Who is Randal R. Perkins. What is AshBritt. How does Randal Perkins contribute to Lauren’s Kids. What other board members serve alongside Randal Perkins at Lauren’s Kids.
Randal R. Perkins: Founder of AshBritt and Philanthropist
Randal “Randy” Perkins is a prominent figure in the disaster recovery industry and philanthropic circles. As the founder of AshBritt, a Florida-based international rapid-response disaster recovery and special environmental services contractor, Perkins has established himself as a leader in emergency management and environmental services.
Perkins’ entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community service have led him to serve on the boards of several national charitable organizations, including Lauren’s Kids. His involvement with Lauren’s Kids demonstrates his dedication to child advocacy and community support.
AshBritt: A Leader in Disaster Recovery
AshBritt, founded by Randal Perkins, has become a go-to contractor for disaster recovery efforts. The company specializes in rapid-response services, helping communities rebuild and recover in the aftermath of natural disasters. AshBritt’s expertise extends to special environmental services, showcasing the company’s versatility in addressing various challenges faced by communities in crisis.
Randal Perkins’ Contributions to Lauren’s Kids
Randal Perkins plays a crucial role in supporting Lauren’s Kids, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing childhood sexual abuse and helping survivors heal. His contributions to the organization are both substantial and practical.
- Provides and powers the “Walk in My Shoes” campaign bus
- Enables the organization to reach tens of thousands across Florida
- Supports the message of prevention, hope, and healing
How does Randal Perkins’ support impact Lauren’s Kids’ outreach efforts? By providing the “Walk in My Shoes” campaign bus, Perkins enables the organization to conduct extensive outreach programs across Florida. This mobile platform allows Lauren’s Kids to bring its message of prevention and support directly to communities, significantly expanding its reach and impact.
The Lauren’s Kids Board: A Diverse Group of Dedicated Individuals
Randal Perkins serves on the board of Lauren’s Kids alongside a group of accomplished professionals from various fields. This diverse board brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization, strengthening its ability to achieve its mission.
Key Board Members and Their Backgrounds
- Lauren Book, M.S.Ed. – Founder and CEO
- Ronald L. Book, P.A. – Chairman
- Manny Kadre – CEO of MBB Auto Group
- Charlie Fernandes – Army veteran and businessman
- Keith Kenner – Managing member of Dade Media
- Beth Rosenstein – Trade Area Vice President of Bloomingdale’s
- Rochelle S. Matza – CPA and business executive
- Stanford Blake – Circuit Judge in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit
- Bruno Dede – CEO and President of Metro Signs, Inc.
This diverse group of board members brings a wide range of skills and perspectives to Lauren’s Kids, enhancing the organization’s ability to address the complex issues surrounding childhood sexual abuse prevention and survivor support.
Lauren Book: The Visionary Behind Lauren’s Kids
Lauren Book, M.S.Ed., is the driving force behind Lauren’s Kids. As an author, educator, and internationally respected child advocate, Book has dedicated her life to creating a world where the exploitation of children is not tolerated.
What motivates Lauren Book’s tireless efforts in child advocacy? As a survivor herself, Book understands firsthand the importance of prevention, education, and support for those affected by childhood sexual abuse. Her personal experiences have fueled her passion for creating meaningful change and providing resources for survivors and their families.
Lauren Book’s Achievements and Recognition
- Named a PEOPLE All-Star Among Us
- Recognized as a L’Oreal Woman of Worth
- Recipient of a Congressional Medal of Merit
- Member of the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet
These accolades highlight the impact of Book’s work and the widespread recognition of her efforts in child advocacy and abuse prevention.
The Mission and Impact of Lauren’s Kids
Lauren’s Kids is committed to preventing childhood sexual abuse through education and awareness. The organization also provides support and resources for survivors, helping them on their journey towards healing and empowerment.
How does Lauren’s Kids work towards its goals? The organization employs a multi-faceted approach that includes:
- Educational programs for children, parents, and educators
- Advocacy for policies that protect children and support survivors
- Awareness campaigns like the “Walk in My Shoes” tour
- Support services for survivors and their families
By addressing the issue of childhood sexual abuse from multiple angles, Lauren’s Kids strives to create lasting change and foster a safer environment for all children.
