William Raveis founded his eponymous real estate brokerage 50 years ago, in an office above a grocery store in his hometown of Fairfield, Connecticut. The company has since become a family-run business and one of the largest real estate brokerages in Connecticut, with a rapidly-growing presence on the west coast of Florida. The company now has 4,500 agents, 140 offices, and in nine states  Together, we talk about Bill’s humble beginnings and how he went from a desk-bound career at Westinghouse to real estate. We also speak about the lessons learned in the four books he’s written about business and real estate, and his 10 Noble Rules for Compassionate Leadership.   3 Takeaways: (06:30) Learn to delegate properly(10:15) Your job as a leader is to make others happy(20:15) Have a vision and an end gameTimestamps: (00:00) Introducing William Raveis and how he got started (03:30) The Agent was our customer (04:20) Handling growth (07:10) The Way of the Entrepreneur (09:10) Company culture (11:10) Growing up and having great parents (13:40) 10 Noble Rules for Compassionate Leadership (15:20) Bringing William Raveis Real Estate to Florida (18:20) William’s day-to-day (20:05) Leadership advice (22:30) Rapid fire questions Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

Erin Cigich has been with Sarasota-based web marketing firm Perform[cb] for 17 years. She has led the firm, now with 140 employees, through two different private equity investments and has overseen four acquisitions. The University of Florida grad has also become a thought leader in the niche space of affiliate marketing and cost-per-action advertising    Together, we talk about the tipping points at Perform[cb] and her role in steering the 22-year-old company through some big changes, and challenges. We also discuss a key lesson she learned in communicating transparently when making an acquisition and why a Mother Theresa poem remains an inspiration a decade after she heard it. And stay tuned for a fun Covid-era story about client calls, working from home and her four-year-old daughter’s interruption.  3 Takeaways: (16:20) There is not a one size fits all approach to making your team happy(19:15) What you spend years building could be destroyed overnight, build anyway(22:00) In business, things will always changeTimestamps: (00:00) Subscribe to the Business Observer (00:50) Introducing Erin Cigich, CEO of Perform[cb] (03:30) Changing internal operations during COVID (05:20) Being a CEO and mother during COVID (08:10) Leading the company through Private Equity acquisitions (10:30) Erin’s day-to-day (12:00) Leveraging AI to provide more value (14:00) How did you get into this line of work? (15:35) The best part of being a leader (15:55) Most challenging part of being a leader (16:35) What do you look for in leaders? (19:00) Leadership advice (21:30) Learning experiences in Erin’s career (24:30) Key mentors (26:45) Perform[cb] in 2024 (27:35) Rapid fire questions Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

Michael Davis helped build TerraCap Management into one of the largest commercial real estate fund management companies in Southwest Florida, where he sourced, evaluated and acquired more than $1.3 billion in real estate transactions and partnerships. In 2021, however, he faced something of an identity crisis mixed with what he called self-doubt, depression and anxiety. He overcame that and in 2023 he bought a real estate brokerage, Worthington Realty.     Together, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Michael talk about the go-go early days of his career and how he guided the business. They also spoke about Michael’s major life transformation — which remains ongoing — in response to his depression and anxiety. It involves music, walking — lots of walking — and more.   3 Takeaways: (13:00) Movement and momentum are powerful(18:50) There is more than one way to compete(23:00) Be yourself, all other positions are takenTimestamps: (00:00) Subscribe to the Business Observer! (00:33) Introducing Michael Davis, President of Worthington Realty (07:00) Michael’s life transformation and stepping away from Terracap (12:30) Going on a life changing walk (14:10) Books that made an impact (16:45) The path to Worthington Realty (21:00) What makes a great company culture? (22:45) Leadership lessons (25:15) Rapid fire questions Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

