Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Raymond Vazquez of the famed real estate brokerage firm, Truman & Co. We talk about oil spills, fly fishing, and of course Real Estate :-) More on Raymond: Raymond has been assisting buyers & sellers since 2005. His diverse background means he is one of the few real estate agents who truly understands their role as a Broker/Associate. His market knowledge & understanding of every client's needs leads to a well-managed, exciting real estate experience. Website: https://keywesthometeam.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/raymondjvazquez CONTACT RAYMOND: raymond@raymondjvazquez.com (305) 395-1777 1205 Truman Ave / Key West, FL 33040 THE COMPANY Truman & Co. specializes in Key West real estate and real estate in the Lower Keys. We have some of the most respected Realtors in the Key West area. Our agents together with their individual teams of real estate professionals have joined together to form Truman & Co. Real Estate Services. Truman & Co.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Key West local Nick Norman to talk about where he started, and where he is going. We find out how he got started with music and how he is constantly working to "sharpen the sword" of his craft. This is one of my favorite interviews so far because Nick is so easy to talk to and talks about his career as an open book.  More on Nick Norman Immediately recognizable, Nick is known for two distinctive gifts: his soulful voice and infectious smile. It's hard to imagine that as a young boy he was told he would never be good enough to sing in the church's youth ensemble in Columbia, South Carolina where he grew up. Today he is truly the man with a golden voice; a talented singer/songwriter who delights his audiences with soulful and inspirational performances.  It was during his childhood when Nick first acquired his passion for music; his father played guitar, while his mother encouraged him to write. Attending Baptist church exposed him to the awe-inspiring power of the c

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Alessandra Torre, an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty-two novels. We talk about how a summer project turned into her first novel, and how tweaking a couple of words on the Amazon description had her go from 10 sales per day to over 2000 per day. If you are interested in writing a book, publishing, or how to even get started, this episode is for you! More on Alessandra A New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Alessandra Torre has written twenty-two novels, including three New York Times bestsellers. Her first book, Blindfolded Innocence, was a breakout hit, rising to the top of the ebook charts on Amazon where it attracted the interest of major publishing houses and garnered Torre her first print deal with Harlequin HQN. Less than twelve months later, Torre signed a second six-figure print deal, this time with Redhook (Hachette) for the Deanna Madden series, an erotic suspense trilogy. Torre has been

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the CEO/ Co-Owner George Fernandez.   We talk about the more than 60 different species of butterflies and rubbing elbows (more like beaks), with Rhett and Scarlett at the Flamingle (a meeting with 2 local flamingos).   George explains how they delight all or your senses with sounds, colors, aromatherapy smells, and of course, wonder! Learn about how the Conservatory started, and how it was just named one of the best Butterfly Conservatories in the US. More on Butterfly & Nature Conservatory Walk Among Hundreds of Living Butterflies and Colorful Birds! Feel your stress fade away as you enter our magical world of butterflies. Relax and be amazed as you stroll through our tropical paradise. Walk through a magical and inviting environment filled with hundreds of the most beautiful winged creatures in nature. During your breathtaking journey, you will experience an impressive collection of flowering plants, colorful birds, cascading wat

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Matthew Nooner and Raymond J. Vazquez, the owners of The Local, Butcher & Market. We talk about where the idea came from (hint, it was over drinks), and how Matt and Raymond went from idea to execution. If you are in a family business or work with loved ones, this episode is a good one because we go behind the scenes on how to navigate working and living together. More on The Local Butcher Locally owned and operated specialty butcher shop & market located in Key West, Florida. We do our best to fulfill any special orders. Open 7 days a week. Offering a wide selection of Beef, Pork Chicken, Seasonal Game, Imported Cheeses & other various items. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheLocalButcherandMarket Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheLocalButcherandMarket 1202 White Street, Key West FL Phone: 305-741-7207 Hours: 10AM - 7PM  

In the episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kyle Carter to talk about a whole lot of live music. We talk about his involvement in the Songwriters Sessions, Songwriters Festival, and his own creation, Mile 0 Fest. Kyle and his family were living, what most consider to be a "comfortable life," but something was missing. After falling in love with Key West, Kyle sold it all and took his love for music to his newly beloved island paradise. Living a "comfortable life" may sound good on paper, but in the end, going after your dreams is what LIFE is all about. More on Mile 0 Fest - (Jan 28 - Feb 1) Mile 0 Fest was founded in 2017, with its first year of production being 2018. It was created on the principle of producing a festival that checked all of the boxes:  Fantastic Line-Up – that has repeat and fan favorites back every year, but also brings in new faces, and fresh talent. The best in Red Dirt Americana Location, Location, Location – A destination that was enjoyable for everyone! Key West has everything, bea

