From the Corner Office

Fostering business success with 26 West Entrepreneurship Center Director Kim Richmond

Kim oversees the entrepreneurship center at the State College of Florida, where she works with and guides entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, founders, and aspiring founders. Prior to that Kim worked in branding and marketing for several iconic American brands, including Sears, Kraft Foods and FAO Schwarz, where she had profit and loss responsibility for up to $2 billion. In 2006 she founded her own marketing, branding and digital strategy firm, richmondmarketing+communications. 
Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Kim talked about how Kim navigated the early parts of career, in Corporate America, with an emphasis on taking risks, resiliency and curiosity. They also talked about how and why Kim changed gears in her career four years ago, to mentor startup business owners. And listen for the fun stories about when she worked for iconic toy brand FAO Schwarz.   
3 Takeaways:
(04:45) Leaders have to articulate and inspire towards a vision
(06:00) It’s not enough to just maintain the business
(14:50) Integrity, honesty, and curiosity are non-negotiable
Timestamps:
(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!
(00:50) Introducing Kim Richmond and 26 West
(02:20) Kim’s career and growing into leadership
(05:10) Learning from leaders
(07:40) FAO Schwarz and selling to a hedge fund
(11:00) Hiring actors as retail workers and marketing magic
(14:32) What do you look for in leaders?
(16:55) Guaranteeing success
(21:00) What is coming for 26 West
(23:55) 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.
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Mentoring young minds while growing your business with Golden Road Advisors principal Kevin Caldwell

A sixth-generation Floridian, Kevin founded Tampa-based Golden Road Advisors, a registered investment advisor firm, in 2021. Prior to Golden Road, Kevin was a financial advisor for wealth management companies in the area, including Morgan Keegan and a decade with Raymond James. A proud University of Florida alum, Kevin also helped launch the school’s wealth management studies program and teaches a class on finance at the school.   
Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Kevin spoke about his mindset on helping mentor and guide the next generation of financial industry leaders — a key, he says, is to avoid making broad judgements and generalizations about Gen Z and millennials. Kevin also talked about the values he believes every leader should have. And stay tuned for some rapid fire questions with a distinct Gator theme. 
3 Takeaways:
(08:25) You can’t hire someone unless you are willing to take responsibility for their family
(13:45) Build the job you wish you had in the industry
(14:10) Start with the end in mind and work backward
Timestamps:
(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!
(01:20) What is Golden Road Advisors?
(02:00) Going out on his own, it’s about starting
(04:45) Teaching at UF and hiring Gen Z
(09:10) Building an apprenticeship program
(11:40) Kevin’s experience working with Gen Z
(13:20) Advice for other businesses hiring Gen Z
(16:15) What have you learned as an entrepreneur through this apprenticeship program?
(19:50) Where will you be in 3-5 years?
(21:15) 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.
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Guiding teams on a path to success with Education Foundation of Sarasota County CEO Jennifer Vigne

Jennifer has been at the helm of the foundation, which supports and enhances the Sarasota School District’s public education system, since 2015. Prior to joining the foundation Jennifer worked in banking, real estate, fundraising and more. 
Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Jennifer talked about the mission of the foundation, including its why: ensuring success for students and teachers. They also talked about her winding career and how she found a way to lead and help others advance in their careers — and life. And they talked about what she looks for in good leaders, with integrity and curiosity at the top of the list. 
3 Takeaways:
(03:55) Relationships are everything
(11:10) Leadership is the values you uphold
(14:25) Aim for excellence, not perfection
Timestamps:
(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio
(00:50) Introducing Jennifer Vigne, CEO of Education Foundation of Sarasota County
(03:55) How did you get to the Education Foundation?
(05:05) What is the mission of the Education Foundation?
(06:30) How did you know you wanted to be a leader?
(10:45) Characteristics of good leadership?
(14:00) Developing as a leader
(17:00) What is a failure you learned from?
(18:50) What is on the horizon in 2025?
(22:10) Rapid fire questions

Ace your career advancement with University Park Country Club’s John Fetsick

John is a Philly guy who has taken to loving his new adopted hometown in Manatee County. He worked in accounting and finance for the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team for 15 years, starting as an intern in the ticketing office and working his way up to director of finance. He and his family relocated to the area in 2020, where he took a position heading up finance and accounting for the University Park Country Club. He was named COO and GM in 2021.  
Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and John spoke about the challenges in having multiple boards and people in charge with the homeowner associations at UPCC, and how he navigates that. They also talked about his keys to advancing in an organization, which is wrapped around hustle, integrity and paying attention to details. And, of course, John and Mark talked about his passion for all things Philly sports (and cheesesteaks) and the resiliency and character he developed in having grown up there.    
 
