August 29, 2025 • 13 mins
Hurricane Ian changed everything for Fort Myers Beach businesses. While some remain shuttered, others push forward with rebuilding efforts, determined to reclaim their slice of paradise. At the heart of this recovery stands Gulf Coast Business Bank, Southwest Florida's first community bank in 15 years, providing crucial financial support when it's needed most.
Treasury Manager Kathy Stefanski joins us to share how the bank's unique approach to commercial lending and business services is helping revitalize the community. "We want our area, our community, to grow," she explains, highlighting their mission to provide financing options and support that larger institutions might overlook. Unlike corporate banks, Gulf Coast boasts entirely local shareholders, fostering a genuine understanding of the region's specific challenges and opportunities.
Beyond financial services, the bank demonstrates its commitment through active community involvement. As title sponsor for the upcoming Bayside Friday Night Concert Series and through partnerships with local organizations like FMB Strong and The Heights Foundation, they're helping restore the island's vibrant culture. This dedication extends to their banking approach, where personal relationships flourish – their branch manager knows every customer by name, transforming routine transactions into meaningful connections.
The conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into how community banking adapts to modern needs while preserving personal service. For businesses struggling to recover from recent storms or entrepreneurs looking to launch new ventures, Gulf Coast Business Bank represents a partner deeply invested in their success. Reach out to them at gulfcoastbusinessbank.com or contact Kathy directly at 239-318-5946 to discover how local banking can make a difference in your business journey.
Gulf Coast Business Bank
Kathy Stefanski
239-318-5946
12205 Metro Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33966
(239) 345-2265
gcbbswfl.com
Ft Myers Beach-Good Neighbor
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to the Fort Myers Beach Good Neighbor
podcast, where the sun's alwaysshining and the stories are even
brighter.
Each episode we bring youcloser to the neighbors, local
legends and beachside businessesthat make Fort Myers Beach the
slice of paradise we all love.
Pull up a beach chair, grab adrink and let's meet the people
who make this island feel likehome.
We want to send out some islandlove to Eric Tibbs from Edward
(00:21):
Jones State Insurance, usa andHome Well Care Services Fort
Myers.
Love to Eric Tibbs from EdwardJones State Insurance, usa and
Home Well Care Services FortMyers.
They are the businesses thatallow us to share the soul of
our community with everylistener, from local stories to
the positive vibe of island life.
Here's to celebrating all thatmakes Fort Myers Beach the slice
of paradise we all love.
Here's your host, cabo, jimSchaller.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Welcome Fort Myers Good Neighbors.
Today we have good neighborKathy Stefanski from Gulf Coast
Business Bank Welcome.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
How are you?
Speaker 2 (00:50):
I am awesome.
I cannot complain.
It's Friday, it's good.
It's kind of cloudy rainy inbetween sunshine, but we get
rainbows for that, don't we?
Speaker 3 (00:59):
Yes, yes, my daughter sent me a picture of one this
morning.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
See, there we go.
Always a positive spin oneverything, just like here we're
about no shade just sunshine,right, that's what it's about.
But let's start off with youexplaining a little bit about
Gulf Coast Business Bank.
I think the words say it all,but I think you can go into a
little bit more detail.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
Yes, thank you.
So Gulf Coast Business Bank isa community bank that opened
three years ago here in FortMyers, florida.
We are the first community bankto open in Southwest Florida.
In 15 years.
We have one.
Yeah, it's amazing, it's reallyamazing.
All of our shareholders arelocal.
We don't use any private equity.
We are a full service communitybusiness bank.
We do offer consumer banks.
(01:48):
We don't do any private equity.
We are a full-service communitybusiness bank.
We do offer consumer banks.
We don't do any consumerlending but we do do consumer
banking products.
We just want to help thecommunity.
So we do a lot of commerciallending for the businesses.
We want our area, our community, to grow.
So you know, fort Myers Beachneeds a lot of help right now
and we're trying to get downthere and help as much as we can
(02:10):
.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Absolutely.
