From the Corner Office

Mark Gordon
  • 5.0 (5)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join us every week on From the Corner Office by the Business Observer for exclusive interviews with accomplished business leaders, where we delve into their unique experiences and insights. Gain valuable lessons from their expertise that you can apply to your own business.

  1. Counseling, Compassion, and Camaros with Rick Howell

    5D AGO

    Counseling, Compassion, and Camaros with Rick Howell

    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 experience of high stress — and how that’s helped him be a better leader. They also talked about why he believes passion is a No. 1 leadership attribute and how looking out for teammates and employees as a leader is never time wasted. And listen for a cool story about his first car — and a teenage trip to London.   3 Takeaways: (11:00) Passion sustains you through hard times (14:30) You are not solely responsible for the success of your organization (15:30) If you see a turtle on a fencepost, you know it didn’t get there itself Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Rick Howell, executive director, Samaritan Counseling Services (04:05) What is Samaritan Counseling Services? (06:00) How did you get into this line of work? (08:00) Day-to-day role (09:30) What trends are you seeing in your clients? (10:45) What characteristic does every leader need to have? (13:00) Listening versus speaking as a leader (14:10) What do you wish you knew earlier as a leader? (15:30) Who are some of your mentors and what did you learn from them? (17:45) Leading in uncertain times (19:50) What is coming up for Samaritan Counseling Services?  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.

    22 min
  2. Real beer and real leadership with Matthew Rolnick

    MAY 7

    Real beer and real leadership with Matthew Rolnick

    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 “attention currency” and why it’s important. And listen for Matthew’s advice and tips on how to grow your career to the C-suite level. 3 Takeaways: (10:00) Leaders need to get information from all departments (13:15) Be cautious and you can’t win everyone over (17:00) People don’t want to be sold to, but they want to hear a story Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Matthew Rolnick, senior vice president, partnerships and events, Real American Beer (03:00) What is Real American Beer? (05:40) Matthew’s career trajectory (08:00) Lessons from working at Groupon (09:45) Leadership characteristics (12:55) Lesson you wish you knew earlier (15:10) Mark and Matthew’s connection (17:00) Storytelling in leadership (18:00) Cameo (20:20) Advice to a young person (22:10) 2026 with Real American Beer 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.

    24 min
  3. Leading with transparency and trust with Jeff Eslinger

    APR 30

    Leading with transparency and trust with Jeff Eslinger

    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 about what he learned from his mentors in the business. 3 Takeaways: (07:30) Patience and good listening are must-have leadership characteristics (09:30) There is only one way to do things, the right way (16:05) It’s not about you, it’s about who you surround yourself with Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Jeff Eslinger, president, E/M Custom Homes (04:35) What is E/M Custom Homes? (05:40) An opportunity but no company (07:25) Must-have leadership characteristics (08:30) Balancing patience and decision making (10:10) Jeff’s leadership influences (12:15) Lessons from Jeff’s grandfather (13:40) Hard decisions (16:05) Best leadership advice (16:35) Hard feedback (18:00) What is coming up in 2026? 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.

    20 min
  4. Leading consistently and caringly with Jack Cox of Halfacre Construction

    APR 23

    Leading consistently and caringly with Jack Cox of Halfacre Construction

    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 promoting leaders, and what he’s learned about leadership from being on community nonprofit boards 3 Takeaways: (09:00) Leaders need consistency (10:00) Set the vision by giving guardrails, let employees do the rest (13:00) Learn from others and adapt your leadership approach Description: (00:00) Introducing Jack Cox, president and owner, Halfacre Construction (04:25) About Halfacre Construction (06:45) Landmark projects (08:00) Why be involved in nonprofits? (09:00) What does every leader need? (10:00) Setting the vision (13:00) Leadership approach (14:10) Accepting feedback (15:30) Making tough decisions (16:30) Leadership legacy (18:10) Halfacre Construction in 2026 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.

    20 min
  5. Sustaining a spectator-free workplace with Linda Dulye

    APR 16

    Sustaining a spectator-free workplace with Linda Dulye

    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 leaders break down silos and become better listeners to the entire team. She also talked about some key lessons learned from her entrepreneurial parents to legendary GE executive Jack Welch.   3 Takeaways: (04:50) People make the success in business (07:30) You can’t lead with a void of knowledge (12:45) Use AI to spark creativity Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Linda Dulye, founder, Dulye & Co. (04:30) What is Dulye & Co.? (06:40) How do you advise your clients? (09:00) Creating a better culture (10:20) AI-proofing your career (12:30) Using AI as a tool (14:30) Linda’s career trajectory (17:30) Must-have leadership characteristics (19:00) Using feedback (20:10) Mentors (23:30) Syracuse Basketball and Dulye & Co. in 2026 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.

    26 min
  6. Putting people first and win the culture battle with Michael Arrieta

    APR 9

    Putting people first and win the culture battle with Michael Arrieta

    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 Aluminum.  On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Michael talked about key business and leadership lessons he learned from DocuSign and other tech companies. They also talked about his mentors and his vision on what makes for a strong and sustainable company culture.  3 Takeaways: (11:20) Give employees a clear path of growth (13:15) People support what they help create (14:45) To be a good leader, you need to be a servant Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Michael Arrieta, founder and managing partner, Garden City Equity (03:40) What is Garden City Equity? (05:55) Michael’s career arch (08:40) What is a good company culture? (13:00) Clarity is kindness (14:45) What made you the leader you are today? (16:55) Lessons from Docusign (18:20) Vulnerability (22:00) Leadership legacy (24:00) What's coming up for Garden City Equity? 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.

    29 min
  7. Win the networking game with Aakash Patel

    APR 2

    Win the networking game with Aakash Patel

    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 about his mentors and role models and what motivates him to give back to the community in nonprofit board roles.   3 Takeaways: (06:45) When people are giving you guidance, it is because they care (07:05) Good leaders communicate well and listen well (13:30) Lead with integrity Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Aakash Patel, Founder and President of Elevate (02:30) What is Elevate, Inc? (04:20) How did you build this network? (05:20) Learning from mentors (06:30) Responding to feedback (07:05) What characteristics make a good leader? (07:45) Community involvement (09:40) Advice for those interested in joining boards (10:40) Running for office (12:10) Making tough decisions (13:30) Best leadership advice? (14:35) What do you hope people remember about Elevate? (15:15) What is coming up in 2026? 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.

    17 min
  8. Running a championship-level golf course with Bruce Cassidy

    MAR 26

    Running a championship-level golf course with Bruce Cassidy

    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 he wanted to do. Bruce also talked about what he looks for in building high-performing teams.   3 Takeaways: (08:00) As a leader, you have to look like the house is not on fire (10:40) Focus on what you can control (12:00) Hiring a great team is the most important aspect of leadership Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Bruce Cassidy, Owner, Concession Golf Club (02:30) How did you come to own Concessions Golf Club? (04:15) Hosting the Senior PGA Championship (06:40) Bruce’s career before Concession Golf Club (07:20) Leading as a manufacturer (09:00) Leadership influences (10:25) Leadership lessons (11:20) How do you give feedback? (13:00) How do you know an employee is not the right fit? (16:00) What is the story behind the name “Concession?” (17:20) Stories from the course - Playing with Jack Nicklaus (19:35) What is coming up for Concessions Golf Club?  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.

    23 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Join us every week on From the Corner Office by the Business Observer for exclusive interviews with accomplished business leaders, where we delve into their unique experiences and insights. Gain valuable lessons from their expertise that you can apply to your own business.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Gordon
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    From the Corner Office

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