Leadership

Russ Blackburn honored with Pete Hegener Leadership Award

Russ Blackburn honored with Pete Hegener Leadership Award

Russ Blackburn, Port St. Lucie’s recently retired city manager, was presented with the prestigious Pete Hegener Leadership Award by the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) at its ninth annual leadership dinner on May 18.

The award is presented annually to a dedicated business leader who has made significant contributions to St. Lucie County’s economy and quality of life.  The annual dinner and celebration, held at the Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club and attended by approximately 200, was sponsored by Bank of America.

EDC’s eighth annual Pete Hegener Leadership Award winner Rob Lord presented the award to Blackburn, who was nominated by multiple community members.

Blackburn’s career in public service has spanned almost five decades. Starting out as a planning and community development staffer, he served in deputy administrator roles in South Carolina; Lee County, Florida; and Virginia prior to his appointment as Martin County Administrator in 1997. During his eight-year tenure in Martin County, he increased citizen satisfaction levels by 43%, received the 2003 International City/County Management Association (ICMA) award for intergovernmental cooperation, and led the post Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne recovery efforts.

Blackburn left Martin County in 2005 to become Gainesville’s city manager where he assisted the city in gaining recognition as one of the top municipalities in the nation. During his 10 years with the city, he developed innovative leadership and emerging leaders programs.

In 2016, as the city of Port St. Lucie reached the 200,000-population mark and struggled with significant financial challenges such as a dormant 1,200-acre jobs corridor, a vacant research facility for which the city had guaranteed the debt, and a city center mired in legal problems, Blackburn was hired as city manager.  Utilizing a team approach and strong organizational development skills, Blackburn’s leadership was a major factor in the city’s recovery and economic progress.

At the time Blackburn retired earlier this year, only approximately 250 acres of developable land remained unspoken for in the jobs corridor in Southern Grove, with millions of dollars in property values already created and thousands of jobs anticipated. The research centers are thriving under the direction of Cleveland Clinic and the Florida Institute of Technology with more than 140 scientists and staff engaged in high-level bio-science studies. And, after successful negotiations with multiple tax certificate holders led by Blackburn, Port St. Lucie was able to acquire city center from a federal receiver and begin planning for its future development.

“He left a legacy of taking challenges, turning them into opportunities, and ultimately success stories,” read one nomination. “Throughout his six-year tenure in Port St. Lucie, he continued to support and inspire the next generation of public servants and built an award-winning city team.”

Another nomination focused on the long-awaited creation of a jobs corridor: Russ’s leadership “accelerated the development of Tradition, brought in taxes much earlier and gave the residents of the city of Port St. Lucie and county opportunities to work closer to home so much earlier than expected.”

The dozen members of the EDC leadership selection committee chose Blackburn as the person who best embodies the leadership and vision of the award’s namesake, Pete Hegener, from a field of 11 nominees, including four other semi-finalists:  Charlotte Bireley, St. Lucie County tourism and marketing director; Philip Busch, Southern Eagle Distributing president; Larry Lee Jr., State Farm agent; and the late Anthony F. Sansone Sr., Sansone Group founder.

Recent Hegener Award recipients include Michael Minton, shareholder at Dean, Mead, Minton & Moore; the late Bud Adams of Adams Ranch; Ken Pruitt, former Florida Senate president and former St. Lucie County property appraiser; and Tammy Roncaglione, CenterState Bank community president.

In addition to Bank of America’s presenting sponsorship, other leadership dinner award sponsors were Ashley Capital; Dean, Mead, Minton & Moore; PGA Golf Club; Apfelbaum Law; Broward, Palm Beaches and St. Lucie REALTORS®; Carr, Riggs & Ingram; Culpepper & Terpening Inc.; Florida Power & Light Company; GL Homes; Hi-Tide Boat Lifts; OCULUS Surgical; Seacoast Bank; UES; BBL Medical Facilities®; Comcast Business and the Tambone Companies.

About the award

The recipient of the Pete Hegener Leadership Award exemplifies the qualities of a visionary, a trusted role model and leader whose inspiration and achievements impact the quality of job creation, economic vitality and business growth.

Pete Hegener, the man whose actions inspired this award, was a founding member and integral partner of the EDC, served on the Board of Directors, and was an Executive Committee member.  Pete was a pillar of the St. Lucie County community, having played a key role in the development of western St. Lucie County and Tradition.  Friends and colleagues described him as “honest, visionary, and caring.”  He passed away in March 2012, but his legacy is recognized through this award.

About the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County 

The Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic vitality in St. Lucie County through the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses in the community.  The EDC works in partnership with local governments and the private sector to advance its goals of creating more and better-paying jobs for residents, broadening the tax base and improving St. Lucie County’s economic quality of life.  Contact the EDC at 772.336.6250, [email protected] or www.youredc.com.

 

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

May. 25, 2023|

Visit Indian River County appoints new director of tourism and marketing

Visit Indian River County appoints new director of tourism and marketing

Ben Earman

The Visit Indian River County tourism office has announced the appointment of Ben Earman as Director of Tourism and Marketing. In his new role, Earman will develop strategies, programs, and policies to promote responsible tourism, effectively manage tourism impacts, and stimulate economic development through tourism.

“With his extensive background in hospitality and demonstrated commitment to outstanding service, Ben is a great – and timely – addition to our team,” said Dori Stone, president of the Indian River Chamber of Commerce. “Ben is a Vero Beach native with wide-ranging connections and a deep understanding of the destination, which will serve him well as director.”

Earman most recently served as Community Relations Manager for Senior Resource Association, where he developed strategy and programs to make positive contributions to the community. His career also includes time as the Gift Service Administrator of Riverside Theatre; Community Development Officer of Education Foundation of Indian River County; and Marketing and Event Manager also with Senior Resource Association. Known for his exceptional communication and people skills, Earman is currently an active member of the Vero Beach theatre community, served on the board of directors for the non-profit Vero Beach Theatre guild and operated an extremely successful theatre department at Treasure Coast High School.

“You won’t find a more enthusiastic or authentic advocate for this very special part of Florida,” said Earman. “I’ve formed some great relationships as an active part of the local business and theatre communities and will build on those to help put Indian River County in the tourism spotlight.”

Florida’s Indian River County is at the intersection of green and glamorous, with 100,000 conservation acres, 22 miles of uncrowded beaches, and a collection of high-style accommodations and one-of-a-kind cultural attractions. With more than 100 locally chef owned dining experiences and a multitude of eco-excursions, visitors find unexpected surprises at every turn, with a welcoming, small-town vibe. To learn more about Indian River County, go to VisitIndianRiverCounty.com.

 

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Apr. 27, 2023|

Hog Technologies announces former VP of Sales to return as President of the company

Hog Technologies announces former VP of Sales to return as President of the company

James P. Crocker, Founder and CEO of HOG Technologies, the leading pavement maintenance and marking removal solution, recently announced the return of Vince Giordano as President of the company:

“I would like to take this opportunity to say how thrilled we are at HOG to have Vince. Vince Giordano recently served as our Vice President of Sales at HOG for four years and made fantastic connections and forward progress both within and outside of the organization. Although he’s been gone for a year now, I feel like he never fully left. As we began to explore the possibility of his return, I felt that the organization would benefit greatly from his leadership at a higher level.

“Vince has a solid grasp on many aspects of HOG, and I know that he will leverage his knowledge and his relationships to effect tremendous results as our President. I will resign as President as of Monday, April 10, 2023, and Vince Giordano will take the reins of leadership.

