What’s Your Story, Teresa Mast? From Small-Town Roots to Sarasota’s County Commission
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.
What's Your Story with Jaime & Stan · Commissioner Teresa Mast, Jaime Marco, Stan Brown
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Show 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://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tY
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan
Connect with Commissioner Teresa Mast
Website: www.scgov.net
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