Laurie Verme graduated from Brockport State University with a

Bachelor’s Degree in Science and started her career as a cardiac nurse.

Turning twenty-two, she became Assistant Head Nurse at Huntington

Hospital in the cardiac unit. After seven successful years working for the

hospital she turned to her father, Jay Verme, wanting to pursue

something bigger for her career. Jay jokingly told her “If you want

great,go for the greatest and apply to McDonalds?” and so, she did.

Through hard work, dedication and guidance from her parents, Laurie

built her career in food service as an multi-award winning McDonald’s

owner/operator in Long Island, N.Y.

 

In 2007, Laurie was awarded the NAPEW ( National Association of

Professional and Executive Women). The NAPEW, is the largest,

most-recognized networking organization of professional women in the

country. NAPW members have diverse backgrounds, beliefs,

perspectives and lifestyles with one common bond – their ability to

succeed. NAPW's mission is to provide an exclusive, highly advanced

networking forum to successful women executives, professionals and

entrepreneurs where they can aspire, connect and achieve. Through

innovative resources, unique tools and progressive benefits,

professional women interact, exchange ideas, advance their knowledge

and empower each other.

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It was time to leave Long Island and move to Florida. After living on the

east coast for several years, Laurie and her daughter landed on Sanibel

Island, FL. Sanibel was a “dream come true” as she always wanted to

live on this beautiful, tranquil Island. A business opportunity became

available in 2017, and Laurie jumped at the chance to own a business

on this Island but to live there too.

 

Laurie grew up on the Shores of Long Island. Her father, being a

bayman, saw many changes throughout his years. One change in

particular were the dolphins swimming in the Long Island Sound until

the water became unfit. As a Sanibel business owner and resident in

2018, she encountered an “apocalyptic” red tide that caused an algae

bloom outbreak that led to a devastation of aquatic life across

southwest Florida’s shores. In 2022, she experienced the destruction of

Hurricane Ian. As a result, Laurie has become an advocate for the

conservation of our coastal ecosystems, and has given back to the

Captains for Clean Water organization.