Marc Rasmussen
Tell us about yourself and your business. Can you share a bit about your journey—what led you to where you are today?
I really love helping people—it’s like a caffeine jolt to hear a client say, “That marketing you created for us got us seven new clients last month.” Even after 32 years in marketing, the excitement of helping businesses grow is contagious and never gets old. My journey started in South Dakota, where my ad agency grew to 30 employees and served hundreds of clients across industries like healthcare, legal, construction, automotive, real estate, dental, agriculture, and wellness. I sold the agency in 2012 to a large automotive dealership and moved to Naples in 2021. Today I still work with about 15 clients around the country and another 15 in Naples—roughly 60% of my time is spent creating marketing content and 40% is spent consulting and guiding businesses on where they need to go. My tagline is “Taking You From Here To There,” which simply means we look at where you are and where you want to be, then build a plan with options, tactics, timelines, costs, and return-on-investment probabilities. With all the advances in AI and technology, the fundamentals haven’t changed: you still need the four R’s—the right message to the right person in the right place at the right time.
Have you had any mentors or role models who shaped your path?
My role model is my dad, who always told me to get up and go help someone today. That simple instruction has shaped the way I’ve approached every client, every relationship, and every day of my career.
What’s one professional risk you took that paid off—not just financially, but personally?
Selling my ad agency of 20 years and moving 1,500 miles to Naples was a leap, but it’s paid off in a big way—both professionally and personally.
What advice would you give the younger version of yourself?
Don’t worry so much. Go use the gifts and interests that God has given you without fear.
What kind of man do you hope people remember you as?
A good friend—someone who was always there to help.
What values do you hope to pass on—whether to your kids, your peers, or your circle?
Love God, and love others as you love yourself. Everything else flows from that.
Chris Leber
Tell us about yourself and your business. Can you share a bit about your journey—what led you to where you are today?
I’m the owner of Select Development Group, a Naples-based general contracting and development company specializing in high-end residential, commercial, and development projects. My journey has been driven by a passion for building and a commitment to quality, and over time that has grown into a business centered on trust, excellence, and thoughtful execution.
What’s your relationship with ambition? Has it shifted over time?
Ambition has always been part of who I am, but it looks different today than it did early on. At first it was about growth, success, and proving I could build something of value. Over time it has become more about purpose—building a business the right way, creating opportunities for others, and making sure success is aligned with faith, family, and long-term impact.
What’s one professional risk you took that paid off—not just financially, but personally?
One of the biggest risks I took was leaving a comfortable job to start my company with just $6,000, a laptop, and a cell phone at my kitchen table. It was a leap of faith with no guarantees, but it forced me to grow, trust myself, and build something from the ground up. More than anything, that decision shaped me into the person and leader I am today.
What kind of legacy are you building, whether or not your name is on it?
The legacy I hope to leave is one of impact and significance. It’s not only about the buildings or projects we complete, but about how we influence people’s lives, create opportunities, and make a meaningful difference in the community. I want Select Development Group to be known as a company that truly mattered—one that would be missed for the value it brought and the way it served others.
What advice would you give the younger version of yourself?
Don’t let anyone else define your worth or your future. Be consistent, keep going, and never quit, no matter how rough it gets. If you stay the course and keep doing the work, you give yourself a real chance to build something meaningful.
What kind of man do you hope people remember you as?
A man of integrity, faith, and purpose—someone who worked hard, led well, loved his family, and made a meaningful impact on the people and community around him. More than anything, I’d want to be remembered as someone who kept his word and lived in a way that truly mattered.
Arda Boyar
Tell us about yourself and your business. Can you share a bit about your journey—what led you to where you are today?
I’ve been around menswear my entire life. My parents were both in the business and my father was a tailor, so I grew up in it—it was always part of how I was raised. My wife and I built Mondo Uomo more than 30 years ago, largely to create a life for our family. It was never just about opening a store. It was about building something meaningful, something we could be proud of. Over time it became about relationships—the ones with our customers and, just as important, the ones with the team around me. We’ve been together a long time, and I’m grateful for that every day. I’ve never been interested in chasing trends. It comes down to consistency, quality, and service—and that’s what has kept us relevant. Fashion is what you buy, but style is something you develop, and I see our role as helping people find that in a way that feels natural.
Have you had any mentors or role models who shaped your path?
Being Christian, I look to one true role model. My faith continues to guide me daily in how I treat others, make decisions, and carry myself. Philippians 4:19 has always stayed with me—trusting that what you need will be provided.
What’s your relationship with ambition? Has it shifted over time?
I’ve always had a high level of ambition. I never thought in terms of what I couldn’t achieve—it was always about figuring out how to make things happen. Now it’s more about maintaining things the right way. Taking care of the people around me and our customers, and making sure what we do continues to have meaning. I’m less focused on chasing and more focused on doing things well.
What values do you hope to pass on—whether to your kids, your peers, or your circle?
Hard work is the reward itself. The ability to show up every day and put in the effort is something I value and try to pass on to my family, along with loving and supporting each other and remembering why we do this. If you stay consistent and take pride in what you do, things tend to fall into place.