And speaking about Fort MyersBeach, I mean you could open a
bank anywhere, but it soundslike a lot of you guys were
local already and that's why youdecided on the Fort Myers area.
Speaker 3 (02:21):
Yes, yes, most of our shareholders are local.
Bill Blevins he's been in thearea for over 30.
Yes, most of our shareholdersare local, but Levin, he's been
in the area for over 30 years.
He's our president CEO.
Without him, we wouldn't behere today.
So, yeah, it's a wonderfulplace to work and I think we're
really going to have a reallybig impact on the community.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
And that's what it's about.
It's like getting some of thesesmaller businesses back up
after, like I said, running abusiness by the beach sounds
like a dream job, right, but wedeal with storms in certain
situations.
We've dealt with a lot ofstorms lately, but is there
something that maybe sticks outfor you guys that you can kind
of point to that hey, we made itthrough and now we see the
light at the end of the tunnel.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
You mean as far as for the beach?
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
Businesses in general are definitely picking up.
In the area all through FortMyers we're getting a lot of
interest in opening new business, a lot of commercial lending.
You know people are, people areready to to get their
businesses back up and running.
They're ready to reopen andsome of them haven't reopened
since Ian and it's heartbreaking.
(03:32):
So I mean, that's kind of wherewe come in.
We're trying to help them withthe financing or just being
supportive and helping them withjust their basic business
accounts and trying to get themback on their feet.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
And what do you think I mean?
Obviously there's a lot ofissues going on, from rebuilding
to restructuring, but what doyou think their biggest
challenge has been?
To get back so they can startbringing money in rather than
spending it.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
Right.
Well, a lot of people stillhave so much damage from the
storms so just repairing thatdamage and trying to get some
revenue, you know, like a decentrevenue stream coming in.
They're still struggling withthat.
But then you have otherbusinesses that have been
booming because of the hurricane.
So there's a definite there's aflip side to everything.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
Have you seen an influx of new businesses popping
up now or coming to the area?
Speaker 3 (04:24):
Yes, yeah, we've definitely seen it.
I think, more so after thestorms.
The businesses that wanted tostay and had the intention of
staying, they're still here, buta lot of the pop-ups that were
just kind of coming in to make abuck, they've definitely
cleared out, thank goodness.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
Yeah, the storm chasers as we call them.
Speaker 3 (04:44):
Right, yes, Right, right, hopefully we don't get
any more storms, so we have nomore storm chasers.
Speaker 2 (04:49):
Right, keep our fingers crossed.
So far, so good, right.
Speaker 3 (04:51):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
So we touched a little bit about the community.
Uh, are there certain thingsthat you guys are doing to help
maybe get involved or give backto the community locally?
Speaker 3 (05:02):
yes, absolutely so.
I do a lot of volunteering umwith a lot of local non-profits.
I work with fmb strong, I workwith the heights foundation, the
boys, boys and Girls Club, pacefor Girls and we are actually
the title sponsor for the firstBayside Friday Night Concert
Series.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Really Wow, yes, yes and for a little plug for that.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
that's this Friday the 29th at Bayside Park.
So if you can make it, smackDaddy will be the band.
We're very excited.
We're the title sponsor.
We will be there.
I think we're going to havebeach balls past now some good
stuff, so we're going to have atable?
Yeah, we're raffling off abourbon and bubbles basket.
(05:46):
So we're going to have a bottleof bourbon, a bottle of
champagne, some other fun stuffin there.
So if anybody sees our GulfCoast Business Bank table, come
on over and put your ticket inthe raffle.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
Very nice, very nice.
I wish it was tequila, butbourbon's still good, I guess.
Speaker 3 (06:01):
Tequila's my favorite , jim, so I'm right there with
you.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Right, good, tequila's way better.
I get it so do you noticecertain things maybe trending or
changing in your industry.
You said you've been aroundwhat?
For 15 years now, right?
Or the first new bank in 15years?
You've been around for threeyears.
Speaker 3 (06:19):
Yeah, we've been around for three years.
I've been in banking for over10 years, five here in Florida.
