From the Corner Office

Rick has been the Executive Director of Samaritan Counseling Services, based in Sarasota, since 1999. A native of Tampa, he earned a master’s in Divinity and a master’s in Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. He was ordained into the ministry in 1986. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Rick talked about how and why he got his start in counseling — it was a personal exp...

Matthew is a senior vice president of partnerships and events for The Real American Beer, based in Tampa. Prior to Real American Beer, he worked for several companies and brands, including Yaymaker, Groupon and CitySearch. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Matthew talked about the value of great storytelling in leadership and what truly makes for an authentic leader. They also talked about “attentio...

Jeff has been a leader at two family-run homebuilding businesses in the Sarasota-Manatee market. The first was Eslinger Homes, which operated from 1991 to 2010. In 2017, he co-founded E/M Custom Homes. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Jeff talked about the leadership lessons learned in shutting down one company, when the housing market collapsed in 2008-2010 and launching a new one. He also talked ...

Jack Cox has been with Sarasota-based Halfacre Construction since 1985 and is now president and owner. He’s also chairman of the board at Lakewood Ranch based-FCCI Insurance. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Jack talked about Halfacre’s long history of projects in the Sarasota-Manatee region and his role in continuing the company’s legacy. He also talked about what he looks for in hiring and promot...

A nationally recognized workplace expert, Linda, based in Sarasota, is the architect of the Spectator-Free Workplace methodology, which fosters shared ownership of performance and revitalizes engagement, productivity and morale. Linda worked in journalism and corporate communications, with GE and AlliedSignal, before starting her own firm. Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Linda talked about her work in helping lead...

Michael Arrieta founded Garden City Equity after working in Silicon Valley for tech companies, including a stint as a global vice president and chief of staff to the CEO at DocuSign. Garden City, he says, is dedicated to making people-first investments in family and founder-owned businesses in the Southeast. One of its recent investments is in Venice-based outdoor aluminum and pool cage material manufacturer Commercial Residential ...

Aakash Patel founded Elevate Inc. in 2012. The firm provides community relations, targeted networking, and social media consultation. Aakash is also on the board of Hillsborough College and the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Aakash talked about his unique backstory in launching his company and his tricks and tips for networking. They also talked ab...

Bruce Cassidy has owned the Concession Golf Club in east Manatee County since 2009. The Concession has been in the news lately, as it is hosting the 2026 Senior PGA Championship in April. Prior to the Concession, Bruce ran global manufacturing and mining businesses in Ohio. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Bruce talked about how he ended up owning a golf course — which at first was the last thing h...

Chuck Wolfe has been CEO of the Chiles Group since 2018. The company oversees several assets, including the organic Gamble Creek Farms in Manatee County. The company previously owned and operated three waterfront restaurants in Manatee. Prior to hospitality, Chuck was in politics and strategic planning, including a 12-year stint as CEO for the Victory Fund, a national advocacy group supporting LGBTQ candidates. Chuck was also a sen...

Toni founded her fractional CEO firm, The C Society, in June 2025. One of her goals is to bring high-level leadership to restaurant and hospitality companies with the overhead. She was previously president of restaurant brand Perkins and managing director for Little Ceaser’s Pizza, Canada. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Toni talked about her career, both with large brands and now, leading a consu...

Jon Kaupla was appointed to run the Center for Executive and Leadership Education at the USF Muma College of Business last July. The center is designed to deliver practical, high-impact learning experiences for current and emerging leaders. Prior to USF, Jon spent nearly a decade leading the Center for Professional & Executive Development at the Wisconsin School of Business. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Ma...

Ronde is one of the most recognized professional athletes in Tampa Bay, having played 16 seasons for the Buccaneers in a Hall of Fame career that included a Super Bowl win. Ronde has remained active in the region’s sports and philanthropic communities since his 2012 retirement, and is general chairman of Copperhead Charities, which puts on the Valspar Championship PGA Tour event every March. On this episode, Business Observer Manag...

Craig Albernaz was named manager of the Baltimore Orioles — who host spring training in Sarasota — last October. Craig played college baseball at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg and then in the minor leagues for eight seasons, including seven with the Tampa Bay Rays. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Craig talked about his rise in baseball, from working in the minor leagues in the Tampa Bay Rays or...

Lee Wetherington founded Lee Wetherington Homes in Sarasota in 1981. He has since moved the company, one of the largest-builders in the Sarasota-Manatee region, to Lakewood Ranch. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Lee talked about the ups and downs of being in the homebuilding business in Florida for more than 40 years, and the key decisions he had to make — in both good and bad times. They also tal...

Debbie LaPinska has been chief people office of CabinetWorks Group, based in Michigan, since November 2024. Prior to CabinetWorks, she worked at Venice-based window and door manufacturer PGT Innovations for 31 years, rising to chief human resources officer, and after that, chief customer officer. She joined several other former PGT executives at CabinetWorks Group. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and ...

Nicci Bucher was named CEO of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg in late 2025. Prior to this role, Nicci spent 20 years in the YMCA network, most recently as COO of the YMCA of Central Florida, where she oversaw a $51.6 million operational budget. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Nicci talked about her leadership styles and principles and how she creates a strong workplace culture through trust and...

Jake Haulsic has some 15 years of experience in technology sales, with Velosio and Tribridge. He founded Trofeo, a fast-scaling cloud consultancy specializing in Microsoft Azure, in 2024. On this episode Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Jake talk about how he built his company, not only around product and service, but culture. He also talked about some early decisions at Troefo that helped shape its trajectory, and...

Tom Hall is a longtime advertising executive, with work across Florida and the Southeast. In addition to Tucker | Hall, a strategic communications firm with offices in Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando and Tallahassee, Tom launched Creative Seminars,  a prominent speaker series, which Adweek magazine acquired. On this episode Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Tom talk about the origins of the firm and how he and the team...

Sinead Runyon runs  Express Employment of Sarasota, which she founded in 2020 along with her mom, Josephine Carr. In 2024, she and her husband, William Runyon, opened a Made in the Shade window treatment, blinds and shades franchise in Venice. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Sinead talk about her entrepreneurial mindset, what she learned from her mentors and how she resolves conflict as a leader. ...