October 2023 • Header Image by Nancy Guth

Sarasota Scene is pleased to present “Leading the Scene”, profiles of local professionals and entrepreneurs of various backgrounds and skills. Each of them are committed to providing excellence in their chosen field. 

Table of Contents (click to view)

• Dr. Karen Holbrook
• Malaka Hilton
• Vlado Konatar
• John & Jesse Murse
• John Smithman
• The Morton Family
• Victoria Stultz

Dr. Karen Holbrook

University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee

(941) 359-4200 • www.sarasotamanatee.usf.edu

By Kaileia Suvannamaccha

Dr. Karen Holbrook has been the Regional Chancellor of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (sarasotamanatee.usf.edu) for the last six years, but she has always been a scientist at heart.

Holbrook boasts an impressive resumé, having held a multitude of prestigious positions overseeing universities across the United States as well as internationally. Her exceptional leadership skills at USF Sarasota-Manatee have helped shape the university’s programs, advance research, and facilitate campus expansion. “I feel very lucky, because I’ve liked everywhere I’ve been,” she says. “It’s not that I move around because I don’t like where I am. I move around because there are new opportunities.”

These days, Dr. Holbrook takes immense pride in her collaborative initiatives at USF Sarasota-Manatee, with two remarkable developments taking center stage. First and foremost, the eagerly anticipated Student Center and Residence Hall will be fully constructed by May and is set to welcome students for the fall 2024 academic year. The bustling six-story complex is designed to accommodate up to 200 students, offering space for student government activities and an array of amenities, including a ballroom, bookstore, dining facilities, study lounges, and more. According to Dr. Holbrook, “It’ll be a real campus now, with students living there 24/7.”

Concurrently, momentum is building for the Nursing/STEM building, a cutting-edge academic and research facility poised to support a diverse spectrum of disciplines. This expansion will provide essential classrooms, labs, and spaces to support current academic programs as well as create room for new ones. Although still in its planning stages, this visionary undertaking highlights USF’s ongoing propensity towards innovation, aligning perfectly with the region’s escalating demand for healthcare professionals and STEM expertise, while also enriching the local arts community. “In so many of the science and technology programs, the arts really are critical,” adds Dr. Holbrook. 

Despite her initial retirement plans in 2017, Dr. Holbrook actively participates in numerous community organizations, serving on both Chamber and Economic Development Corporation (EDC) boards of Sarasota and Manatee counties. She will assume the role of chairman for the Bradenton area EDC in the coming year. “I spend a lot of time with community organizations. And we spend a lot of time thinking about our academic programs. Our goal is to prepare students who will stay here and work here. So, we are adding new programs that we think are relevant and needed in the area.”

The university has introduced an accelerated second degree nursing pathway. This unique program caters to students with undergraduate degrees by enabling them to become highly trained BSN nurses in only 16 months, as opposed to four years. 

USF Sarasota-Manatee’s transformation under Dr. Holbrook’s guidance extends to programs beyond nursing. The institution recognizes the evolving job market, leading to the expansion of the Risk Management and Insurance program that integrates cutting-edge technology and data analytics. With the insurance industry experiencing a wave of retirements, this program fills a crucial gap in the local job market.

Another exciting addition to the university’s portfolio is aerospace engineering. Driven by the vision of the Bradenton Area EDC, USF Sarasota-Manatee is preparing to contribute to what the EDC termed as an “aviation ecosystem.” The region is attracting new companies related to aviation, making it a hotbed for aerospace engineering. There are also plans for an A and P (Airframe and Powerplant) school developed by Manatee Technical College, Suncoast Technical College and the Manatee School District. USF Sarasota-Manatee will add college level business modules to the program, and a K through 12 charter school focused on aviation for underprivileged students (in the planning stages). These programs, situated on airport property, will make SRQ the only airport in the country with its own educational campus. USF Sarasota-Manatee’s dual enrollment program further enhances the K-12 initiative, allowing high school students to take university courses and enter higher education at a more advanced level.

This year, USF achieved a significant milestone with its invitation to join the esteemed Association of American Universities (AAU), a recognition reserved for the nation’s top research institutions. “To have a world-class AAU research university in our community is just phenomenal,” says Dr. Holbrook. 

Malaka Hilton

Admiral Travel

941.951.1801 • www.admiraltravel.com

By Kaileia Suvannamaccha

Malaka Hilton isn’t your typical travel consultant, and Admiral Travel International (ATI) is far from your average travel agency. 

“We create these one-of-a-kind experiences that nobody else is creating,” says the Travel + Leisure A-List named Top Travel Advisor for more than 20 years. Malaka’s expert insights have also named her a Top Travel Specialist in Condé Nast Traveler three years in a row.

As valued members of the exclusive Virtuoso network—a global community of agencies that specialize in luxury and experiential travel—ATI advisors are committed to providing around-the-clock service for their clients.

