The Bay Builds Podcast

Tracie Domino | Founder, Event Outfitters
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Every brand has a story, but great brands create moments. The Bay Builds Podcast , where Tampa Bay’s boldest founders, marketers, and makers reveal how unforgettable brands are built. Hosted by Tracie Domino, founder of Event Outfitters, each episode explores the strategy and soul behind the experiences, events, and gifting moments that make brands stick. 🎧 Guests include: Entrepreneurs, marketers, designers, and visionaries who are redefining what it means to build a brand that people remember. ✨ Make it matter. Make it memorable. Make it Tampa.

Episodes

  1. A Century of Women Who Built This City: Katie Crowe, President, The Junior League of Tampa

    May 27

    A Century of Women Who Built This City: Katie Crowe, President, The Junior League of Tampa

    In 1926, 22 women sat down together in Tampa and decided to do something about the unmet needs of women and children in their community. They did not have cell phones, fax machines, or the internet. They had a mission statement that was, by any measure, ahead of its time: to foster interest in the social, economic, educational, and civic conditions of the community and to make volunteer service efficient. One hundred years later, The Junior League of Tampa has 1,900 members logging 50,000 volunteer hours a year, has launched permanent nonprofit institutions into the Tampa Bay community, and is still asking the same question those 22 women asked in 1926 - where is the gap, and how do we fill it? In this episode, Tracie Domino sits down with Katie Crowe, President of The Junior League of Tampa, during the organization's centennial year. Katie pulls back the curtain on how a volunteer-led organization sustains a coherent long-term strategy through rotating leadership, what it actually takes to spin a project out into a self-sustaining nonprofit, and why a third of what has been built in Tampa Bay traces back to women who never collected a paycheck for the work. She also talks about the stereotype the League has spent decades dismantling, the hiring of the organization's first ever Chief Operating Officer, and what keeps leadership up at night as they look toward the next 100 years. This is a conversation about legacy, leadership, and what it looks like when women decide to build something that outlasts them. 00:00 League Strengths 00:53 Century Legacy 02:51 Founding Vision 05:36 How It Works 07:10 Diaper Bank Impact 10:00 Centennial Projects 13:53 Learning From Leagues 15:37 Projects That Last 17:09 Strategy With Turnover 19:28 Breaking Stereotypes 22:05 Recruiting Next Gen 24:08 Evolving The Model 25:44 Next 100 Years 28:37 Tampa Storytelling 32:14 Gala Highlights 34:10 Bicentennial Hopes 35:24 Lightning Round 37:20 Closing Call To Action

    39 min
  2. Doubling Down Before Anyone Believed | Mike Griffin, Vice Chair and Co-Head of the Florida Region, Savills

    May 13

    Doubling Down Before Anyone Believed | Mike Griffin, Vice Chair and Co-Head of the Florida Region, Savills

    Before Mike Griffin knew what commercial real estate was, he was walking up and down the sun-baked stands of Tampa Stadium selling Cokes and peanuts to a crowd of strangers. That early lesson in showing up, working hard, and earning something stuck. So did Tampa. Mike Griffin is Vice Chair and Co-Head of the Florida Region of Savills, responsible for more than 13 million square feet of transactions across 18 states and 15 countries. He brokered the first Fortune 500 relocation in Tampa's history and signed the first lease in Water Street. He became the youngest chairman in the 135-year history of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. He was appointed to the Tampa Port Authority by the governor. He serves today as Vice Chair of the USF Board of Trustees and Chair of the Finance Committee, where he has been a central architect of the new on-campus football stadium. And he did all of it from the same city where he grew up, choosing to double down on Tampa before most people believed it was worth the bet. In this conversation with host Tracie Domino, Mike talks about what it means to invest in a place before the world catches up, how his mentor Ann Duncan hired him as her first employee straight out of USF and changed the trajectory of his life, why trust is the only thing he is actually selling, and what it cost him personally to build a city-level reputation over two decades. He also gets into the global lens he brings to Tampa deals, why life sciences is the city's next North Star, and what it took to get a $400 million on-campus football stadium across the finish line at USF. This one is for the builders. The ones who stayed. The ones who are still deciding whether to stay. And the ones who just need someone to remind them that the best time to bet on something is always before everyone else figures out it's worth it. Find Mike at savillsus.com and follow what's happening at USF at usf.edu. Chapters Betting on Tampa Before Anyone Else DidSelling Cokes and Learning EverythingThe Publix Years and the Standard of ExcellenceAnn Duncan and the Job That Changed His LifeWhat He Is Actually SellingThe First Fortune 500 and the First Lease in Water StreetTelling Tampa's Story to the WorldWhy Life Sciences Is Tampa's Next North StarThe $400 Million Bet on USF FootballLegacy Versus LeverageWhat Building a City-Level Reputation Actually CostsA Message to the Next GenerationWhat Makes Tampa Still SpecialLightning Round

