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:

1. (06:45) When people are giving you guidance, it is because they care
2. (07:05) Good leaders communicate well and listen well
3. (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.

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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:

1. (08:00) As a leader, you have to look like the house is not on fire
2. (10:40) Focus on what you can control
3. (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?

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Chuck Wolfe has been CEO of the Chiles Group since 2018. The company oversees several assets, including the organic Gamble Creek Farms in Manatee County. The company previously owned and operated three waterfront restaurants in Manatee. Prior to hospitality, Chuck was in politics and strategic planning, including a 12-year stint as CEO for the Victory Fund, a national advocacy group supporting LGBTQ candidates. Chuck was also a senior aide to the late Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles for seven years. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Chuck talked about leadership — and life lessons — he learned from everything from the boy scouts to political campaigns. They also talked about his process for making key decisions and how he overcomes setbacks.

3 Takeaways:

1. (15:10) Listen more than you speak
2. (16:45) Direction is more important than certainty
3. (23:50) Hiring is the most important thing you can do

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Chuck Wolfe, CEO, Chiles Group

(07:30) What is the Chiles Group?

(10:00) Working with Lawton Chiles

(13:30) What did you learn from Governor Chiles?

(15:55) Leading with certainty when so much is uncertain

(20:05) Who influenced your leadership?

(23:10) What leadership characteristics do you look for?

(27:45) What is coming up in 2026 for the Chiles Group?

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.