PUBLISHER’S LETTER
It all started in 1996 when we published the first issue of Times of the Islands. It was the Premiere Issue, which reached the public throughout our communities in November— just in time for Thanksgiving. This marked the beginning of TOTI Media. Little did we know then that several other magazines would follow: Gulf & Main, Bonita & Estero, RSW Living and Cape Coral Living, along with numerous custom publications and websites.
As we wrap up 2019, we realize how quickly time passes. For sure, we can say that there was never a dull moment. Oftentimes we lean back and reflect on what we accomplished in those years. We dive into the past, turning up memorable moments that may seem distant or foggy, but are truly etched into our minds and bring smiles to our faces. (If you haven’t taken a deep dive into the past lately, try it. You’ll be surprised at what pleasant thoughts come to mind.)
Over the years we have been fortune enough to meet and work with so many lovely people. Our gratitude goes out to all of them—for in order to be successful, one depends on the help of others.
In the publishing business, there are so many people involved in producing each issue in a timely manner. Therefore, we want to thank everyone who is part of our TOTI family. Many of them have been with us since the start, almost 25 years, and this is absolutely wonderful. Our gratitude goes out to our loyal subscribers, advertising partners, contributing writers, photographers, editors, proofreaders, designers, printers, distributors and IT specialists.
With such a list of people to thank, it’s clearly evident that it requires an abundance of talent to produce quality products. Even though publishing these days is often considered a “free” source by many, someone has to put everything together, someone has to make it happen. And thanks to the support we receive from the communities we serve, the TOTI team has been able to do so for many years.
We also want to express our gratitude to our family members, especially our sons. We wish the best to all of them. It is only when your children graduate college, establish themselves in jobs they dreamed of and are successfully living on their own, that you realize you must have done something right. Our gratitude goes to a higher power, who guides and protects every person each day.
In this issue we highlight young entrepreneurs, members of the “next generation” who are stepping up and taking the reins at successful businesses started by family members. You can read about how they got where they are today thanks to the family bond. (See Tasty Transitions on page 34).
We wish you and your families a blessed holiday season and a new year that promises a healthy and prosperous future—another year for which to be grateful.
Daniela and Friedrich Jaeger Publisher & Founder of TOTI Media