mark baratto

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Maggie Montoya, the co-founder of Milagro Restaurant & Bar.

We talk about how Maggie and her husband Kevin (the head chef) got started in the business, how Kevin's Mexican heritage influences his food creations, and why they moved their restaurant from Big Pine Key, to Key West.

More on Milagro Restaurant & Bar

A Key West restaurant with a passion for fine food & hospitality.

Hidden off the beaten path, just two blocks from the Southernmost Point and one block from world-famous Duval Street, is Milagro Restaurant and Bar, a true culinary gem. Run by husband and wife duo, award-winning Executive Chef Kevin Montoya and General Manager Maggie Montoya, Milagro is a labor of love with deep ties to scratch-made food, art, and the community.

Meet the owners, couple Kevin and Maggie, who pour their hearts and souls into Milagro. Veterans of the fine dining and hospitality industries, they use local seafood and produce in recipes they've spent years perfecting. These delicious flavors, combined with warm and attentive service, provide an unforgettable experience for their guests.

This is a recap episode of my very first episode here in Key West talking about Fantasy Fest.  I wanted to release this episode for the last weekend of Fantasy Fest, so you all could learn more about this week long party that happens every year in Key West!

In our first episode, Mark Baratto speaks with Nadene Grossman Orr who handles all of the planning for Fantasy Fest, the Annual Key West Songwriters Festival, and many more events through her company We've Got The Keys.

We go deep into why she moved to Key West and what she loves about living and working here, and some of her favorite spots in town to eat drink and be merry.

MORE ON NADENE

Nadene arrived in Key West Florida in 1991 just after Graduation from SUNY Geneseo. Looking back on her introduction to Island Life – she established a strong foundation with the best Key West jobs … Cocktail Server, Crew on the Catamarans, and Concierge! The 3 C’s! She learned the Island inside and out and made lasting friendships that grew into the professional relationships she has today with so many local business owners and industry professionals.

So in love with the Island Lifestyle - Nadene turned her passion into Business in 2004 - establishing We've Got the Keys - Wedding & Event Planners for the Florida Keys. We Coordinated nearly 800 Destination Weddings up until December 2015 when we changed our focus to Corporate Events, Destination Management and Producing City-Wide Festivals & Events.

With an eye for detail, Nadene’s focus is on designing creative Incentive Travel programs for our corporate clients, introducing visitors to uniquely Key West experiences, customized tours, one of a kind adventures and culinary delights – Nadene & her Team challenge themselves daily to delight, impress and inspire our guests!

Nadene is thrilled to be a producer for the Annual Key West Songwriters Festival – founded in 1994 - this event is the largest of its kind - bringing more than 175 Performing Singer-Songwriters to Key West each year to perform their original music on Key West's intimate stages - including beaches, bars, theaters and boats!

One of the founding producers of the Annual Key West Film Festival, Nadene and her team at We’ve got the Keys helped to establish this new festival for Key West – founded in 2012 we worked with the Film Festival for its first Three Years.

With a deep sense of Community involvement – Supporting local events and non-profit organizations over the years has been an integral part of our work. In November 2015 Nadene proudly accepted the role of Event Director for AIDS Help Inc. – coordinating their annual local events, including Taste of Key West, Vintners Dinner, Tree of Hope, & The Coronation for King & Queen of Fantasy Fest.

January 2017 Nadene was selected to become the new Director of FANTASY FEST! The We’ve got the Keys Team took on their Biggest EVENT to date! Fantasy Fest is one of Key West’s largest and most iconic Festivals – originating in 1979 – this Festival is world-famous. Proudly partnering with Wonderdog Studios and expanding our Event Staff to take Fantasy Fest into the Future and Beyond!

We've Got The Keys: https://www.wevegotthekeys.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/wevegotthekeys

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wevegotthekeys

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wevegotthekeys

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wevegotthekeys

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wevegotthekeys

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Real Estate experts Angela McChesney and Jenny Perry (AKA the Key West Sisters).

