All of the above are “reality” shows intended to pair up singles who have had it with the traditional methods of meeting their match in real life. And based on the statistics, they don’t usually succeed. After 17 seasons and 69 couples paired on the show by professional matchmakers, as of August 2024, the success rate for Married at First Sight was 15.9%. And nearly every contestant, when asked in on-air interviews why they finally decided to take that route, said they considered it a last resort after a long run of striking out on dating apps and through traditional methods of meeting people, like bars or friends’ introductions.

As we approach 2025, the dating landscape in South Florida reflects broader national trends, characterized by a blend of traditional in-person interactions and digital platforms. The social environment is a tapestry of bars, clubs, and social events that cater to a wide range of age groups and interests. Organized events such as speed dating and singles mixers are commonplace now, providing structured opportunities for individuals to meet potential partners. 

But singles here do face some unique challenges. Florida has been ranked as one of the worst states for finding a mate, with the region’s high prevalence of identity theft and fraud complicating the dating scene and underscoring the importance of vigilance for those seeking connections both online and offline.

Speed dating has experienced a resurgence in popularity across South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, as singles seek efficient and engaging ways to meet potential partners. The in-person dating method offers structured interactions, allowing participants to engage in multiple brief conversations within a single event. Typically, speed dating events are organized to cater to specific age ranges, ensuring participants meet others in their preferred demographic and allowing individuals to connect at similar life stages. As an example, Pre-Dating Speed Dating organizes events targeting various age groups, such as singles aged 24-39 and 36-54, creating opportunities for meaningful connections within these demographics. 

Speed dating boasts notable success rates compared to online dating platforms, perhaps because participants have the advantage of immediate, face-to-face interactions, allowing them to assess chemistry and compatibility in real-time. Pre-Dating reports that out of 10 potential partners presented at their events, individuals typically match with two to three, with more than two-thirds of participants matching with at least one person. CitySwoon, another organizer of speed dating events, claims a 90% chance of participants meeting someone with mutual interest at their events, highlighting the effectiveness of their algorithmic matching system. 

Dating preferences and methods vary significantly across different age groups, influencing the success rates of various platforms. In the 30- to 49-year-old age group, people often seek truly meaningful connections, gravitating toward apps like Hinge and Bumble, which promote serious relationships rather than “hook-ups.” The success rate in finding long-term partners increases with platforms that emphasize compatibility and detailed profiles.

Meanwhile, adults 50 and older tend to prefer traditional dating methods, such as meeting through mutual acquaintances or at social events. However, there is a growing acceptance of digital platforms like Match.com, which cater to those seeking serious, long-term relationships. The success rate is higher on platforms that offer comprehensive matching algorithms and cater to mature audiences.

Two South Florida daters in the 40-to-50+ age range that we spoke to have tried out the apps and the mutual acquaintance route. We asked them to give an overview of their experiences to help get a snapshot of what it’s like to put oneself “out there.”

SHE SAYS

At 49, Kellen Wolff, director of global client services with Verizon Business and a mother of two young children, has been divorced for two years but first separated from her ex-husband in 2020. With the chaos of the COVID pandemic and the process of the divorce itself wreaking havoc, she waited until 2022 to reenter the dating scene. Asked about the number-one thing she looks for in a partner, Wolff did not hesitate, replying, “Stability. And believe it or not, that’s hard to find at this point in life.” 

As an executive and the owner of a five-bedroom single-family home in Miramar, Wolff says, “Emotionally, financially and mentally, at my age there are a lot of men who are also divorced, and because of that they are often starting from scratch. They may have financial obligations to a family, they used to have a residence but now they’re living in a studio because the ex and the kids live in the house—sometimes they even live with a roommate. That doesn’t compare to my circumstances.”

Wolff admits that her expectations and priorities have changed drastically from her younger days. “They’ve definitely shifted,” she says. “When I was in my 20s, the guys I dated were still up-and-coming, so it was a little different. The focus then was, where are you going to be later in life? And they had to be physically attractive. I don’t want to say that I waive that now — it’s not a necessity, but if there’s no chemistry, it doesn’t work. When I was younger, I would bypass their IQ if they were attractive, whereas now if you can’t hold a conversation, or If I can’t leave you in a room with my peers who are executives and you can’t hold it down, I can’t be with you. If my mind is not stimulated, I will get bored. I’m already a mother, I don’t want to be a mother to a man.” Financial stability is equally important. “I need him to have that because I have it,” she says. 

Many of the potential partners she’s met have not been fully transparent. “For example, they might have owned a home, but as the result of a divorce, they don’t anymore,” she says. “‘Oh, I do but my ex-wife lives there,’” Wolff says. “The lie turns me off. Had you been honest, depending on the other qualities, if everything else checks the box, I get it. It’s a struggle coming out of a divorce. I know, because I had to pay my ex out and I have to pay him child support. But if you’re lying about that, what else are you lying about? That’s a red flag.”

The biggest challenge she has encountered, however, is intimidation of her professional and financial success. “I’ve had to downplay my title and my financial situation because many men get intimidated if you’re more successful and make more money than they do,” she says. “It’s happened more than once. When I noticed this was how they were, I wouldn’t discuss those things anymore. I would wait it out before I opened up about my professional situation. My house is big, so I’d wait before letting them come. I stopped telling people I had investment properties in New York and condos here. I had to show more feminine energy than the masculine energy that women have to have to be successful.”

Happily, Wolff did eventually find her match. In December 2022, she hit it off with someone; they dated on and off because of various family circumstances, but since April 2024, she notes, “things have been smooth.” 

“He’s very respectful and loving,” she says. “In my old relationship, I didn’t have that. He makes me a priority, whereas I wasn’t before. He wants to take care of me, even though I can take care of myself. I don’t need that, but I want it.” Because she shares custody of her children with her ex-husband, she has time to devote to the relationship. “It’s rewarding to find someone with the same goals or vision at this stage of life, and that compatibility and chemistry. If you didn’t have those things in your 20s and 30s, who cares? He looked good and had a Viper. It didn’t matter, it was more superficial. Now, it’s not.”

