WPBA Blog 

In February 2026, a group of WPBA partners, spouses, and family members set sail together on our first Seas the Day Cruise, and it truly lived up to its name.

One of the first pleasant surprises was just how easy the experience was from the very beginning. The Port of Tampa made parking, navigation, and getting to the terminal incredibly simple. Many cruisers commented on how much easier cruise travel has become. With the Royal Caribbean app, streamlined security, and automated check-in, the days of standing in long bag-check lines are largely behind us. Within what felt like minutes, we were on board and ready to begin the adventure.

Once aboard Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas, the crew welcomed us warmly and the vacation began almost immediately. WPBA partners - dressed in their coordinating WPBA cruise T-Shirts - quickly claimed a sunny spot near the pool bar where we could relax, enjoy the February breeze, and catch up with one another before the ship set sail.

Later that afternoon, we gathered in one of the ship’s lounges for pre-dinner cocktails and our sail-away celebration. To break the ice, we played a fun game to learn more about one another — a perfect way to kick off a trip designed around connection. Soon after, we stepped out on deck as the ship passed beneath the Sunshine Skyway Bridge at sunset. Watching the massive ship glide under the bridge while the sky turned shades of orange and pink was truly magical.

One of the most meaningful aspects of this trip was that many partners brought their spouses, and some even brought their families. Meeting the people behind the partners — the families who support their businesses and lives — was a highlight for many who sailed. It added a deeper layer of connection to the experience.

That evening we enjoyed our first dinner together in the main dining room, and it was a wonderful start to the cruise. Our wait staff was exceptional and incredibly attentive. Our group was seated across four nearby tables, which allowed everyone to mingle, laugh, and get to know one another better throughout the evening.

The next morning brought our first full sea day, which meant we were sailing all day with no port stops. The ocean was calm, the weather was beautiful, and the deck was buzzing with activity.

From 9:00 AM to noon we gathered in a private conference space for a session we affectionately called “Get Ship Done.” Everyone arrived with a list of tasks they had been putting off and committed to tackling them together. The room was full of laptops, conversation, laughter, productivity, and the occasional goofy moment. It was amazing how much people accomplished in just a few hours.

Once our work session wrapped up, the rest of the day was completely open for everyone to enjoy the ship however they wished. Some partners relaxed by the pool deck while others soaked up the quiet sunshine on the upper decks. A few took in trivia games or shows, others visited the fitness center to balance out the sprawling buffet and generous desserts, and a handful tried their luck in the casino.

The only rule of the day was simple: have fun.

As evening approached, many gathered again in the dining room for dinner, with some choosing to sit at different tables than the night before to meet even more people. Others decided to try one of the ship’s signature restaurants, Chops Grille, a guest-favorite steakhouse that we highly recommend for anyone cruising with Royal Caribbean.

Later that evening the ship came alive with entertainment. Some partners attended the theater productions and late-night comedy show, while others made their way to the dance floor at Silent Disco or enjoyed the Latin rhythms in Boleros Lounge. As it turns out, WPBA partners have some impressive dance moves.

Day three brought us to Cozumel, Mexico, where everyone set off to create their own adventure. Cozumel truly offers something for everyone. Some partners chose adrenaline-filled ATV adventures while others explored Mayan history at the ruins of Tulum. Several couples snorkeled in the crystal-clear waters, and two couples participated in a traditional Mexican cooking class complete with tequila tasting.

Many cruisers also spent time browsing the local shops and sampling the local cuisine while walking back toward the port. No matter what everyone chose to do, the common theme was simple: everyone had a fantastic day in Mexico.

That evening the group reunited once again for dinner in the dining room before heading to a magic show that was both entertaining and impressive. A few lucky partners even found their way back to the casino and walked away with some winnings.

Our fourth day brought another beautiful sea day as we sailed back toward Tampa. From 9:00 AM to noon we gathered again for our second Get Ship Done session, which naturally evolved into something even more special — a floating WPBA focus group.

Think of it as WPBA’s weekly focus group meeting… at sea.