“As President, Vince will have direct oversight of sales, marketing, operations, customer service, and finance. I will continue in my role as CEO and will also continue my role in leading product development and the field services we offer.

“Vince is a talented communicator, a good organizer, an effective recruiter, a visionary, and a man of action. He motivates others through his own example and his passion for our products and customers. I am confident that everyone will benefit from his capable leadership, whether you are a member of the HOG team or one of our valued customers or vendors.”

About Vince Giordano

Vince Giordano has spent the last twenty-five years as a successful sales leader closing complex sales for large institutions, including Stanford University, Disney, Ochsner Hospital Systems, and large governmental agencies. Most recently, Vince served as Vice President of Business Development for Notes Live. Prior to that, Vince served as Vice President of Global Sales for HOG Technologies. Vince also served as Vice President of Field Sales at NuCO2, where he was recognized with numerous awards, including five straight President Club awards.

Vince earned his Master’s of Business Administration from Quantic School of Business and Technology. He holds many honorable professional certifications, including post-crisis leadership and diversity, equity, & inclusion from the University of South Florida.

Vince is a father of three and holds a black belt in kung fu and a brown belt in jiu-jitsu. He loves God and has a voracious appetite to serve those he works with and for.

Hog Technologies (formerly branded as Waterblasting Technologies) is the leading pavement maintenance and marking removal solution around the world. Hog Technologies is known for the award-winning Stripe Hog Water blasting System along with many other innovations such as the Thermo Hog, Rumble Hog, Epoxy Hog, Grinder Hog, and more. Hog Technologies has vehicles owned in over 57 countries around the world with vehicles operating in over 90 countries.To learn more, visit https://thehog.com/.

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Apr. 20, 2023|

Merrill Wealth Management names new presidents

Merrill Wealth Management names new presidents

Bank of America today announced that Lindsay Hans and Eric Schimpf have been appointed presidents and co-heads of Merrill Wealth Management, reporting to Bank of America Chair and Chief Executive Officer Brian Moynihan.­­­­

As presidents, Hans and Schimpf will join Bank of America’s executive management team and oversee more than 25,000 Merrill employees. Merrill’s client balances totaled $2.8 trillion as of Dec. 31, 2022.

“Merrill is one of the largest wealth management businesses in the world and an integral part of Bank of America as we serve the unique needs of individuals, families and businesses,” Moynihan said. “Lindsay and Eric have excelled as leaders, delivering outstanding results for our advisors and clients. I’m looking forward to them building on the success and long tradition of Merrill in the years ahead.”

Hans, who most recently served as head of Merrill’s Private Wealth Management, International and Institutional business, joined the company in 2014. Previously, she was a division executive for Merrill for six years, first for the Mid-Atlantic and later for the Northeast.

Schimpf began his career as a Merrill financial advisor in 1994 and has held several leadership positions within the business. He has served for six years as division executive, first for the Southeast and most recently for the Pacific Coast. He also has been serving as co-head of the Enterprise Advisor Development program.

Hans will continue to serve as a member of the company’s Global Diversity and Inclusion Council and as a National Executive sponsor of the Merrill Women’s Exchange. Schimpf will continue to serve as Executive Sponsor for the company’s Black Professionals Group.

Hans and Schimpf succeed Andy Sieg, who is leaving the company. Sieg served as Merrill president since 2017 and led the business through a period of sustained growth and modernization of technology for advisors and clients.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 67 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 16,000 ATM and award-winning digital banking with approximately 56 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and approximately 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

 

Apr. 6, 2023|

Sea Oaks Beach and Tennis Club names new GM/COO

Sea Oaks Beach and Tennis Club names new GM/COO

Kevin Sibbring

Kevin Sibbring is the new general manager/chief operating officer of Sea Oaks Beach and Tennis Club in Vero Beach. Kevin will be filling this role soon as successor to the club’s long-time, highly regarded General Manager Pamela Dawson who will be retiring after thirty-seven years of leadership service to SOBTC. The Club  partnered with executive search firm, Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace, and conducted an extensive search and recruitment effort culminating in a unanimous selection of Kevin to lead the club forward.

Kevin, a Vanderbilt University graduate with a BA in Economics and Business Administration, spent much of his career in the Dublin (Columbus), Ohio area.  For over ten years, he was the Corporate VP of Marketing for Sterling Commerce, a telecommunications support company that sold to AT&T.  Following that role, he became the President/CEO of the Lakeside Association in nearby Lakeside, Ohio, where he oversaw 1,100 homes, fully-amenitized community, serving as the primary ‘face’ and voice of that community and leading the strategic planning and all operational efforts within it.

Kevin’s most recent role was GM/COO at the Timber Pines Community Association in Timber Pines, Florida, just north of Tampa in Hernando County.  There he led a large scale, 50+ neighborhood community, culminating in it being named a Great Place to Work ® in 2022.

Kevin has been identified and referenced for his especially strong skills in leading from the front, having strong financial acuity and results, being innovative with member and event programming and for being “highly engaged and interactive with his membership.”

“I am very pleased to welcome Kevin to Sea Oaks!  We look forward to his proven leadership as we consider a number of initiatives to make Sea Oaks an even more desirable place to live,” said Michael Furlong, Sea Oaks President.

Sea Oaks Beach & Tennis Club, located on a beautiful Florida barrier island, is a member-owned community that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River. Over the years Sea Oaks has been recognized in publications for the special charm of its landscaping and ambiance, the energetic and creative lifestyle of its members, as well as its exceptional tennis program.

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Mar. 9, 2023|

MIDFLORIDA names Shrita Walker to lead commercial lending program in Treasure Coast market

MIDFLORIDA names Shrita Walker to lead commercial lending program in Treasure Coast market

Shrita Walker

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union is pleased to announce that Shrita Walker has been named vice president/commercial loan officer with the Commercial Lending Department. In her new role, she will be responsible for originating commercial loan business.

A veteran of the banking industry with over 21 years of experience, she most recently served as Vice President Area Manager for the credit union’s Treasure Coast region where she was responsible for staffing and operations of six branches.

“I am fortunate for this tremendous opportunity to work for and grow with a dynamic company like MIDFLORIDA. I am excited to continue to serve my community in this new capacity. MIDFLORIDA is the leading credit union commercial lender in the state and I’m looking forward to cultivating relationships and expanding that expertise to the Treasure Coast and surrounding markets,” Walker said.

Joining MIDFLORIDA in 2014, she was the Branch Manager of the credit union’s Central Vero branch. She has held positions ranging from Branch Manager/Assistant Vice President to Vice President Area Manager. Prior to joining MIDFLORIDA, she served as Assistant Vice President/Regional Operations Manager at SunTrust Bank. Her new role with MIDFLORIDA will focus on the expansion of the credit union’s commercial lending program and continue to represent MIDFLORIDA at events in the Treasure Coast market.

A graduate of the University of Georgia, Walker also holds an M.B.A from Strayer University. She is also a graduate of the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce Leadership program, Port St. Lucie City University and St. Lucie County Citizens Academy. She is a recipient of the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce Treasure Coast Outstanding Community Partnership Award. Currently, she serves as Secretary of the Economic Development Council and is a Board member on the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce and St. Lucie County Education Foundation.

Walker will be based out of MIDFLORIDA’s Port St. Lucie Gatlin branch, located at 1692 SW Gatlin Blvd., Port St. Lucie.  For assistance with commercial loans, deposits or investment needs, she can be reached at (772) 773-0028.

