Mike VonPlinsky

I am the Executive Director of the FLORIDA HELPS Foundation, a non-profit organization with a mission to “Help U Help Others” by providing a wide range of start-up, growth and event planning services to new or mature non-profits. We also raise funds for selected Florida charities (www.flhelps.org), currently supporting our own PADLS Program (Persons with Autism or Disabilities Learn to Swim) that just won a prestigious grant from AUTISM SPEAKS. Our flagship annual event, the “Fort Myers Beach Bash”, is held annually on or near Fort Myers Beach.

I am also the founder of BIZolutions Consulting (www.bizolutionsconsult.com). Our focus is on business and marketing plans, start-up support and mentoring, financial plans and projections, proposal and grant writing, automated decision support applications, website design and development, etc. I have been a licensed real estate agent in FL for the past 9 years.

In Sept. ’04, I purchased a restaurant and bar on Fort Myers Beach, the Shamrock Irish Pub). I managed all aspects of its redevelopment activity to build a luxury set of Apartments / Condos and a high-end Deli and Market on this location (the “Beach Deli Company”). Prior to these more recent experiences in Florida over the last 10 years, I had a 27 year career Defense Dept. acquisition support, first with the Military (Air Force Captain - '81) and then with a few civilian firms, raising to the level of Corporate Vice President in my last job.

I hold a BS & MS in Astronautical Engr., an MBA and several Executive Certificates along with recent studies in non-profit management at Miami Dade College. I love Florida and plan on expanding my commitment to my non-profit foundation work, my consulting business, inventing, and enjoying all the fun and activities that Florida has to offer!