It's just Florida's a differentmarket when it comes to, I
think, all types of businesses.
It's very fluid.
Things change quickly.
You need to be very adaptabledown here especially.
I'm from Michigan, so comparedto Michigan, things don't just
real slow up there.
(06:39):
So, but yeah, definitely a lotof change.
Yeah, I think in everything.
But people are.
People are getting used to thefact that you don't have to go
into the branches anymore.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (06:56):
Do you know what I mean?
Like we, we still have two youknow two personal bankers and
tellers on our teller line, buta lot of people don't need the
use of an actual physical bank.
You can do everything online.
You can do your mobile deposits, even for businesses you know
they can take pictures of theirchecks for a mobile deposit, or
we have, you know, checkscanners that they can have at
(07:18):
their place of business.
So, and we also will come andpick up your deposits if you
need it, if you're in anemergency.
So I think people just wantbetter customer service, but
they realize they can don't needto be inside the branch as much
as they used to.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Yeah, they don't necessarily need their hand held
all the way through the processwith somebody.
They can, like you said,sometimes when you want to make
a deposit at two in the morning,Yep.
But you can still do it right.
Speaker 3 (07:46):
Yes, absolutely, absolutely.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
So you mentioned you were from Michigan, right, the
Mitten right.
You got to say where on theMitten you were from right?
Speaker 3 (07:54):
No, I'm from right here.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Okay, All right, very nice, what brought you down to
Southwest Florida?
Speaker 3 (08:01):
The weather.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
The weather.
Speaker 3 (08:02):
Yeah, so we bordered Canada, so we had all the lake
effect, snow and what theycalled up there, the polar
vortex.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
Yes, so I remember I had.
I'm from Wisconsin.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
I know and what they called up there the polar vortex
.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
Yes, so I remember, I know about that yep, I get it.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
We had one year um two weeks.
The kids didn't have schoolbecause it was so cold.
The buses wouldn't even start,oh boy, yeah.
So we definitely moved down forthe weather and we just love
the fort myers area.
So, yeah, we're super excitedto be here and I'm never going
back to Michigan.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
No, I moved down here originally in 89 and it was a
joke back then was I was puttinga snow shovel on the hood of my
car and wait until somebodyasked me what that is.
That's funny.
I don't want to shovel anywhere, so I'm done with that, you
know?
Yes, so speaking about outsideenjoying the sunshine and being
out in the community, are therecertain things you do when
(08:54):
you're not at work?
Speaker 3 (08:57):
Oh yeah, I love boating.
I love being outside.
I go to the beach as much as Ican.
I live right between Sanibeland Fort Myers beach so I every
weekend I'm at one of thebeaches somewhere, but I love
being in the water.
I love boating, I like golfing,hiking, anything outside.
I'm definitely an outdoorsygirl.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
There you go, and it's why we live down here to be
outside when we can and this isa good time of the year too,
because it's not so busy outthere right.
Speaker 3 (09:23):
No, it's really you could.
Like you could go eat anywhereyou wanted right now.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
Right and the parking is great, you don't?
Speaker 3 (09:33):
have to fight for a spot.
Oh, my goodness, yes, and thepeople at Publix are so nice, I
mean, like the customers.
We all know the Publix peopleare nice but you ever go to
Publix and you, the people thatare in from out of town, I'm
always like oh, wow, exactlyright and it's been great.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
The summer's been great, the water's been
beautiful.
You know, big applause to whatthey've done for that, because
it's just, it makes a difference.
I mean, I'm going on the waterand I'm actually seeing my feet
in the water.
I'm like I haven't been able todo that in a long time.
Speaker 3 (10:01):
It's nice right.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Yes, really good.
So is there is there one thingyou wish our listeners knew
about Gulf Coast Business Bankthat maybe they wouldn't be too
aware of?
Speaker 3 (10:12):
Just that we're here, that we're here.
We're a local bank, we're acommunity bank.
We're here for you, we can helpyou with your businesses.
People don't know that we'reactually here.
So we're trying to get the wordout, the message, doing some
good branding.