Asked if she has any advice to offer middle-aged daters, Wolff, says, “Don’t give up. There’s someone out there for everyone. I love love. To me, it’s so rewarding when you find someone who treats you right and you finally feel appreciated. Love yourself first. Once you do that, you won’t compromise and settle, and then you end up where you were before with someone you. And enjoy it. It’s a process. It’s not going to be the first person. If it is, great, but you may have to date a lot of frogs.” 

HE SAYS
Middle-aged dating in 2025 comes with its own unique set of challenges, as Michael Siracusa, a 51-year-old project manager from Lake Worth, Florida, reflects. Having been married briefly many years ago during his time in the military, like Wolff, Siracusa is now focused on finding stability, not just financially, but in life. 

“Stability is number one. When you’re young, you don’t care because you think you can grow that,” he says. “Also, as you age, of course, you have issues, but I’d like to be with someone who is fairly healthy.” Kids factor into his criteria as well. “At this stage of my life, if they do have kids, I prefer they are older rather than younger — or out of the house.”                                                                                                                                                         

That sentiment is in keeping with Wolff’s revelation that with age, expectations shift. Siracusa is no longer seeking a potential mother for his children, but someone with shared values and interests.

One deal breaker for him is avoiding getting involved with a woman who is just coming out of a relationship or shouldering a lot of debt. “I enjoy life and I don’t want to become embroiled in cleaning up someone else’s mess,” he says. The flip side to that is that often the women he’s met who are high-earning professionals are “less inclined to compromise.”

Dating apps used to be his go-to, but these days Siracusa is more hesitant to use them. He shared one memorable experience where, after hitting it off with a woman on Match.com, their conversation abruptly ended when their differences on Disney came to light. “I’m a big kid, I work my ass off, and Disney — the adult version — is something I enjoy,” he said. “But this woman was completely against Disney, even saying she hated them as a corporation. And I thought, oh my God, Disney killed the chat,” he laughs. “I never even met her in person after that, because what’s the point?” 

Another woman he met on the app admitted to him that she was in it for the free meals she would enjoy on dates. “There’s always a story,” he laughs. “I’ve also met women who wanted to find a husband so they could become an American citizen.”

Today, Siracusa says, he shies away from dating apps. He’s open to and considering speed dating but prefers introductions from friends and clients. He met his former fiancée through a client; their story ultimately ended during the pandemic lockdown, when things became too close for comfort as they quarantined with her two grown daughters for an extended period. 

Despite the challenges, Siracusa remains optimistic. At this stage of life, he’s no longer willing to compromise, whatever it takes. “It’s not easy as you get older, but you can’t settle,” he says. “You want what you want.”

The post The Dating Game appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Ira Baer 

CFO, Baer’s Furniture 

On becoming a philanthropist: 

Philanthropy is in my blood. It started with my grandparents, Melvin and Lucille Baer. Since opening the first Baer’s store in 1945, they have been a shining example of being generous and giving back to your community. I primarily contribute to Jewish and cancer research organizations, but there are many other groups I have supported through the years, since 1989. At Baer’s Furniture, I take the lead on our family’s corporate giving. 

It’s Close to Home: 

My commitment to supporting cancer-related causes stems from a deeply personal experience—my brother is a cancer survivor. Witnessing his journey firsthand opened my eyes to the immense challenges faced by patients and their families. It also underscored the critical need for advancements in cancer research and improved access to care.  

Collaboration & Cooperation: 

We have collaborated with many of our vendors who enjoy participating in our efforts. Volunteering my time is a part of my daily and weekly schedule, as it is for many of the Baer Family. From sponsorships to matching efforts and even things as simple as handing out water bottles or food at charity biking/running fundraisers, it is thrilling to have our entire Baer’s team join the effort.

Ann Monis 

CEO, Transformative Healthcare Solutions 

On becoming a philanthropist: 

When my family immigrated to the U.S. from Israel, I was 9 years old. We arrived with nothing, crammed into a one-bedroom apartment with seven family members. My single mother worked multiple jobs, yet we faced hardships, living without health insurance, food security or basic needs. By 12, I worked to help our household. These struggles instilled resilience and a commitment to ensure others don’t face similar challenges and inspired me to establish the Florida Mental Health Coalition, which improves access to mental health services, and to support organizations like the Boys & Girls Club to address critical community needs. 

It’s personal: 

As a pre-teen volunteering at shelters, I met a boy my age who, despite enduring neglect and abuse in foster care, dreamed of playing in the NFL. After aging out of the system, he faced homelessness and substance abuse and took his own life. This loss deeply impacted me, reinforcing how vital love, stability, and support are for vulnerable populations. Later, while building homes for underserved families, I witnessed how safe spaces restore dignity and hope. These experiences fuel my passion for mental health advocacy and supporting underserved communities today. 

How do you measure the impact of your philanthropic efforts? 

Measuring impact at the Florida Mental Health Coalition (FMHC) combines metrics like individuals served and recidivism reduction with personal stories of transformation. For example, trauma-informed care helped a police officer process a child’s drowning, preventing long-term emotional harm. Similarly, consistent therapy broke a young man’s cycle of incarceration, enabling him to thrive and contribute to his community. Success is found in every life healed, cycle broken, and opportunity created through our work.

Sharon Gustafson-Florescue 

Owner & CEO, Sharon Enterprises LLC 

On becoming a philanthropist: 

I have been involved in numerous charities since 1970 when I first moved to South Florida. Both my father and my late husband, Barry Florescue, passed away far too early at ages 70 and 73, one from leukemia and the other from diabetes, kidney cancer and a rare blood disorder. While I contribute to many different charities, this was what inspired me to become more involved in supporting charities focused on cancer on a more substantial basis.  

