GULFSHORE LIFE'S 2009 Men & Women of the Year may have come from different backgrounds and accomplished various things in their lives, but they share a desire to keep striving for greatness, both professionally and through their philanthropic endeavors. Their passions revolve around children, education, the arts and improving the community around them.
SUSAN AND PETER MANION
Co-chairs, Fun Time Early Childhood Academy
When asked what they wish they would have done earlier in life, Susan and Peter Manion pause and look at each other quizzically. “I don’t know what I’d do differently,” Susan says. “I’ve been volunteering all my life.” Peter nods.
Like the true philanthropists they are, their thoughts first turn to helping others. Upon moving to Southwest Florida 15 years ago, they were delighted to find a community full of people with the same charitable interests as theirs. They dove right in, getting involved with Greater Naples Leadership, the Christ Child Society and Habitat for Humanity, among other organizations. They joined forces in 2006 to help save a then near-bankrupt Fun Time Early Childhood Academy, which now serves 75 preschool children at its newly opened location in Naples.
People he admires most within Southwest Florida: Sam and Mary Ann Durso. They made Habitat for Humanity in this community the largest in the United States and led a drive to eliminate poverty housing in Southwest Florida for more than 1,000 families. Quality they admire most in others: Him—Compassion. Her—Honesty. Needed to improve the quality of life here: Him—Philanthropic support makes Southwest Florida what it is, but there are still opportunities to improve lives of the less fortunate. They’d like to share a meal with: Him—I’d ask Harry Truman about the difficulty he had in deciding to drop bombs on Japan and how he ever reconciled himself in that decision. Her—Mother Teresa. I want to know how she woke up one day and had all this inspiration. People would be surprised to know: Her—Peter swims a mile every morning at 5 a.m. Him—And while I’m swimming, Susan is at the gym. Their guilty pleasures: Him—Pretzels. Her—Chocolate.
ED MARCHETTI
Capital Campaign Chair, Guadalupe Center of Immokalee
A tough decision changed the course of Ed Marchetti’s life. One minute, he was president of a design and office furniture sales company. The next, it was taken over by a group that didn’t share his values. He quit—with two kids in college to support—and decided to start his own company. “Everything was on the line. Ninety days later, I opened the doors of Office Environments of New England. I never thought of failing. It just wasn’t an option.” He eventually bought out his former employers, and by the time he retired, his company was worth $200 million and employed more than 300. Marchetti now splits his time between Essex, Mass., and Bonita Springs with his wife, Pat. He drew upon his determination and perseverance when asked to raise money for the Guadalupe Center of Immokalee’s school expansion. The original goal was $2.5 million, but Marchetti didn’t stop there. The end result five years later: $11 million, two buildings and 18 classrooms.
People he admires most in Southwest Florida: Trustees of the Naples Winter Wine Festival for supporting organizations that benefit disadvantaged children. Qualities he admires most in others: Honesty, loyalty and hard work. What he’d change about himself: I’d be patient. Message to his younger self: Have a better balance between career and family. He’d like to share a meal with: Former President Harry S. Truman to discuss tough decisions at the end of World War II. Special movie: Cool Hand Luke. To me, it means never give up, never give in. His guilty pleasure: Butter crunch or maple walnut ice cream from Royal Scoop. Still on his bucket list: Play golf in Ireland, and go to wine country in Italy.
WILSON BRADSHAW
President, Florida Gulf Coast University
It was a warm homecoming when Wilson Bradshaw took the helm at FGCU in November 2007. The Florida native worked his way through colder climes as vice president of academic affairs at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, and president at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minn. His extensive work on developing the facilities at Metro State prepared him for Southwest Florida’s growing university. Keeping up with increased enrollments and facility construction has Bradshaw revisiting the university’s strategic plan for the next several years. “We’re skating toward where the puck is headed,” he says.
He and his wife, Jo Anna, have quickly become involved in the community, as she’s gotten right to work volunteering for local causes. “In a short period of time, she’s taken on hunger and homelessness in this area,” Bradshaw says. “And she’s very passionate about it.”
Quality he admires most in others: Integrity. If he wasn’t in academic administration, he’d be: A professor and researcher. What he would change about himself: I’d have a deeper, smoother voice. Needed to improve the quality of life here: A more diverse economy. Message to his younger self: Have a little more fun. He’d like to share a meal with: President Obama. I’d ask him how he chooses the people who give him advice on critical issues. People would be surprised to know: I’m an accomplished baker. Special song: My Girl by The Temptations. It captures the spirit of that time. Guilty pleasure: Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey ice cream. Still on his bucket list: Secretary of Education or a position that directly influences policy on a national level … but not an elected position.
PETER THOMAS
Narrator, television and radio
Peter Thomas’ deep, soothing voice can be heard across the country, narrating TV programs such as the Forensic Files and the Oscar-winning documentary One Survivor Remembers. But Southwest Florida has a special claim on the well-known voice. Thomas donates his talents to support local causes, including the Philharmonic Center for the Arts, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, United Way, the Shelter for Abused Women & Children and many more.
