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?

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Chuck Wolfe has been CEO of the Chiles Group since 2018. The company oversees several assets, including the organic Gamble Creek Farms in Manatee County. The company previously owned and operated three waterfront restaurants in Manatee. Prior to hospitality, Chuck was in politics and strategic planning, including a 12-year stint as CEO for the Victory Fund, a national advocacy group supporting LGBTQ candidates. Chuck was also a senior aide to the late Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles for seven years. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Chuck talked about leadership — and life lessons — he learned from everything from the boy scouts to political campaigns. They also talked about his process for making key decisions and how he overcomes setbacks.

3 Takeaways:

1. (15:10) Listen more than you speak
2. (16:45) Direction is more important than certainty
3. (23:50) Hiring is the most important thing you can do

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Chuck Wolfe, CEO, Chiles Group

(07:30) What is the Chiles Group?

(10:00) Working with Lawton Chiles

(13:30) What did you learn from Governor Chiles?

(15:55) Leading with certainty when so much is uncertain

(20:05) Who influenced your leadership?

(23:10) What leadership characteristics do you look for?

(27:45) What is coming up in 2026 for the Chiles Group?

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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Toni founded her fractional CEO firm, The C Society, in June 2025. One of her goals is to bring high-level leadership to restaurant and hospitality companies with the overhead. She was previously president of restaurant brand Perkins and managing director for Little Ceaser’s Pizza, Canada. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Toni talked about her career, both with large brands and now, leading a consulting firm. They talked about how she builds high-performing teams and how leadership is more than a position, it’s a seat at the table that shapes the entire organization.

3 Takeaways:

1. (09:30) Great brands and great leaders do not grow on their own
2. (13:15) Root your strategy in data
3. (20:40) Feedback is a gift, but consider the source

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Toni Ronayne, founder and fractional CEO, the C Society

(07:00) What The C Society?

(10:05) Toni’s role at Perkins

(12:35) Handling the visioning of a legacy brand

(15:50) Leadership mentors

(19:30) Imposter Phenomenon

(20:30) Valuable feedback

(26:32) What is coming up in 2026 with The C Society?

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.