BEST LEGAL FIRM TIE Hale Law and Stalnaker Law, P.A.

There were no objections during the trial for the top spots in town for Best Legal Firm. And while there are plenty of professionals sitting on the bench, our readers said, “I’ll be the judge of that.” We’d feel too guilty not to share the winners, so without further ado our Platinum winners are Hale Law and Stalnaker Law, P.A. Next up, Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC can hopefully provide a Gold-winning defense. Hensley Law Offices LLC seals the deal for Silver and Greg Linehan Law bangs the gavel for Bronze. Fight the power with Honorable Mentions Icard Merrill Cullis Timm Furen & Ginsburg P.A., Blalock Walters P.A., Thomas J. Cherichello, Tominator Law and Affordable Attorney Gerling Law Group Chartered.

Jacqueline Jozaitis (on Hale Law) Hale Law is a Law firm where professionalism is combined with understanding and attention towards the client who is seen as a person and not a number. The attorneys and the entire Hale Law team are extremely prepared and ready to answer every question with kindness and availability. Being supported is essential and builds customer trust. Kathryn Hall (on Stalnaker Law, P.A.) Kyle will fight for you like you are his only client. Crystal Harrell (on Hensley Law Offices) Jen always goes above and beyond. She’s amazing at what she does! Robert Holzler (on Greg Linehan Law) Greg really cares about his clients. You can feel his passion and commitment. Hopefully you will never need a personal injury attorney, but when you do, visit Greg first.

BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR J & J Wealth Advisors

Mirror, mirror on the wall—where should I put my money? Hoping to advise your way to a financially happy ending, these top advisors have your best interests at heart (and wallet). J & J Wealth Advisors were an asset to voters taking the top spot for Platinum. Glenn Scharf, Scharf Group LLC were net worth the Gold spot while Michael Calamaras, Northwestern Mutual helped readers save for Silver. Last up Rick Godfrey II, SmartPro Financial budgeted with the best for Bronze. Honorable Mentions include AK Investing LLC, Full Spectrum Financial Group and Mike Adair, Northwestern Mutual.

Jillian Pendergast (on J & J Wealth) Jen and Greg are amazing! They are extremely thorough and experts in their field of work. Jeanne Vermeesch (on Glenn Scharf) This company has been our financial advisors for years, they always have our financial affairs in mind when they are looking to make adjustments, they contact us about many things and were very concerned/caring when my husband was sick, making sure I understood everything. I wouldn’t have anyone else looking after our financial needs. Julie Tierney (on Michael Calamaras Northwestern Mutual) Extremely knowledgeable! Taylor Underwood (on Rick Godfrey II) Rick is the best! He helps normal people build wealth. He wants the middle class person to get ahead too.

BEST CPA FIRM Sterling Tax & Accounting

We’ve run the numbers, and these calculated kings and queens summed up the votes to subtract their competitors. Punching in for a Platinum proof is Sterling Tax & Accounting. Leaving no gap for Gold is Miles & Thirion, CPA Firm Inc. followed by a Silver-winning Mauldin & Jenkins, CPAs & Advisors. Our voters were indebted to Kerkering Barberio & Co. who landed in our Bronze spot. Trust your luck, and coins, with Honorable Mention HBK CPAs & Consultants.

Valerie Schranz (on Sterling Tax ) Excellent in tax strategy and accounting. Tammy Daum (on Miles & Thirion) Miles & Thirion has a dedicated team with an unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity. They are always responsive, providing excellent customer service, communication, and ongoing support. Jaryn Nelson (on Mauldin & Jenkins) They are super knowledgeable on various tax matters and are great about calling back/answering questions.

BEST CREDIT UNION Suncoast Credit Union

So, it’s not quite a bank—in the traditional sense, but it’s sure more secure than a shoebox under your bed. The credit union is your democratic destination for all things loans, deposits and more. For the people, by the people, these Sarasota stand-outs are where our readers trust their bucks. Suncoast Credit Union is purely Platinum followed by USF Federal Credit Union—a Gold winner for dollars. First Street Credit Union is Silver for your savings and Credit Union 1 boasts a Bronze buck.

Marge McCarthy (on Suncoast Credit Union) We’ve turned our adult children onto them and they have treated everyone we have directed to them in the most professional and helpful manner. Kathryn Hall (on USF Federal Credit Union) Great service and rates. Sharon Gallagher (on First Street Credit Union) They care about their members on a personal level.

BEST MARKETING AGENCY Grapevine Communications

Ah the marketing world, like hiring a team of your own personal cheerleaders. Professionally primed pom-pom wavers proverbially shouting to the crowd—Check! Out! This! Business! And while these marketing mavericks might not backflip they certainly can boost your publicity. Readers voted and Grapevine Communications lands on the top of the pyramid again this year for Platinum. Angotti Design gives it a G-O for Gold and Ryderwild splits into Silver. Flying high onto the list is Wordslinger Marketing, our Bronze best. These Honorable Mentions will give you a high kick in the right direction—check out Key Influencer Agency, Liquified Agency and Priority Marketing.