Hence, the Foundation: 
My husband was a strong believer in education and started the Florescue Family Foundation, of which I am president. At the Foundation, we donate to many charities that foster educational opportunities for children as well as charities searching for cures for cancers. I presently sit on the board of the Royal Dames of Cancer Research, which supports cancer research at Nova Southeastern University in hopes of finding a cure. I’m proud to say we are a million-dollar charity this year.  

And in her spare time: 
I actively support Junior Achievement, co-founded the Circle of Wise Women, and was honored as their “WOW” Woman in 2022. The Foundation backs events like Uncorked, Glam-A-Thon, and causes such as Boys & Girls Clubs, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, and Habitat for Humanity, driven by a passion for improving lives through education, health, and housing. Whether it’s finding a cure for a devastating disease, offering a child an opportunity for a better education, or building a home for a less fortunate family with Habitat for Humanity, it seems like I’ve done it all! 

Jennifer Starkey 

Senior Vice President/Regional Vice President , TD Bank 

On becoming a philanthropist: 

At a young age, I witnessed the kindness of strangers. My mother, a young single mom with two children and another on the way, faced tough times. She worked as a bank teller and received clothing, food and support from coworkers, customers, and the community. She also volunteered with the junior women’s club and raised money to help others. Growing up surrounded by such acts of philanthropy, I knew I wanted to follow this path of giving. As soon as I started working, almost 40 years ago, I participated in our employee giving campaign, giving to United Way. After having our family, I also saw the importance of not only giving of treasure but also of time and talent. I try to volunteer or serve on a board or committee with each organization for which I have a passion in addition to the monetary contribution. 

But it extends beyond money…: 

Real support includes the sharing of time, talent, and treasure. And throughout my life, there were times when I could give more talent and time than treasure. All are vital to a not-for-profit’s success. When I served on the board of the National Association of Women Business Owners, I had the pleasure of going to Washington, DC, to speak to congressional representatives and senators about the needs of women-owned businesses which included access to capital, technology improvements, and tax and reporting relief. Additionally, it was a pleasure to speak to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to suggest additional ways to get the word out on the programming and funding opportunities for business owners offered by the SBA. 

Words of wisdom to aspiring givers: 

I always say if you are going to give your time and money, it should be to an organization that is doing work you care about. My daughter Samantha is just starting her career after completing her advanced degrees in public health, but she wanted to start on her philanthropic journey. She loves animals, so she applied and was accepted to become a volunteer at the Miami-Dade Humane Society. I am so proud of her for continuing the family tradition of giving back. 

Giuliana Hirshson 

Vice President, PNC Investments
On being a philanthropist: 

I support several causes, including the Royal Dames of Cancer Research, Slow Burn Theatres and Beaux Arts Fort Lauderdale. In the case of Slow Burn Theatres, the impact they make in the community extends beyond the stage by providing valuable employment opportunities for local actors, designers and artists, fostering creative growth in South Florida. Through outreach programs such as senior workshops with $10 show tickets, sensory-friendly performances for neurodivergent audiences, and special pricing for students, Slow Burn ensures the arts are accessible to all, making live theater an inclusive and enriching experience for the entire community. 

Giving time as well as money: 
Royal Dames of Cancer Research is a nonprofit which is all volunteers.?Knowing that the volunteers’ hard work is helping to raise funds brings me the satisfaction of knowing that we are giving back to society and, hopefully soon, to the world. It was founded by a group of women who believed the cure for cancer could only be found through research and began to support the Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute, now located at NSU. RGI’s patented therapeutics are showing great promise in treating many types of cancer and most recently, Glioblastoma. We continue the founder’s legacy by having fundraising events throughout the year.

The art of the matter: 
At Beaux Arts, we all volunteer to encourage an understanding and appreciation of the arts. Beaux Arts supports Museum on the Move, an innovative new education program that brings 6,000+ Broward County sixth graders to NSU Art Museum Fort for an interactive tour and learning experience. Beaux Arts also hosts an annual Spring Honoree Luncheon to help garner support for future art education initiatives at NSU Art Museum. We support the museum by contributing to its ongoing operations and?enhancing its educational programming and outreach. Through our formal fundraisers and informal activities, we form friendships and have fun while pursuing our goals. 

Danielle Gaudreau 

Designer, The Pretty Nomad
On becoming a philanthropist: 

Fashion has always been my way of empowering and connecting with others, but it never felt right to focus only on myself. Time, to me, is far more valuable than money, and I dedicate as much of it as I can to causes that truly matter. My focus is on fostering self-worth, providing opportunities, and supporting education—helping others realize their potential and creating meaningful change in the world. I’ve been actively involved in philanthropy since I was a teenager, driven by the belief that true success comes from giving back.  

What it’s all about: 

A challenge I’ve seen in the areas I support is that there’s never enough. “Will shelters ever be a thing of the past, or will there always be homeless dogs?” “Will cancer ever be a thing of the past?” “When will all children finally have equal opportunities, regardless of their background?” These questions weigh heavily because the need is constant and often overwhelming. That’s why I keep pushing to do everything I can to make even the smallest difference. 

Walking the walk: 
Beyond financial contributions, I organize rescue efforts, host events, mentor others, and use my platforms to raise awareness. It’s about what you do when no one is watching, the connections you build and the relentless commitment to making even the smallest difference in bettering the world. 

Words of inspiration: 
Long-term, I hope to create a ripple effect—a movement where individuals are empowered to uplift others and advocate for the causes they believe in. I want to inspire people to take that first step, because the first step is always the hardest. But once you start, you’ll realize?this?is what it’s all about—showing up, making a difference, and knowing that even the smallest actions can create lasting change.  

