Laura Sherman
Founding Partner, Baldwin Krystyn Sherman
Laura Sherman has only lived in Tampa Bay for about six years but she has already amassed quite the philanthropic resume, assisting local groups such as the Children’s Dream Fund, Tampa Museum of Art Foundation, Meals on Wheels of Tampa and the Tampa Bay History Center Collections. Born and raised in the small town of Newark, Ohio, today Laura is a founding partner at Baldwin Krystyn Sherman, a risk management and insurance brokerage firm. She currently lives in Clearwater with her husband Alden and two children Mercer and Gavin.
How did you become involved with the Children’s Dream fund?
I have a passion for children and the executive director called me when she noticed we were from the small town in Ohio and I had a close friend who was chairman of the board.
What is one of your favorite memories when working with your charity?
Working with Meals on Wheels Tampa and seeing all the smiling faces of those homebound seniors who receive meals.
What is one of your favorite charity events in Tampa Bay and why?
The Pediatric Cancer Foundation Fashion Funds the Cure—the event has it all and the cause it benefits is second to none. It’s inspirational and the celebrity host, Carson, is hysterically funny!
As a leading lady, what is one of your proudest accomplishments?
Personally, Raising our children to be thoughtful, generous and insightful beyond their years. Professionally, starting a successful business with my partners where we help people and companies protect the things they cherish most: their families, business and employees.
How do you like to unwind?
Exploring Tampa Bay; we are always uncovering new restaurants and experiences.
Who do you most admire in Tampa Bay?
Susan and John Sykes. They are the epitome of the American dream: generous to the community, humble and genuine.
Which Bay-area spots do you take your out-of-town guests to really show off our city?
That’s a tough question—we love them all. Most of our guests visit from up north so we take in more Tampa Bay Lightning games than any others.
What advice would you pass on to younger generations?
Sacrifices you make today will pay dividends in the future.
Finish this sentence: The best meal in town is: at Carmel Cafe and wine bar. I love sharing the scrumptious small plates with friends.
What are you currently reading?
My friend’s book “Silver Odyssey: historical fictional about a shipwreck off the coast of Florida”
What’s an ideal Friday night for you?
Dinner and family movie night
Name one thing most people wouldn’t know about you.
I finished Honolulu Marathon and used to traveled with the PBS show, Antiques Roadshow
Who would you pick for a dream date?
My husband Alden, of course
Favorite album of all time:
I love Stone Temple Pilots but the live album, Horowitz in Moscow, is a perennial favorite due to the beauty of music, the passion and back-story of the concert. As an added bonus, classical music tends to calm our children after a long day.
Any hidden talents?
I’m an expert deal finder and ice climber
Do you have a motto or words of wisdom that you live by?
Small acts of kindness make the world a better place
Salmon and Broccoli
Ingredients:
2lbs fresh salmon filet
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter, softened
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
4 tablespoons Panko (I use gluten-free Gillian’s Italian bread crumbs)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cloves fresh garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon celery salt
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine all ingredients in small bowl. Place salmon on parchment paper on cookie sheet. Top salmon with mixture. Cook for 17-20 minutes. We broil for the last few minutes until top is light brown. Serve with lemon wedges.
Broccoli Even Your Children will love
6 cups broccoli
11/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic salt
pepper to taste
1 tsp Borsari seasoned salt and/or Florida Sunshine spice blend from the Spice and Tea Exchange
1/4 cup olive oil – coat broccoli until bright green
1 tsp lemon
Dissolve 1 tsp Better than Bullion Chicken into 2 tsp water