Casselberryian Podcast - Mike Thomas - Growing Up In Casselberry

In this episode of “Casselberryian,” host Ken Casselberry Dickson interviews Mike Thomas, owner of MT Design & Fabrication and a lifelong Casselberry resident whose family represents three generations of life in the city. Thomas recounts how his parents arrived in Casselberry in 1969, his early childhood divided between Germany and Florida while his father served in Vietnam, and growing up in a quieter community surrounded by orange groves, woods, bicycles, and neighborhood gathering places such as Seminole Plaza and the old movie theater. He reflects on what has changed, what remains familiar, particularly the Casselberry Golf Club, and how the city’s parks, pathways, lighting, and neighborhood connections have improved. Thomas also shares how his career in design and fabrication led to projects for Universal Studios, Nickelodeon, Orlando nightclubs, South Florida venues, and Loews Hotels, as well as his decision to bring his business home to Casselberry. His story connects family history, creativity, local business, and the experience of raising another generation in the community where he grew up. 00:00 Finding Casselberry 00:11 Show Intro and Guest 01:03 Family Move and Vietnam 02:10 From Germany to Casselberry Schools 03:04 Growing Up in Old Casselberry 05:14 Military and German Roots 06:12 How Casselberry Changed 07:03 Golf Course Time Capsule 09:29 Raising a Family and City Parks 11:30 Hibbard Casselberry’s Vision 12:48 Building MT Design & Fabrication 15:15 Bringing the Business Home 16:42 What Makes a Casselberryian? 18:30 Wrap Up and Thanks