Issue 283, June 8, 2025

Like the saying goes,” Time flies when you’re having fun” and this year I must be having a ton of fun- I can’t believe it’s already June! But hey, it’s really not that surprising when you are surrounded by a great group of businesspeople who enjoy having a good time, all while doing good things.

Yesterday, once again, Past President Jepp Walter put together another great SBMC fishing trip. I can’t think of a better way to spend a day than on the water, surrounded by family and friends, making memories and enjoying our time together.

I’m already looking forward to our next meeting on June 11^th and our Meet-a-Member on June 17^th at Mayport Brewery, hosted by Vetcans, a company I have used in the past at my business and home. Grant Denny and his dad started the company after years of being in the concrete business, and they both have an interesting story to share with other business owners or anyone who may be thinking about starting their own business. So be sure to come out, network with other members and invited guests, and have some fun!

June 28^th, we are hosting our Car Show at the USS Orleck. This is always a great event and supports our club. The BBQ Brothers will be cooking up some great food, we will have classic cars on display, and will have room if you would like to set up a table to display. We are looking for items to raffle off at this event. If you can help out, please contact Wayne Baker at 4thvp@sbmcjax.com.

Don’t forget we will be raffling off our flat-screen TV at the June 11^th meeting! Tickets are only $5.00 and you could be going home with a brand-new TV!

Ken Petsch
2025 President

Issue 282, June 1, 2025

May is the month we honor and remember those who served our great country and made the ultimate sacrifice, allowing us to live in the greatest country in the world.

May is also Small Business Month, when we stop, thank, and support the many small businesses throughout this country. This past Wednesday, we honored long-time member Dyess Hartley and presented the award that bears his name to our fellow club member, Mike Ammirata, as Small Businessperson of the Year.

What made this month’s meeting so special was that Dyess’s son, Mike Hartley, was in attendance to do the presentation. Mike took a few minutes to talk about his dad and their humble beginnings, which led to the establishment of one of the largest printing companies in Florida. His stories were so relatable to anyone who has ever decided to strike out on their own and take a chance of becoming their own boss and I could have listened to him for hours.

Our club also took some time to welcome three new members into our family, as well as presenting four college scholarships with a total of $20,000.

I hope in a small way we honored those men and women who gave their lives so that we can have so much. I hope that Dyess and all the SBMC members who came before us are honored by the tradition that we still carry on to this day, and honor their legacy.

I hope that you will come out and join us at our next luncheon. We have secured a larger dining room to accommodate our growing membership.

Remember, make Sales, not Love!

Sincerely,

Ken Petsch
2025 President