The Importance of Corporate Support in Non-Profit Organizations
The involvement of successful business leaders like Randal Perkins in non-profit organizations highlights the crucial role that corporate support plays in advancing important social causes. This collaboration between the private sector and non-profit organizations can lead to significant positive impacts on communities.
Why is corporate involvement in non-profits beneficial? Corporate support brings several advantages to non-profit organizations:
- Financial resources to fund programs and initiatives
- Access to business expertise and strategic planning
- Expanded networks and potential for partnerships
- Increased visibility and credibility for the organization
The partnership between Randal Perkins and Lauren’s Kids exemplifies how business leaders can leverage their resources and influence to support crucial social causes, creating a ripple effect of positive change in society.
The Role of Board Members in Non-Profit Organizations
Board members like Randal Perkins play a vital role in the success and effectiveness of non-profit organizations. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise contribute to the strategic direction and overall management of the organization.
What are the key responsibilities of non-profit board members? Board members typically have several important duties:
- Providing strategic guidance and oversight
- Ensuring financial stability and responsible use of resources
- Advocating for the organization’s mission
- Leveraging personal and professional networks to support the cause
- Participating in fundraising efforts
By fulfilling these responsibilities, board members like Randal Perkins help ensure that organizations like Lauren’s Kids can effectively pursue their missions and create lasting positive impact in their communities.
The Intersection of Business and Philanthropy
Randal Perkins’ involvement with Lauren’s Kids showcases the growing trend of business leaders actively engaging in philanthropic efforts. This intersection of business acumen and charitable work can lead to more effective and sustainable non-profit organizations.
How do business skills translate to the non-profit sector? Many of the skills developed in the business world are highly valuable in managing and growing non-profit organizations:
- Strategic planning and goal setting
- Financial management and budgeting
- Marketing and public relations
- Leadership and team management
- Problem-solving and innovation
By applying these skills to charitable causes, business leaders like Randal Perkins can help non-profit organizations operate more efficiently and effectively, ultimately increasing their impact on the communities they serve.
The collaboration between successful entrepreneurs like Perkins and organizations like Lauren’s Kids demonstrates the potential for positive change when business expertise is applied to addressing critical social issues. This synergy between the corporate and non-profit worlds can lead to more innovative approaches to tackling complex problems and creating lasting social impact.
The Future of Corporate Social Responsibility
As more business leaders recognize the importance of giving back to their communities, the future of corporate social responsibility looks promising. The involvement of figures like Randal Perkins in organizations like Lauren’s Kids sets an example for other business leaders to follow, potentially leading to a more socially conscious and engaged business community.
What are the potential long-term effects of increased corporate involvement in social causes? Some possible outcomes include:
- Greater resources dedicated to addressing social issues
- Improved efficiency and effectiveness of non-profit organizations
- Increased public awareness of important causes
- More collaborative approaches to solving complex social problems
- A shift in corporate culture towards greater social responsibility
As this trend continues, it has the potential to create a ripple effect of positive change, inspiring more individuals and organizations to contribute their skills and resources to worthy causes.
The Impact of Disaster Recovery Expertise on Community Support
Randal Perkins’ background in disaster recovery through AshBritt brings a unique perspective to his work with Lauren’s Kids. The skills and experience gained in responding to natural disasters can be valuable in addressing other types of crises, including those faced by survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
How does disaster recovery expertise translate to supporting abuse survivors? There are several parallels between disaster recovery and supporting abuse survivors:
- Rapid response and immediate support
- Long-term rebuilding and healing processes
- Coordination of multiple resources and services
- Adaptation to individual and community needs
- Resilience-building strategies
By applying the principles of effective disaster recovery to the realm of abuse prevention and survivor support, organizations like Lauren’s Kids can develop more comprehensive and impactful approaches to addressing these critical issues.
Leveraging Networks for Greater Impact
Randal Perkins’ involvement in both the disaster recovery industry and child advocacy demonstrates the power of leveraging diverse networks for social good. By connecting different sectors and expertise, it’s possible to create innovative solutions and expand the reach of important initiatives.
What are the benefits of cross-sector collaboration in addressing social issues? Some key advantages include:
- Access to a wider range of resources and skills
- Increased visibility for important causes
- Opportunities for knowledge sharing and best practices
- Potential for more comprehensive and holistic solutions
- Greater ability to address complex, multifaceted problems
The collaboration between business leaders like Randal Perkins and organizations like Lauren’s Kids exemplifies how cross-sector partnerships can amplify the impact of social initiatives and create more effective solutions to pressing societal challenges.
