Category Archives: Podcast

S1E16 Steve Cucura, Co-Owner of FruitScapes, Consistently Adding Exciting Edibles and Ornamental’s

August 11, 2023Podcastpiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:11 — 135.4MB)

This episode features Steve Cucura who together with his partner, Jesus “Jessy” Avalos created a tropical fruit paradise, FruitScapes on Pine Island. Steve talks about his passion for farming, how he discovered Pine Island and how he is always searching for new fruits.

S1E15 DJ Ruscik and Julia Gaylor, Matlacha Hookers, Inc., Striving to Make a Positive Difference in Our Community

August 4, 2023Podcastpiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:22 — 133.6MB)

DJ Ruscik, Madam President of the Matlacha Hookers and Julia Gaylor, Vice Madam sat down with us to discuss the Matlacha Hookers, a very wonderful organization serving Pine Island. We learned that the Matlacha Hookers are celebrating 25 years of service with a mission that has never changed, “Striving to make a positive difference in our community”. This constancy of purpose is one of the many reasons for their success.

S1E14 Chuck and Nancy Koucky, Koucky Studios, A Studio Set in the Midst of a Tropical Garden

July 28, 2023Podcastpiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:56 — 128.0MB)

Chuck and Nancy from Koucky Studios tell their remarkable story of how they have been creating art together for years. They describe their adventures owning galleries in Michigan and Florida until moving to Bokeelia. They have a new studio in their Pine Island location where they create art, develop new products, teach classes and host the Pine Island Potters Guild Shows.
For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

S1E13 Lisa Dence, Salty Girls Island Café , Where Meals & Memories are Made

July 21, 2023Podcastpiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:49 — 102.6MB)

Lisa Dence, owner of the new restaurant Salty Girls Island Café describes her life and journeys on Pine Island before and after Hurricane Ian. She is a determined courageous women who figured out how to create a business in new locations. In this new journey, her next chapter, Lisa is thrilled to be where she belongs, back serving the community, greeting and feeding her customers.

For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

S1E12 Jim Griffiths, Entrepreneur-Author-Publisher, The Nautical Mile Magazine

July 14, 2023Podcastpiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:16 — 119.6MB)

Jim Griffiths is an entrepreneur, an author and the owner-writer-publisher of the monthly Nautical Mile Magazine and the quarterly Destination Pine Island Visitor and New Resident Information Guide. In this episode, Jim shares his adventuresome life across the country and introduces his book, Don’t Tell Me I Can’t Do It! where he explains what it’s like to be an entrepreneur. As Jim explains, entrepreneurs don’t think out of the box, they invent boxes and they make things better…

For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

S1E11 Tommy Kramer, Kramer’s Kutting Edge, A Sharp Place that does it all

July 7, 2023Podcastpiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:30 — 120.2MB)

This episode introduces Tommy Kramer, owner of Kramer’s Kutting Edge. Tommy can sharpen just about any knife or blade. He is a certified locksmith, and he can duplicate the most difficult to find keys. Tommy believes that Pine Islanders should never have to leave the island just to have something sharpened or to replace watch batteries.

S1E10 Sara Brinks, The Frozen Flip Flop, A Sweet Place to Gather

June 30, 2023Podcastpiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:15 — 89.8MB)

This is wonderful story of Sara Brinks who decided to move to Pine Island and start a business. With the help of her family and friends, Sara came up with the idea of The Frozen Flip Flop, a lovely frozen yogurt shop. The Frozen Flip Flop opened on July 21, 2022, and then Hurricane Ian hit.

For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

S1E9 Capt. Gregg McKee, Wild Fly Charters, A Passion for Saltwater Fly Fishing

June 23, 2023Podcastpiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:07 — 123.9MB)

This episode features Capt. Gregg McKee of Wild Fly Charters. Capt. Gregg started his fishing career as a young man after moving to Key West in 1992. Capt. Gregg started fishing the waters surrounding Pine Island in 2001 when his parents retired to beautiful Matlacha, Fl. He immediately fell in love with the area and now spends his time chasing tarpon, redfish and snook from Boca Grande to Sanibel.

For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

S1E8 Jim Coffey, Tackle Craft of Pine Island, Creating Custom Rods

June 16, 2023Podcastpiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:04 — 100.9MB)

This episode introduces Jim Coffey owner of Tackle Craft of Pine Island. Jim has been crafting custom fishing rods in St James City for over a decade. Jim turned a hobby into a business, and he couldn’t be happier. Arlene, Jim’s wife joined us on the interview, and you will hear how proud she is of her husband’s craft.

To listen, use your favorite podcast app or use our website
https://pineislandexperience.com
For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

S1E7 Island Tactical, Business Partners who absolutely love what they do

June 9, 2023Podcastpiexp

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:51 — 107.2MB)

Jay Sanderson and Steve Soloway, Island Tactical business partners, speak of what they did immediately after Hurricane Ian and how they recently celebrated a grand reopening of their store.

They discuss their dedication to the island and passion for customers. They talk about their commitment to providing great products and services while loving what they do and having fun. Jay and Steve share the many plans they have for future growth on Pine Island.

Listen to the Island Tactical episode at Pine Island Experience Website

For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com