A childhood filled with globe-trotting adventures alongside her Slovenian mother and Egyptian father fueled the spark that became Malaka’s life-long passion for travel. As she puts it, “Travel is the best investment you could ever make.” 

Hilton founded her award-winning travel agency in March of 1997. “We’re a small company. There’s just seven of us. But we think outside the box and offer experiences that the customer may not necessarily know is available to them. That’s what differentiates us. We really care and want to create lifelong memories.”

Admiral Travel is renowned for their hands-on approach. They host journeys, taking travelers along with them. “We also work together, which is very rare,” she adds. “We share our clientele.” This way, customers benefit from the firsthand knowledge of the most qualified expert within the team, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable experience.

Malaka met her husband, Ryan Hilton at South Africa’s famed Londolozi Safari camp in May of 1997, where he worked as a Safari Guide. They wed in February of 1998. “Sarasota probably sends more people to that game reserve than any other city in the world because of that influence.” 

Together, the Hiltons have nurtured Admiral Travel for 26 years, passing on their love for the industry to their children, who followed in Malaka’s footsteps, studying hospitality at Florida State University.

Malaka’s advice to the modern traveler is this: “Be kind to people in hospitality. We’re still in recovery. If ever there was a time the industry needed people to not cancel their trips, it’s now. Be patient, keep traveling, and take a lot of pictures.”

Vlado Konatar

Kona Realty

941.718.8293 • www.konarealtygroup.com

By Tom Reese

It’s no secret Sarasota is home to some of the most incredible luxury homes and real estate in the world. Massive companies like Coldwell Banker, Sotheby’s, and Michael Saunders typically dominate the luxury real estate market. However, Vlado Konatar and Kona Realty are giving them a run for their money. 

Based purely off word of mouth and client referrals, Kona Realty’s real estate inventory exceeds 167 million dollars. This achievement is due to Vlado’s leadership, who at the young age of 31 has a network of clients and investors from all over the world. His journey began as a teenager when his family immigrated to New Jersey from Montenegro. He learned real estate development and construction from his father, and eventually built and sold his own home when he was 20 years old. Six years ago, Kona Realty was born. Vlado’s unique skills as a salesman with hands-on construction experience combined with exotic flair has made him a beloved figure in the industry. 

Vlado and Kona Realty have developed and sold some of the greater Sarasota area’s most luxurious and modern properties. The company is currently evolving by building and selling 40-50 new construction homes, as well as high-end real estate development projects. One of their most recent projects is coined “The Evolution,” a new luxury condominium building in Downtown Sarasota that has already sold out, despite still being in construction. There are also plans to be a part of a similar development on Longboat Key in coming months. 

Kona Realty’s success is largely attributed to Vlado’s ability to understand the client’s needs and finding a way to meet their lifestyle and future goals, regardless of the current available inventory. His instincts and experience in the industry sets him apart from others, and his numerous client referrals prove it. 

As Sarasota County continues to become an international real estate hotspot, Kona Realty has already established themselves as the best in the business. They are currently leading the new generation of high-performing real estate brokers in the area who will be the key to transforming Sarasota into a thriving, contemporary city attracting even more impactful investors and projects in the near future. Vlado is living the American dream, and leading the real estate industry in the process. 

John & Jesse Murse

Rugs As Art

941.921.1900 • www.rugsasart.com

The hard-working, professional father-son duo of John and Jesse Murse own and operate one of Sarasota’s most treasured stores – Rugs As Art. This rug superstore has led the scene for more than 37 years, and while it has the grandeur, offerings, and service to thrive in any large city throughout this country, it maintains an incredible small-town feel where you will be treated like one of the family.   

“We truly pride ourselves on having the best customer service possible,” says family patriarch John Murse. “From start to finish, our team works tirelessly to make sure every customer has an amazing, friendly, and educated experience. I am always eager to walk the sales floor and engage with our wonderful customers!”  

The store offers a wide choice of rugs from all around the world, from hand-knotted, hand tufted, machine-made and outdoor rugs to custom rugs from their design department. They’ve done everything from family crests to a rug from photos of the staff’s pets for a veterinary office. They also clean, repair, and appraise rugs. Unique furnishings, art, lighting, pillows, and other accessories complete this 20,000 sq. ft. Superstore.   

“Whether your tastes are tropical, contemporary or traditional, we have something for you,” says John’s son, Jesse Murse. “You will not find a better selection anywhere and our pricing simply cannot be beat. We have a saying here: If we don’t have it, can’t get it, or can’t make it… you don’t need it!”  

John and Jesse Murse are consistently recognized as leaders in the industry. Rugs As Art has received a multitude of awards, from Small Business of the Year to Best Rug Store in America. For decades, the Murse Family has been active in supporting local charity organizations and nonprofits, all of which make the community a better place to live. “We love Sarasota and are happy to call this home,” says John Murse.      