This week, we speak with Donald Suxho, co-founder of Global Sports Institute in Venice, a youth sports training facility with volleyball and pickleball courts. Prior to GSI, Donald was a decorated collegiate, Olympic and professional volleyball player. He was an All-American and national Player of the Year as a senior at USC and competed in two Olympics.  Together, we talk about Donald’s career in volleyball and what he overcame to make the U.S. Olympic volleyball team. We also discuss coaches and mentors he met along the way who taught him resilience, determination, grit and more.   3 Takeaways: (05:45) It doesn’t matter your background as long as you work hard(10:25) If you put in the work, opportunity will come(16:00) Lead by example and lift up othersTimestamps: (00:00) Subscribe to the Business Observer! (00:35) Growing up in communist Albania (03:10) Moving to America and getting a scholarship for volleyball at USC (06:20) Joining the US Olympic team (08:10) Making the decision to be a great athlete (12:20) Working at IMG (13:30) Learning lessons from sports and business (14:55) Leadership lessons from volleyball (18:10) Donald’s mentors (20:11) Starting GSI, a multisport training facility (22:10) Rapid fire questions Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

This week, we speak with Chon Nguyen, partner with The Proper House, a multi-unit Tampa Bay area hospitality company with brands that include the Rooster & the Till, Gallito Taqueria and the Nebraska Mini Mart. Chon also founded an IT services company, Newgentek, that's behind Fusionprep, a kitchen recipe software program for multi-unit restaurants.  Together, we talk about how — and why — Chon balances running business in two industries, the lessons Chon has learned in adapting to customer needs and what he looks for in employees and leaders.   3 Takeaways: (08:00) If you are growing your business, treat your processes like you are larger than you are(13:30) You don’t have to go ‘all in’ if your product is outstanding (20:40) Treat your team members with the same level of hospitality as you would treat customersTimestamps: (00:00) Introducing Chon Nguyen, serial entrepreneur (03:30) Chon’s entrepreneurial beginnings (05:40) Starting in IT (07:35) Excellent customer service, learning from books & listening to podcasts (11:20) Getting in the restaurant business (15:45) Challenges in entrepreneurship and diversifying (19:00) Characteristics of good leaders (21:00) Mistakes/failures (23:15) The value of Vistage (25:40) What's coming up for The Proper House? (26:50) Rapid fire questions Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

This week, we speak with managing partner of the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, John Martin. John’s humble beginnings started on a farm in Illinois. He grew up in a town of 1,000 with no stop light, but it did have a baseball field. He fell in love with baseball while listening to the Chicago Cubs on the radio. John went on to have a successful career in agriculture, working for several seed companies, and is still part of his family farm. In 2022, John became the managing partner of the Mighty Mussels. John takes leadership lessons from the farm and board room to Fort Myers. Here he uses his skills to create a family-friendly environment in the baseball stadium. Together, we discuss the future of the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, the leadership lessons he learned on the farm and in the corporate world, and how sometimes timing is everything. 3 Takeaways: (03:20) It is hard to get the ecstasy of victory to equal the agony of defeat(10:10) When your employees talk, listen(11:00) Don't tell them how to do the dirtiest job, show themTimestamps: (00:00) Introducing John Martin, Managing Partner of the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (03:40) John’s farm history and transitioning to Florida (06:15) What does a Managing Partner do? (07:50) What is the landscape of Minor League baseball? (09:45) What stands out as good leadership characteristics? (12:20) John’s mentors (13:50) Learning what NOT to do (15:45) Lessons learned and taking risks (18:20) What can we expect from the Mighty Mussels? (21:20) Rapid fire questions Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

