Your Palm Beach Guide

Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce
  • 4.3 (6)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Your Palm Beach Guide, the official podcast of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce. Curious about the brands, businesses, and personalities that define Palm Beach Island? You've come to the right place. Each episode brings you candid conversations with the people behind the island's most influential organizations - entrepreneurs, business owners, and industry leaders who have shaped culture and driven change in their fields. Our goal is simple: pull back the curtain on Palm Beach Island and give you an inside look at the people and stories that make it truly unique. Because behind every great business is a person with a story worth hearing. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

  1. Ep. 111 - Strategic Wealth & Community Impact: A Conversation with Michael Simms

    3d ago

    Ep. 111 - Strategic Wealth & Community Impact: A Conversation with Michael Simms

    In this episode of Your Palm Beach Guide, we sit down with Michael Simms, wealth strategist and community leader, to explore what it truly means to build, protect, and grow lasting financial well-being in today's evolving economy. With more than three decades of experience, Michael shares his philosophy on comprehensive financial planning, the most common mistakes individuals and businesses make with their wealth, and how strategic thinking separates long-term success from short-term gains. We also explore his deep commitment to civic leadership, from shaping educational opportunities through the Palm Beach Gardens Five Star Magnet Program to organizing the Arti Faulk Golf Classic and championing military appreciation in the community. Whether you're navigating your own financial journey or looking for insight from a leader who has built both business success and lasting community impact, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

    36 min
  2. Ep. 110 - Building More Than a Business: Madean Gilzene on Entrepreneurship, Nonprofits & Palm Beach

    May 27

    Ep. 110 - Building More Than a Business: Madean Gilzene on Entrepreneurship, Nonprofits & Palm Beach

    In this episode of Your Palm Beach Guide, we sit down with Madean Gilzene, healthcare executive, nonprofit founder, and entrepreneur, to explore how mission-driven leadership can transform both the business landscape and the lives of those most in need. Madean is the owner of Echelon Executive Suites and Aura Studios, the very space where this podcast is produced, and the President & CEO of The Extraordinary Kids Foundation, supporting children with special needs and medically complex families. We discuss what inspired her entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind creating elevated professional spaces in Palm Beach, and the heart behind her nonprofit work. Whether you're a business owner looking to establish roots in Palm Beach or someone moved by the power of purpose-driven leadership, this conversation is a masterclass in building a legacy that matters.

    31 min
  3. Ep. 109 - How Margit Brandt Closes Palm Beach's Biggest Deals

    May 20

    Ep. 109 - How Margit Brandt Closes Palm Beach's Biggest Deals

    In this episode of Your Palm Beach Guide, we sit down with Margit Brandt, one of the leading forces in Palm Beach's ultra-luxury real estate market. Known for her discretion, precision, and deep market insight, Margit offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to operate at the highest level of real estate. From her early experience in New York to building a powerful presence on the island, Margit shares how the Palm Beach market has evolved - and what today's high-net-worth buyers are truly looking for. We explore how strategy shifts in $30M+ transactions, the role of relationships and instinct in deal-making, and the unseen complexities behind some of the market's most significant sales. Margit also discusses the importance of trust, personal brand, and "white-glove" service in a highly private, relationship-driven market. Looking ahead, she shares her perspective on where Palm Beach real estate is headed and what it takes to break into the world of luxury at the highest level.

    23 min
  4. Ep. 108 - Beyond the Help Desk: Rethinking IT for Business Growth

    May 13

    Ep. 108 - Beyond the Help Desk: Rethinking IT for Business Growth

    In this episode of Your Palm Beach Guide, we sit down with Erick Solms, founder of Simplitfy®, to explore how businesses can take a smarter, more strategic approach to technology. From starting his career as an IT intern to launching a company focused on fully managing and optimizing clients' technology, Erick shares how his hands-on experience shaped his approach to IT as a true business driver - not just a support function. We dive into what it really means to "take ownership" of a company's IT, and why proactive strategy is essential in today's fast-moving digital landscape. Erick also breaks down common technology mistakes, the biggest cybersecurity risks businesses face right now, and how companies in Palm Beach are evolving as they scale and adapt. Looking ahead, he offers insight into where technology is headed and how businesses can prepare now to stay competitive, secure, and efficient.