The Role of Education in Prevention and Healing
Lauren’s Kids places a strong emphasis on education as a key component of both preventing childhood sexual abuse and supporting survivors in their healing journey. This focus on education aligns with Randal Perkins’ support of the organization’s outreach efforts through the “Walk in My Shoes” campaign.
Why is education crucial in addressing childhood sexual abuse? Education plays several vital roles:
- Empowering children with knowledge to recognize and report abuse
- Equipping parents and caregivers with tools to protect children
- Training professionals to identify signs of abuse and respond appropriately
- Raising public awareness to reduce stigma and increase support for survivors
- Providing survivors with information and resources for healing and recovery
By supporting educational initiatives like the “Walk in My Shoes” campaign, Randal Perkins and other board members contribute to creating a more informed and empowered community better equipped to prevent abuse and support survivors.
The Power of Mobile Outreach
The “Walk in My Shoes” campaign bus, powered by Randal Perkins’ support, exemplifies the importance of mobile outreach in spreading awareness and education. This approach allows Lauren’s Kids to reach communities across Florida, bringing vital information and resources directly to those who need it most.
What are the advantages of mobile outreach programs? Some key benefits include:
- Ability to reach underserved or remote communities
- Increased visibility and engagement through a physical presence
- Flexibility to adapt to different community needs and contexts
- Opportunity for face-to-face interactions and personal connections
- Potential for greater media coverage and public attention
By investing in mobile outreach initiatives, Lauren’s Kids can extend its impact beyond traditional boundaries, ensuring that its message of prevention, hope, and healing reaches as many individuals and communities as possible.
The Importance of Diverse Expertise in Non-Profit Boards
The Lauren’s Kids board, which includes Randal Perkins, exemplifies the value of bringing together individuals with diverse professional backgrounds and areas of expertise. This variety of perspectives and skills can significantly enhance a non-profit organization’s ability to address complex issues effectively.
How does board diversity benefit non-profit organizations? A diverse board can provide several advantages:
- Broader range of skills and knowledge to draw upon
- More comprehensive understanding of various stakeholder perspectives
- Increased creativity and innovation in problem-solving
- Enhanced ability to connect with diverse communities and supporters
- Improved decision-making through consideration of multiple viewpoints
The inclusion of board members like Randal Perkins, with his background in disaster recovery and business leadership, alongside others from fields such as law, retail, finance, and media, creates a well-rounded team capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by Lauren’s Kids and the communities it serves.
Leveraging Individual Strengths for Collective Impact
Each board member of Lauren’s Kids brings unique strengths and resources to the organization. For example, Randal Perkins contributes his expertise in rapid response and logistical support, while others like Beth Rosenstein bring retail industry connections and fundraising experience.
How can non-profit organizations effectively leverage the diverse strengths of their board members? Some strategies include:
- Matching board members’ skills to specific organizational needs
- Encouraging collaboration between board members with complementary expertise
- Creating committees or task forces that align with individual strengths
- Providing opportunities for board members to share knowledge and mentor others
- Regularly assessing and updating board composition to ensure a balanced skill set
By strategically utilizing the diverse talents and resources of its board members, Lauren’s Kids can maximize its impact and more effectively pursue its mission of preventing childhood sexual abuse and supporting survivors.
Our Team | Lauren’s Kids
Lauren Book, M.S.Ed. – Founder, CEO
Lauren Book, M.S. Ed, is an author, educator and internationally respected and renowned child advocate. As founder and CEO of Lauren’s Kids, Lauren seeks to create a world where the exploitation of children is not tolerated. She has been named a PEOPLE All-Star Among Us, L’Oreal Woman of Worth and is the recipient of a Congressional Medal of Merit for her tireless work to protect childhood as well as a member of the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet.
Ronald L. Book, P.A. – Chairman
Ronald L. Book is a specialist in government affairs and administration law, with a Juris Doctoral degree from Tulane University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida International University. An active participant in South Florida’s professional arena, Book is a trustee of the Council of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and sits on the Legislative Affairs and State Affairs committees. In addition to serving more than 20 community organizations, Book is a founding member of Lauren’s Kids. Mr. Book currently operates his own lobbying practice in Aventura and Tallahassee.
