Mike Quillen is the president of three independent restaurant groups that include 15 locations in Florida and North Carolina, with some 800 employees. The list includes Gecko’s Grill & Pub, which opened its flagship restaurant in Sarasota in 1992. On this episode Mike talks about his early start in hospitality — it includes parking cars for a Siesta Key valet company while in high school. He also talks about overcoming challenges both big and small in the industry, the characteristics of the ideal restaurant manager and why being hands on is the right leadership approach for him.

3 Takeaways:

(07:00) Controlled growth is a benefit

(09:50) Hospitality quotient - Does someone truly enjoy what they do?

(20:30) You need to be obsessed with your products and services

Timestamps:

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

(00:30) Introducing Mike Quillen, President, Gecko’s Hospitalty Group and Watershed Hospitalty Concepts

(03:50) Origin story of Mike and Mike, first business venture

(06:30) Early days of Gecko’s

(09:05) Mike’s hiring philosophy

(10:20) The State of hiring in hospitality

(12:15) Changing the culture of a restaurant

(13:15) Why have you decided to support the community?

(14:20) Mentors

(16:40) Dealing with setbacks

(18:50) What is coming in 2025?

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.

John Couris is one of the most recognized health care leaders in the Sunshine State, having run the Florida Health Sciences Center, parent entity of Tampa General Hospital, since 2017. On this episode, John Couris talks about how he leads one of the biggest medical and health care organizations in Florida. One key: constantly and consistently focusing on culture. Listen, too, for how he overcomes setbacks and failures.

3 Takeaways:

(11:00) Don’t go along to get along

(16:00) I work on culture by working on authenticity, empathy, transparency, and vulnerability

(21:30) Leaders have the responsibility to create an environment where people are psychologically safe

Timestamps:

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

(00:30) Introducing John Couris, President and CEO, Florida Health Sciences Center

(06:00) Getting started in healthcare administration and career path

(09:00) Mentors and leadership advice

(14:30) How do you maintain the culture?

(19:30) Examples of vulnerability

(23:00) Good leadership characteristics

(29:35) Florida Health Sciences Center in 2025

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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Lilah (pronounced like Layla) has overseen the supply chain for east Manatee County-based First Watch since 2017. She’s been in food service supply and logistics for some 30 years, working for Bloomin’ Brands and Benihana, among other entities. On this episode Lilah talks about her early lessons in hospitality, including why details matter and why no task in a customer service field is insignificant. She also talked about what brings her joy at work, what she looks for in future leaders and the mission that drives her everyday.

3 Takeaways:

(08:00) Keep risk away and supply in place

(15:50) There is nothing wrong with dissent

(17:20) Don’t take it personally, it’s just business

Timestamps:

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

(00:30) Introducing Lilah Taha-Rippett, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain, First Watch

(03:45) Getting into the food industry

(06:00) Working for Ken Pendery

(07:30) What does your job entail?

(08:40) Dealing with price increases

(10:00) Key mentors

(13:00) What do you look for in leaders?

(15:30) Leadership advice

(17:10) Dealing with setbacks

(19:00) First Watch in 2025

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.