Jay and Patty Baker
Jay and Patty baker are proud parents—not just to their two children, Stephen and Stephanie, but to their beloved gold-and-white Shih Tzu, Kizzie. "She’s our obsession, that’s quite obvious," says Patty. The Bakers are also obviously dedicated to making a mark on the community by volunteering their time and donating to numerous organizations.

Their names appear in conjunction with the Naples Museum of Art, of which they are the founders, and the newest patient tower at Naples Community Hospital. They also serve on boards for the Philharmonic Center for the Arts and the Naples Players, and have supported countless other organizations.

Patty and Jay, the former president and co-founder of Kohl’s department stores, count Naples as their primary residence, but their penchant for traveling is no secret. Another of Jay’s great loves is baseball—he recently became owner of a minor league team in Port Charlotte with Cal Ripken that is scheduled to begin playing next year.

Birthplaces: Him—Flushing, N.Y.; Her—Sykesville, Md. People they most admire: Him—I admire my parents for what they did for my sister and me, and also my mentor in business, [the late] Bob Suslow. Her— Tina Turner. When she was at a really low point in her life, she pulled herself up, got out of the messy marriage she was in and started recording again on her own. If they could change one thing about themselves, it would be: Him—I’d like to be 6-foot-4. And sometimes I have a lack of patience. Her—My ability to slow down. Most gratifying experiences: Him— Professionally, [being one of the three founders of] Kohl’s department stores. [Personally, it’s] being married to Patty, having a wonderful family and having the ability to give and to get as much out of giving as the people who receive from us. Her—Seeing the results of giving to the charities that we choose. How they would improve the quality of life here: See the educational system brought up to the level of the country. What they won’t discuss at cocktail parties: Their finances. People would be surprised to know: Her—I’m really shy. [Jay’s would be] how in touch with his feminine side he is. He cries at movies, and I love that about him. Guilty pleasures: Him—Angelina Jolie. I called her for a date, but she keeps turning me down. Brad Pitt gets in the way. Her—Really nice underwear. On their bucket list: More travel.

Scot and Doug Congress
In another universe, Scot and Doug Congress would trade their family empire of diamonds and pearls for cameras and spatulas—or they’d be ridding the world of hurricanes with giant ice bombs. Scot, who studied marketing at the University of Florida, says his alternate career would be a Sports Illustrated photographer. His brother would trade his accounting degree for the culinary skills of a Food Network star.

Luckily for Southwest Floridians in need of fine jewelry, they’re carrying on the Congress Jewelers legacy created on Sanibel Island in 1983 by their parents, Larry and Dee. In addition to a savvy business sense, the brothers inherited their parents’ community spirit, participating in more than 70 charitable events and civic endeavors each year. One such cause is Habitat for Humanity of Lee County, to which the company has donated nearly $900,000 during the past six years—enough to build 18 homes.

Birthplace: Elkhart, Ind. The people they admire most: Their parents. Scot’s most gratifying experience: Chairing the Collier County Heart Ball in 2006 and getting the community together to make history, raising more money than any other heart event that year in Florida. Quality they most admire in others: Scot—passion; Doug—sense of humor. How they’d improve the quality of life here: Scot—invent a way to kill a hurricane; Doug—invent a regional transportation system that uses alternate fuel sources. Doug’s message to his younger self: Carpe diem. Live for the day a little bit more. Take vacations. There’s more to life than work. What people would be surprised to know about them: Scot is an expert jewelry photographer; Doug is a CPA who plays the drums. What’s left on their bucket lists: Scot wants to play golf at every U.S. Open golf course in the country; Doug wants to watch a baseball game at every Major League ballpark.

Pam Cronin
When Pam Cronin and her husband, Tom, bought the 18-acre Shell Factory 11 years ago, the foreclosed attraction was in disrepair. "I grew up a mile from there," she says. "We thought if it doesn’t work out as an attraction, it’s an amazing piece of property. But it gets under your skin. It’s an amazing labor of love."

Cronin played a significant role in breathing new life into the North Fort Myers attraction, which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. "It’s getting better every year," she says.

Her enthusiasm spills over into the community, where her talents are in constant demand. She participates on nine boards, including the Tourist Development Council, the board of FGCU’s new resort and hospitality school, Uncommon Friends Foundation and the Children’s Advocacy Foundation.

Birthplace: North Tonawanda, N.Y. People she admires most: Barbara Bush for her focus on family, faith and friends; and Madonna for her charisma and skills as a master marketer. … and in Southwest Florida: The Paradies family whose patriarchs "Mr. Jimmy" and "Mr. Dan" led the clan from a small family business, The Paradies Shops in the Southwest Florida International Airport, to a nationally recognized brand. What she would change about herself: I would take a breath before I responded, acted or said, ‘Yes!’ Her most gratifying experience: Landing the big Kahuna: Tom Cronin! Qualities she most admires in others: An extraordinary sense of humor and great wit. She won’t discuss at cocktail parties: Ugly gossip. Please only tell me happy news. A song with special meaning: Young at Heart, the old song that starts out, ‘Fairy tales do come true, it can happen to you …’ People would be surprised to know: That I am basically insecure and fake a lot of my bravado. Her guilty pleasure: Spa treatments. What’s left on her bucket list: Obtain my Ph.D., learn to play the piano and earn an epitaph that says: ‘I am a happier person for having known her.’

Lavern Gaynor
Lavern Gaynor’s family is well-rooted in Naples history as longtime philanthropic contributors. Her parents, Dellora and Lester Norris, helped build the original Naples Community Hospital and are the namesakes of the Norris Community Center and Norris Gardens.

Gaynor is a dedicated humanitarian who has continued her family’s tradition of service through volunteer and donation efforts to a variety of organizations including the YMCA, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Youth Haven, the Naples Philharmonic and the Naples Historical Society, for which she serves as director emeritus. Her latest project is to restore an awareness of Naples’ rich history to its residents, both young and old. "We have a really transient population here, and I feel that if [the community] knew about our history, they might feel more connected to Naples," she says.

Birthplace: St. Charles, Ill. Who she admires most: My parents. … and in the Southwest Florida community: Myra Janco Daniels. Most gratifying personal experience: Raising my family. If she could have an alternate career: I wouldn’t. I’ve had a very interesting life. I lived 20 years overseas in Belgium and Italy and raised my two children there; it was a wonderful experience that I’ve never regretted. Quality she admires most in others: Honesty. What she would change about herself: Be more organized. How she would improve the quality of life here: More cooperation among everyone. Advice she gives her grandchildren: I always tell them to be broad-minded, to look at both sides of a question, and [not to] make too quick of an opinion without knowing the other side as well. People would be surprised to know: This is going back a long time ago, but my brother and I used to race cars.

Mike Reagen
When Mike R eagen was eyeing Naples as a possible retirement spot, he knew he still had important work to do before finishing up his professional life. In 2002, he took the helm at the Naples Chamber and has since pumped up membership to 2,164, added board members and increased county-wide communication efforts through forums, a television program and a magazine. "My role is to lay the foundation to become better for the future," he says. His diverse career has included higher education administration, teaching at the doctorate level, acting as commissioner for human services in Iowa and serving as a cabinet officer for three state governors. A well-earned retirement it will be.

Birthplace: Jersey City, N.J. Person he admires most: Former Iowa Gov. Robert D. Ray. He is my public service role model and a Midwest icon. And my wife of 42 years, Susan. … and in the Southwest Florida community: [Well-known local executive] Edward Morton. He is intellectually eclectic, multitalented and an intensely passionate advocate for social justice. What he would change about himself: Speak more slowly. Most gratifying experiences: Personally, the births of our three daughters. Professionally, being Iowa’s commissioner for human services. Qualities he most admires in others: Structured, intensely focused actions to make things better. How he would improve the quality of life here: Have 95 percent of our citizens registered and vote. A message to his younger self: Eat less, exercise daily and don’t smoke! He won’t discuss at cocktail parties: Religion. A song that has special meaning: Gayle Garnett’s We’ll Sing in the Sunshine. People would be surprised to know: I like to cook supper. I even enjoy cleaning up the kitchen afterward. Guilty pleasure: I like to eat while I read. What’s left on his bucket list: We have a cat we dearly love, but I want some grandchildren.

Geoff Moebius
It seems Physicians Regional CEO Geoff Moebius may have a wild side—he played guitar and keyboard in a rock band, loves the Blues Brothers and secretly dreams of being 007—so he can drive that Aston Martin.

Moebius is a leader in the local business and healthcare communities—he serves on the Naples Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Neighborhood Health Clinic Advisory Board, Florida Gulf Coast University’s Advisory Board for the College of Health Professions, the American Heart Association Board of Directors and more. It’s no wonder he needs to let loose with a little music or his favorite guilty treat—dark chocolate. When not busy at work in Naples, Moebius and his wife, Linda, love to travel and visit family members (two sons and three grandchildren) in Chicago, Hilton Head and Wales.

Birthplace: Cleveland. People he most admires: My uncle Geoff in Wales, who was a self-made businessman and extremely successful in multiple businesses and the community. Also, the physicians, nurses and others who dedicate themselves daily to helping others in need. Advice to his younger self: Follow your dreams, never waver and always take a deep breath when things get rough. Most gratifying experience: Being there when my son was born and being part of a team that continues to strive to provide the highest level of care and exceed your expectations. A book with special meaning: The Art of War by Sun Tzu. Qualities he most admires in others: Enthusiasm, caring, commitment and follow-through with a sense of urgency. What he won’t talk about at cocktail parties: Religion and politics, although politics is very hard to stay away from. What’s left on his bucket list: Linda and I actually wrote a bucket list together after the movie. No. 1 travel item is to visit Italy; No. 1 accomplishment is to continue to help improve the healthcare in Southwest Florida.

Arthur Allen
When Arthur A llen first moved to Naples in 1981, it was as a new retiree. He had just sold his Allen Services Corporation for $18 million, and his sights were set on sunny Southwest Florida. His retirement was short-lived; five years later, he was back in business with the launch of ASG, now a world-class software solutions and professional services company based in Naples with more than 90 offices worldwide.

Though the full-service Arthur Allen Tennis Center in downtown Cambier Park bears his name, he still says the one thing he’d like the change about himself is to improve his tennis serve. Among its other contributions to the community, Allen’s ASG became the title sponsor this year of the first USHJA International Hunter Derby horse show series.

Birthplace: Dayton, Ohio Who he admires most: Ronald Reagan, Colin Powell and Mikhail Gorbachev. … and in the Southwest Florida community: Fred Pezeshkan of Kraft Construction. His most gratifying experience: Arriving in one of my 30 ASG overseas offices and being greeted personally by my employees. His alternate career choice: Aviation. Quality he most admires in others: Honesty. What he would do to improve the quality of life here: Nothing. The quality of life here is perfect. What he won’t discuss at cocktail parties: Politics and religion. A book with special meaning: The Bible. His guilty pleasure: Traveling on my Gulfstream G550 airplane. What’s left on his bucket list: Bringing ASG to a billion-dollar company.

Kity Green
President/CEO Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Director of the Year, board member of Habitat for Humanity of Lee County and the Southwest Florida Transportation Authority, and now Woman of The Year. With all her titles and accolades, it’s a wonder Kitty Green has time for the title she’s most proud of—mom to 11-year-old twins Cameron and Amelia. "They are amazing people and being able to watch them grow-up is very gratifying," she says.

When she has spare time between managing the Bonita Bay Group and twin tweens, Green enjoys the simpler things in life—she loves novels, enjoys travel and would like to own a gardening store someday.

Birthplace: Fort Myers. Who she admires most: My grandmother, who died a few years ago at the age of 102. She was very self-reliant and resourceful and just a little bit mysterious. Quality most admired in others: People who know what they stand for and who can be true to themselves while still being tolerant of others. What she’d do to improve the quality of life here: Transportation improvements are still critical to our quality of life. What she won’t talk about at cocktail parties: I don’t have any taboo subjects. But, on the other hand, I don’t have a burning desire to convince anyone of my point of view on any particular subject. A song with special meaning: One of my first dates with my husband 27 years ago was a Pure Prairie League concert. So, anytime I hear one of their songs I think of that. People would be surprised to know: I asked my husband that question, and he laughed and said, "That you’re a very kind person." What’s left on her bucket list: I’d like to go on safari in Africa and do a cruise around the Greek Islands.

Darrel Adams
Thinking back to his arrival in Fort Myers in 1997, Darrel Adams says, "I don’t remember seeing baby strollers here." But now, he says, that has changed dramatically with the influx of young professionals to the area. And Adams is now pushing a stroller of his own—with 10-month-old twin daughters, Gianna and Luccia. Although he describes himself as a "farm boy from Minnesota," this busy executive oversees the news coverage for ABC7 and NBC2 and was on the founding board of the local Susan G. Komen organization. He has also served on the boards of the Children’s Home Society, Island Coast AIDS Network and ABC’s national news directors’ board.