    20 min
  5. Ep. 107 - Center Stage: Arts, Leadership, and Community with Allison Stockel

    May 6

    Ep. 107 - Center Stage: Arts, Leadership, and Community with Allison Stockel

    In this episode of Your Palm Beach Guide, we sit down with Allison Stockel, Executive Director of Glazer Hall, to discuss her remarkable journey from television production with major networks like CNN and MTV to leading prominent arts institutions. With decades of experience in nonprofit arts leadership, Allison shares insights from her time growing and transforming organizations like Ridgefield Playhouse, and what excites her most about shaping the future of arts and culture in Palm Beach. We explore the role the arts play in building community, how to create programming that is both accessible and elevated, and the importance of strong partnerships in the nonprofit world. Allison also reflects on leadership, fundraising, and the evolving challenges facing arts organizations today - while offering a thoughtful perspective on what success looks like in this next chapter at Glazer Hall.

    29 min
  6. Ep. 106 - The Business of Boating: How the Marine Industry Shapes Palm Beach

    Apr 29

    Ep. 106 - The Business of Boating: How the Marine Industry Shapes Palm Beach

    In this episode of Your Palm Beach Guide, we sit down with Alyssa Freeman, Executive Director of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, to explore the vital role the marine industry plays in shaping the region's economy, culture, and coastal lifestyle. With a career spanning nearly two decades in the industry, Alyssa shares her journey from growing up on the water in Michigan to leading one of Palm Beach County's most influential organizations. We discuss the impact of boating and marine businesses on the local community, current industry trends, and how Palm Beach's unique coastal identity continues to evolve. Alyssa also offers insight into leadership, workforce development, and the importance of balancing industry growth with environmental stewardship. Whether you're a boating enthusiast or simply curious about one of Palm Beach's key industries, this conversation highlights the people and passion behind life on the water.

    22 min
  7. Ep. 105 - Maximizing Your Membership with Kiana

    Apr 22

    Ep. 105 - Maximizing Your Membership with Kiana

    In this episode of Your Palm Beach Guide, our Chief Advancement Officer, Kiana, shares key Chamber updates along with practical tips to help members get the most out of their membership. From must-do strategies to common mistakes to avoid, this quick conversation is packed with insight to help you stay engaged, connected, and make your membership work for you.

    15 min
  8. Ep. 104 - The Art of Travel: Curated Experiences with Kurt Crowl

    Apr 15

    Ep. 104 - The Art of Travel: Curated Experiences with Kurt Crowl

    In this episode of Your Palm Beach Guide, we sit down with Kurt Crowl, President and Owner of Travel Leaders Palm Beach, to explore how luxury travel has evolved — and why working with a trusted advisor makes all the difference. With nearly 30 years of experience across airlines, hotels, and travel management, Kurt shares how his global perspective helps clients move beyond simple bookings to fully curated, unforgettable experiences. We discuss the changing role of travel advisors, common misconceptions, and how insider relationships open doors around the world. Kurt also dives into travel trends among Palm Beach residents, how far in advance to plan today's luxury trips, and what truly separates a good vacation from an exceptional one. Whether you're planning your next getaway or just dreaming about it, this conversation offers valuable insight into the art of meaningful travel.

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to Your Palm Beach Guide, the official podcast of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce. Curious about the brands, businesses, and personalities that define Palm Beach Island? You've come to the right place. Each episode brings you candid conversations with the people behind the island's most influential organizations - entrepreneurs, business owners, and industry leaders who have shaped culture and driven change in their fields. Our goal is simple: pull back the curtain on Palm Beach Island and give you an inside look at the people and stories that make it truly unique. Because behind every great business is a person with a story worth hearing. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Information

  • Creator
    Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    114
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023, Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Your Palm Beach Guide