If you could master any skill overnight, what would it be?
The ability to truly fix things—to take an analytical approach and solve what needs to be solved. Being able to take everything in, understand what’s going on, and fix it with confidence is something I’ve always admired. There’s a quiet clarity and control in that—a confidence without arrogance—that I respect.
Christopher Ourganian
Tell us about yourself and your business. Can you share a bit about your journey—what led you to where you are today?
I grew up in a small town in Colorado where we didn’t have a medical doctor within 25 miles. What we did have was a chiropractor who served as the first line of care for our community—whether I was sick or injured, he was the one we turned to, and the way he helped people left a lasting impression on me. By the age of 11, I knew chiropractic was my calling, and I stayed committed to that path. Today I’m proud to own my practice, Coastal Chiropractic and Wellness by Dr. Ourganian, where I get to serve families in the same meaningful way.
Have you had any mentors or role models who shaped your path?
I’ve been fortunate to have three incredible mentors who helped shape my journey: Dr. Dan McClure, Dr. Suzanne Seekins, and Dr. Steven Williams. Dr. McClure was my chiropractor growing up and the one who inspired me to pursue this profession. Dr. Seekins and Dr. Williams played a huge role in deepening my knowledge, especially in caring for infants and children, which is where my true passion lies.
What’s your relationship with ambition? Has it shifted over time?
My ambition started young, with a drive to become the best chiropractor I could be, and that commitment to growth has never stopped. Over time, my ambition has evolved. Today it’s not just about my career—it’s about being the best husband to my wife, Christina, and the best father to our daughter, Payton. That balance means everything to me.
What’s one professional risk you took that paid off—not just financially, but personally?
Opening my own practice after 14 years as an independent contractor was a major leap of faith. It challenged me in new ways, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and ultimately gave me the opportunity to build something that truly reflects my values and the way I want to care for patients.
What kind of legacy are you building, whether or not your name is on it?
A legacy centered around trust, care, and impact—not just through the patients I treat, but through the families and community I serve. If I can make people feel heard, cared for, and healthier in their everyday lives, and inspire others in this profession to lead with the same compassion, then I know I’ve made a difference.
What kind of man do you hope people remember you as?
Someone who truly listened and cared. Someone who showed compassion and was willing to help others in any way he could. Most importantly, a husband and father who loved his family deeply and led with his heart.
A.J. Nocera
Tell us about yourself and your business. Can you share a bit about your journey—what led you to where you are today?
Working at Supreme Collision was never really part of my plan growing up—I originally had my eyes set on a career in sports medicine. Things changed when COVID hit and I found myself back at home during the pandemic. It turned out to be a huge opportunity, because that’s when I found a passion for the world of auto. Painting is something I never thought I’d enjoy, but three years in, I look forward to every vehicle that enters the spray booth. Seeing a car come in destroyed and leave looking brand new is a unique feeling, like an artist looking at his finished product. It’s crazy to say that a pandemic is part of the reason I’m where I am today.
Have you had any mentors or role models who shaped your path?
I’ve had some great mentors and role models who have helped me become not only a better painter but a better man. One of our longest-standing employees at the shop, Kurt, has been painting for over 35 years and has taught me just about everything I know—he’s a true master of his craft. My parents have also been my biggest role models. My father has taught me the ways of the business, and his dedication and work ethic are things I try to mirror every day. My mother, Laurie, has taught me the life lessons and quirks that shaped my personality—her calm nature reminds me not to stress over the small things, which is essential in the world of painting.
What’s your relationship with ambition? Has it shifted over time?
My relationship with ambition has definitely changed, especially since I started painting. In college I wasn’t the most ambitious person—I was fine cruising through school. It wasn’t until I began working at Supreme Collision that I started pushing myself to get better each and every day. I learn something new at work constantly—tinting colors, new techniques, new sides of the business. Every day is a chance to better myself.
What kind of legacy are you building, whether or not your name is on it?
The legacy of Supreme Collision is one I hope to carry on someday. The Nocera name has been a staple in the collision business, and I plan to keep it that way, as my father and grandfather have. Family businesses hold weight within the community, especially in Naples, and I plan to keep the Nocera name strong for many years to come.
What advice would you give the younger version of yourself?
Enjoy the process. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing—focus on yourself and your path. The path to success is never a straight line. Enjoy the life you live and learn the lessons of life as you live it.
Steven Stauss
Tell us about yourself and your business. Can you share a bit about your journey—what led you to where you are today?
I’m a Vice President at Florida Trust Wealth Management, where I focus on building strong relationships and helping clients navigate important decisions with clarity and confidence. My journey has been shaped by a drive to create meaningful impact through trust, strategy, and service. While the path hasn’t been linear, each experience has strengthened my perspective and approach. At the core of everything I do is a commitment to integrity and doing what’s right—even when it’s not the easiest path—while being part of a business that prioritizes long-term value over short-term gain.
Have you had any mentors or role models who shaped your path?
