Every year Capital Analytics has the chance to interview 1000s of the nation’s top level executives and leaders. Our Spotlight On series is an exclusive opportunity for readers to receive these leaders’ thoughtful insights and perspectives that ultimately help to inform the editorial in our publications. The following are all of the Spotlight On‘s released in October 2022.
Minneapolis Mark Phillips, Commissioner, Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation
2 min read October 2022 — Buoyed by a strong mining and forestry industry, Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Commissioner Mark Phillips spoke to Invest: about regional economic diversification efforts. Outdoor tourism and manufacturing are helping drive further growth while housing and broadband needs remain critical to the region’s long-term success. Read more
Jacksonville David Yencarelli, COO, American Electrical Contracting Jacksonville
4 min read October 2022 — David Yencarelli, COO of American Electrical Contracting, joined Invest: for a discussion about the robust opportunities for careers in his industry. “What is great is that all of our partners are doing similar work because this is such a connected industry,” said Yencarelli. Read more
Miami Edgar Gonzalez, Principal & Founder, Flux Architects
2 min read October 2022 — Flux Architects provides clients with architectural services and premium design. In an interview with Invest:, Edgar Gonzalez, the firm’s founder and principal, discussed the past year and how the firm has navigated the challenges that have emerged. “From Central Florida down to Fort Lauderdale and Miami, there has been strong demand for single-family homes. We felt that we had to tap into that market so we began doing single-family homes,” he said. Read more
Raleigh-Durham Craig Humphrey, President & COO, FirstCarolinaCare Insurance Company
2 min read October 2022 — President and COO of FirstCarolinaCare Craig Humphrey spoke with Invest: and discussed the action items that have been keeping him busy, namely technologically. The modern patient experience is evolving and with that comes the evolution of the traditional health coverage model. “Mental health is a big piece of the future,” he said. Read more
Dallas Brent DeRaad, President & CEO, Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau
2 min read October 2022 — Invest: spoke with Brent DeRaad, president and CEO of the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, to discuss how Arlington’s world-class entertainment has anchored the city through challenging economic times. “The biggest factor in getting visitors traveling again is the experience a destination can provide,” he said. Read more
South Jersey Mike Renna, President & CEO, South Jersey Industries
2 min read October 2022 — In an interview with Invest:, Mike Renna, president and CEO of energy services holding company South Jersey Industries (SJI), talked about the vital role infrastructure, renewable natural gas and hydrogen will play in the region’s successful energy transition and decarbonization. Read more
Nashville
Jessica Dauphin, President & CEO, Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee
2 min read October 2022 — Invest: spoke with Jessica Dauphin, president and CEO of the Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee, about how citizens perceive public transportation, the importance of bus drivers during the COVID pandemic and its new strategic plan that will “push further into more grassroots community-based work.” Read more
Palm Beach Valerie Neilson, Executive Director, Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency
2 min read September 2022 — The Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency is shaping the vision for what transportation will look like in the next 25 years. In an interview with Invest:, Executive Director Valerie Neilson said the TPA is bringing the community together on a shared vision of creating a safe, efficient and connected transportation system for all. Read more
Pittsburgh Quintin Bullock, President, Community College of Allegheny County
2 min read October 2022 — In an interview with Invest:, Quintin Bullock, president of the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), provided insight into where the college stands today. A new five-year strategic plan, increasing demand for new and emerging workforce development programs that lead directly to employment, and continued investments in modernizing college facilities and instructional spaces are just a few of the topics Bullock discussed. Read more
