cookie. “A chocolate chip cookie, where the chips are melting and it’s warm when you get it, is the best,” says Chris Voelker, one of State Street’s proprietors. “There are usually about three to four cookies per variety, so it’s a good dessert to share.” State Street Eating House + Cocktails, 1533 State St., Sarasota, 941-951-1533, statestreetsrq.com.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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BLUEBERRY CASHEW CHEESECAKE For a terrific vegan option, head over to Lila and try the blueberry cashew cheesecake (right). It is a recipe created by current Chef Aaron Boeve’s uncle, who taught his nephew how to make desserts when he was a kid and once co-owned the restaurant. “It has that nutty flavor from the cashews and that sweet berry flavor,” says Boeve. To recreate the taste of cheesecake, the chefs use nutritional yeast. A pomegranate molasses brings tartness to the dish, and granola adds a satisfying crunch. “It’s one of our most popular desserts,” Boeve adds, “and it’s been here since the beginning.” Lila, 1576 Main St., Sarasota, 941-296-1042, lilasrq.com.
PEANUT BUTTER PYRAMID When most people think of pyramids, they imagine giant structures in ancient Egypt, not playful plates of chocolatey goodness (left). “My inspiration to create this dessert started from my recipe and love of peanut butter pie. When I started working at Michael’s On East, I decided to push my culinary skills to the next level by crafting a dessert that retained the yummy flavors of peanut butter but with an elegant presentation fit for royalty, and that is how the Peanut Butter Pyramid came about,” says Executive Pastry Chef Ray Lajoie. The pyramid, composed of a dark chocolate shell, contains a treasure trove of peanut butter mousse and chocolate ganache. While excavating this wonder of the confection world, enjoy the accompanying homemade toasted marshmallow ice cream and chocolate peanut tuile. Michael’s On East, 1212 S. East Ave.., Sarasota, 941-366-0007, bestfood.com. srq magazine_ FEB24 live local | 87
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forage BLACK SESAME BRÛLÉE At Tzeva, the restaurant inside the Art Ovation Hotel, Mediterranean flavors shine. “I was doing a lot of research on this style of food, with the Mediterranean and Israeli influence. In my research process, I ran across a couple of different brûlées, one of them being a tahini, or sesame, brûlée (below right),” says Executive Chef Ken Shiro Lumpkin. He chose to use black sesame purée to make the dish, which stems from the North African practice of incorporating savory ingredients into desserts, even more inventive. “It’s nutty, creamy and sweet at the same time,” he adds. “We cook the custard low and slow in a water bath and present it with a raw-sugar crust on top.” For an extra burst of flavor, the brûlée comes with macerated fruit tossed with honey, whipped cream and a sugar tuile. Tzeva, 1255 North Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-413-7425, tzevasarasota.com.
KEY LIME TART While the true roots of key lime pie (above left) are debatable, there’s no doubt that Michael’s On East’s spin on this classic is a delectable finish to a meal (or even a meal itself). The tart’s secret recipe was concocted at the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort in 1967. “The most important ingredient is, of course, the key limes. We use fresh, organic key limes for the best flavor. They’re more aromatic and tangy compared to regular limes,” says Executive Pastry Chef Ray Lajoie. With a base of pecan-graham crust and a generous topping of baked meringue, this tart is the food equivalent of a tropical vacation spent lounging on the beach in the sunshine. Michael’s On East, 1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota, 941-366-0007, bestfood.com. 88 | srq magazine_ FEB24 live local
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
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BUSINESS PROFILE | TROPICAL INTERIORS FLORIST | SRQ MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2024
TROPICAL INTERIORS FLORIST “Our success so far is reflective of all the hearts—mine and our staff members’ —and, perhaps most importantly, the enthusiasm and support of the community.