We read the WPBA mission statement, shared introductions, and talked about our individual experiences growing within the network. As the conversation unfolded, we discovered shared experiences, learned from one another, and felt the connections between us deepen. It was one of the most meaningful moments of the trip.

Later that afternoon the group gathered again — this time in the theater — to cheer on two WPBA partners who had been selected to participate in the ship’s Love and Marriage Game Show. The show features couples married for different lengths of time, putting them to the test to see how well they truly know each other.

Our partners represented the 10–20 year marriage category, and they absolutely stole the show. Not only did they prove they know a lot about each other, they also proved they’re still very much in love.

Later, many of us met at the Schooner Bar for pre-dinner cocktails and relaxed conversation before heading to our final dinner together.

That last evening in the dining room was unforgettable. In a celebration of the week, the entire kitchen and dining team — chefs, sous chefs, line cooks, pastry chefs, and service staff — burst into song and dance as they paraded through the dining room entertaining guests. It ended with a standing ovation and deep appreciation for the hardworking crew who deliver a level of hospitality that truly feels unmatched.

The next morning we woke to find the ship docked safely back in the Port of Tampa. One of the thoughtful decisions in planning the cruise was sailing Thursday through Monday, which minimized the amount of time partners needed to be away from their offices. In fact, many cruisers were back at their desks Monday morning before 9 AM — perhaps with a little more sunshine on their skin and a few extra dessert pounds to prove they had a good time.

This incredible experience would not have been possible without Chelsey McManus Travel, who coordinated every detail and ensured our group had a seamless and memorable trip. Through Chelsey’s partnership with Royal Caribbean, a portion of onboard credits and travel incentives were generously redirected back to WPBA, creating an additional benefit for the organization and our community work.

It was truly special to see partners connect outside of the usual meeting rooms and networking events — laughing together, working together, and building friendships that will continue long after the ship returned to port.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who sailed with us and helped make this first Seas the Day Cruise such a success.

And the best part?

We’re already planning the next one. Stay tuned for more details!

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Watch the video recap of WPBA's Seas The Day Cruise 2026 here

Connect with Chelsey McManus Travel to plan your next group trip!

Janell Poulette is passionate about helping people stay connected to sound, to life, and to each other. At Florida Audiology Associates, Janell and her team provide hearing tests, hearing aid fittings and repairs, and ear wax cleanings, all with the bigger goal of helping patients understand how hearing health affects overall health.

Janell has been in the field for three years alongside Dr. Leigh Smith who brings more than a decade of experience. What she loves most about their work is educating patients about the powerful connection between hearing, brain health, balance, and social engagement. Hearing aids aren’t just for seniors - they’re for anyone experiencing hearing loss who wants to stay sharp, steady, and socially connected.

Janell enjoys educating the public about hearing loss treatment and prevention, and routinely educates fellow WPBA Partners.

One recent win that meant a great deal to Janell involved a patient in his 50s who qualified for a free set of hearing aids through Vocational Rehab after being referred by their office. What they didn’t initially realize was that the same program would also support him in returning to school to become a welder. Watching that opportunity unfold and knowing they helped open that door was a moment worth celebrating.

Janell believes there’s still a stigma around hearing aids: that they’re bulky, squeal, and are only for older adults. She’s on a mission to change that narrative. Modern hearing technology is discreet and highly effective, and untreated hearing loss is strongly linked to cognitive decline and dementia. Her goal is to help people stay connected longer and avoid the isolation that can come with hearing challenges.

Janell is an active WPBA Partner, regularly attending community events, facility tours and volunteer service projects.

Through WPBA, Janell has been able to share more about hearing health with fellow partners, equipping them to recognize the signs of hearing loss in friends, family, and clients. Several partners have even come in for hearing tests themselves and now confidently share their experiences with others. That ripple effect has increased awareness throughout the community and strengthened trust in having a local, accessible expert.

What Janell loves most about WPBA is the relationships. These aren’t just fellow business owners -  they’re friends she trusts and confidently refers to her own circle. That level of connection matters a lot to Janell.

Janell is a leader within the WPBA network and has a seat on its Advisory Board where she passionately volunteers her time and knowledge to educate WPBA Partners.

