Adam Rossen interviews Dale McLean, famously known as Dale The Host, the energetic voice behind the Miami Heat, a top-tier emcee, event producer, and championship-winning youth soccer coach.

In this exciting 55th episode of Success in South Florida, Dale shares his inspiring journey of moving from Jamaica to becoming one of South Florida’s most respected hosts and leaders in both entertainment and sports. He opens up about the challenges of breaking into the industry, the importance of valuing his worth, and how he blends his passions for hosting and coaching to make a meaningful impact.

Listeners will discover powerful insights on leadership, confidence, resilience, and the value of showing up authentically—whether on the mic or the soccer field. This episode offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, entertainers, coaches, and anyone striving to build a fulfilling career fueled by passion and purpose.

🎯 Episode Highlights:

✅ The origins of Uptown Dale: how Dale McLean earned his reputation as a premier event host and becoming the Miami Heat’s in-arena voice

✅ Dale's experience moving to Miami after spending his childhood in Jamaica

✅ The crucial lesson of setting and standing by your price

✅ Maintaining balance and joy in a multi-faceted career

✅ Coaching youth soccer teams to championships with minimal prep time

✅ Leading with emotional intelligence rather than rigid tactics

✅ Connecting the worlds of event production and sports mentorship

✅ Dale’s advice for building success through authenticity and enthusiasm

Chapters:

00:30 – Introduction to Dale The Host

01:47 – From Jamaica to Miami: Dale’s Early Journey

08:20 – The Rise of an Emcee: Becoming Dale The Host

15:10 – Learning to Value Your Work and Say No

24:45 – Leadership Lessons from Youth Soccer Coaching

37:30 – Winning Gold at Maccabi: Building a Team in One Week

48:15 – Balancing Event Hosting with Coaching

56:22 – Keys to Success: Authenticity, Joy, and Hard Work

1:04:04 – Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Dale

About Dale McLean:

Dale McLean, widely known as Dale The Host, has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for over 15 years. Starting his career while attending the University of Miami, Dale quickly gained a reputation as one of South Florida’s most sought-after emcees and hosts.

His extensive experience ranges from hosting Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, corporate events, and charity balls, to serving as the in-arena host for the WNBA’s Miami Sol and currently the NBA’s Miami Heat. Known for his charisma, professionalism, and ability to engage audiences, Dale is also an accomplished youth soccer coach, leading teams to championships with his leadership and motivational skills.

🌐 Connect with Dale:

Website: DalethehostDale The Host


Dale The Host
dalethehost.com

Instagram: @dalethehost | @uptowndale

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#SouthFloridaBusiness #DaleTheHost #MiamiHeat #Leadership #FamilyBusiness #EventHosting #Coaching #Entrepreneurship #SuccessStories

Learn more about Adam & the Rossen Law Firm at https://www.rossenlawfirm.com/

In this captivating 54th episode of Success in South Florida, host Adam Rossen sits down with Michael Lessing, the driving force behind the 135-year-old Lessing's Hospitality Group. Michael shares the incredible journey of building and sustaining a multi-generational family business, offering a unique perspective on adapting through five generations and successfully expanding from New York to the dynamic South Florida hospitality scene.

Discover what it truly takes to maintain a thriving family legacy, the crucial lessons learned from navigating over a century of change (including major economic shifts and the COVID-19 pandemic), and the strategic insights behind their successful move to the Sunshine State.

Whether you're part of a family business, an aspiring entrepreneur, or fascinated by enduring success stories, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom and actionable takeaways from a true hospitality veteran.

Episode Highlights:

✅ The inspiring 135-year journey of Lessing's Hospitality Group

✅ The keys to navigating generational transitions in a family business

✅ How a historic New York company successfully expanded to South Florida

✅ Critical lessons learned from adapting to over a century of change

✅ Michael Lessing's invaluable advice for building a lasting business legacy

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to a Century-Spanning Hospitality Story

00:28 - Meet Michael Lessing: Leading a Timeless Enterprise

01:15 - The Foundation: Building a Business in Early Manhattan

05:16 - Expanding Reach: From Long Island to New Ventures

12:25 - The Role of Guidance: Navigating Family and Business Dynamics

23:43 - The South Florida Calling: Embracing New Opportunities

30:46 - Weathering the Storm: Lessons from Unprecedented COVID Times

36:40 - Comparing Markets: The New York and Florida Experiences

42:46 - Enduring Wisdom for Business Builders

47:59 - Connect with Michael Lessing

About Michael Lessing:

Michael Lessing is the dynamic President of Lessing’s Hospitality Group, a sixth-generation, family-owned powerhouse serving the East Coast for over 130 years. As chairman of the company’s Executive Committee, this proud Long Island native leads a legacy founded in 1890, encompassing over 100 locations across the Northeast and Florida.

