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We thought last year’s bachelors were the
hottest around, but we’ve found another crop of handsome, charming and
intelligent guys to grace the pages of our October issue. This year, we selected
a group of single gals to nominate these men and help us narrow our choices.
We’d like to express special gratitude to Stephanie Battista, Lois Bolin, Jenny
Craig, Yiota Kotokis, Tina Matte and Suzanne Willis. Thanks, ladies, for a job
well done.  Dave Aronberg, 37, Green Acres Florida State Senator (Represents Lee County) Hometown: Miami Defines himself as: Passionate, outgoing
and driven Favorite movie: This is Spinal Tap Last read: The
Swamp by Michael Grunwald Listening to now: Rush, The Killers, Bon
Jovi Causes he fights for: Public safety, the
Everglades, consumer protection, ID theft protection He notices first: Her smileIdeal first date: Something casual—I don’t
want it to be a job interview. Topics to avoid: There is nothing
off-limits. He’s clicked with you when: You both just know. You’ll know he likes you when: I take her
to a political event. Long-time friend says: "Dave’s getting to
the point where he’s ready to settle down, if he finds the right woman." He’d be a good boyfriend because: Even
though I’m driven, I’m easygoing and tolerant. Dating deal breaker: If she’s judgmental
or a gossip Text or call? I’m a texting addict. I have
very strong thumbs. Dating in Southwest Florida: It’s all
about timing, and timing knows no geography. Favorite hangout: Blu Sushi Marriage? Someday Kids? Yes Women need to know: Men say what they mean
and mean what they say. Type of gal he likes: Fun, non-judgmental
and intellectually curious What do women want? Honesty and
stability Why do women … continue to date Tommy Lee? We couldn’t help but notice … Dave is very down-to-earth and genuine,
putting politician stereotypes to rest.
 Donald Quiggle, 26, Naples Senior program director of aquatics and sports, Bonita Springs YMCA. Owns a pool service business.
Hometown: Sebring, Fla.
Defines himself as: Easygoing, motivated and understanding
Listening to now: Coldplay
He notices first: Her smile
Topic to avoid: Past relationships
He’s clicked with you when: I’m having to hold back from calling her too soon. You’ve got to wait at least one whole day.
You’ll know he likes you when he: Invites you hang out with all of his friends.
Long-time buddy says: "He’s looking for a good girl. He’s tired of all the drama."
He’d be a good boyfriend because: It’s my goal for her to feel secure.
Dating deal breaker: Complaining
Text or call? Texting at first cuts out the awkwardness.
Yes, no or maybe—Marriage? Not no.
Yes, no or maybe—Kids? Yes
Women need to know: You take men too seriously sometimes.
Type of gal he likes: Motivated, adventurous and not afraid to voice her opinion
Sexiest thing she can wear:
A little black dress
What do women want? To be kept on their toes
Why do women … expect men to read their minds?
We couldn’t help but notice … he really doesn’t know how handsome he is, which just makes him that much more adorable.
 Jay Hartington, 29, Naples Co-owner, Marissa Collections
Hometown: Naples
Defines himself as: Fun, open-minded and curious
Favorite movie: Caddy Shack
Last read: The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
On his iPod now: My Morning Jacket
Favorite place to travel: He’s world-traveled, but loves Italy most.
He notices first: Her smile
Ideal first date: Dinner at Campiello’s
He’s clicked with you when: There’s a sense of familiarity and ease in conversation.
You’ll know he likes you when: I give her 100 percent of my
free time.
When she makes the first move: That’s a good thing—I like strong, confident women.
Dating deal breaker: Being rude to service people
Text or call? I’m a notorious texter, and I hate listening to
voice mail.
Dating in Southwest Florida: It’s limited. If you overuse any product, you’re going to get tired of it.
Marriage? Someday
Kids? Someday
Women need to know: Men do not talk about women all day long, and we don’t analyze things like women do.
Type of gal he likes: Confident women who aren’t afraid to follow their gut feelings
Sexiest thing she can wear: Oversized men’s watches. It’s a very European look.
What do women want? Someone to turn to no matter what’s going on outside her comfort zone.
Why do women … talk so much about men? We’re not that interesting.
We couldn’t help but notice … he has a lot of respect for his mother—which is a really good sign.
