The Positive News Team

Brigitte Lang

Founder, Publisher, Happy Herald Newspaper

Founder, Broker, Happy Herald Realty

Born: Toronto, Canada (Florida since 1982)

When: December 26

Interests: Travel, Nature, Theater, Movies, Concerts, Life-Enriching Activities

Family: Life-Partner, 2 GREAT step-children

In 1995 Happy Herald came from an overnight vision so profound it attracted the right people and circumstances to create a unique and beneficial publication. While mainstream newspapers report rapes, murders, crimes and financial doom and gloom, our readership grows while they continue to dwindle. We are South Florida's Positive Living & Entertainment Guide and have grown to over 1/4 million readers.

My most profound realization is that nothing, not even the most advanced technology, is as powerful as people working together toward a shared goal. It is because of the commitment of more than 50 passionate employees/writers, 1/4 million readers and loyal advertisers that the vision of spreading positive news has unfolded, changing lives and inspiring the best in us all. I’m proud to be the founder and publisher of a paper fueled by the talent, passion and warmth of the positive news people at the Happy Herald.

From a second vision in 2008 Happy Herald Realty came to fruition. Our real estate division is managed by our Broker-Salesman Gabriel Palotas with over 25 years experience in real estate and financing. The Real Estate market has devastated many and Happy Herald Realty is here to be of service to those of our readers who reach out during these difficult times. As with difficult markets there are also many "opportunities of a lifetime" in residential and income-producing real estate we can guide you to when you are ready.

Steve Fier

Director of Marketing, Sales & Distribution

Born: Brooklyn, New York (Florida since 1980)

When: January 9

Interests: Martial Arts, Fishing, Weightlifting

Relationship/Family: Married with two children, Ryan & Jennifer

Since selling the very first ad for the Happy Herald in 1995, it has been my profound pleasure participating in its growth to what has become one of the most successful, well respected and enjoyed newspapers in South Florida. I am very proud to be part of a group of like-minded and talented team players working so diligently with a set goal of continuing to make the Happy Herald the #1 Positive News Source in South Florida. One of the things I like best about theHappy Herald is the family oriented and caring environment it fosters. My wife Holli and I are proud parents to two beautiful children, Ryan and Jennifer and we all look forward to many more years growing with the newspaper especially when our children are able to read the upbeat stories.

Steve Sandford

Advertising Executive

Born: Trenton, New Jersey

When: April 13

Interests: Latin & Ballroom dancing, movies, theater, nightclubs. Avid Los Angeles Dodger & Green Bay Packer fan.

Since October 1981, I have experienced all the business growth expansion through the 80´s, 90´s & 2000´s here in south Florida while working in the newspaper and magazine industries. My position with the Happy Herald Newspaper is to help develop successful/prosperous advertising campaigns for new and established businesses to reach our over 1/4 million readers from Ft. Lauderdale to Jupiter, Florida.

Shawana Bridgers

Assistant: Office/Administrative/Sales

Born: Newark, NJ (In Florida since 2000)

When: September 15

Interests: Computers, dancing, movies & spiritual reading

Relationship/Family: My mom (Willa Mae Bridgers) lives in East Orange, NJ and my Brother (Gregory Bridgers) lives in South Orange. NJ.

My mom is a HUGE inspiration in my life and she plays a big part in creating the person I have become. Thanks Mom. My brother is a beautiful person. He teaches me to just keep things simple. I love him dearly. I have a BA in Finance and my job consists of Accts. Receivable, Accts. Payable, Creating Classified Ads, Assisting: The Publisher (Brigitte Lang), Director of Marketing and Distribution (Steve Fier), Telemarketers, Appointment Setters, Advertising Executives nd Production/Design Layout as well as the customers.

I started at the Happy Herald Newspaper in 2008 and it has been a rewarding experience to be a part of a great team. It's awesome working for a paper that delivers positive living and uplifting stories for our readers. My job is to deliver excellent customer service and participate in continuous growth for the company and I love it.