John Smithman

The Plumbing Place

941.378.5678 • www.theplumbingplace.com

Plumbing. It doesn’t sound very glamorous, does it? Well, not if you’re standing in The Plumbing Place on Fruitville Road where glamour abounds. This decorative plumbing store isn’t about pipes, fittings, and the like, it is a wondrous and large showroom of the latest kitchen and bath sinks, faucets, tubs, showers, vanities, bath accessories, unique hardware and much more. 

After a 25-year career in banking, owner John Smithman wanted something new. In 2001, he took the plunge and bought an existing decorative plumbing store. Now, nearly 23 years later, The Plumbing Place and Smithman have led the local scene in this competitive industry. His clients include many satisfied builders, architects, designers, plumbers, and of course homeowners. 

Smithman is rightfully proud of the store’s success and longevity, but what he is most proud of is the top-notch customer service for which The Plumbing Place is widely known. He knew from the start that if you “take care of your customer, you will create a customer for life.” That is just what he has done, whether it’s for luxury products or for the budget-minded. 

When it’s time for something new, there are so many options at The Plumbing Place. The product line goes well beyond the typical names you find at big-box stores. “We focus on three things with our products: design, function, and durability, and help our clients understand the products we recommend so they can make informed choices,” explains Smithman. Luxury brands include Blanco, Franke, Rohl, BainUltra, Oceania and many more.

Smithman loves what he does and can’t imagine doing anything else.  “The Plumbing Place is here to make people’s lives better,” he explains. With this winning formula, you can expect John Smithman to be leading this scene for many more years to come.

The Morton Family

Morton’s Gourmet Market

941.955.9856 • www.mortonsmarket.com

There are some good national supermarket chains in our town, but undoubtedly the leading independent grocery stores in Sarasota bear the name Morton. 

The Morton family has a long and rich history in our town. It started in 1969 when after 17 years of service to the Marabel family, Ted Morton purchased Marable’s Market, which was in the same location on Osprey Avenue where Morton’s Gourmet Market stands today.

He changed the name to Morton’s Market in 1978 and it quickly became a family labor of love. Ted was joined by his son Eddie in running the store, while bis wife and two other sons worked alongside them. From the start, the Mortons treated employees like family, which explains why so many work there for decades. “Ultimately, it’s what sets us apart.

People want to spend time here,” said Eddie Morton. Four generations of Mortons continue to build on the store’s stellar reputation for high-quality products, a bustling and friendly atmosphere, top-level service, and hands-on ownership. Today, Eddie Morton is semi-retired, and his son Todd is running things.  Now, it’s Todd’s wife and children who all “work in one way, shape or form here”—and are a big part of the culture. In addition to its flagship store on Osprey Avenue, Morton’s also owns and operates Morton’s Siesta Market and Siesta Key Liquors on Canal Road.

“We’re very chef driven,” explains Todd Morton, the current owner. “We create a lot of prepared, prepacked meals, salads, and entrees that people love. They can’t get enough of our chicken salad—we have three or four varieties, which means we poach hundreds of pounds of chicken each week.” Morton’s

Gourmet Market also features a full-service bakery with professionally trained pastry chefs who make everything from artisan bread to seasonal fruit tarts to chocolate truffles to wedding cakes. 

If you’re new to Sarasota, you must experience this wonderful market. From the fresh produce, prime cut meats, fresh fish, aromatic bakery, beautiful florals, extensive wine offerings, and full-service catering options, Morton’s Market is the leader!

Victoria Stultz

Engel & Völkers

941.388.9800 • www.suncoast.evrealestate.com

When it comes to the world of luxury real estate, few names carry as much respect as Victoria Stultz. With a career spanning over 23 years, Victoria has established herself as a true leader in the industry, renowned for her unparalleled expertise, exceptional sales record, and dedication to providing an outstanding real estate experience. As the owner of three Engel & Völker shops, she is determined to redefine luxury real estate brokerage standards in the Venice and Sarasota areas.

At the core of Victoria’s success lies her unwavering dedication to her clients. Understanding that real estate is built on relationships, she offers white-glove concierge service with a tailored approach, ensuring each client enjoys an exceptional experience.

Victoria has big aspirations and is not content with resting on her laurels. Her vision is to establish her brokerage as one of the area’s top luxury real estate firms. Positioning herself to cater to the needs of discerning clients, she recently opened her second shop in downtown Sarasota. However, her plans don’t stop there. Victoria intends on expanding into Lakewood Ranch and opening additional shops throughout the Gulf Coast, ensuring that her expertise and exceptional service reach even more clients.

Whether you are relocating from across the globe or are a local resident, Victoria Stultz, and her dedicated team of Advisors at Engel & Völkers are ready to provide you with unparalleled service and expertise. Choosing Engel & Völkers as your real estate partner guarantees an extraordinary journey from start to finish.