    42 min
  3. Can't Get Any More Broke, Might As Well Keep Going: Mike DiBlasi, Senior Managing Director and North Florida Market Leader, CBRE

    Apr 29

    Can't Get Any More Broke, Might As Well Keep Going: Mike DiBlasi, Senior Managing Director and North Florida Market Leader, CBRE

    There is a moment Mike DiBlasi does not forget. It is 2008, the market has collapsed, every broker around him is either making excuses or making an exit, and he is beyond broke. Not almost broke. Beyond it. His dad is telling him he should have stayed in accounting. His friends are leaving the business. And Mike is standing there thinking: at this point, I can't get any more broke. Might as well keep going. That decision to stay when everything said leave is the thread that runs through everything Mike DiBlasi has built. A former closer on the FSU baseball team that went to the College World Series three times alongside future MLB players Kevin Cash and Matt Diaz, Mike came out of school with a CPA he did not love and a plan that fell apart fast. He cold-called every major Tampa brokerage looking for a shot. Most did not call back. He found his way in anyway. What followed was nearly two decades of grinding through commercial real estate at Cushman and Wakefield, Liberty Property Trust, and Feldman Equities before landing at CBRE, where he now serves as Senior Managing Director and North Florida Market Leader overseeing Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville. Nearly 650 transactions. More than 9 million square feet. Four consecutive years on the Tampa Bay Business Journal Power 100 List. And a 125-person office he has helped build into the number one commercial real estate operation in the market. In this episode, Tracie Domino sits down with a guy she has known since the late 1990s at Florida State, and the conversation goes everywhere. How losing a lead in the College World Series semi-final taught him more than any win ever did. Why locker room culture is the non-negotiable he never compromises on. What he looks for in people that goes way beyond a GPA. How AI is reshaping demand for commercial space across North Florida. And what he tells every young professional who reaches out to him still grinding and wondering if it is ever going to turn. This one is for anyone who has ever been told to go back to the safe path and chose to keep going instead. Visit cbre.com to find Mike DiBlasi and his team across Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville. 00:00 Beyond Broke Beginnings 00:51 Podcast Intro Mike Delos 02:41 Closer Mindset Under Pressure 03:25 Pivot After Baseball Ends 04:27 CPA To Brokerage Hustle 06:23 Early CRE Lessons And 2008 08:08 From Producer To Leader 10:31 Building Team Culture 13:26 North Florida Market Trends 14:58 Failing Forward Like Sports 17:01 People Skills And Hiring 20:38 Legacy Vision And Growth 21:44 Advice For Next Generation 25:02 Lightning Round Fun 26:16 Closing Thoughts

    27 min
  4. Why Doesn't She Leave Is the Wrong Question | Mindy Murphy, President & CEO of The Spring of Tampa Bay

    Apr 15

    Why Doesn't She Leave Is the Wrong Question | Mindy Murphy, President & CEO of The Spring of Tampa Bay