You know, if you come in you'reprobably going to know some of
our shareholders.
You know they're all communitypeople here in Southwest Florida
(10:37):
.
I mean, just we want you toknow we're here for you.
How's?
Speaker 2 (10:41):
that and that's the important part.
You know, because there's, youknow, and you're a small
community bank which makes a bigdifference.
My mom worked at a communitybank growing up, so it is, it's
really part of the community.
My mom worked at a communitybank growing up, so it is, it's
really part of the community.
Speaker 3 (10:55):
It really supports the community rather than the
big corporation that's out thereand you're just another number
to them.
Yeah, you're not another number, so I'm newer to Gulf Coast
Business Bank, but if you comein and you meet our branch
manager, rosie Jim, no lie, sheknows everyone's name when they
walk in, and it's amazing.
And she's like hey Jim, no lie,she knows everyone's name when
(11:16):
they walk in, and it's amazing.
And she's like hey Jim, hey Bob, how's your day?
How's the green kids?
Did you go on the boat thisweekend?
And I just feel like that's howit's supposed to be.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
Exactly Right, right you should know your community
and support your community.
Speaker 3 (11:27):
So how about how?
Speaker 2 (11:28):
about our listeners.
Go about contacting you if theywanted to learn more get some
more information from you.
Speaker 3 (11:38):
Um, they can reach out to us at
gulfcoastbusinessbank.
com or they can reach out to medirectly my cell phone's on my
business card.
So I mean I'm happy to plug it.
Speaker 2 (11:43):
It's not, I'm not yeah, go ahead and plug it right
, so you can reach kathy at239-318-5946.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
I'm the treasury manager here, so I help all the
businesses set up all theirbusiness services.
Any questions or just if you'recurious, don't hesitate to
reach out.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
Very good, any last words for our listeners today.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
Have a great weekend and hopefully we see you at
Smack Daddy next Friday.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
I love it, I love it, love it.
I will be there looking forwardto it.
Kathy, thank you for being sucha good neighbor and we'll see
you at the beach soon, right yes, absolutely, thanks jim thanks
for tuning in to the fort myersbeach good neighbor podcast,
where community meets paradise.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
If you loved what you heard, share it with a friend
and keep the good vibes goinguntil next time time.
Stay sunny, stay salty and keepbeing a good neighbor.
Also, to nominate your favoriteneighbors, local legends,
heroes or island businesses tobe on the show, go to
CaboWaboJim.
com.
That's CaboWaboJim.
com, or call 239-427-4100.
(12:46):
We want to send out some islandlove to Eric Tibbs from Edward
Jones State Insurance USA andHome Well Care Services Fort
Myers.
They are the businesses thatallow us to share the soul of
our community with everylistener, from local stories to
the positive vibe of island life.
Here's to celebrating all thatmakes Fort Myers Beach the slice
of paradise we all love.
Welcome to the Fort Myers Beach Good Neighbor
podcast, where the sun's alwaysshining and the stories are even
brighter.
Each episode we bring youcloser to the neighbors, local
legends and beachside businessesthat make Fort Myers Beach the
slice of paradise we all love.
Pull up a beach chair, grab adrink and let's meet the people
who make this island feel likehome.
We want to send out some islandlove to Eric Tibbs from Edward
(00:21):
Jones State Insurance, usa andHome Well Care Services Fort
Myers.
Love to Eric Tibbs from EdwardJones State Insurance, usa and
Home Well Care Services FortMyers.
They are the businesses thatallow us to share the soul of
our community with everylistener, from local stories to
the positive vibe of island life.
Here's to celebrating all thatmakes Fort Myers Beach the slice
of paradise we all love.
Here's your host, cabo, jimSchaller.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Welcome Fort Myers Good Neighbors.
Today we have good neighborKathy Stefanski from Gulf Coast
Business Bank Welcome.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
How are you?
Speaker 2 (00:50):
I am awesome.
I cannot complain.
It's Friday, it's good.
It's kind of cloudy rainy inbetween sunshine, but we get
rainbows for that, don't we?