 Trent Ryan, 37, Fort Myers Corporate director of marketing, Robb & Stucky
Hometown: His parents were missionaries, and he’s lived all over the world.
Defines himself as: Funny, genuine and easygoing
Favorite movie: Pulp Fiction
Last read: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
On his iPod now: Metallica
He notices first: Her smile
and laugh
Topic to avoid: I’m an open book—in a good way.
He’s clicked with you when: There’s chemistry and common interests connect two people.
You’ll know he likes you when: I’ll flirt and call her nicknames.
Long-time friend says: "I wouldn’t classify him as a player on any level. [The ideal woman] would have to be fun-loving and adventurous."
He’d be a good date because: I’m easy to talk to. I’m uninhibited, spontaneous and a good listener.
When she makes the first move: That’s a fantastic thing. Life is short—if you’re passionate about something, go after it.
Dating deal breaker: Psycho behavior
Text or call? There’s a time and place for both. Texting can be very witty, but there are certain things that need to be heard.
Dating in Southwest Florida: It’s sporadic.
Marriage? Definitely again
Kids? He has eight-year-old twin daughters.
Women need to know: Men can cook and clean, too.
Sexiest thing she can wear: Something she feels comfortable in. If she feels beautiful, her inner beauty comes out.
What do women want? Someone open, honest, caring and attentive.
Why do women … have to go to the bathroom together?
We couldn’t help but notice … his voice is so sexy, he could read the phone book, and we’d still swoon.
 Robert Scali, 45, Naples Independent television producer Hometown: Boston Defines himself as: Eccentric, affectionate and funny Favorite movie: Sleepless in Seattle Last read: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne On his iPod: Current hip-hop He notices first: Her hair Ideal first date: Whatever makes her feel comfortable Topics to avoid: Past relationships, politics, depressing current events He’s clicked with you when: I can feel it in my chest—it takes your breath away. You’ll know he likes you when: I tell her. I’m past the point of playing games. He’d be a good boyfriend because: I’m loyal, attentive and I really care how she feels. When she makes the first move: It’s a good thing. It takes the stress off of me. Dating deal breaker: Unladylike behavior Text or call? Text—you can be more brave. Favorite hangout: The Cigar Bar Marriage? Yes Kids? He has a 13-year-old son and a nine-year-old daughter. Women need to know: You can find out everything you need to know if you ask his sister. Sexiest thing she can wear: A dress What do women want? A really good guy Why do women … say they want good guys, but go after bad guys? We couldn’t help but notice … he’s a great conversationalist, a good listener and has an infectious curiosity about life.
 James Kurnik, 29, Naples Civil litigation attorney
Hometown: Cleveland
Defines himself as: Loyal, stubborn and passionate
Favorite movie: Tristan & Isolde
Last read: Three Weeks With My Brother by Nicholas Sparks
He notices first: How she carries herself—if she’s classy or seeking attention
Ideal first date: It wouldn’t matter, as long as there was great conversation.
Deadly topic: Once you talk about the weather, it means you have nothing left to say.
He’s clicked with you when: I feel open enough to talk about my family.
You’ll know he likes you when: I introduce her to my brother and sister.
Long-time friend says: "James is a relationship guy. I can’t see him not being a father and husband."
He’d be a good boyfriend because: I’ve never, ever cheated; I’m fun, and my friends add a lot.
When she makes the first move: Sometimes she has to. I’m a slow mover, and if I like someone, there’s no rush.
Dating deal breaker: If someone’s overtly racist.
Text or call? If a girl actually calls, that’s huge points for her.
Dating in Southwest Florida: You can meet good people absolutely anywhere.
Favorite hangout: Absinthe Marriage? Yes
Kids? Yes
Women need to know: A guy can only treat you with as much class as you treat yourself.
Type of gal he likes: Non-drama queens
Sexiest thing she can wear: Jeans and a tank top
What do women want? A nice guy—but they don’t know where to find one or how to act when they do.
Why do women … crave public attention so much?
We couldn’t help but notice … he wants a woman he can respect. How hot is that?
 Charlie Holder, 38, Naples Restaurant manager, Handsome Harry’s
Hometown: Newport, R.I.
Defines himself as: Funny, caring and laid-back
Favorite movie: Caddy Shack
Last read: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
On his iPod now: Mighty Mighty Bosstones
He notices first: Her eyes
He’s clicked with you when: She’s smiling and laughing and makes physical contact.