We’re really excited to be able to continue the memory of Tropical Interiors Florist
because we’ll get more facetime with the community that has already lifted us up so much in the last two years. We’re excited to be more present in more areas
TRIBUTE TO BUSINESS ON THE CREATIVE COAST
locally in Manatee and Sarasota County.” — Chante’ DeMoustes, Owner
TROPICAL INTERIORS FLORIST IS CONTINUING ITS LONG-STANDING 49 YEARS IN BUSINESS IN MANATEE AND SARASOTA AREA SINCE 1975. The owner Chante’ DeMoustes wanted to keep the life of the floral industry going and introduce the newly designed shop by creating a unique showroom that invites you in to the rustic and French flower market with products and floral arrangements that are unique to area. Tropical Interiors Florist is located at 1303 53rd Ave West Bradenton, FL 34207. Come on in and meet the Tropical team and check out the beautiful store. We offer a wide selection of arrangements to unique wrapped bouquets that are made to order. Chante’ DeMoustes is excited to have a local storefront in Bradenton for the business she took over in 2020. “We can offer so many things that you could never find in traditional retail stores,” she says. “I’m looking forward to letting people see the real floral beauty that is possible to generate from our bouquets with classic staples to trending artistic arrangements. We are excited to connect with the community in a way that we have yet to have the opportunity to do. We’re looking forward to seeing many new daily faces in the community and being able to talk to people about our work and showcase how abundant our products are to help cater to any customer needs.” Tropical Interiors Florist offers year-round flower subscriptions for weekly or monthly services, daily everyday arrangements, botanical décor, tropical flowers, fresh cut flowers, houseplants, dried flowers, centerpieces, sympathy funeral arrangements for services, office arrangements, and business house accounts to create custom arrangements. Services also include wedding and event design consultations. Tropical Interiors Florist offers specialty cut flowers that are straight from farms internationally. “In the floral industry it is hard to compete with all 1-800 online stores and grocery store offers, but we promise the flowers last and speak for themselves. The floral industry needs all local continued support as it is a chain of businesses working together to keep the floral artistry alive. There is so much that goes into each flower arrangement from the time it is grown to get to the customers hand to enjoy. It is a living piece of art, and each flower has its own unique beauty. We can’t encourage more to call your local flower shop and avoid online order taking companies. Your local florist can cater to customers’ needs faster and with better quality. We focus on customer care, quality, and our rapport with each client.”Through Tropical website www.tropicalinteriorsflorist. com, customers can buy bouquets or schedule pickup of flowers to design their own arrangements at home. As for the flower subscriptions, these are great gift givers or just for oneself to enjoy. Subscribers can select different packages available from monthly, quarterly, to yearly. If you are thinking ahead for special occasions or holidays this is great gift idea.
TROPICAL INTERIORS FLORIST | 941-758-6966 | 1303 53RD AVE WEST | BRADENTON, FL 34207 | CHANTE@TROPICALINTERIORSFLORIST.COM
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STORIES FROM OUR PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY
giving coast SHARING SWEET SUCCESS
Corporate Good Hero Norman Love Confections gives back to the region that has supported the company since its inception. Barbie Heit
NORMAN LOVE BEGAN PRODUCING BEAUTIFUL, HANDCRAFTED CHOCOLATE IN FORT MYERS, FLORIDA, IN 2001. Known for artistry, premium ingredients and innovative flavor combinations, Love has been recognized for his ultra-premium chocolate and his unique chocolate shops, including the Chocolate Salon at University Town Center (UTC). This spot opened in 2020, bringing the company’s award-winning chocolates, specialty desserts, artisanal baked goods, coffees, novelty products, gelato and more to Sarasota.
This spread, left to right: Peanut Butter
and Jelly chocolate has fresh strawberry and creamy peanut butter coated in Swiss milk chocolate, 50 piece Signature Gift Box, Salted Caramel Pretzel Bar and Norman Love.
Love’s passion for the art of desserts came as a young child, when he visited his school’s book fair in the second grade and set his eyes on Betty Crocker’s New Boys and Girls Cookbook. From that moment on, he knew he was set to become a pastry chef. He followed his passion and began studying the art of pastry making in France and, from there, he began his career in the corporate world. After 13 years on the corporate side of pastry making at The Ritz-Carlton, Love decided to devote more time to his family. He left The RitzCarlton and moved into culinary events, specifically the first televised bakery competition, which became the basis for the TV series Food Network Challenge. He
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soon began making ultra-premium artisan chocolates by hand inside of a friend’s medical supply business. At first, he was just trying to make some extra money on the side and to sell to wholesalers. Eventually, though, word got out, and USA Today ranked Norman Love Confections in its top 10 list of places to buy chocolates for Valentine’s Day, putting the company on the map. Norman Love Confections has grown throughout the years, opening four chocolate salons in Southwest Florida and one at UTC. The company has a thriving online and corporate business, with products in Whole Foods throughout Florida as well as in retail locations across the country. “I’m very proud of our roots here
IMAGERY COURTESY OF NORMAN LOVE CONFECTIONS.