MIDFLORIDA is a state-chartered financial institution headquartered in Lakeland, Florida. The Credit Union serves more than 453,000 members with assets totaling more than $6.69 billion through its network of branches, ATMs and website, midflorida.com. MIDFLORIDA Credit Union is open for membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school within its Florida service area, which spans from Gainesville to Stuart and coast to coast.

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Feb. 23, 2023|

St. Lucie County Commissioners Schedule Interviews for Six Finalists for the Administrator Job

St. Lucie County Commissioners Schedule Interviews for Six Finalists for the Administrator Job

St. Lucie County Commissioners narrowed down the field of applicants to replace County Administrator Howard Tipton to six finalists, who will meet with county staff, commissioners and the community over a two-day interview process on Thursday, Jan. 26 and Friday, Jan. 27.

Tipton, who spent nearly eight years as St. Lucie County’s eighth county administrator, stepped down on Jan. 12 to become the city manager for Longboat Key on Florida’s west coast. During a special meeting on Jan. 17, St. Lucie County Commissioners, with help from consultant Colin Baenziger & Associates, reviewed more than two dozen applications for the county administrator position and agreed to interview six candidates:

  • Dale "Doc" Dougherty, city manager for Garden City, MI

  • Darren S. Gray, deputy county manager for Osceola County, Fla.

  • Derek R. Scrapchansky, town manager for Topsham, ME

  • Eric R. Johnson, city manager for Norcross, GA

  • George C. Landry, public utilities director for St. Lucie County

  • George M. Stokus, assistant county administrator for Martin County.

St. Lucie County staff will take the candidates and their spouses on a bus tour of the county on Thursday, Jan. 26, followed by a meet-and-greet event with county department directors that afternoon. County commissioners will host a community reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Havert L. Fenn Center, located at 2000 Virginia Ave., for the public to meet the candidates.

Candidates will spend the morning of Friday, Jan. 27 conducting one-on-one interviews with each St. Lucie County Commissioner, followed by a special County Commission meeting at 2:20 p.m. in the Commission Chambers, where all five Commissioners will interview each candidate as a Board.

St. Lucie County Commissioners will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 9 a.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Roger Poitras Annex, 2300 Virginia Ave., to decide which candidate will be offered the position of St. Lucie County’s administrator.

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Jan. 20, 2023|

Attorney and long-time political activist Krista Storey to lead St. Lucie County Democratic Women’s Club

Attorney and long-time political activist Krista Storey to lead St. Lucie County Democratic Women’s Club

Krista Story, Esq.

Fort Pierce, January 12, 2023 – Krista Storey, an attorney, has been elected president of the Democratic Women’s Club of St. Lucie County. Storey, a resident of Fort Pierce, has been legislative liaison for the Club. Storey was also a Voter Protection team leader for the Florida Democratic Party. She coordinated dozens of St. Lucie County volunteers serving as poll watchers and canvassing board observers from 2020 through 2022.

The Democratic Women’s Club of St. Lucie County has 150 members. It focuses on voter registration, participating in governmental affairs, supporting county-based community organizations as well as a range of election year candidate support activities. There are more than 60 Democratic Women’s Clubs with over 3,000 members in the state of Florida.

Storey served as a local government attorney for nearly four decades. She recently retired from her position as a senior assistant county attorney for Martin County, where she spent 25 years specializing in land use and
comprehensive planning. Storey is currently a partner with Emerald Law, a South Florida-based law firm.

According to Storey, the St. Lucie County Democratic Women’s Club will focus in 2023 on increasing the diversity of its membership with the goal of providing more effective community outreach in areas such as voter education and the discussion of key public policy issues.

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Jan. 13, 2023|

Minority businesses to watch

MINORITY BUSINESSES TO WATCH

Treasure Coast Minority Businesses to Watch 2022

Workshops provide Treasure Coast owners with tools to succeed

BY CHAUNCELOR HOWELL

Americans often start their own businesses to circumvent obstacles related to lack of education or experience needed to succeed in the formal economy.

Most minority-owned businesses operate under the premise of owner/operator and struggle to gain access to capital that will help sustain the business over a long period of time.

Historically, in comparison to other racial groups, Black and minority business owners possess fewer personal assets such as home ownership or stocks/bonds to generate startup capital for their businesses.

Scores of studies have shown that this deficiency results in less training, sharing fewer resources, important industry related information, and less human capital transfer over generations, according to the 2019 article Struggles and Strategies of Black Women Business Owners by T.M. Jackson and P. Sanyal in the Journal of Business Anthropology.

To help mitigate this circumstance on the Treasure Coast, the Florida Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College offers free resources available to minority business owners and entrepreneurs to help overcome most of these obstacles.

The SBDC routinely hosts workshops that cover such topics as business startups, QuickBooks, digital marketing consulting, international trade strategies and access to capital. If used properly, assistance from the SBDC can potentially better position minority owned businesses for long-term success and sustainability.

Another bonus for minority business owners is SBDC’s partnership with Indian River State College, which has satellite campuses throughout the Treasure Coast that host these workshops.

To learn more about how to start or grow an existing business, please visit the FloridaSBDC.org; email the Florida SBDC at [email protected]; or call IRSC at 772.336.6285.

Chauncelor Howell is president of the Treasure Coast Black Chamber of Commerce.


Maria Chambers

MARIA CHAMBERS
CNC Jamaican and Soul Food Restaurant

To provide the best food possible, that surpassed our customers expectation. Moreover, the restaurant creates superior customer service every time.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
Keeping the door open on a daily basis.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
Faith in getting out doing what has to be done, regardless of what’s happening around you. Love what you do and you try and make it happen.

What led you to own your own business?
The love of doing what I do, having been in the industry with more than 40 years experience.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
CNC Jamaican Restaurant


Belinda McNeal-Chambers

DR. BELINDA MCNEAL-WALKER
Garden of Hope Learning Center
gohlearningacademy.com

The mission of Garden of Hope is to transform lives by providing hope and aspiration, support underserved communities and under-represented populations, and to promote academic excellence through quality resources and wraparound services that address the individualized needs of the whole child and family members.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
The most challenging part of doing business every day is not having sufficient resources to meet the needs of the community.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
The essential element to achieve and maintain a healthy work-life balance is my personal relationship with the Lord. My spiritual relationship not only helps me maintain a balance, but it consistently reminds me of who I am. Therefore, success moves from just a component of hope or a simple desire to an expectation.

What led you to own your own business?
My desire to open my own business derived from my passion for teaching and serving. I believe that all children can and will learn. I also understand that in order to build capacity within the community we must embrace the family structure. My expectation is to meet the needs of the community and the people we serve by providing intensive wraparound supportive services to address the complex needs of the family. There is greatness in Fort Pierce.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
Eric Walker Patio Furniture Repair Service. I am so proud of you.


Al Johnson

AL JOHNSON
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
office.jacksonhewitt.com

Jackson Hewitt provides year-round support to hardworking clients with innovative, low-cost tax solutions.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
Prepared 4,000-plus tax returns this season. This was accomplished via relationship building.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
Goal setting and time management.

What led you to own your own business?
Motivated by my father.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service


Gary Palmer

GARY PALMER
Gary Palmer Sax | garypalmersax.com

Providing clients a pleasurable musical experience.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
As a musician, due to COVID-19 protocols, it’s been difficult to do live performances.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
I bowl in several leagues for enjoyment.