We talk about everything from the 2020 boom to the rental market to how the market is doing now... to how they really aren't sisters :)

More on Key West Sisters

Angela a third generation and Jenny a fourth generation “Conch”, both born and raised in Key West and have been friends since their toddler years. Angela and Jenny have the same goals, work ethic, motivation and each bring a different attribute to the table that makes their partnership unique. The girls have a true passion for the City of Key West and the Florida Keys and all that their little islands have to offer to buyers and sellers.We understand that buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction: it’s a life-changing experience. We are dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service for all of our clients. We take great pride in the relationships we build and always work relentlessly on the client’s behalf to help them achieve their real estate goals. 

Our philosophy is simple: CLIENTS COME FIRST. We pledge to be in constant communication with our clients, keeping them fully informed throughout the entire buying or selling process. We believe that if you’re not left with an amazing experience, we haven’t done our job. We don’t measure success through achievements or awards, but through the satisfaction of our clients.

Website:  https://www.keywestsisters.com/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/keywestsisters
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/keywestpropertysisters/

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Event & Brand Partner expert, Brandie Weaver.

We talk about how she started out in the event business in Oklahoma and how she took a career step backwards to take 10 steps forward.

More on Brandie Weaver

I eat, sleep, and breathe brand partnerships and events!

I fell in love working with brands 15 years ago and since then I have sold over 4 million dollars in brand partnerships. I learned quickly that using different strategies, than the multi-million dollar event companies, was my key to success. I don’t believe in a cookie-cutter strategy and brands love working with me because I put myself in their shoes and problem solve my way through building strategies that equal results.

Event Marketing, Brand Partnerships, and B2B Collaborations have changed tremendously in the past five years. Working with me will ensure you are always ahead of the curve to give you that edge you need to make your partnership and the relationship last beyond your next event.

Website:  https://brandieweaver.com/about/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/brandieweaverpartnerships/

Mile 0 Fest:  https://mile0fest.com/

Rockisland Fest:  https://www.rokislandfest.com/

Her Weekend:  https://www.herweekendevents.com/

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Capucine Jenkins, Saatchi Art's Senior Manager of Digital Art & Curator of NFTs.  We talk about the emerging art world, what she looks for in an artists, and the direction of art in a digital world.

What Is Saatchi Art?

Saatchi Art is the world's leading online gallery and presenter of "The Other Art Fair."

THE BEST PLACE TO BUY ART YOU LOVE
Discover an unparalleled selection of art by artists from around the world to suit all budgets, styles, and spaces.

ACCESS TO KNOWLEDGEABLE CURATORS
See new curator-approved artworks in special collections released weekly, or work with an art advisor to get personalized recommendations.

SUPPORT EMERGING ARTISTS
We value the talented artists we represent and pay them more on every sale than other galleries.

Website:  https://www.saatchiart.com/
Instagram:  http://instagram.com/saatchiart
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/saatchionline
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqfUz6UyK4kKVsnTyPoWZJw
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/saatchiart
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@saatchi_art
Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/saatchiart

More on Capucine Jenkins:  https://www.saatchiart.com/capucinejenkins

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the new owner of the Key Lime Bike Tours, Maria Gonzalez.

We talk about when she first came to Key West, how we first met on podcast Episode 1, and why she decided to buy a business over a house :)

More on Key Lime Bike Tours

Join Key Lime Bike Tours at Key Lime Bike Tours for a historical journey around the island of Key West. We will provide you with a fun and informative experience that you'll never forget. Discover the history, architecture, and culture of what we call "The Conch Republic"

We also do private tours and can cater to your needs! Our tour is perfect for all kinds of groups such as bachelorette parties, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, family parties, corporate groups, wedding parties and more! Just contact us and let us know what your needs are and we can discuss arrangements.

