Celebrating couples who elevate each other and our community.

In this special feature, Style Magazine celebrates nine extraordinary couples whose lives and relationships embody what it truly means to be a “power couple.” These dynamic pairs support one another individually, but together, they amplify each other’s strengths, achieving even greater impact and influence as a team. Each couple is a force for good on their own, but what stands out is how many more lives they touch by combining their talents, passions and dedication.

 Whether at home, in the community, or inspiring future generations, these couples are united by a shared commitment to each other and to their community. For them, the path is made richer by having a partner they can trust and thrive alongside, finding joy in facing life’s challenges together. From creating safe spaces for children to flourish in the arts to advocating for community growth and well-being, their influence stretches across Central Florida and beyond.

 We’re shining a spotlight on these couples not only for the change they bring individually but also for the amplified difference they make as a team. In this issue, you’ll get an inside look at their pursuits, how they build each other up and how they turn their shared visions into realities that benefit countless others. This feature is our tribute to the power of partnership, resilience, and shared purpose, and to the remarkable potential of these nine couples whose combined strengths make an undeniable impact on our world, starting right here in our own backyards in Lake and Sumter Counties.

Attributes of Power Couples

Power couples thrive by complementing and supporting each other in ways that amplify their success. In interviewing the couples we talked to, here are some key attributes they’ve shared that set them apart:

Shared Vision: Aligned goals and values help power couples support one another’s ambitions and work toward a common purpose.

Mutual Respect: They appreciate each other’s strengths, embrace differences, and communicate openly to navigate challenges.

Complementary Strengths: Different skill sets complement each other, allowing power couples to tackle challenges from all angles.

Resilience: They handle adversity together, reinforcing their bond and deepening their commitment through tough times.

Supportive Partnership: They build each other up, offering emotional and practical support to thrive both individually and together.

Adaptability: Power couples are flexible, evolving together as they adjust to changes and navigate transitions.

Passion for Growth: They inspire each other to improve and grow, constantly pushing each other to be better versions of themselves.

Husband-and-wife team takes center stage, inspiring students to shine.

For nearly 20 years, Jennifer and Angelo Caponi have touched the lives of countless young performers across Central Florida through their passion for the arts.

While interning for his teaching degree in 1999, Angelo created the fun classroom identity, “Caponi’s Cannolis,” and it stuck. When he got his own 4^th grade classroom at Minneola Elementary Charter School in 2002—where he met Jennifer, a kindergarten teacher—students proudly identified as “Cannolis,” a name that remains special to them today. When Jennifer and Angelo married in early 2005, she adopted the same idea for her students.

Later that year, the couple launched Caponi’s Cannolis School of the Arts, an afterschool program offering show choir and theatre classes.

 “At that time, there wasn’t any type of theatre or arts classes in many elementary and middle schools, so parents always requested his (Mr. Caponi’s) class because of the extra stuff he did with the kids, Jennifer says. “That’s what made us think to start our business.”

When they first started their program, it was just them directing and producing shows, plus designing costumes and sets. They’ve since grown from offering two classes to six and have acquired a talented staff with an amazing costume designer, two creative stage managers and five other directors, vocal coaches and choreographers—many whose children are current or former students.

“We are so grateful for our amazing team and the theater family we have all created. It has really become a safe space for so many kids and parents and we are so proud of that,” she adds.

Today, Caponi’s Cannolis students perform musicals during spring and summer camps, sing the National Anthem at high-profile sporting events for teams like the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Braves, and perform sets at iconic venues like Walt Disney World, Universal, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and more. The Caponis believe the arts foster teamwork, discipline, fun, confidence and self-expression.

“Our goal is to help kids find their voice, on stage and off,” Jennifer explains.

Jennifer, a local actress and certified health coach, directs their middle school performance group. Angelo directs the show choir, performs Sinatra-style at weddings and various local venues and serves as the K-5 music teacher at Minneola Elementary. During the past 20 years, he has produced more than 120 children’s musicals, drawing huge audiences made up of proud parents, friends and family members.

Both agree the most rewarding part of their work is seeing the impact on students.

“It’s amazing to watch these kids grow and so rewarding when they and their parents come back and tell you that being in our group really helped them,” Angelo says.

“You feel so proud seeing these kids in their happy place, seeing them shine,” Jennifer adds.

Together, the Caponis are responsible for inspiring countless students, creating memories and building lifelong skills—all while raising two beautiful children of their own.

The group—nearly 20 years strong—auditioned for America’s Got Talent and many students have gone on to pursue theatre and perform in college, professionally and beyond. As the Caponis continue to share their love of the arts, their legacy as a power couple committed to enriching their community, their students’ lives and shaping future performers is undeniable.

This true love match proves that timing is everything.

Rob and Holly Nichols were practically neighbors growing up around South Lake County and never knew it.

They were even Facebook friends for years and had no idea each other existed or who made the connection. It took a chance encounter in 2016 to bring them together when they were both at personal crossroads.

