We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Devin Pappas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Devin below.

Devin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Talk to us about building your team? What was it like? What were some of the key challenges and what was your process like?

Here is a rewritten version of the passage:

The hiring process is a pivotal step in building a top-performing team. To attract exceptional talent, you must first establish yourself as a leader people want to work for. Present yourself with confidence and poise, dress professionally, and showcase your product or service with pride.

Demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for your business, and emphasize the importance of your mission and high standards. When you’re proud and excited about your business, this energy will likely be contagious and attract like-minded individuals.

To ensure that new hires share your standards, use behavioral interviewing techniques focusing on an applicant’s past performance to predict future results. This approach helps you assess their fit with your company culture and values.

It’s crucial to avoid hiring out of desperation or lowering your standards to fill a vacancy. Not only is this a waste of time, but it also leads to wasted payroll and can significantly impact profitability. High turnover rates can also create a negative perception among existing team members, making it challenging to attract and retain top talent in the future. By being deliberate and strategic in your hiring process, you can build a team that shares your vision, values, and standards, ultimately driving success and growth for your organization.

Devin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Devin Pappas owns Stroll Harbor Bluffs and BeLocal Beaches Magazines and hosts the weekly radio show “BeLocal Buzz with Devin—Your Community Connector.” This show provides valuable information to a diverse audience in the Clearwater area.

Devin’s two esteemed publications, Stroll Harbor Bluffs Magazine and BeLocal Beaches Magazine have established themselves as must-reads on the West Coast of Florida.

The lifestyle magazine Stroll Harbor Bluffs shines a spotlight on the local residents and community events. At the same time, BeLocal Beaches Magazine serves as a comprehensive resource guide for new residents, providing them with valuable insights into the area.

Beyond their print presence, Devin also takes her commitment to community engagement to the next level through monthly events that bring together local business owners and residents. These exclusive gatherings offer a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to build meaningful connections and foster lasting relationships within the community.

This innovative approach has proven to be a game-changer for local businesses, allowing them to tap into the vibrancy and warmth of the community and establish a strong foothold in the region.

With over 30 years of experience in the corporate world, Devin has developed a unique approach to helping business owners grow and thrive. Since moving to Florida in 2010, she has become passionate about supporting domestic violence and human trafficking survivors. She began by volunteering at a local domestic violence shelter and then founded Pathway to Business Fundamentals. This program teaches entrepreneurship skills to women at the shelter and women’s support centers. This year, she will expand this program to include a support group for men called HIM (Help Inspire Men).

Devin also presents domestic violence awareness to Rotary Clubs and provides continuing education for dental hygienists. She founded The Raising Relief Foundation, a non-profit organization that addresses social and humanitarian issues through innovative strategies and partnerships.

The foundation’s signature event is the Denim and Diamonds Gala, which has raised over $1.4 million for local non-profits over the years. Devin also emcees various charitable events and fashion shows in Pinellas County and has been crowned Mrs. SW Florida in 2017. She continues to judge beauty pageants in Florida.

Devin is dedicated to connecting local businesses and individuals to make a positive impact in their community. For those interested in growing their business or engaging in philanthropy, please contact Devin at Devin.pappas@n2pub.com or 727-657-9615.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a strong reputation in business or any relationship is built on a foundation of timeless wisdom – the Golden Rule: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”
This principle is deeply ingrained, stemming from my upbringing, where honesty, ethics, and strong work ethic were valued from a young age.
As a result, I’ve naturally carried these values into my professional and personal relationships, embracing a growth mindset that involves learning from others rather than being intimidated by their position. By consistently living by this code, I’ve found that building trust and fostering meaningful connections becomes second nature, leading to a reputation built on integrity and respect.

Any advice for managing a team?

Here is a rewritten version of the passage:

When building a high-performing team, remember a crucial aspect: as a leader, you must actively create your team.

This begins with a thoughtful and deliberate interviewing process, where you craft a job description that seeks out individuals with strong work ethics and the necessary skills to excel in the role.

Once your team is assembled, hold an introductory meeting to present the mission statement and emphasize the importance of every team member’s contribution to the overall success. I’ve found that Ken Blanchard’s Situational Leadership approach has been instrumental in my own leadership journey, teaching me the art of coaching and counseling employees at every stage of their development.

Doing so taught me to focus on celebrating individual successes and milestones rather than reprimanding or counseling in public. Instead, I create performance action plans that empower employees to grow and improve. This approach fosters a positive and productive team culture and helps build trust, accountability, and a sense of ownership among team members.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://StrollHarborBluffs.com
• Instagram: StrollHarborBluffs