We’re looking forward to introducing you to John Sammel . Check out our conversation below.
John , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What battle are you avoiding?
As an owner of a landscaping company and someone who cares about the future of Florida, I have seen a decline in our local environment. Mass development, such as giant fulfillment centers, are destroying critical ecosystems. The rapid construction is straining natural resources and increasing pollution. There’s a long list of a negative impacts that need to be addressed.
My goal over the next three months is to figure out how to make the community aware of the issues we face. We need to take a deep look at the cause and effect and formulate a game plan that will help generations thrive in this beautiful state.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey everyone, John here with Blazing Stars Landscape Design and CJS Live Music & Events. As you can tell I caught the bug and fell in love with being an entrepreneur. It was so addicting that during COVID I started a second small business. Running my own company has enabled me to spend more time with my family and to be able to travel throughout the year. I love the chase of the sale and controlling my own destiny.
Here is what we have been working on in 2025. Over at Blazing Stars Landscape Design we were able to create and install our first Xeriscape design. It’s been our goal to help off set the environmental impact we face. This design blended native plants that are drought tolerant and low maintenance. We also had a chance to get certified through the University of Florida Pinellas County extension. We acquired our “Best Management Practices” Certificate through Florida Green Industries.
With CJS Live Music & Events, we recently wrapped up our Bands, Brew & BBQ at Seaworld. Providing entertainment for this festival is one of our favorite events of the year. We are looking forward to being a part of more great happenings this year.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
On July 14th I was helping my crew with a big cleanup job in East Lake, FL. Part of the work detail was removing and trimming a couple of big Canary Island Date Palms. If you’re not familiar with this Palm, they have giant thorns on them, they’re more like spikes While we were unloading the debris, one of these spikes went through my leg. For the next couple of days, my wife and I to extract it, but unfortunately, we couldn’t get it out. By the end of the week, the pain was so intense that I had to go the hospital for treatment.
While are the hospital, doctors discovered that I have had a rare heart disease. One of the main symptoms of my disease is sudden death. This helped us to understand how both my brother and grandfather had suddenly passed. Finding this news out was shocking, no one in the family had known this heart disease was present in our family genetics. This opened my eyes up to how precious life is. I am now able to see the world from a new perspective….with fresh eyes and a zest for living life to its fullest.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering teaches us to push through the pain. Anyone can create instant success. And that is it, it’s instant and goes away. But working through a problem day in and day out….thats when the real magic happens. In order to reach this destination you have to be willing to suffer.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I am a little biased on this one… My wife. She is without a doubt the hardest working person I have ever met. She works through influenza, hurricanes and tragedies. She never gets discouraged! Her focus is to always get the job done. I am not sure how she balances the kids, work , house chores, being a CPA for three businesses and me! I just don’t get it.”
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would take a step back from the digital world. It’s crazy how easy it is to get consumed. Up until my recent diagnosis….I caught myself doom scrolling one too many times. I look forward to implementing a more productive and social approach to life. Similar to what Red said in Shawshank Redemption. “ Get busy living or get busy dying.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cjslivemusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blazingstars_landscapedesign?igsh=ZnU5dHRpNzh0d2k4&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/CJSLiveMusic/?
- Other: Blazing Stars Landscape Design LLC – https://blazingstarslandscapedesigns.com/
Image Credits
Really bad selfies….no credits