Dallas Brian Luallen, CEO, Fair Park
2 min read October 2022 — The future of Fair Park in Dallas is looking better than ever. Brian Luallen, the Park’s CEO, told Invest: he is looking forward to having more than 8 million visitors a year in the next five years with all the improvements and projects that are expected to make Fair Park a major global attraction. Read more
Minneapolis Thomas Wallrich, Office Managing Partner – Minneapolis, Cozen O’Connor
2 min read October 2022 — Cozen O’Connor is a full-service firm with nationally recognized practices in litigation, business law and government relations. Invest: spoke to Office Managing Partner Thomas Wallrich about changes for the firm over the past year, the evolution of business in the region and his outlook for the firm. “We’re going to continue to be opportunistic in terms of growth,” he said. Read more
Raleigh-Durham Vlad Rozanovich, SVP & President, Lenovo – North America
2 min read October 2022 — Lenovo is a global technology company providing “smarter technology for all” by offering the world’s widest portfolio of technology products using innovative services and solutions. Invest: spoke with North America President Vlad Rozanovich about new innovative developments and products within the company, partnership developments, supply chain challenges and Lenovo’s outlook. Read more
Nashville Richard Perko, President & CEO, Lee Company
2 min read October 2022 — Labor shortage continues to be a big challenge for businesses, especially at the entry level, said Richard Perko, president and CEO of Lee Company, a leader in home, facilities and construction projects. “We’re trying to figure out the new formula for entry-level employees and to be honest, it’s been difficult to nail down,” he told Invest: in an interview, while adding that the company remains on track for one of the best periods in its history. Read more
South Jersey David Patriarca, Mayor, Pemberton Township
2 min read October 2022 — Development, a military mega-base and attracting tech companies are the key ingredients that Pemberton Township Mayor David Patriarca believes will maintain the Township’s economy moving forward. “We still offer the incentives that make it palatable for someone to come here,” he told Invest:. Read more
Miami Roland Sanchez-Medina, Partner, SMGQ Law
2 min read October 2022 — SMGQ Law is an AV-rated, South Florida-based law firm offering its clients expertise in a wide range of areas. Invest: spoke with Partner Roland Sanchez-Medina about the firm’s challenges, biggest milestones, his overview of the legal sector in Miami and the firm’s priorities going forward. Read more
Jacksonville Steven Libman, President & CEO, Jacksonville Symphony
2 min read October 2022 — According to Steven Libman, the Jacksonville Symphony’s president and CEO, in the 2021/22 season the Symphony raised a total of $8.4 million in contributions. Of that total, $3.4 million has been received from 1,500 households for annual and special donations. Libman told Invest:, “that demonstrates how individuals in this community believe deeply in the performing arts and are committed to the future of the Symphony.” Read more
Palm Beach Debra Schwinn, President, Palm Beach Atlantic University
2 min read October 2022 — In an interview with Invest:, President of Palm Beach Atlantic University Debra Schwinn discussed how institutions like Palm Beach Atlantic are helping mitigate labor shortages, while also touching on affordability, her outlook and priorities for the university. “As a Christian university, we find it essential to have a Judeo-Christian values-imbued focus in the workplace and to produce servant leaders,” she said. Read more
Pittsburgh Jeff Kotula, President, Washington County Chamber of Commerce
2 min read October 2022 — Jeff Kotula, president of Washington County Chamber of Commerce, talked with Invest: about what differentiates the county from the rest of the region. Kotula also discussed the emerging industries that he’s excited about and his vision for the county in the next three to five years. Read more
San Antonio Robyn Popa, Managing Principal – San Antonio, Pfluger Architects, Inc.
