Here at A Paradise we have such a talented crew – many of whom you’ve probably met over email, in our office, or if you’ve stayed at one of our properties. You may not realize that there’s also a whole team of people behind-the-scenes who keep this ship cruising smoothly… and we like to think of this ship’s captain as our Director of Maintenance. Meet the man who makes it all work and is always serving with a smile, Al Harsar.
Al’s journey to Anna Maria Island began like many of yours – on a family vacation! Al was Born in Rapid, South Dakota but his father’s Air Force career meant a move to Lorain, Ohio where Al would spend most of his formative years. To get their tropical fix, young Al and the Harsar family would visit Anna Maria and its surrounding areas.
Al has always had a knack for outdoors activities and beautification. Gardening, landscaping, painting, woodworking, carving, building ponds and waterfalls are some of what he enjoys most. In the Summer of 1984 Al was even a groundskeeper at Selby Gardens where he had the opportunity to help create and build waterfalls and ponds.
While back in Ohio, Al started his landscaping business. Putting his passions to work and quite literally laying the foundation of his future here. In 1997, he married his lovely wife Missy. After one of their many vacations to AMI and a 4 month stay in paradise, they decided to make it official and moved to the area in 2007.
A fan of all water sports, boating, and fishing – Al and Missy (and their furry four-legged child) just love living in paradise! A member of the local Moose Club and an active member of our community, we can’t imagine AMI or our team without him. In fact, he has just celebrated his 5th year with A Paradise where he gets to use his talents and passions daily!
When asked what makes him happiest about his job, he replied “When given a task from the customers/clients and I was able to resolve or make it all happen… nothing is better than to see them smile with thanks”.
Speaking from the A Paradise family, Al can do it all and he not only helps with all that is needed for the business, he also helps us all! Always ready to help with outreach programs and events…Al is well known in the community and we couldn’t be more thankful to have him in our A Paradise family!