Entrepreneurs for a Cause!

Brides Against Breast Cancer at NOVA 535 on Thursday, August 7, 2014

Instead of our weekly Entrepreneur Social Club, that reliable mix of fun AND productivity, we opened NOVA 535 ‘s doors once again to our pals at Brides Against Breast Cancer. Tonight is all about entrepreneurs for a cause. Until Breast Cancer is gone from our planet, and that ain’t anytime soon, well we’ve gotta keep raising $$$ to help those afflicted. And their families. So the fabulous ladies at BABC messaged me about their hosting a fundraiser that involved Entrepreneurs and drinking. B.I.N.G.O was his name-o. That conversation was quick, and the details were simple: we seek out our local Influencers, get them to commit to 2 things, playing bartender and bringing their fans. Easy peasy!

BRAVO and THANK YOU SHANNON WILSON!!

Shannon Wilson, the owner of Table 6 Productions, reminds me of me. Me the April Fool. She’s a demanding business owner, expecting and producing excellence, yet is as fun and silly as can be. Her company one of our region’s best, yet she knows when to switch from work mode to play time. She a tough negotiator and whatever she did to get her fans here worked, as she ended up raising the most $$$.

We Entrepreneurs are the solvers, visionaries, dreamers, and inventors. We roll up our sleeves. When duty calls, for the arduous task of pouring drinks in the beautiful NOVA venue, we are ready. Here in downtown St. Pete, Florida, with plenty of cool AC blowing and excellent music pumping from DJ Lady Shay.

Speaking of the music, Great set tonight Shay! Delicious LOCAL BREW was provided by All-Star Michael Harting at 3 Daughters Brewing and Tito’s Vodka did us a huge solid by providing plenty of their American made, award-winning vodka! Thanks, guys!! Grow Financial and Creative Loafing also chipped in to help people suffering from breast cancer.

Another organization, KPI or Key Person of Influence really stepped up and supported this event, Entrepreneurs for a cause. Topher Morrison, local KPI leader, author, public speaker extraordinaire, and all around great guy, stepped WAY outta the box and created a video “war”. He responded to a posted video by fellow KPI Dusty Showers, who runs his own Breast Cancer-fighting organization, The 2nd Baseman.

Dusty is the tall handsome charming guy in the colorful pink jacket. Colonel Sanders of Breast Cancer. By that, I am referring to his brilliant marketing plan of wearing a unique outfit, like Sanders, who now has worldwide name recognition and restaurants globally. Oh, and chickens have breasts. Coincidence? Hmmm.

Anyhoo, Topher shot back his response video and then it was back and forth, with Topher famously quoting, “I won’t be out boobed!”. I’ll post his infamous video below, but it would be remiss if I didn’t at least show you all the KPI wheel. Why? Maybe you’ll learn something. I’m in the program and loving it. If you want to dramatically step up your business game, reach out to Topher at KPI. I did.

Our other superstar bartenders of the night include the infamous Ginger Rockey-Johnson,  SPICE GIRL of Tampa Bay, a fellow KPI member, and marketing guru. There was a lot of pink and colored hair at NOVA tonight, but Ginger rocks her’s all week long. Also, Judy Ferrara founder of The Dressing Room served down by my end of the bar. She pours a mean Cabernet and her Chardonnay was spot on ;-).  When she’s not turning her wine key for charity, her private boutique offers a sharply edited range of exclusive bridal gown designs in a gorgeous setting with terrific one-on-one service. Before I get to the remaining bartenders, we were dining on delicious donations from local favorites Banyan Cafe and Catering, just up from NOVA. Headed by Owner Erica Allums and Urban Brew and BBQ, plus coffee from our local favorite Kahwa Coffee. Our last minute turnout for entrepreneurs for a cause was better than expected, so we also ordered even more pies from Old NE Pizza. Delicious!

We also had two supporting vendors so THANKS!! to Bob Linde, fellow ESC member and owner of Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies and Michele Renee The Studio. Both are committed to making you beautiful and happy. Bob and his staff always have something that can improve your health and well being, and the lovely ladies with Michele Renee were adding eyelashes and other beautifying touches on lucky ladies throughout the evening.  

Also, Max Glazer popped by, Founder of The Shave Cave, (High-End Barbershop, I can’t wait!) which CONGRATS!! is opening up here shortly in the newly renovated Sundial, downtown St. Pete. Men let’s grow our beards in support of another sharp local business. (Bad pun involved in my last sentence, see if you can slice it any better.)

Wish I wore dresses. All I hear about Judy from our brides is “Fabulous”! Mandy Keys and beau Jason Kiger, owners of the healthy, yummy and hip Community Cafe St. Pete, just down at 2444 Central  Avenue, were also in tonight. Mandy was pouring while Jason and their friends spent time on the easier side of the bar. Thanks for your support!

Entrepreneurs for a Cause.

Out to support tonight was fellow KPI Koby Bryan and author Lisa Marie Jenkins, along with I’m Their Web Guy founder, Chris Jenkins, who also anchors our local Entrepreneur Social Club (ESC). Chris also receives, well from me at least, tonight’s “Best Man’s Ponytail Award”. Chris has built several of our varying entities websites, and yea he’s “The Guy”. Fabulous wife Kym, of V-Spicery was nearby to (try to) keep hubby Chris in check. =D She’s so awesome. Rock-n-Rolla, speaker, author, and legendary thoroughbred Tony Michaelides was also out in support, Brilliant!

Also, Lonnie’s brought in several platters of their wonderful sandwiches. If you’ve been in the Burg for long then you know Lonnie Sandwiches. If not, then go to 425 Central Avenue and enjoy! My brother Chris, always charming and hilarious, made a guest appearance. Love you! He and my pal Wes helped anchor the far end of the bar, enjoying some of our stronger offerings.

     Local supercool Manny Kool, of Daddy Kool Records and Tickets, worked his famous “Isaac” booze moves, circa The Love Boat, from behind the granite topped bar. Part of the city fabric, Manny is always delighted to help out, and always brings his infectious warm cheer. Thank you Manny!     Of course, I’ve gotta thanks all of the lovely ladies and the entire team of Brides against Breast Cancer (BABC), who started this whole Riot on Wheels here. Ringleader Lindsey Osburn, national event manager for BABC, was that just the right mix of hard working get it done plus fun happy and exuding great energy. Bravo Lindsey!! Lindsey (#2)  Hosier, Ashley Stapleton and David Rivera were the backbone of Team BABC, thanks you three, you all are amazing!

Also here is the full lineup of bartenders. Billy Womack, Ambassador for ViSalus Body by Vi who I don’t know well enough, was a star behind the bar, really enjoying himself, and working magic next to the lovely Lauren McComb of Pure Barre. Lauren is hilarious and they made a great team.  

Michele Lerch of Double Diamond Distributor for the wrap company It Works enjoyed her time down in the wine section of the bar, engaging customers and offering up her warm smile. Chris Van Atta, the charming new guy in town and VP of Cumberland Trust and Investment, was swarmed by the pretty ladies the entire evening. Nice meeting you both!! 

Psst. If you are positive minded and run a business, start-up or have the entrepreneurial spirit like the Entrepreneurs you read about here, then join us here (almost always) at NOVA 535 for the Entrepreneur Social Club, Thursday evenings 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. It’s where FUN meets PRODUCTIVITY, the meetings are free and oh yes the bar is open! Oh, and I did promise Topher’s video…