Speaker 3 (00:59):
Yes, yes, my daughter sent me a picture of one this
morning.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
See, there we go.
Always a positive spin oneverything, just like here we're
about no shade just sunshine,right, that's what it's about.
But let's start off with youexplaining a little bit about
Gulf Coast Business Bank.
I think the words say it all,but I think you can go into a
little bit more detail.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
Yes, thank you.
So Gulf Coast Business Bank isa community bank that opened
three years ago here in FortMyers, florida.
We are the first community bankto open in Southwest Florida.
In 15 years.
We have one.
Yeah, it's amazing, it's reallyamazing.
All of our shareholders arelocal.
We don't use any private equity.
We are a full service communitybusiness bank.
We do offer consumer banks.
(01:48):
We don't do any private equity.
We are a full-service communitybusiness bank.
We do offer consumer banks.
We don't do any consumerlending but we do do consumer
banking products.
We just want to help thecommunity.
So we do a lot of commerciallending for the businesses.
We want our area, our community, to grow.
So you know, fort Myers Beachneeds a lot of help right now
and we're trying to get downthere and help as much as we can
(02:10):
.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Absolutely.
And speaking about Fort MyersBeach, I mean you could open a
bank anywhere, but it soundslike a lot of you guys were
local already and that's why youdecided on the Fort Myers area.
Speaker 3 (02:21):
Yes, yes, most of our shareholders are local.
Bill Blevins he's been in thearea for over 30.
Yes, most of our shareholdersare local, but Levin, he's been
in the area for over 30 years.
He's our president CEO.
Without him, we wouldn't behere today.
So, yeah, it's a wonderfulplace to work and I think we're
really going to have a reallybig impact on the community.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
And that's what it's about.
It's like getting some of thesesmaller businesses back up
after, like I said, running abusiness by the beach sounds
like a dream job, right, but wedeal with storms in certain
situations.
We've dealt with a lot ofstorms lately, but is there
something that maybe sticks outfor you guys that you can kind
of point to that hey, we made itthrough and now we see the
light at the end of the tunnel.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
You mean as far as for the beach?
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
Businesses in general are definitely picking up.
In the area all through FortMyers we're getting a lot of
interest in opening new business, a lot of commercial lending.
You know people are, people areready to to get their
businesses back up and running.
They're ready to reopen andsome of them haven't reopened
since Ian and it's heartbreaking.
(03:32):
So I mean, that's kind of wherewe come in.
We're trying to help them withthe financing or just being
supportive and helping them withjust their basic business
accounts and trying to get themback on their feet.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
And what do you think I mean?
Obviously there's a lot ofissues going on, from rebuilding
to restructuring, but what doyou think their biggest
challenge has been?
To get back so they can startbringing money in rather than
spending it.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
Right.
Well, a lot of people stillhave so much damage from the
storms so just repairing thatdamage and trying to get some
revenue, you know, like a decentrevenue stream coming in.
They're still struggling withthat.
But then you have otherbusinesses that have been
booming because of the hurricane.
So there's a definite there's aflip side to everything.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
Have you seen an influx of new businesses popping
up now or coming to the area?
Speaker 3 (04:24):
Yes, yeah, we've definitely seen it.
I think, more so after thestorms.
The businesses that wanted tostay and had the intention of
staying, they're still here, buta lot of the pop-ups that were
just kind of coming in to make abuck, they've definitely
cleared out, thank goodness.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
Yeah, the storm chasers as we call them.
Speaker 3 (04:44):
Right, yes, Right, right, hopefully we don't get
any more storms, so we have nomore storm chasers.
Speaker 2 (04:49):
Right, keep our fingers crossed.
So far, so good, right.
Speaker 3 (04:51):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
So we touched a little bit about the community.
Uh, are there certain thingsthat you guys are doing to help
maybe get involved or give backto the community locally?
Speaker 3 (05:02):
yes, absolutely so.
I do a lot of volunteering umwith a lot of local non-profits.
