Cole Caruso founded the Community Resource Network of Florida, Inc. in 2009 when a similar organization had to close its doors because it was no longer able to provide for people who so desperately relied on the services they were receiving. Rather than see those people go unserved, Cole quickly developed CRN and poured his heart and soul into making it work for those who need it.

In 2011, Cole was approached to take on a struggling Life Skills Program providing daily schooling for 45 people in Cape Coral. Rather than turning down the extra work, he again stepped up and answered the call to serve those in need. That program now serves 100 people with disabilities each day, providing training so that they may join the workforce and become productive members of the community. The same situation happened again in 2013 with a Life Skills Program in Charlotte County. That program has grown from 40 to 100 individuals served daily.

Under Cole’s leadership, the company has grown 20-30 percent annually each of the last three years and provides support for more than 500 people with disabilities from Marco Island all the way to the Tampa Bay area. Community Resource Network of Florida Inc. is driven to help and advocate for individuals. Cole built the organization on the belief that every person should have access to individualized services to enhance their quality of life so that they may thrive at home and in the community.

Cole’s goal is to expand the organization’s reach so that it becomes the first choice for anyone in need. Still, Cole wants everyone behind the organization to remain true to their commitment to individualized, compassionate care, which is at the heart of who they are.

Cole is a dedicated businessman but loves to travel, often visiting Los Angeles and New York City, and anywhere on the water, at the beach, or on an island. He plays dad full-time to two adorable Yorkies, Samantha and Preston James, and he enjoys spending time with his family in Sarasota.