Your Palm Beach Guide

Ep. 112 - Staff Takeover: Meet the Team Behind the Palm Beach Chamber

In this special episode of Your Palm Beach Guide, we hand the mic to the team behind the magic — it's a Chamber staff takeover featuring Director of Communications and Events Katie Reichelt, Membership Coordinator Brendan Patterson, and operational cornerstone Jane Hesser Lill! From Katie's behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to pull off a packed season of events, to Brendan's first 30 days navigating the fast-paced world of Chamber membership, to Jane's perspective as one of the organization's most enduring pillars — this episode pulls back the curtain on the people, culture, and energy that keep the Palm Beach Chamber running. It's candid, it's fun, and it's a genuine look at the heart of one of Palm Beach's most dynamic organizations.

Ep. 111 - Strategic Wealth & Community Impact: A Conversation with Michael Simms

In this episode of Your Palm Beach Guide, we sit down with Michael Simms, wealth strategist and community leader, to explore what it truly means to build, protect, and grow lasting financial well-being in today's evolving economy. With more than three decades of experience, Michael shares his philosophy on comprehensive financial planning, the most common mistakes individuals and businesses make with their wealth, and how strategic thinking separates long-term success from short-term gains. We also explore his deep commitment to civic leadership, from shaping educational opportunities through the Palm Beach Gardens Five Star Magnet Program to organizing the Arti Faulk Golf Classic and championing military appreciation in the community. Whether you're navigating your own financial journey or looking for insight from a leader who has built both business success and lasting community impact, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

Ep. 110 - Building More Than a Business: Madean Gilzene on Entrepreneurship, Nonprofits & Palm Beach

In this episode of Your Palm Beach Guide, we sit down with Madean Gilzene, healthcare executive, nonprofit founder, and entrepreneur, to explore how mission-driven leadership can transform both the business landscape and the lives of those most in need. Madean is the owner of Echelon Executive Suites and Aura Studios, the very space where this podcast is produced, and the President & CEO of The Extraordinary Kids Foundation, supporting children with special needs and medically complex families. We discuss what inspired her entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind creating elevated professional spaces in Palm Beach, and the heart behind her nonprofit work. Whether you're a business owner looking to establish roots in Palm Beach or someone moved by the power of purpose-driven leadership, this conversation is a masterclass in building a legacy that matters.

Ep. 109 - How Margit Brandt Closes Palm Beach's Biggest Deals

In this episode of Your Palm Beach Guide, we sit down with Margit Brandt, one of the leading forces in Palm Beach's ultra-luxury real estate market. Known for her discretion, precision, and deep market insight, Margit offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to operate at the highest level of real estate. From her early experience in New York to building a powerful presence on the island, Margit shares how the Palm Beach market has evolved - and what today's high-net-worth buyers are truly looking for. We explore how strategy shifts in $30M+ transactions, the role of relationships and instinct in deal-making, and the unseen complexities behind some of the market's most significant sales. Margit also discusses the importance of trust, personal brand, and "white-glove" service in a highly private, relationship-driven market. Looking ahead, she shares her perspective on where Palm Beach real estate is headed and what it takes to break into the world of luxury at the highest level.

Ep. 108 - Beyond the Help Desk: Rethinking IT for Business Growth

In this episode of Your Palm Beach Guide, we sit down with Erick Solms, founder of Simplitfy®, to explore how businesses can take a smarter, more strategic approach to technology. From starting his career as an IT intern to launching a company focused on fully managing and optimizing clients' technology, Erick shares how his hands-on experience shaped his approach to IT as a true business driver - not just a support function. We dive into what it really means to "take ownership" of a company's IT, and why proactive strategy is essential in today's fast-moving digital landscape. Erick also breaks down common technology mistakes, the biggest cybersecurity risks businesses face right now, and how companies in Palm Beach are evolving as they scale and adapt. Looking ahead, he offers insight into where technology is headed and how businesses can prepare now to stay competitive, secure, and efficient.