Welcome to our Ask the Pros section. Here you’ll find a growing number of business leaders in our community who are willing to make their knowledge available to the visitors of this website and readers of Destination Tampa Bay magazine. Check below to find a business or service that you would like to know more about. Read some of their articles, and then feel free to “Ask the Pros” a question.
If your question is particularly thought-provoking, the pro’s may decide to answer your question, possibly in a future article in the magazine or as a reply directly to you. As a bonus, if your question is chosen, Destination Tampa Bay will send you a gift certificate for a local restaurant! Now go ask some questions!
Automotive Sales – Shane Cox and Chris Eldridge
A native of Los Angeles, Shane B. Cox moved to Indiana upon his discharge from the U.S. Marine Corp. He graduated from ITT Technical College and worked as a construction project manager for several multi-million dollar corporations before he decided to move to Florida and rely on his previous retail experience. Shane found the perfect fit as a sales professional at Clearwater Toyota.
Cars have been a part of Chris Eldridge’s life for as long as he can remember. The New Jersey native loves reading and talking about cars as well as working on and racing them. He attended the University of South Florida but chose to pursue his love of cars. He’s the product specialist of the team – the one who educates consumers about the specifications and safety features of the cars at Clearwater Toyota. Together, Shane and Chris form a well-organized, well-informed car salesmen team.
Click here to ask Shane and Chris a question!
Body & Skin Care – Dr. Cynthia Elliott
Dr. Cynthia Elliott heads up Skinspirations Center for Cosmetic Enhancement. She and her well-trained team of aestheticians can help men and women maximize their skin’s appearance by correcting and repairing sun damage, minimizing wrinkles through offering alternatives to expensive surgical procedures and quality skin care products. Submit your skincare question for suggestions on solving your skincare issues.
Click here to ask Dr. Cynthia Elliott a question!
Dental Care – Dr. Jill Hagan
Dr. Jill Hagan and her partners at Northwood Dental can help bring you a happy, healthy smile. Each of them brings expertise in a different aspect of dental care, yet all are qualified to assist with general dentistry and comprehensive preventative program. They pride themselves on the caring atmosphere of their office to make dental care a positive experience for everybody. Dr. Hagan and her staff are available for your dental issues.
Click here to ask Dr. Jill Hagan a question!
Entertainment – Lexi Lewis
Lexi Lewis grew up with a love of music. Her father was the lead singer and original member of the Rhythm Makers from Lexington, Va. and sang with some of the all-time greats. Although she has a Master’s Degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Phoenix, music remains her first love. She is a contributing writer for Smooth Jazz magazine as well as for Destination Tampa Bay. She is developing an internet show that features Lexi one-on-one interviewing entertainment celebrities.
Click here to ask Lexi Lewis a question!
Fishing – Capt. Ron Pasto
Capt. Ron Pasto is a self-described “diehard fisherman and conservationist.” Over 30 years ago, Capt. Ron’s grandparents taught him how to fish and to enjoy Florida’s nautical life. Today, the charter fisherman uses his grandparents’ lessons to show countless other people the joy that comes from a day on the water, tossing a line and catching dinner. Capt. Ron will share the Bay area’s best-kept water secrets as well as guide Destination Tampa Bay readers to the Best Nautical Destinations as well. Contact Capt. Ron with your fishing and nautical questions!
Click here to ask Capt. Ron Pasto a question!
Interior Designer – Suzan Decker Ross
Suzan Decker Ross is an Interior Designer who can take your project from inception to completion and help you avoid costly mistakes,– as well as decrease your stress level. Professional designers can envision and implement overall design plans to create a cohesive look throughout your home or office that reflects your individual personality and suits your needs. Contact Suzan with questions about all of your interior design projects.
Click here to ask Suzan Decker Ross a question!
Luxury & Waterfront Real Estate – Karen M. Nasello
Karen Nasello is a successful realtor with RE/MAX Metro in Treasure Island. She believes that a Realtor’s job is to serve her clients, whether they are buying or selling. A Realtor since 2001, Karen started her career in the Chicago area, specializing in residential real estate. Since coming to Florida in 2006, she has become an expert in helping buyers find just the right home to meet their needs and in helping sellers price their homes right so that they will sell at or near the listing price.
Click here to ask Karen M. Nasello a question!
Marketing Consultant – Bonnie Walters
Bonnie Walters founded BMW Marketing Consultants to utilize her experience and expertise in marketing. Working with a team of highly qualified experts, she can provide “the whole package,” from advertising, public relations, brochures, website and video creation to evaluating sales methods and business operations. In recent years, Bonnie has built Destination Tampa Bay from a small publication to a widely circulated and engaging magazine. She is available to answer your questions about marketing and publishing.
Click here to ask Bonnie Walters a question!
Personal Training – Mike LaBua
Mike LaBua is the founder of Elite Body Personal Training & Fitness Facility in Palm Harbor. With a staff of 20 licensed Personal Trainers, he has geared his business to meet the varied needs of his clients. Mike attended Southern Connecticut State University on an athletic scholarship and was a coach and a competitive body builder before becoming a Personal Trainer. His goal is to keep people doing what they love and want to do, whether they are 30 or 70.
Click here to ask Mike LaBua a question!
Retirement Living – Sue Whitman
Sue Whitman brings a wealth of experience to her role as a marketing consultant for Mease Manor Retirement Community (CCRC) in Dunedin. Along with a team of professional consultants, she helps seniors choose appropriate retirement options, educating families, being a resource at large and encouraging seniors to select among many healthy options, including independent or assisted living as well as skilled nursing rehabilitation.
Click here to ask Sue Whitman a question!
Travel – Tammy Levent
Tammy Levent is an award-winning travel expert who brings a wealth of experience and know-how that makes trip planning more fun. Since founding Elite Travel in 1995, Tammy has established herself as the “Destination Wedding Guru,” managing hundreds of destination weddings along with coordinating high-end corporate incentive excursions and planning luxury travel experiences for her clients. Tammy and her team of travel agents are geared toward providing the highest level of customer service when it comes to booking travel plans. And clients can expect to get the best details around. Contact Tammy now with your travel-related questions!
Click here to ask Tammy Levent a question!
Veterinarian – Dr. Donald Woodman
Since taking over Northwood Animal Hospital, Dr. Donald Woodman has seen hundreds of cats and dogs, but he also has gained a reputation for treating exotic animals, including tigers and even two screech owls. Dr. Woodman has been a regular contributor to Destination Tampa Bay magazine with his column, “Your Pet Matters,” offering useful advice for readers on how to care for their pets and how to prevent future problems. He is available to answer your questions on animal care.
Click here to ask Dr. Donald Woodman a question!