Board Members
Randal R. Perkins
Randal “Randy” Perkins is the founder of AshBritt, a Florida-based, international rapid-response disaster recovery and special environmental services contractor. He is an invaluable part of the Lauren’s Kids team, providing and powering the “Walk in My Shoes” campaign bus and enabling us to reach tens of thousands across Florida with our message of prevention, hope and healing. Randy holds seats on the Board of Directors of several national charitable organizations including Lauren’s Kids, and is very active in state and local charitable endeavors.
Manny Kadre
Manny Kadre is currently the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MBB Auto Group, a premium luxury retail automotive group consisting of Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar and Volvo dealers in New York and New Jersey.
Mr. Kadre also serves on the Board of Directors of two publically traded companies, Republic Services, Inc. and Mednax. In addition to serving as a member on the board of Lauren’s Kids, Mr. Kadre serves as a member of the University of Miami Board of Trustees (member of the Executive Committee, Chairman of the Finance Committee and a member of the Presidential Search Committee).
Charlie Fernandes
From honored Army veteran to founder of two businesses – which have since been acquired – to serving as officer and Vice President of a bank to valued Lauren’s Kids board member to dedicated husband to lovely wife Lisa, Charlie Fernandes has worn many hats in over the course of his life and career. Two things that have remained constant? His signature smile and sense of humor.
Keith Kenner
Keith Kenner is a managing member of Dade Media, a Coral Gables, Florida-based, diversified Out-of-Home Media Company with many nationwide media relationships. Keith is a graduate of CW Post College of Long Island University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and History and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA).
Keith is passionate about helping others and is proud to support Lauren’s Kids’ varied education and awareness efforts throughout the year.
Beth Rosenstein
Beth Rosenstein is the Trade Area Vice President of Bloomingdale’s for Florida and Georgia. Beth’s business acumen, kind heart, and eye for beauty have made her an invaluable member of Lauren’s Kids team, and she always makes sure Lauren looks – and feels – her best. In addition to serving on the board of Lauren’s Kids, Beth is an active fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Boca Helping Hands.
Rochelle S. Matza
Rochelle Matza is the President and Owner of Rochelle S. Matza, CPA, P.A., and the Vice-President of Treasury Management and the Director of Human Resources at Automated HealthCare Solutions LLC & Affiliates. In addition to being a tax and compliance wiz, Rochelle is an avid South Florida sports fan and serves on the board of several charitable entities including the United Way of Miami-Dade and PRIDE Enterprises.
Stanford Blake
Stanford Blake is a Circuit Judge in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in Miami, Florida (1995-present), currently assigned to the Family Division. Judge Blake has received numerous awards since being on the bench such as the Justice Gerald Kogan Judicial Distinction Award, The Thomas Davison III Memorial Service Award 2012, Florida Council of Crime and Delinquency Distinguished Service Award, 2012, League of Prosecutors 2010 Justice Award and many more. In 2012, in the Miami-Dade County Bar Poll, Judge Blake was rated number one with almost 99% exceptionally qualified/qualified rating — the highest rating ever achieved in this poll.
Bruno Dede
Bruno Dede is a loving family man, sports enthusiast and owner of South Florida powerhouse Metro Signs, Inc. As CEO and President of Metro Signs, Bruno’s larger-than-life graphics and signs can be seen on the court alongside the Miami HEAT at the AAA, on Dwayne Wade’s yacht and Lauren’s Kids ‘Walk in My Shoes’ tour bus.
A talented designer and businessman with a heart for others, Lauren’s Kids is lucky to have Bruno on our team.
Diane Philbin
Staff
Fudge Browne – Executive Director
Michele Watson – Project Manager
Ingrid Stuart – Administrative Assistant
Mary Brandenburg – Elementary School Education Lead
Suzanne Warner – Middle and High School Education Lead
Blythe Adreon – Director of Curriculum Expansion
Is Randy Perkins a Democratic Donald Trump?
Politics
Is Randy Perkins a Democratic Donald Trump?
Republicans question Florida candidate’s temperament to serve in Congress
Republicans are using similar language to attack Randy Perkins’ temperament and business record as Democrats are using against Donald Trump. (Al Drago/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
A super PAC is attacking a candidate as “unhinged” and “not fit” for federal office and is going after his business record.
