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Leadership & Legacy

These men are crafting Tampa with intention and care.

TJ Fatinikun
T-FAT’S Auto Spa & G.I.F.T.E.D Legacy Group

TJ Fatinikun, founder of T-FAT’s Auto Spa and G.I.F.T.E.D Legacy Group, is redefining what it means to serve with intention. A former professional athlete with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his foundation in discipline now fuels a new standard in business and leadership. Rooted in excellence, his work goes beyond automotive care, it’s about creating an experience that reflects value, precision, and purpose.

“We’re shaping mindsets, systems, and legacy,” shared Fatinikun. His approach blends elevated service with a mission to impact how people think, grow, and invest in themselves.

That same intentionality carries into how he views community. For TJ, it’s not optional, it’s a responsibility. “Community is love…it’s making a constant choice to contribute, not just benefit,” added Fatinikun. Through mentorship programs like the G.I.F.T.E.D Legacy Group, he pours into the next generation, creating environments where young men are exposed to opportunity, structure, and belief.

At the heart of his work is a clear definition of legacy: impact that multiplies. “Success without impact is temporary, legacy is what continues,” said Fatinikun. Whether through business or mentorship, TJ is building something designed to outlive him, one person, one standard at a time.

Gerardo Bonilla

The Motor Enclave

Gerardo Bonilla, Club Pro at The Motor Enclave, leads with a combination of passion, precision, and people-first leadership. At the heart of one of Tampa’s most dynamic experiential destinations, he helps create an environment where motorsports, events, and community converge into something greater than the sum of its parts. With over three decades in the motorsports industry, Gerardo brings depth and vision to his role, focused on delivering experiences that exceed expectations.

His approach to leadership is rooted in care and enthusiasm for the work, “I genuinely look forward to work every day,” shared Bonilla. “No two days are the same…I love motorsports, I love events, and I love people.” That passion translates into a culture of excellence, where every detail is intentional and every interaction is an opportunity to elevate the experience. Whether overseeing events or supporting his team, Gerardo leads by example, setting a tone that values performance and people.

Community is a natural extension of that mindset. For Gerardo, it’s about creating spaces where people feel connected and valued. “We want each of them to feel like we are part of a family, whose mission is to improve the lives of everyone we touch,” explained Bonilla. Through events like Cars en Coffee, which draws thousands from across the region, The Motor Enclave has become a hub for shared passion and connection.

At its core, Gerardo’s leadership is about building something lasting. By investing in people, fostering joy, and maintaining a standard of excellence, he is shaping a culture that extends beyond the gates of The Motor Enclave, one that continues to grow through every person it impacts.

Tom Knotts

Adalay Interiors / National Kitchen and Bath Association

Scouting America / Tampa CERT

Tom Knotts is a leader whose impact reaches far beyond the spaces he designs. As the owner of Adalay Interiors and an active leader across multiple organizations, including the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Scouting America, and Tampa CERT, Tom’s work is rooted in building both beautiful environments and stronger communities. With more than 25 years in the cabinetry and design industry, his approach blends craftmanship with purpose, creating spaces where families can gather, connect, and build lasting memories that truly stand the test of time.

His commitment to excellence is grounded in intentionality and attention to detail. “Success is entirely dependent on the details,” Tom shared. “Intentionality means ensuring everyone involved has the right tools, knowledge, and support to execute the mission safely and effectively.” Whether managing projects at his Hyde Park showroom, coordinating logistics for his team, or supporting large-scale initiatives, Tom leads with preparation, clear communication, and a deep respect for the people he serves and works alongside daily. His ability to balance precision with creativity allows him to deliver results that are both highly functional and visually impactful for every client he serves with consistency, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to excellence always.

For Tom, community is both personal and essential. Having grown up in Tampa, he views it as a shared foundation that requires active participation. “A strong community requires active, sustained participation,” he said. From mentoring young men through Scouting America to serving disaster response with Tampa CERT, Tom shows up where he’s needed most, bringing consistency, care, and leadership in every role he holds with integrity and purpose. His dedication reflects a lifelong commitment to giving back to the place that shaped him.

