The Old Northeast has it all for Dodd and Heather Disler. They’ve been here for three decades now, purchasing their first home together in 1996 and later building their current home in 2009. Blessed with two children, Katelyn (22) and Blake (20), they’ve put down roots in the community. 

Heather was born and raised in St. Petersburg and often says, “It’s like living in paradise. People come here for vacation every day, and we’re blessed to live here.”
Dodd was born and raised in Zionsville, Indiana, just outside Indianapolis.

How did they meet? “We met while attending the University of Florida,” says Heather with a smile. She was in her junior year and Dodd was in his senior year. A match from the start, Dodd even lobbied his parents to stay an extra year to earn a second major so they could graduate together in 1994. That decision turned into a marriage that has now spanned 30 years and a life built squarely in St. Petersburg.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing from the University of Florida, Dodd completed accounting coursework at USF. Later he earned his MBA from UF, and is currently a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Registered Investment Advisor (RIA).

Dodd spent many years in banking and corporate finance, including 18 years as Chief Financial Officer and later Chief Operating Officer at FAULHABER MICROMO. His career included advising on investments, acquisitions, and company sales, extensive international travel, and service on global corporate boards. In 2017, he founded Sagace Wealth Management, named after a word inspired by his travels in Italy.  Navigating investments, taxes, estate planning, business transitions, and life changes is what he does best.

Heather earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health Science Education from the University of Florida, a Master’s in Library & Information Science from USF Tampa, and a second Master’s in Educational Leadership from USF St. Petersburg. She currently serves as a Campus Library & Tutoring Director at St. Petersburg College.

Previously, Heather worked as a Library Media Specialist in Pinellas County Schools and as an Executive Management Consultant at Accenture, where she traveled weekly to client sites, including ExxonMobil Chemical in Houston and AT&T in New Jersey. She also led international training initiatives in Brussels, Belgium.

As for Katelyn, she graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida with a degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Health Disparities. She currently works as a Clinical Coordinator for a medical practice and will be attending medical school this fall.

Blake Disler is a finance major in the College of Business at the University of Florida. He was accepted into the Master’s in Finance combined degree program at UF and plans to graduate in May of 2027.

When not working, time together as a family and with friends is well spent. Each member of the family has their own interests as well.  Dodd enjoys staying active. You can find him playing golf, exercising, traveling, and reading. As for Heather, she enjoys pounding the pavement as an avid runner. A self-described fitness enthusiast, she also likes frequenting gym classes. To unwind, she likes bunco, golf, mahjong, reading, and attends book club. 

Katelyn also likes to read (just like her mom). Biking, walking, and visiting coffee shops are also activities that she loves. Blake prefers physical activity instead. Soccer, pickleball, basketball, and water sports are his go-tos.

As a family, everyone likes to root for the Florida Gators! You can find them enthusiastically cheering them on at football and basketball games. 

Ask the Dislers what they love most about the neighborhood, and the answer comes easily: the lifestyle. The towering oak trees. The architectural variety where no two homes are alike. The walkability. The proximity to the waterfront and North Shore Park. Both Heather and Dodd are runners and regularly start their mornings along the bay, greeted by sunrises, wildlife, and daily reminders of why they chose this neighborhood decades ago.

Community traditions seal the deal. From the Easter Egg Hunt at Coffee Pot Park and the Fourth of July Children’s Parade to Halloween nights when neighbors go all out and December evenings lit by luminaries guiding Santa’s sleigh through the streets.

The Dislers have been active members of the community for many years. The entire family has volunteered at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, with both Dodd and Heather serving on the Vestry Board. They have also coached youth soccer and volunteered extensively in their children’s schools.

Both Heather and Dodd had the rare opportunity to participate in the U.S. Navy’s Distinguished Visitor (DV) Program, an invitation-only experience for community leaders to gain firsthand insight into Navy operations. Dodd participated in 2017 after being recommended by Heather’s brother-in-law, Chris Carter, who served 24 years in the U.S. Navy. The following year, Heather was nominated as an educator and selected as one of only two women to attend.

Each had the unforgettable experience of landing on an aircraft carrier at sea and witnessing the professionalism and dedication of U.S. service members. “We have so much respect and admiration for all who serve our country,” they share.

Another meaningful tradition is running the annual Skyway 10K. Heather and Dodd have participated since the race began. The event has raised more than $2.6 million for the Armed Forces Families Foundation, supporting military families nationwide.

We are honored to feature the Disler family in this month’s issue. This tight-knit family is looking forward to meeting new neighbors, discovering new experiences, and continuing to build lifelong memories in the community they call home.