What led you to own your own business?
Being a musician and recording artist, you want to ensure that your brand is important to you as well as your customers. I’ve created a corporation for that reason.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
Treasure Coast Black Chamber of Commerce


Kourtney Rincon

KOURTNEY RINCON
The Warrior Her Podcast

Access to information and a willingness to take chances will yield life changing results.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
The most challenging part of doing business is learning to embrace continuous change. You have to be willing to move quickly, use data to your advantage and be OK with pivoting when necessary.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
Work-life balance for me is more about taking care of myself first. For me, that is working out, being creative, reading and weekly therapy sessions. I believe in a holistic approach to self-care and focusing on mental, physical and spiritual care of oneself to have the healthiest balance. I know when I’m out of alignment and can quickly identify where I need to improve when I find myself feeling overwhelmed.

What led you to own your own business?
I’ve always known I wanted to be my own boss but I wasn’t sure what that looked like. After opening a CrossFit gym in 2018 and failing miserably, I learned valuable on-the-job experience and that I had a passion for business. I want to create a legacy for my family and positively contribute to my community.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
Admired Image Beauty Salon, Bos Crab Spot, Jones Old School BBQ, Nails by Jasmine, Nailbar Studio, Poppin Curls & Beauty Bar and Island Girl Wings n Things


Bianca Lewis

BIANCA LEWIS
Bianca’s Cleaning

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
I was born and raised in Colombia, South America, with no college education but with dreams and passion to do better. After a few years of working in the medical field, I noticed the offices were not clean to the standard of medical offices, so Bianca’s Cleaning was born.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
I am customer-service oriented, organized and communication is the key.

What led you to own your own business?
The lack of college degree and to give my two girls a better future.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
The 22 employees of Bianca’s Cleaning team, all who are Hispanic.


Tessa Adams

TESSA ADAMS
Phatz Chick N Shack

We are the best buffalo wings restaurant in the nation. Phatz provides the best food, atmosphere and wing sauce in the nation. Stop by and grab anything from Chicken N Waffles to one of our delicious Tender Salads to our amazing Shrimp Tacos. And you can’t forget about our World-Famous Finger Lickin Wing Sauce that can be used on everything but mainly on the wings.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
The most challenging part of doing business for me is finding willing workers with good work habits. All I really need for you to do is show up and be willing to learn. One thing I do know is how to teach you to do the job right.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
I have learned to trust the process I have put in place and to trust my leaders to carry out the vision of the company.

What led you to own your own business?
I had my son right out of high school and knew I did not want to be another statistic. I went to cosmetology school and after completing that I worked for someone for a couple of years. I learned the business, opened my own salon and ran it for 28 years. When I met my husband, we bought a building with a fully equipped restaurant to open Phatz Chick N Shack and it has been up hill ever since. I love creating jobs and teaching.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
I would like to give a shout to three minority owned businesses … Kinfolks Chicken and Waffle, Tasty Links and Sunrise City Café. They are great people, great owners and truly have a passion for what they do each and every day.


Jerome Rhyant

JEROME RHYANT
Tree Trimmers USA LLC

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
Starting a business is a significant achievement for many entrepreneurs, but I have found that maintaining one is the greater challenge. There are many common challenges every business faces, whether you are running a large or small operation. These include hiring the right people, building a brand, developing a customer base, identifying my weaknesses and hiring the right people to compensate for what I don’t do well. Great teams build dreams.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
We often think about work-life balance as a trade-off between time spent at work and time spent on other non-work activities. The idea of balance is easy enough to explain, but what does it mean? I find time to spend with family, friends and hobbies. Plan to combine work activities with leisure, social or fitness activities. I enjoy singing, playing music and ministry as hobbies.

What led you to own your own business?
After completing high school, I took a year off, prior to going to college. I took a summer job working for a body shop, where I had some prior experience and I enjoyed doing body work. I worked for two weeks and was told that I had a great attitude and good work ethics, but the owner didn’t think the paint and body work industry was a good fit for me. I was fired and was heartbroken for more than two weeks. I made a promise to myself, that I would never allow anyone to ever break my heart again over a nine-to-five job. I purchased a Cutlass car that I painted, remodeled and sold. I was successful in buying three other cars, one at a time, remodeling and reselling them for a profit. I began to recruit my former high school coaches, Coach Green and Coach Farinella. I talked them into hiring me to paint their cars. Prior to college I discovered I had a few things working for me, I could talk and I could sell. I was born to be an entrepreneur. After quitting college in 1982, I returned home and started a company, Today’s Painting, and have never looked back. I chose to hold on to my commitment to me.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
I want to give a shout out to a good friend and mentor, Vernon Dixon the owner of Dixon’s Check Cashing.


Chauncelor Howell

DR. CHAUNCELOR HOWELL
Treasure Coast Black Chamber of Commerce | tcbcc.biz

To serve as a business resource, a voice, advocate, of any entity with a focus on Black and minority business matters.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
Recruitment

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
Time management is a must and cannot be understated if a healthy work-life balance is to be achieved.

What led you to own your own business?
There was a gap that needed to be filled within the region at-large.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
As the TCBCC’s founder/president, I do not have a favorite minority-owned business, as I equally support them all.


Julissa Mercado

JULISSA MERCADO
The Skin Spot

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
When I moved to Florida without knowing anyone to pursue this career, I knew it wouldn’t be nothing short of challenging. I left everything I knew in New Jersey to follow a dream that I had no idea would actually take off. I funded everything with loans and borrowed money to open up the shop I have today. By a year and a half, I was able to clear my debt and invest in a piece of equipment that I only dreamed of ever affording. The tasks I undertook were challenging in themselves, but mentally I had to truly believe I could do it. And I did.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
When opening the shop, I feared not having security so much that I had no idea how to balance life and work. All I knew was if I keep working I’ll get closer to where I need to be. I found myself sick, overworked and burned out. I quickly learned that having boundaries for myself was the only way I’d be able to have longevity in what I do. My life hacks include extending myself the grace to take breaks when I need it and to ask for help when I need it as well. I make sure I get enough sleep; I take supplements to keep my gut health in check; I take lunch breaks, and actually use them to eat. Once I learned to take care of myself first, I was able to take care of people from a space of wholeness, which ultimately helped the business succeed.

What led you to own your own business?
After completing my undergraduate degree in women’s and gender studies, I knew I wanted to work predominantly in service to women, and more specifically women of color. This community has been historically under serviced and self-care was never an emphasis in the community I grew up in. Skincare became the vessel in which I was able to serve that community in the best and healthiest way.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
The Braid Dr and Poppin Curls and Beauty Bar.


Sergio Zeligman

SERGIO ZELIGMAN
Panda Contractors

Panda is in business to improve the lives of their customers by providing the highest quality products and workmanship and creating the best possible experience for them. Panda is also in business to improve the lives of their employees by providing personal and financial growth opportunities for them and creating long term profit growth, profitability and stability for the company.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
Right now the most challenging part of doing business every day is the availability and increasing prices of materials. We understand that the economy is not the best and we need to be able to purchase and receive materials promptly and at competitive prices to meet our customers’ expectations.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
Work hard while at work and simply enjoy your life after work with the family. As a family-owned business it is important to dedicate time to your family.

What led you to own your own business?
Coming from a family that always had our own business it was just a matter of finding the business that fitted me. Been a civil engineer and a general contractor, it was just a matter of doing what came natural to me. I have always enjoyed creating and serving our community. Making our customers smile is our logo and it is exactly what we try to do every day.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
We use Rocha Lawn Care as our landscape company. They are very reliable and honest.