Leading an organization with 15 family members, Michael has been instrumental in Lessing’s enduring success, driven by his belief in quick adaptation and the ability to pivot. A testament to this was the company's vital partnership with New York City during the pandemic, delivering over two million meals. Michael is spearheading expansion across all divisions, including the exciting Love Street Project in Florida, all while fortifying Lessing’s renowned hospitality.

Actively involved in numerous professional and charitable organizations, Michael’s leadership has earned him accolades like the 2017 Executive Circle Award and Family Business CEO of the Year. Beyond the business, he enjoys boating, the beach, and good food, always prioritizing the enduring strength of family within the Lessing’s legacy.

About Lessing’s Hospitality Group:

Lessing’s Hospitality Group comprises over 100 locations throughout the Northeast and Florida. Lessing’s operates 21 wedding and catering venues, 16 full-service restaurants, over 75 corporate and academic dining centers, a historic inn, and a presidential yacht. Steeped in over 135 years of tradition, Lessing’s Hospitality Group focuses on providing each guest and client with unique, personalized experiences and remarkable hospitality. Their extensive reach and diverse operations

Learn more about Adam & the Rossen Law Firm at https://www.rossenlawfirm.com/

In this thought-provoking 53rd episode of Success in South Florida, host Attorney Adam Rossen talks with Jeffrey Bast, a leading business litigation and bankruptcy attorney, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Bast Amron LLP. Jeffrey shares his inspiring professional journey—from big law to building one of Florida’s most innovative boutique firms—while offering a fresh perspective on leadership, legal tech, and the future of law.

With over two decades of experience in complex commercial litigation, Jeffrey dives into what it really takes to lead a high-performing legal team, the critical importance of communication and clarity in the workplace, and how artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice, without replacing the human touch.

Whether you're a new attorney, a law firm leader, or someone navigating career pivots, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom and actionable takeaways for building a purpose-driven career in law and beyond.

Episode Highlights:

✅ Jeffrey’s journey from BigLaw to founding Bast Amron LLP

✅ The mindset shift from lawyer to entrepreneur

✅ The power of clear communication in law firm culture

✅ Why lawyers who use AI will replace those who don’t

✅ How empathy and strategy can solve deeper client needs

✅ Advice for young professionals facing adversity or starting from scratch

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

01:18 - Meet Jeffrey Bast: From Law Firm Associate to Founder

06:34 - Shifting Mindsets: Communication, Leadership & Team Building

12:15 - AI in Law: Opportunity or Obsolescence?

20:49 - Empathy vs. Routine: What Clients Really Need

29:30 - Future-Proofing Your Legal Career

38:00 - Words of Wisdom for Young Lawyers & Entrepreneurs

46:12 - How to Connect with Jeff Bast

About Jeffrey Bast:

Jeffrey Bast has been practicing in the areas of insolvency and litigation for over 25 years. He guides clients through a wide range of bankruptcy-related matters, including corporate reorganization, workouts, and liquidation, with an emphasis on avoiding bankruptcy when possible. Jeff represents corporate and individual debtors, trustees, creditors’ committees, and secured and unsecured creditors in reorganizations and litigation.

Before co-founding Bast Amron LLP in 2009, Jeff was an equity partner at two international law firms: Hunton & Williams and Holland & Knight. He previously clerked for federal judges in both Texas and Florida. His firm, Bast Amron, is now widely recognized as one of South Florida’s leading boutique firms in commercial litigation and insolvency.

Jeff is a frequent speaker and author on insolvency issues both in the U.S. and abroad. His work and leadership have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Chambers and Partners, Martindale-Hubbell, and Florida Super Lawyers.

About Bast Amron LLP:

Bast Amron LLP is a Miami-based boutique law firm focused on commercial litigation, business reorganization, and insolvency. The firm is known for its client-centered approach and innovative strategies that drive results for businesses and individuals facing complex disputes.

Connect with Jeffrey Bast:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreybast-insolvencylitigator/

🎧 Podcast: The Practice by Bast Amron LLP ( BastamronThe Practice Podcast


The Practice Podcast



bastamron.com/news/the-practice-podcast )

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Learn more about Adam & the Rossen Law Firm at https://www.rossenlawfirm.com/