You’ll know he likes you when: I tell her—I’m pretty straight-forward.
Long-time buddy says: "The comment I usually hear is, ‘He’s tall, dark and handsome.’ And he’s always positive."
He’d be a good boyfriend because: I want to make her happy, and I do little things for her to help her out and make her life easier.
When she makes the first move: That’s a good thing because it takes the pressure off me.
Dating deal breaker: No sense of humor
Text or call? Call—typing on the phone drives me crazy.
Dating in Southwest Florida: It’s pretty vibrant. The crowd is definitely getting younger—not necessarily in age, but in how they behave.
Marriage? Yes
Kids? Someday
Women need to know: Men are really as simple as you think we are.
Type of gal he likes: Anyone who likes to enjoy life and can laugh at themselves
Sexiest thing she can wear: Nothing
What do women want? To feel secure
Why do women … say one thing and mean another?
We couldn’t help but notice … you might melt when Charlie sustains eye contact for a long period of time.  Pete Masouras, 29, Naples President and co-owner, Adelphia Mortgage Group
Hometown: Detroit
Defines himself as: Gentlemanly, driven and charismatic
Favorite movie: The Godfather
Last read: Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki with Sharon L. Lechter
Family history: His parents are Greek immigrants. Pete and his brother, Loukas, built their company from scratch.
He notices first: Her smile
and eyes
Topics to avoid: Past relationships and politics
He’s clicked with you when: There’s that wow factor, and you get butterflies.
His brother says: "[The ideal woman] has to be goal-driven and want to do something with her life, because he’s the same way."
He’d be a good boyfriend because: I’m honest and loyal.
When she makes the first move: It’s good—it shows she’s willing to pursue something
she wants.
Dating deal breaker: Smoking
Text or call? Call—it’s more formal.
Dating in Southwest Florida: There are a lot of beautiful women in Southwest Florida. I just haven’t found Mrs. Right.
Favorite hangout: Absinthe
Marriage? Of course, yes
Kids? Absolutely
Women need to know:
Every pair of black shoes looks the same.
Type of gal he likes: Ambitious, intelligent, outgoing and funny
Sexiest thing she can wear: Something she’s comfortable in
What do women want? Someone who’s confident, respectful, loyal, honest and family oriented.
Why do women … say one thing and mean another?
We couldn’t help but notice … he’s handsome, successful and thoughtful. Plus, all that time at the gym has definitely paid off. Does it get any better?
 Scott Zedeker, 35, Fort Myers WINK-TV meteorologist
Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
Defines himself as: Creative, detail-oriented but laid-back
Favorite movie: Caddy Shack
Last read: Murder In Brentwood by Mark Fuhrman
On his iPod: Classic rock
He notices first: Her eyes
and hair
Ideal first date: Hang out and have drinks
Topic to avoid: Past relationships
He’s clicked with you when: You’re making each other laugh.
You’ll know he likes you when: I get more sarcastic—that’s flirting for me.
Long-time friend says: "[The ideal woman] would have to be able to keep up with him. And she would have to be able to tame him."
He’d be a good boyfriend because: I’m responsible
and stable.
When she makes the first move: It’s a good thing. I tend to be shy in the beginning.
Dating deal breaker: Women who can’t handle their alcohol
Text or call? Text—you can be creative, and it’s quick and easy.
Dating in Southwest Florida: It’s difficult, and I’m pickier now.
Favorite hangout: Gulf Coast Town Center
Marriage? Yeah, someday
Kids? Yes, eventually
Women need to know: When to back off
Kind of gal he likes to hang out with: Outgoing but not too crazy. Fun—no Debbie Downers
Sexiest thing she can wear: Nice jeans and a tank top
What do women want? A guy they can trust
Why do women … take a little thing and make it so big?
We couldn’t help but notice … he has an incredibly charming way of making a girl feel at ease.
 Eric Smith, 28, Fort Myers Musician, model
Hometown: Rochester, N.Y.
Defines himself as: Energetic, fun and outgoing
Favorite movie: The Pursuit of Happyness
Last read: The Measure of a Man by Sidney Poitier
He notices first: If she has a
nice smile
Ideal first date: Something adventurous, like we’re on the quest for the Holy Grail
Topics to avoid: Marriage and kids
If you’re clicking: You can see in their face if they’re digging you.