Stanley Campbell

STANLEY CAMPBELL
Eagle Force Associates Inc. and Martin Downs Golf Club & Resort

Our mission is to assist our clients in the design and deployment of intelligent systems, where man and machine interface and applications are designed to optimize the performance of each by providing the heavy lifting for many of the most difficult problems in computer science.

What is the most challenging part of doing business every day?
The most challenging part of doing business each day is learning how to say no to every opportunity that comes over without being dismissive. This is very important because you never know who will bring the next great opportunity. The way I approach this issue is to listen attentively. Evaluate the terms, conditions, means, methods and modalities of the opportunity and to state the reasoning behind why the opportunity may not be for me. Make it an educational moment in time, funding, ROI, governance, etc.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
Make the job fun, inclusive and understood at home. Build in recreation, travel and intelligent growth. Bring the family along when possible and leave the job at the office when possible.

What led you to own your own business?
Thinking that I consistently had great ideas and the discipline to follow them through.

What minority-owned business on the Treasure Coast do you want to give a shout-out to?
State Farm Insurance, H&R Block, WFLM 104.5 the Flame and Treasure Coast Lexus

See the original article in the print publication


Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Jul. 1, 2022|

Leaders to watch

LEADERS TO WATCH

Treasure Coast Business Leaders to Watch 2022

Treasure Coast business movers and shakers contributing to regional growth

Vision for the future is an important component for any business owner, manager or aspiring entrepreneur. Whether it is a nonprofit, for-profit, government, small or big business, the organization will always require a vision for growth, expansion or innovation. The mechanism that allows the organization to execute this vision is leadership. From motivating and inspiring the team and community to creating and organizing the tasks and work plan — leadership plays a critical role.

So, what is good leadership?

The most common definition is the ability to inspire confidence and support among the people who are needed to achieve organizational goals. An important element regarding leadership is that it can be practiced to some extent even by those who do not hold or are not assigned a formal leadership position.

The Treasure Coast region has begun to experience dynamic growth and changes to the economic landscape. These marketplace changes will require leadership at all levels and from all industry sectors. Understanding the important role leadership will continue to play in the region, Treasure Coast Business has created its first issue dedicated to leaders to watch as our communities and marketplace continue to grow.

The region has a strong foundation of innovative and influential leaders. If all those worthy of appearing in this article were included, this issue would resemble a dictionary not a magazine. This article is simply to provide a sampling of the hundreds of influential leaders who work and lead every day along the Treasure Coast.

With the assistance of regional business organizations, a list was created with the following eligibility requirements:

• Individuals must have been in business for five or more years
• Businesses and their owners must reside in the region
• No elected officials.

The individuals profiled in this segment serve as examples of the different pathways to fostering a positive effect on the development of our community, its residents and especially our youth.


William ‘Will’ Armstead

William ‘Will’ Armstead
CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County

William “Will” Armstead was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, along with his seven brothers and sisters. A veteran of the U.S. Army and Army National Guard, he served 16 years that included deployments during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. He received more than a dozen awards and medals for his outstanding leadership and retired as a sergeant 1st class senior noncommissioned officer.

As a civilian, Armstead’s career soared as a regional general manager for Aramark – a publicly held $16 billion worldwide food and uniform services company. He successfully managed $26 million in annual revenue in the Southeast division and increased revenue 12% year after year.

His career continued to excel at A’viands, a privately owned $140 million services management company. As director of operations, he managed $65 million in annual revenue at 126 locations in 26 states.

Armstead’s personal life mission is to serve people in need, especially disadvantaged children. Even while working for large corporations, he has always been a community-based leader, serving multiple nonprofits including Big Brothers Big Sisters, PACE and Safe Space. For eight years, he served on the Boys & Girls Club board and also as board president. He also serves on Global Vision Citadel Ministries and Alzheimer’s Community Care, just to name a few.

Although he is a busy executive, Armstead makes time for family. He and wife, Rachel, have six sons and four daughters. They also are foster parents, which is how they came to adopt brothers Nathyn and Marcus in 2018. The family attends First Baptist Church of Lake Park where he serves as a deacon.

In 2015, Armstead became chief executive officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County – a nonprofit organization that serves more than 15,000 children yearly with 166 employees and an annual budget of more than $5 million. He is clearly dedicated to the club’s mission of helping children reach their full potential. His outgoing, friendly manner attracts people who may have never experienced the Boys & Girls Club. He believes that people sincerely want to help kids – especially those who need it the most.

In his rare spare time, he enjoys fishing, golfing and quality family time.

His passion and strongest attributes are his compassion for people and his ability to lead by example. He pushes people to be the best version of themselves and he wants that more for others than for himself.

Whom on the Treasure Coast do you most admire and why?

One of the many people on the Treasure Coast that I admire most is Elizabeth Barbella, CEO of The Community Foundation Martin – St. Lucie. Under her leadership, the foundation has grown from a quiet organization to a robust organization serving philanthropists and nonprofits in Martin and St. Lucie counties. She’s a visionary leader, a mentor and valued adviser.

If given $50,000 to start a new business, what type of business would you start and why?

If given $50,000, I would open a day-care. There are not enough day-care businesses on the Treasure Coast, which is a problem for working families and their employers.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?

In 1991, I was stationed in Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. I remember vividly the first time I heard Lee Greenwood’s hit song, God Bless the USA, blaring full blast over the loudspeakers on base. That song gave me chill bumps then and still does today.


Philip A. Busch

Philip A. Busch
president of Southern Eagle Distributing

With a long family history in the development and sales of beverages, Philip A. Busch is a prominent Treasure Coast business leader. As the president of Southern Eagle Distributing and The Busch Family Foundation, Busch has an impressive track record of running a successful, family-owned business.

His strengths and expertise are in the acquisition, sales and marketing of beverage brands. Some of the brands include Anheuser-Busch, Constellation, Sailfish Brewing, Celsius, Essentia Water, a newly launched spirit portfolio, and more than 60 other local and national suppliers.

He is committed to being a great corporate citizen and a leader with his philanthropic endeavors.

Through the foundation, Busch, with the help of his employees, supports local causes such as combating homelessness, fighting hunger, helping veterans and assisting youth programs such as the Boys & Girls Club.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose?

The Budweiser theme song – Here Comes the King

Have you ever watched a movie and gained a new perspective on life? What movie was it and what did you learn?

Jeremiah Johnson – the appreciation of silence and accomplishing objectives on your own. Do the right thing, especially when no one is looking.

What was the first leadership role you can remember being in?

The first leadership role I had was playing sports, specifically football. Being a leader on both defense and offense, I was responsible for pushing the team to give their all, have discipline, and be aware of their surroundings.


Shane Mullan

Shane Mullan
COO Aluma Tower Co.

Shane Mullan, chief operating officer, joined Aluma Tower Company in 2006. He began his journey with Aluma as a welder/fabricator and quickly rose through the ranks as shop lead, production manager, vice president of sales and vice president of operations.

As production manager, he was successful in reducing overtime by improving workflow and implementing proven work procedures on the production floor. As vice president of sales, he developed Aluma’s first outside sales team and implemented many of the company’s sales processes that are still used today.

And as vice president of operations, Mullan led the company through record-breaking revenue growth, which resulted in the company making the INC. 5000 list in 2020. He has also assisted in the development of new products, such as Aluma’s skid system, the Scorpion trailer model and Aluma’s un-guyed tower systems.

