BEST BUSINESS PARTNERS

In this episode of the Best Business Partners Podcast with your host, Jessica Nolan, we're thrilled to feature Tommy Doyle, the Lee County Supervisor of Elections. Join us as we dive deep into Tommy’s journey from a local resident and U.S. Air Force veteran, to leading the Elections Office with a focus on security and service. Tommy sheds light on his vital role in ensuring fair and transparent elections in Lee County, why voting is important for our democracy, and provides essential information on upcoming deadlines. Whether you're a first-time voter or a seasoned participant in the electoral process, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay informed and engaged. Tune in to learn more about Tommy’s impactful work and why every vote counts!

In this episode of The Best Business Partners Podcast, we sit down with Paul Milford, the Coordinator of Social Work Services for the Lee County School District. Join us as we explore Paul’s pivotal role in supporting students and families, the challenges and rewards of his work, and how collaboration can transform educational outcomes. Tune in to discover the heart behind social services in schools and gain insights into building effective partnerships for positive change in our communities.

Tune in to this week’s episode of Best Business Partners, where hosts Jess and Erin revisit one of our standout episodes featuring Cecilia St. Arnold, the Executive Director of the Southwest Florida Chapter of Blessings in a Backpack. Join them as they explore the inspiring world of community service and innovative solutions to childhood hunger. Cecilia generously shares her journey with Blessings in a Backpack, shedding light on her role and the impactful initiatives this organization spearheads for the community. Blessings in a Backpack stands tall in its mission, ensuring children in Lee, Collier, Henry, and Glades Counties have access to essential nutrition throughout the weekend.

Join us on the latest episode of "Best Business Partners," where hosts Jessica Nolan and Erin Harrel sit down with Captain Chris Wittman, co-founder of Captains for Clean Water.

Hear about Chris's transition from fishing guide to environmental advocate, and the crucial efforts to combat water quality issues in Southwest Florida.

Overview of Captains for Clean Water and its founding. Historical and ongoing water quality issues in the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee.

Key restoration projects and progress made since 2000. Economic and social impacts of water crises on local communities.

Public engagement and the importance of grassroots advocacy for environmental change.

Join us as we welcome Stefanie Edwards from Community Cooperative to discuss the multifaceted issue of homelessness and community support in Lee County, Florida. Dive into the various challenges, innovations, and the importance of empathy and partnership in tackling this pressing issue. Complexity and challenges in accurately tracking homelessness. Rising costs and demand for services in Florida amidst shrinking donations. Community Cooperative's innovative services like the mobile "soup kitchen." The significant impact of hunger on individuals' ability to function. Essential role of community support, education, and partnerships in driving effective solutions.

The episode focuses on Angela Melvin sharing her personal story and how it led to the creation of Valerie's House, a grief support organization for children and families who have lost loved ones. At age 11, Angela lost her mother Valerie in a car accident in 1987 in Fort Myers, Florida. After realizing there were still no grief support services in the area when she returned in 2013, she was inspired to create Valerie's House, which opened its doors in 2016. Valerie's House provides a home-like environment where children and families can connect with others who have experienced similar losses through group support sessions, activities, and shared meals. The organization has grown significantly over 9 years to include multiple locations across Florida and serves as a model for grief support programs.

The conversation covers topics including:

The founding and growth of Valerie's House How the organization helps grieving families

The importance of peer support vs clinical therapy

Their work with local schools How people can get involved through volunteering or donations

The episode provides an in-depth look at this important community organization while highlighting Angela Melvin's leadership in addressing the needs of grieving children and families.

In this lively episode of "Best Business Partners," hosts Jessica Nolan, Erin Harrel, and guest, Brad Peterson bring the fun as they dive into nostalgia, local insights, and entertaining anecdotes. Revisit childhood memories with Jessica and Brad, who share tales of growing up together and playing T-ball. Then, join in as Brad humorously educates listeners on the quirky pronunciations of local places in their area, sparking laughter and a few educational moments. The conversation takes unexpected turns as the trio discusses snowbird driving etiquette, share quirky shopping cart antics at Costco, and revel in the joyful chaos of their local culture. With light-hearted stories, a sprinkle of sarcasm, and genuine camaraderie, this episode is a feel-good listen for anyone wanting to share a laugh and perhaps learn a thing or two about navigating life in Southwest Florida. Whether you're a local or just intrigued by the vibrant narratives of Brad, Jessica, and Erin, this episode promises both chuckles and insights. Tune in to "Best Business Partners" for a delightful escape into their world!

In this engaging episode of Best Business Partners, hosts Jessica Nolan and Erin Harrel sit down with Steve Weathers, the first-ever Economic Development Director for the City of Fort Myers. With over 30 years of experience across the U.S., Steve shares his mission to shape the future of Fort Myers by championing community-first development and smart economic strategy.

Tune in as we explore:

• How Steve is laying the groundwork for economic development in a brand-new city role

• The behind-the-scenes story of bringing Amazon and Spin Micro-Mobility to town

• The importance of community engagement in development projects

• Fort Myers' new initiative to launch a downtown Culinary District • Redevelopment opportunities across 60 acres in the heart of the city

• Why local connection and business collaboration are key to sustainable growth From linking local entrepreneurs to breaking silos within the business community, Steve’s passion for inclusive and forward-thinking development shines through in this episode.

Whether you’re a local business owner, a community advocate, or just curious about the exciting changes coming to Southwest Florida, you’ll want to listen in.

In this episode of Best Business Partners, we sit down with Fort Myers native and newly licensed General Contractor, Hunter Stevens of Stevens Construction. From starting out as an assistant and intern, to now leading projects as a Project Manager, Hunter shares his journey of building both a career and a family legacy. We dive into: Growing up in construction and working alongside his father. The behind-the-scenes of major projects across Florida, including the ribbon-cutting of Fort Myers Beach’s newest beach bar. Rebuilding after Hurricane Ian — from updated permitting processes to elevation codes and the unique challenges of beachfront construction. Hunter’s advice for aspiring GCs and construction managers. And yes… the story behind those famous ribbon-cutting shirts. It’s an episode filled with insider construction insights, local pride, and a candid look at what it’s like to build the future—one project at a time.