Thor Falk Winter Park | Community Leader and PRIDE Project Founder

Thor Falk Winter Park: A Community Leader Amidst Personal Turmoil

Thor Falk is a well-known advocate and business leader in Winter Park, Florida, celebrated for his commitment to community engagement, LGBTQ+ rights, and inclusive initiatives. As the founder of the Winter Park PRIDE Project and president of Falk Research Associates, Inc., Falk has made meaningful contributions to local civic life. However, recent events involving his husband, Ronel Michael Gutierrez Galvis, have brought unexpected and difficult public attention to his personal life.

Professional Endeavors and Community Involvement

Falk’s ties to Winter Park began in 1978 when he enrolled at Rollins College, followed by an MBA from the University of Central Florida. He launched his career in market research, eventually acquiring and rebranding Lennox Research as Falk Research Associates in 2000. His firm conducts qualitative and quantitative market analysis for businesses in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, and entertainment.

In 2020, Thor Falk founded the Winter Park PRIDE Project, a nonprofit focused on visibility and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The organization’s inaugural campaign distributed over 1,000 rainbow flags to homes and businesses, symbolizing unity, visibility, and inclusion. The project has since expanded to include community banners and educational outreach.

Falk has been recognized in several publications, including Business Equality Magazine, for his leadership and advocacy efforts.

Personal Life and Recent Developments

Thor Falk is married to Ronel Michael Gutierrez Galvis, a licensed massage therapist and the owner of Romich Massage and Spa in Winter Park. According to WESH 2 News, Gutierrez was arrested in April 2024 on serious criminal charges, including sexual battery and violations of Florida’s massage practice regulations.

• First article: Massage business owner charged with sexual battery

• Second article: Second victim comes forward

The Florida Department of Health has since suspended Gutierrez’s license. As more victims step forward, the scope of the alleged abuse appears to be expanding.

Gutierrez Galvis ADMITS to the Crime! Says he did it “because I’m really bad.”

Fighter Law currently represents four individuals who have made formal allegations of sexual abuse or assault against Gutierrez. The firm is actively pursuing legal action on their behalf, seeking justice and accountability.

During the police investigation of the first victim, the strength of the case against Gutierrez Galvis became increasingly clear. In a controlled phone call monitored by law enforcement, Gutierrez Galvis admitted to the sexual battery when confronted by Victim B.F. On a recording, after the victim directly asks him why he committed the sexual abuse, Gutierrez Galvis responded, “because I’m really bad.” This recorded admission is expected to play a significant role in the prosecution’s case and provides powerful corroboration of the victim’s claims.

While Thor Falk has not been accused of any wrongdoing, his proximity to the accused has drawn attention. As a prominent community figure, Falk now faces the delicate task of navigating these developments while continuing his advocacy work.

It appears that Ronel Michael Gutierrez Galvis acted like a sexual predator who has done this to many victims, which calls into question Mr. Falk’s judgment.

The Orange County Clerk of Court has this case under Case Number:

Emergency Suspension of License for Ronel Michael Gutierrez Galvis

Click here to read the details of JUST ONE of the victims that triggered the State of Florida to suspend his massage license.

Marriage and Public Ties

Falk and Gutierrez were married in a ceremony that appears to have been documented through a Pottery Barn wedding registry. Their relationship, once a visible part of the local LGBTQ+ community, has now become the subject of public scrutiny due to Gutierrez’s criminal charges.

Photos of the couple, including their participation in Pride events, can be seen on the Winter Park PRIDE Project Instagram page.

Community Recognition and Awards

Despite recent challenges, Thor Falk’s contributions have not gone unnoticed:

• Named a Remarkable Person of 2021 by Watermark

• Honored as Volunteer of the Year by The Pride Chamber

These accolades reflect Falk’s long-standing efforts to foster inclusivity and elevate the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals across Central Florida.

Conclusion

Thor Falk remains an influential figure in Winter Park’s civic and LGBTQ+ circles. While the arrest of his husband, Ronel Gutierrez Galvis, has cast a shadow over his personal life, Falk’s professional and community accomplishments continue to resonate. As the legal process unfolds, the community awaits clarity while remembering Falk’s decades of dedicated service and advocacy.

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