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in Florida, and I’m most proud of my team and their lost so much. Better Together gave the family a new dedication to the relentless pursuit of innovation, bed for their toddler, provided them with food and excellence and quality,” says Love. “As a business essential household supplies, and even coordinated owner, providing jobs and opportunities for growth a dental appointment for the toddler. Thanks to the and career development has always been a priority. It generosity of customers, Norman Love Confections brings me great joy to see our team grow professionally, donated $36,074 to Better Together to support the even when that means they move on to bigger and families hardest hit by Hurricane Ian. better opportunities.” More recently, through the company’s philanthropic At Norman Love Confections, the business strategy work with Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest is simple and straightforward. “We come to work Florida, Love met many families of children battling to be the best every day, and to be better than we cancer. One young boy named Logan made an were yesterday,” says Love. “I am very proud of the especially powerful impact on Love. “His mom company’s continued growth. We now employ 125 reached out to me as he had recently ‘rung the bell’ to people at Norman Love Confections, and that number signify the end of his chemotherapy treatment. During is growing. I’m proud to say that our team shares my his treatment, I had gifted Logan a chef ’s coat and hat, dedication to the relentless pursuit of innovation, along with a box of chocolates,” Love says. “When his excellence and quality, and we’ve been able to grow treatment was over, his mom reached out and shared without compromising the caliber of our work.” that Logan wants to be a baker when he grows up, so Since the opening of the first retail location, the Southwest Florida community “During Logan’s chemotherapy treatment, I had gifted embraced Love’s family and chocolates, and him a chef’s coat and hat, along with a box of chocoafforded them the opportunity to grow their lates. When his treatment was over, his mom reached retail business and their charitable efforts. out and shared that he wants to be a baker when he “Supporting the community that supports grows up. I invited him and his family to spend some our business has always been a priority,” time with me in the kitchen, learning the art of pastry.” says Love. “Norman Love Confections has —Norman Love always shared our sweet success by giving back to the Southwest Florida community. Although I invited him and his family to spend some time with the company has an extensive national reach, we focus me in the kitchen, learning the art of pastry. We had a our charitable giving efforts in Florida, where our fun time baking together. While I have supported the business was founded. As a family-owned company, we hospital over the years, I don’t know how this family participate in a wide range of charitable giving efforts has directly benefited from my support, but I’d like to think that I’ve played a part in making their experience that touch the lives of people right here in our region.” One major philanthropic effort for the company just a little brighter. More importantly, meeting and occurred following Hurricane Ian. After the spending time with Logan brought me joy. I think I devastating storm wreaked havoc throughout the benefited most from this experience.” Over the past two decades, Norman Love local communities, Norman Love Confections created and sold 1,214 #SWFLStrong Florida Boxes online Confections has provided tens of thousands of and in chocolate salons, with 50% of every purchase dollars of in-kind products to more than 200 local going to Better Together (a Southwest Florida-based nonprofit organizations–something Love is proud of nonprofit dedicated to serving families and children). and honored to do. “My hope is that, over the years, “Our entire team at Norman Love Confections was the pretty, jewelry-like box in the little green bag so grateful to our customers for the overwhelming represents ‘community’ as much as it does ‘chocolate,’ and generous response to our #SWFLStrong Florida because giving back is the best way we know how Box and the chance to help our community,” shares to share the love,” Love says. SRQ Every month in our Love. “So many families lost everything, and Better Giving section, we showcase individuals who have made a real Together went door to door in the hardest-hit areas, difference in the lives of others through their philanthropic distributing food, water and other relief supplies spirit. This month, we are shaking things up and shining a light directly to families. They are still helping families to on a corporate good hero, Norman Love Confections, a forthis day.” Love himself was able to join Better Together profit company committed to giving back to the region. Norman for a visit to a family, where he witnessed boots-on- Love Confections was honored as one of SRQ Magazine’s Good the-ground support as the team helped a family that Heroes in March 2023. 92 | srq magazine_ FEB24 live local
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H&D SRQ HOME AND DESIGN
F ROM T H E ED ITO RS OF SRQ M AGA ZIN E | W INT E R /S P R I N G 2024
DESIGN UNFOLDED THE ORIGAMI HOUSE TUCKS INTO THE WILDERNESS OF MYAKKA TO CREATE MAGICAL SPACE
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CONTENTS
WINTER 2024
Home design stories, inspiration and thoughtful architecture on the West Coast of Florida—from Anna Maria Island and Lakewood Ranch to Sarasota, Venice and the Barrier Islands.
