Titus O’Neil
Thaddeus Bullard, aka WWE star Titus O’Neil, is an athlete, entertainer, philanthropist and author of the book
There’s No Such Thing as a Bad Kid
Philosophy or credo you live by?
Exposure leads to expansion. As a kid, I wasn’t exposed to a lot outside of drugs, abuse and poverty, so my mind wasn't in a position to see things far outside of my environment. I believe whether or not you come from a privileged or underprivileged background, once you're exposed to different things, it expands your mind to see the world in a different way.
What is the greatest life lesson or best advice you ever received?
There's no such thing as a bad kid. I was raised as a kid who was called a bad kid because of my behavior and my anger issues. So, when I heard ‘There’s no such thing as a bad kid’ at 12 years old, I was confused. As I've gotten older, I've realized that there are kids who are in bad situations, in bad environments, around bad people, making bad decisions and ultimately having bad outcomes. You put those same people in a good environment, around great people, they'll have a greater chance to succeed and therefore they'll have a greater outcome. That's how my life was turned around. I got into a good situation around great people and had a greater chance to succeed; therefore, I had a greater outcome.
Charities, nonprofits and community organizations you support?
My Bullard Family Foundation is my number one charity of choice. We provide families and children everywhere with moments, programs and resources to help build character and improve outcomes in communities. As with everything in life, we could not do it alone. We have more than 130 corporate and community partners. Some of our terrific nonprofit partners are Metropolitan Ministries (wrap-around services for families at risk of homelessness), Bay Area Legal (free legal aid), Mercy Chefs (food insecurity) and Tampa Bay Thrives (mental health and wellbeing).
A Pinellas County event or campaign you look forward to every year?
I enjoy when we host the Tampa Bay Food Fight, which is a fundraiser for Metropolitan Ministries. We alternate between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. We hosted it at the Coliseum in Pinellas County this year. It was amazing.
What's the last thing that sparked true joy for you?
Seeing some of the kids and families this year, as well as the volunteers, all interact at our annual Back to School Bash. We bring 50,000 children and their families, from our most struggling communities, to Raymond James Stadium, where we distribute 30,000 backpacks with school supplies and provide free services to ensure they are prepared to return to school. I give them everything I did not have growing up: medical screenings, sport physicals. dental services including extractions, x-rays, fillings and sealants; vision screenings and eyeglasses made onsite; haircuts; food; and entertainment.
Last thoughtful thing someone did for you?
Gifted me a kitchen remodel.
Nickname or pet name?
My wrestling name, Titus. Only those who truly know me call me Thaddeus.
Word or phrase you most overuse?
We can do that. Much to the chagrin of my Bullard Family Foundation team and board members, who have to figure out how to get it done—quickly and with excellence.
Talent you wish you had?
I wish I could sing.
Why is it important for you to give back to the community?
Because this community has helped me grow so much as a man. I've witnessed so many amazing people come together in times of need for so many different organizations that it'd be hard for me not to participate in that. I think it's an honor to live in this region. And I think that everyone who does business here or lives here should continue to do everything they can to not only make this community stronger but also to find innovative ways to help us come together even more.
Visit thaddeusbullard.com or bullardfamilyfoundation.org for more information.
Leslie Elsasser
Gallery Director at Wild Space Gallery, Artist and Educator
Philosophy or credo you live by?
We are all interconnected—humans, animals, flora and fauna. Be conscious and present for all of it. And culture matters. It expresses the best of our imagination and ingenuity, connects us to our shared history and community, preserves collective memory and carries knowledge across generations. It broadens our perspectives, deepens our understanding of one another and the places we inhabit, and gives meaning to our shared experiences.
What is the greatest life lesson or best advice you ever received?
There have been many pearls of wisdom shared with me over the years. But when I was young my father advised; do what you love and you will never toil. Do it wholeheartedly and you will always grow.
What charities, nonprofits and community organizations do you support?