Website:  https://www.keylimebiketours.com/
Video Tour:  https://www.keylimebiketours.com/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/keylimebiketours/

Location:  122 Ann St, Key West, FL 33040

Contact:  Tel: 305-340-7834 - Email:  KeyLimeBikeTours@gmail.com

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with personal trainer and fitness buff, John "Shep" Shepard.

We talk about how he began his fitness journey to help him overcome a childhood illness, why he stopped playing college football, and why Key West was always the perfect destination for him and his family.

More on John Shepard

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with brew-master Jorge Quintana.  We talk about how a home brewing kit from his wife, started a multi-year passion that got him to where he is today.

This episode is packed with a ton of nuggets from passion to persistence.  

More on Cayo Hueso Brewing

Located on Stock Island, the last bit of Old Key West, you will find Cayo Hueso Brewing, the brainchild of Key West native Jorge Quintana.  Jorge started home brewing in 2010 and quickly grew a passion for the art and science of making beer. Batch after batch he quickly realized that he desired much more than brewing in his garage. Jorge decided to take the leap and make his passion a profession, and secured a vacant auto body repair shop. Then began the journey of turning the space into his vision of a craft brewery. Slowly but surely after hurricanes, the birth of his son, and a global pandemic, Jorge completed his vision of "Paradise Unfiltered".

Our small batch brewery focuses on local flavors and uses only the highest quality available ingredients. Featuring 12 rotating taps of local favorites and new ideas, there is always something different to raise a glass to and enjoy. Our intimate taproom and outdoor biergarten is a perfect place to relax and let Island Time take hold. Cheers.

Website:  https://www.cayohuesobrewing.com/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cayohuesobrewing/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/cayohuesobrewing/

Email:  info@cayohuesobrewing.com

Address:  5635 1st Ave, Stock Island, FL 33040

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Courtney Loercher, the Director of Sales & Marketing of Sebago Watersports.

We talk about how a 1 month trip turned into a 17 year stay in Key West with Sebago for Courtney.  We also get a behind the scenes on how this family business still keeps things feeling small, while growing leaps and bounds.

More on Sebago Watersports

Website:  https://keywestsebago.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sebagokeywest/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sebago.watersports.3/

Sebago Key West takes great pride in being Key West’s favorite watersports and tour company. It’s simple… Sebago offers the best tours at a great value. Our food is prepared fresh. Our crew is fantastic. And we never compromise on our ships or safety.

Sebago Watersports operations started in 1988 with the purchase of our first catamaran, the famous racing Sebago. For over 25 years, Sebago has provided visitors and locals with a true Key West sailing experience. Sebago is proud to be the longest established day-charter catamaran operation in the continental United States.

Sebago Watersports is located on the Harborwalk at the Historic Key West Seaport. From Elizabeth Street, walk down Lazy Way Lane, past “Yours and Mayan” and the “Fisherman's Café,” we are the next-to-last shop on the right. Or from the end of William Street, make a left down Lazy Way Lane passing Schooner Wharf Bar. Sebago’s check-in office will be on the left-hand side. 205 Elizabeth St i, Key West, FL 33040

In this episode, Mark Baratto sites down with Mike Begg, the founder and CEO of AMZ Advisers, who helps manage and grow brands globally online.

We talk about using some of the big box companies to help you start your business, or leverage your existing local business.

More on Mike Begg and AMZ Advisers

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Mila, the owner  of the Flamingo boutique & Mimosa Bar.

We talk about how she got started, made some much needed adjustments, and how Mimosas made it into the mix :)

More on Flamingo boutique & Mimosa Bar

Sip on your Fresh Squeezed Mimosa🍹while shopping in the best women’s boutique🛍 in Key West!

Website:  https://www.flamingokw.com/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lets_flamingle_keywest/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/letsflaminglekeywest

Key West Ventures:  https://floridakeysventures.com/

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down again with Coley Faircloth to talk about his new retail venture, Shrimp Road Surf Co.