This week, we speak with Owner of Coyote Ugly Saloon, Joanna Olsen. Joanna fell in love with Coyote Ugly one night as a patron when she was 24 years old. That fateful night led to a napkin deal allowing Joanna to bring Coyote Ugly to Atlanta. Since then, she has opened 4 locations across Florida, including Tampa, Panama City, Destin, and Daytona. Together, we talk about the importance of owning her own land, and the reason why the Atlanta location is no more. We also discuss overcoming hurricanes, caring for employees, setting the culture, and the successes that have kept the Tampa location in business for  21 years. 3 Takeaways: (04:30) Keep a good journal(20:05) Never take no for an answer(22:50) Ensure you have control over the direction of your businessTimestamps: (00:00) Introducing Joanna Olsen, Franchise Owner of Coyote Ugly Saloon (02:00) How Joanna became an owner of Coyote Ugly Saloon (04:20) Challenges of owning a bar (06:00) Hurricane Michael’s impact (09:00) Joanna’s journaling (11:00) How do you keep your culture at Coyote Ugly? (12:45) The importance of owning the building (15:10) What do you look for in leaders? (17:15) Learning from mentors (19:55) Advice for other entrepreneurs (21:15) Giving back to the community (22:10) Setbacks that stand out (25:20) What can we expect in 2024? (26:45) Rapid fire questions Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

This week, we speak with Mark Loren, founder of Mark Loren Designs. Mark is a goldsmith, silversmith, and platinumsmith who started his gallery in Fort Myers almost 40 years ago. Together, we talk about managing the waves of economic downturn, Mark’s best leadership advice, and competing with national brands. We also discuss lab grown diamonds and the impact they have on the industry. 3 Takeaways: (07:30) Being nimble might be the key to surviving an economic downturn(08:00) Become friendly with your local banker(11:20) Good leaders rise to the topTimestamps: (00:00) Subscribe to the Business Observer (00:30) Introducing Mark Loren, Founder of Mark Loren Designs (02:30) Getting started in Ft. Myers and tipping points over the last 40 years (04:40) Best parts of being an entrepreneur (06:20) How did you get through the difficult economic times? (09:40) How do you compete with national brands? (11:10) Characteristics of a good leader (13:10) Leadership advice (14:30) Balancing clients expectations with artistic style (16:00) Lab Grown Diamond Industry Update (20:45) Changing dynamics of the diamond industry (21:40) Advice for young entrepreneurs (22:30) What is coming up for Mark Loren Designs in 2024? (23:30) Rapid Fire Questions Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

Johnny Crowder likes to say that, in short, he’s a suicide/abuse survivor, TEDx speaker, Billboard-charting heavy metal musician and a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist. He’s also the founder of Cope Notes, a Tampa-based mental health platform that provides daily support to users in nearly 100 countries around the world. Now Johnny, who has  “YOU MATTER" tattooed across the back of his neck and "SAVE THEM" tattooed on his knuckles, is a sought-after speaker on mental health issues. And the ultimate accidental entrepreneur.  Together, we speak about the unique and unusual circumstances in Johnny’s life that led to Cope Notes, and how he has sustained the organization. (He constantly focuses on his north star — helping people.) We also talk about why cereal is important to Johnny — and which one is his favorite. 3 Takeaways: (06:00) You have skills that will transfer to entrepreneurship(08:00) Ask for help(17:00) The “3-year period of guaranteed loss”Timestamps: (00:00) Subscribe to the Business Observer (00:31) Introducing Johnny Crowder and Cope Notes (03:40) How did the Cope Notes come to be? (06:00) Steps you took to grow Cope Notes (09:55) Being curious (11:25) Where is Cope Notes currently? (13:00) What impact has Cope Notes had on its community? (16:35) Advice to young entrepreneurs (20:00) Johnny’s music career (22:20) What can we expect in 2024 from Cope Notes? (23:30) Rapid fire questions Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

This week we speak with Aysegul Timur, President of Florida Gulf Coast University. Aysegul was named president of Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers last summer — the fifth top leader in the 33-year history of the college. Timur is a first-generation college student who moved from her native Turkey to Naples 25 years ago. She joined FGCU in 2019, after working at Hodges University for nearly 20 years. Her name is pronounced (ah-sha-guhl, rhymes with Portugal; and tim-er, rhymes with glimmer.)    Together, we talk about how she pulled off a major feat: earned a Ph.D, raised her young family, built her career and learned English — all at the same time. We also discuss the leadership advice she gives to young students and the importance of mentors in her life and career.   3 Takeaways: (01:30) Calculate the opportunity cost of your time(14:40) Leadership is about influence(15:40) Communication is oxygen for an organizationTimestamps: (00:00) Introducing President Aysegul Timur and her biggest surprises of the first 10 months (02:45) President Timur’s Inauguration Day (04:10) Getting started as a teaching assistant (06:20) Learning English and immigrating from Turkey (08:20) How did your parents shape your work ethic? (09:50) Commuting from Naples to Tampa to get her PhD (14:15) What do you look for in leaders? (16:10) Leadership advice (17:15) Mentors (18:35) The importance of communication (20:35) Biggest challenges facing college presidents (23:20) Rapid fire questions Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

