Charles Patti
Tell us about you and your business?
MY Self Wellness is a cutting-edge, multi-award winning Ketamine clinic and pioneer in the psychedelics space in Bonita Springs. MY Self Wellness assists those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma and other mental health issues and approaches mental health in a holistic manner, working to address the root issue through psychedelic ketamine therapy. As Co-Founder and Chief Brand Ambassador, I draw from my own life experiences and put into practice my own journey of healing to help others. MY Self Wellness employs a team of 17 professionals. It has performed nearly 10,000 treatments to date since it was founded in 2019.
What initiatives or projects are you currently involved in?
I, along with my partner Christina Thomas, founded the nonprofit Warriors of Consciousness in 2022. With the mission to help those who cannot afford ketamine therapy treatments, Warriors of Consciousness aims to assist those struggling with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and other mental health conditions. Because ketamine therapy is not covered by insurance, we understand the importance of experiencing these transformations without financial restrictions. I strongly believe everyone who needs access to these treatments should be able to find hope and healing and not be held back by financial constraints. To date, we have donated free treatments to more than 90 individuals.
What motivates you?
Ending peoples’ suffering. I am an empath and I know what it feels like to suffer. If I can help stop peoples’ suffering and make a tangible difference in someone’s life, that’s what gets me out of bed every morning. I get excited because I know I get to help save a life.
Eric Schwartz
Tell us about you and your business?
We provide comprehensive advisory for all facets of one's wealth and access to private investment opportunities.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your career or in your community involvement, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge and opportunity has been to realize that the core of what I love about what I do is helping people that I care about. Getting to a place to confidently be extremely discerning with choosing my clients has enhanced how fulfilled I am with my career and I think my clients hopefully feel more connected and happy as a result.
What is most important to you in life?
Of course, my family.. and having the freedom to pursue things that make me happy.
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?
Making it clear that family always comes first, then taking care of myself, then my career.
Share men in your life you admire or have been inspired by, and why? One of my early clients who shared 4 words of wisdom to live by and to advise by.. DFIU.. Don’t F it up.
What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?
Exercise, meditation, family, friends.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Have confidence to be your authentic self and not what you think people want you to be.
What is your favorite restaurant in Naples?
Continental. Beautiful setting, great food and service. Been going there for a long time and have celebrated many special occasions there.
Marvin D Rouse
Tell us about you and your business.
I am Marvin D. Rouse an artist originally from Indianapolis, IN. I moved here with my now wife May 17th, 1998 to continue my dream to become a great artist. I was 21 years old with less than $300.00 and I would turn 22 just three days after arriving. Upon moving I started my business Rouse Designs, where we have provided creative solutions to Designers, Builders, and Architects for over 25 years. Utilizing my artistic gift in a diverse way has done more than I would have ever imagined in this industry. I am at heart an artist with a vast imagination brought to life through my paintings and sculptures I exhibit out of my downtown Old Naples studio gallery. I realized that I’ve been living my dream the entire time and that’s the best part about my business.
Share men in your life you admire or have been inspired by, and why?
Men who have been in my life that have inspired me are many, my Uncle Johnny, Father Marvin D. Williams, Uncle Donny, Augie Fabela, Brian McNelis, Ricky Lipman, Vincent Restivio, James Collins, Dennis Blum, Dave Johnson, Steven Sacks, Ted Nering, Dario Campanile, and more. All these men have taught me one thing or another at various points of my life, mentors sharing what they had acquired during their path and inspired to share with me along our journey together.
What motivates you?
I’m motivated by knowing there are no limits to what we can create and accomplish during our lives. I’m motivated by the fact I am creating a legacy for generations to come.
Jason Aulenbach
Tell us about you and your business.