She also hopes more people understand that many physicians receive limited audiology training in medical school. When hearing concerns arise, seeing an audiology specialist ensures the best advice and care.

As a true local, Janell grew up in New Port Richey and attended several area schools before graduating from River Ridge High School. Moving through different schools during those formative years shaped her into the outgoing, friendly person she is today and someone who naturally connects with others and makes them feel comfortable.

Through education, compassion, and trusted expertise, Janell is helping our community hear better, live fuller, and stay connected. We are grateful for her partnership.

Connect With Janell Here...

For more than three decades, Alvin Hagerich has been helping individuals and small business owners make sense of their finances and navigate complicated tax situations. Through his firm, Alvin L. Hagerich CPA, he provides tax preparation and tax resolution services with a steady, practical approach shaped by 36 years in accounting and nearly 30 years as a licensed CPA.

At the heart of Alvin’s work is problem-solving. He takes pride in helping people work through difficult situations with the IRS and other creditors — often during some of the most stressful seasons of their lives. For Alvin, success is simple and meaningful: knowing he helped someone find a solution and move forward with greater peace of mind.

One recent moment that stood out was hearing a bankruptcy judge comment in court that his work was thorough and his fees were reasonable. For Alvin, that kind of professional respect speaks volumes about the care and integrity he brings to every client he serves.

Alvin shares his expertise on WPBA's financial professionals panel discussion

When Alvin joined WPBA, he was looking for opportunities to meet new people and build relationships within the local business community. Through his focus group and WPBA events, he’s developed connections that have opened the door to new referrals and opportunities to serve others. He especially enjoys the camaraderie of his focus group and values being part of a network that combines business growth with service to the community.

Alvin enjoys his Tuesday Morning Trinity focus group

What Alvin appreciates most about WPBA is the people. He finds it is a group that genuinely works to help community members who need support. Being part of an organization that connects businesses while making a real difference locally is something he finds especially meaningful.

Alvin is the current (2025-2026) president of Hudson Rotary Club, proudly serving in his community

After decades in the profession, Alvin remains focused on what matters most: helping people solve problems, understand their options, and move forward with confidence. Through steady guidance and practical expertise, he continues to be a trusted resource for individuals and small businesses alike.

Connect with Alvin here...

Dustin Bernhard knows pest control isn’t just about spraying and treating -  it’s about protecting homes and giving families peace of mind. As one of the owners of DNR Pest Control, a local family-owned business serving Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Hernando counties, Dustin helps provide residential and commercial pest control services including general pest control, rodent exclusion, termite prevention and treatment, new construction termite services, and WDO inspections. Every consultation is free, with the goal of helping customers find the right solution at a price that works for them.

Dustin has worked in the pest control industry for more than 15 years and helped launch DNR Pest Control in the winter of 2023. What he’s most proud of is leaving every job with customers satisfied and confident in the service they received. Watching the business grow, through both new customers and a growing team, has been especially meaningful along the way.

Education is a big part of Dustin’s approach. He enjoys helping homeowners understand the pests common to Florida and how early identification can prevent costly damage and unnecessary stress - especially when it comes to termites. His goal is to help customers stay ahead of problems, not just react to them.

When Dustin first joined WPBA, he was working to build a small customer base and establish the business locally. Through focus groups, events, and consistent networking, he built relationships that helped DNR Pest Control grow into what it is today. Referrals, sponsorships, and personal connections have played a major role, and many WPBA partners are now loyal customers, which is something Dustin sees as a clear sign that the business is making a positive impact.

Dustin in the DNR spirit at WPBA events and working in the community

What Dustin appreciates most about WPBA is the organization’s commitment to helping people in difficult times. Being part of a group that serves the community while supporting local businesses is something he values deeply.

Dustin also hopes more people understand how important preventative pest control is in Florida. Staying ahead of pest issues can save homeowners significant money and stress over time, and regular management is one of the best ways to protect a home.

One recent milestone worth celebrating was a personal one. Dustin welcomed the newest member of the Bernhard family, his son Owen.