12 TOUCH OF DRAMA Adding pops of such a highly contrasting shade can be a great way to ground a space while adding an exciting and dramatic flair.
12 GOING GREEN Sarasota homeowners are striving to design their homes to mimic nature, specifically the nature found here in the Sunshine State.
WHEN YO METTI’S P architectur diately ob forward-th the past. I Blumetti w tectural pra modern ho
14 PERSONAL TOUCHES Floridians are making their outside spaces– no matter how large or small they may be– more comfortable and homey than ever. State-of-theart outdoor kitchens, complete with hooded grills, sprawling counter space and massive islands are increasingly popular.
16 DESIGN, UNFOLDED “Betsy wanted me to be creative on the overall style and design of the house,” says Mark Sultana of DSDG Architects. “I came up with this wild idea to do a plan that had kind of a fan shape in the floor plan. Then we took that to the next level by taking that fan shape and flaring up the roof lines and creating different volumes and proportions inside of the house. The project got the name Origami House because it sort of took on the form of how paper origami can be folded and shaped to create different shapes. We challenged the design in the same manner to create the house that we did.”
22 RESILIENT DESIGN “The owners were a couple who had moved here from Naples,” architect Jerry Sparkman recalls. “They were both interesting people – artistic, creative – who had found this old house, and they wanted to explore how they could add to it and change it while still preserving its essence.” The house in question was a 1950s ranch-style home on scenic Phillippi Creek.
COVER DSDG Architect’s Origami Home by Myakka State Park, photography by Ryan Gamma. THIS PAGE Images courtesy of Florida Design Works.
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Compiled and written by Emma Dannenfelser.
TOUCH OF DRAMA
Home design trendsetters share a collection of the brightest trends to revamp and refresh Gulf Coast homes this Winter.
Pops of Black At Trade Mark Interiors, using black to pack a punch is not something to shy away from. Adding pops of such a highly contrasting shade can be a great way to ground a space while adding an exciting and dramatic flair. Adding black in a room can create gravity, instantly drawing a guest’s eye to a spectacular feature within the home that may have gone unnoticed before. “We get to create some big ‘wows’ in our designs by using black. It’s a trend that we’re going to see well into 2024 and it’s something that I’ve always said for years that every room needs a touch of black because that touch of black is gravity in the room,” says Tracee Murphy of Trademark Interiors. Another returning trend is arches. Arches are architectural features that are truly timeless, no matter what form they are found in, whether that be mirrors, windows or doorways. Historically, arches have been used in some of the most popular architectural styles, making them a classic feature that will be found in homes for years to come. Doorways are the most obvious way to incorporate arches into a dream home design, but subtle ways such as inset walls or hallways can also be a beautiful addition to any home makeover. Trade Mark
WINTER/ SPRING TRENDS
Interiors, 3232 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-879-9494, trademarkinteriordesign.com
TRADE MARK INTERIORS
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Back to Nature At Pier 22 Home Decor & Furnishings, creating an organic look is one of the most apparent trends. Taking inspiration from nature and incorporating it into all aspects of home design will give any home a comforting and effortless look for years to come and one way to achieve this is by bringing greenery into the home, which is not only pleasing to the eye, but can also promote creativity, relieve stress and purify air within the home. Another way to create this aesthetic is by using textures that mimic nature on rugs or pillows. Lastly, the color palette within a home is a simple way to exude the peaceful hues found in nature. Warm browns, soft greens and muted earth tones are a great place to start. Finally, the use of coastal colors and oceanic inspired decorations will never go out of style, but it is moving away from the beloved bright colors and cartoon fish motifs that many are familiar with. “Everybody wants to bring a little bit of that coastal feeling into their home,” says Heather Yates, co-owner of Pier 22 Home Decor. The “California Coastal” look starts with a clean palette based on whites or creams and is supplemented with ocean hues such as navy, or another sea-inspired shade, on pillows or rugs that will create a timeless coastal ambience, but in a new, subtle way. Pier 22 Home Decor & Furnishings, 201 Nokomis Ave, Venice, 941-480-0452, pier22homedecor.com.