    Mindy Murphy did not plan to run a domestic violence center. She had been out of the workforce for 13 years raising her son, was not looking for a job, and had never worked in domestic violence. Then she had a dream, called back the board member who had been quietly recruiting her, and interviewed in the back room of a Cracker Barrel. A week later she was giving a speech about an organization she barely knew. That was 2012. Since then she has grown the Spring of Tampa Bay from a three and a half million dollar organization to nearly ten million, added the largest domestic violence law firm in the state of Florida, built a licensed therapy division, launched a sleepaway camp program, opened a new survivor services center in an 85-year-old World War II building in Drew Park, and maintained the only accredited onsite school for resident children in the United States. In this conversation with host Tracie Domino, Mindy talks about what most people get completely wrong about domestic violence, why the most dangerous moment for a survivor is when they decide to leave, the societal habit of blaming victims instead of holding abusers accountable, and what it looks like to run a nearly ten million dollar organization with 90 employees across a law firm, a therapy practice, a shelter, a thrift store, transitional housing, a childcare center, and a sleepaway camp. All through one lens. All in service of one mission. She also talks about the phone call she took yesterday. And why fourteen years in, the disclosures still stop her cold. The Spring of Tampa Bay has provided sanctuary and services to more than 60,000 adults and children since 1977. If you or someone you know needs help, call the Spring at 813-247-SAFE.

    1h 4m
  5. They Asked for a Grand Piano at Midnight. She Made It Happen: Anna Richardson, Founder of Anna Lucia Events

    Mar 25

    They Asked for a Grand Piano at Midnight. She Made It Happen: Anna Richardson, Founder of Anna Lucia Events

    Before she was dressing Water Street in large-scale art installations and producing seven-figure destination weddings, Anna Richardson was a project manager in real estate development with a company called Exceptional Events and no real plan. On this episode, she sits down with Tracie Domino to talk about what it actually takes to build a boutique luxury brand in a market people used to underestimate, why she turned down Miami, how growing up in construction taught her more about running a business than any MBA would have, and the midnight phone call that ended with a grand piano in a Ritz-Carlton presidential suite. Anna is the founder of Anna Lucia Events, a global boutique brand known for sensory-driven weddings, high-end social celebrations, and major art activations across Tampa Bay and beyond. This one is for anyone who has ever bet on themselves in a city no one was watching yet. 00:00 Guest List Magic 00:58 Podcast Intro and Guest 02:14 Naming the Brand 04:48 Grit and Early Lessons 07:03 Being Underestimated 08:27 Why Tampa Won 13:20 Raising the Local Bar 16:59 Designing Emotion 21:50 Surprise and Delight 26:26 Multi Day Wedding Flow 28:39 Art Activations Leap 32:03 Big Art Activations 34:04 Making Art Accessible 37:07 Weatherproof Event Planning 38:56 Hurricane Venue Pivot 45:35 Permits Gone Wrong 49:52 Bridezilla Stories 55:06 Red Flags and Fit 58:23 Press and Success Shift 59:16 Publications Matter Less 01:01:19 Top Planner Lists Critique 01:02:19 Referrals And Legacy Clients 01:03:14 Client First Publishing Ethics 01:04:48 Founder Stress And Cashflow 01:07:50 Sales Cycles And Budget Talks 01:11:16 Behind The Scenes Reality 01:15:46 Sacrifices And Boundaries 01:20:55 Lightning Round Fun 01:24:34 Final Thanks And Wrap

    1h 25m
  6. The CEO Who Shows Up With a Gun or a Shovel. Every Time: Scott Price, Founder & CEO of A-LIGN

    Mar 11

    The CEO Who Shows Up With a Gun or a Shovel. Every Time: Scott Price, Founder & CEO of A-LIGN

