Our editor sat down (remotely) with five men who call Naples home and work to make our community even more vibrant. Whether they are giving back in their “spare” time or spending their days engaging with residents, we admire their spirit and positivity. We asked them each four questions.
1. Tell us about one or two men who inspired you during your life and career.
2. How do you blow off steam and relax?
3. Giving back is very important to us at Naples Lifestyle magazine. How do you share your gifts?
4. We pray that by the time this June issue hits mailboxes, we will all be out and about. Where will you go for a special dinner in Naples?
Bill Barnett
Former Mayor of Naples
1. My late Uncle Marty who dedicated his whole career to the Legal Aid Society in NYC. He was a Yale Graduate and a Dartmouth law student. He became the Legal Aid’s top criminal attorney and never cashed a paycheck from them. He was appointed by Mayor Koch to serve as a Judge on the Criminal Courts bench. He was a wonderful mentor to me. My General Manager at the first Ford dealership I worked at in Pleasantville, New York was another influential person. He taught me the right way to sell a car and build a loyal customer base which stayed with me throughout my automobile career and my political career. It was not just about being honest, but equally important to him was to be sincere. I always tried to follow his examples.
2. I have been fortunate to be married to my wife Chris for 34 years which was the majority of my political career. She has always been a great release valve for me to blow off steam because she is a great listener and a very soft speaker. After I was done with a tirade she would smile, tell me she understood, and offer her opinion which for the most part was spot on. Even if I didn’t agree I always felt better. As for relaxing these days, I walk 4 miles a day at a brisk pace, I like to cook, read, and watch TV. We have a rescue Bulldog and two rescue cats and they always help keep a smile on my face.
3. Next to my family, giving back to my community has been my number one priority. From the early years in the 70’s I was involved with many charities at their early stages and ended up serving on their boards. I have been and still am a no fee charity auctioneer for over 30 years in Naples. And perhaps the most important to me was my career to the City of Naples serving 12 years as a City Council Member and 16 years as the Mayor. Currently, I am proud to serve on the Shelter for Abused Women and Children’s board of directors.
4. Whenever I am asked about a favorite or special restaurant in Naples it always puts me on the spot because after living here for 47 years we have a lot of favorites. However, after this pandemic is over I think the first restaurant I would go to would be Andre’s Steakhouse. We would sit at the bar with a Tito’s on the rocks for me and a glass of red wine for Chris, and a NY strip steak cooked Pittsburgh medium rare with an Andre’s salad which we will share. We will make our toast to good health!
Bob DesJardins
Wishmaker, Make-A-Wish SWFL
1. I worked for General Mills in sales and management for 39 years and had many men who were mentors, both in business and in my personal life. A person that’s inspired me in the Naples community is Norman Wedderburn, the president & CEO of Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida. He’s very understanding of and dedicated to fulfilling the nonprofit’s mission to grant life-changing wishes for critically-ill children and is actively involved in the fundraising events I’ve been part of. He’s upbeat, positive, a good listener, and someone who left a successful law practice to lead a charitable organization he’s passionate about.
The entire Southern Florida chapter that Norm leads is very professional and dedicated. This group, along with my fellow volunteers, are the ones that make things happen for wish kids.
2. I enjoy music (the big band era specifically) and have played the drums for more than 70 years. I put myself through Alfred University in upstate New York with money earned as a drummer and still play in bands. The late Buddy Rich is one of my favorites and I like watching local jazz groups perform.
3. I’m honored to have had a variety of volunteer roles at Make-A-Wish, including wish granter, public speaker, and assisting with fundraising events like the “Wishmaker’s Ball” and “Walk for Wishes.” Wish granters are the volunteers who meet with families to help determine the sick child’s wish and then coordinate with Make-A-Wish staff to deliver the best possible experience. I’ve helped grant 65 wishes, none more memorable than the last one we completed before the coronavirus quarantine. 14-year-old Renel wished for a drum set and we hatched an elaborate plan to surprise him at halftime of a Florida Gulf Coast University basketball game. We wheeled the kit out to him on the court, but only a few of us knew that the drums came to us unassembled and it was a race to get it set up in time for the big reveal. We made it with only a few moments to spare.
4. The Capital Grille. They were part of the restaurant group when I worked at General Mills.
Bruce Barone, Jr.
Executive Director, 5th Avenue South Business Improvement District
1. My father is my hero and has guided me throughout my life. My Dad gave me the best things in life: his time, his care, and his love. His influence has made me the man I am today and is the template I use when teaching both of my sons.
2. I love being with my wife and sons. My wife is easily my best friend, any opportunity to spend time with her is a bonus, especially after a long day. We have two young children, so our time together not running around is rare. Sheltering-in-place has made me appreciate her all the more, what her daily schedule of chaos is like, and has reinforced how fortunate I am for having her in my life. The time of community distancing has given us more time to appreciate the things we love, we have been given the opportunity to be more active, our big German Shepherd/Lab Maximus has enjoyed the additional long walks and playing baseball outside with the boys.
3. My faith is integral in my life and so supporting causes that benefit children are paramount. The City of Naples Police Department’s Do The Right Thing program is very special to me. This organization recognizes children within our community who are making a positive impact on their peers and are acting as exemplary role models for others. It’s a great program that recognizes these kids with special award ceremonies with the Mayor and City Council. It makes you realize how important it is to teach children strong values and despite their young ages, they can make an impact on their community.
4. It’s very hard for me to choose just one place, 5th Avenue South has some of the best restaurants in the world. I’m going to say I’d really just love to visit my mother when the quarantine is over and have her home cooking.
Clay Miller
NBC2 Morning Anchor
1) The person who has inspired me during my life and career is my late father Walter Miller. My dad was an incredible man who was determined at an early age to make a difference in people's lives. From his 10 year devotion to the Catholic priesthood to his 30 plus year career as a public school administrator, my dad stood tall in his community. The one quality, among many, that stood out to me was his humbleness. It was never about my dad and his accomplishments. It was about the people who benefitted from his successes. I'm forever grateful for my dad and I've always tried to echo that humble nature in my family life and career as a TV news anchor.
2) Family time and exercise is my way to blow off steam. I love watching my teen children in anything they do. My daughter is a cheerleader and my son plays high school baseball and soccer. I'm at peace sitting in the stands with my wife seeing our children succeed in what they love. I also try and get outside for long walks on local trails when I can. The combination of good music and sunshine does a lot to clear the head. Especially during the trying times we've been dealing with as a nation.
3) I have been blessed to be in a position that allows me to host charitable events throughout Southwest Florida. I am honored to give my time throughout the year to organizations whose philanthropy is leaving an indelible mark in the local community. The giving I witness is truly inspiring. If I can play a small role in a worthy cause I feel fulfilled.
4) We will be going to Turtle Club or HB's on the Gulf.