Robert Holzler (on Grapevine Communications) Grapevine is a one-stop-shop for all my marketing. From marketing and advertising to PR, PPC and web, they have it all covered. From a simple business card to a national, multimedia ad campaign—they have the staff and the skill to make it happen. Diane Lane (on Angotti Design) There is something special about Frankie. She is the best when it comes to branding and building your website. And, she loves her dog Kona. Kristin Bear (on Ryderwild) Kristi has been an amazing resource for our small business. No job too big or small and she does it all. She is trusted, hardworking, sweet, and amazing. We are so lucky we found her. Alyssa Holcomb (on Wordslinger) Sharon Kunkel is a true PR pro and she elevates her clients to their highest potential. She’s a gem in the Sarasota community when it comes to providing thoughtful and engaging stories about what makes SRQ stand out.

BEST NEW BUSINESS OF 2024 Bambola

These fresh faces mean business. As Gabriella Union said in Bring It On, “In order to be the best, you have to beat the best,” and that’s what these bright, new companies are putting to the test. Landing on the Best Of list for the first time, they are entering the (friendly) competition already with a leg-up—best of the newbies! Platinum for 2025 goes to Bambola while Gold is given to The Blue Door Spa and Salon - Ellenton. Say hello to Silver winner Jo’s To Go’s Meal Prep and our Bronze winner Zhuzh SRQ who bested the rest. Try these Honorable Mentions Luu Insurance & Financial Services, LUX MedSpa and Wellness Center, American Handyman and Sarasota Connects. Kristin Ulrich (on Bambola) Love this business. Tabatha Wright (on Jo’s To Go’s Meal Prep) Amazing food and flavor. Don Osenga (on Zhuzh SRQ) Zhuzh SRQ is a new type of real estate brokerage that allows consumers to pick their level of service and price.

BEST LOCAL INSURANCE AGENCY Signature Medicare Solutions

Though Sarasota is known for the circus it’s hard to find a safety net in real life—luckily these savers have you sorted if you’re walking a bit of a tightrope. No more clowning around here are this year’s winners. Signature Medicare Solutions takes home Platinum while Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency LLC goes for Gold. Boyd Insurance & Investments somersaults into Silver and Atlas Insurance basks in Bronze. No need to hail mary when times get tough, turn to Honorable Mentions AutoLife Insurance Group Inc., Luu Insurance & Financial Services and Centauri Specialty Insurance.

Cameron Cressman (on Signature Medicare Solutions) Best insurance company out there. Five star rated for sure. Ashlee Hannon (on Signature Medicare Solutions) Honest company and their growth has been huge creating lots of jobs while helping thousands of clients with their Medicare. Tamara Boyd (on Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency, LLC) Have done an amazing job in responding to recent storm events. Quick to respond and excellent customer service. Jeanne Jester (on Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency) Always willing to help out all of their clients. LeeAnne Swor (on Atlas Insurance) Great people that are always willing to help. Phoenix Vo (on Luu Insurance & Financial Services) They truly saved my life. Insurance is always a headache but Luu really made it pain free for my family.

BEST LOCAL PLACES TO WORK Signature Medicare Solutions

In the evolving era of remote work, it’s nice to know there are still places standing that provide a delightful work environment—desk and all. A local business to zip to within your zip code getting you off the couch and into the conference room. These Sarasota best had readers happy to leave home and head into the office. Signature Medicare Solutions provides a Platinum work space while Neal Communities guarantees a Gold star situation. Liberty Savings Bank is a Silver winner and Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency LLC is promoted to Bronze. Send your resume to Honorable Mentions Child Protection Center Inc., SmartPro Financial, Grapevine Communications, DutchCrafters Amish Furniture, Fawley Bryant Architecture, The Blue Door Spa & Salon, Preferred SHORE Real Estate, Center of Revitalizing Psychiatry, Phoenix Builders of West Florida and Florida Plastic Surgery and MedSpa.

McKenzie Cobb (on Signature Medicare Solutions) This job has taught me so much about how a good business is operated. They took a chance on a college graduate to learn and have given me a huge growth path. Our culture is unheard of in call centers as we have built a family, not just employees. Christine McKelvey (on Neal Communities) I have worked for Neal for six years and the team is amazing. Crystal Creagh (on Liberty Savings Bank) As a single mother, being able to work for a company that is not only family orientated but respects the accommodations that arise when raising a child. Liberty Savings Bank really does represent the family own business that they are. I am grateful and blessed to be a part of such an amazing company. Krista Holstine (on Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency, LLC) Love working here. It is true what they say—teamwork makes the dream work.