In another group’s ad, a Vietnam veteran says the candidate’s behavior “sickens him.”
The candidate in question isn’t Donald Trump. He’s Democrat Randy Perkins, who’s running in Florida’s 18th District, one of this year’s most competitive House races.
Perkins made headlines last month when he told Republican opponent Brian Mast in an editorial board meeting with the Treasure Coast Newspapers that he wasn’t “man enough to stand behind [his] own ads.”
Mast is a double amputee who lost both legs in a roadside bomb explosion in Afghanistan. The Army veteran received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
Republicans have been attacking Perkins’ business record, trying to question his temperament and character in a way that’s reminiscent of Democratic attacks on Trump, the GOP presidential nominee.
The Congressional Leadership Fund launched its first TV attack on Perkins this week as part of a $2.1 million independent expenditure campaign in the district.
“They’re being meanies,” Perkins said in an interview this week about the Republicans attacking him.
“And the problem is I know so many of them.”
[Now a Democrat, Once a Republican?]
He has a history of donating to Republicans (for business reasons, he says), and joked about asking them to return his donations now that he’s under attack. Perkins didn’t register as a Democrat until filing for this race, and he served on an advisory panel for former Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s 2016 presidential campaign.
A Democratic Donald?
Even some Democrats compare him to Trump.
Perkins’ behavior during the editorial board meeting was one of the “worst displays” in recent American politics, said a Democratic strategist who works in Florida politics and volunteered the Trump comparison.
“Were they saying that in a good way or bad way?” Perkins asked when told of the comparison.
“We are two different people, I can assure you that,” he said of Trump. “But he’s clearly tapped into something in this country.”
“My temperament is exactly where it needs to be,” Perkins said.
“I’m angry and I’m frustrated,” he added, referring to GOP attacks that he said distort his record.
Before the editorial board meeting, Perkins’ lawyers threatened to sue local TV stations that didn’t pull National Republican Congressional Committee ads accusing Perkins’ disaster recovery business of “scamming” a local school district. Some stations pulled the ads and the NRCC revised some of its wording.
[Self-Funders Fight for Florida’s 18th District]
“What I’ve asked Brian to do is take ownership of the ads that the Republican Party and outside groups are running against me,” Perkins said. By law, Mast cannot coordinate with the NRCC or tell the committee what to do.
There’s a backstory to the editorial board exchange, Perkins said. Several days after Florida’s Aug. 30 primary, he called Mast to suggest they keep outside groups out of the race.
“I’ve told them from Day One to stay out of this race,” Perkins said about the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which backed him in the primary.
Perkins received donations from top House leaders like Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer and Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra.
But Perkins doesn’t need financial help. In fact, he received no contributions during the pre-primary reporting period. He’s almost entirely self-funding his campaign.
If Mast agreed to his proposal to limit outside groups’ attacks, Perkins said he promised to spend only what Mast was able to raise.
Asked about the proposal on Wednesday, Mast said he immediately distrusted Perkins, who has since run negative hits against him.
As for Perkins’ comments during the editorial meeting, Mast said, “You know, look, I’m a big boy. You’re not going to ruffle my feathers, but I would certainly say it was distasteful.”
Perkins says he values Mast’s service. “I salute him and he’s a hero in my book, but we have a race to run,” the Democrat said.
Strengths and weaknesses
National Democrats knew much of what they were getting when they rallied behind Perkins before the primary.
An April DCCC memo leaked in this summer’s cyberattack outlined Perkins’ strengths: his “rags to riches story” and his experience contributing to and working with Republicans would play well in a general election.
[Leaked DCCC Memo Offers Window Into Committee’s Candidate Research]
But the DCCC also called attention to his weaknesses, namely his past business dealings and his campaign’s tendency to make “sometimes erratic decisions.”
The memo, written well before the Aug. 30 primary, specifically warned that Perkins could be in for a tough race if Mast won the GOP nomination.
“He will be vulnerable to character attacks and will likely see a lot of outside spending,” the DCCC said of Perkins.
Mast has endorsed Trump but paints himself as a moderate Republican who will not join the Freedom Caucus and believes in man-made climate change.
He said he’s received vocal support from some northeastern congressional Democrats who have said they look forward to working with him.