I work with fmb strong, I workwith the heights foundation, the
boys, boys and Girls Club, pacefor Girls and we are actually
the title sponsor for the firstBayside Friday Night Concert
Series.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Really Wow, yes, yes and for a little plug for that.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
that's this Friday the 29th at Bayside Park.
So if you can make it, smackDaddy will be the band.
We're very excited.
We're the title sponsor.
We will be there.
I think we're going to havebeach balls past now some good
stuff, so we're going to have atable?
Yeah, we're raffling off abourbon and bubbles basket.
(05:46):
So we're going to have a bottleof bourbon, a bottle of
champagne, some other fun stuffin there.
So if anybody sees our GulfCoast Business Bank table, come
on over and put your ticket inthe raffle.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
Very nice, very nice.
I wish it was tequila, butbourbon's still good, I guess.
Speaker 3 (06:01):
Tequila's my favorite , jim, so I'm right there with
you.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Right, good, tequila's way better.
I get it so do you noticecertain things maybe trending or
changing in your industry.
You said you've been aroundwhat?
For 15 years now, right?
Or the first new bank in 15years?
You've been around for threeyears.
Speaker 3 (06:19):
Yeah, we've been around for three years.
I've been in banking for over10 years, five here in Florida.
It's just Florida's a differentmarket when it comes to, I
think, all types of businesses.
It's very fluid.
Things change quickly.
You need to be very adaptabledown here especially.
I'm from Michigan, so comparedto Michigan, things don't just
real slow up there.
(06:39):
So, but yeah, definitely a lotof change.
Yeah, I think in everything.
But people are.
People are getting used to thefact that you don't have to go
into the branches anymore.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (06:56):
Do you know what I mean?
Like we, we still have two youknow two personal bankers and
tellers on our teller line, buta lot of people don't need the
use of an actual physical bank.
You can do everything online.
You can do your mobile deposits, even for businesses you know
they can take pictures of theirchecks for a mobile deposit, or
we have, you know, checkscanners that they can have at
(07:18):
their place of business.
So, and we also will come andpick up your deposits if you
need it, if you're in anemergency.
So I think people just wantbetter customer service, but
they realize they can don't needto be inside the branch as much
as they used to.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Yeah, they don't necessarily need their hand held
all the way through the processwith somebody.
They can, like you said,sometimes when you want to make
a deposit at two in the morning,Yep.
But you can still do it right.
Speaker 3 (07:46):
Yes, absolutely, absolutely.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
So you mentioned you were from Michigan, right, the
Mitten right.
You got to say where on theMitten you were from right?
Speaker 3 (07:54):
No, I'm from right here.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Okay, All right, very nice, what brought you down to
Southwest Florida?
Speaker 3 (08:01):
The weather.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
The weather.
Speaker 3 (08:02):
Yeah, so we bordered Canada, so we had all the lake
effect, snow and what theycalled up there, the polar
vortex.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
Yes, so I remember I had.
I'm from Wisconsin.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
I know and what they called up there the polar vortex
.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
Yes, so I remember, I know about that yep, I get it.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
We had one year um two weeks.
The kids didn't have schoolbecause it was so cold.
The buses wouldn't even start,oh boy, yeah.
So we definitely moved down forthe weather and we just love
the fort myers area.
So, yeah, we're super excitedto be here and I'm never going
back to Michigan.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
No, I moved down here originally in 89 and it was a
joke back then was I was puttinga snow shovel on the hood of my
car and wait until somebodyasked me what that is.
That's funny.
I don't want to shovel anywhere, so I'm done with that, you
know?
Yes, so speaking about outsideenjoying the sunshine and being
out in the community, are therecertain things you do when
(08:54):
you're not at work?
Speaker 3 (08:57):
Oh yeah, I love boating.
I love being outside.
I go to the beach as much as Ican.
I live right between Sanibeland Fort Myers beach so I every
weekend I'm at one of thebeaches somewhere, but I love
being in the water.
I love boating, I like golfing,hiking, anything outside.
I'm definitely an outdoorsygirl.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
There you go, and it's why we live down here to be
outside when we can and this isa good time of the year too,
because it's not so busy outthere right.