My name is Jason Aulenbach and I am passionate about providing accounting services to my clients. My ideal client is startup to $5M in annual revenue, although I do handle strategic services for companies in excess of $30M in revenue. I also manage a few books for individuals. I have over 25 years of experience, ranging from Financial Analyst to Controllership roles. My services range from bookkeeping to Strategic CFO level services. Some of the industries I have served in are Staffing/Recruiting, Healthcare, Construction, multiple service industries, and Law Firms. My technical background has enabled me to provide a unique service in terms of the ever-changing technology in the business world. I can serve as a liaison between IT, Finance, and Leadership to ensure you have the right systems and processes to help your company thrive. My Fractional Accounting Services can add great value to your company. You get the best of both worlds - you have the flexibility to bring on the resources you need without the high costs of hiring and turnover of FT employees. You also get 25+ years of knowledge and experience at a part-time cost. My primary focus is being a trusted partner to my client. Human capital is important to me, and I pride myself in customer support and having healthy and constructive working relationships with my clients and their teams!
How do you define success?
Success in life to me is being content. Being a good husband, father, friend and a productive member of society. I think the real "flex" in life is controlling your time, having the resources to enjoy the things in life that make you happy, while minimizing stress and anxiety.
Clark Pear
Tell us about your business.
Infinity Health Anti-aging and Longevity Clinic was created to help people optimize their health and lives by using a protocol of regenerative medicine treatments, suggested diet, cognitive training, supplements, and fitness, to support better sleep, pain relief, injury repair, organ healing, vitality, energy, cognitive improvement, weight loss, immunomodulatory, and reduction in biological age.
How did you get involved in this business?
I tore my rotator cuff 4 years ago while I was sparring and training MMA and could not move my left arm without the assistance of my right arm and was in searing pain. My doctor told me I needed a new shoulder, it would cost $50,000, I would be out of commission for 6 months and no guarantee of mobility after that. Fortunately, I’d seen a segment on Joe Rogan about benefits of regenerative medicine. I called a friend who treated me with anti-aging regenerative medicine and within one week my arm was fully mobile and I was pain-free. Within two weeks I was back in the gym and training MMA and was 20% stronger than before plus my neck, back, and knees felt remarkably better. I began further investigation and research then and fast forward to 2024 launched my own clinic.
What are your future goals?
To open four more locations in FL, 200 nationwide, and then globally to help people optimize their health and lives across the planet. The locations I have selected will allow people to get off a plane with a short walk to the clinic. Also, I plan to start a massive foundation to treat people who can’t afford the treatment as it is currently not covered by any insurance or financing. The foundation will focus on the veterans and people of service plus collaborate with other foundations.
Zach Frank
Tell us about you and your business?
I am a very proud, 4th generation Naples Floridian. For the past decade, I’ve worked as a medical device rep for various companies providing hip and knee prostheses. 6 years ago, my wife Shelby and I opened She She on 5th Blow Dry Loft & Salon (which my wife primarily runs), and last year, our new endeavor, Med Spa on 5th. The location of our businesses is particularly important to me as I’ve always viewed 5th Avenue as the heart of our beautiful city.
What initiatives or projects are you currently involved in?
Growing our Med Spa is the top priority right now. The incredible innovations that have been made for wellness are not only effective but also impressive. We are so proud to be able to provide the people of Naples with high quality services that give lasting results.
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?
Balance is key to everything. I try to make sure to put just as much heart into work as I do into my marriage and friendships. One cannot exist without the other. I stay balanced by knowing when to put work down and focus on why I’m really doing all of it; to make a better life for those I love.
What was the best advice you ever received?
Always be presentable. First impressions are everything. You never know who you’re going to meet or where your next opportunity lies.
How do you define success in your life?
Success for me is walking into our businesses and seeing how happy our employees are, meeting a satisfied client, when we are being referred or when I read a great review. Getting that confirmation that it’s all working out and our vision has come to life; it puts a smile on my face every time.
Shane Cramsey
Tell us about you and your business?
My name is Shane Cramsey, and I am from Denver, Colorado. My journey took a drastic turn in mid-2021, propelling me from the bustling commercial roofing industry to the serene shores of Naples. Despite the luxuries that accompanied my former profession - the hefty paychecks, the Ferrari, the Rolex on my wrist - I found myself craving something more than just material success.