I’ve been fortunate to have many people support me along the way, but the most impactful mentor has been Peter Durant. He’s played a significant role in helping me grow and navigate my career, while also being a trusted personal mentor and friend to me and my family. His guidance has shaped not only how I approach business, but how I approach life—with a strong emphasis on integrity and doing what’s right.
What’s your relationship with ambition? Has it shifted over time?
My relationship with ambition, like many people’s, has evolved over time. Early on—especially coming out of college—my drive was largely centered around financial success. As I’ve grown, that perspective has shifted. Today, my ambition is focused on creating time, freedom, and flexibility so I can be present with my wife and children. Success, to me now, is defined less by income and more by the quality of life I’m able to build with my family.
What’s one professional risk you took that paid off—not just financially, but personally?
The biggest risk I ever took was moving my family to Naples. I had built a strong network in Buffalo, New York, surrounded by friends and long-standing relationships, so on paper the decision seemed almost ludicrous. But within just a few months of being here, it became clear it was the best move I’ve ever made—not just for my career, but for our quality of life. More importantly, it opened incredible opportunities for my children, which made the risk more than worth it.
What kind of legacy are you building, whether or not your name is on it?
The legacy I hope to build is rooted in kindness and simply being a good person. I don’t need my name on buildings or recognition in that way. What matters most to me is leaving behind a reputation for doing the right thing. If my family can look back and feel proud of how I lived and the values I stood for, that’s the legacy that truly matters.
Joseph Logrippo
Tell us about yourself and your journey—what led you to where you are today?
My journey has been filled with ups, downs, overs, and outs. I’ve learned to enjoy the journey, not just the moment.
Have you had any mentors or role models who shaped your path?
One hundred percent—my dad, along with many other great men and women, has helped me become a successful person in life.
What’s your relationship with ambition? Has it shifted over time?
Less ambition the older I get. The older I get, the more interests I’ve found.
What’s one professional risk you took that paid off—not just financially, but personally?
I left a higher-paying job for an opportunity that ended up being enormously successful. Now I risk personal gain to help and mentor others to be successful.
What kind of legacy are you building, whether or not your name is on it?
None. Legacy equals ego. I focus on relationships with the people I care about.
What advice would you give the younger version of yourself?
Forget about what everyone else is doing. People and success don’t validate you—God does. You’re already good enough.
How do you hope to impact the community?
Developing and mentoring our young people. They are the future.
What kind of man do you hope people remember you as?
Honest and ethical. And this: if Joe said he would do it, it will be done.
What values do you hope to pass on—whether to your kids, your peers, or your circle?
Faith must always come first. Everything else is futile.
If you could master any skill overnight, what would it be?
Play the piano—and learn to speak Italian.
Shawn Long
Tell us about yourself/your business. Can you share a bit about your journey—what led you to where you are today?
From the beginning, I knew I was never meant to follow a conventional path. Once I graduated college and entered the working world, it became clear to me very quickly that I wanted to build, lead, and create something of my own. I respected hard work, but I also knew that simply trading time for money was never going to be fulfilling for me. I wanted the challenge, the freedom, and the responsibility that came with entrepreneurship.
In 1995, I launched my first venture in healthcare technology, focusing on Medicare and private commercial insurance claim clearinghouses at a time when the industry was still heavily dependent on paper. I began by developing code and systems that allowed physician groups to submit Medicare 1500 forms electronically through EDI Electronic Data Interchange. Back then, it was a meaningful shift forward, and being part of that early transformation gave me a front-row seat to how technology could fundamentally improve the way organizations operate.
That work evolved into MedcomSoft, which started as channel partner and reseller. MedcomSoft, a market leading Toronto-based EMR electronic medical records company. Then, during the financial crisis in 2009, I made one of the defining decisions of my career: I acquired MedcomSoft, took it private, and repositioned it as a U.S.-based business. It was a bold move, especially in that market, but I’ve always believed that some of the best opportunities come when others hesitate. From 2009 to 2014, we repackaged the software, rebranded the platform for the U.S. physician market, and grew the business by 376%.
In 2014, when CareTracker, a UnitedHealthcare affiliate, approached us for acquisition, I reached a turning point. At that stage, I was managing both MedcomSoft and viLogics, and I knew it was time to focus fully on the business that most aligned with where I saw the future heading. My true passion had always been on IT, infrastructure, and cybersecurity, so I sold MedcomSoft and committed my energy entirely to viLogics.
Since then, that decision has shaped everything that followed. Through viLogics, we’ve led significant digital transformation initiatives, including a major modernization effort for the American Red Cross, where we helped transform more than 800 locations, modernize infrastructure, and streamline operations in a way that contributed to approximately $120 million in annual savings. That kind of work is deeply rewarding because it lives at the intersection of strategy, technology, and real-world impact.
Today, viLogics is focused on the mid-market and enterprise space, with a strong emphasis on asset management, attack surface management, and pushing that security first mindset. But at its core, my journey has always been about recognizing where the world is going, making decisive moves when the moment demands it, and building businesses that create lasting value.