From the Corner Office

Becoming a 2-time US Olympian and entrepreneur with Donald Suxho

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 others
Timestamps:
(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.
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The merging of restaurants and technology with Chon Nguyen

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 customers
Timestamps:
(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.
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Major lessons in leadership with minor league baseball managing partner John Martin

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 them
Timestamps:
(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.
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The beauty — and struggles — of being your own boss with Coyote Ugly franchise owner Joanna Olsen

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 business
Timestamps:
(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.
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Behind the scenes of a 40-year career in jewelry design with Mark Loren

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 top
Timestamps:
(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.
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Saving lives one text at a time with Cope Notes Founder Johnny Crowder

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.
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How an immigrant who didn't learn English until her 20s became a college president with Aysegul Timur

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 organization
Timestamps:
(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.

Liberate yourself from the clutches of hustle with entrepreneur and keynote speaker Taylor Villegas

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 others
Timestamps:
(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.

Connections can help your business take off with serial entrepreneur Veronica Swiatek

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 decisions
Timestamps:
(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.
 

Get Passion Struck with John Miles

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 feet
Timestamps:
(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.