“I was at an after-work gathering with my sister at the Outback Steakhouse in Clermont,” Holly says. “It was the first year I participated in the Bras for a Cause fundraiser, so I was asking for donations and it seemed like a great excuse to approach him.”

Rob, a professional musician, gladly handed over $100 and hoped that they would connect again.

“I was just hanging out with a friend before a show and this tall, gorgeous woman approached me and I didn’t mind; I probably would have given her my entire wallet,” Rob says.

A couple of days later they were sitting together on the sands of Cocoa Beach, a regular escape for Rob.

“We talked about everything that day,” Holly says. “We pretty much laid it all out there because with our kids, homes and careers already set, it was important to know that it was real so we could get things in order.”

They have been sharing their lives ever since and even though they are extremely busy with separate careers and opposite hours, they make it work.

For example, Holly still works at a corporate job and runs two businesses but makes it a point to show up to as many of Rob’s gigs as she can.

“I always want to be there to support him but let’s face it, he’s really handsome and very talented so he has a lot of female fans,” she says. “It also says a lot about his character that he wants me there.”

From Rob’s perspective, having Holly anywhere by his side makes him proud.

“The pride I have is not just at my shows,” he says. “Whether we are out of town or we walk into a restaurant here locally, no matter where we go, the majority of the focus is on her and I eat it up.”

Cultivating success, from farming to finance.

Jonathan and Ana Germeroth are a living definition of the word success.

This dynamic duo lives life at 100 mph and loves making a difference in their community.

The couple is all in on Lake County. Both had successful careers and their accomplishments have only grown since they became a couple. Their mutual respect, drive and passion are obvious.

“Being born and raised in Lake County, this is home, a place to live, raise my family and support our community,” says Jonathan, who is the director of business development for LJF Holdco, general manager for Lake Jem Farms, vice president of the Lake County Farm Bureau and vice president of the Lake County Fair Board.

“As a 2011 Leadership Alumni, I have found my passion in working within the community,” adds Jonathan.

Ana immigrated from Romania, a communist country.

“My family took hold of the American Dream of entrepreneurship and never looked back,” Ana says. “For the past 25 years, I have built my foundation in the real estate and financial industries. I currently am a licensed real estate broker, mortgage broker and recently obtained my insurance license. Next on the list is title agent license as we continue to streamline our businesses.”

Together, the Germeroths are a force to be reckoned with. Blending a family of seven children and multiple businesses and creating the perfect balance of work and play has been an incredible journey.

Jonathan and Ana successfully built The Living Mortgage Group in 2022. From that foundation came Germeroth Realty, Cure Construction and True-Turf.

“Vertical integration has been key to the success of all of our companies” Ana explains. “Creating an avenue for first-time home buyers is our passion and we continue to improve our processes to make the buying experience easier for our clients.”

With such busy lives, what is their secret to balance?

“Our relationship does not come second to business and business does not come second to our relationship,” Jonathan says. “It is a balance that is required when you have two people passionate about each other and succeeding in our goals.”

Staying grounded together keeps these hospitality innovators flying high in Tavares.

Hillary and David Perry got married in 2001 and moved to Ocoee from upstate New York after they graduated college in 2003.

“We grew up in the same small town, but he was a bit older than me,” Hillary says. “We became a couple my senior year and have rarely been apart.”

They credit their strong relationship to a solid foundation, respect for one another and complementary personalities.

“David is the risk taker and I’m the one who likes to stay in a comfort zone,” Hillary says. “It works because we’re both hard workers and trust each other, so being business partners doesn’t get old or in the way.”

The couple had daughter, Mila, in 2004 and continued their Florida journey working in different professions; Hillary was a kindergarten teacher for Orange County Public Schools and David used the construction skills he learned from his developer father to tap into an industry almost exclusive to Central Florida.

“I ended up working for a successful company building aquariums and tanks for SeaWorld, themed restaurants and mansions for the ultra-wealthy,” he says.

David eventually found contract work crafting metal sculptures and furniture and through those connections was paid handsomely to build structural art for theme park companies. In 2020, the couple had a rethink.

“I’d been teaching for the better part of two decades and was ready for another adventure,” Hillary says. “And David wanted to design, as well as build, for our own projects.”

They set their sights on opening bars and restaurants in Tavares and used their individual skillsets to start their tiny empire.

“We always wanted to be in Lake County, so we targeted Tavares because it reminded us of where we grew up,” David says. “It’s a destination with so much potential.”

With Nautilus Coffee Co., Ironworks Steaks and Fine Cocktails, The Argonaut Bar and Lounge and Poppy’s Ice Cream underway, they are ready to open their latest project: The Citrus, a nearby boutique hotel.

Family and Faith Build a Lasting Legacy.

Togetherness works for Dean and Teresa Simmons.

That’s no surprise since they’ve been perfecting it for many years.

Teresa was born and raised in Eustis. Dean was born in Illinois and moved here in 1973. After meeting at Lake-Sumter Community College in 1981, they married in 1985, meaning they’re about to celebrate their 40^thanniversary.

Dean has been in the printing business for decades, starting in 1980 with Lake News, a weekly publication. In 1998, he and Teresa bought into Ford Press, Lake County’s largest commercial printing plant, which opened in 1957.