The post Faces of Change appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Founded by Manning Sumner in 2023, NO DAYS OFF Premium Water has established itself as a leading provider of pure, performance-oriented hydration solutions. As the Official Premium Water of the Miami HEAT and Kaseya Center, the brand caters to individuals who demand excellence without compromise. Offered in 16 oz and 8 oz aluminum cans, NO DAYS OFF’s Still and Sparkling waters are meticulously crafted with a proprietary blend of essential minerals and electrolytes. This strategic investment from 9.58 Ventures not only supplies the necessary financial and intellectual resources for expansion but also aligns NO DAYS OFF with a partner that deeply understands the brand’s vision and unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier hydration products to consumers.

“We’re thrilled to team up with 9.58 Ventures, a firm that truly understands our mission of inspiring people to perform at their peak,” says Sumner. “This partnership allows us to scale our reach and impact, delivering premium hydration options that align with the values of driven individuals everywhere. With 9.58 Ventures’ support, we’re more committed than ever to setting a new standard in the premium water category.”

9.58 Ventures, renowned for supporting transformative brands in sports, lifestyle, and wellness, boasts a distinguished roster of partners and investors, including NFL star and Pro Bowl veteran Deion Jones, NBA coach David Vanterpool, top tennis phenom Frances Tiafoe, and Super Bowl Champion Jalen Mills. The firm has invested in companies such as SkinnyDipped, DailyPay, POCstock, NeuroTrainer, and Kokoon. Through this partnership, NO DAYS OFF will benefit from 9.58 Ventures’ strategic guidance and expansive reach within the lifestyle space.

“What you put in your body is No. 1 for your health and longevity, and NO DAYS OFF Premium Water epitomizes this premise,” says Fred Toney, founder of 9.58 Ventures. “Never take a day off on yourself and your own health, drink more of simply the best ultra-premium water, and eliminate a lot of plastics in the environment and your body. Bolt all of that onto an experienced top-notch team for nationwide rollout, and we have a terrific company. I prefer NDO Sparkling, but my family also enjoys NDO Still.”

NO DAYS OFF Premium Water, Still and Sparkling, is currently available in retailers across Florida as well as nationwide via Amazon, Walmart.com and Tik Tok Shop. For an updated list of
accounts, visit the brand’s store locator or order online at www.drinkndo.com.

The post Strategic Investment Helps Drives Growth for Miami-Based No Days Off Premium Water appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

While Sushi by Bou is a timed experience meant to be immersive, the omakase does not rush you out.  And that’s a plus, and one that sets the restaurant apart. It shows their passion for true hospitality and for their craft.

While there, you are greeted warmly as they offer you a spot at the bar or the welcome lounge full of plush and comfortable seating. It does not feel like just a restaurant; it feels like an intimate speakeasy-inspired space where you can make new friends and chat intimately with other dining guests and the chefs that hand-select and prepare fresh sushi for you to enjoy.

While my friend and I were there, we felt like part of the family, like we were dining with loved ones or meeting new people in a small and inviting space meant for not only having some yummy food but also experimenting with new flavors.

The décor of the restaurant adds perfectly to the experience. When you walk in, you’ll feel like you have been transported to an art space where ’90s hip-hop reigns. It’s a lot of fun to be surrounded by it, and it adds to the experience and makes you feel like you are in quite the funky gallery.

Featuring abstract graffiti and portraits of hip-hop icons like The Notorious B.I.G., the restaurant’s dim lighting that still illuminates the art beautifully and fancy velvet furnishings in deep black, bright white and crimson colors, makes you feel like true VIP invited to a private party.

The Sushi by Bou chefs don’t play when it comes to their craft. They are passionate about the menu for guests and only use the freshest locally and globally sourced fish.

They are also gracious and happy to greet a crowd at their small communal-style table, one that’s passionate about food and explain each bite to each visitor and are happy to answer questions as they take us on a true dining journey. Expect delicious twists all around when it comes to the food and the amazing flavors all united in one.

Diners can select from two signature experiences: a 12-course menu for $65, or a 17-course journey for $125. We also recommend starting your night with selection of handmade cocktails, imported sake and some delicious and rare Japanese whiskeys. The knowledgeable bar staff will be happy to recommend something that fits your tastes and cravings that evening.

The NYC-based hospitality group simplevenue, Sushi By Bou proved to us that they are a unique and fun omakase experience, and the Wynwood location is a welcome addition to a restaurant that delights diners at over 20 nationwide locations.

So, make sure to visit. You will not regret this special night and magical dining experience meant to be enjoyed.

For more information and to make reservations, visit https://sushibybou.com/locations/south-florida/sushi-by-bou-wynwood/. The Wynwood location is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 5 p.m., with the last seating at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and at 11:15 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The post Dine Like a True VIP at Sushi by Bou Wynwood appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Realtor: Kimberly Knausz

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

kimberlyknausz.onesothebysrealty.com

kknausz@onesothebysrealty.com

954-579-8860

The Property

Address: 3901 NE 31^st Ave, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Neighborhood: Venetian Isles

Interior living space in square feet: 5,188 SF Living Area

Total square footage: 6,141 SF Total Area

Lot size in square feet: 10,049 SF Lot (100’ waterfront)

Bedrooms/baths: 5 bedrooms/5.5 baths

Listing Price: $4,500,000

The post A Luxurious Waterfront Estate Awaits in Venetian Isles appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

What’s inside, though, is a company whose revenue is running over $200 million a year and with roughly 1,200 employees at any given time. Moreover, there’s a vibrant corporate culture that offers great lessons on how to operate and grow a business while treating employees well.

You may not know Champion, or confuse it with the sportswear retailer, but it’s likely you benefit from its work every day. About half of its business is installing specialized coatings (paint, corrosion control, fireproofing, flooring and marine industry). Those workers painting the soaring overpasses at I-595 and I-95? That’s Champion. It also worked on CB Smith Water Park, iThink Financial Amphitheater, cranes at PortMiami, Rybovich Shipyards, Seminole Hard Rock Stadium and FPL’s tanks and pipes at Port Everglades.