Dustin and the DNR team having fun and making an impact at WPBA events 

Outside of work, Dustin is a motorcycle enthusiast who feels most at home on two wheels, whether on the road or riding dirt.

Through steady growth, strong relationships, and a commitment to serving customers well, Dustin continues to help build a business focused on protecting homes and supporting the community it serves.

Connect with Dustin here...

Jennifer Fleming brings nearly two decades of healthcare experience to her work as the owner of Beauty Aesthetics, a Family Nurse Practitioner–owned medical aesthetics and wellness practice in Lutz, FL. Her background spans medical-surgical nursing, wound care, dermatology, and urgent care; which are all experiences that shaped the practice she leads today. At Beauty Aesthetics, safety, education, and thoughtful care come first. Treatments are personalized and conservative, designed to enhance what’s already there; never overdone, always authentic.

What Jennifer is most proud of is the trust she has built within the community. Her patients know she will recommend what is right for them, not simply what is trending, and that integrity guides every consultation. Recently, she’s celebrated a steady increase in referrals from happy clients — something she sees as the highest compliment and a sign that people truly believe in the care they receive.

Jennifer consults happy clients at Beauty Aesthetics

Jennifer hopes her business continues to empower people to feel confident, informed, and supported. She believes that when people feel comfortable in their own skin, it changes how they show up in the world. Through WPBA, she’s been able to extend that impact beyond her practice by participating in local events and charitable initiatives alongside partners who share the same heart for the community.

Jennifer and her incredible team at Beauty Aesthetics

When Jennifer joined WPBA, she was looking for more than visibility. She wanted genuine connections and a place to be involved beyond online searches and marketing. WPBA has helped strengthen existing relationships while opening the door to new ones, creating a support system where partners truly show up for one another. That network has allowed her business to grow in a way that feels aligned instead of overwhelming, while giving her more opportunities to give back locally.

Jennifer and fellow WPBA partners gather at the network's social and charitable events

Jennifer hopes more people understand that medical aesthetics is the practice of medicine. Behind every treatment is a deep understanding of anatomy, long-term skin health, and the aging process. The goal isn’t to change faces - it’s refinement, balance, and helping people look like themselves at their best.

Jennifer consults happy clients at Beauty Aesthetics

Beauty Aesthetics was shaped by Jennifer’s personal experiences as much as her professional training. She built the kind of practice she wished existed; one rooted in honesty, education, and thoughtful care.

And at the heart of it all is a simple mission: helping people feel confident in who they are and supported in the process.

Connect With Jennifer here

For the past 10 years, Venessa Finazzo has built her real estate career around one core principle: trust. As a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway, she considers it a privilege to walk alongside clients during one of the biggest financial and emotional milestones of their lives. The achievement she’s proudest of isn’t just production numbers. It’s the confidence families place in her to guide them with clarity, honesty, and care.

Venessa credits her success to faith, perseverance, and a deep commitment to service. Over the years, she has been recognized repeatedly as a top agent and top producer, with awards that reflect not only strong results but exceptional customer service. For her, real estate is about raising the standard. She aims to be transparent, knowledgeable, and relationship-driven while helping families plant roots, build equity, and create generational wealth that lasts far beyond a single transaction.

Venessa is pictured volunteering and serving her clients

One story that captures her impact perfectly involves a first-time buyer who believed homeownership was financially out of reach. Through partnership with The Mortgage Firm Trinity and a lot of persistence, Venessa helped connect her with resources that secured a $50,000 Pasco County grant for down payment and closing costs. That client didn’t just buy a house. She gained stability, ownership, and a future she didn’t think was possible.

WPBA has strengthened Venessa’s ability to serve her clients even further. She values the trusted network of partners she can confidently recommend, especially for families relocating from out of state who need reliable connections for every aspect of their new lives. Just as important is the shared spirit of generosity. She deeply connects with WPBA’s culture of giving back and finds energy in partnering with others who are equally committed to lifting the community. In her words, the organization blends impact with fun, and that balance matters.

Venessa also hopes more people understand the true scope of her industry. Real estate isn’t just opening doors and filling out paperwork. Behind every closing is strategy, negotiation, legal protection, market expertise, and constant communication. Her role is to safeguard her clients’ interests and guide them through complex decisions with confidence and peace of mind.