3 Takeaways:
(08:40) The power of networking is undeniable
(14:30) Lead with empathy
(16:20) You have 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason
Timestamps:
(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!
(00:30) Introducing John Fetsick, COO and General Manager of University Park Country Club
(02:00) How John makes decisions for 2500+ constituents
(06:20) Growing up in Philadelphia and working for the Phillies
(10:22) Lessons from working with the Phillies
(12:30) Putting yourself in position to become Director of Finance
(14:15) What do you look for in leaders?
(16:15) Leadership advice
(18:00) Working in the Moneyball Era
(19:30) Overcoming setbacks
(21:45) Moving from Philadelphia to Sarasota
(24:15) UPCC in 2025
(25:45) 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.
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Growing, then shrinking, then growing an IT firm w/ CRS Technology Consultants co-owner John Joyce

John started an IT consulting business (now managed service provider, MSP) while a junior at the University of Florida in 2007. He sold that company to CRS in 2015. The Cape Coral-based company works with a host of companies in Southwest Florida on technology and related issues. 
Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and John talked about CRS’ core values — passion, respect, collaboration and innovation — and the role they play in the company’s culture, and its success. They also talked about how and why CRS downsized its client roster, and became a more efficient and profitable business. And listen for the rapid-fire questions, where John, an admitted tech-geek, readily names what he says is the best Star Wars movie.  
3 Takeaways:
(06:55) The transition from clients to partners was essential
(09:15) We were on pace for vanilla mediocrity, we had to change
(21:00) What is the cost of?
Timestamps:
(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!
(00:30) Introducing John Joyce and CRS Technology Consultants 
(02:45) How CRS Technology Consultants has evolved
(05:45) Purposefully shrinking the client list 
(10:05) How the company operates today
(12:00) What do you look for in up and coming leaders?
(13:55) Core Values
(14:45) Learning from mentors and mistakes
(21:20) The Solid State Podcast
(23:50) 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.
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From farming to framing the Tampa Bay region’s economic future with Yvonne Fry

Yvonne is the founder and CEO of Workforce Development Partners, a nonprofit in the Tampa Bay region that connects high school students with trades and other companies. She’s also an entrepreneur, who has started and grown a branding company and talent agency, among other firms, and a dedicated and visible economic development cheerleader for the Tampa Bay region, especially east Hillsborough County and Plant City.  
Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Yvonne talked about how her work ethic was shaped by growing up on a farm and the lessons she learned as a child about leadership, resilience and integrity. 
3 Takeaways:
(05:00) Soft skills are so important in upcoming members of the workforce
(17:00) Integrity is the most important characteristic of leadership
(19:13) Everything is done through a team
Timestamps:
(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio
(00:30) Introducing Yvonne Fry, CEO of Workforce Development Partners
(01:00) The genesis of this program and the benefits
(05:45) Growing up on a farm and finding this career
(10:20) Standout projects
(13:35) Leadership advice
(16:40) Characteristics of leadership
(19:45) Setbacks
(23:30) Looking forward to 2025
(25:30) 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.
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The power of connections — and wearing a sharp tie with Shumaker Advisors CEO Ron Christaldi

Ron has been a prominent business and health care attorney in Tampa and Florida for more than two decades. He currently oversees Shumaker Advisors, a public policy firm that works with clients in Florida, as well as nationally and globally, on a host of regulatory and government issues. Ron is also known across Tampa Bay and Florida for his diverse civic leadership; he’s currently chair of the Tampa Economic Development Council and has top roles on myriad other boards, including Leadership Florida.    
Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Ron talked about his leadership mindset, and how it starts with integrity and honesty, revolving around problem-solving. They talked about how he knew he wanted to be an attorney — it dates back to a big win in fifth grade in New Jersey. And they talked about how Ron chooses the groups he volunteers his time with. Also, listen for the why behind Ron’s passion for a sharp necktie.   
3 Takeaways:
(01:50) We all have a responsibility to lift up our community
(17:00) Understand the power of delegation and be self aware of your limitations
(19:35) If you find yourself doing everything, you will get nothing done
Timestamps:
(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!
(00:25) Introducing Ron Christaldi, President and CEO of Shumaker Advisors, plus a lot more
(04:20) What does Shumaker Advisors do? Plus his first experience changing a law
(10:00) The importance of connecting people
(13:00) First interest in becoming a lawyer
(16:05) Leading other lawyers
(20:14) Characteristics of upcoming leaders
(23:40) Shumaker Advisors in 2025
(26:05) 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.
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The front lines of recruiting and retaining businesses with EDC of Sarasota County CEO Erin Silk

