Marc Yonker – Co-founder of Winters & Yonker

When Tampa injury attorneys Marc Yonker and Bill Winters partnered to found Winters & Yonker, P.A., they were both motivated by the desire to provide access to the kind of personal injury attorney Tampa Bay residents deserve. In founding Winters & Yonker, the duo has ensured that anyone who has been wronged due to an injury or accident will have the support of a tireless advocate dedicated to the service of justice.

Marc Yonker, a personal injury attorney Tampa residents are proud to have on their side, grew up admiring the work of his father’s best friend, a personal injury attorney who worked on behalf of clients in Easton, Pennsylvania, where Marc grew up before relocating to the Tampa Bay Area in Florida.

Prior to founding Winters & Yonker with Bill Winters, Marc worked at a large law firm and came to realize that many of the firm’s clients were in need of much greater support and assistance. This motivated Marc to create a firm capable of providing such a level of support to clients, and he was thus inspired to build a practice of his own from the ground up.

 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

When I was growing up, I moved around quite a bit and got to experience the unique qualities that define different parts of the country. I like traveling because each region seems to have a character all its own, and I think it’s important to experience those characteristics up close.

 

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

It feels kind of natural to me, so let’s call it a lifestyle. To be clear, I love living in Tampa and consider it my permanent home; it’s just that I enjoy spending time getting to know the people that choose to make their home in whatever place I happen to be visiting at the time.

 

What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

The Italian island of Capri, perched there in the beautiful Bay of Naples.

 

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

Unfortunately, I do not have any travel dates coming up soon, but I’ll be sure to rectify that very soon.

 

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

I tend to be a bit adventurous when I travel, and my general advice is that even an inexperienced traveler should be willing to explore places beyond the beaten path.

 

Where would you like to go?

I’d like to spend some time traveling through the Mediterranean — I’ve been to a few places there, but an extended trip would be really nice.

 

Where would you like to revisit?

I always like to visit the places in which I spent my formative years: Louisville, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Easton, Pennsylvania.

 

Do you travel alone? Why?

Yes, but I don’t mind traveling with company either. It is nice, however, to be able to wake up and do whatever it is that happens to move you at that particular moment.

 

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

Capri, Italy

Louisville, Kentucky

San Jose, Costa Rica

 

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I’m a light traveler all the way. I’ll go to great lengths to avoid the hassle of checking baggage, and I’ve never had any problem traveling with only the things I could fit into my carry-on bag.

Jimmy Stice – Kalu Yala Chief Executive Officer

Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Stice, Kalu Yala is growing to be one of the most intriguing projects currently taking place in Panama. It is based on creating a sustainable environment in the middle of a jungle that lies in the Panamanian river valley. It also provides an opportunity for students to study abroad while getting to know people from all over the world. What brings them together is their desire to build homes brick-by-brick and learn about the concepts of sustainability. Due to the fast-growing nature of the project, many prominent companies like the Studio Sky and Affordable Permanence have become long-term partners of Kalu Yala.

 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

It helps me discover all the things that I do not know about other people and myself. Usually, even though I am humble enough to know my limitations, I find it difficult to pinpoint all the areas that I need to learn more about. For example, when I became a part of this project, I had no idea that many students around the world enjoy getting away from the madness of technology. This is because I did not have any exposure to those age groups. By traveling and meeting new people, however, I become aware of those type of issues that previously seemed nonexistent to me.

 

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

I would like to think it is a lifestyle. I started when I was still in my teen years and my passion for traveling has not changed since. Seeing new places and experiencing other cultures is something that has been one of the most motivating factors in my life. Learning about the struggles that individuals different environment deal with makes me look at all my issues from a problem-solving angel.

 

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

As of now, I do not. I am currently working hard to develop a streamlined model that will address any potential Kalu Yala problems. This is something that I felt I needed to because we really have not had that many issues happen to us and I believe getting too relaxed will leave us vulnerable. Still, I do believe that I will be doing some recruiting for our project from countries far away from Panama soon.

 

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

You have to sit down and spend some time planning. If you are traveling for pleasure, it may seem that being spontaneous is what will give the trip its glory. I found this to be false. Yes, not having to obey a clear-cut plan seems like the best way to enjoy oneself, but that will not be the case when you waste hours waiting for transportation or get stuck in the middle of an unknown city without as much as a hotel reservation. If you are looking to capitalize on all of your hours spent in the new environment, you want to make sure you deal with any back-end things before you get on the road. Obviously, the same applies to any business trips.

 

Where would you like to go?

I have some countries on my bucket list that I look forward to visiting. Some of those include places in Europe like Croatia and Greece while I also have a few cities in the United States that I think are worth exploring. I mean, who does not want to go to Miami and enjoy the weather, ocean, and restaurants?

 

Where would you like to revisit?

Believe it or not, I would not mind visiting Panama City every other weekend. To me, the truth about Kalu Yala and the best benefit of this project is its proximity to the aforementioned city. Although I do work close but not within the borders of it, going to Panama City is a scapegoat for me.