WINTER/ SPRING TRENDS
GOING GREEN
Coastal Chic Sarasota homeowners are striving to design their homes to mimic nature, specifically the nature found here in the Sunshine State. Using natural materials, such as cotton and linen, they can emulate the sugary sand that every Floridan knows and loves. Following the trend of mimicking the coastal region in design, homeowners have been gravitating toward molten glass on wood pieces, not only emulating the coast with its color and driftwood base, but also because each piece is totally unique. Shiplap frames are also a simple way to incorporate coastal elements into the home, says Rene Perry of Breakwater Home Fashions. Breakwater Home Fashions, 19795 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, 941-584-5234, breakwaterfl.com. Above: Benjamin Moore Cozy Neutral palette.
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PERSONAL TOUCHES Built-In Cabinetry Homeowners are also beginning to move toward using cabinetry and built-in additions in more distinctive ways than ever before. Not only are kitchens and bathrooms seeing an influx in custom cabinets, but the trend is also leaning into repurposing rooms by adding useful built-ins. “We’re seeing lots of rooms turned into closets. So people have an extra bedroom and now, they want that walk-in closet with the island in the middle and they want the drawer systems. They’re turning rooms into full-on Sex in the City closets,” says Marketing Director Jennifer Horvat. Along with closets and home offices, homeowners are also bringing the custom, built-in cabinetry into the outdoor kitchens that became hugely popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when finding ways to gather outdoors was a necessity. Florida Design Works, 4500 Carmichael Ave, Sarasota, 941-255-2703, floridadesignworks.com
WINTER/ SPRING TRENDS
Backyard Sanctuary
FLORIDA DESIGN WORKS
Floridians are making their outside spaces–no matter how large or small they may be–more comfortable and homey than ever. State-of-the-art outdoor kitchens, complete with hooded grills, sprawling counter space and massive islands are increasingly popular. Additionally, the furniture itself, such as couches, pillows and chairs are high-quality and luxurious, making any backyard a sanctuary. This trend is versatile because not only can it apply to hosting game nights or potlucks for friends and family, but it also makes every night a staycation in your very own yard. Robert Davie says homeowners have recently begun bringing artwork into their gardens, pairing their colorful flowers with sculptures, painting and other forms of physical art. Whether it be large paintings on walls or windmill sculptures that coordinate with the landscaping, selfexpression can be found in all corners of a home this year. Within this trend, homeowners are also searching for custom-made art to place in their gardens, making their backyards not only a peaceful sanctuary, but also a treasure trove of the art and beauty that sparks joy. Robert Davie & Associates Landscaping, 3319 Plantation Dr, Sarasota, 941-924-6629, robertdavie.com
Magnetic Screen Enclosures Any Floridan can attest to the fact that having high-quality and efficient screens is a priority for keeping the bugs and heat away. Joey Coco from Budget Blinds & Inspired Drapes says that this year, magnetic closure screens are the way to go. Contrasting the commonly used zip-closure screens, magnetic closure screens are significantly more durable and come with a longer warranty due to the company’s trust in their product. Additionally, Coco says that side drapes have also been popular. Not only are the side panels less expensive than regular singular drapes, they also give a modern and classic look to any window. Budget Blind & Inspired Drapes, 5405 University Parkway, Unit 106, University Park, 941-342-0900, budgetblinds.com
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ROBERT DAVIE LANDSCAPING
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H & D The innovative thinking behind the one-of-a-kind Origami House
DESIGN, UNFOLDED
IF ASKED TO ENVISION A SECLUDED HOME SURROUNDED BY NATURAL BEAUTY, most people
would picture a rustic log cabin or a charming stone cottage. Betsy Friedman is not most people, and neither is architect Mark Sultana. Sultana is the principal architect at DSDG Architects, a Sarasota firm that has become well-known over the past two decades for its clean and elegant concepts. Friedman is an art enthusiast with a deep affinity for nature and a willingness to push boundaries. When it came time for her to build her dream home, Friedman had an instinct that Sultana was the perfect person to design it. “I lost my husband seven years ago. We had always lived on the water, and I was living on Longboat Key and it became kind of a fishbowl,” Friedman says. “I was looking for somewhere a little more private to live and I discovered a house that Mark had designed on Bay Shore Road. I moved into that house and I loved the unity, the light, the repetition. It was just an incredible place to recreate a life.”