If you remember from a past episode, Coley is the founder of the lifestyle brand, The Grateful Diver (found here).

More on the Shrimp Road Surf Co.

Welcome to Key West's newest retail apparel store for the ocean enthusiast! We're your one-stop shop for custom shirt printing, gear rental, local art, apparel & accessories, and "Your Boat on a Shirt."
(See more info on that one-of-a-kind shirt below. If you're a boat owner, you're going to want one!)

The Shrimp Road Surf Co. is a new retail surf shop at the Perry Hotel and Marina offering apparel and accessories for your days out on the water!

Website: https://shrimproadsurfco.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shrimp_rd_surf_co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shrimp.rd.surf.co

In this episode, the tables are turned as Mark Baratto sits down with podcast host Kelly Hopkins on her show The Local Side of Key West. We talk about my art and how I got started, social media, and how I started my podcast.

This interview happened in the gallery right after I interviewed Kelly for my podcast (episode found here).

More information on Mark Baratto

Mark has over 20 years of experience in marketing, sales, operations, & events. Backyards of Key West Gallery owner, Artist, brand creator and local Key West podcaster.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-baratto/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markbaratto/

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Barefoot Billy's owner and creator, Billy Mosblech. We talk about how Billy got started as a suntan lotion salesman in 1988, how he made his way into watersports, and how some tragic business events helped catapult his business to the next level... with a ton of hard work.

More on Barefoot Billy's

In 1988, Barefoot Billy established himself as the best darn suntan lotion salesperson in Key West. But Billy felt there was something greater calling to him. In 1992, a Key West legend was born: the Barefoot Billy’s Island Jet Ski Tour. Some say Billy had a unique vision to be the first to offer an around-the-island jet ski experience…others say it was a tourist on a jet ski rental that just kept going and going.

Today, Barefoot Billy’s has grown to also offer our popular Catamaran Cruises, all kinds of Land and Beach rentals, and our expert island concierge services to connect you to all the best Key West has to offer. It turns out Billy was right, there’s more to a great Key West Vacation than just suntan lotion. And with our locations in Casa Marina, The Reach, Marriott Beachside, and Garrison Bight Marina you can find us virtually everywhere!

Website: https://barefootbillys.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barefootbillys/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarefootBillys/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWGjXz7TfhMEqunmq8pP6DQ
TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34345-d1455343-Reviews-Barefoot_Billy_s-Key_West_Florida_Keys_Florida.html

Contact
Phone: (305) 900-3088
Email: info@barefootbillys.com

4 Convenient Locations

Casa Marina Resort, 720 Seminole Street Key West, Florida 33040
Reach Resort, 700 Waddell Avenue, Key West, Florida 33040
Marriott Beachside Resort, 3841 N Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, Florida 33040
Garrison Bight Marina 719 Palm Ave, Key West, FL 33040

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down for a round two talk with Scott Gerke. We talk about his video projects, what direction he is going and what drives him to keep going.

If you missed our round 1 interview, you can listen here: https://backyardspodcast.com/scott-gerke-once-a-stranger

More on Scott Gerke

Fueled by curiosity since childhood, I have always wanted to explore the opportunities that life presented in front of me. It’s the connections I’ve made along the way that has helped shape who I am today.

I am a full-time DJ in Key West, Florida, and I made it a goal to create a life for myself that allows me the freedom to travel the world. Throughout my adventures, I always carried a camera and used it as a tool for a greater adventure. I knew I was onto something, but never made time to grasp it’s full potential.

It was at the beginning of the pandemic and after losing all of my work as a DJ, that I was then able to jump on an opportunity in filmmaking. Life as a DJ is back, but my video series has taken on a whole new life of its own and I am so grateful for all the new experiences it has presented me with.

Website: https://www.scottcgerke.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/scottgerke

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottcgerke/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottcgerke

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kelly Hopkins for a round two interview to discuss her thriving concierge business.

