Meet Our Director of Brand Strategy & Marketing, Kim Cartano!

Originally from Maryland just north of Baltimore, Kim earned her Bachelor of Science in Business from Towson University and has built a career centered around branding, creativity, and building strong relationships. Her professional journey began in the golf industry before moving into restaurant concept development in Sarasota and other markets—experiences that sparked her passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.

Kim later spent 25 years with Foot Locker, starting as a Graphic Designer and growing through roles in Product Development, Procurement, Creative Services, and Brand Management. She ultimately served as Director of Operations Support, where she led six departments and worked closely with major global brands including Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and Puma. Throughout her career, relationship-building and collaborative teamwork have been at the center of her leadership style.

She also served as Communications Director and later Vice President of the company’s Women’s Employee Resource Group, reinforcing her belief that the best results come from strong, connected teams working together.

Today, Kim lives in Parrish with her husband Steve, a photographer, her daughter Madison who is currently pursuing her MBA at Florida State University, and their two Labrador Retrievers, Henry and Harper, who keep life joyful and energetic.

Outside of work, Kim is deeply engaged in the community. She serves on the Board of Directors for Parenting Matters and the Lakewood Ranch Branch of the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Foundation Guild, and she is a member of 100 Women Who Care Manatee, the Manatee River Exchange Club, and the Marine Corps League. Her volunteer work focuses on strengthening families, supporting children, and helping the community grow stronger together.

Kim chose hospitality because it sits at the intersection of creativity, people, and meaningful experiences. “I love the energy and teamwork of this industry,” she says. “It’s about making someone’s day better and creating moments they remember.”

At home, her Labradors Henry and Harper would describe her as a patient leader, an excellent treat distributor, and their favorite “Velcro human.” She prefers Earl Grey tea or an iced London Fog over coffee and is happiest when traveling, spending time with family, or enjoying great seafood.

Salty or Sweet: Sweet

Describe Yourself Using Movie Titles: Steel Magnolias, The Devil Wears Prada, Hidden Figures

What’s on Her Bucket List? Seeing the Northern Lights, visiting Machu Picchu, hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim with her sister, traveling to all 50 U.S. states, and creating a genealogy book for her father

Go-to Order: All things oysters — especially raw, garlic parmesan, and Oysters Rock — plus mussels and the Sushi Stack