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Mark Certonio, the creator of the Key West Food & Wine Festival. We talk about when the festival was created, and what his driving force was to take on such a big undertaking. Mark also gives a great overview of what to expect as an attendee, and how you better get your festival tickets before they're all gone (he's not joking). Mark also sits on the executive committee of the famed "Oldest House Museum" located on 322 Duval Street, which is where the interview took place. **NOTE** If you want to hear a behind the scenes chatter, I kept the tape rolling as we rant about the future of Marketing, About the Key West Food & Wine Festival The Key West Food and Wine Festival is ​a series of wine and food-themed events showcasing a diverse range of wines and inventive cuisine, hosted by their passionate creators at iconic island locations. Over 20 unique events including waterfront tastings, winemaker/chef collaborations, and local funky events that present an au

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the owner of UVA Wine Shoppe, Mark Gambuzza. We talk about why he made his move down to Key West and how he got started in the wine business. Mark provides some great insights on how being patient and putting his customer first has not only benefited his business but his overall way of life. Main takeaway: Happiness is the new ROI in life. More on UVA - A CURATED SELECTION We offer you a selection of the best wines from around the world, as do other fine wine sellers. But what makes Uva a unique wine shop is the experience we offer: we love to share our recommendations almost as much as we enjoy sampling our wines, so we’re happy to do both while we help you make an informed choice. You can cozy up to our tasting counter to savor a glass, attend a wine tasting or join our monthly Wine Club where everyone has a favorite. Enjoy a special Uva cheese board. Special because Uva is now offering our personal selection of artisanal cheeses and meats unique to the Keys. Plu

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with artist Eric Anfinson. We spoke about how the first time he picked up a paintbrush he hated the result but fell in love with the process. It was this love of "doing" that had him coming back for more, eventually creating a fan base around the world. I particularly LOVE this episode because it touches on how important the process is.  If all you care about is the outcome, you may be in for a life of sorrow, but when you love the process, you will have a life of true fulfillment.  More on Eric Anfinson Eric Anfinson's painting journey began in the fall of 2001 after he moved to a 2x4 mile island where the Gulf of Mexico & the Atlantic meet.  Anfinson is part of a well-established creative collective in Key West, Florida . . . an island known affectionately by locals as 'the rock'.  The remote location & unique community continue to offer rich subject matter for Anfinson's work.  The people that call this island home, & those who pass through, live on in th

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Chef Ricard of the newly famed Lola's Bistro. We talked about how he got started, working with some of the top French and Italian chefs, why he chose to only have 9 tables and how he loves chatting up his customers as he cooks right in the corner of the restaurant. More on Lola's Bistro A new Italian eclectic BYOB restaurant with a bohemian vibe! Address: 728 Simonton St Key West FL 33040 Dinner House 7 nights (6pm - 11pm) Reservation only - 305-203-4457 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lolasbistrokeywest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolasbistro_keywest Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lolas-bistro-key-west

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Michelle and Jessica Spottswood, the co-owners & "Tribe Leaders" of FYT Gym Key West. We talk about how the idea of the business was birthed, how they have grown so quickly, and why putting their customers first has not only created raving fans but has turned clients into friends; truly living that Tribe concept to it's fullest. More on FYT FYT (Find Your Tribe) is a full-service fitness facility! Inside you will find two large studio spaces hosting over 200 classes per month. Circuit, Barre, and Yoga are our specialties! If classes are not what you’re looking for then come workout on your own or with our Certified Personal Trainers in our 1300 square foot gym space! Where you will find cardio equipment, free-weights, and selectorized pieces. Website: http://fytkeywest.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fytkeywest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fytkeywest

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Scott Saunders, the CEO, and creator of Fury Water Adventures Key West. We discuss how Scott almost flunked out of high school, quit college (the first time), and gave up on making anything of himself. To any outsider, Scott would have been considered a "loser," but it was that rock-bottom breaking point that caused him to go from zero to hero in one instant. Have you ever felt unmotivated and didn't really care about much? Scott did too, and his story will get you looking in the mirror and declaring, "enough is enough!" **NOTE** We really get into the complete origin story at around the 13:00 minute mark, so stay with us, it's worth the wait! More about Fury Water Adventures Key West TAKE THE ULTIMATE KEY WEST WATERSPORTS EXCURSION WITH FURY WATER ADVENTURES Key West’s most popular attraction is the crystal blue waters surrounding our island paradise. For almost three decades visitors and locals alike have been choosing Fury Water Adventures as their number one ex

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down at the Key West Theater with Brianna Gangi, the Marketing Director of the theater and of Rams Head Presents-Key West. We talk about how Rams Head Presents is adding to the ever-growing music scene down here in Key West, and how up and coming artists are using Key West as a launching pad for their music career. More On Rams Head Presents Website: https://www.keywestconcertseries.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keywesttheater Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RamsHeadPresentsKeyWest Twitter: https://twitter.com/KWTheater More on the Key West Theater Website: https://www.thekeywesttheater.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keywesttheater/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keywesttheater Twitter: https://twitter.com/kwtheater Key West Theater Address 512 Eaton St. Key West, Florida 33040 305-985-0433

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kassy Burnette and Stuart Damon at The Art Shack, a compound of art galleries and artist studios. We talked about joining the community, getting a studio spot at The Art Shack, and why Stock Island is starting to emerge. The Art Shack We are a community of artists in a beautiful tropical compound! A fun hidden gem & taste of old Stock Island. 6404 Front St, Stock Island Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artshack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/DamonDesignsKW