Flip a light switch on and the power may come from an FPL generating plant that Champion helps maintain, whether it’s gas, wind or nuclear power. Brush your teeth and the water may have come from a water treatment plant that it helps maintain. Flush the toilet and Champion may have a role in maintaining the sewer plant.

“I don’t think there’s another organization that matches our service offerings and our industry diversity,” says Kyle Hough, chief operations officer, who purchased the company in 2012 with Champion CEO Carlos M. Hernandez. It was started in 2006 by Raul Llopis, who is a close friend to Hernandez and Hough.

A common thread among the trio is their interest in martial arts, which explains the company name. Llopis is a highly accomplished fighter, including being a three-time WKF World Muay Thai Champion.

Accelerating growth

Hough was ready to leave a previous employer and do things his own way when he joined Llopis, which led to a business transformation.

“They would paint houses. They would do small jobs, and Raul was very happy with that,” Hough says. “Well, that’s not my M.O. I came in and right away we’re on I-595 blasting and painting bridges. We’re painting the new ballpark that they were building in Miami for the Marlins.”

The company ran into some financial constraints, which led to its purchase by Hough and his friend, CEO Carlos M. Hernandez, a former Marine with a background in law enforcement who owned a specialty coatings business.

Hough’s wife, Tracey, and brother, Duane, already had the business rolling down the tracks, but it really took off when Hernandez came aboard, Hough says.

Total revenue is close to $300 million since 2010.

They bought Llopis out, but he still has a contracting business that works with Champion on some projects and isn’t a stranger at Champion’s HQ.

Duane is a combat-decorated Marine and led the company into Department of Defense business, such as fuel storage and tank restoration globally.

The brothers practiced Okinawan karate when they were younger and moved into more mixed martial arts later on. “I always enjoyed punching and kicking people,” Hough quips. For many years, a gym near the office was open to disadvantaged youths.

Setting the culture

The fighting sports culture played a key role in forming Champion’s corporate culture.

“There’s an inherent respect for the people who have achieved,” Hough says, “and you can visually see that achievement. I’ve taught all the kids that you can’t demand respect. You can only temporarily command respect. The only way to keep it is to earn it.”

You can do a lot of studying on martial arts strategy, “but there’s nothing like spending time in a ring and learning that lesson in the ring, because when you don’t learn it, you pay for it and you feel it. It’s immediate,” he says. “Oh, you make a mistake — ‘I should have done this.’ So, I take that with me in business as well.”

Martial arts teaches you the patience it takes to be in business, he says. “There’s times where being an entrepreneur, you get your butt kicked from the time you wake up in the morning to the time you go to sleep. And then, guess what? You can’t go to sleep because your mind won’t stop working. And it’s easy for someone to say, ‘This is too much. This is why most businesses fail.”

Martial arts also teach humility, which is important because many business failures are related to ego, he says.

The foundation of Champion’s workplace culture acknowledges that people often spend more time at work than they do with their own family. “Why should you spend more time at work under a stressful situation and be unhappy when we can just not do certain things and do other things to create a place in which you can feel achievement, you can feel a sense of community and you can walk around here and feel free to talk to anyone you want,” Hough says. Once a month, he fires up the grill and has a cookout for everyone to celebrate that month’s birthdays. The company also brings together 350 people from all over the country for a three-day leadership meeting, which is not a cheap undertaking.

“The point is to bring everyone together to remind each other that we’re humans first,” he says. Sure, it’s a competitive world and there’s a job to do, but “one of the things I always hate is when people say, ‘It’s just business.’ … Because most times people use that term after they’ve done something terrible … right after they’ve done something everyone knows is wrong.”

Unions and safety

Another interesting aspect about Champion is its unionized workforce, which means employees have health care and a pathway to retirement. There are members of just about every building trade union, including painters, electricians, pipefitters, boiler makers and iron workers.

Union labor is often in short supply, so Champion finds recruits and then brings them to the unions so they can participate in apprenticeship programs, Hough says.

Safety is also a major concern since the work Champion does is extremely dangerous. Before he joined Champion, Hough was working in Philadelphia when a piece of high-pressure equipment broke and knocked him 30 feet into a wastewater treatment tank, smashing the back of his head. He was evacuated in a helicopter. His wife knew he often worked hundreds of feet in the air and thought she was coming to identify his body as she came to the hospital.

Fortunately, he wasn’t permanently injured, even though he had staples in his head and soft tissue damage along his back. No wonder then that Hough thinks a lot about families when it comes to safety.  The metrics are good, too. On a scale used by insurance companies, anything below a one is good and Champion is 0.42.

“Most of our competitors struggle maintaining something below a one,” he notes.

That’s something when a chunk of your workforce has the gritty complexities of decommissioning nuclear power plants in New Jersey, Massachusetts and New York state. A big part of its business is also related to handling asbestos, lead and mercury.

Hough, who shared many great philosophical and management points during the interview offers some final thoughts at the end.

“Remember humanity and remember that as you run your business or you’re part of a business that you can create change. Have the gumption to do it and don’t be scared — do it! If it’s for the betterment, it starts with us. If we rely on larger institutions or government or  other folks for change, they’re going to change us to their benefit. But, if we want to change to our benefit, we have to start with us. We can’t just take the status quo and roll with it.”

That’s the Champion way.

The post The Art of a Champion appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

During my time away, I’ve reflected quite a bit on the power of great storytelling and the vital role our magazines play in amplifying the voices and stories that matter most to South Florida. We have an incredible team of creative minds and passionate professionals, and I couldn’t be more excited to work alongside them once again to bring you fresh, engaging content that resonates with our readers. We also welcome to the team our new Group Editor-in-Chief, Lori Capullo, so stay tuned for her debut issue coming in February.

