Lakewood Ranch Community Activities hires new director

Keith Pandeloglou, the owner of Cowork on Lakewood Main Street, now can be identified in a different way.

He took over this month as the director of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities when previous director Kyanne Merrill stepped down.

It was a surprising move considering Pandeloglou has Cowork offices in Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota dedicated to providing tools and support for the entrepreneurial community. A gifted businessman, he has created nine of his own startup businesses.

Now he will concentrate on running Community Activities' 10 major events and more than 50 social clubs.

Pandeloglou, who is single, sat down with the East County Observer to discus his new job, why he was attracted to it and what the future holds for Lakewood Ranch Community Activities.

You have been successful in many areas, why was this job attractive?

What I found is that the Community Activities' and Cowork's missions were the same. The mission of Community Activities is to foster a sense of community and friendships. Part of that is the 50 social clubs we do. That is not something I had growing up in New Jersey. I like it.

Why Lakewood Ranch?

I've been here seven years and this is a community that pulls together when there is an opportunity for anyone. I love the power of our community. I like to consider myself Mr. Lakewood Ranch.

What sparked you to consider the job?

I've been volunteering since September (when Community Activities moved into Cowork to rent space). I love Lakewood Ranch and part of my goal is for it to be the No. 1 community. It's like No. 4 now (as the best-selling, master-planned community in the United States by RCLCO). I hope to take what Community Activities has done and enhance it. So if I can be a small part of Lakewood Ranch being No. 1, that's great.

So when you were offered the job, was it a tough decision?

I think it was a very easy decision. This is gratifying in a way corporate America never would be. I did a lot of introspection on myself. This is what I enjoy doing. I am a connector, a networker. I always have been hands on and I like being out in the community. I want to go out and let people know who they can reach out to. This is a natural extension of my personality.

Now that you have the job, what do you think of what Community Activities is doing?

A good portion excites me when I look at our events. Kyanne is staying for a month to help, so it should be a seamless transition. It's been great. Every day I write down three highlights.

So do you want to add more events?

"More is not always better. Where we are at is probably just right for now. The things we put on need to be world class. But there always is an opportunity for growth. We just need to make sure we engage the community.

What will be the toughest part of the learning curve?

I will need to be brushing up on not-for-profit governance, but I have been on the boards of six nonprofits. Now we also will be getting into the budget."

Will there be any immediate changes in the 10 major events hosted by Community Activities?

The 2017 schedule already has been made.

Do you have a favorite among the major events?

It's like anyone's kids, you love them all equally. But when Santa came in during Holidays Around the Ranch, that was really cool. You look at the kids and you don't wonder what you do what you do. That was a fulfilling day.

What are your hobbies?

I play kickball and I spend a lot of time being part of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. I enjoy volunteering. 

People might wonder if this is just a temporary job for you. Is this a job you want to do a long time?

Absolutely. I am going to do this as long as they will have me.