 

Do you travel alone? Why?

It depends. With our current project, I tend to travel with some of my associates if there is Kalu Yala criticism, potential changes to the operating model, or new strategies to be addressed. I am also not opposed to taking time for myself and simply taking a road trip alone as it helps me reflect on my life.

 

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

I would have to go with Panama City, London, and any larger city in California. These three are so different from each other that one who gets some exposure to all of them probably has as diverse of a traveling experience as possible with only a few places visited.

 

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

It varies. Clothes-wise, I am pretty relaxed and only take the most necessary items. Thus, my for-pleasure trips are generally done with nothing more than a carry-on bag. When it comes to going somewhere for business, on the other hand, I have to take things like a laptop, a professional suit, and so on. This usually increases the overall weight of my travel slightly.

Rosanne Bostonian, PhD, RMT

A resident of Upper Montclair, New Jersey for over 41 years, Rosanne Bostonian, PhD, RMT, has been a long valued member of the healing community in Northern New Jersey.  Her home in New Jersey has been her base of operations over the 41 years of her ownership.

Travel is seen by many as adventure, and Dr. Bostonian holds out the possibility that there are more adventures ahead.  Up until now, she has opted to travel to her Florida home during breaks.  Although many think of Florida as a destination providing beaches and entertaining theme parks, Dr. Bostonian’s preference has been to visit the peaceful confines of her 10 acre mini-ranch and her log home.

The pastures of SW Florida provide a venue that captures the essence of “old Florida” prior to the migration south and habitation of the coastal areas.  It is little known that the citrus and cattle crops of Florida lead the nation and that there is country living alive and well to be enjoyed.  Travel to these parts of Florida may not provide amusement and well-known destinations, but for Rosanne, the feeling of ancient pasture lands and abundant wildlife is the panacea that “retunes the instrument.”

Dr. Bostonian’s view of “what we’re all doing here” reflects her study of Buddhist teachings and her life experience.  Her strong belief is that there is a flow of truth that can only be accessed through ego sacrifice and self-awareness.  She believes that we must overcome ego distractions to access fact that “sufficiency” rather than showy purchases lay the foundation for balance in living.

There is no greater balance in living than in natural venues, according to Dr. Bostonian.  In her recent trip to Florida, a new family of Highlander cattle inhabited her pasture.  She is glad to host these guests at the invitation of a local rancher.  In addition to cattle, there is an abundance of indigenous guests such as reptiles, insects, birds (hawks and owls) that share the fields.  Respecting them as well as oneself requires awareness of where the feet tread!

Long noted for her sense of humor, palatable wisdom and open-heartedness, Dr. Bostonian’s words on many subjects shared on her website, EssentialSpirit.net have been said to strike chords of awareness in those who are kindred spirits.  She delights in the expression of the written word.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Traveling moves us out of our comfort zone and exposes us to different experiences and energy fields.  For me, I prefer to travel to natural surroundings that feel like retuning an instrument.  My home in Florida accomplishes this, because it is connected to the land and natural rhythms.

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

I started traveling to Florida to visit family and friends.  Gradually, I decided to plant roots there. The packing, organizing and planning typical travel don’t seem to work for me while I’m still actively employed.  Being able to pack a small bag with computer and head to my second home alleviates all of the preparation to a minimum and lets me just say, “Ahhhh” when I walk through the door of my second home.

What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

I have been to Sedona, AZ.  Driving in from Scottsdale, you are struck by the red rocks, the bright blue sky and the dots of green in the landscape.  The notion that the top of those amazing rocks were an ocean’s bottom at one time eons ago is breathtaking.

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

For now, while I’m still actively employed, visiting my Florida home is probably the best destination I could choose.  Having a pool in the middle of 10 acres with grazing cattle and no prying eyes is a great invitation.

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

As in all things, go within to see what you need.  Someone else’s vacation or travel may not be what your heart is asking for.  Don’t be afraid to “do it your way!”  That goes for travel and life in general.

Where would you like to go?

I’d like to head out west again.  The mountains call me more than the beach.  Old growth forests have the energy that seems to center me.  The National Parks have a pull, but I’m hoping they aren’t too commercialized.

Where would you like to revisit?

I would definitely enjoy revisiting Sedona.  It’s seen as a “vortex,” meaning that the Earth energy there is very pure, so it has healing capabilities.  Many healing practices are located there.

Do you travel alone? Why?

Since I’m traveling to and from my Florida home at this point, yes I travel alone.  I have dear friends and neighbors living in the area, so not totally alone once there.  Since the purpose of my travel is reattunement at this stage of my life, having quiet space with Nature seems to be the ticket!

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

I would say… Sedona and the far west, National Parks, perhaps some monuments such as Washington D.C.

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I definitely travel light.  As mentioned, when you are traveling between homes one luxury is not having to lug stuff.  I highly recommend that!  Even if traveling elsewhere, the basics are important, but God gave us laundromats for a reason.