Southwest Florida's leaders were celebrated in downtown Naples at the Gulfshore Life’s Men and Women of the Year event. This celebration honored individuals who are shaping the future of the community through philanthropy, design, hospitality, and more.
The event kicked off at Keewaydin's, where honorees mingled, took portraits, and previewed statement pieces from Provident Jewelry. The celebration continued at the Naples Players, putting the spotlight on changemakers driving progress across the region.
"It's pretty amazing," said Daniel Lubner, CEO of Clive Daniel Home. "I actually have known a lot of these people, some of them literally back until the 80s, so to be connected with them through the years and see the leadership that they bring to Southwest Florida, it's pretty special."
Mark Wilson, CEO of London Bay, shared his enthusiasm for his work.
"Just absolutely love what I do, the opportunity of creating communities for people, creating marvelous homes, letting them enjoy that, and seeing families having a wonderful time is a really super job," said Wilson.
Hospitality owner Peter Tierney emphasized the importance of community and connection.
"We have a term we call gracious hospitality in our company," said Tierney. "Really it's just about simply what you said, just trying to connect with people in the world of all the AI and the impersonal and the phones, a restaurant or a hotel is a place where you go to really disconnect from all that and also have human contact."
Honoree Harold Balink has helped raise thousands for groups like Golisano Children’s Hospital through his passion for food.
"And the fact that we don't have to take kids to Miami or Tampa anymore, we can keep them and just say, I can't imagine the lives it saves," said Balink.
For honorees like Lisa Kahn-Allen, who designs spaces of sanctuary, the event was a significant recognition.
"It feels incredible," said Kahn-Allen. "Honestly, it is probably one of the greatest honors of my life. I'm really humbled to be here tonight."
These honorees exemplify how passion and purpose can shape the future of Southwest Florida, one idea at a time.