Ronde is one of the most recognized professional athletes in Tampa Bay, having played 16 seasons for the Buccaneers in a Hall of Fame career that included a Super Bowl win. Ronde has remained active in the region’s sports and philanthropic communities since his 2012 retirement, and is general chairman of Copperhead Charities, which puts on the Valspar Championship PGA Tour event every March. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Ronde talked about how being doubted and overlooked fueled his career — even as he reached the pinnacle of his sport. They also talked about the coaches he learned the most from, including Mike Tomlin and Tony Dungy.

3 Takeaways:

1. (09:10) You’re either getting worse or better, staying the same is impossible
2. (24:00) Leadership does not always come from the top
3. (24:30) Being in a position of power does not make you powerful, empowering others does

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Ronde Barber, Pro Football Hall of Famer

(04:45) What is the Valspar Championship?

(07:40) Making the Valspar Championship bigger

(10:10) Learning from his mother

(15:40) Being doubted and overlooked

(20:50) Learning from legendary coaches

(22:55) Being coached by Jeff Hafley

(25:17) Updates to the experience of the Valspar Championship

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.

Craig Albernaz was named manager of the Baltimore Orioles — who host spring training in Sarasota — last October. Craig played college baseball at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg and then in the minor leagues for eight seasons, including seven with the Tampa Bay Rays. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Craig talked about his rise in baseball, from working in the minor leagues in the Tampa Bay Rays organization to being a coach with the San Francisco Giants and the Cleveland Guardians. A key lesson in all those stops, says Craig: constant communication, on things good and bad, is essential.

Takeaways:

1. (06:10) Cultivate an environment where people can thrive
2. (07:00) Have the conversation before the conversation
3. (09:40) Know the purpose of your role
4. (12:10) “No second class citizens”
5. (17:30) You spend too much time with coworkers to not hire great people

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Craig Albernaz, Manager, Baltimore Orioles

(04:00) Being named Manager of the Baltimore Orioles

(05:40) Learning from Stephen Vogt an elite communicator and Cleveland Guardians Manager

(09:15) Midwest League Coach of the Year

(11:20) Learning from the Rays organization

(13:30) Lessons from parents

(15:05) Top priorities when going to Spring Training

(17:10) What do you look for when hiring a staff?

(19:00) Pete Alonzo joining the Orioles

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.

Lee Wetherington founded Lee Wetherington Homes in Sarasota in 1981. He has since moved the company, one of the largest-builders in the Sarasota-Manatee region, to Lakewood Ranch. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Lee talked about the ups and downs of being in the homebuilding business in Florida for more than 40 years, and the key decisions he had to make — in both good and bad times. They also talked about what he learned about leading from his time serving in combat in the Vietnam War.

3 Takeaways:

1. (12:00) Be patient, give clear and concise commands
2. (13:30) Build trust with transparency and truth
3. (20:00) Always know your numbers

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Lee Wetherington, founder, Lee Wetherington Homes

(03:05) What is Lee Wetherington Homes?

(05:00) Starting Lee Wetherington Homes when interest rates were 18%

(06:40) Restructuring the company in 2010

(10:40) Lessons from the recession

(11:45) Lessons from the Marines in Vietnam

(13:30) How do you build trust in teams?

(16:20) Leading with certainty

(18:30) Mentors

(20:00) Advice to young entrepreneurs

(21:00) Being involved in philanthropy

(25:30) What are you looking forward to 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.