Southwest Florida's Hottest Bachelors 2008

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