ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) – She’s ranked by Forbes as one of the most powerful business women in the world. There is no doubt that Mindy Grossman is a force to be reckoned with.
She is the CEO of St. Petersburg-based HSN, a $4 billion retail operation that includes the Home Shopping Network and a catalog empire featuring brands like Ballard Designs, Frontgate and Chasing Fireflies, to name just a few.
But, it’s not just making money that makes Grossman tick, giving back is at the company’s core.
“Whether it’s our employees, our partners, our customers, they care and they want to be able to do business or be part of a company who has generosity at the fundamental foundation of who they are,” she said.
That’s why Mindy Grossman launched HSN Cares.
It supports everything from UNICEF on a global level, to the Tampa Bay Heart Walk on a local level, and a lot of other things in between.
The heart part is personal for Grossman because of her mother.
“Oh my gosh. She had her first attack at 50. She needed quadruple bypass surgery when she was about in her late 60’s and it was debilitating her whole life,” she said.
“I know how it affected our family. How it limited us from doing things and it limited her to share in and appreciate so many of the things we could have done….I just don’t want that to happen to other people if it doesn’t have to.”
Last year, the HSN team raised more money for the Tampa Bay Heart Walk than any other team in Florida, $350,000. And this year, they expect to top $400,000.
“It’s not just about raising funds, raising awareness is just as important,” said Grossman. And if that means sitting in a dunk tank to spread the word, Mindy Grossman is game. After all, the HSN tagline is, “It’s fun here.”
“I think that individual story is really what makes a difference, because saying that you want to eradicate heart disease and stroke is a very big goal and very important, but telling that individual story, whether it’s a child, your sister, your mother, your friend, that’s what has meaning, that’s what personalizes it and that’s what people understand.”
Remember that the Tampa Bay Heart Walk is coming November 7th at Raymond James Stadium, and we want you on Our Side! Go to WFLA.com/heartwalk to join our team or donate.
More stories about Tampa Bay Heart Walk & why it’s important-
Tiny Patients Hold Special Place in Heart of Pediatric Nurse
TGH Nurse Suffers Heart Attack, Changes Lifestyle
Countdown to the Heart Walk: Stacie’s Story
The Heart Walk: Josh’s Story