The Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA) has announced its 2020 Associate and Builder of the Year Awards and unveiled its 2021 Board of Directors.
John R. Wood Properties has reported 2020 written sales volume of $3.65 billion, an increase of $1 billion over the company’s 2019 written contract volume.
Chief Creative Officer
Laura’s career is a masterclass in versatility, bridging art, wildlife, business, and design. From studying a BA fine art and design to working as a primate specialist at London Zoo, and a wildlife TV presenter, she went on to become a realtor, and designer of aquariums and conservation parks—each experience shaping her distinctive perspective. She later channeled this diverse expertise into founding and leading successful brand and marketing agencies.
With over 25 years of experience, Laura blends creative vision with strategic leadership, helping brands—from ambitious startups to global giants like Coca-Cola, Nike, Unilever, General Mills, and Nestlé—craft compelling narratives and lasting impact. A champion of trust, collaboration, and excellence, she empowers teams and nurtures authentic client relationships.
Beyond work, Laura finds inspiration in books, creativity, and nature.
senior art director
A creative catalyst in luxury branding, Nicole transforms artistic talent into brand magic. From shaping distinctive identities for local restaurants to pioneering marketing in a 3D animation metaverse studio, she’s an expert in design, storytelling and emerging tech. A pro behind the camera and in the Adobe suite, she converts concepts into powerful visual narratives. When not creating, she explores culinary artistry, tends to her plants, enjoys great books and cherishes moments with her two children.
PR & Media Strategist
A Southwest Florida resident since 2018, Shirin holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from FGCU and has a flair for public relations. This Eagle alum has already made waves with leadership roles in the Florida Public Relations Association. Beyond her English expertise, Shirin speaks Dutch and German, and she’s even certified in Latin – talk about impressive! In her downtime, Shirin enjoys soaking up the sun with her husband, their dog Baloo and their son, whom they welcomed in June 2024.
Account Manager
Mackenzie is a highly skilled account manager known for attention to detail and team coordination, clear communication and on-time, on-budget results. With a degree in Human Communication and a passion for design, this Naples native has a deep appreciation for Southwest Florida’s charming coastal lifestyle. A self-proclaimed brunch enthusiast who loves a good Saturday morning gathering, Mackenzie enjoys golfing and spending time with family when not pursuing her professional passions.
Account Coordinator
Lena brings a knack for social media marketing, event coordination and customer satisfaction to our team, with experience spanning special events, educational consulting and even a barista stint which honed her multitasking finesse! Currently wrapping up her bachelor’s degree at Florida Gulf Coast University, Lena has a passion for problem-solving, storytelling and helping people thrive. When she’s not working, you may find her traveling, rollerblading or spending time with family.
Social Media Manager
Sydney brings a passion for crafting compelling content to capture attention and spark engagement. With a background in social media management, content creation and event planning and design, she combines creativity with a love for organization and execution. Outside of work, this Naples native can be found soaking up the sun with her husband on their boat with their dog, Rosie. A natural collaborator and creative at heart, Sydney brings the right blend of inspiration and structure to every project.
Production Manager
Damian Beurer is a dynamic Production Manager with a passion for executing creative and marketing projects. With over a decade of experience, he expertly manages project timelines, coordinates with vendors and collaborates with the creative team to deliver high-quality content. A University of South Florida graduate, Damian’s industry background includes work with top studios like Disney and Netflix, making him a key asset in driving production excellence.
Public Relations Executive
Stacie Zinn Roberts is a nationally recognized, award-winning writer and marketing expert with more than 25 years of experience. The winner of more than 40 regional and national awards, Stacie is a recipient of the United Nations Environmental Program award for retail environmental marketing and has been honored by the Public Relations Society of America (Puget Sound Chapter) and the Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association with Best in Show, First Place and Merit Awards for marketing strategy and content creation. The author of two books and more than 1,500 published articles, she wrote the cover of the Fort Myers News-Press Sunday Real Estate Section for a decade and is a columnist on marketing trends in publications including PR Daily, Spin Sucks, Irrigation & Green Industry News, and The Pallet. Projects of note include PR for the construction of the golf course for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, and the 2023 Super Bowl.
Vice President, Operations
Half-outdoorsman. Half-techie. This marketing expert utilizes his leadership skills learned at Apple, tools and talent to develop successful brands here just as he did at Shutterfly, Gap Inc. and Banana Republic.
Senior Account Manager
An FGCU alum, Gabi is a bona fide master communicator given she’s earned her master’s in media and communication from Florida State. Her secret superpowers: Hispanic marketing, social media branding and public relations.
traffic manager
A lively and creative soul with extensive agency knowledge, Sadie is a College of Charleston graduate with a bachelor’s in communications. She supports our account service team with research, presentation prep and managing client relationships.
Art Director
With over a decade of experience in digital design and a self-taught talent in painting, Sasha brings a unique blend of creativity and technical skill to WCG. Her career has flourished in both agency and in-house roles, creating compelling visuals and user experiences. Passionate about various art forms, Sasha consistently explores her abstract painting style while skillfully balancing the joys and challenges of motherhood.