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with artist, gallery and studio owner, Anna Sweet. We talk about how she went from photographer to artist and hit pay dirt, her humble upbringing (1 of 9 kids), and how her competitive nature keeps her humble, yet drives her harder than ever to continue to grow. More on Anna Sweet Anna Sweet’s work marries a craftsman’s approach to material with an Art Nouveau influence. Known for her luminous underwater nudes, Sweet portrays the ethereal through harmonious modes of painting and photography. By employing radiant minerals and pigments, the artist reimagines familiar elements of nature and the female form, rendering them brilliantly new to the viewer’s eye.  Raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, above her mother’s art gallery, Sweet and her nine siblings were immersed in the art world from a young age. Perennially inspired by the light of the sun and the movement of the body, Sweet’s hand evokes the dynamic sensuality of beauty in motion, capturing transient moments of swi

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Rich Pesce to talk about how he started his construction management business in Lower Manhattan months before September 11th, and how he became a real estate investor in three Key West Bed & Breakfast Inns: The Inn on Fleming, Coco Plum Inn Bed & Breakfast, and Key West Bed & Breakfast. We discuss the mindset needed when starting a business in one of the country’s hardest times, how to navigate the Key West real estate market, and how having the right business partner can make all the difference. I had the great pleasure of conducting this interview in one of Rich's homes in Old Town - known famously as the Calvin Klein Home (for the obvious reason

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with famed Chef Bill Hunt, the new head chef at the even more famous Smokin' Tuna Saloon. We talk about big changes happening at the Smokin' Tuna Saloon when it comes to their menu and how his Boston work ethic mixed with his trust in the people that work for him, creates a recipe for success The Smokin' Tuna Saloon Key West's premier bustling, open-air hangout featuring 2 bars, and live music on the courtyard stage; and is the musical residence of local musician superstar, Caffeine Carl and The Buzz. The restaurant and bar features delicious local seafood, tasty drinks, and world-famous t-shirts! Enjoy incredible food from the amazing Chef Bill seven days a week! Hours BAR: 11am - 2am RESTAURANT: 11:30am - 11pm daily MERCANTILE: 10am - 10pm HAPPY HOUR: 3pm - 5pm Address & Phone 4 Charles Street, Key West, FL 33040 - Call (305) 517-6350 Website & Social Website: https://smokintunasaloon.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokintuna Facebook: https://www.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Jenny Lorenz, the Director of Marketing at The Perry Hotel Key West. We go over why the Hotel chose Stock Island to call itself home, all of the expansion plans happening in November (2019), and the truth about booking your hotel with an online company, compared to going direct (HINT - you get free upgrades when you go direct). Attention Key West Locals! Local Appreciation is ending on September 30th!! This means that there are only a few days left where locals can get the Buy 1 Dinner Entrée, Get 1 Free for sheer food bliss, at either Matt's Stock Island Kitchen & Bar or The Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill. Plus, add a growler of one of their new signature beers for only $15! More on The Perry Hotel Key West Inspired by Commodore Perry, the father of the United States Navy, The Perry Hotel's easy, laid-back atmosphere has been thoughtfully cultivated to stay true to the seafaring roots of Old Key West. Discover a place transformed and a history reclaime

Have you ever seen the movie "Chef" and dreamed of selling it all, buying a food truck and hitting the open road? In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down, (right outside the food truck) with Amy Clarke-Van Schoor, one of the co-owners of the highly addicting, Taco Grilla. We talk about how they got started and what really goes into the "Food Truck" life. More on Taco Grilla Born from the idea that more food from his home island needed to be fresh and healthy, chef Riaan Van Schoor and his wife Amy Clarke-Van Schoor created Taco Grilla. Taco Grilla Likes cooking for its locals... especially his Key West Sirens. Keeping the Sirens full, keeps peace on the island. When the Sirens aren't full they go after the Fishing Charters stealing all the fish, leaving the tourists very unhappy... which leaves the charter captains unhappy... which leaves the local business unhappy. So feed your Siren Taco Grilla and the whole Island will be happy.  Taco Grilla offers Tacos, Burritos, Bowls, Smoothies.and tons of creative cui

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Billy Kearins of Coast Projects. We talk about his humble beginnings, his love of Folk music, and how his local Key West shirt company is setting up to make some giant waves. Also, be on the lookout for Billy's film, "Keasy Rider" which comes out on September 17th at Tropic Cinema for the 72 Hour Film Challenge. What is COAST? We get that question a lot. And the truth is, it’s hard to explain — not because it’s abstract — but more so because you can look at it from many angles, and you can take from it as little or as much as you want. Sure, we’re about bikes and boards and life by the sea — which is why we chose the purposefully ambiguously name COAST. But we’re about more than those tangible things that you see on the showroom floor and in the web store. COAST is, in a general sense, about life on the edge — where land meets sea and the spirit of exploration and unknowing meet the safety of the shoreline. At COAST, we build the goods we need to lead the life we