    Scott Price did not plan to start a company. He had a spreadsheet with his entire career mapped out and Arthur Andersen was part of every line of it. Then Enron happened. At 26, he signed voluntary termination papers, walked to the Hilton, had lunch, had a beer, and by Monday had delivered his first contract with his name signed as president. Twenty-four years later, A-LIGN is one of the top three cybersecurity and compliance firms in the world. Two of the top three were founded in Tampa Bay. Scott built his from a clearance speakerphone, a $29-a-night hotel room, and 10 holiday seasons in Baton Rouge that no one was watching. In this conversation he talks about the failures nobody saw, the sacrifices that shaped everything, what servant leadership actually looks like across 770 employees on multiple continents, and why success now means watching other people succeed. When someone needs him at 2 AM, Scott Price shows up. With a gun or a shovel. Every time. This is that story. 00:00 Laid Off At 2601:55 First Customer Rush03:51 Enron Changed Everything04:57 Spotting The Market Gap06:42 Scrappy Early Sacrifices09:24 Tampa And Private Equity10:15 Florida State Mindset12:03 Servant Leadership Culture15:28 Life Moments With Employees17:25 Values Hiring And Retention20:47 Staying Grounded In Growth24:01 Success Redefined26:58 Client Chaos Stories30:07 When Align Became Brand32:33 Starting Today With AI34:18 Proudest Culture Moments37:51 Legacy In 25 Years40:16 Lightning Round43:18 Final Thanks

    44 min
  7. The Ask That Never Happened: Frann Leppla, President, TGH Foundation

    Feb 25

    The Ask That Never Happened: Frann Leppla, President, TGH Foundation

    What if removing the ask from your biggest fundraising event actually raised more money? Frann Leppla, President of the Tampa General Hospital Foundation, joins host Tracie Domino to share how TGH Foundation eliminated night-of fundraising from their signature gala and sparked one of the most productive donor engagement periods in the foundation's history. Frann breaks down the psychology behind major gifts, the rise of the investor-donor who wants a real return on their philanthropic investment, and why the hard work of fundraising begins after the check is written, not before. She also addresses the biggest misconception in healthcare philanthropy: that donors receive better care as patients. At Tampa General, the mission is simple. Every human being deserves the best possible healthcare regardless of their ability to pay. Philanthropic dollars make that standard of excellence possible for everyone. This conversation also covers the extraordinary growth of the Tampa General system, what it truly means to be a Level 1 Trauma Center, and why the TGH Foundation has turned down significant gifts in order to protect the integrity of the mission. Whether you lead a nonprofit, work in healthcare, sit on a foundation board, or simply believe in the power of community investment, this episode will change how you think about giving, gratitude, and the brands people choose to believe in. Frann Leppla has served as President of the Tampa General Hospital Foundation for nearly eight years, growing its philanthropic impact year over year and helping position TGH as one of Florida's most trusted healthcare institutions. The Bay Builds Podcast features weekly conversations with the founders and executives behind Tampa Bay's biggest brands, businesses, and boldest ideas. 00:00 Why Events Fall Flat 01:01 Meet Fran Leppla 02:00 No Ask Gala Strategy 03:27 Psychology of Giving 04:41 Momentum After Events 06:13 TGH Growth Vision 07:35 Where TGH Operates 08:24 Donor Motivations Today 09:46 Showing Impact After Gifts 11:31 Philanthropy Misconceptions 12:47 Major Gifts Shift Works 13:57 Proof the Model Worked 16:13 Sales to Fundraising 19:23 Building Team Culture 21:12 Protecting Brand Trust 22:51 Academic Care Difference 24:18 Trauma Center and NICU 25:58 Foundation Goals Ahead 27:13 Lightning Round 28:53 Closing Reflections

    30 min
  8. Legacy, Resilience, and Heart: Richard Gonzmart and The Columbia Restaurant Story

    Feb 13

    Legacy, Resilience, and Heart: Richard Gonzmart and The Columbia Restaurant Story