At the core of his work is the belief that legacy is built through people. By investing in others, empowering future leaders, and creating spaces that stand the test of time, Tom is leaving behind something far greater than projects. He’s shaping lives, strengthening community, and building a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

Brad Oleshansky

The Motor Enclave

Brad Oleshansky, founder and visionary behind The Motor Enclave, is redefining experiential motorsports while building something designed to last far beyond the present. As a seasoned real estate developer, Brad has spent his career creating destinations that bring people together, blending innovation with purpose. His work reflects a long-term vision rooted in impact, where every project is designed to serve not only its immediate audience but future generations as well, creating lasting value and meaningful experiences for all involved across multiple industries and communities nationwide.

At the core of his leadership is a clear and unwavering focus: client experience. “We are 100% client focused,” Brad shared. “Everything we do across the organizations is designed to achieve that goal.” This singular mindset creates alignment across his team and ensures that every detail, from private garage ownership to large-scale events, is executed with intention and care. His ability to unify people around a shared mission has been instrumental in positioning The Motor Enclave at the forefront of experiential motorsports and innovative real estate development nationwide.

Brad’s perspective on community is equally expansive. Through The Motor Enclave, he has helped transform underutilized land into a vibrant community asset that contributes to the economic and social fabric of Tampa Bay. “Success is based on impact and the number of lives you can improve,” he explained. From job creation to hosting philanthropic events and charity galas, his work extends beyond business, serving as a catalyst for growth, connection, and giving back throughout the region in meaningful and measurable ways that continue to evolve and expand over time while strengthening partnerships and elevating the overall community experience across Tampa.

Legacy remains a driving force behind everything he builds. For Brad, it’s not just about projects, but about people. From celebrating life milestones within his team to inspiring others to reach their full potential, his leadership is rooted in creating opportunities that endure. By leading with purpose and working alongside his team, Brad continues to shape a culture of excellence, one that will leave a lasting imprint on both the industry and the community he serves.

 

Tony LaForgia

Shriners Children’s

Tony LaForgia serves as a dedicated national executive leader at Shriners Children’s, an organization committed to transforming lives through innovative pediatric specialty care, research, and medical education. With a mission rooted in providing advanced care regardless of a family’s ability to pay, Tony plays a vital role in connecting communities, individuals, and organizations to a cause that creates lasting impact. His work is centered on ensuring that more children and families have access to life-changing care, supported through philanthropic partnerships and long-term community engagement efforts that continue to expand the organization’s reach and influence across multiple regions and diverse populations in need of support through intentional outreach and collaborative partnerships with community leaders.

Tony approaches his work with a strong sense of intention and focus. “It starts by being deliberate about your focus,” he shared. “You have to decide what truly deserves your attention and give those tasks the care they require.” In the fast-paced world of nonprofit work, his ability to prioritize what has the greatest impact allows him to lead with clarity and purpose. Each day, his efforts are guided by the understanding that every action contributes to a larger mission of service and support that directly benefits children and families in need.

For Tony, community extends far beyond traditional definitions. It’s about connection, visibility, and shared responsibility. “Humans hold tremendous power in shaping our environment,” he explained. Whether through supporting local initiatives, tutoring students, or simply being an active and positive presence, he believes in showing up with intention. His work often serves as a bridge between those who want to give and those who need support, creating meaningful opportunities for impact on both sides while fostering deeper relationships within the community.

At the heart of Tony’s leadership is a belief that legacy is built daily. Through authentic relationships and action-based compassion, he strives to leave a ripple effect that extends well beyond any single interaction. By leading with both competence and heart, Tony continues to inspire others to give, connect, and contribute, ensuring that the mission of Shriners Children’s reaches even more lives for generations to come.

 “I genuinely look forward to work every day,” shared Bonilla. “No two days are the same…I love motorsports, I love events, and I love people.” That passion translates into a culture of excellence, where every detail is intentional and every interaction is an opportunity to elevate the experience.