Our 4 Pillars

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Josh Giddings is the founder of Hype Local, a community-driven platform created with one simple goal: to shine a spotlight on the incredible people, businesses, nonprofits, and hidden gems that make the Treasure Coast such a special place to live, work, and play.

What started as a passion for getting out into the community, trying local restaurants, visiting small businesses, and sharing their stories quickly grew into something much bigger. Through countless conversations with business owners, Josh discovered that many were facing similar challenges—marketing, visibility, growth, and finding the right connections. Drawing from his years of business experience, he found himself naturally helping entrepreneurs brainstorm ideas, develop strategies, and identify opportunities to grow their businesses.

Today, Hype Local serves as a platform to celebrate local success stories, connect people with great businesses, and strengthen the community through collaboration and support.

Beyond Hype Local, Josh is the owner of The Giddings Group, where he helps families, investors, and business owners navigate the mortgage process and build a strong financial foundation for their future. He is passionate about education, empowering clients with knowledge, and helping people turn their dreams of homeownership and investment into reality.

Josh is also deeply committed to giving back. He volunteers with Dogs and Cats Forever and WE DO GOOD, and frequently serves as an emcee and community advocate for local nonprofit events. Whether he's helping raise funds, bringing awareness to important causes, or connecting people with resources, Josh believes that strong communities are built when people come together to support one another.

His mission is simple: support local, give back, build relationships, and help others succeed.

Community. Connection. Collaboration. That's what Hype Local is all about. 💙🌴✨

Melanie Ladouceur is a co-founder of Hype Local, community advocate, entrepreneur, and owner of Bootlegger Event Services. Passionate about supporting local businesses, nonprofits, and community initiatives, Melanie believes that strong communities are built through meaningful connections, collaboration, and a commitment to giving back.

Known for her outgoing personality and ability to bring people together, Melanie loves highlighting the people and stories behind local businesses while helping organizations gain visibility and grow. Through Hype Local, she combines her passion for networking, marketing, and community engagement to help showcase everything that makes the Treasure Coast unique.

Community service is at the heart of everything Melanie does. She proudly volunteers with Dogs and Cats Forever, serves on the Leadership Board for the Indian River State College Promise Program, participates on the Events Committee for United Against Poverty, serves on the Events Committee for Treasure Coast Children's Museum, and volunteers with WE DO GOOD. She is passionate about supporting causes that strengthen families, empower students, assist veterans, and improve the lives of both people and animals throughout the community.

When she's not creating content, attending events, or supporting local causes, you'll likely find her behind one of Bootlegger's mobile bars, volunteering at a fundraiser, or helping businesses discover creative ways to connect with their audience and grow their impact. And if she's not working, there's a good chance she's out snorkeling with her bestie Angela—better known as the "Water Babes"—exploring Florida's beautiful waters, or testing out the latest local brews, whether that's a craft beer or a great cup of coffee from a local favorite.

For Melanie, Hype Local is more than a platform—it's a movement dedicated to celebrating local businesses, supporting nonprofits, and bringing the Treasure Coast community together. 💕🌴✨

Angela Kacprowicz is a co-founder of ConnectSphere, and co-owner of Guaranteed Garage Doors & Repair - We Live Here We Give Here®️  -With a passion for helping people and building meaningful relationships, Angela is dedicated to supporting local businesses and strengthening the Treasure Coast community.

As a business owner, she understands the challenges entrepreneurs face and believes that collaboration, networking, and community involvement are key to success. Through Hype Local and ConnectSphere, Angela enjoys connecting with fellow business owners, discovering local hidden gems, and helping shine a spotlight on the people and organizations that make our community special.

Angela's commitment to the community extends far beyond her business. She serves as a Board Member of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce and Vice President of Young Professionals of Martin County, where she helps create opportunities for professionals and businesses to connect, grow, and thrive. She is also actively involved with Impact100 Martin, supporting its mission of empowering women through collective philanthropy and meaningful community impact.

When she's not serving customers or creating connections in the community, Angela is always chasing her next adventure. She loves exploring local markets and small shops, discovering new foodie spots, spending time at the beach, snorkeling Florida's beautiful waters, and making memories with her family. And of course, her four-legged sidekick, Stella the Shar-Pei, is never far from the action and is one of her favorite adventure companions.

Angela believes life is all about adventure, connection, and community—and she's passionate about helping make the Treasure Coast an even better place to live, work, and play. 💚🌴✨

Lazim Chowdhury,  is the Managing Partner of GreatFlorida Insurance Fort Pierce. GreatFlorida Insurance Fort Pierce, proudly serving individuals, families, and businesses throughout the Treasure Coast. With a passion for building relationships and protecting what matters most, Lazim is dedicated to helping clients make confident insurance decisions while delivering exceptional customer service and personalized guidance.

Known for his commitment to education and advocacy, Lazim believes insurance is more than just a policy—it’s about providing peace of mind and helping people prepare for the future. His approach centers on understanding each client’s unique needs and developing customized solutions that align with their goals, lifestyle, and business objectives.

Before entering the insurance industry, Lazim pursued a career in aviation, where he developed a deep appreciation for precision, communication, and safety. He remains passionate about aviation, particularly Air Traffic Control, and holds a Private Pilot License. The discipline and attention to detail he learned through aviation continue to influence his professional approach today.

Through Hype Local, Lazim enjoys connecting with fellow business owners, supporting local events, and helping strengthen the network of businesses that make the Treasure Coast such a vibrant community. He firmly believes that when local businesses support one another, everyone benefits.

When he’s not helping clients navigate their insurance needs, you’ll likely find him embracing his alter ego, “Captain Lazim.” A true lover of the water, Lazim spends much of his free time boating, exploring Florida’s beautiful waterways, and enjoying adventures with family and friends. Whether charting a course for a day on the boat or discovering a new destination along the coast, life on the water is where he feels most at home.

Lazim’s mission is simple: to protect, connect, and contribute—helping build a stronger, more resilient, and more connected Treasure Coast community. 🌊⚓✈️💙🌴