What's Your Story with Jaime & Stan

What’s Your Story, Teresa Mast? From Small-Town Roots to Sarasota’s County Commission

Episode Summary

In this inspiring and candid conversation, Commissioner Teresa Mast takes us from her tiny Michigan hometown to the heart of Sarasota County politics. With a background in design, business ownership, and nearly a decade working inside county government, Teresa shares how her upbringing in a close-knit, service-oriented family shaped her lifelong commitment to community. She opens up about running for school board, learning from a tough loss, and stepping into her current role with a focus on civility, collaboration, and preserving Sarasota’s unique character. Whether she’s guiding policy decisions, mentoring her grandkids, or aiming for a perfect sporting clays score, Teresa’s story is one of grit, heart, and staying true to your values.

Episode Notes

In this inspiring and candid conversation, Commissioner Teresa Mast takes us from her tiny Michigan hometown to the heart of Sarasota County politics. With a background in design, business ownership, and nearly a decade working inside county government, Teresa shares how her upbringing in a close-knit, service-oriented family shaped her lifelong commitment to community. She opens up about running for school board, learning from a tough loss, and stepping into her current role with a focus on civility, collaboration, and preserving Sarasota’s unique character. Whether she’s guiding policy decisions, mentoring her grandkids, or aiming for a perfect sporting clays score, Teresa’s story is one of grit, heart, and staying true to your values.

Key Topics Discussed

• Growing up in Hastings, Michigan and moving to Florida at age 12
• Building a 40-year design and construction business with her husband
• Serving 10+ years in Sarasota County government before running for office
• Lessons from her first political race for school board
• The importance of civility, listening, and finding common ground in politics
• Balancing growth and preservation in Sarasota County
• Family influences and the lifelong expectation to give back
• Passing on community-minded values to her grandchildren
• Favorite ways to recharge: sporting clays, traveling, reading, and the great outdoors
   

Memorable Quotes

“Remember who you represent.”
“Civility starts with listening—two ears, one mouth.”
“If you can find common ground, you can find a way forward.”
“Our family knew: whatever you do in life, you will give back to your community.”
“If you hear me say ‘pull,’ you’ve been wrong—it’s the same as ‘duck.’”

Where to listen & watch:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/6kgxG--gLys
Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/mtkxjcez
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yhkw24v7
Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2hnfynpm

Connect with Commissioner Teresa Mast
Website: www.scgov.net

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