Erin Silk has been at the helm of the EDC since June 2023. She held other titles with the organization before that promotion, including COO and vice president of business development services. Prior to joining the EDC, Erin was CEO of Venice Main Street Inc., a community revitalization organization in south Sarasota County.

Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Erin talked about her passion for economic development and the whys behind her and the team’s mission at the EDC. They also talked about the leadership characteristics that matter most to her, and the steps she has taken to recruit and retain not only businesses — but an internal team at the EDC to execute on that mission. And they even went back in time a bit, talking about when Erin founded an animal rescue nonprofit — while in college.

3 Takeaways

1. (14:55) This is serious business but let’s care about each other
2. (17:30) Culture is the separator of good and great companies
3. (23:05) When hiring, find a recruiter who truly understands your vision

Timestamps:

(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!

(00:30) Introducing Erin Silk, President and CEO of the EDC of Sarasota County

(04:30) Starting her own 501(c)3

(06:45) What do you do at the EDC?

(11:20) Taking over the EDC after two great leaders

(14:30) Being mentored by Lisa Krouse

(16:30) Learning from other businesses

(19:00) Building her team

(22:40) Advice for finding great team members

(24:55) EDC in 2025

(29:15) Rapid fire questions

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.

Seth is a dermatologist by trade but also has a variety of other pieces to his career: He founded a research practice, CenExcel, and also owns multiple commercial real estate properties in north Tampa, where he’s developing a medical hub. Seth is also a philanthropist, having donated significantly to Hillel Academy in Tampa, where two buildings are named after him.

Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Seth talked about his early career goals — which include a detour to Hollywood to become a screenwriter — and how he ended up in medicine. They also talked about his mindset to build a medical practice where he’s not dependent on big medical groups or landlords to sustain a viable business — and the lessons he learned along the way.

3 Takeaways:

1. (02:55) You have to attack the problem right in front of you
2. (04:20) The thing you find is always the last place you look
3. (11:20) You cannot lead by sitting down

Timestamps:

(00:42) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!

(01:07) Introducing Dr. Seth Forman, Founder of CenExcel

(02:54) Biggest challenges growing your organization

(04:17) The path to success is pervasive in any type of discipline

(06:17) Detouring in Hollywood as a script writer and overcoming challenges

(10:57) I don’t know if I am any good, I just try the longest

(11:48) Leadership advice

(12:37) Mentors

(14:02) What is next for the medical group?

(16:42) Diversification

(17:37) Rapid fire questions

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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Franceen Gonzales has more than 35 years experience in the amusement park and leisure and entertainment industry. She was named president of Legoland Florida Resort in Polk County in June. Prior to Legoland, Franceen was an executive for WhiteWater West, Great Wolf Resorts and Six Flags.

Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Franceen talked about how she went from wanting to become a doctor (was pre-med at Stanford) to getting into a career in waterparks and amusement parks. They also talked about how she overcame some of her biggest career challenges and how she balances empathy with accountability in leadership. And listen for Franceen’s recommendation for the coolest theme park in the world: it’s in Guatemala.

3 Takeaways:

(10:40) When you’re right, defend yourself, when your wrong, make it whole

(17:45) Moral character is a non-negotiable

(19:00) Coaching means having empathy and discipline

Timestamps:

(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!

(00:30) Introducing Franceen Gonzales, President of Legoland Florida Resort

(01:30) Franceen’s origin story, starting at a waterpark

(04:15) Obstacles throughout career

(06:00) Managing a waterpark at 25 years old

(09:20) What Franceen learned from her biggest mentor

(11:20) Crisis Management

(14:00) How did you end up at Legoland Florida Resort

(17:30) What do you look for in good leaders?

(20:40) Balancing empathy and accountability

(21:35) What are you looking forward to on Legoland?

(23:40) Rapid fire questions

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.