Sarasota, FL – Marketing and advertising entrepreneur Joe Grano, renowned for his work with clients ranging from Sarasota to South Africa, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, after a courageous five-month battle with cancer. Grano was 65 years old.
Grano was the founder of Next-Mark LLC, an innovative strategic marketing and advertising firm established in 2005 and relocated to Sarasota in 2010. The company has built a prestigious list of clients, including the City of Sarasota, DWYLA Landscape Architects, John Cannon Homes, and Comcast/NBC, among others. The announcement of Grano's passing was made by the firm on June 12.
During a celebration of the company's 20th anniversary in February, Grano reflected on the company’s successful journey. “We have built more than just a company; we forged a legacy,” Grano stated, emphasizing the strong relationships and impactful work the firm had accomplished over the years.
Grano's son, JT Grano, who has served as vice president, will now assume the role of president. JT Grano expressed his commitment to upholding the core values and legacy his father established, stating, “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.”
Joe Grano had deep-rooted connections in Western New York and New England. He earned his undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an MBA from the F. W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College in Massachusetts. Before founding Next-Mark, Grano held key executive positions in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and financial services, including roles as chief marketing officer at public health systems and vice president of marketing at a pharmaceutical technology firm.
Next-Mark LLC serves a diverse range of industries today, including healthcare, hospitality, and government. Notable clients beyond the local scene include LexisNexis and Nuance Communications. Outside of his professional life, Grano was actively involved with nonprofit organizations such as the Salvation Army and Boys & Girls Club, and he was a prominent speaker at national marketing and advertising events.
Visitation hours for Joseph S. Grano Jr. are scheduled at Toale Brothers Funeral Home in Sarasota on June 17, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. His funeral service will be held at St. Thomas More Church in Sarasota on June 18 at 10 a.m.
