Matthew is a senior vice president of partnerships and events for The Real American Beer, based in Tampa. Prior to Real American Beer, he worked for several companies and brands, including Yaymaker, Groupon and CitySearch. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Matthew talked about the value of great storytelling in leadership and what truly makes for an authentic leader. They also talked about “attention currency” and why it’s important. And listen for Matthew’s advice and tips on how to grow your career to the C-suite level.

3 Takeaways:

1. (10:00) Leaders need to get information from all departments
2. (13:15) Be cautious and you can’t win everyone over
3. (17:00) People don’t want to be sold to, but they want to hear a story

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Matthew Rolnick, senior vice president, partnerships and events, Real American Beer

(03:00) What is Real American Beer?

(05:40) Matthew’s career trajectory

(08:00) Lessons from working at Groupon

(09:45) Leadership characteristics

(12:55) Lesson you wish you knew earlier

(15:10) Mark and Matthew’s connection

(17:00) Storytelling in leadership

(18:00) Cameo

(20:20) Advice to a young person

(22:10) 2026 with Real American Beer

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.

Jeff has been a leader at two family-run homebuilding businesses in the Sarasota-Manatee market. The first was Eslinger Homes, which operated from 1991 to 2010. In 2017, he co-founded E/M Custom Homes. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Jeff talked about the leadership lessons learned in shutting down one company, when the housing market collapsed in 2008-2010 and launching a new one. He also talked about what he learned from his mentors in the business.

3 Takeaways:

1. (07:30) Patience and good listening are must-have leadership characteristics
2. (09:30) There is only one way to do things, the right way
3. (16:05) It’s not about you, it’s about who you surround yourself with

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Jeff Eslinger, president, E/M Custom Homes

(04:35) What is E/M Custom Homes?

(05:40) An opportunity but no company

(07:25) Must-have leadership characteristics

(08:30) Balancing patience and decision making

(10:10) Jeff’s leadership influences

(12:15) Lessons from Jeff’s grandfather

(13:40) Hard decisions

(16:05) Best leadership advice

(16:35) Hard feedback

(18:00) What is coming up in 2026?

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.

Jack Cox has been with Sarasota-based Halfacre Construction since 1985 and is now president and owner. He’s also chairman of the board at Lakewood Ranch based-FCCI Insurance. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Jack talked about Halfacre’s long history of projects in the Sarasota-Manatee region and his role in continuing the company’s legacy. He also talked about what he looks for in hiring and promoting leaders, and what he’s learned about leadership from being on community nonprofit boards

3 Takeaways:

1. (09:00) Leaders need consistency
2. (10:00) Set the vision by giving guardrails, let employees do the rest
3. (13:00) Learn from others and adapt your leadership approach

Description:

(00:00) Introducing Jack Cox, president and owner, Halfacre Construction

(04:25) About Halfacre Construction

(06:45) Landmark projects

(08:00) Why be involved in nonprofits?

(09:00) What does every leader need?

(10:00) Setting the vision

(13:00) Leadership approach

(14:10) Accepting feedback

(15:30) Making tough decisions

(16:30) Leadership legacy

(18:10) Halfacre Construction in 2026

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.