As we look to the future, our focus at Lifestyle is on revitalizing the connections we’ve built over the years and forging new ones. In 2025, we will be doubling down on our commitment to producing content that speaks to our readers’ passions and interests, while also increasing our engagement with all of you through dynamic events and across more platforms. We believe in the power of face-to-face interactions, and we can’t wait to bring our audience together in new ways that foster deeper connections and meaningful discourse.

As always, we look forward to your continued support and thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we are poised for an exciting ride, filled with fresh ideas, new stories, more than a few surprises, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

I look forward to reconnecting with all of you in the months to come.

Warm regards,

Gary Press

CEO

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As the president and CEO of Broward Health and interim CEO of Memorial Healthcare System (MHS), Strum is spearheading efforts to bring transformational change to South Florida’s healthcare landscape.

A family legacy and early inspirations

You might say Strum’s career path was inevitable. Growing up in his native South Florida in a family where both parents worked in the healthcare field—his father was a physician and his mother a nurse—Strum was immersed in medical discussions from an early age. “Our dinner table conversations were often about new techniques, the growth of hospitals, and the changing face of healthcare,” he recalls. “I saw firsthand how critical hospitals are to a community. They’re often invisible until you need them, but when you do, they are a vital resource.”

He was particularly influenced by the nonprofit model of Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare, both of which were established by the Florida legislature to serve the community’s healthcare needs. “Both organizations are integral to the community,” Strum says. “Memorial has been serving the region since the early ’50s, and Broward Health has a long history of being a trusted provider. We are not just healthcare systems; we are a community asset, and that is something I’ve always been passionate about.”

He is hopeful that the broader healthcare landscape will continue to evolve in more ways that benefit patients. “Broward Health and Memorial are both safety-net systems, which means we care for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay,” he says. “That’s a core part of our mission, and it’s something our employees take very seriously.”

Dual role: Leading two major health systems

In September 2023, Strum took on the unprecedented challenge of becoming the interim CEO of Memorial Healthcare System while continuing to serve as president of Broward Health. Managing both roles is no small feat, but then Strum is no stranger to juggling multiple responsibilities. “It’s about managing time and staying organized,” he says. “Both systems have strong teams and boards, and that makes a big difference. It’s a challenge, but I’m fortunate to have incredible support at both organizations.”

His approach is systematic: a structured daily schedule, clear priorities, and a focus on listening and gathering feedback from both teams. “I make lists every day and roll over tasks if I can’t get to them,” Strum explains. “The key is staying in constant communication with both organizations and being responsive to the needs of the community.”

Under his guidance, both systems are investing heavily in expanding access to care, especially in underserved areas. His leadership is focused on long-term growth and improving patient outcomes. “Our goal is to create a stronger healthcare experience in South Florida by fostering collaboration between the two systems, sharing best practices, and finding ways to enhance the patient journey,” he says.

Addressing challenges and seizing opportunities

As healthcare constantly evolves, Strum views the changes not as challenges but as opportunities. “The biggest task is prioritizing which growth opportunities to fast-track,” he says. “We have ambitious plans to build new facilities and introduce innovative solutions that will benefit our community for years to come.”

He is particularly focused on addressing healthcare disparities in South Florida, particularly in maternal care. “In some parts of our community, there’s a real shortage of access to OB-GYN services,” he says. “The areas of Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes and Oakland Park are actually considered a ‘maternity desert.’ That’s why we opened a new 5,000-square-foot facility in Lauderhill to offer prenatal care and maternity services. By bringing in three OB-GYNs from Broward Health, we are giving women in that area the care they need, when they need it.

“Our goal is to be proactive, to provide services that prevent problems before they start,” he explains. “If we can intervene early with things like prenatal care, we can avoid complications down the road, which helps both mothers and babies stay healthy and avoid expensive treatments in the NICU.”

Exciting projects also on the horizon include the construction of five new freestanding emergency rooms across Broward County. Memorial Healthcare recently announced two new ERs in Pembroke Pines and Miramar, while Broward Health is moving forward with additional facilities in Holiday Park, Sunrise, and Lighthouse Point. These additions are part of a broader strategy to increase access to emergency care and make healthcare more accessible “by bringing services closer to where people live,” Strum notes.

Strum is also focused on harnessing the power of technology to improve patient care. Both Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare are implementing electronic medical records systems that will allow for more seamless communication between hospitals and emergency services. “If a patient comes into our ER that’s been in an accident, for instance, we want to have their medical history at our fingertips, especially in critical situations,” Strum explains. “We no longer have to wait for records to be faxed to us or call other facilities. Now, through MyChart, we can see patient information in real-time.”

Memorial Healthcare System has been using this technology for over 14 years, and now Broward Health is investing $250 million to implement similar systems. “This kind of innovation is going to save lives,” Strum says. “In an emergency, knowing whether a patient is allergic to a medication can make all the difference.”

Building collaborative partnerships

Strum believes that collaboration between Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare is key to strengthening the region’s healthcare ecosystem. “Both systems have incredible strengths, but there are areas where we can learn from each other,” he says. “We’re looking at ways to reduce redundancies, streamline processes, and share resources.”

One initiative Strum is particularly excited about is the potential for cross-credentialing physicians between the two systems. “Why not have doctors who are credentialed at both Memorial and Broward Health?” he proposes. “This will allow us to provide more comprehensive care, especially in specialties where we both have strengths.” 

Joint board meetings are also being held to help both organizations align their objectives and prioritize projects. “This collaborative approach is going to help us move faster and be more effective in achieving our shared mission: ensuring a healthier Broward County,” Strum says.

“Many people would ask, Why do we need two systems?” he says. “But think of the brain power of two organizations like this. Working together makes us stronger, gives us great energy, there’s wonderful research being done — it’s a lot of good stuff.

“At the end of the day,” he concludes, “it’s all about improving the health of our community.”

