06/19/2026
PROs Meeting Recap
We had another great PROs meeting filled with creativity, practical business advice, personal stories, and valuable information from our featured speakers.
The Silver Spoon Award
This week’s Silver Spoon Award went to Grace Gerson of Brilliance Painting LLC.
Grace earned the award for her creativity and for finding a fun way to involve the other speakers in her presentation. Her approach made the moment memorable and brought even more energy and participation to the meeting.
Congratulations, Grace!
Grace Gerson
Brilliance Painting
Painting Contractor
(727) 657-4316
[email protected]
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Our Business Education Moment
Our business education moment was presented by Christine Jacobs of Jacobs Tax Pros Inc.
Christine spoke about the hidden assets that already exist within our businesses.
Many business owners are constantly searching for the next new customer, service, or opportunity. However, Christine reminded us that we may already be sitting on valuable assets that we are not fully using.
Those assets might include our current customers, referral sources, industry knowledge, professional relationships, inventory, and the skills that come naturally to us.
One of Christine’s strongest points was to focus on doing more, not always doing something new. How can we provide more value to the customers we already serve? What additional problems can we solve for them? How can our existing knowledge and abilities create another source of revenue?
She also explained that inventory by itself is not necessarily the asset. The real value is in knowing how to source it, market it, manage it, and turn it into cash.
Most importantly, Christine challenged us to take action. Delays can be expensive. Opportunities do not continue to grow while we wait, and having resources does not automatically create success. Success comes from using those resources and taking action.
Key takeaways from Christine:
* Many businesses already have valuable assets they are not using
* Existing customers may provide opportunities for additional services
* Look for ways to bring more value to the people you already serve
* Use the skills and knowledge that already come naturally to you
* Focus on doing more, not always creating something new
* The value of inventory comes from knowing how to manage and sell it
* Delays can be expensive
* Opportunities do not grow while you wait
* Success is not simply found in resources
* Success comes from taking action
Christine challenged everyone to look closely at their own business assets and ask one important question:
How can I take better advantage of what I already have?
Christine Jacobs
Jacobs Tax Pros Inc.
Tax & Accounting
727-210-2552
[email protected]
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Our First Speaker
Our first featured speaker was Deborah Keane of Cruise Planners and Ineedtotravel.com.
Deborah is a licensed travel agent who loves serving people and helping them experience memorable adventures.
She began by sharing that her first love is her family. She told us about her husband of 43 years, their four children, two granddaughters, and another granddaughter on the way.
Her second love is travel.
Deborah does much more than simply book flights and hotels. She helps clients plan complete experiences and shared several examples of the different types of trips she can create.
One of the adventures she presented was a trip to Maine and Acadia National Park. It included hiking, private boating experiences, unique lodging, and other special activities. This was not a standard group tour. It was a private adventure designed to be fun, exclusive, and memorable.
She also introduced us to an American tour through G Adventures. This option offered a more traditional, budget-friendly adventure with 15 days of experiences and exploration.
Of course, living in Florida means cruises are always popular. Deborah shared that she especially enjoys working with cruise lines such as Silversea and Oceania Cruises.
She can also organize special-interest group travel for sporting events, celebrations, and other shared experiences. Whether someone wants a private adventure, an affordable guided tour, a luxury cruise, or a group trip, Deborah can help handle the planning.
Key takeaways from Deborah:
* A travel advisor can create complete experiences, not just book reservations
* Private trips can include unique lodging and exclusive activities
* Travel can be customized around a client’s interests and budget
* Guided adventures can provide an affordable way to explore
* Cruises offer options ranging from traditional to luxury travel
* Special-interest group trips can be planned around sports and events
* Professional planning can make travel easier and more enjoyable
Deborah Keane
Cruise Planners | Ineedtotravel.com
Cruise Planners - I Need to Travel
Travel Agency
727-286-2355
[email protected]
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Our Final Speaker
Our final speaker was Richard “Rick” Millian of Retamar & Millian, P.A.
Rick is our Personal Injury Attorney and explained what it means to operate a full-service personal injury practice.
Many personal injury attorneys focus almost entirely on automobile accident injury claims. Rick and his firm can assist with a much wider range of issues, including personal injury, property damage, diminished value claims, slip-and-fall cases, and other accident-related legal matters.
Rick attended law school in St. Petersburg and began his career working in corporate law. His brother later invited him to join the family firm, which led Rick into the world of personal injury law.
Today, Rick is deeply connected throughout Palm Harbor and East Lake. He has become a familiar and trusted part of the community, with strong relationships that help him connect people with the legal assistance they need.
Rick also explained that an accident claim may involve much more than physical injuries. He can help clients pursue the money they need for property damage and assist with diminished value claims when a vehicle is worth less after being involved in an accident.
One of the biggest advantages of calling Rick is his network. Even when a legal matter falls outside his specific area of practice, he can help connect the person with a qualified attorney who handles that type of issue.
Key takeaways from Rick:
* Personal injury law involves more than automobile accident injuries
* Property damage may require its own claim and strategy
* A diminished value claim can address the loss in a vehicle’s value
* Slip-and-fall cases and other injuries may also qualify for compensation
* Working with a full-service firm can simplify the legal process
* A well-connected attorney can help clients find the right legal resource
* Local relationships and community involvement matter
* It is helpful to speak with an attorney who understands the complete situation
Richard Millian
Retamar & Millian, P.A.
Retamar & Millian, P.A.
Personal Injury Attorney
813-200-5894
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
# # Closing
Another successful PROs meeting with lessons that can help us grow both personally and professionally.
Christine encouraged us to look for the opportunities and hidden assets that already exist inside our businesses. Deborah showed us how thoughtful planning can turn an ordinary vacation into an unforgettable experience. Rick reminded us of the importance of having a knowledgeable and well-connected attorney available when legal problems arise.
We also celebrated Grace’s creativity with a well-earned Silver Spoon Award.
PROs continues to be an amazing place to build relationships, learn from one another, and become stronger referral partners.