There are several. WUSF offers excellent programming and news reporting. Florida Poodle Rescue is an outstanding rescue organization, led by founder Tricia Bonati, who leads by example. Of course, the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation is an extraordinary organization and where I hold a leadership role as the director of Wild Space Gallery. The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation advances conservation awareness across Florida’s extraordinary diversity of ecosystems and species, many found nowhere else, helps us to understand that the health of our land and wildlife is inseparable from the health of humankind. I also support the Love IV Lawrence Foundation, which works to destigmatize depression and suicide. The foundation funds and uplifts community initiatives, including Breaking Barriers, a series of free workshops for veterans and their families offered by the University of South Florida Contemporary Art Museum in collaboration with the USF School of Art and Art History. I co-founded and curated the program in my previous role at USF CAM.
A Pinellas County event or campaign you look forward to every year?
There are way too many to list, most of them arts related. Pinellas County and the city of St. Petersburg have a vibrant and event-filled arts scene.
What's the last thing that sparked true joy for you?
So many moments…reconnecting with an old friend and picking up as though no time had passed; playing hide-and-seek with my senior dog and marveling in his joy; installing a gorgeous new exhibition that celebrates the best of human creativity and intellect; swimming with manatees, which felt like meditation in motion; and, amusingly enough, watching the genius of Dries Van Noten’s Spring/Summer collection online.
Last thoughtful thing someone did for you?
An extraordinary artist recently gifted me an incredible artwork. It was entirely unexpected, and the surprise made it all the more meaningful. The generosity and thoughtfulness behind the gesture were deeply touching.
Talent you wish you had?
I wish I could play the piano and I’ve always wished I had the talents to be an author.
Why is it important for you to give back to the community?
I sincerely believe the abundance, talents and knowledge we possess are meant to be shared. That abundance need not be solely financial; it can be our time, talents or knowledge. Each of us has something unique to offer others. Many people have given selflessly to me throughout my life and I believe we have a responsibility to continue that cycle, passing on whatever we can, however much or little that may be. Even the smallest act is a way of helping one another live more fully and contributes positively to the cycles of life.
Other Pinellas County philanthropists, advocates and influencers who represent the best of our community?
There are many, for different reasons. Mallory and Liz Dimmitt inspire me through their integrity and grace, with which they advance conservation and the arts, leading by example. Tricia Bonati’s unwavering commitment to rescuing dogs in need is extraordinary. Katherine Pill is a brave, talented and tireless advocate for culture and contemporary art, continually bringing new voices and artists to Tampa Bay. I deeply admire Jenee Priebe’s sustained commitment to supporting artists, strengthening public art and preserving the region’s cultural legacy through restoration of public art.
Visit floridawildlifecorridor.org and usfcam.usf.edu/cam/cam_breakingbarriers.html to learn more.
Sidd Pagidipati
Chairperson of Better Health Group | Founder and Chairman of Ayon Capital
Philosophy or credo you live by?
Get better every day. My mentor, Darren Hardy, taught me the power of The Compound Effect: small, smart choices, repeated consistently over time, add up to extraordinary results. You don’t have to be great today, just one percent better than yesterday. Do that for a lifetime and it compounds into something remarkable.
What is the greatest life lesson or best advice you ever received?
Learn to love getting knocked down. Every time it happens, smile and get back up. Why? Because half your competitors won’t. One hundred becomes 50, 50 becomes 25 and eventually you’re the last one standing. I’ve been knocked down more times than I can count, and every one of those falls got me closer to where I am today.
What charities, nonprofits and community organizations do you support?
Our giving goes to two goals, making Tampa Bay the best place in America to raise a family and the healthiest place to live. It supports the Pagidipati Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s, part of BayCare, as well as Berkeley Preparatory School, the Glazer Children’s Museum and the XPRIZE Foundation.
A Pinellas County event or campaign you look forward to every year?
The Grand Prix—There’s nothing like watching Indy cars fly through downtown St. Pete. My kids already have March circled on the calendar.
What's the last thing that sparked true joy for you?
Watching my daughter play the last basketball game of her season. She started the year as a timid player and finished it with 10 points and four blocks. Seeing her confidence grow was pure joy. Close behind is traveling the world with my wife and kids, learning about new cultures and their history together.
Most thoughtful thing someone did for you?
My parents’ unwavering belief in me. I failed at a lot of businesses before anything worked, but they never once stopped betting on me. Every time I got knocked down, they were the first ones there to help me back up. Everything I’ve built started with their faith in me. It’s the most valuable gift I’ve ever received.
Nickname or pet name?