Since becoming COO, Mullan has been able to leverage his experience and vast knowledge of the products to become a well-respected and important element of Aluma’s leadership team. His current focus is on the growth of the business, both in volume and margin, while maintaining quality, efficiency and on-time delivery.

In addition to his role at Aluma, Mullan is also on the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce board and sits on multiple community committees. He has an associate degree in business administration and management from Indian River State College and a Master Welder Certification from Tulsa Welding School in Jacksonville.

Mullan moved to Indian River County with his family in 1986 from Yonkers, New York. He resides in Vero Beach with his wife, and dog, Louie. His daughter is a student at the University of Miami. He spends his free time traveling with his wife and doing DIY projects on their home.

What leadership skills do you find most useful?

Relationship building/nurturing and decision making are the leadership skills I utilize most on a day-to-day basis. This applies to both internal and external relationships and activities. Building relationships and nurturing them are two different, highly important skills. Decision making, specifically knowing when and how to make decisions is a key skill I utilize every day. Recognizing situations that require a rapid decision, being able to make the right one and being conscious of the impacts of that decision are critical.

How do you think people would communicate in a perfect world?

Verbally. We have lost the critical intimacy of face-to-face communication. We all get caught up in technology at times, sometimes I will be typing an email and then have to remind myself the recipient is right down the hall. When I catch it, I will walk down for the discussion and memorialize it in writing if necessary.

Have you ever watched a movie and gained a new perspective on life? What movie was it and what did you learn?

Braveheart. It was always a favorite of mine as a young man. It taught me to be selfless and always be willing to stand on the front lines no matter how far I make it in life.


Tabitha Trent

Tabitha Trent
SouthState manager and vice president

Tabitha Trent, who is a lifetime resident of Okeechobee, attended Indian River State College and University of Central Florida, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She also attended the Florida School of Banking at the University of Florida, graduating with honors.

Trent, who has been in banking for 35 years, is a community banker at heart and believes in investing in the lives of the community she serves. She serves or supports the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County, Okeechobee Utility Authority board of directors, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office’s Citizens Advisory Board, Altobello Charitable Donor Trust Fund, GRAD Nite, Economic Development Corp. of Okeechobee and the Pregnancy Center of Okeechobee.

Her passions in life are her faith and her family. She enjoys serving alongside her More 2 Life church family. She and her husband, Jay, have a son, Chase, who recently graduated from Indian River State College and is pursuing his lifelong career with Florida Power and Light.

What leadership skills do you find most useful?

Follow-up: inspect what you expect. Be an effective communicator; communication is key. Be firm but fair. Empower your team members. Honesty and integrity, always do the right thing first.

How would you sell hot chocolate in Florida, during the summer?

I would commission a fleet of hand-pushed ice cream carts along the majestic Treasure Coast beaches and sell frozen hot chocolate fudgesickles dipped in marshmallow to sweltering hot beachcombers and sunbathers.

Whom on the Treasure Coast do you most admire and why?

Throughout my life I have been blessed with many people in which I admire and who have impacted my life and career. From my parents, family members, managers, colleagues and community leaders, there are two individuals who stand out the most – my pastor and his wife. We each have a calling in life and sometimes the call is not always the easiest path. My pastor’s life is a prime example of the struggles and ultimate joy of following your calling no matter what the cost.


Mike Adams

Mike Adams
president of Adams Ranch

Mike Adams, who was born in 1955 in Fort Pierce Memorial Hospital, attended Fort Pierce Elementary School and Pinecrest High School in Fort Lauderdale. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1976. In January 1985, he was elected president of Adams Ranch and handles the cattle and citrus operations in St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Osceola counties. Adams has served as supervisor of the St. Lucie County Soil and Water Conservation District. He is an Indian River Citrus League board alternate and is on its Land and Water Committee; and a board member and past president of the St. Lucie County Farm Bureau. He is also president of the Florida Bradford Breeders Association and the Treasure Coast Resource Conservation and Development Council. He and his wife, Rachael, have five children.

What leadership skills do you find most useful?

The cattle business and family business involves generations just not measured on the clock. Agriculture is a very dynamic business and is a constant learning process, so one must be flexible to change.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?

The theme to the classic television show, Rawhide. 

What was the first leadership role you can remember being in and how did the experience shape how you lead today?

My experience with the Treasure Coast Research Park continues to be interesting. Working with St. Lucie County, the federal government, the University of Florida and others to build a business incubator for the food industry. There were years of FaceTime and meetings before building the Sunshine Kitchen. At the end of the day, it is an asset to our community as we strive to better our citizens.


Bert Culbreth

Bert Culbreth
owner of The Gilbert Family of Companies

Bert Culbreth is a third-generation owner of The Gilbert Family of Companies in Okeechobee, which consists of Gilbert Realty, Gilbert Ford, Gilbert Chevrolet, Gilbert Outdoors and Gilbert Oil Co.

He serves on boards including the Indian River State College Foundation Board, Okeechobee County Economic Development Corp., Seacoast Bank – Heartland Community Board and Ford Dealer Council Representative – Orlando Region. Culbreth is also a member of the Okeechobee Masonic Lodge and past director of the Florida Petroleum Marketers Association. His hobbies include golf, hunting, fishing and aviation. He enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter.

Whom on the Treasure Coast do you most admire and why?

I’ve been lucky to have many mentors and role models in my life including my parents. If I had to choose one person on the Treasure Coast it would be Sam Mullinax. Sam and his partner started a small company years ago in Stuart and through hard work grew it to a premier national brand and the leader in their space. In the years I’ve known Sam, he has always impressed me with his positive outlook on life and his dedication to his faith. Sam leads by example in his life and inspires me to do the same.

What is your favorite spot on the Treasure Coast to grab a bite to eat?

In Okeechobee we enjoy visiting Lightsey’s Seafood Restaurant and OK Corral Gun Club for lunch or dinner. Our favorite spot on the Treasure Coast to grab a bite is Drift Kitchen & Bar in the Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa.

What was the first leadership role you can remember being in and how has the experience shaped how you lead today?

Early in my career, my sister and I had two key managers leave at the same time in our business. We were not familiar at the time with all of the aspects of the job that they were handling as we were new to this role. We had to learn on the fly and made a lot of mistakes in the process. It was a trial and error situation and we learned some valuable lessons in the process. We also learned all of the aspects of these positions so that we would never get in that situation again.


Dr. Greg Rosencrance

Dr. Greg Rosencrance
president of Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital

Dr. Greg Rosencrance earned his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University and his medical degree from Marshall University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency training in medicine as chief medical resident at the Charleston Area Medical Center in West Virginia. He is board certified in internal medicine.

Prior to accepting the appointment as president of Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, he served as chairman of the Medicine Institute at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, from 2016 to 2018.

He was instrumental in restructuring the Medicine Institute to Cleveland Clinic Community Care.

Community Care serves as the medical home for accessible, comprehensive and coordinated care for patients. It includes adult primary care, family medicine, consultative internal medicine, geriatrics, hospital medicine and infectious diseases.

Rosencrance served as the center director for medicine and medical subspecialties at Cleveland Clinic Florida from 2014 to 2016. He helped organize and implement the care model in South Florida where he received many accolades for his work.

