ROI’s Into the Corner Office Podcast: Powerhouse Middle Market CEOs Telling it Real—Unexpected Caree...

Alex Willis understands the trade industry’s underlying challenges in profitability, performance, labor and productivity and how it has the potential to derail growth. As the CEO of Leadership Surge, Willis provides a leadership development program that trains employees in the trade industry to become frontline leaders, helping push companies forward through future challenges. As Willis competed as a walk-on player for the Florida Gators at the University of Florida and member of the 1996 National Championship football team, he always felt fulfilled working as a team player. Through his hard work and dedication, he received a full scholarship and was elected team captain in 2000. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under Coach Tony Dungy. Following his career with the Buccaneers, Alex received a master’s degree in entertainment business from Full Sail University, earning Salutatorian of his class. Willis’ passion for people lead him to a successful career in financial services, pharmaceutical sales and business development. At Northwestern Mutual, Alex ranked 3rd in sales production for the Southern Region. He ranked 5th in the nation for Eli Lilly in marketing total portfolio sales. He successfully raised over $1.5 million for startup companies and has been instrumental in creating strategy and vision for leadership within these companies. After identifying a need for frontline leadership in the trade industry, Alex has spent the last 15 years working with companies to improve leadership culture. Leadership Surge values people over process and focuses on a holistic, strengths-based approach to leadership. He has worked directly with more than 1200 foreman leaders, helping them improve in areas such as: effective communication, performance coaching, work-life balance, stress management, generational leadership, critical thinking and time management.

John Ruhlin is the world’s leading authority in maximizing customer loyalty through radical generosity. He is the founder and author of Giftology and has been featured in Fox News, Forbes, Fast Company, Inc and New York Times. While becoming the #1 performer out of 1.5 million sales reps for one of the world’s most recognizable brands, John developed a system of using generosity to gain access to elite clients and generate thousands of referrals. He and his firm now help automate this process for individuals and organizations like UBS, Raymond James, DR Horton, Keller Williams, the Chicago Cubs, and Caesar’s Palace. John and the Giftology team can help any individual turn their clients into their own personal sales force to drive exponential growth. John generously offered our listeners a free gift, get yours at https://johnruhlin.com/stop-sucking-at-strategic-gifting/

Mr. Shroder is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Frontier Technology Inc. (FTI) which is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio. He has over 35 years of diversified technical and management experience in DoD, Commercial, and other Federal markets. The majority of his time has been working for two small businesses, each having grown significantly during his tenure. The businesses have consistently been focused on providing Research and Development / Information Technology Services and Products to assist the client base to make better and more informed Department of Defense acquisition and operational decisions. Mr. Shroder is passionate about preserving, expanding, and promoting the company culture based on the beliefs articulated in the 4 Cs of FTI: Core Values, Commitment, Compassion, and Charity (Love Thy Neighbor). During his tenure, FTI was awarded, during a White House Ceremony, the prestigious SBA Tibbetts Award for the very best in Federal Innovative Research. FTI also has been named a “Best Place to Work” in its three largest office locations, and in 2018 Mr. Shroder was named a finalist for “Dayton’s Executive of the Year” Award. In addition, by request of the US Congress, Mr. Shroder has given Congressional Testimony on Small Business Science and Technology issues. He is a member of the Governor’s Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Technology Committee (OAATC).

Gary has only had 4 jobs in his lifetime. A job doing grunt work for a cabinet maker for 3 months, a tour guide in Costa Rica for 9 months, a cashier at K-mart for 1 year and an indoor soccer employee for 28 years. Let's Play Sports owns and operates indoor soccer facilities across the United States, with 24 locations in 10 different States. The company has grown from a single location in 1986 earning less than $300,000 per year and employing 20 people to over $15 million in 2019 employing 300 and sub-contracting an additional 500 people. Let's Play Sports provides recreational soccer leagues for Men, Women, Coed and Youth teams. Our goal is to provide people the opportunity to exercise, develop friendships and play the World's Greatest Game.

Diane Batayeh is the Chief Executive Officer of Village Green Holding LLC. She is directly responsible for the oversight of all of Village Green Holdings’ Operating Companies. She plays an integral role in the development and implementation of the Village Green Holdings business plans and strategic initiatives.

Vernon Steiner was appointed President and CEO of State Fund on June 9, 2014. Vern has nearly 30 years of insurance industry experience, the majority in workers’ compensation. As the President and CEO, he reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the day-to-day operations at State Fund.

Jeffrey is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Senneca Holdings. He served as the CEO of Senneca Holdings and its’ portfolio companies (Eliason Door, Chase Door, etc.) for ten years before being elevated to the Chairman role. In his current role, he works with the executive Team to identify, acquire and integrate operating companies within Senneca.

Arman Sadeghi is a published author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur and philanthropist. As the author of The Business Bible, CEO of 6 companies, a business coach, motivational speaker, husband and father, he enjoys working hard to help everyone around him reach their full potential. His passion is to educate executives and to help companies thrive. Arman is passionate about changing people’s lives for the better and helping CEOs organize and develop their business environment. When he is not working with other CEOs, Arman is growing the various businesses he has developed over the last 2 decades.

Francesco and Ignacio co-founded Grove Bay Hospitality Group and both is currently its’ Co-CEOs. The group has successfully launched an array of chef driven restaurants in partnership with celebrity chefs such as Jeremy Ford, Marcus Saumelsson, Jeff McInnis, Janine Booth and Giorgio Rapicavoli. Currently, the company owns and operates 9 different restaurants in Miami, and is bracing to launch five more, by the end of 2020. Grove Bay Hospitality Group was recognized by Restaurant Hospitality in their “RH 25 Most Innovative Multi-Concept Restaurant Groups”, was ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as the “#250 Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America”, and was named the “Business of the Year” by the South Florida Business Journal. In addition, Ignacio and Francesco were Finalists for the “EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award” during 2018.

Paul Macaluso a 25-year restaurant industry veteran, currently serves as the President and CEO of Krystal. Paul’s background includes experience in operations, franchising, marketing and brand strategy with some of the most prominent brands in the foodservice industry, including Taco Bell, Burger King, Sonic Drive-Ins and Moe’s Southwest Grill. Before joining Krystal in April 2018, Paul was the President of McAlister’s Deli, where he led the brand to records in new restaurant openings, franchisee new restaurant commitments, systemwide sales and EBITDA. Paul holds a BS/Communication and an MBA from Florida State University.