This week, we speak with Taylor Villegas, founder of Twelve Tables and Sunny Collabs, angel investor, podcaster, keynote speaker, and influencer. Taylor’s companies work with growth-stage startups and established brands on anything from strategic advice to one-off projects to longer marketing campaigns and more. Prior to these companies Taylor worked for a variety of other entities, including one of the largest contractors in the region and a real estate brokerage.   Together, we talk about Taylor’s unusual career path and how, and why, she changed directions. We also discuss Taylor’s “un-hustling” philosophy, how to build a business and career with the right balance between professional achievement and a fulfilling life and her advice for budding entrepreneurs.  3 Takeaways: (17:00) Don’t allow hustle to ruin harmony in your life(23:45) Feedback is the strongest form of care(27:30) You have to continually validate othersTimestamps: (00:00) Introducing Taylor Villeagas and Twelve Tables (02:40) The creation of Twelve Tables (04:15) Transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship (06:30) Getting started with breathwork (13:00) The creation and meaning behind Unhustled (18:30) Unhustled book, inspiration, and intentionality (21:20) How to collaborate more effectively (23:30) Giving good feedback (28:15) Where do you get your inspiration? (31:30) What can we expect from Twelve Tables in 2024? (33:00) Rapid fire questions Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

This week, we speak with Veronica Swiatek, founder and owner of Massage Studio. Veronica owns Massage Studio, with one location in downtown St. Petersburg and another location in South Tampa. She also owns retail stores in the Tampa International Airport and commercial real estate properties in the region. Together, we talk about Veronica’s career in restaurants and hospitality and how she took those customer service and work ethic lessons to launch her own businesses. We also discuss the importance of being a transparent leader and clear communicator with both employees and customers 3 Takeaways: (01:44) Get involved in the community and take advantage of you contacts(04:50) Just ask, what is the worst that can happen?(09:30) It is important for employees to understand the “why” behind decisionsTimestamps: (00:00) Introducing Veronica Swiatek, serial entrepreneur (02:44) How did you start becoming a business owner? (06:20) Leadership lessons from learned experience (08:40) What do you look for when hiring employees? (11:45) Setbacks that you overcame and asking for help (13:35) Who are some mentors and what you learned from them? (15:50) What does the day-to-day look like for you? (17:20) What can we expect from you in 2024? (19:34) Rapid Fire Questions Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

This week, we speak with John Miles, author, podcaster, keynote speaker and entrepreneur. John is the author of “Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life.” Prior to the book, John had a successful career in the U.S. Navy and Corporate America, with Dell and Lowe’s, among others.  Together, we speak about what drove John to leave his high-paying C-suite role to become an author and keynote speaker working with people on what it means to live a life fueled by passion and purpose. We also discuss the early morning encounter — it involved a gunman who broke into his house — that led to his life epiphany.  3 Takeaways: (01:50) “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation”(14:00) Successful individuals have a consistent pursuit of reinvention(19:45) Great leaders speak with their feetTimestamps: (00:00) Introducing John Miles and Passion Struck (03:50) Climbing the corporate ladder to Fortune 500 C-Suite Executive (06:45) Major life events that lead to Passion Struck (13:10) Leadership advice from Passion Struck interviews (18:20) Work-life balance (19:18) What makes a good leader? (23:55) Ski or be skied (25:55) Passion Struck in 2024 (28:00) Rapid fire questions Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