He is a devoted medical doctor who has received many awards and honors for his work, including being named the Ayash Distinguished Professor of Internal Medicine. One of his proudest moments was the $100,000 establishment of the Dr. J. Gregory Rosencrance Clinic Fund in 1993 by Marjorie Johnson.

Whom on the Treasure Coast do you most admire and why?
The person I admire most is my wife, Jackie, for her resiliency, guidance and perseverance. She is my confidant.

What are the core values you implement into your organization every day and why they are important?

The core values I implement into the organization every day are: quality and safety, empathy, inclusion, integrity, teamwork and innovation. As a health care institution, doing the right things that not only promote the wellness of the patient, but also those of the caregivers, come first. Setting the highest standards and excellent outcomes through effective interactions, decision-making and actions are critically important for the patient. Empathy helps to alleviate suffering, and we try to create joy whenever possible. Our organization sets a standard to intentionally create an environment of compassionate belonging where all are valued and respected. Integrity creates high moral principles and professional standards by a commitment to honesty, confidentiality, trust, respect and transparency. We must work together as a team to ensure the best possible care, safety and well-being of our patients and fellow caregivers. We strive and support innovation to drive large and small changes to transform healthcare everywhere.

What is your favorite spot on the Treasure Coast to grab a bite to eat?

My favorite spot on the Treasure Coast to grab a bite to eat is Waldo’s. It has incredible charm and a great meal, all served on the outdoor deck, right on the oceanfront.


Kaylee King

Kaylee King
business manager for Okeechobee County Economic Development Corp.

Kaylee King is a business manager who is constantly learning and growing. King, who lives and works in her hometown of Okeechobee, is passionate about her role as a business manager with the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation because it allows her to use her marketing and relational expertise to grow the county’s tax base. This helps provide job opportunities for this rural community.

She uses her great frame of reference in marketing, which has helped her to recruit and retain around 30 different projects during her time at the corporation. A graduate of Indian River State College and the University of Central Florida, she pivoted from her original love for health care administration and discovered her true passion for marketing while working at her family’s local health care practice as a customer relations coordinator.

She has consulted for various local businesses, business owners, organizations and events in Okeechobee to help elevate their online presence and create results.

Whom on the Treasure Coast do you most admire and why?

Hands down, Dr. Jennifer Laskey, owner and dentist of Family Dentistry of Okeechobee. She has been my mentor and role model since I was a young child. The values I learned from working in health care have changed my life forever. The way she has always treated her patient family, she is constantly approaching situations with integrity. I have watched her balance being a woman business owner, a mother, a practitioner and a wife. She is very inspiring. This type of leadership just makes the business experience so much better!

What core values do you implement into your organization every day and why are they important?

The core values that come most naturally to my personal and professional life are service and creativity. I am a very creative person, and I have found this approach can translate very well into your work environment. We see all around us how businesses are having to adapt and pivot into the new changes that the pandemic has afforded. Companies and organizations that are creative are growing. The value of service is so near to my heart. Whether we are serving our community, our board of directors, our patients, or our customers, people are the key part of the equation for me. I was raised in an industry with a very high level of customer service, and so this principle has always brought the most fulfillment to my projects. It’s all about people, and that is what fuels my fire.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?

I was working on a big photo shoot with a team of about 15 women. It was summer in Florida, in a cow pasture that had amazing scenery. All were glammed out in their gowns. The bugs were biting and excitement was dying down. I pulled out my portable speaker and turned on Beyonce’s Before I Let Go and suddenly the atmosphere changed. They turned on their queen mode attitude so fast and starting having fun dancing. I love that music can set the mood so quickly, even though the environment was the same. It is such a fun song, up-beat, girl power, a go-getter mantra with a little fun for dancing. The photos turned out stunning and you could tell they had fun doing it. So this song and this memory, makes the song my go to.


Rob Gluckman

Rob Gluckman
CEO for health care companies

Rob Gluckman, who graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, received his law degree from St. Thomas University College of Law in Miami.

He was an assistant state attorney in the 19th Judicial Circuit for 2½ years before becoming an associate and eventually a managing partner in the law firm of Hurley, Rogner, Miller, Cox and Waranch. After practicing for more than 10 years, Gluckman became the chief executive officer for Treasure Coast Urgent Care, Employee Wellness, P.A. and Treasure Coast Primary Care.

Gluckman is an avid offshore fisherman, promoting catch and release and spending time with his three rescue dogs. He is on the board of directors for the YMCA of the Treasure Coast. He previously served as board chairman for the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce and on a number of other not-for-profit boards of directors during the past 15 years.

What leadership skills do you find most useful?

Empathy, honesty, critical and outside of the box thinking.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose?

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

Have you ever watched a movie and gained a new perspective on life? What movie was it and what did you learn?

Yes, Rudy. I learned never give up and hard work earns you respect.


William J. Penney

William J. Penney
president, CEO, board chairman of Marine Bank & Trust Vero Beach

William “Bill” Penney was born and raised in West Palm Beach and has lived in Vero Beach since 1984. He graduated from Palm Beach Junior College, Florida Atlantic University and the School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University.

He has worked at Marine Bank & Trust for 18 years; 12 years as president and CEO and eight years as chairman of the board.

An avid cyclist, he rode 65 miles to celebrate his 65th birthday in 2021 and raised $12,000 for the Alzheimer’s & Parkinson Association of Indian River County.

Whom on the Treasure Coast do you most admire and why?

I have great admiration for all the entrepreneurs that have opened businesses. It takes a lot of determination and sacrifice, but the result has a domino effect. Businesses create jobs, wealth and resources that contribute to the quality of life in our community.

How do you think people would communicate in a perfect world?
From Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Seek first to understand, then be understood.

Have you ever watched a movie and gained a new perspective on life? What movie was it and what did you learn?

It’s a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart is a great example of the lasting and positive impact that community bankers can have on their communities.


Maddie Williams

Maddie Williams
executive director of Treasure Coast Builders Association

Maddie Williams, who is originally from Massachusetts, moved with her family to Port St. Lucie in 1989. She has been in the construction industry for 30 years, beginning her career working for a local residential homebuilder in 1991.

She joined the Treasure Coast Builders Association in 2002 as special projects director and was appointed executive director in 2011. In this position, she focuses on advocating on behalf of the construction industry, which includes governmental affairs issues, skilled trades training and other workforce development issues.

Williams is very involved in her local community and serves on the board of directors of Career Source Research Coast and vice chairman of its Youth Council Committee. She also serves on the boards of St. Lucie County Cultural Alliance, St. Lucie County Art in Public Places and is chairman of the Port St. Lucie Art Advisory Council. She volunteers her time with Family Meals of St. Lucie County, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity and is a member of the Fort Pierce Woman’s Club.

What is your favorite spot on the Treasure Coast to grab a bite to eat?

Shuckers on the Beach

What was the first leadership role you can remember being in?

I taught Sunday school to a kindergarten class and babysat when I was a teenager. It taught me patience and responsibility, traits that I try to practice every day.

What leadership skills do you find most useful?

Communication skills and attention to detail have helped me be successful in both my work and personal life.


Keith Fletcher

Keith Fletcher
president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

Keith “Fletch” Fletcher is president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, the largest youth services provider in Martin County.

During his four-year tenure, the depth and breadth of services has expanded dramatically, in mental health support, workforce programming and school-based partnerships. Fletcher is a graduate of Leadership Martin, a two-time chairman of Leadership Miami, a graduate of Leadership Florida’s Connect program and served as the institute co-chairman twice.

