JWC sponsors help fuel the fire

It’s May, so let’s thank a few people.

The shocker in my life isn’t that I write an online column. It’s that I own an actual business. I have an LLC and pay taxes monthly. A framed Inverness Business License sits on my bookshelf.

As the blog started heating up, I went out looking for support. And found it. This was all new to me, and I’ve learned in the last five years how valuable sponsorship is to the overall mission.

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It’s more than money. These businesses are connected to their community. They invest time and financial resources to assist others, whether by sponsoring numerous charity events, or ensuring their own employees are cared for.

As with the writing, all JWC business dealings are mine alone. Every month when I send out invoices, I’m just so appreciative that business owners think enough of the blog’s role in Citrus County to support it financially. 

So, how about a shout-out to Just Wright Citrus sponsors? They are:

— Aggregation Distilling Company. My old friend Gene McGee is a partner at Aggregation, and I wrote a story in 2024 for Influence Magazine about how he and Jim Briley got into business together. Gene is a giant in Citrus County community leadership, and Aggregation showcases local talent.

— Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters. Hmmm. Not sure I know these guys…ha! My Cattle Dog chats are legendary. James and Heather Cook are so generous with Cattle Dog goodies to organizations throughout the community. 

— Crystal River Fast Lube & Repair. Been taking my vehicles here for so long, I can’t recall ever not doing that. I had a conversation one day with owner Brian Ross, and he asked about the blog. I later wrote a Hometown Citrus column about Brian and local businesses, which he now has framed on the wall. Check it out next time you’re there!

(Brian's also kinda into Mustangs. As you'll notice.)

— Do or Dye Hair Collective. One of my favorites. Do or Dye has been with me since October 2022, my first full year on the website. Owner Bryan Brady simply reached out one day saying he enjoys the blog and wanted to help. A solid Inverness business.

(Though, my hair "style" left that realm of imagination eons ago.)

— Dr. Bob’s Compassion Clinic. Oh man, who doesn’t know Dr. Bob Goethe? Along with his treatment of medical-marijuana patients like me, Dr. Bob educates the community on medical marijuana through guest newspaper columns. And he’s a marvelous community theater actor as well.

— Kovach & Baker, Attorneys at Law. I met Mike Kovach Jr. in my 2004 Leadership Citrus class. We became friends, and he's handled a few of my legal odds and ends since then.

When I started the blog, I called Mike. “I need a corporate lawyer,” I told him.

It’s worked out really well. (Though I usually ignore his advice to send him the dicey blogs BEFORE they’re posted.) That’s just one solid dude.

— M&B Dairy. A charter sponsor. Dale McClellan and his son, Leon, are a powerful force in Citrus County in the most positive of ways. Their farm in Lecanto is the go-to place for community fundraisers, political events, and many tasty barbecues. 

It’s an absolute honor to have the M&B logo on my website.

— Mike Scott Plumbing. Another community superstar, involved in so many organizations and events. I always enjoy watching families chalk up the black Mike Scott van during Citrus County Fair week; I added my own personal touch this year.

Mike Scott Plumbing also donates free bottled water for community fundraisers. I had several cases two years ago for Mike’s 65th and Bluegrass, where we raised money for Club Recovery.

— Hometown Citrus. Every month, I hear from folks who see my column in Hometown Citrus. The logos of my advertising sponsors are featured, and that magazine goes to 40,000 Citrus County households. It’s a great community connection. Also, Juli Kelley lets me slide even though I regularly blow deadline (fingers crossed for this month).

— Olde Inverness Antiques. I went in one day looking for a Rolo desk. I wasn’t too committed to the idea, but I sure enjoyed walking through that store. Struck up a conversation with Cindy DeFries about the blog, and she jumped in. 

This store is in the heart of downtown Inverness, and Cindy has a really good handle on what’s going on in the business community.

— Rowand Septic Services. I can’t tell how special it feels when a business contacts me out of the blue, asking to sponsor the website. Amy Rowand has also sent such encouraging notes about the blog and its focus. (And she always asks about Bunny!) This is another business whose logo we see associated with community events all over town.

— Tim Herndon Plumbing. Let’s stay here a minute because some wonder whether I have a conflict of interest with an advertising sponsor whose wife is running for office.

Short answer: No.

Holli Herndon reached out to me several months ago for a Cattle Dog chat with her husband to discuss their nonprofit, Peer Leaders Citrus, that helps teens learn hands-on skills for the workplace. I’m simplifying it, but that's the drift.

I knew neither of these folks. A 30-minute conversation about the nonprofit blossomed into two hours of community leadership chat. During that talk, Tim not only signed up as a sponsor, but he also gave me very positive business encouragement. I don’t get that all that often.

Holli later became a candidate as a result of our conversation. It wasn’t a, “Hey, Holli should run for office” chat. No, it was a call to serve that Holli answered.

Tim Herndon Plumbing supports organizations that help kids. I'm appreciate Tim has confidence in me.

— Tranzon Driggers, Licensed Real Estate Broker. The local broker is Chris Dudley, another name known fondly by Citrus Countians, particularly the Inverness crowd. I met Chris in my early years, and we’ve been friends ever since. Chris’s deeds in Citrus County are many, but I remember her work most with the late Ginger West at the Family Resource Center. 

— Wardlow & Cash, PA. Johnny (formerly Paul) Cash is a man of faith and community deeds. You scored a coup if Johnny is emceeing the big event. And he doesn't wince when I show up with my receipts in a plastic bag. 

So, there ya go. I'm fond of all Just Wright Citrus sponsors, and proud to have such wide interest. The blog has had other sponsors who came and left for various reasons, and I appreciate their investment as well. 

(By the way, I’m always looking for blog sponsors. There’s plenty of room here on the boat. Message me if you’d like to discuss.)

It takes a village, so I’m told. These businesses help keep the lights on at World Headquarters III. They do the same for countless others. I’m so grateful for their support.

Have a great weekend, friends.

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