Speaker 3 (09:23):
No, it's really you could.
Like you could go eat anywhereyou wanted right now.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
Right and the parking is great, you don't?
Speaker 3 (09:33):
have to fight for a spot.
Oh, my goodness, yes, and thepeople at Publix are so nice, I
mean, like the customers.
We all know the Publix peopleare nice but you ever go to
Publix and you, the people thatare in from out of town, I'm
always like oh, wow, exactlyright and it's been great.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
The summer's been great, the water's been
beautiful.
You know, big applause to whatthey've done for that, because
it's just, it makes a difference.
I mean, I'm going on the waterand I'm actually seeing my feet
in the water.
I'm like I haven't been able todo that in a long time.
Speaker 3 (10:01):
It's nice right.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Yes, really good.
So is there is there one thingyou wish our listeners knew
about Gulf Coast Business Bankthat maybe they wouldn't be too
aware of?
Speaker 3 (10:12):
Just that we're here, that we're here.
We're a local bank, we're acommunity bank.
We're here for you, we can helpyou with your businesses.
People don't know that we'reactually here.
So we're trying to get the wordout, the message, doing some
good branding.
You know, if you come in you'reprobably going to know some of
our shareholders.
You know they're all communitypeople here in Southwest Florida
(10:37):
.
I mean, just we want you toknow we're here for you.
How's?
Speaker 2 (10:41):
that and that's the important part.
You know, because there's, youknow, and you're a small
community bank which makes a bigdifference.
My mom worked at a communitybank growing up, so it is, it's
really part of the community.
My mom worked at a communitybank growing up, so it is, it's
really part of the community.
Speaker 3 (10:55):
It really supports the community rather than the
big corporation that's out thereand you're just another number
to them.
Yeah, you're not another number, so I'm newer to Gulf Coast
Business Bank, but if you comein and you meet our branch
manager, rosie Jim, no lie, sheknows everyone's name when they
walk in, and it's amazing.
And she's like hey Jim, no lie,she knows everyone's name when
(11:16):
they walk in, and it's amazing.
And she's like hey Jim, hey Bob, how's your day?
How's the green kids?
Did you go on the boat thisweekend?
And I just feel like that's howit's supposed to be.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
Exactly Right, right you should know your community
and support your community.
Speaker 3 (11:27):
So how about how?
Speaker 2 (11:28):
about our listeners.
Go about contacting you if theywanted to learn more get some
more information from you.
Speaker 3 (11:38):
Um, they can reach out to us at
gulfcoastbusinessbank.
com or they can reach out to medirectly my cell phone's on my
business card.
So I mean I'm happy to plug it.
Speaker 2 (11:43):
It's not, I'm not yeah, go ahead and plug it right
, so you can reach kathy at239-318-5946.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
I'm the treasury manager here, so I help all the
businesses set up all theirbusiness services.
Any questions or just if you'recurious, don't hesitate to
reach out.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
Very good, any last words for our listeners today.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
Have a great weekend and hopefully we see you at
Smack Daddy next Friday.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
I love it, I love it, love it.
I will be there looking forwardto it.
Kathy, thank you for being sucha good neighbor and we'll see
you at the beach soon, right yes, absolutely, thanks jim thanks
for tuning in to the fort myersbeach good neighbor podcast,
where community meets paradise.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
If you loved what you heard, share it with a friend
and keep the good vibes goinguntil next time time.
Stay sunny, stay salty and keepbeing a good neighbor.
Also, to nominate your favoriteneighbors, local legends,
heroes or island businesses tobe on the show, go to
CaboWaboJim.
com.
That's CaboWaboJim.
com, or call 239-427-4100.
(12:46):
We want to send out some islandlove to Eric Tibbs from Edward
Jones State Insurance USA andHome Well Care Services Fort
Myers.
They are the businesses thatallow us to share the soul of
our community with everylistener, from local stories to
the positive vibe of island life.
Here's to celebrating all thatmakes Fort Myers Beach the slice
of paradise we all love.
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