Born on a small farm in Pennsylvania I attended Slippery Rock State College and acquired a teaching degree that landed me a job in New York, New York. Afterwards, I traveled to Dallas and changed my career path to accounting where I became a Certified Public Accountant. I worked at an International Software/ Hardware company until they dissolved.
It was from there I moved to Florida and established an accounting and tax firm that I still operate on a part time basis.
I became involved with the blues music scene while in Florida that has led me to various blues festivals around the country. My ultimate favorite venue is the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise followed by the Big Blues Bender. It is during these travels that I developed my Blues Family & Friends.
Hopefully, my talents, experiences and expertise will help the SW Florida Blues Society progress into the premier group of Florida.

I moved to Ft Myers alone from MN early 2020, attracted by the climate and blues scene. My entrepreneur background is sales, marketing, recruiting and sales
management/coaching, primarily in the B2B market. I also spearheaded a non-profit
organization in Mpls suburbs advocating for people in various crisis situations, tripling the program in less than 4 years.
Utilizing my skillset, I’m proud of the relationships I have formed with venues and
musicians during the 2 years I have served on the SWFBS BOD as committee member, then Membership Director. I am excited to continue serving on BOD to promote blues music and goodwill between the SWFBS, venues, musicians and our community.

Business Owner, Seven Seas Bait and Tackle, (Pre-Hurricane IAN)
Event Producer/Promoter, “Sand Bar Productions LLC” est. 2012
Past Board Member of the SWFBS
Originally from Pickaway Ohio, I have been a resident and business owner
here in Lee County for more than 35 years. Since then, I have produced
various benefits and fundraisers, featuring local, regional and national blues artists.
Known for producing numerous Barge Parties, and producing a local Guitars for Vets music fest. I have also been one of the Judges during the Southwest Florida Regional IBC competition.
A vote for Jim Frock is a vote to support blues music and various music education programs here in Southwest Florida.

I’m 68 and originally from Brooklyn, NY. I came to Florida in 1997, and SW FL in 2000. I’m a former broadcast technician for HBO in Long Island, NY.

I’m an avid music lover and especially live music. I try to support as many bands as I can. Blues is my favorite. I would love to promote our Society for blues lovers!

Currently as a board member I oversee social media and head up the volunteers
committee. In the past I have also served as an officer.
My background is in aviation where I worked my way up from agent to director in the
industry, setting up operations in many places around the world. After retiring from
Aviation, I got my Community Association Management license for the state of Florida.
I am currently retired, however I serve as an active volunteer.
My objective is to help the Southwest Florid Blues Society grow and promote Blues in
our area. I’d like to expand our society on the go program to include weekly events, grow our social media presence, and further develop our volunteer program.

My name is Pat McLaughlin and I have been a professional musician for about 30 years. I am a lifetime member of the MN Blues Society. I have become a FL resident and spend my winters in Cape Coral.

I am applying to remain on the board in an at-large position.
I grew up in Kansas City and New Orleans. As such, I was exposed to the music of
those cities. In Kansas City it was the jazz and blues of Count Basie, Charlie Parker,
Jay McShan, Big Joe Turner, Jimmy Witherspoon, Oleta Adams, and Karryn Allison.
And more recently to Levee Town, Danielle Nichole, and Nick Schnebelen.
In New Orleans it was the sound of Zydeco with Clifton Chenier, his son C.J.,
Zachary Richard, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, Boozoo Chavis and many
others.
I have a vast collection of Jazz, Blues and Zydeco albums and am always looking
for more. Thanks, and please give me your consideration.

Julius Szalay is a retired Naval Officer/Federal Special Agent having served more than 30 years as a highly distinguished Investigative Case Officer involved in complex multifaceted local, national and international Investigations. Fluent in English Spanish, Hungarian, Russian, Hebrew. In the past Julius was involved as an officer of the local Country Music association (that helped grow from forty-five members to well over four hundred members. Julius also served as President of a local legal networking group active in Lee/Collier counties. Julius began his music career at fifteen years old playing with Gary Lewis & The Playboys in Disneyland and upon retiring to southwest Florida he formed a local/regional band Wildfire that has played the Florida circuit for the last twenty years locally. Wildfire has also toured with National acts and was selected to be Jim Bulshi’s road band. I feel qualified to help nurture and grow the Southwest Florida Blues Society to be a major force in the Tri-County area. Thank you for your support. I look forward to serving in any capacity and helping build a great team and fun social group.

I live here year-round, I’m retired and not even a part time job. I am available at any time. I moved here from Annapolis, MD 9 years ago. In my professional career I was VP of a communications firm that designed and sold high end communications systems for hospitals in Maryland, Washington, DC and Northern Virginia. I also dealt with several Federal Government agencies for “other” things.

Upon early retirement, I worked as stage manager for a few concert venues. I also worked with the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles. I’ve worked several Super Bowls. I’ve always had my hand in music.

Prior to my professional career, I worked in radio for a while. I’ve been involved with the Baltimore Blues Society and the Washington DC Blues Society. There are many well-known musicians that are personal friends

From Sarasota, FL, I have been a member of SWFBS for just under one year, and a member of the Suncoast Blues Society since 1997. His band, the Blues Pig, was also founded that year. He has attended many big blues events over the years, and his band has opened for national acts. Within the last year, he has performed at Cape Cabaret, the Hooked Island Grill, and the Venice Blues Fest as part of the Pat McLauglin Band. He is ready to help keep the blues alive in Southwest Florida!