EVOLVE Editorial Board Member Mike Jiloty Remembered
by Kymbrough Zurstadt
Friend . Mentor . Servant . Father . Brother . Even “ supportive , kind and extremely funny .” These are just a few of the words that describe Mike Jiloty , who left us on Christmas
Day . Mike ’ s outstanding career began in the 1970s in a bank marketing department up north . He moved to Florida in 1977 to accept a new marketing position and later managed an Orlando advertising agency before opening his own firm locally , Jiloty , Shipley & Associates , in 1980 . The firm became Jiloty Communications in 1986 and operated until 2002 . At that time , Mike became president of Lord & Lasker / Florida in Ormond Beach . During his time in the Daytona Beach area , he and his team won hundreds of industry awards , including many Gold and Silver ADDY awards from the American Advertising Federation .
Mike was active in the community and held various volunteer leadership positions , including posts with the United Way of Volusia-Flagler , the American Advertising Federation- Daytona Beach and the FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools . He was a former member of the Board of Directors of the Daytona Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and former Vice Chair of the Advanced Technology Center . Mike was also a graduate of the Leadership Daytona , Class XIV .
The list of organizations that have honored Mike and the awards he had received goes on and on . Since 1963 , American
Advertising Federation ( AAF ) -Daytona Beach has been honoring advertising and marketing greats who are also pillars in the community . Mike was a past recipient , joining a list of honorees that includes Jim Benedict , Tippen Davidson , Tony Welch and Mike Panaggio .
“ Mike brought an important piece to our editorial board ,” said John Guthrie , EVOLVE Editor . “ Mike had developed so many relationships and was truly focused on shining a light on success in the community . His knowledge of the area , professionalism and friendship will be missed , but his contribution to our community will be remembered .”
In addition to his many accomplishments and roles , Mike was also a licensed pilot . When providing words of encouragement , Mike often counseled with an old aviation principle he was taught ; “ No matter what happens , just fly the plane .”
Mike will be remembered for his positive impact on our community , his kind spirit , his willingness to teach and lead and his loyalty , generosity and integrity . I think most will agree , Mike will go down in the books as a local legend .
A special contribution to EVOLVE , written by Kymbrough Zurstadt , a member of the EVOLVE Content Team and a long-time friend and former colleague of Mike Jiloty .
| 28 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE