How I Made This - Jason Siebert, Club General Assembly - Club Image

Jason's Journey of Transformation

Jason shared his life story, highlighting his journey from growing up in the mountains of Virginia to becoming a club member. He discussed his challenging experiences, including moving to Miami and dealing with gang violence, as well as his struggles with drugs and alcohol after his mother's MS diagnosis. Jason described a pivotal moment of transformation when he decided to become a better person and eventually met his daughter's mother, Jade, with whom he has a beautiful daughter. He concluded by recounting the emotional experience of delivering his daughter underwater, which he considers one of the most significant moments of his life.

Jason's Journey and Mentorship Insights

Jason shared his personal and professional journey, highlighting key moments and lessons learned. He discussed his experiences with various businesses, including a yoga studio, Flanagan's bar, and his mentorship efforts. Jason emphasized the importance of mentorship and its impact on individuals and communities. He also touched on how his Rotary Club experiences shaped his approach to business and life.

Jason's Downtown Expansion Plans

Jason discussed his plans to expand community involvement and sponsorships, particularly with the Rotary Club. He shared his experience with Rosie's bar, including its unique features and the "cow pig" game. Jason mentioned he is negotiating and exploring three potential spaces in downtown Dunedin. He expressed his philosophy on borrowing money and paying it back ahead of schedule. Jason also touched on his joy in working with people and his personal life, and briefly mentioned potential plans for taking over the festival and working with Kathy Carlson.

Preserving City Festivals' Financial Viability

Jason discussed the financial challenges of local festivals, noting a $90,000 loss over the past five years despite community donations and sponsorships. He urged the City Commission to consider covering some initial fees, as festivals previously benefited from fee waivers due to their economic impact. Jason expressed a willingness to donate profits to charity and volunteer at the festivals for others if necessary, emphasizing the importance of preserving the city's cultural traditions. He also shared personal experiences about his family's history in Miami and their eventual move to the area.

Club's – Image - Community Impact Overview

Larry Franklin shared an overview of the club's extensive community involvement and public image efforts. He highlighted various activities, including website management, social media presence, fundraising events, grants to nonprofits, and international projects. Larry emphasized the club's impact on the community, noting their involvement in hurricane relief efforts and collaboration with organizations like ROTC. He encouraged members to recognize the significance of their contributions and the reach of the club's activities.