Nancy Krohngold  - Class of 1969

According to an article written by Jack Littman-Quinn in YourObserver.com, Nancy Krohngold, founder of Nancy's BBQ, is easily one of Sarasota's stand-out people. Born outside Cleveland, Ohio and raised in Sarasota, just mention her name and smiles appear on people's faces. Self described as a former student at Suffolk College Law studying Contract Law; a single white Jewish woman making Bar-B-Q; a left-leaning political and news junkie; a student of social media; a reader of books on business and branding; a dog lover!

Nancy’s geographic and career path before launching Nancy’s Bar-B-Q in 2004 was truly roundabout.  Following college, (BA in Political Science, George Washington University) Nancy took turns at secretarial work, sales (life insurance, industrial maintenance chemicals and personnel placement), restaurant kitchen and server work, law school and graphic design before opening her first “BBQ joint” on the corner of Ringling Boulevard and South Pineapple.

Nancy’s interest in BBQ started with an article she read in the NY Times. The article, THE CHEF: CHRIS SCHLESINGER; Barbecue? You Could Do It in Your Sleep, really piqued her interest. She decided to give the 14-hour recipe a try, and that was it. She was hooked on preparing authentic North Carolina barbecue.

However, Nancy wanted to come up with a rub that was hers. She recruited people along the way to taste and give her their feedback. One thing led to another, and before long, she was taking orders for pulled-pork dinners, doing some catering, and selling pulled-pork sandwiches from a cart at various events around town.

Nancy recalled that she wanted to have a fast, casual type of restaurant; a fun place where all are welcomed. She was approached by Mark Caraguilo, who suggested they do a partnership. They agreed, and the idea became Nancy's BBQ; the barbecue joint you see today located on South Pineapple Avenue in the Burns Square. For the sixth year running, Sarasota Magazine has recognized Nancy’s for "BEST BBQ”!  Embolden by the popularity of her downtown restaurant, she opened Li'l Nancy's at the Ranch on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch.

When you think of Nancy Krohngold and Nancy’s BBQ, you not only think of fun, but you also think of community. Nancy once commented that, “I feel the community supports our business, and in turn, our business supports the community. The type of food we offer has a broad appeal, therefore, we are often approached by community organizations to participate in their events. We do so and often times will donate part of the proceeds for the day, or provide gift cards or catering as part of a silent auction”.

Nancy supports such groups as Healthy Start. Senior Friendship Centers, Animal Rescue Association of Manatee and Family Promise of Sarasota, to name a few.

Gary Sprinz - Class of 1969

Gary Sprinz, a RHS Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame inductee from the Class of 1969, operated Gary Sprinz Sales, Inc. and Sprinz International, Inc. for 35 years. The organization specialized in the sales and product development of men’s and women’s sportswear and golf apparel. Sprinz International represented numerous manufacturers and importers through the years and successfully marketed to major retailers and independent stores around the country. Some major customers included Beall's, Belk Stores, JCPenney, and the Mercantile group. Gary assisted in product development and merchandise production inspections in many countries, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
    As a Riverview student, Gary Sprinz was involved in numerous clubs and organizations. He served as Sports Editor of the Ram Page and a columnist for the school paper. He served as Student Congress president and played baseball. As a senior, Gary was recognized as a Senior Notable for Best Leadership.
    Gary Sprinz later served two terms on the Riverview Foundation. He participated on City of Sarasota advisory boards, Chamber of Commerce committees, local environmental boards, the Sheriff's Citizen's Law Enforcement Academy, Leadership Sarasota, and twelve years as a Big Brother.  

    As her apparel sales career was winding down, Gary Sprinz taught Law Studies at Riverview High.  Gary was also inducted into the RHS Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his support for various RAM sports programs and his contribution to area athletics, especially basketball.