Al Lehman

Advertising Executive

Born: Chicago, IL

When: April 14

Interests: Church events, riding motorcycles, movies and a new fan to NASCAR

Relationship/Family: Happily Married with Children

As my Happy Herald 1st year anniversary approaches I ask, "Where did the time go?" It must be true, time flies when you are having fun. Meeting new people, networking and working with an awesome group of people tops it off, and on top of that they pay me. I love what I do and am proud to be part of a newspaper that delivers such positive news.

Ron Levine

Advertising Executive

Born: Baltimore, MD

When: August 4

Interests: Politics, Golf

Relationship/Family: Married, 2 Daughters, 4 Grandchildren

It seems like I’ve been a salesman my whole life. After moving to Florida from New York I started working for Happy Herald Newspaper selling Advertising. It was an easy transition for me. Each day is different. Each day I meet new and interesting people and provide them with good and honest service and a great newspaper product.

Ali Guerra

Production, Design & Layout

Born: Venezuela

When: February 18

Interests: Movies, music, computers, reading, traveling. I also have a great passion for cooking and am always trying new recipes.

Relationship/Family: My brother Raul and my two sisters, Karina and Thaiz are always supportive and remind me every day how important family is.

I have a BA in Graphic Design. I came to Florida in 2003 and with passion and extensive experience worked in the culinary arts industry while going to school to obtain my Master's degree in Graphic Design. After that I worked with several companies and various projects until I became part of the Happy Herald family. It is wonderful to be part of a team that brings such positive news to our readers. I enjoy bringing the most modern and creative design to our readers each month.

Sherry Friend

Classified Ad Sales

Born: Texas

When: July 2

Interest/Hobbies: Swimming, Gym, Beach Walks

Family/Relationship: One child

It is GREAT to work with people who feel lucky to advertise in the Happy Herald. Our publication shows people how well-designed advertisements get great, long lasting results. Happy Herald appeals to very positive, healthy oriented people who want to know about the best companies and individuals who offer great services. Being a very happy, health oriented person who keeps a very positive attitude makes me even happier to work with Happy Herald newspaper.

Gabriel Palotas

Real Estate Broker / Office Manager for Happy Herald Realty

Born: Budapest Hungary

When: August 4

Interests: Art Design, Music, Travel, Write a Monthly Newspaper Column on Florida Real Estate

Relationship/Family: Have a daughter and two grandchildren.

I like to take conservative calculated risks. It keeps me active and involved. Try to stay fit and healthy.
Enjoy all kind of water sports.Enjoy family events and get togethers. Love to socialize and make new friends. Can cook up a great Goulash and glad to share the recipe

I think Florida is just the perfect place for me. Sun and carefree beaches can keep a simple man quite happy.

Testimonials:

"The City Commissioners oft he City Of Fort Lauderdale proclaimed December 13 , A Gabriel Palotas Day. For his dedication and concern for the City of Fort Lauderdale.

Annette Sweet

Happy Herald Realty Agent. Loan Mortgage Originator

Born: Washington, D.C.

When: December 25

Interests: Kayaking, tennis, hunting for and collecting porcelain

Relationship/Family: Husband Gabriel Palotas, Grandkids, Tory and Alex and mother-in-law, Eva. My step-mom Joan lives in Orlando and I have you younger sisters. The youngest has an 8 yr. old, (my nephew) Cameron and live in Broward. The other lives in Burbank, California with her husband. I have been in the mortgage, ttile and real estate industries for over 30 years.

Lorraine Williams

Calendar Editor

Born: Winnipeg,Canada (Florida since 1992)
When: May 5
Interests: Reading, family, travel, horseback riding, sewing, art, music
Relationship/Family: 2 children (adult)

I have been the calendar editor at the Happy Herald for approximately 7 years and very much enjoy my association with the paper. I like the people and have learned a lot about computers.