Yvonne is the founder and CEO of Workforce Development Partners, a nonprofit in the Tampa Bay region that connects high school students with trades and other companies. She’s also an entrepreneur, who has started and grown a branding company and talent agency, among other firms, and a dedicated and visible economic development cheerleader for the Tampa Bay region, especially east Hillsborough County and Plant City.

Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Yvonne talked about how her work ethic was shaped by growing up on a farm and the lessons she learned as a child about leadership, resilience and integrity.

3 Takeaways:

1. (05:00) Soft skills are so important in upcoming members of the workforce
2. (17:00) Integrity is the most important characteristic of leadership
3. (19:13) Everything is done through a team

Timestamps:

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

(00:30) Introducing Yvonne Fry, CEO of Workforce Development Partners

(01:00) The genesis of this program and the benefits

(05:45) Growing up on a farm and finding this career

(10:20) Standout projects

(13:35) Leadership advice

(16:40) Characteristics of leadership

(19:45) Setbacks

(23:30) Looking forward to 2025

(25:30) 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.

Ron has been a prominent business and health care attorney in Tampa and Florida for more than two decades. He currently oversees Shumaker Advisors, a public policy firm that works with clients in Florida, as well as nationally and globally, on a host of regulatory and government issues. Ron is also known across Tampa Bay and Florida for his diverse civic leadership; he’s currently chair of the Tampa Economic Development Council and has top roles on myriad other boards, including Leadership Florida.

Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Ron talked about his leadership mindset, and how it starts with integrity and honesty, revolving around problem-solving. They talked about how he knew he wanted to be an attorney — it dates back to a big win in fifth grade in New Jersey. And they talked about how Ron chooses the groups he volunteers his time with. Also, listen for the why behind Ron’s passion for a sharp necktie.

3 Takeaways:

1. (01:50) We all have a responsibility to lift up our community
2. (17:00) Understand the power of delegation and be self aware of your limitations
3. (19:35) If you find yourself doing everything, you will get nothing done

Timestamps:

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

(00:25) Introducing Ron Christaldi, President and CEO of Shumaker Advisors, plus a lot more

(04:20) What does Shumaker Advisors do? Plus his first experience changing a law

(10:00) The importance of connecting people

(13:00) First interest in becoming a lawyer

(16:05) Leading other lawyers

(20:14) Characteristics of upcoming leaders

(23:40) Shumaker Advisors in 2025

(26:05) 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.

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.