The post A Man With a Plan appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Pipe’s latest project is the “Wisdom of the Century” book/exhibit, which was unveiled December 12 at History Miami Museum. “Wisdom of the Century” is more than a coffee table book; it’s a touching tribute to 90 remarkable nonagenarians and centenarians who have shaped Florida’s rich cultural landscapes throughout history, preserving the memories of elders who have endured through experiences such as wars, economic upheavals, immigration and life-changing events such as the rapid development of technology.

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In 1983, after graduating from the University of Arizona, Wagner burst on the scene as rocker Frisco Jones on the No. 1 daytime series, “General Hospital.”

Now, he’s going to be the grand marshal of the 2024 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.

Wagner was interviewed by Lifestyle Group Editor-in-Chief Kevin Gale while on location in Vancouver where his series is filmed. The following transcript has been edited for brevity and clarity.

How do you go from a kid born in Missouri to being famous?

I think there’s certain people that come into our lives that allow us to be at some sort of crossroads or fork in the road. A teacher came in when I was a sophomore in high school in the mid-1970s and had heard me play guitar. He said, “I want you to audition for the play that’s coming up.” So, that’s how I started doing theater. I was an athlete as well. I pursued a career in golf, but that first play really gave me the bug and so I followed that bug and eventually wound up in Los Angeles.

You played some memorable characters, Frisco Jones, Warren Lockridge, Dr. Peter Burns, and now you’re playing Bill Avery. Do you have a favorite?

Well, people still call me Frisco. This is still probably the No. 1 thing when people say something. But for me, the most rewarding role I’ve ever played was Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde on Broadway. That was my role of a lifetime up to now, although I’ve been blessed to have a great run on television to play some characters that have their own identity. Peter Burns on Melrose Place was kind of dark, but a noble doctor who had a lot of female patients and never did any surgery, but certainly slept with a lot of ’em.

You were also involved in the “Wedding March” series films, which became quite a franchise.

The “Wedding March” franchise came out of my relationship with the CEO and executives at Hallmark. So once I started on “When Calls the Heart” with Executive Producer Brad Kevoy, I was able to formulate a pretty good pitch for “Wedding March.” Bill Abbott (then CEO of Hallmark Channel) immediately loved it and said, “You’re in development.” I got ahold of Josie Bissett and asked her if she’d want to jump in and be my co-star. It was great. I was able, as executive producer and the star, to collaborate with the writers on the scripts and the direction of the scripts, including music, and sort of tell a little bit of my life story through this franchise of movies about a songwriter who had a romance in college where they wrote together. He got a record deal and that’s how they broke up. And then, 25 years later, they see each other at a wedding lodge that he owns, and she’s getting married. And as I pitched it, I said, “When they see each other, it’s a drop the platter moment.”

You were also a director on Melrose Place for some of the episodes. Is that something you aspired to? Did you enjoy it?

Aaron Spelling (the producer) was fantastic to the actors. I was one of several actors who directed. I love directing. I just love it. But gratefully, I’ve been on a very good run as an actor, so I never really pursued directing outside of “Melrose Place” because the crew had my back. It was very easy for actors to transition into directing on “Melrose Place” because it wasn’t like we were going to a movie set where we didn’t know anyone. And even to today on “When Calls the Heart,” the collaboration with the directors, with the other actors, with the head writer, is something I’m very invested in and that’s how I like to work.

You’ve also had a lot of appearances as a guest star. I read “Hot In Cleveland,” “Castle,” “Monk” and 16 movies of the week. How do you decide which shows to do and is there something we might anticipate in the future?

I’ve had a couple guest starring things that have been so fun. “Hot in Cleveland” with Valerie Bertinell. You didn’t mention it, but I also did “Ray Donovan.” That was fantastic to work on that show. I try to diversify the guest star roles. In “Castle,” I played an alcoholic golf pro. That’s the fun part of me for doing any kind of episodic show where I’m not a cast member. But for me now, having been on “When Calls the Heart,” working as we speak on season 12 and having had a franchise of six movies, and then about five or six other movies for Hallmark Channel in this run, I really haven’t spent any time looking for any guest star roles. I’ve been very content working for the Hallmark Channel and “When Calls the Heart.”

You’ve obviously had some success as a music performer. You had a No. 2 hit, “All I Need.” I read that you started playing guitar at 14 and then sung Kenny Loggins’ “Wait a Little While” for your final General Hospital audition. Talk about your early interest in music and then how that part of your career progressed.

I am kind of a self-taught guitarist and took a few lessons early on and then a couple buddies of mine, they were brothers, played guitar, and so I kind of picked up an acoustic and I just started to play with them. I just loved Neil Young and Seals & Crofts and James Taylor and artists of the early  and mid ‘70s. When I got out of high school, I just continued to play and learn and teach myself. I loved Elton John, that kind of solo artist.

So, when I actually got to LA and came down to the wire for General Hospital, my fifth screen test, they called and said, “Do you by chance play the guitars and sing?” And I said, “Actually, yeah.” And they said, “Well, do you think you could bring your guitar and do something?” So, I just kind of went in and knocked out a Kenny Loggins tune and then went into the audition scene and that’s how I got the part.

Within a week of getting cast, I had to go into the recording studio, which I’d never been in. I’d never sang with headsets on. I had to sing a couple songs because my character Frisco was the lead singer in Blackie and the Riff Raff, which was the John Stamos character’s band on the show. It turned out that the woman who just got hired for ABC music had just left Mercury Records, and her first project was Frisco Jones on General Hospital. So, she hears me sing, I knock out these two songs, and she says, “Would you be interested in a record deal?” And I said, “Well, yeah!” And so two nights later I had dinner with Quincy Jones and Herbie Hancock, and I signed with Quincy and he put together a production and writing team of Glen Ballard and Clif Magness. Glen, of course, went on to do Alanis Morissette, Wilson Phillips and Dave Matthews. Clif Magnus went on to do other things as well. I was their first project as Quincy Jones’ staff members, writers and producers. They wrote “All I Need” and it came in just behind “Like a Virgin” on the pop charts and No. 1 on the adult contemporary charts.