Erin Silk has been at the helm of the EDC since June 2023. She held other titles with the organization before that promotion, including COO and vice president of business development services. Prior to joining the EDC, Erin was CEO of Venice Main Street Inc., a community revitalization organization in south Sarasota County. 
Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Erin talked about her passion for economic development and the whys behind her and the team’s mission at the EDC. They also talked about the leadership characteristics that matter most to her, and the steps she has taken to recruit and retain not only businesses — but an internal team at the EDC to execute on that mission. And they even went back in time a bit, talking about when Erin founded an animal rescue nonprofit — while in college. 
3 Takeaways
(14:55) This is serious business but let’s care about each other
(17:30) Culture is the separator of good and great companies
(23:05) When hiring, find a recruiter who truly understands your vision
Timestamps:
(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!
(00:30) Introducing Erin Silk, President and CEO of the EDC of Sarasota County
(04:30) Starting her own 501(c)3
(06:45) What do you do at the EDC?
(11:20) Taking over the EDC after two great leaders
(14:30) Being mentored by Lisa Krouse
(16:30) Learning from other businesses
(19:00) Building her team
(22:40) Advice for finding great team members
(24:55) EDC in 2025
(29:15) 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.
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From a shot at Hollywood glory to a career in medicine with Dr. Seth Forman

Seth is a dermatologist by trade but also has a variety of other pieces to his career: He founded a research practice, CenExcel, and also owns multiple commercial real estate properties in north Tampa, where he’s developing a medical hub. Seth is also a philanthropist, having donated significantly to Hillel Academy in Tampa, where two buildings are named after him. 
Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Seth talked about his early career goals — which include a detour to Hollywood to become a screenwriter — and how he ended up in medicine. They also talked about his mindset to build a medical practice where he’s not dependent on big medical groups or landlords to sustain a viable business — and the lessons he learned along the way.    
3 Takeaways:
(02:55) You have to attack the problem right in front of you
(04:20) The thing you find is always the last place you look
(11:20) You cannot lead by sitting down
Timestamps:
(00:42) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!
(01:07) Introducing Dr. Seth Forman, Founder of CenExcel
(02:54) Biggest challenges growing your organization
(04:17) The path to success is pervasive in any type of discipline
(06:17) Detouring in Hollywood as a script writer and overcoming challenges
(10:57) I don’t know if I am any good, I just try the longest
(11:48) Leadership advice
(12:37) Mentors
(14:02) What is next for the medical group?
(16:42) Diversification
(17:37) 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.
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Leading LegoLand Florida Resort through empathy, accountability, and discipline w/ Franceen Gonzales

Franceen Gonzales has more than 35 years experience in the amusement park and leisure and entertainment industry. She was named president of Legoland Florida Resort in Polk County in June. Prior to Legoland, Franceen was an executive for WhiteWater West, Great Wolf Resorts and Six Flags.  
Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Franceen talked about how she went from wanting to become a doctor (was pre-med at Stanford) to getting into a career in waterparks and amusement parks. They also talked about how she overcame some of her biggest career challenges and how she balances empathy with accountability in leadership. And listen for Franceen’s recommendation for the coolest theme park in the world: it’s in Guatemala. 
3 Takeaways:
(10:40) When you’re right, defend yourself, when your wrong, make it whole
(17:45) Moral character is a non-negotiable
(19:00) Coaching means having empathy and discipline
Timestamps:
(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!
(00:30) Introducing Franceen Gonzales, President of Legoland Florida Resort
(01:30) Franceen’s origin story, starting at a waterpark
(04:15) Obstacles throughout career
(06:00) Managing a waterpark at 25 years old
(09:20) What Franceen learned from her biggest mentor
(11:20) Crisis Management
(14:00) How did you end up at Legoland Florida Resort
(17:30) What do you look for in good leaders?
(20:40) Balancing empathy and accountability
(21:35) What are you looking forward to on Legoland?
(23:40) 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.