TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Leidel Wants To Make Highlands Better

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

David Leidel is a financial advisor at Highlands Independent Bank. He helps people use their money to achieve their goals.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sue Ann Carpenter

Published: December 10, 2007

SEBRING –– David Leidel takes his responsibility as a citizen seriously by getting involved and working within a group with similar goals to better Highlands County.

Leidel received his bachelor's in business administration from Stetson University in 1998. Afterward, he moved to Sebring to open the Lake Placid office of the investment firm Edward Jones. In 2004, Leidel was hired by Highlands Independent Bank to open its trust and brokerage department.

Each morning he can be heard on 105.7 FM doing a live market commentary.

"Most people overreact to the bad economic news they hear, but if you step back and look at the big picture, there's lots of good news," he said. Leidel remains positive no matter what business cycle we're in. He believes there will always be issues, but right now is the best time to buy a home.

Currently, Leidel is president of the Sebring Noon Rotary. When he sees bright students through their Interact Club at Sebring High School and Heartland Christian, he is rejuvenated because of their leadership potential. Although he knows some will graduate, go to college and find jobs elsewhere, some will stay here. Leidel believes in cultivating their leadership to benefit the community.

"If they can understand power and the ability to make changes and improve, they will have an impact."

He's also president of the Board for the Highlands County YMCA. He feels sure their capital campaign fund goal of $1.2 million to build an aquatic center will be reached by January. They'll be able to provide swimming, scuba diving, master swim classes, water aerobics and a splash pad for kids.

"The construction guys deserve a big thank you," he said, "They've cut costs, donated labor, equipment and even a crew. Considering current conditions, it's almost sacrificial."

When he participated in Leadership Highlands in '06, he learned what drives the community and was able to get involved and make a difference.

Leidel not only serves on the Stetson University Alumni Board, but was recently appointed to the South Florida Community College District Board of Trustees. He feels honored because of the impact SFCC makes upon the community. He's also a member of Sebring Firemen Inc., a local group that raises money for youth athletics with Bullistic, the county fair, etc. All the money raised is given to local athletic teams, whether it's equipment or helping to send a player to camp.

What Leidel finds most fulfilling is the involvement in groups that raise money for youth activities.

Leidel feels fortunate. He enjoys his work, has a great family to go home to and is able to see his parents who live in Sebring on a regular basis. Leidel and his wife are both certified scuba divers and enjoy that activity together.

He enjoys living in a smaller community.

"It's easier to network and really get to know people better," he said.

At home, his wife, Michelle, is an accountant who presently takes care of their 3-year-old daughter, Taylor, and 18-month son, George "Trip" III.

In a combination of residency and distance learning, Leidel plans to receive his MBA from Auburn University in May.

"That will free up more time to spend with my family."

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT