Joseph S. Grano, Jr., a visionary marketer, devoted mentor, and longtime Sarasota business leader whose company promoted numerous high-profile brands — from real estate and construction firms to restaurants and major events — died June 11 after a battle with cancer. He was 65.
Best known locally as the founder and president of Next-Mark, an award-winning marketing communications agency based in downtown Sarasota, Grano worked with a wide range of clients across industries including healthcare, hospitality, architecture, and the arts.
Many were household names around the region, including St. Armands Circle and the Sarasota Players. Other notable clients included the recently opened Sugar Champagne Bar, which quickly became the talk of the town thanks to its $150 minimum tab.
Next-Mark also played a key role in promoting Fresh Fridays, the wildly popular monthly block party series held in downtown Sarasota from October through June, with its season finale drawing another impressive crowd earlier this month.
Joe Grano recently celebrated his Sarasota company’s 20th anniversary
Before launching Next-Mark in 2005, Grano held top marketing roles at major healthcare and pharmaceutical organizations, building a 25-year career that included serving as chief marketing officer and vice president.
He earned his Master of Business Administration from Babson College in 1988 and eventually turned his corporate experience into entrepreneurial success, growing Next-Mark into an award-winning firm with a global client roster. Based in downtown Sarasota since 2010, the agency has earned more than 50 honors for its work in public relations, marketing, and advertising.
Grano’s gratitude for his family, team, clients, and the Sarasota community was evident during Next-Mark’s 20th-anniversary celebration in February, where he reflected on two decades of growth and connection, saying, “We have built more than just a company; we forged a legacy.”
JT Grano takes the reins, continuing his father’s legacy
Grano’s commitment to excellence and leadership will continue under the stewardship of his son, JT Grano, who has been named president, transitioning from his role as vice president after spending the past five years learning under his father and playing a key role in the agency’s expansion. JT Grano aims to maintain the legacy of Next-Mark while keeping the core values his father instilled in him.
“Our commitment to excellence and detail for all clients remains the pillar of our mission, and I look forward to continuing the success we have had over the last 20 years of serving not only our clients but the Sarasota community as well,” JT Grano said in a statement.
The Next-Mark team extends condolences to Joe Grano’s family. Visitation will be held at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, 40 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, on Tuesday, June 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. Joe’s funeral will take place at St. Thomas More Church, 2508 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 18.
Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Founder of Sarasota marketing firm behind beloved local brands and events dies at 65
Reporting by Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
