There’s a certain buzz around our office this time every year. Just the word “bachelors” heightens the excitement level. Who will they be? What do they look like? And, equally important, where will the party be? Well, wait no longer. Here’s this year’s batch of charming, handsome, single guys. We think you’ll agree they live up to the anticipation they’ve aroused. 
And be sure to visit www.gulfshorelife.com for the latest details on one of the hottest parties of the year, Oct. 22 at M Waterfront Grille. We’ll see you there!

MichaelSassi 31

RETAIL MANAGER, Cape Coral
Hometown: Fort Myers
He says he’s: Caring, intellectual and humble
He’ll first notice: Her eyes and smile, especially if they’re coming in my direction.
Dating here: I’ve heard a lot of people complain, but I enjoy it.
Great first date: It could be anywhere as long as we feel like we’re really connecting.
Giveaway that he’s interested: I’ll act nervous and a little shy.
Text or call? Texting is to the point, and there’s no pressure. But there’s nothing better than face-to-face.
Potential dates need to know: I have a dry sense of humor, so don’t take me too seriously.
Dating deal breaker: A negative aura
Desire to settle down: 7 out of 10
For a relationship, he would never give up: Working out
I wish women would … understand that there are still good guys out there.
Go-to pick-up move: I make eye contact and smile. I’ll give nonverbal cues.
Sexy girl get-up: High heels and a black dress. It’s elegant and sexy at the same time.
Dating game he hates: Having to wait to call. Sometimes I can’t hold back.
Intimidating girl behavior: Drinking too much
Best compliment he could receive: When an older woman says, “You’d be great for
my daughter.”
Current hangout: Blue Martini

Our take: Forget our daughters … they can find their own.

BasilBsisu 30

FOOD AND BEVERAGE DIRECTOR, Fort Myers
Hometown: Covington, Ky.
He first notices: Her smile, lips and eyes
Dating here: It’s slow to nonexistent.
Great first date: I like a little bit of a surprise—maybe pick her up on
my motorcycle. See if she’ll go with the flow.
Tips that he’s interested: You’ll see a lot more smiles, and I’ll be
more talkative.
Communication style: Face-to-face is best.
Favorite travel spot: Italy
Potential dates need to know: I’m very private.
Dating deal breakers: Ignorance and neediness
Worst date ever: I took a girl to a shooting range to try something out of the ordinary.
After she shot the gun, she freaked out. I’ll never do that again.
Desire to settle down: 6 out of 10
Trait of successful couples: Understanding
Go-to pick-up line: Usually telling a joke
Sexiest girl outfit: Jeans, boots and a tank top
Best compliment he can receive: “You’re a gentleman.”
Favorite hangout: Buddha Bar

Our take: Those eyes … those lips … do we really need to say more?

KarlSmesko38

BASKETBALL COACH, Estero
Hometown: Akron, Ohio
He says he’s: Soft-spoken, thoughtful and passionate
What he’ll notice first: Somebody who’s having a good time, smiling
and laughing
A good first date: It’s not so much of a place as starting to see a 
connection or common interests.
Favorite travel spot: Puerto Rico
Potential dates need to know: I’m slow to open up, and I’d much rather talk about them.
Dating deal breaker: People who are overtly shallow
What about public displays of affection (PDA)? There’s nothing wrong with sharing a 
kiss as long as you do it with some semblance of taste.
Desire to settle down: The number fluctuates. I’m somewhere in the middle.
For a relationship, he won’t give up: My sense of self
Trait of successful couples: An appreciation for the differences in people
I wish women would … be more aggressive.
Sexiest thing she could wear: I like a woman who can pull off a baseball 
cap and then also wear a sundress to dinner.
He’ll shy away from: Women who are overly dramatic or who find conflict exciting
Favorite hangout: The beach at night or walking in the nature preserves

Our take: He may be a shy guy, but he’s also into the arts and very introspective. No dumb jock here, ladies.

IggySprude 28

POOL SERVICE BUSINESS OWNER, Naples
Born in: Latvia; family moved to Charlotte, N.C., when he was 14 and to Naples shortly after that.
Stays busy: Wakeboarding, triathlon training and snowboarding in the winter
Calls himself: Fun, spontaneous and caring
He’ll first notice: Her hair
Dating here: It’s a small town, and I don’t really date a lot.
But if he did? A great date would be on the boat with a bottle of wine, watching the sunset.
Text or call? The first time, you have to call. Texting is cool, but not when you first meet someone—it’s cowardly.
Favorite travel spot: Beaver Creek, Colo.
Potential dates need to know: I’ll watch her behavior closely … how much she drinks, what she eats.
Dating deal breaker: Overbearing behavior
What about PDA? I don’t mind it as long as it’s not to the point of “get a room.”
Desire to settle down: 7 1/2 out of 10
For a relationship, he’d never give up: My dog, Casey
Traits of successful couples: Confidence and trust
Sexiest girl get-up: A short dress and high heels
Intimidating girl behavior: When she tries to take too much control
Dating games he hates: Playing hard to get and not returning phone calls
Because … I’m so fast-paced that by the time they do call back, I’ve moved on.
Favorite hangout: Blue Martini

Our take: Um, we’d like to take the entire day off work and just hang out. Is that OK?

