Sarasota Stories

Bob Williams

Love living in Sarasota Florida? We do too. It's dynamic. It's growing. It has provincial values and an international flare. It's a combination of small city charm with big city vibes. But who are the people who live here that make this town such a wonderful place to live? Sarasota Stories aims to find out. I interview local leaders, influencers, and creators to discover what makes them tick, why they live here, what they're working on, and where they are going. You might hear an interview with one of your neighbors... and who knows, we may get to hear your story too! Sign up here for all episodes: https://sarasotastories.co

  1. He Creates World-Renown Music From Behind The Scenes - with Joe McKenna

    07/20/2023

    He Creates World-Renown Music From Behind The Scenes - with Joe McKenna

    If you're a concert lover like me I'll bet you rarely consider the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to create the audible art we enjoy - especially when it entails hundreds of moving parts. But for any production to work well it needs planning, staff, and leadership to help the musicians actually deliver an excellent performance. Hi, I'm your host Bob Williams, and I'm very pleased to welcome Joe McKenna, President & CEO of the Sarasota Orchestra. In this episode, you'll learn ... One thing that most people don't know about JoeWhy he chose a career in the performing artsWhat it's like to manage 50+ staff members in 10 different departments plus Music Festivals, Concert Series, Youth Orchestra, and Summer CampsWhy & how the next generation of "Fellows" end up here from all over the worldAn update on the new world-class, 32-acre music hall campus on Fruitville Road.... and much much more! Thank you for stopping by today as it is my hope you will listen ... learn ... and connect! About Joseph McKenna Originally from the state of Rhode Island, Joe joined the Orchestra in 2001 Joe oversees all operational and administrative functions. He is responsible for executing the strategic direction of the Board and ensuring the organization's financial security. During his tenure, the endowment corpus increased by more than $10 million, the Youth Orchestra had its debut performance at Carnegie Hall and the orchestra re-launched its brand including the name change to Sarasota Orchestra. His previous positions include Managing Director of the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center (in Wisconsin), Executive Director of the Great Woods Educational Forum, and Assistant Professor of Music at Wheaton College. Joe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Trombone Performance and Music Education from the New England Conservatory. Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Email

    36 min
  2. Listen to this Episode If You Work in Healthcare, with Justin Bellante

    07/18/2023

    Listen to this Episode If You Work in Healthcare, with Justin Bellante

    Our local economy is booming causing more and more businesses to compete for a limited labor pool. This fact is even more visible in the healthcare industry. Still, if you're a healthcare professional looking to move here or simply wanting to move up in your career, you do need a seasoned professional who has the pulse on the local labor market and can advise and help you find your next job. Today I'm very pleased to welcome Justin Bellante, Vice President of Business Development for the Titan Placement Group. In this episode, you'll learn ... ...one thing most people don't know about JustinWhich jobs are most currently in demand in HealthcareHow Justin ensures the right "fit" between candidate and organization.What sets Titan Placement Group apart from other healthcare recruitment agenciesJustin's favorite story where he helped a candidate find the perfect matchWhy you might want to reach out...and much .... much... more! Thank you for listening today as it is my hope you will listen ... learn ... and connect! About Justin: Justin Bellante is a Managing Partner with Titan Placement Group - a newer recruiting organization based in Sarasota. I have been in Sarasota since elementary school and graduated from Sarasota High. Since then, I have been immersed in the recruiting world and just branched out on my own with a few colleague. We're growing and looking to expand our service to the Sarasota community. Website Youtube Facebook Twitter Linkedin

    36 min
  3. It's A Partnership That Impacts You, Me and All of Sarasota County - With Josh Ewen

    07/11/2023

    It's A Partnership That Impacts You, Me and All of Sarasota County - With Josh Ewen

    Many people don't realize that most counties in Florida and the US are in competition with each other. They compete to attract and retain business. Of course, whoever wins this competition better ensures the local economy is vibrant and growing. The smarter counties form private-public alliances where the local government and local industry work together. Fortunately for us, Sarasota County has such a partnership, and the economic winds are certainly in our sails in no small part to their efforts. Hi, I'm your host Bob Williams and I'm very happy to welcome Josh Ewen, Vice President of Development for the Sarasota Economic Development Corporation. Better known as the EDC. In this episode, you'll learn ... One thing most people don't know about Josh.The mission of the EDC and how it benefits your community.Which industry sectors the EDC is focused on now to better help diversify our economy.How local companies benefit by supporting the EDC.What the EDC plans are for the future.... and much ... much... more! Thank you for stopping by today as it is my hope you will listen ... learn ... and connect! About Josh... Joshua Ewen serves as the Director of Economic Development for the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Sarasota County serving as a key team member to attract, grow and diversify business throughout Sarasota County. His roles include managing the EDC’s project development pipeline, assisting existing business with retention, expansion and marketing Sarasota County’ business strengths to the world. Mr. Ewen has 15 years of local government management experience. Mr. Ewen received his college education at California State University, Stanislaus with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master of Public Administration. He also possesses a post-baccalaureate certificate in Construction Management. Email Linkedin Website