Content Creator
With a background in software and an aptness for creating genuine content, Logan adds a unique approach to his social media, blogs, creative copywriting and visual content. He focuses on building genuine connections with his audience, ensuring brands stand out in such a crowded digital landscape. Logan has proven this approach nets great results in readership and engagement across all facets of digital platforms.
account manager
A true Naples native, Bela Lesende’s creative spirit transforms marketing into an art form. Her imaginative spark defines her approach, creating campaigns designed to drive bottom-line results. A first-generation University of Central Florida graduate, Bela holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a minor in Human Communications. Outside of work this marketing maestro can be found traveling, reading and doting on her fur baby.
Accounting Manager
Lily is a proud Florida State grad who loves to solve problems and find creative solutions to any challenge. Her enthusiasm is definitely an asset for the agency’s accounting team. Outside the office, Lily enjoys cooking, baking and doting on her cat Helen.
Web & Digital Manager
Decisive and disciplined covert web design operative who infiltrates users’ psyches with mind-blowing technical executions.
Director of Client Growth & Strategy
Kim leverages her extensive background in event production and marketing strategy to our clients’ media presences. Her expertise in developing effective strategies, nurturing client relationships and driving impactful results is unparalleled. When she’s not seeking out “hidden gem” coffee shops, she helps with the marketing/event efforts for The Wounded Warriors of Collier County, volunteers as event manager for the Think Pineapple Foundation and serves The United Arts Council of Collier County.
Vice President, Communications
Buzz creator, industry award winner, proud Western Kentucky University Hilltopper and even prouder mother of three. On top of all that, this PR pro can do handstand walks. Trust us, we’ve seen it.
account coordinator
A recent FGCU alum with a passion for marketing, Abby brings imagination and originality to everything she does. She supports our account service team with research, task management and the management of client relationships.
accountant
Kristen Smith is a business professional with more than 22 years of experience and a proven record of effective accounting management, hospitality management and stellar customer service. With a lengthy tenure spanning all facets of business from dishwashing to management, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the table and has already served up an impact at WCG.
web designer
This English-, Spanish-, Italian- and SEO-speaking pro has a motto: Consider it done! In web and graphic design, does she ever.
Office Coordinator
With a bachelor’s in PR, advertising and applied communication at Florida International University, Ali applies her communication and organizational skills every day for us. An aspiring social media manager, she jumps in whenever and wherever needed with enthusiasm and determination.
production manager
Tracy is a high-volume juggler. Marketing programs. Client relationships. Strategies. Budgets. Public relations. Events. And award-winning creative director! This Loyola University of Chicago grad who studied art history in Rome is a proven leader and motivator.
director of business development
Where Patrick goes, business grows. This University of Alabama grad brings an array of industry expertise to the agency, from business development and account management to sales and digital marketing. He also volunteers as a youth basketball coach.
president/CEO
As a creative professional, Peggy Wilson has made a significant impact on Southwest Florida. In her career, spanning over 25 years, she has produced an astonishing number of the region’s highest profile, most recognized brands in dominant industries such as real estate and land development, hospitality, retail sales, technology, banking services, health care, sports and recreation, non-profits and travel/tourism. Her own intrinsic talent, keen market insight and innate ability to attract and retain skilled creative professionals have fueled the growth of Wilson Creative Group since she launched the agency in 2007.
The diverse portfolio of work she and her team generate on a daily basis is consistently recognized with awards from the American Advertising Federation, the Southeastern Building Council and the Building Industry Associations of both Lee and Collier counties. Her clients benefit greatly from engaging her as a brand consultant and her strategy-driven approach to marketing communications. A Florida native from Palm Beach County, Peggy has made Naples her home since 1989.
copy director
A natural storyteller, Robert brings imagination and originality to every message, campaign and client. When not writing award-winning brand narratives, you’ll likely find this Wawa-loving Philly native on the theatrical stage.
senior art director
Specializing in print design, Erik is a talented problem-solver and approaches every design challenge from a focused and creative perspective.
art director
This hard working, fast adapting, collaborative, organized and detailed designer keeps his cool when the heat is on.
operation & video manager
One of the Great Masters of organization, problem solving and scheduling efficiency. If that sounds impressive, you should see his mixed-media painting work. Some is on our walls.
bookkeeper
This always-smiling, uber-caring number cruncher, has the minutia all figured out when bringing the numbers together. And insists on finding the right bucket for each and every penny.
mascot
This hard-napping, sometimes-snoring, affectionate, sweet chocolate lab is our office mascot. Always ready to cheer us up during the 2 o’clock blues, and receive a treat.
account manager
When Brianna joined WCG, she hit the ground running. This FGCU grad already has ad industry experience—and a master’s degree in her sights. She loves her goldendoodle Mia, the Yankees, cooking and outdoor adventure.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
A master of efficiency and productivity. A wealth of business and HR experience. Fluent in three languages. Knows how to swim with the sharks. Literally, she swims with sharks.
