Five Minutes with Karl Steene
By Sydney Liebman
November 07, 2005
Karl Steene has learned to surround himself with self-reliant people of action who subscribe to his ‘carpe diem’ or ‘seize the moment’ philosophy. He has toured Florida extensively, and speaks proudly of Indian River County having one of the finest volunteer work forces he’s ever seen. Karl was influenced early in life by Dale Carnegie and then by Norman Vincent Peale, whom he even persuaded to speak at a bank dedication in Naples. As an unexpected bonus to his early volunteering, he met his wife Bonnie at the circus where they were both mentors in a College Pals program. Fortunately, Bonnie supports Karl’s many activities and also volunteers as a literacy tutor and as an 11th hour VNA Hospice volunteer. Currently the Vice President and Director of Marketing for Indian River National Bank (IRNB), Karl is in the unique position of helping senior management decide which of the many worthwhile non-profit organizations will receive the bank’s support. IRNB and its employees are very active in community activities, and Karl sets a prime example. IRNB is the presenting sponsor of the November 14 United Way of Indian River County’s campaign kick-off at Quail Valley. His is a familiar face at both the Oceanside Business Association’s Sunset Saturdays and Main Street Vero Beach Downtown Friday events where he regularly mans the beer and wine concessions representing the Rotary Club of Vero Beach West where he serves as president and the OBA where he serves on the board. Karl also has a long history with the Salvation Army in both Miami and Cincinnati and as this year’s incoming chairman has been working on the January 13 Youth Services fundraiser. Appreciative of inspirational speakers, he is very pleased that they’ve procured John Walsh for the event. In his ‘spare’ time Karl enjoys traveling to what he calls the “forgotten Florida” turn of the century towns and has published a number of travel stories. With a positive approach to life Karl notes “You can make it happen. Don’t sit around waiting for a hero or a white knight.” To a lot of local non-profit organizations, Karl is their white knight.
How do you do it? Positive thinking and taking it one day at a time
In IRC since: 1997
Life before IRC: Over 40 years in Florida – most recently Miami and Naples
Entrée into non-profits: Salvation Army in Miami
On your plate: United Way Campaign kickoff on November 14
Next up: Salvation Army Youth Benefit Dinner January 13
All time favorite party: A party held at Viscaya with Joan Rivers
I’ve always wanted to: Establish my own foundation
I’ve always wanted to meet: Leonardo da Vinci
I’ve always wanted to have: An Aston Martin convertible
I make a wicked: Lime daiquiri
One thing people don’t know about me: I raced sailboats in Miami & Naples
Most unusual job: Worked as a national public opinion pollster in Atlanta
A lesson learned the hard way: Think twice before you say yes
My epitaph should read: Sic Transit Gloria Mundi