A former CBS newsman and World War II veteran, Thomas is involved with Collier County’s Freedom Memorial and the Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida, which honored him with its Triumph Award.
Thomas and his wife of 63 years, Stella, moved to Naples in 1966. Now 85, he hopes never to retire. “It doesn’t feel like work,” he says. “Every day is a joy.”
Person he admires most: Stella. She’s helped me with everything on anything I’ve ever done. ... and within Southwest Florida: Myra Janco Daniels. I think she contributes more to this town than anybody. Needed to improve the quality of life here: Watch the overdevelopment. Qualities he admires most in others: Courage, devotion, dedication to a cause. What he’d change about himself: I’d try to be more organized. Alternate career choice: I’d write a book. Adversity that shaped his character: The second World War. You’d give your life for these buddies. He’d like to share a meal with: Gen. Omar Bradley to ask about certain military campaigns. Special song: You Are My Sunshine. He dedicated the song to Stella after they met. People would be surprised to know: I get up at 4 o’clock. His secret obsession: I would have loved to have been a great tennis player.
MARY PAT HUSSEY
Chairman, Boys & Girls Club of Collier County
Thousands of children in the Southwest Florida community have Mary Pat Hussey to thank in part for her contributions to the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, which she helped to open in 1997, and the Naples Children & Education Foundation, of which she and her husband, Dr. Frank Hussey, are founding members. But her dedication to children and education laid its roots long before then—she’s been volunteering her time in Collier County since moving here in 1972.
Though Naples is her primary home, her guilty pleasure is “being able to go to New York City a few days a month, when possible.” Says the Brooklyn native, whose father worked as a fireman in the city, “I still love walking the streets of the city and experiencing the ‘New York scene.’”
Person she most admires: Audrey Hepburn, because she was a great humanitarian who used her talents and successes on behalf of children. … and in Southwest Florida: Mary Boyce Johnson, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County. I admire her vision and dedication to serving young people in this community. Needed to improve the quality of life here: I believe we need quality affordable housing for the middle class. What she’d change about herself: I’d be three inches taller. She’d like to share a meal with: Harriet Beecher Stowe. We would discuss the events of her century and how she used her education to make a difference in our country. Message to her younger self: Never underestimate your ability to succeed. Special song: Moon River—it was our wedding song 46 years ago! Her greatest hope for the future: For Americans to understand the importance of restoring solid family values.
EDWARD A. MORTON
Managing director, Wasmer, Schroeder and Co.
The son of a commercial fisherman from Islamorada, Edward Morton’s motivation to help the needy comes from icons such as Thomas Jefferson and Adam Smith. By failing to care for the needy, he says, citing Smith’s The Theory of Moral Sentiments, “You legitimize the role of government to do that, and eventually the government will confiscate sufficient wealth as to kill the golden goose.”
A University of Notre Dame graduate, he served as an Army captain from 1969 to 1972 before joining NCH Healthcare System. For 35 years, he led NCH as CFO, COO and for the final six years as CEO before retiring in 2006.
Now 62, Morton’s list of credentials is long, including leadership positions with the Bank of Florida Southwest, Leadership Collier Foundation, Florida Gulf Coast University’s Financing Corporation and Foundation, as well as Quest, a private group that sends needy young people to college.
Quality he admires most in others: Integrity. What he’d change about himself: I would be a little more humble and more tolerant. Alternate career choice: Teaching. Message to his younger self: Be less concerned about who gets credit and more satisfied with the result. What he won’t discuss at cocktail parties: Notre Dame football. They’re not doing well. He’d like to share a meal with: Thomas Jefferson. I’d like to discuss the theology of the Declaration of Independence. Special book: Common Sense by Thomas Paine and Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Greatest hope for the future: That America wakes up to its potential and that we will once again recognize that hard work and morality are the keys to our collective success.
JOHN M. POLLOCK
President, Oswald Trippe and Co.
His first summer job was in construction, working in the brutal Southwest Florida heat, so when John Pollock got an offer the next summer for a job that promised a dollar an hour more and an air-conditioned office, he grabbed it. More than 19 years later, he’s still there—now as president of Oswald Trippe and Co.
At 41, he has established his leadership in the business community and in charitable efforts. He serves on the board of directors of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, Southwest Capital Bank and is past president of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce. In 2004, when Hurricane Charley hit, he was chairman of the Lee County United Way campaign and exceeded its goal. He is also active in the Rotary Club of Fort Myers South, where he has 13 years of perfect attendance. For Pollock, though, wife Jinjer and their two daughters come first.
Person he admires: Gary Trippe. He’s committed to helping others be the best they can be. Needed to improve the quality of life here: Create a magic serum that would increase the giving spirit. Quality he admires most in others: Commitment. Alternate career choice: Basketball coach. Message to his younger self: Limit overconfidence, understand maximum effort and develop a thirst for knowledge at that age rather than later in life. He’d like to share a meal with: God, for sure, and it would be a long meal. People would be surprised to know: I cry at movies. It could be a comedy, and I’ll cry. The kids laugh at me. Still on his bucket list: Travel. I’d love to have a hole-in-one someday. And we’d love to get certified to scuba dive as a family.