    In this episode of “The Bay Builds,” we sit down with Richard Gonzmart, the fourth-generation owner of the Columbia Restaurant Group, to delve into a remarkable 120-year legacy of resilience, family, and community impact.  Richard shares profound stories of how his family navigated challenges from the 1903 opening amidst the Wright Brothers' first flight to enduring World Wars, the Spanish flu, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining quality, supporting staff, community commitment, and honoring Tampa's rich history.  Join us for an intimate conversation that goes beyond the usual interview to explore the deeper essence of what it takes to sustain a historic family business through generations. 00:00 The Beginnings of the Columbia Saloon 00:18 Challenges Through the Generations 00:53 Introducing Richard Smar 01:33 Legacy and Resilience 01:49 Memories and Stories 02:49 The Importance of Human Connection 03:25 Family Business Realities 06:16 Overcoming Financial Hardships 08:35 Commitment to Community and Staff 12:50 Preserving History and Legacy 23:23 Inspiring Medical Breakthroughs 23:57 Personal Impact of Childhood Cancer 24:21 Commitment to Cancer Research 25:28 Legacy and Education 28:00 Family and Business Values 29:53 Memories and Lessons from the Past 33:26 Living Life to the Fullest 36:17 Advice for the Next Generation 42:19 Honoring Family and Community 44:56 Final Reflections and Legacy

    47 min
  9. From Junk Truck to Juggernaut: Nick Friedman of College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving | The Bay Builds Ep 01

    Jan 28

    From Junk Truck to Juggernaut: Nick Friedman of College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving | The Bay Builds Ep 01

    In this inaugural episode of The Bay Builds, host Tracie Domino sits down with Nick Friedman, co-founder of College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving. Nick shares the incredible journey of how a summer gig with a beat-up cargo van transformed into a national brand with hundreds of franchisees. From unloading deer carcasses to encountering unexpected weapons, Nick recounts some of the wild experiences and pivotal moments that shaped the company's success. Discover how intentional micro habits, company culture, and a commitment to leadership development turned a catchy college idea into a thriving business. Tune in for insights on branding, growth, and the importance of hustle and heart in building a legacy. 00:00 From College Van to National Brand 01:11 The Birth of College Hunks 03:44 Early Challenges and Funny Stories 08:47 Building a Legendary Company Culture 11:22 Leadership and Employee Development 16:06 Crazy Hauling Experiences 19:38 Brand Recognition and Future Goals 22:28 Lightning Round and Closing Thoughts

    25 min
  10. Inside Tampa Bay’s Most Inspiring Businesses

    Trailer

    Inside Tampa Bay’s Most Inspiring Businesses

    The Bay Builds Podcast is a behind-the-scenes look at how real businesses are built, right here in Tampa Bay. Hosted by Tracie Domino, founder of Event Outfitters, the show features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, brand builders, and community leaders shaping the Bay. These aren’t highlight reels. They’re honest stories about growth, setbacks, leadership, culture, and the small habits that lead to big wins. From iconic local brands to hidden gems, each episode explores what it actually takes to build something that lasts, and why Tampa Bay builds differently. New episodes bi-weekly. 00:00 Welcome to The Bay Builds Podcast00:23 Meet Your Host: Tracie Domino00:31 Why Tampa Bay Has a Unique Business Energy00:49 Real People, Real Businesses00:56 Tampa Bay’s Inspiring Success Stories01:12 The Power of Community and Branding01:25 Spotlighting Builders and Hidden Gems01:45 Behind the Scenes of Business Success01:56 What Makes the Tampa Bay Spirit Different02:01 What to Expect Each Episode02:09 Lessons from Tampa’s Business Leaders02:25 Fun Segments and Rapid Fire Questions02:39 Progress, Purpose, and Building Something That Lasts02:57 Tracie’s Philosophy on Business and Belief03:13 What Truly Makes Businesses Successful03:28 Join Us on the Journey03:45 Subscribe and Stay Connected

    4 min

Trailer

About

Every brand has a story, but great brands create moments. The Bay Builds Podcast , where Tampa Bay’s boldest founders, marketers, and makers reveal how unforgettable brands are built. Hosted by Tracie Domino, founder of Event Outfitters, each episode explores the strategy and soul behind the experiences, events, and gifting moments that make brands stick. 🎧 Guests include: Entrepreneurs, marketers, designers, and visionaries who are redefining what it means to build a brand that people remember. ✨ Make it matter. Make it memorable. Make it Tampa.

Information

  • Creator
    Tracie Domino | Founder, Event Outfitters
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tracie Domino | Founder, Event Outfitters
  • Show Website
    The Bay Builds Podcast