I was born and raised in Erie, PA. In August 1973 I picked up my life, came to Orlando and moved in with a friend with the intention of staying just a couple of weeks before moving to Cocoa Beach to surf. But, as things would have it, I spent whatever savings I had and needed to find a job and save some money before I could complete my ultimate search for waves. In October 1973 I started working with the Orange County Water Department as a Water Treatment Operator Trainee. Although my original intention was to work long enough to have enough money to continue my journey, it didn’t turn out that way. Instead, I met the woman of my dreams,... [Read more]

On April 29, 2010, I won the biggest gift in all my life: a round trip for two to Vancouver, BC that included accommodations for four days, three nights and airfare. I have always wanted to travel to Canada - even more after the Olympics were held in Vancouver. I have always been a fan of networking to meet contacts and grow my business, especially in our current economy. I just never thought it would lead to a great vacation. Carol Giddens poses with her husband, Jim, before heading out to a recent networking event in East Orlando. I try my hardest to meet with the Executive Referral Group for networking in East Orlando every Wednesday and every... [Read more]

“Where Are the Children Going to Play?” is the name of a popular Mexican pop rock group’s song I always listen to. Every time I hear it, I sit back and ask myself a similar question: How can I teach my child to lead a healthy and environmental-friendly lifestyle like I had when I grew up? I spent most of my time growing up in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic before moving stateside. Because they are islands, the electricity and the water are incredibly expensive. Regardless of which island I was on, I learned from my parents, my teachers and my elders to respect the water, the air, and to always reduce electricity usage. Anakin... [Read more]

Goodbye Jeep Commander, hello 110 miles per gallon Yamaha C3 Scooter. I watched a co-worker ride his scooter for two years and ever since I first laid eyes on it, I wanted one. It took some time, but, finally, in January of 2009, I purchased my scooter.  And let me tell you, it’s definitely on my “top ten list” of best purchases, hands down. Jesus Salguiero gets ready to ride his gas saving, two-wheeled daily driver. I never realized how much I would absolutely love it. I’ll be honest, at first I was scared to even own something that is classified as a motorcycle, seeing as how I never rode a motorized two-wheel vehicle... [Read more]

The year 2009 was a revelation for me. It’s when I took a step back and looked at my life. Even though my life changed for the better by becoming the market leader for Solantic Walk-In Urgent Care in 2008, something was still missing. It was in January of 2009 when I realized if I didn’t do something about my weight, I was going to end up with multiple health problems, just as every woman on my mother’s side of my family has. All I can remember is my mother telling me, “Please, don’t end up like me.” I knew that the reality of what my mother kept saying was coming true, and it was time to make a change. Bea... [Read more]