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:

1. (11:20) Give employees a clear path of growth
2. (13:15) People support what they help create
3. (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?

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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?

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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?

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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