You’ll know he likes you when: I spend a lot more time with her and shut the world off.
Long-time friend says: "With Eric, you’ve got to buckle your seatbelt, because it’s going to be quite a ride."
He’d be a good boyfriend because: I believe complete and totally honest communication is key. And I won’t cheat. It’s pointless.
When she makes the first move: That’s a great thing. I personally want to take over the world, and want someone who can do that with me.
Dating deal breaker: If she seems too clingy and can’t self-motivate
Text or call? I like the phone call, as long as she knows how to get off the phone.
Favorite hangouts: The beach, Blu Sushi, Gulf Coast Town Center
Marriage? Yes
Kids? Yes
Women need to know: Men need their space.
Sexiest thing she can wear: White lace
What do women want? To be able to trust a man, and for a man to have the vision for their future together.
Why can’t women … let it go and allow a man to make it right?
We couldn’t help but notice … hanging out with Eric would be a ton of fun—especially when he flashes his perfect smile.
 Tim Kenney, 52, Fort Myers Videographer for WGCU
Hometown: He was a military brat.
Defines himself as: The thoughtful, pleaser-type
Favorite movie: Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid
Currently studying: Buddhism
He notices first: If she seems happy
Ideal first date: Meeting for drinks and having good conversation
He’s clicked with you when: You reflect similar values to his.
You’ll know he likes you when: I tell her. I’m forthright. I’m not young or shy.
He’d be a good boyfriend because: I’m emotionally available.
When she makes the first move: I like it. If she makes the first move, I’ll act quickly.
Dating deal breaker: Complaining and negativity
Text or call? Text—I like
to write.
Finding "the one": You don’t really have to change yourself; you just have to find the right person—your mirror image emotionally, spiritually and mentally.
Favorite hangout: At home
Marriage? Maybe someday
Kids? He has a teenage daughter.
Women need to know: Men like to be listened to, too.
Sexiest thing she can wear: A midriff-baring shirt
What do women want? That’s the million-dollar question. Some want companionship; some want material things.
Why do women … worry about their appearance? I don’t see the flaws you see in yourself.
We couldn’t help but notice … he reminds us of a young Robert Redford, and he wants to make a real connection with someone—what a combination.
 John Luvera, 40, Fort Myers Business development manager, Skydive Air Adventures
Hometown: New York
Defines himself as: Ambitious, direct and brutally honest
Favorite movies: Shawshank Redemption and Get Shorty
Last read: Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
Cause he fights for: Big Brothers Big Sisters
He notices first: Her teeth
Topics to avoid: Past relationships, politics and religion
If you’re clicking: You can tell within the first five minutes—if there’s ease in conversation, and you’re totally relaxed.
You’ll know he likes you when: I make a big effort to talk to you. I do not like the phone.
Long-time friend says: "The right girl is going to have to be extremely secure and confident, and give him a lot of latitude, and have a high level of trust."
He’d be a good boyfriend because: I try to put myself in other people’s shoes, and I tend to be extremely flexible.
When she makes the first move: It’s a good thing—I like a woman who is independent and confident.
Text or call? Calling. Texting is sometimes too impersonal.
Dating in Southwest Florida: It’s tough at my age.
Marriage? No
Kids? No
Women need to know: The worst way to enter a relationship is thinking you’re going to change a man.
Type of gal he likes: Independent, strong, intelligent, athletic and outgoing
Sexiest thing she can wear:
A T-shirt to bed
What do women want? Security and stability … and to be right
Why do women … want to change men?
We couldn’t help but notice … he takes really good care of himself … just check the biceps.
Where are they now? So, have you been wondering what’s up with Gulfshore Life’s
2007 bachelors? Here’s a rundown on their current relationship
status. -Jonathan
Polk, Naples, In a
relationship -Stan Douge, Relocated to
New York, in a relationship -Mike Myers,
Fort Myers, Single -David Essel,
Fort Myers, Single -James
DiGiorgio, Fort Myers, In a
relationship -Mark Luth,
Fort Myers, Single -Len Jennings,
Cape Coral, Single -Dr. Kurtis
Biggs, Fort Myers, In a relationship -Mike
Friedmann, Naples, In a
relationship -Marc Ferris,
Relocated to San Francisco, in a relationship -Frank
Cavella, Naples, Single -Jerry
Gershon, Naples, Married Terry
Prowley on June 24, 2008
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