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Friedman would go on to live in that house for several years. Though she did love the house and the surrounding neighborhood, she still didn’t have that sense of privacy and solitude she craved. When a large subdivision sprang up right next to her, she knew it was time to find a space that was truly her own. “I always had the sense that I wanted to be in the trees and on land and away from it all,” she says. “Amy Tupper was a friend of mine, she was a realtor, and she found this land here out east that had never been developed. It was adjacent to Myakka State Park, which is the largest state park in Florida. We came and looked at the land and it was gorgeous. It was magical.” After purchasing the land, Friedman made an appointment with Sultana
and asked him to design a house for her. While some clients have a specific vision about what they want their homes to look like, Friedman was happy to give Sultana free rein. Her primary requests: the house couldn’t be an urban box and it had to fit the landscape. “Betsy wanted me to be creative on the overall style and design of the house,” Sultana says. “I came up with this wild idea to do a plan that had kind of a fan shape in the floor plan. Then we took that to the next level by taking that fan shape and flaring up the roof lines and creating different volumes and proportions inside of the house. The project got the name Origami House because it sort of took on the form of how paper origami can be folded and shaped to create different shapes. We chal-
lenged the design in the same manner to create the house that we did.” “What he came up with was extraordinary. I walked into his office and saw the plans for the first time and I started crying,” Friedman remembers. “It looked like a bird, like an origami bird. My biggest goal was creating a place that honored the land. Mark understood that and came up with the silhouette, and it was absolutely stunning and perfect for what I had envisioned. He and the project manager, Mary Allen, designed something beyond what I could have hoped for.” Creating a home that was harmonious with the landscape wasn’t just a matter of aesthetics. Building a home in a natural space can disrupt wildlife and destabilize habitats, and Friedman wanted to
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minimize any potential negative impacts by leaving the landscape as unchanged as possible. “There’s a kind of wildlife corridor that traverses along the side of the house and Betsy didn’t want to interfere with that,” Sultana says. “She said that, on any given night, you can sit on the back porch and watch deer go by and turkeys and coyotes and bobcats and all types of wildlife. She didn’t want to interrupt that because there had never been a structure or house on this property and she wanted to keep it as natural as she could. That’s a challenge that you don’t get on your average (or even on your not-so-average) house.” Trinity Construction & Design in South Sarasota was the builder on this property. Sultana worked closely with Friedman and the team
at Trinity to find the perfect spot for the house, even making multiple field visits. Soon, construction was underway. But then Mother Nature threw a wrench into the works. “When Hurricane Ian came, Trinity boarded up this house as well as the house I was living in,” Friedman recalls. “Jesse Cocozza (a vice president and project superintendent at Trinity) came the next day and said, ‘Okay, you’re not flooded at all, but you’re going to be really sad.’ I lost over 200 trees.” “There were several massive clumps of oak trees that we designed the house around,” Sultana adds. “A large cluster of trees just outside the master bedroom basically fell down during Hurricane Ian. The entire canopy disappeared overnight. So the view that we framed through the
window of the canopy disappeared.” Though she was disappointed by the loss of the trees, Friedman was able to make the best of the situation. She purchased a sawmill and hired a team to process the logs into lumber, which was then used to build fencing for the property. She has also begun working with two other people to create things like charcuterie boards and sculptures out of the remaining wood. However, this wasn’t the only roadblock the team encountered along the way. “There were some challenges during construction too, because the house was being built during COVID,” Sultana says. “There were quite a few shortages of materials, so we had to, in a pinch, figure out a way to still build a house without the materials we were building it with. We had an
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This page, left to right: A wooden table is built directly into a freestanding island of the kitchen. The large windows allow natural light in to showcase the beauty and design of the home.