These days, a lot of people just call me “the dinosaur guy,” and I’ll take it. We brought Big John, the largest Triceratops ever discovered, to the Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa and now we’re bringing a Gorgosaurus to The Central in St. Pete. Watching a kid’s face light up the first time they stand next to a real dinosaur never gets old.
Word or phrase you most overuse?
“Once I lost my excuses, I found my results.” It’s been my phone wallpaper for years, and my team hears it more than they’d probably like. Excuses are comfortable. They let you blame the economy, the competition or bad luck. But the moment you blame something outside yourself, you give away your power to change it. When I stopped making excuses and took full ownership of everything in my life, the good and the bad, the results followed.
Talent you wish you had?
Patience. I’m working on it and my kids are excellent teachers.
Why is it important for you to give back to the community?
My father came to this country with $8 in his pocket. Education took my parents from poverty to medicine, and this community gave our family every opportunity. We see our giving as an investment, and education and health have the highest returns of anything we can put money into. We also live with an abundance mindset—the more you give, the more you get. When you see the faces of the kids and families it helps, you can’t help but want to do more.
Other Pinellas County philanthropists, advocates and influencers who represent the best of our community?
Tom James and Ron Wanek. Both spent decades building their companies into leaders in their industries—Tom with Raymond James, here in St. Pete, and Ron with Ashley Furniture in Tampa. Then they turned that success into giving back. That’s the model I aspire to build—something great—then give it back to the community that made it possible.
Visit betterhealthgroup.com or ayon.com for more information.
Shundra Allison-Ranger
Owner of Urban Drinkery
Philosophy or credo you live by?
“To thine own self be true.” I’m learning to honor who I am, trust what I bring to the table, and give myself permission to live—not just work.
What is the greatest life lesson or best advice you ever received?
You can change the plan without giving up on the purpose. Entrepreneurship and community work have taught me that sometimes moving forward means being willing to do things differently.
What charities, nonprofits and community organizations do you support?
I serve as president of The Burg Cares, which focuses on HIV/AIDS prevention in Black and brown communities, and president of The Deuces Live, Inc., supporting the history, culture, and businesses of the Deuces corridor. The Deuces Live Food Forest work is also close to my heart. I love being part of something that connects people to food, the land and one another.
A Pinellas County event or campaign you look forward to every year?
The Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival on the Deuces. Food, culture, history and community all coming together—that’s my kind of gathering.
What’s the last thing that sparked true joy for you?
Looking around Urban Drinkery and seeing people laughing, relaxing and having a great time. Knowing I’ve created a safe space where you can be yourself, feel welcome and enjoy the moment—that brings me true joy.
Most thoughtful thing someone did for you?
My daughter, Jameria Green, speaks life into me. She encourages me and reminds me of what I’m capable of when I need it most. I know she’s the child, but sometimes you need that child power! There’s something special about being lifted up by the person you raised.
Nickname or pet name?
Mz. Urban Drinkery There’s a whole personality behind that name. It’s a little street, a little glam and always ready to create a good experience.
Word or phrase you most overuse?
“Hey, friend!” If we’ve had a conversation, you’ve probably heard it.
Talent you wish you had?
I wish I had the talent to solve everyone’s problems. If you could come to me with a worry and leave feeling lighter, that would make my heart happy. I can’t fix everything, but I can listen, show up and make you a good cocktail!
Why is it important for you to give back to the community?
Because these are my neighbors, our families and the businesses and stories that make this place home. Through HIV prevention, the Food Forest, advocating for the Deuces or bringing people together at Urban Drinkery, I want people to feel seen and connected. Giving back is how I put that care into action.
Other Pinellas County philanthropists, advocates and influencers who represent the best of our community?
Stephanie Miller Love, who is my wine expert, a wonderful friend and advocates for our community through her work with Step Up For Students, where the largest donors to that organization are from the wine and spirits industry. She brings her knowledge and passion to the experiences we create at Urban Drinkery and out into the community with students and strategically selects wines made by marginalized groups, not only because they deserve a chance but because they deserve to experience wines made by people who are like them. But what means the most to me is that she believes in my dream. Having someone who sees your vision and supports you along the way is a gift.
Visit urbandrinkerysp.com to learn more.
