Like all of Chris Ponte’s restaurants, beautiful details infuse every aspect of Olivia, his modern trattoria in South Tampa. The place is bright and airy, filled with natural light. An intimate lounge with small tables is perfect for sharing drinks, and private conversation, while the bar, resplendent in dark woods and a black marble bar … Read more
There’s that word again: empathy. It’s buzzing this year. Forbes named it the No. 1 skillset to shift in 2021. “Empathy is connecting to the emotions that underpin an experience, not necessarily having to connect to the experience itself.” — professor and author Brené Brown, Dare to Lead A friend of mine, in New York … Read more
Here’s a tricky question, from the Sandler Research Center, for any business leader responsible for customer success or net revenue retention. Of all the clients who changed suppliers last year, 68% did so because: They were offered a better, shinier, “deal.” They were offered a lower price. They no longer felt valued by the incumbent … Read more
As we all struggle to find new ways to “get away” while also staying close and safe, my husband and I embarked on a trip to a place that is so very beautifully different—across the state of Florida. It’s a place that is so close, and once was very close to my heart, but also … Read more
Bonnie Strickland, founder of the former Strickland Property Group and St. Petersburg resident, has joined Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT and will be operating from its downtown St. Petersburg location at 280 Beach Drive NE. Strickland founded The Strickland Property Group, in 2010. She resigned from the firm that acquired her business in April 2020. “I … Read more
The Tampa area is home to some of Florida’s most impactful business leaders. A select few make the annual Florida 500 list, which highlights influential executives among different economic sectors. These individuals are identified by Florida Trend magazine through extensive research. Below, select women who earned the most recent honor share advice and direction. Joy … Read more
In March 2020, Tom Brady made national headlines when he announced he would be moving south and joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Some people were shocked, and some savvy observers say they called it. Me, I was flabbergasted. “Huh? Can 2020 get any more bizarre?” Full disclosure: For those that do not already know, I’m … Read more
► Fort Lauderdale-based BTI Partners, a real estate development firm, secured a $92 million construction loan for phase one of Marina Pointe, a waterfront development along Tampa Bay. (Pictured above) ► Concord Hospitality Enterprises Co. named Stephanie Bisogne executive chef and Ivan Puente director of food and beverage at the Sal y Mar Rooftop Bar, … Read more
Construction for the new SkyCenter One broke ground in late 2019. While the global pandemic has changed, and derailed, a lot in the world, this project is still on track to open this summer. VanTrust Real Estate, a privately held commercial development group based in Kansas City, is the developer of the SkyCenter One project. … Read more
“Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” — poet Mattie Stephanek Collaboration is empowerment. Collaboration is not giving up something. Collaboration is a way to move forward, move ahead and move beyond challenges with input, perspective and insight. When you collaborate, you focus on what is best instead … Read more