DSDG Architects, 1348 Fruitville Rd STE 204, Sarasota | dsdgarchitects.com
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This page: Building on land adjacent to Myakka State Park gave Friedman the seclusion and natural surroundings she was hoping for.
issue with trusses. At one point, we were told the trusses would take 12 months from the order date to arrive and, on a house this size, that just doesn’t work. We ended up redesigning the roof using engineered lumber instead of pre-manufactured wood trusses. It didn’t really affect the design itself, but it did affect the way the design was structured. We had to regroup and come up with a different way of doing it midway through the process.” The exterior of the Origami House is uniquely striking, but the interior is just as impressive. The result is a house that is distinctly modern in style with an organic quality that reflects Friedman’s style and spirit. Large glass windows offer a panoramic view of the outdoors and allow for an immersive connection to the natural environment. Sultana incorporated high clerestory windows in many of the rooms to allow more natural light to filter through the space. The kitchen features con20
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temporary details like sleek cabinetry in shades of gray alongside natural elements like a massive, live edge wooden table built directly into a freestanding island. “Unfortunately, the tabletop had already been built, or I’m sure Betsy would have used some of the fallen oak that she harvested from the property when it fell,” he says. “Even so, the table brings a warmer, more organic feeling to the inside of the house. Every tree has a core or a heart. The table is in the center of the house and it’s really kind of the heart of the house.” “The table is extraordinary,” Friedman agrees. When designing a house intended for indoor-outdoor living, it’s important to have transitional spaces. At the Origami House, that functionality comes from the screened-in lanais. “We spend so much time outside, so the lanais were a big part of the planning. They weren’t an afterthought,” Friedman says. “For entertaining, for outdoor
living, they just made so much sense. The lanai screens are floor-toceiling with no interruptions, so you feel like you’re outside. The lanai by the guest bedrooms, I wanted my children or other guests to be able to go outside, take their coffee there in the morning, talk, have some privacy, see the sunrise, and sit in those comfy chairs. Or at night, you know, take a book or a drink and sit out there and just watch the sky. Just so we’re never far from the beauty.” While there were some bumps in the road, Friedman wouldn’t change anything about the process. “The absolute love and care that went into designing and building and decorating this house was just incredible,” Friedman says. “It was a joyful and really fun, creative experience. There were all kinds of hurdles to come over and we just all navigated it together beautifully. It was such a positive experience and it is such a phenomenal place to be.” SRQH&D
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H & D Architect Jerry Sparkman and builder Rob Dynan revisit a collaboration 20 years down the line.
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ROB DYNAN HAVE BEEN TRANSFORMING THE SARASOTA
AREA, ONE BUILDING AT A TIME. Sparkman, an architect, founded Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors in 2002 with business partner Todd Sweet. Dynan, a contractor and builder, established Dynan Construction in 2003. Separately, both business partners have helped countless clients design or build their dream homes. Over the years, they have had a few opportunities to combine their skill sets. In 2004, the duo teamed up for the first time on a residential project in Sarasota. Almost 20 years later, Sparkman and Dynan took a trip down memory lane to look back on this early collaboration.
“The owners were a couple who had moved here from Naples,” Sparkman recalls. “They were both interesting people—artistic, creative—who had found this old house, and they wanted to explore how they could add to it and change it while still preserving its essence.” The house in question was a 1950s ranch-style home on scenic Phillippi Creek. From the beginning, there were a lot of moving parts to the project. Not only did the homeowners have a list of major interior renovations they wanted to tackle, but they were also looking to construct a second-story addition to the house. The upper level of the addition would be home to a primary bedroom and bathroom. An art studio and two-car garage would be tucked underneath the primary suite. And, if the extensive renovations and new construction weren’t enough, Sparkman also had to work within the particular parameters of the location. “The house was on a pretty unique site. It was over on the creek, kind of tucked back, and you didn’t really see much of it unless you got back behind the site on the water side,” Sparkman says. “It was fairly steep back there, which is kind of unusual for Sarasota. With the dropoff into Phillippi Creek, there was a fair amount of topography to contend with.” Once Sparkman finished his initial design for the project, he knew he had to find the right builder to execute his vision. While he and Dynan hadn’t worked together before they were friends, Sparkman thought the project could be a great fit for Dynan’s skill set. “This was a multi-faceted project and Rob was willing to work with us along the way,” Sparkman says. “He became very integral to figuring out how to build this and make it fit the clients’ budget.”