More on The Concierge Girl

 am here to help with any type of personal assistant services while you are here in Key West. You  don't need to waste your valuable vacation time trying to figure out all of the small details. Let me know what you need and I will take care of it for you!

I proudly serve locals as well.  We are all short on time down here so let me help you save a few hours a day.

Enjoy life, I'll take care of the rest!

Website: https://theconciergegirl.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly_the_concierge_girl_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Theconciergegirl/
Podcast:  https://theconciergegirl.com/podcast-1

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with rapper Mike Stack.

We talk about when he began singing, why he took a pause from rapping, and how he is laying down the foundation in his own backyard of Key West.

More on Mike Stack

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammikestack/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iammikestack
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5lmE3xKKlQNcisF8h7bI8f

You can find all the links to Mike's music here: https://linktr.ee/mikestack

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Wicked Lick creator, John Smotryski.

We talk about how he and his wife Amanda Velazquez made their way down to Key West and got into the ice cream business.

More on Wicked Lick

In 2018, John Smotryski and Amanda Velazquez packed up their lives on mainland Florida and set out for new beginnings in Key West, a tropical island in the Straits of Florida. Betting on himself and his ability to start a business, John cashed in his retirement savings in the pursuit of a new career. The couple started Wicked Lick with the intention of not only starting a new, exciting chapter in a tropical paradise, but also bringing the very best tasting ice cream to the community. John and Amanda set out to make it even more thrilling by using liquid nitrogen to freeze the cream.

Website: https://wickedlick.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wicked_lick
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WickedLickKeyWest/

Address: 335 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Carlos Martin who's been in Key West for over 30 years in the hospitality industry.

We bounce around a lot for the episode talking about changes on the island and the Island City House Hotel.

Mark on the Island City House Hotel

One of the best places to stay for families and groups, our Old Town Key West hotel has maintained a long-standing reputation for providing impeccable hospitality in a gorgeous setting with incredible amenities. Situated in Historic Old Town Key West, sits this unique property that is comprised of three separate buildings, The Arch House, The Cigar House, and the Island City House. The oldest operating Guest House in Key West, Island City House Hotel offers guests an exceptional experience. 

Our historic property is a family-friendly destination offering a warm atmosphere to socialize and enjoy each other’s company. Featuring many modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, daily snacks, and refreshments in all suites, a gorgeous pool with roomy sundeck, on-site bicycle rental, and more, our hotel in Old Town Key West, Florida has much to offer each and every guest. Let our concierge lend their expertise to your vacation planning needs. From making dinner reservations to securing ticket packages to suggesting the best and most iconic places to visit, we have you covered.

Website: https://www.islandcityhouse.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islandcityhouse/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/islandcityhouse/

Phone: (305) 294-5702
Address: 411 William Street, Key West, Florida, 33040

Property Map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ke6cu3X4f1zr1Wv8wK-bojp8aHdxqzGN/view

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Liz from Hammerhead Surf Shop.

Liz has always been in retail, specializing in helping turn around lagging businesses. When she was in Key West, she ran into the Hammerhead Surf Shop with some ideas to help, and the next thing she knew, she came on board as an owner. We talk about this journey and where she is taking the business.

ABOUT HAMMERHEAD SURF SHOP KEY WEST

Hammerhead Surf Shop is located in the famous Key West Historic Seaport along the harbor-walk waterfront. We only offer the best brands in the surf industry to keep you looking your best downtown or out on the water. We keep up with the latest trends and have something for everybody. Hammerhead Surf Shop is Key West, Florida's Premier Surf Shop and your one-stop-shop for fashion.

Website: https://www.hammerheadsurfshop.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hammerheadsurfshop
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hammerheadsurfshopkeywest

Location
201 William St
Key West, FL 33040

Opening Hours
Mon-Sun: 9am - 9pm
T: 305-509-7708
E: info@hammerheadsurfshop.com