This week, we speak with Kristen Lessig-Schenerlein, founder of Koi Coaching and Consulting and Hannah McGowan, founder of Hannah McGowan Coaching.   Kristen and Hannah, each with independent coaching consulting firms, are teaming up to create a leadership coaching course and curriculum for nonprofit and for-profit professionals in the region.   Together, we talk about their diverging career paths that led them to their current passions and their big plans to help even more professionals. We also discuss the power of positive psychology and curiosity to become a better leader.   Instagram: @coreleadershipcoaching Email: connect@coreleadershipcoaching.com 3 Takeaways: (08:15) Leadership starts with self awareness(10:30) The reason you have a team is because your mission is larger than one person(15:20) Don’t get so defensiveTimestamps: (00:00) Introducing Kristen Lessig Schenerlein & Hannah McGowan (01:10) Koi Coaching & Consulting (03:00) Hannah McGowan Coaching (06:00) New initiative - CORE Leadership (07:30) Solving for the leadership gap (09:45) “I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious” (11:30) How does applied positive psychology get incorporated into Core leadership? (12:50) Memorable leadership advice (17:45) We bring our full selves to work (18:40) Memorable leadership learning experiences (23:55) Learning from mentors (27:15) Tell us more about CORE leadership (29:00) Rapid fire questions Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

This week, we speak with Michael Westafer, founder and CEO of Roger West Creative & Code. Michael founded the company, a full-service marketing agency, in 2007. The company recently merged with Digital Brew, an Orlando video production company, and will be run under a holding company called Roger & James, with a combined 45 employees. Together, we talk about how Michael founded and grew the business and some early challenges he overcame to scale and work with bigger clients. We also discuss Michael’s leadership style and how builds a culture of open communication at the company.   3 Takeaways: (03:25) It all starts with connections(11:40) You can learn as much from bad leaders as you can from good ones(12:35) It is hard to say “no” to projectsTimestamps: (00:00) Introducing Michael Westafer (02:00) What led to the founding and growth of the firm? (04:35) What were some key tipping points along the way? (05:55) What do you look for when hiring employees and leaders? (09:20) Tell us about EOS for your company (11:00) Learning from other leaders (12:30) What have you learned from running the company? (14:15) Company-wide goal setting (15:00) New announcement (16:00) What can we look forward to in 2024? (16:45) Rapid fire question Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

This week, we speak with Susie Bowie, CEO, The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation. Susie was named CEO of the foundation in March 2023. She was executive director of the Manatee Community Foundation before this new role, and has been involved with nonprofits in the area for some two decades. Together, we discuss Susie’s passion for leadership and facilitating environments in organizations that make people feel heard and valued. We also talk about what the Selby Foundation is up to next and how she’s addressing the challenges in her new job.  3 Takeaways: (05:55) Always be thinking about what you could do better(06:45) Empathy is a learned trait(09:35) Meet with anyone. None of us get where we are without other people.Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Susie Bowie, CEO of the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation (02:30) Tell us about your previous roles in the nonprofit sector (04:25) Growing up, did you always want to be involved in the nonprofit sector? (05:30) Being an empathetic leader & learning from Mr. Rogers (09:00) What is a piece of leadership advice that stands out to you? (11:50) Is there a failure you learned from in your career? (15:10) Goal setting (17:50) Mentorship & executive coaching (20:27) What is coming in 2024 for the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation? (22:05) Rapid fire question Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

This week we are speaking with Dan Bavaro, founder of Bavaro Hospitality. Bavaro Hospitality operates five Bavaro restaurant locations and a culinary commissary. The company has more than 200 employees in locations from Tampa Bay to Sarasota. Together, we talk about the challenges — and sometimes hilarious stories — in running a growing restaurant business for the past 15 years. We also discuss what Dan looks for in hiring and promoting people, how he got in, then got out of the retail sauce business and the dramatic saga of opening a location in downtown Sarasota.     3 Takeaways: (14:30) Cut products that are not part of the future.(20:52) 20% of your efforts should create 80% of your results.(23:40) Work in the business before you open your own.Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Dan Bavaro and Bavaro Hospitality (03:25) Sourcing the pizza ovens (05:45) The challenges of opening the Sarasota restaurant (11:12) The story of the Bavaro sauce line (16:00) What do you look for in managers? (19:38) What have you learned from Bob Johnson of Melting Pot? (21:40) What advice would you give someone who wants to start a restaurant? (24:00) What is going on in 2024 for Bavaro Hospitality? (25:12) Rapid fire questions Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