“Together with our business partner Rich Kelley, we started modernizing the presses and getting into the digital aspect, but we still have our original sheet-fed presses,” Dean says.

Faith and family are integral to the couple. Son Dean is married to Brooke Akers and son Austin is married to Aubrey Akers. Those marriages have blessed them with grandkids Grady, 6, Joelle (Jo-Jo), 3, Nora, 2, and Nolan (born September 2024).

“Our life revolves around our family and now our grandkids. We are blessed they live so close to us,” says Teresa, or NiNi, as the grandkids call her.

On a typical weekend, the extended family gathers at their country home to swim, hang out and have dinner together. Everyone loves Dean’s chicken marsala, which he makes from scratch.

They enjoy golfing, fishing and boating. Family traditions enrich their time together, including baking with their grandkids and Facetiming.

Dean and Teresa are active in giving back to their community, including donating printing projects for local fundraisers, foundations and Combat Veterans to Careers, a local organization.

Dean serves on the foundation board at Advent Health Waterman Hospital. He also plays main roles in the Scott Strong Foundation, Greg Padgett Foundation, and Rob Phillips Foundation. “They were three of my closest friends and I want to keep their memories alive,” he says.

How does a couple succeed at being married for 40 years and working together for decades?

“We don’t share an office, and we try to leave work at the office when we come home,” Teresa says with a smile.

Shaping Education and Lives in Lake County.

Couple Turns Love and Dedication into a Life of Service.

Transforming lives and building hope, one family at a time.

Pastor Brian and Allison Broadway are the heart and soul behind Living Message Church and the nonprofit Find, Feed, and Restore, an organization dedicated to helping families with children experiencing homelessness.

Lifelong friends aren’t surprised Brian and Allison run a Christian charity. Both were raised in the church. In fact, they met there.

Since their 2001 wedding and move from Dix Hills, NY, to Clermont, FL, in 2004, they have transformed hundreds of lives in Lake County.

After attending various local churches, Brian and Allison felt a calling to start their own. “We believe that faith should have function,” Brian explains. “There’s a purpose or a work that we should do to share that faith, not just in our words, but also in our deeds.”

With that mindset, they founded Living Message Church on four key biblical principles: outreach, discipleship, fellowship and prayer.

Outreach is central to the church’s mission. Before gathering the first congregation, the Broadways were already out in the community, walking alongside those in need, helping with job searches and writing resumes.

They soon realized that finding employment wasn’t enough. The cost of housing in Lake County was rising at a staggering rate that created a gap between wages and rent that left many families struggling to afford a roof over their heads. It was during one of their outreach efforts that Brian met a family living in a car, with a young girl sleeping in the back seat while her parents worked. That heartbreaking encounter became the spark that ignited Find, Feed, and Restore.

“We knew we had to do more,” Brian recalls. The Broadways’ goal was simple: house one family at a time and encourage other organizations to do the same. Starting small, they converted a donated travel trailer into a temporary home for the family, and their daughters Hannah and Grace helped with cleaning and preparing the space. They quickly realized they needed to think bigger to meet the growing demand for affordable housing.

Brian, a visionary and self-proclaimed dreamer, and Allison, the meticulous administrator, combined their skills to scale their efforts. Brian began teaching himself grant writing through YouTube videos, determined to find funding for their mission. “We started small, winning $5,000 and $10,000 grants,” he says. “But as we learned and grew, those grants became bigger, and today, we’ve secured $1.2 million in funding to build our first housing community.”

This pocket community—Hannah Grace Gardens—located on Myers Boulevard in Mascotte, is an ambitious project of eight homes designed to provide affordable housing to families in need. The Broadways envision the mini community as a model for future developments and a resource hub where families can access financial literacy programs, mental health counseling and pathways to homeownership.

“As a mother, I know it’s super important to make sure that your children have a safe place to live, so it’s very fulfilling to help families accomplish that,” Allison says. “But the need just keeps getting greater, so we’re always looking for opportunities where we can do more.”

Since 2015, Find, Feed, and Restore has helped house 326 people, including 109 currently in their program. Over 70 of these individuals are in no-cost housing. The remaining 49 are in low-cost housing.

“I believe God has a purpose for all existence and I know that what I’m doing is what I was born for,” Brian says. “Every time I see a family or a child that needs help, it’s a constant drive to say, ‘We have to do something, we can do more. Let’s figure out new patterns and ways that we can be effective and stretch our dollars and donors to really change lives.”

Their outreach is expanding beyond Mascotte and will eventually include properties in Leesburg and Fruitland Park, where they recently moved 21 families into permanent housing. With plans to expand even further, the Broadways continue to be inspirations of hope for families struggling with homelessness.

Together, they’ve built a legacy of compassion and action, showing how one couple’s strength, vision and heart can truly make a difference.

“I feel excited and humbled at the same time to be able to do something that we’re so passionate about and I wouldn’t change it for anything else. It’s an honor that God has allowed us to do this,” Brian says.