FMBGN-BIZ-Tunaskin-Rising from the Tide: How Tuna Skin Rebuilt After Hurricane Ian
Pull up a beach chair and dive into an inspiring conversation with Ben Duval of Tuna Skin Greetings, a Fort Myers Beach business that embodies the resilience and community spirit of this beloved coastal paradise.
Ben shares the quirky origin story behind the Tuna Skin name, born from a fishing trip in the Florida Keys where the founders noticed tuna's unique skin-like appearance. What started in a garage has blossomed into four retail locations across Florida's most beautiful coastal communities. While many might dismiss them as "just another t-shirt company," Tuna Skin has woven itself into the fabric of Fort Myers Beach through environmental stewardship and community engagement.
When Hurricane Ian brought 14 feet of storm surge crashing through their flagship store, Ben and his team transformed devastation into opportunity by completely redesigning their space. This experience prepared them for future hurricanes, turning what was once a 90-minute hurricane prep meeting into a confident 15-minute checklist. "We've been there, we've done that, we got the t-shirt," Ben reflects with the characteristic resilience of a coastal business owner.
The podcast reveals how Tuna Skin's annual Beach Keepers Club has grown from a modest 80-person cleanup to a community celebration attracting over 400 volunteers, complete with live music, food, and camaraderie that extends long after the official event ends. This initiative now spans all their locations, with Ben emphasizing that these events should inspire year-round environmental consciousness: "The one day should remind you why you should be doing it continually."
As a fourth-generation Floridian who once left paradise only to return with renewed appreciation, Ben brings authentic perspective to his business philosophy. With 80-85% of their merchandise made from recycled plastics and partnerships with organizations like Keep Lee County Beautiful and Mote Marine, Tuna Skin demonstrates how local businesses can align profit with purpose.
Whether you're planning your next beach vacation or simply drawn to stories of community resilience, this episode showcases how one business is preserving paradise while creating products locals wear with pride. Follow Tuna Skin on social media to discover their upcoming events or visit one of their locations in Fort Myers Beach, Siesta Key, Bonita Springs, or Key West to experience this unique blend of fashion and
community spirit firsthand.
Tunaskin Aquatic Apparel
Ben Duval
1300 ESTERO BLVD.
FORT MYERS BEACH, FL
(239) 747-2230
Ft Myers Beach-Good Neighbor
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