EricBooker 47

LUXURY GOLF COMMUNITY REAL ESTATE AGENT, Naples
Hometown: Clarkston, Mich.
Describes himself as: Shy, traditional and a homebody
He’s attracted to: Active, energetic and independent girls
Best first date: Meet for a drink or dinner and take a walk on the beach
What about PDA? I like girls who don’t mind touching you—but it has to be in a quiet way.
You’ll know you’ve clicked when: I’m staring at her a lot, and I’m really attentive.
Favorite travel spot: Carmel, Calif. I like that it’s very health-conscious there.
Potential dates need to know: I’m not a party animal.
Dating deal breaker: Someone who’s never on time
Trait of successful couples: Respect for one another
I wish women would … wear more summer dresses.
Dating game he hates: Jealousy
Go-to pick-up move: “What’s your name?” If you’re asking their name, it shows that you could
be interested.
Current hangout: Blue Martini

Our take: This former professional golfer will likely treat you to adventurous, sporty days and quiet, romantic nights.

Joe-JoJennings 40

HOTEL LOBBY CONCIERGE, Naples
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Calls himself: Energetic, outgoing and passionate
Other people have called him: The unofficial mayor of Naples
Working connections: You can find him supporting various philanthropic events or putting together Young Professional get togethers.
How receptive is Naples to its gay community? Naples is hugely open. It’s never been an issue to be gay.
He first notices: The smile and eyes … I’m a hopeless romantic.
Best first date: Always lunch, preferably at Gumbo Limbo at The Ritz. It’s a casual environment, and if lunch goes well, dinner will be perfect.
Giveaway that he’s interested: I start smiling a lot.
Time to talk: The best is one-on-one, but I’m a huge text person.
Potential date needs to know: You need to get to know me first—not what you hear about me.
Dating deal breaker: I detest, loathe and hate gossip.
Desire to settle down: 8 out of 10
Go-to pick up line: “Hi, my name is Joe-Jo.” A handshake and response back lets me know what I’m going to do next.
Best compliment he could get: “You’re a really nice person.”

Our take: He’s dashing, well-dressed, well-connected and instantly likeable. A real catch.

DouglasKeating 60

REAL ESTATE BUSINESS OWNER, Naples
Hometown: Detroit
He says he’s: Loyal, energetic and passionate
He’ll first notice: The total package. I take it all in, but the eyes are probably 
most important.
Dating here: I’ve met a lot of bright, terrific, attractive women in Naples.
Best first date: A quiet dinner at any one of the great restaurants
in Naples.
If he’s interested: I’ll tell her. I’m pretty direct.
Time to talk: I’m pretty old school—I like the phone.
Favorite place to travel: Wherever my kids are (currently New York, Chicago and Scottsdale, Ariz.)
Potential dates need to know: I’m a gentleman.

What about PDA? Sometimes, with the right person, a lot of it
is acceptable.
Desire to settle down: 5 out of 10
Trait of successful couples: They are both givers, not takers.
I wish women would … dress up more.
Guy behavior decoded: If a guy doesn’t call immediately, it doesn’t mean he’s not interested.
Sexiest thing she can wear: A smile
Dating game he hates: I prefer just enjoying each other rather then being sized up as a prospect.
Best compliment he could receive: “I respect your decision.”
Current hangouts: The Capital Grille and Blue Martini

Our take: Right away, you’ll feel at ease in Doug’s presence—he’s a great conversationalist and
totally engaging.

BradSzymczak 31

COMMODITIES TRADER, REAL ESTATE INVESTOR, Naples
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis.
Describes himself as: Ultra competitive, driven and shy
He’ll first notice: They way she carries herself
He’s attracted to: A girl who is self-made. That is so hot.
The dating scene here: I’ve never really been a part of it, but there’s potential anywhere.
Great first date: I hate dates, but going out for cocktails and good conversation
Tip that he’s clicking: I get more nervous.
Text or call? 100 percent, call. Texting is so impersonal, and meanings get lost in text messages.
Favorite travel spots: Las Vegas, Hong Kong and Buenos Aires
Potential dates need to know: I’m extremely focused and passionate about my work, but I also like to party with the best of them.
Dating deal breakers: Texting while on a date and smoking
For a relationship, he won’t compromise: Time with my friends and family
Trait of successful couples: Trust
I wish women would … know that when guys are out with their friends,
they haven’t forgotten about you.
Sexy girl getup: Jeans, a white tank top and boots
Her best move: I like a girl who’s forward, because I’m not.
Desire to settle down: 10 out of 10. I want to have a family.
Favorite hangout: Boston Beer Garden

Our take: He has an incredible mind for business and a 6-foot-7 body for, well, everything else.

CraigBamberg 45

CORPORATE OPERATIONS, Naples
Hometown: Buffalo, N.Y.
Describes himself as: A guy’s guy with a gentleman’s nature
Worthy cause: He is very involved in the United Way of Collier County.
He’ll notice first: Physically, her face, but I’m also looking for a confident
aura that’s reflected in the way she carries herself.
Dating here: Southwest Florida is certainly not a metropolis, but that doesn’t mean the well is dry.
A good first date: Someplace quiet enough to have engaging conversation.
Potential dates need to know: You could get pulled onto the dance floor … I can tango.
Dating deal breaker: Early, intense conversations about personal income
What about PDA? If she initiates it, it’s so flattering. It’s a big ego boost.
For a relationship, he’ll never give up: Football. Guys just like to watch it. Just let me.
Trait of successful couples: Chemistry that never dies
Guy behavior decoded: If a guy makes physical contact, he’s into you.
Sexiest thing she can wear: It all begins and ends with her little black dress and heels.
Intimidating girl behavior: When communication shuts down
Best compliment he can receive: The return of a passionate kiss good night
Current hangouts: Absinthe and Blue Martini

Our take: He’s super smart, funny and tuned in. Be ready to talk and laugh and dance the night away.