In a moment of clarity, I realized that among the 6,000 roofing companies in Denver, I wasn't fulfilling my potential by merely blending in. I yearned for innovation, for something truly unique that would leave a mark. And so, I turned to the cosmos, seeking inspiration for a venture in the realm of e-commerce. It was then that the concept for TakeShots was bestowed upon me.
For the past two years, TakeShots has flourished, captivating audiences across TikTok, Instagram, Amazon, and the B2B market with our flagship product, the TakeShots Shot Straw. This ingenious invention revolutionized the act of taking shots, banishing the unpleasant aftertaste of alcohol while injecting a sense of fun and interactivity into the drinking experience. With over 250,000 units sold and a staggering $750,000 in net profit within just the second year, TakeShots has proven to be more than just a business venture; it's become a cultural phenomenon.
Yet, amidst the whirlwind of success, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. Despite the financial gains, I longed for a deeper sense of purpose, a way to give back to the community. Thus, with the groundwork laid by our patented product, I founded WellEase, a company dedicated to aiding children and parents in administering liquid medicines. By neutralizing unpleasant tastes and infusing the process with an element of enjoyment, WellEase strives to make medicine time not only easier but also a source of comfort and reassurance for families.
Alex Sanchez
Tell us about you and your business?
I started my career in 2015 in the corporate world with notable companies like JBT Aero Tech, JLL, and Amazon. I gained valuable experience and skills in various aspects of business operations, management, and strategy that helped me transition into the development and real estate investment sectors upon moving to Naples. I demonstrated my entrepreneurial spirit by founding two companies: AZ Construction Group and AZ Development Group. AZ Construction Group, as a boutique, family-owned, and operated company, reflects my dedication to personalized service and attention to detail. Specializing in high-end residential spec and custom homes, my company likely prioritizes quality craftsmanship, innovative design, and client satisfaction.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your career?
Some of the biggest challenges I faced in my career, were building relationships and networks within the industry. It not only takes time but also makes it harder to gain referrals and opportunities. For me to overcome this challenge, developing personal relationships helped me build trust over time. Attending industry events, joining professional associations, and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals have facilitated networking opportunities.
What initiatives or projects are you currently involved in?
I'm currently working on several exciting projects alongside my focus on high-end residential housing. Firstly, I'm spearheading a program aimed at providing affordable housing options by collaborating with various banks and private funding sources. This initiative is crucial for addressing the pressing need for accessible housing in our communities. Additionally, I'm developing a coaching course tailored to assist small businesses in their journey from inception to sustained growth. By providing mentorship and guidance, I hope to empower entrepreneurs and contribute to the flourishing of local economies.
These endeavors reflect my commitment to making a positive impact in both the housing and business sectors, and I'm excited to see the positive outcomes they will bring.
Gregory Sofranko
Tell us about you and your business.
I am the Team Lead at the Gregory Sofranko Group under the broker William Raveis Real Estate. We offer a broad range of services from traditional Buying/ Listing services to Renovations and Design and investments for residential Real Estate.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your career or in your community involvement, and how did you overcome them? In the past 5 years or so, new construction homes that are located in a close proximity to town, at a reasonable price range, have been difficult to come by. I started working with a select few contractors to identify, design, and renovate homes that were developed in the late 90’s/ early 2000’s. This has helped my customers stay close to town, build "sweat equity", and essentially have a brand new home within their budget.
What is most important to you in life?
My wife and the life that we’re building together.
What initiatives or projects are you currently involved in, and why are they important? Beyond the renovations and traditional buying and selling in real estate, I help with my wife’s home decor & design business, Feel At HOM. It’s been a passion of hers to create wonderful “homescapes" for customers and it’s been a pleasure to watch her grow and succeed in her industry.
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?
I try to take a lot of small vacations throughout the year. It could be a weekend to Tampa/ Miami or a two-week trip overseas in our off-season. Taking time to myself to recharge has been the most helpful.