My publisher at the magazine says she had “All I Need” played at her wedding. I thought that was fun.

That’s fantastic. Makes me feel good. You can just tell her something for me. Just tell her that (starts singing) You’re all I need.

All right, sounds great! Do you still perform music these days? Do you do any songwriting?

I still dabble in songwriting here or there. I wrote quite a bit for the “Wedding March” series, but my last album was in 2013 and formulating a team, I realized how much the music business had changed. I do four or five dates a year, maybe a little bit more. I toured all through the 80s in my band.

Roseanne Barr was my first warmup comedian. So, she lived with us for about three or four weeks on the bus.

What was she like?

I would say real Midwestern, real authentic, and she just kind of would tell it like it is. She had to adjust her material a lot because my fan base were teenage girls, and her material was pretty raunchy. We got on really well. It was a fun deal to meet her and then see her explode and become so famous.

By the way, I’m sort of annoyed at Apple. I have iTunes and I wanted to listen to “On The Porch,” [his last album] and I couldn’t find it on there. I like that sort of Americana stuff.

It’s one of those things where I was in a place in my life and I literally kind sat down at the foot of my bed and wrote this album. I pulled something from my past. I had co-written a few things that were demos that I punched up, but it’s the first album that I felt I really took the time and wrote pretty much where I was and who I am. And it’s my kind of music. I was raised with folk, Americana music and that’s what that album speaks to.

I’m sure that some of the fans here at the Boat Parade would like to hear you sing. Is there any possibility you might sing a little bit?

Listen, if I have a mic in my hand, we can always pull out a little acapella “All I Need” for sure.

I’m sure they’d love that. Had you heard about or seen the boat parade before they talked to you about being Grand Marshall?

No, I haven’t, but the clips I’ve seen it looks like it’s just such a fun event. I’m looking forward to it.

What was your reaction when you were approached?

Well, first of all, I wanted to understand what it was. And secondly, I’ve created a few relationships in Florida in the last few years that are really terrific. So, it’s great to just sort of show up.

I read that you had a very significant event in your life down here reuniting with a long lost daughter in Boca Raton.

Well, that was in 2011, and yes, it was a very strange thing that happened. Rick Springfield’s people reached out to me. I’ve been compared to Rick for 40 years because he was on General Hospital, had a massive hit with “Jesse’s Girl,” had left the show right when I came on and we had never met. So, people called and said, “Hey, Rick does a cruise with his fans, and last year Richard Marx was the guest artist and we were wondering if you’d come down and be Rick’s guest artist. It would entail a concert with his band.” Then they said, “It turns out he’s doing an event at an amphitheater the night before the cruise, would you be willing to do an hour set with the band and warm up before Rick goes on? We think it’d be a huge event for this.” So, I did the amphitheater and it turned out my daughter that I really didn’t know had found me there and she went on the big cruise with me. So, it was pretty incredible. Rick Springfield was the bridge for my daughter and I to reunite.

That sounds like a Hallmark show!

I mean, unbelievable.

Are you looking forward to some of our nice Florida winter weather?

Yes. I played a golf tournament in Orlando in January and Florida’s winter is fantastic — almost like California.

The theme for this year’s boat parade is sort of an environmental feel “from sawgrass to seagrass waves of holiday cheer.” What’s your happy place in terms of environments?

I’m from the Midwest. I bailed hay on farms when I was in high school, so I kind of know that world and the desert — I graduated from the University of Arizona, right in the middle of the desert — from drama school, and then I moved to California. I’ve sort of fallen in love with the mountains that California offers as well as the beaches. If I had to go on a vacation, it would probably be a beach. But I got to tell you, I’m diversified. I owned a property for 20 some years in the mountains of California, 80 acres that I actually sold last year, but it’s where I took the boys, Kristina [his ex and co-star on “General Hospital”] and I dirt biking. I actually am a man of nature. I love all diversified forms that our planet gives us. I love the desert. I love the mountains. I love lakes. I love beaches and oceans. But if you had to pick one to go to for a vacation, I’d probably pick the beach area, plop my butt out on that beach in a chair and just chill.

You mentioned considering a career in golf.

I’ve been a member of Bel-Air Country Club in LA since 1986. I’ve won seven club championships. I’ve won 12 tournaments on television. I’ve won the AT&T National Pro-Am at Pebble Beach. I’ve won the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship up in Lake Tahoe. I didn’t turn professional at golf, but that was my intention in going to the University of Arizona. I walked onto the golf team and did not get a scholarship. I went to the drama department in my junior year and told the head of the drama department my story, and he said, “Well, prepare a song, dance and a monologue.” I did, and I got a full-ride scholarship in drama in 1980.

So, I quit playing golf, which was what I wanted to aspire to, to be a professional golfer, and went into acting. But Gloria Monty, the producer of “General Hospital,” found out I played golf and she had her husband take me out to Bel-Air Country Club. They wound up sponsoring me. James Garner, who was a club member, said, “You should play in the AT&T.” He gave me his pro John Cook, who has won a lot of tournaments. John and I are great friends. I won the AT&T in 1991 on CBS. From that, came NBC’s the American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament.  I’m one of only two players who have been playing it for 34 years along with Jim McMahon [Super Bowl quarterback for the Chicago Bears]. I’m the only non-athlete who has ever won it. I’ve won it twice. Golf has been a huge part of my life.

That’s raised a lot of money for charity. Are there other philanthropic causes that you like to support?

I was the West Coast ambassador of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for nine years. My brother got leukemia in 1999, so I formed the Jack Wagner Celebrity Golf Tournament. I decided it would benefit the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. So, it’s always been how I give back — playing in charity events. I play in George Lopez’s every year. I play in Marcus Allen’s. That’s sort of been my platform in terms of giving back.

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