    38 min
  4. Why Business Leaders Need a Coach – with Tony Daum

    07/06/2023

    Why Business Leaders Need a Coach – with Tony Daum

    Cliches are cliches for a reason because they do have a lot of truth in them. Take the cliche that "the quickest route is always a straight line." One local business trainer and the coach believe in this concept so much that he has a coach for every major area of his life to reach his goals faster. Hi, I'm your host Bob Williams and I'm very pleased to welcome Tony Daum, CEO & Head Coach at EXCELLence Performance a company that provides "World Class Leadership and Personal Growth and Communication Skills Training." In today's episode, you'll learn ... One thing most people don't know about TonyWhat motivated him to start EXCELLence PerformanceWhy he believes every business leader needs a coachHow Tony and his team stay on top of a rapidly changing business world... and much, much more! Thank you for stopping by today as I hope you will listen, learn and connect! About Tony... Tony Daum is the CEO & Head Coach at EXCELLence Performance. He specializes in Business Consulting and Executive Coaching to C-Suite Executives, Leadership and Management Teams as well as Leadership and Communication Skills Training, Personal Development. Tony was voted Best Business Leader by SRQ Local. EXCELLence Performance has also received the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award in 2022 and they’ve repeatedly been Voted #1 Business Consultant & Trainer by the Herald-Tribune Readers’ Choice Awards. Tony is a highly sought after Keynote speaker and has opened for Robert Kiyosaki, John C. Maxwell, Dr. Denis Waitley, and Mark Victor Hanson. He’s been flown around the world to speak to audiences of 10,000+. He served six terms on the advisory board of a billion-dollar company and as an advisor on the Board of Directors for three 501c3 charities. He’s spent decades building successful businesses and helping others do the same. Where to contact Tony Website Email Facebook Linkedin

    39 min
  5. She's A Rising Sarasota Realtor, Entrepreneur, Author, and Speaker - with Alahna Nicolas

    06/29/2023

    She's A Rising Sarasota Realtor, Entrepreneur, Author, and Speaker - with Alahna Nicolas

    Some studies show that only the death of a loved one and divorce are more stressful than moving to a new home. But these studies focus on adults and not children. One talented, local realtor (and mother) saw this problem and decided to write a children's book to deal with this very real problem. Hi, I’m your host Bob Williams and I'm very pleased to welcome Alahna Nicolas of Living Vogue Real Estate. In this episode, you'll hear ... One thing most people don’t know about AlahnaWhat she wished everyone knew about being a realtorWhat she's seeing in the market right nowWhere the idea for writing a children’s book came fromWhere you can reach Alahna for your real estate needs... an much, much more! Thank you for listening in today as it is my hope you will listen ... learn ... and connect! About Alahna... Alahna Nicolas is a REALTOR, entrepreneur, author, and speaker. Growing up, she always knew that I wanted to do something impactful. She loves the thrill of solving problems and volunteering. Alahna Nicolas endeavors to provide her clients with a professional, personalized, and pleasant experience, whether reading to the kiddos or working in Real Estate. Distinguished by an entrepreneurial spirit and positive attitude, Alahna approaches each transaction with efficiency & enthusiasm. She relishes the thrill of problem-solving and meets the many challenges that often occur during escrow head-on and with composure, fidelity & acuity. Alahna's Website Alahana"s Facebook Alahna's Instagram Alahna's Linkedin

    29 min
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Love living in Sarasota Florida? We do too. It's dynamic. It's growing. It has provincial values and an international flare. It's a combination of small city charm with big city vibes. But who are the people who live here that make this town such a wonderful place to live? Sarasota Stories aims to find out. I interview local leaders, influencers, and creators to discover what makes them tick, why they live here, what they're working on, and where they are going. You might hear an interview with one of your neighbors... and who knows, we may get to hear your story too! Sign up here for all episodes: https://sarasotastories.co