From the Corner Office

From living in your car to living your entrepreneurial dreams with tech founder Chris Williams

Chris founded Aginto, a digital and marketing firm, in 2011. Clients include small and midsize companies in health care, law, industrial sectors and home services. Chris’ amazing never-quit backstory, before Aginto, includes a major life turnaround: He was unemployed, living alone, first in his car, then in a run-down motel in Sarasota with sticky floors. Desperate, he started his business while working an overnight shift at a Goodwill donation center in Sarasota. Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Chris talked about how he was able to get through that time — which includes having an infant daughter. One key, says Chris, is he was grateful for what he had, no matter how little that was, while also never being content.     
3 Takeaways:
(11:40) Don’t misconstrue gratefulness with content
(14:50) Leadership is about serving those who you are leading
(15:50) The 1 on 1 is a powerful leadership tool
Timestamps:
(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!
(00:30) Introducing Chris Williams, Managing Director of Aginto
(01:30) Rapid fire questions
(04:15) What is Aginto?
(07:00) Starting a business from 0
(11:30) Keeping a positive mindset
(14:25) Characteristics of a good leader
(16:30) Leadership advice
(19:30) Involvement with Salvation Army
(21:20) What is happening in 2025 for Aginto?
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.

Resilience, leadership and the hot commercial real estate market with LaShawn Bates

LaShawn has been the market leader in Tampa for JLL since 2019. Her territory covers Tampa Bay and Central Florida and she oversees more than 40 brokers. A passionate alum of the University of Kansas, LaShawn has been in the Tampa market for some 20 years and the commercial real estate business for 25 years. She’s executed over 350 assignments totaling $5 billion for institutional clients with both industrial and office portfolios. Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and LaShawn talked about JLL’s recent significant expansion in Tampa — and why the firm did it. (She’s obviously a fan of working in the office, not WFH.) They also talked about what she looks for in leaders (resilience is a big one, character, too), what she has learned from her mentors and more. 
3 Takeaways:
(03:20) Relationships, relationships, relationships 
(18:20) Perform and execute what is in front of you
(19:40) Be where your feet are
Timestamps:
(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio
(00:26) Introducing Lashawn Bates and rapid fire questions
(01:50) How did you get into commercial real estate and succeed?
(03:40) Building relationships
(05:40) Working for JLL and becoming a leader
(07:50) From broker to leader
(08:55) JLL’s growth in the market
(13:10) Leadership characteristics
(18:10) Leadership advice
(20:40) The importance of practicing
(22:45) Overcoming rejection
(26:20) JLL in 2025

Great stories and lots of gratitude with Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon

Mark Gordon is the Managing Editor of the Business Observer. He has been with the Business Observer since 2005, where he’s written about companies, development, entrepreneurs and how government intersects with business, among other topics. He currently oversees the paper’s coverage from Tampa to Naples, in print and online, overseeing a staff of reporters and photographers, in addition to writing stories. He has written a biweekly leadership column, Leadership Matters, since 2021 in the Business Observer. And in 2023 he began hosting From the Corner Office, a weekly podcast. 
In a twist, for this week’s episode From the Corner Office producer Read Corley turns the tables — and interviews host Mark Gordon. Read and Mark talked about Mark’s career in journalism, his lessons learned about leadership from interviewing hundreds of executives and entrepreneurs and his mentors. Listen for how Mark answers a question about what he would like the headline to be for his last story.   
3 Takeaways:
(06:40) Be pragmatic
(07:45) Never assume, over communicate, and be clear
(23:10) Never be sure, double check
Timestamps:
(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!
(00:30) Introducing Mark Gordon, Managing Editor of Business Observer
(03:35) Becoming Managing Editor and responsibilities
(06:10) Learning curve of managing people
(08:48) Favorite story Mark has written for the Business Observer
(10:30) Ideal audience member of Business Observer
(11:45) Characteristics of the best hires
(13:40) Setbacks and learning experiences
(17:00) There is no “edit” button in journalism
(20:40) Mark’s mentors
(25:20) 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.

All in one - Leadership lessons and Insurance needs with Patrick Del Medico

Patrick has worked in sales, marketing, training and product development for more than 30 years. He has also been a leader in building teams and creating a sustainable positive corporate culture at both family businesses and large corporations. Brands he's worked for include Procter & Gamble and Stryker Corp. He’s been with Shepherd Insurance, and its predecessor brand in Sarasota, Al Purmot Insurance, since 2007. 
Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Patrick talked about how he and his team navigated the season of storms in the fall, working for clients while also living in the ravaged area. One key, he says, for leaders during stressful times like that is “calm is contagious.” They also talked about the must-dos in building a strong company culture and how being a youth basketball coach for his kids helped shape his leadership style. And listen for a pair of personal nuggets: the impact Patrick’s late father had on his life and what his word of the year was for 2024. 
3 Takeaways:
(05:40) Culture is created by the team
(09:15) Everyone wants to feel significant
(16:30) If you’re looking for one aspect of a leader, is it a skill or attitude?
Timestamps:
(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!
(00:50) Introducing Patrick Del Medico, Partner and COO of the Florida and Arizona region, Shepherd Insurance
(05:00) Creating company culture
(08:00) Lessons from basketball coaching
(11:55) Holding people accountable
(16:10) Characteristics of leadership
(18:45) Leadership lessons
(22:15) Shepherd Insurance in 2025
(24:40) 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.

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.
Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

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.
Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.
 

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.
Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.
 

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.
Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

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.
Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.