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FOR MORE THAN TWO DECADES, JERRY SPARKMAN AND
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H & D Like Sparkman, Dynan had started his own business relatively recently. The project grabbed his attention immediately. “Jerry came up with a really awesome design,” Dynan says. “The ultimate outcome of it, the way the addition kind of perched up over the creek and into the trees, it felt really cool.” In the planned design, the new structure would be oriented to face the backyard. With this positioning, the primary bedroom suite would get privacy from the main road and gain an incredible view of Phillippi Creek. The addition would also end up framing the backyard and transforming it into a sheltered enclave. When building an addition, it can be challenging to ensure that any new construction has a sense of cohesion with the original structure. The level of difficulty increases when blending different styles of architecture. The existing home had a distinctly mid-century modern silhouette, but the homeowners wanted the addition to be more contemporary in style. Sparkman and Dynan needed to figure out how to meld these styles seamlessly. For Sparkman, scalability was key in creating a sense of continuity. Mid-century modern homes usually have smaller, more compartmentalized rooms, while contem-
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porary design is more open and expansive. Sparkman paid close attention to the original square footage when designing the addition. “If you measure the rooms of the existing house with those sort of quintessential 50s, modestly sized rooms and then if you measure the new spaces, they’re pretty similar,” he says. “Proportionally, I think the new space mirrors the old one pretty closely.” Sparkman credits Dynan with expanding that cohesion during the building process. “The studio underneath the primary suite has lap siding; that kind of material sort of brings it together with the original home,” Sparkman says. “And when it came to the exposed rafters over the bedroom area, Rob did an amazing job selecting all these very specific, attractive pieces of wood and exposing them and connecting them in a way that makes them feel like they’re not new materials. They seem like they’re part of the old palette. The new materials, for some reason, they kind of jive with the rest of the older stuff.” Funnily enough, one of the significantly cohesive elements of the design almost didn’t happen. In Sparkman’s initial design, the addition was topped with a flat
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H & D “And the landscaping and the driveway,” Sparkman roof, but the neighborhood homeowners association wouldn’t sign off on it. After carefully reexamining the adds. “You know, just five or six little projects.” “It got a little complicated for a while,” Dynan agrees. original architecture, Sparkman changed the roof of But despite those complications, it’s clear that both the addition so that it was more angular, mirroring the men remember their collaboration fondly. “That’s what’s slanted roof from the original home. For his part, Dynan was excited for the opportunity to kind of cool about projects which take a while and use some familiar materials in new ways during the build. you’ve got something invested,” Sparkman says. “You “One of the things that I loved about the design was that don’t realize what’s going to come out of it, but it could the use of materials was really cool—things like large win- be a long-term friendship and working relationship.” Twenty years later, what can be learned from looking dows, structural steel, and cast-in-place concrete,” Dynan says. “Before I opened my own business, I had worked for back on past projects? “I love going back to previously a commercial construction company where I was build- completed projects after some time has passed to see ing primarily institutional-type structures, so I worked a how something has aged or how it has held up against ellot with concrete and structural steel. I was happy to be ements like saltwater,” Dynan says. “It really is a lesson.” “It’s nice to have these conversations about the past able to work with them on a residential project. Commercial properties are more for general use, but residential so you can keep your eyes open to new possibilities in the future,” Sparkman agrees. construction feels more private and personal.” “2004 was an interesting time. It was kind of a new Building an addition was just one piece of this project. Sparkman and Dynan also tackled major interior reno- beginning for both of us,” Dynan replies. “Seeing what we did and looking back at all we’ve done since then, vations in the entryway, kitchen and living room. it’s been a great journey and it’s nice to reflect.” SRQH&D “There was also the pool deck,” Dynan remembers.
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