This week we are speaking with Jay Girotto, President of Farmland Opportunity. Jay founded Farmland Opportunity in 2009 after a career in tech on the West Coast of the country, including stints at Microsoft, Bain Capital, and multiple startups. Jay holds BA and MBA degrees from Harvard University. Farmland Opportunity manages a billion-dollar portfolio of row crop farms in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, with an eye toward creating efficiencies and leasing land back to local family farmers Together, we talk about how Jay was influenced to begin Farmland Opportunity. We also talk about his greatest role model and member of underappreciated Collins Commercial Avionics, his father, Jay’s involvement in TIGER 21, and his recent relocation to Sarasota.   3 Takeaways: (11:00) Know your fit(13:25) Understand the importance of long term relationships(16:10) There is a skill around preserving optionalityTimestamps: (00:00) Introducing Jay Girotto and Farmland Opportunity (03:30) Farmland Opportunity mission (07:25) Jay’s career in tech (10:00) Lessons from working at Microsoft (12:50) Jay’s leadership style (15:42) Advice you would give to a startup (18:00) Jay’s biggest mentor, his father, and innovation (21:30) Finding Sarasota (23:30) Jay’s involvement in TIGER 21 (26:20) Rapid fire questions Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

This week we are speaking with Nelle Miller, President and CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. Nelle has had two careers: one in business with technology and a focus on mergers and acquisitions. And another in nonprofits and philanthropy, in chairing boards and overseeing several nonprofits in Sarasota. She was named CEO of the food bank earlier this year.  Together, we talk about how she navigated challenges across her career, in addition to her personal why that motivates her to work with so many different nonprofits. We also talk about how and why she believes it’s crucial to prioritize employees’ wellbeing to build a great organizational culture. 3 Takeaways: (12:14) No one job on a staff matters more than any other(12:25) If you are going to be a leader, you have to be willing to do every other job on the staff(18:30) You never know what someone hears and what they don’t hearTimestamps: (00:00) Introducing Nelle Miller and All Faiths Food Bank (03:05) What does “ending hunger” mean? (04:15) What drew you to this role at All Faiths Food Bank? (06:00) How Nelle got into Interim-CEO-for-hire roles (09:00) What lessons about culture did you learn from the other organizations? (11:40) Nelle’s for-profit career in startups (14:30) Who are mentors that have stood out throughout your career? (16:50) What do you look for in a good leader? (19:05) Checking ego at the door (20:40) Anything coming up in 2024? (21:55) Rapid fire questions Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

This week we are speaking with Greg Zolkos, President and CEO of Atlas Professional Services. Greg founded Atlas in 2006, after heading up Information Technology for a large concrete company in Tampa. Atlas now provides IT and related technology services for companies across Tampa Bay and in Florida.   Together, we talk about how and why building a great company culture and place to work has long been a priority — to the point where the Atlas office is so cool two Atlas employees got married there. We also talk about lessons in leadership and management, and the metrics Greg and Atlas use to both reward employees, and, when necessary, hold them accountable.   3 Takeaways: (15:30) Have visible KPIs for your employees(19:30) You have to be sure not to outgrow your service capabilities(23:20) You cannot have a short term outlook on relationshipsTimestamps: (00:00) Introducing Greg Zolkos and Atlas Professional Services (03:15) How does Atlas differentiate itself? (06:25) How did you get into this work? (09:08) Why is a strong company culture important? (15:10) How do you hold people accountable? (19:20) How to not outgrow your service capabilities? (25:25) Rapid fire questions