And one fun fact that surprises people: she doesn’t drink coffee and doesn’t like chocolate, which might be the boldest confession in WPBA history.

Through faith, service, and an unwavering focus on relationships, Venessa continues helping families build foundations for the future and strengthening the community one home at a time.

Connect with Venessa here...

Kelly McCarthy has spent her life in motion. With 36 years of teaching and nearly 30 years as a studio owner, she’s built Ignite Dance Company into a full dance training facility serving ages 2 through adult, plus a thriving summer camp program. And she’s not slowing down. Her second location opens this February, expanding her vision into a space that will offer dance classes for children and adults while also serving as a community hub for birthday parties, glow dance events, and corporate and private celebrations.

Her studio has recently received the ADCC Studio of Excellence Award twice, a national recognition that reflects the standard she holds herself and her dancers to every day. For Kelly, excellence isn’t about trophies. It’s about confidence, discipline, and helping young people grow into strong future leaders.

Kelly McCarthy with Ignite dancers

Before joining WPBA, Kelly says networking often felt isolating. She had been active in the community for years, but lacked the kind of referral support and collaboration that helps a small business truly thrive. That changed when she found WPBA. Today she describes it as a real support system. She sees other WPBA partners referring her business and showing up strong to support her events. WPBA partners take classes, donate to her fundraisers, and volunteer their time. They don’t just network with her. They stand behind her mission.

That support has created a ripple effect. Through the relationships she’s built, Kelly has been able to expand scholarships for underprivileged children and donate her own time to support other partners and their causes. Her goal moving forward is to collaborate with more children’s organizations so dance can reach kids who might never otherwise have the opportunity.

Kelly McCarthy is always cheerful at Ignite and WPBA events

She’s also passionate about changing perceptions of her industry. Dance can sometimes be provocative and carry misconceptions, but Kelly is firm about her standards. Every class is age appropriate and designed to protect children while building confidence and leadership skills. Safety and empowerment come first. Always.

What surprises people most about Kelly is that outside of the studio, she is a Halloween and roller coaster fanatic. High energy clearly isn’t just part of the job. It’s part of who she is.

When asked what she values most from WPBA, her answer is simple: the connections. Not just business referrals, but genuine friendships she deeply cherishes. And judging by the way her community rallies around her studio, those connections are helping Kelly do what she does best: lift others higher, one dancer at a time.

Connect with Kelly here...

After 10 years in the bookkeeping industry and one year running her own business, Nicole Atwood is most proud of something that doesn’t show up on a spreadsheet: the relationships she creates with her clients.  Nicole Atwood didn’t build Beachy Keen Bookkeeping around numbers → she built it around trust. She understands that handing over financial information can feel vulnerable, especially for growing businesses. That’s why she leads with education, clear communication, and small steps that help business owners feel confident instead of overwhelmed.

Recently, a client told her, “Even though we met not that long ago, I feel like I know you and trust you.”

That moment captured exactly why Nicole does what she does.

When she first joined WPBA, Nicole was looking for the right network of people who shared her values and were invested in the same community she calls home. What she found was more than simply networking. Through WPBA, she connected with accountants, fellow business owners, and referral partners who understood the importance of collaboration. Those relationships opened doors and created opportunities to help businesses transition smoothly and stay financially organized year-round.

Nicole believes bookkeeping isn’t just something you scramble to finish at tax time. It’s a tool for clarity, planning, and smart growth. When small businesses understand their numbers, they make stronger decisions, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy. Her long-term goal is to build a business that not only supports her clients but gives her the ability to give back freely with time, resources, and care for the community she lives in.

Nicole volunteering and speaking at WPBA events

What she loves most about WPBA is how personal that impact feels. It's not distant charity. It is neighbors helping neighbors, families supporting families, and a network that remembers the individual stories behind the need.

Nicole’s work helps business owners breathe easier. And when local businesses feel steady and confident, the entire community grows stronger.

That ripple effect is exactly what WPBA is built for.

Connect with Nicole here