BEST CONTRACTOR, COMMERCIAL Willis Smith Construction

Whether you’re building the next Versailles or a hamlet by the beach, these contractors have all the tips and expertise you need to take your blueprint off the page and into the world. Willis Smith Construction takes home the Platinum prize while The Charles & Chase Group Inc. gets Gold. Phoenix Builders of West Florida sizes up the competition for Silver and Thrive Construction LLC has built up a Bronze competition. Holler at Honorable Mention Holliday Group LLC for your next dream home.

Katie Weber (on Phoenix Builders) The absolute best! Gorgeous remodel that was executed timely with care and consideration for longevity, quality, and budget! Communication is stellar, very professional and informative with a reassuring warmth that meant a lot to me. Gregory Jack (on Thrive Construction LLC) The owner of Thrive is a hardworking and honest man. He makes sure clients get exactly what they ask for and he educates along the way even if he doesn’t get the business.

BEST NETWORKING GROUP Sarasota Women’s Networking Monthly Meetup

GroupGone are the chatrooms of yesteryear where like-minded folk would gather online to discuss shared interests. Local networking groups act as an interestingly retro idea for the new age—gathering in real life . . .to talk. A novel concept these days, they provide an organic way to discover those helpful six degrees of separation between community members and help build relationships you can’t quite cultivate on a phone. Sarasota Women’s Networking Monthly Meetup Group is our Platinum winner followed by The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce grabbing Gold. BNI Business Focus sips and mingles for Silver and Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is a business boosting Bronze. Chat it up with Honorable Mentions SWAT Networking -Successful Women Aligning Together, Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association, Discover Bradenton Marketing and Sarasota Sisterhood.

Paul DiCaprio (on Sarasota Women’s Networking Monthly Meetup Group) Cristine and Jacy are spectacular local leaders who are focused on empowering women to be the best version of themselves. Kelli Martinez (on BNI Business Focus) This organization has helped me go from an employee to a business owner. The amount of connections and referrals I have received from this group is unbelievable. Robert Holzler (on Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance) I love their networking events! It is great to get together with so many of our area’s most committed business professionals.

BEST BUSINESS COACH/CONSULTANT Brad Hannon, Signature Medicare Solutions

Put them in coach—they’re ready to succeed. When laying down the groundwork for your next big success, let these trusted consultants guide you in the right direction. SRQ’s Platinum pick this year is Brad Hannon, Signature Medicare Solutions followed by Lisa Fowler, Spectrum Reach giving out some Gold standard advice. EXCELLence Performance is Silver-winning sensation and Dr. Warren Simonds, CPSM, DBA believes in you for Bronze. Reach out to Honorable Mention Tony Ta, Ta Tropical Fruit Ranch for your entrepreneurial queries.

Ben Fowler (on Lisa Fowler) One of the most professional sales people a client or growing business could hope to work with. Lisa is energetic, straightforward, and creative in how she looks for the most constructive opportunities for others. Leah Ellermets (on EXCELLence Performance) Tammy is an absolute powerhouse. She is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and resourceful. Buck S. (on Dr. Warren Simonds) Dr. Simonds has led the business development efforts for over one billion dollars of projects from Tampa to Naples!

BEST VIDEOGRAPHER Dane Gass, Grapevine Communications

Why should Hollywood have all the fun? And the awards! There are plenty of camera crews worth their salt floating around Sarasota ready to give Spielberg and Scorsese a run for their money. So sit back and enjoy the show as we read out this year’s winners for Best Videographer. The Oscar (Platinum) goes to Dane Gass, Grapevine Communications. Best Supporting (Gold) goes to MakSchu Productions. Best Cinematographer (Silver) goes to Three Sixty° Views Photography & Videography. And Best Picture (Bronze) goes to Erin Fay, FayinFlight. Ensue the speeches. Shoutout to Honorable Mentions InterMedia Productions and DeadSoul Entertainment.

Cara Misiewicz (on Dane Gass) Dane makes fantastic videos that can pull at your heartstrings or make you laugh and everything in between. The ideas he comes up with are out of this world great. He can do things for SeaPort Manatee and then EasterSeals and never miss a beat! Merve Adams (on MakSchu Productions) I can’t say enough about the amazing job they’re doing! Working with them has been an absolute delight. Mark Russell (on Three Sixty Views) These guys go above and beyond. They are the epitome of professionals. Young entrepreneurs dedicated to their clients and their needs. Can’t say enough great things about them. Taylor Goode (on Erin Fay, FayinFlight) I have not only seen the amazing art Erin has created with her videos which can speak for itself entirely, but I have been present at many of the events and locations while she is shooting. Her ability to transform what is a regular event in person into a video showing human connection, love and magic is truly what makes her so unique in her filming.