Business Observer

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation has appointed a new vice president of community leadership, Erin Minor, who currently serves as the CEO of Harvest House. Minor began her career as a case manager at Harvest House, a nonprofit housing and hunger relief provider with 380 beds and programs throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. After working her way through the organization, she became executive director in 2010 and CEO in 2018.

This week's episode of From the Corner Office features Kevin Caldwell, CFP®, Principal at Golden Road Advisors , where he discuses how he mentors and guides the next generation of financial industry leaders. A key, he says, is to avoid making broad judgements and generalizations about Gen Z and millennials. Thanks to our exclusive podcast sponsor Kerkering Barberio, you can listen now! https://lnkd.in/eVQwvfs4

The leadership culture at S-One, one of Sarasota's largest homegrown companies, revolves around three A's: accountability, autonomy and achievement. The company, which handles product development, manufacturing and distribution for digital design and print professionals, turned 30 in 2024. Co-founder Art Lambert says, "we’re not afraid to try new things. And, we're not afraid to screw up.”

What does good communication look like? In tomorrow's episode, Kevin Caldwell, CFP®, Principal at Golden Road Advisors , explains what it looks like to build a business through mentoring the young and upcoming generation and why communication is key. Catch up on past episodes here: https://lnkd.in/enkWWb4C

Catherine Ansel has built and kept her business for twenty years the same way the French view fashion: a few small, quality pieces will keep you in business and in style for a long time to come. The French-born entrepreneur is the fashion-maven behind Couture USA, an opportunity in Tampa for those in a particular market to access high-end goods that are not easily available. “In France or in Paris, we have very small closets, but classic things that we like to cherish and those items are usually very expensive,” Ansel reflects, “And when you can find it at a better price, it's great for the environment.”

Florida residential property insurance firm American Integrity Insurance Group is ending the year on a high note with a promotion from within. Jon Ritchie, son of founder Bob Ritchie, has been appointed president of the organization after serving as COO since 2019. Founder Bob Ritchie will remain in place as CEO.

Two construction experts who bring more than 50 years of combined experience to the job have been promoted to general superintendent at Heatherwood Construction Co. Charlie Crouch and Alex Oudrhiri have assumed the leadership roles at the Bonita Springs-based general contractor, which serves the west coast of Florida.

In this week's episode of From the Corner Office, Jennifer Vigne, CFRE, president and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, shares insights into the foundation's mission and its "why" — ensuring success for students and teachers. She also reflects on her winding career journey and the steps that led her to her current role. Thanks to our exclusive podcast sponsor, Kerkering Barberio, you can tune in now at https://lnkd.in/ggT7fjtK.

Griner Engineering Firm has been, well, grinding along since it began as an electrical engineering firm in St. Pete in 1968. What started as Best & Associates by Barney P. Best has changed hands and titles several times over the decades. Now its ready for its next iteration via an acquisition by Detroit-based OHM Advisors.

Regions Bank has named two new market executives to cover the Fort Myers and Sarasota areas, respectively. Consumer Banking Manager Dorothy Blasingim will be the market executive for the Fort Myers and Cape Coral territories. She is a Fort Myers native with 40 years of banking experience. Daniel Eveloff, commercial banking leader for Regions along the Gulf Coast, has also been promoted to serve as market executive for Sarasota, Bradenton and surrounding communities.