Birthplace: Staples, Minn. Who he admires most: My sister, Carrie Adams. When she was 13 she was hit by a semi truck. She now lives with disabilities, but despite all of it, she never complains. … and within the Southwest Florida community: Steve and Lou Pontius. I don’t know anyone who works more tirelessly for charity in this community. What he would change about himself: Learn to relax. Most gratifying experience: Becoming a parent. Quality he admires in others: Humility and honesty. How he would improve the quality of life here: Make Southwest Florida [roadways and public spaces] prettier. A message to his younger self: Don’t be in such a rush. He won’t discuss at cocktail parties: Politics, TV, what we cover or the on-air staff. People would be surprised to know: When I started college I was going to be a Methodist minister. His guilty pleasure: My mom’s chocolate bars. I can eat all of them—literally. What’s left on his bucket list: Get a bigger boat, become a general manager or vice president at a communications company and have a vacation home in Italy.

Dudley Goodlette
Black-and-white photos of old Naples hang on the walls in the law office of Goodlette, Coleman, Johnson, Yovanovich & Koester—a tribute to the founding member’s long family history in Collier County. Dudley Goodlette, one of the firm’s three founders, has lived in Naples since childhood, and the photos bring back fond memories of events like the Swamp Buggy Races. Goodlette left Southwest Florida to earn his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University and his law degree from the University of Florida He then served in the military before returning to Naples to practice law in 1973.

His love for the area extended to his professional career—he represented Collier and part of Lee County as a four-term member of the Florida House of Representatives. He brought credit to his firm and hometown through his appointment to the 20th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission from 1986-1990.

Place of birth: Hazard, Ky. People he admires most: Jesus and the founding fathers—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison. His most gratifying experience: Becoming a father. Also, when I married my wife 28 years ago. From a public service perspective, it’s having sponsored the 2001 Florida legislation that tried to remedy the deficiencies in our electoral system, such as the hanging chad that we were embarrassed by in the 2000 presidential election. Alternate career choice: Either a preacher or a teacher—those were career paths I would have followed had I not been successful in getting into and through law school. Message to his younger self: The harder you work, the luckier you get. People would be surprised to know: He was the president of Young Democrats of Collier County in 1975-76. (He’s now a conservative.) His guilty pleasure: Exercise.

Robbie Roepstorff
Some people couldn’t imagine living and working with their spouses, but that turned out to be the ideal situation for Robbie Roepstorff. She built Edison National Bank from the ground up with her husband, Geoffrey—she as president, and he as CEO—all while raising a son.

"People sometimes scratch their heads that our careers and workdays are so intertwined, but Geoff and I wouldn’t have it any other way," she says.

While they disprove the saying that absence makes the heart grow fonder, there may just be something to the one about family that plays together … "It’s certainly not a secret, but my favorite guilty pleasure is sneaking off to the Keys with my husband and son for some family downtime," she says.

A long list of community involvements keep Roepstorff busy outside the bank, and her efforts don’t go unnoticed. She has been honored with awards for her philanthropy and business leadership and was even named 2004 Sanibel-Captiva Chamber Citizen of the Year.

Birthplace: Florence, Ala. Most gratifying personal experience: There has been nothing more gratifying in my life than becoming a mom and raising a wonderful son. Geoff and I are truly blessed to have Matt in our lives. Alternate career choice: She would devote 100 percent of her time to working in the nonprofit sector. Qualities she most admires in others: Honesty, integrity and trustworthiness. How she would improve the quality of life here: Protect the beautiful water, vegetation and wildlife that make Southwest Florida so special and draw people here. A message to her younger self: Wear sunscreen. Seriously, each of us is issued only one body in this lifetime, and few of us take care of it as well as we’d like. That wisdom comes free of charge with the aging process. She won’t discuss at cocktail parties: Bank business. People would be surprised to know: She is a major fan of college football and back bay fishing.

Celebrate Men and Women of the Year
It’s the 10th Anniversary of Gulfshore Life’s most elegant and extravagant party -- Men & Women of the Year -- celebrating the local luminaries whose time, energy, vision and talents have shaped and bettered our community. You’re invited to celebrate with us, Saturday, November 22, 2008, at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples. For tickets or information, please call (239) 449-4130 or click here!