He has previously been selected as a Top 40 under 40 by the South Florida Business Journal and was a recent recipient of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s prestigious Outstanding New CEO Award for Southeast America. He and his wife, Leyla, have two daughters, Zoe, 6, and Kaia, 4.

What leadership skills do you find most useful?

To me, leadership is the ability to create a desire in people to want to struggle for shared aspirations. The ability to inspire, to continuously evaluate and improve, to not only innovate individual but to be supportive of a broader innovation ecosystem, to collaborate, to see possibility or opportunity when others see problems. Keep focused on the 3 Ps in your portfolio – people, products and process. Leadership is, as we know, rooted in values and integrity but is contextual so you have to be able to be what you need to be in that moment, without comprising self or organization, to move the mission forward.

Tell us your favorite spot on the Treasure Coast to grab a bite to eat.

Wow. So tough. I am out and about in the community a lot. The sliders and a recent concoction at Ocean Republic Brewery always hits the spot. For quiet conversation, The Grille at Martin Landing is perfect. Lola’s is great for the best seafood. Had a fantastic chile infused espresso at Barista Creamery just last week for the first time. So I love to explore. But I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible food truck scene – including ours here at the Boys & Girls Clubs – and some of the incredible home cooking I have received from our friends and supporters – nothing beats Ms. Delphina’s marinated sliced avocado, conch fritters and fried shrimp right there in Port Salerno.

How do you think people would communicate in a perfect world?

Transparently, making clear motive and intention without any pretense. Focusing more on what’s right about our kids, our communities, our world and less about what’s wrong with them. With a general orientation to navigate to yes and talk about what’s possible instead of why something can’t be done. In a way that understands privilege and position and perspective but uses all those things as a way to build longer tables, not taller fences.


Chad Olson

Chad Olson
managing director of the South Florida Region for Benchmark Hospitality

Chad Olson joined Benchmark in October 2015 as general manager of Costa d’ Este Beach Resort & Spa and Cardozo South Beach. He was promoted to managing director of the South Florida Region in 2019 with direct oversight of four hotels.

Prior to joining Benchmark, Olson worked for more than 25 years in California for companies such as JRK Hotels, Joie de Vivre Hospitality and Woodside Hospitality.

What was the first leadership role you can remember being in and how did the experience shape how you lead today?

Assistant front office manager at a resort in Arizona. I was a complete failure in my approach on how to interact and lead a team but through lots of failures and the open mindedness and humble pie, I learned.

What is your favorite spot on the Treasure Coast to grab a bite to eat?

Depends on the mood but in either case, I enjoy patronizing the independent restaurants. From the casual end of the spectrum, Little Jim’s in Fort Pierce, to my favorite, Fire and Wine in Vero Beach.

What leadership skills do you find most useful?

Servant leadership, humility, risk taking and overly communicating.


Larry Lee

Larry Lee
State Farm agent and co-owner of WFLM

Larry Lee Jr. grew up in Fort Pierce, graduated from Fort Pierce Central High School in 1972 and received a degree in health and physical education from Livingstone College in 1976. He married his college sweetheart, Alice, and they have one daughter, Dr. LaTasha Lee.

Lee owns a State Farm insurance agency and he and his wife own WFLM radio station. He’s a graduate of Leadership Florida and is featured in the book The Influentials by Jon Berry and Ed Keller. In 2002, he was inducted into the Livingstone College Football Hall of Fame. And in 2004, he received the Leadership Florida Distinguished Alumni Award.

In 2012, Larry was elected to the Florida House of Representatives becoming the first Black state representative in the history of St. Lucie County. He has served on several bank boards. He is the co-founder of the Ave D Boys Choir, the Jazz & Blues Society and Boy Scouts Troop 772.

His passion for helping youth and senior citizens led him to found the Lighthouse Foundation to serve those populations on Florida’s Treasure Coast and later created the Restoring the Village Initiative to help improve the neighborhood he grew up in, Lincoln Park.

If given $50,000 to start a new business, what type of business would you start and why?

If given $50,000 to start a new business, it would be a business that helps create entrepreneurship for youth. I feel that we need to invest more in our youth.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?

My favorite song is Wake Up Everybody by Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes. That song has a powerful message. It was made during my senior year in college, but its message is as strong today as it was in 1975.

What was the first leadership role you can remember being in and how did it shape you today?

My first leadership role occurred during my junior year in college. I was co-captain of the football team. During my senior year at Livingstone College, while serving as captain of the team, we had the No. 1 defense in the nation among small colleges. Playing football taught me so much about teambuilding. It helped me learn how to build a successful insurance agency, a political career and a not-for-profit foundation.


Travis Leonard

Travis Leonard
CEO and managing partner of A&G Concrete Pools

Travis Leonard, who was born in New Jersey, moved to Florida in 1988 with his family.

Leonard was hired by A&G in 1999 for in-house sales and design and was promoted to sales manager in 2006. In 2008, he accepted a partnership in the company and obtained a state license in commercial and residential swimming pool construction in early 2009.

Today A&G is a leader in the swimming pool industry with more than 100 full-time employees. It constructs more than 400 pools yearly.

In 2021, he was selected by Gov. Ron DeSantis to be a St. Lucie County Fire Board commissioner. Leonard also has been on the St. Lucie County Licensing Board since 2016 and was elected its chairman this year.

He married his high school sweetheart, Genia, in 2001 and they have two daughters.

If given $50,000 to start a new business, what type of business would you start and why?

A trade school. Being in the construction industry and seeing the skilled tradesman aging and retiring each day truly scares me. They have an amazing talent and decades of experience that needs to be passed on. Having young people be able to learn a trade and be proud of that trade would make me happy.

Have you ever watched a movie and gained a new perspective on life? What movie was it and what did you learn?

Limitless. Every shortcut has its shortfalls, shortcuts to success, if they work at all they do not last long. Too often in today’s world everyone is looking for the quick buck and wind up failing. Hard work and determination, along with persistence, have allowed me to be so successful.

What was the first leadership role you can remember being in and how has it shaped how you lead today?

Through high school I worked at Capri Pizza delivering pizzas to start and quickly worked my way up to pizzaiolo. Having this position made me responsible for staff, preparing food to be ready for the evening rush, and how to get the best out of the team we had.


James Brann

James Brann
owner-operator of The Porch Factory

Born and raised in Wilmington, Massachusetts, Brann graduated from Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational High School. He moved to Florida in 1990 and attended Indian River State College night classes for business while working for a local heating and airconditioning company in the early 90s.

He is owner and operator of The Porch Factory, which manufactures and installs custom screen rooms and pool enclosures across the Treasure Coast. A past president of the Treasure Coast Builders Association, Brann is chairman of the Skilled Trades Task force. He has two daughters, Andrea, 26, and Samantha, 24.

Whom on the Treasure Coast do you most admire and why?

I admire Jeff Braun from Coastal Building Contractors. Jeff runs a successful business in a selfless way… takes care of his employees, quietly supports the community in many ways, fully supports his local and state builders association for the better of others.

What was the first leadership role you can remember being in and how has the experience shaped how you lead today?

I was a service manager at a local air conditioning business at the age of 25, working with three other managers older and more experienced than I was. My young ego had to learn to sit back so that the rest of me could listen and learn from the experience in front of me! A few hard knocks at the beginning shaped that process.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?

Queen – We are the Champions – it’s about determination and perseverance, fighting through battles to reach a goal.

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Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Magazine Inc. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Apr. 12, 2022|