2 min read October 2022 — Invest: spoke with Robyn Popa, managing principal of the San Antonio Office of Pfluger Architects, about the firm’s 50-year anniversary, the importance of diversifying ownership and the value of being proactive instead of reactive when building new educational facilities. Read more
Miami Roberto Plazola, President, South Florida Manufacturers Association
2 min read October 2022 — Manufacturers have a great impact on the South Florida economy. According to Roberto Plazola, president of the South Florida Manufacturers Association, its members contributed $324 million in new revenue for the region and created 2,000 new jobs. Read more
Minneapolis John Curry, CEO, Knutson Construction
2 min read October 2022 — In an interview with Invest:, John Curry, CEO of general construction firm Knutson Construction, discussed the advantages of the region, the services that are experiencing the most demand and the key challenges in the industry. Read more
Jacksonville Glenn Ullmann, President, Ullmann Wealth Partners
4 min read October 2022 — In an interview with Invest:, Glenn Ullmann, president of wealth management firm Ullmann Wealth Partners, talked about his experience in the financial management sector in Jacksonville. The discussion also centered on what the firm is currently experiencing when it comes to financial literacy, recruiting and retaining quality talent, and protecting the business and clients in regard to data security. Read more
Palm Beach Rick Slater, Managing Principal – Palm Beach & Broward, Kaufman Rossin
2 min read October 2022 — Palm Beach County’s economic diversity continues to serve as a solid launching pad for professional services firms. Rick Slater, managing principal for Palm Beach and Broward at Kaufman Rossin, spoke with Invest: and shared why he believes South Florida deserves to be dubbed ‘Wall Street South’. Read more
San Antonio
Josh Schneuker, Executive Director, Seguin Economic Development Corporation
2 min read October 2022 — The Seguin Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) has worked to promote Seguin as a premiere destination for businesses looking to expand or relocate. Invest: spoke to Executive Director Josh Schneuker about some of the company’s recent highlights, key legislation and regulations related to businesses and the SEDC’s outlook. Read more
Dallas Kenneth Novice, President & CEO, Broadway Dallas
2 min read October 2022 — With Invest:, President and CEO of Broadway Dallas Kenneth Novice discussed recent highlights, the welcoming nature of the Dallas business community and exciting community-oriented programs. “Dallas has this unique desire to grow business together, partner and support each other,” said Novice. Read more
Nashville Chad Hart, Tennessee Market President, Republic Bank
2 min read October 2022 — Greater Nashville’s thriving and diversified economic landscape makes it an ideal launching pad for any banking and finance institution. Republic Bank Tennessee Market President Chad Hart shares his view of the magic that makes the region a great place to live, work, play and do business in. “You get drawn into things here so fast that it becomes your city pretty quickly,” he said. Read more
Raleigh-Durham Reid Smith, Founder & CEO, RiverWild
2 min read October 2022 — RiverWild is a real estate company, but it is not just about selling or building properties. “Real estate is what we do but it’s not why we do it. The most important part is to provide a great place to work and develop future generations of leaders,” Founder and CEO Reid Smith told Invest:. Read more
Pittsburgh
Robert Fragasso, Chairman & CEO, Fragasso Financial Advisors, Inc.
2 min read October 2022 — The recent stock market downturn has become a new opportunity for investors to reassess what they are doing with their investments. “Everybody needs guidance,” Robert Fragasso, chairman and CEO of Fragasso Financial Advisors, Inc told Invest:. “So, the industry has a wonderful opportunity to continue to grow.” Read more
Nashville
Chris Jones, President & CEO, Middle Tennessee Electric
2 min read October 2022 —Invest: spoke with Chris Jones, president and CEO of Middle Tennessee Electric, about being the second-biggest electric cooperative in the United States, its innovative smart grid technology and how Tennessee is becoming an industry leader for EV vehicles and batteries. Read more
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Erin Cestero, President of San Antonio Office, JBGoodwin REALTORS
2 min read October 2022— JBGoodwin REALTORS was founded in 1972 and has several offices in the Austin area and -four in the San Antonio area. Invest: spoke with Erin Cestero, president of the company’s San Antonio Division, about the company’s role in the San Antonio market, the outlook for the industry and the challenge that rising prices poses to the company and its clients. Read more
South Jersey Tim Kroll, Airport Director, Atlantic City International Airport
2 min read October 2022 — The Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) conducts commercial and general aviation operations, offering air travel to support commerce, tourism and the general public. In an interview with Invest:, Airport Director Tim Kroll discussed events impacting the airport, partnerships, upcoming projects, air cargo, the effects of the economic shifts on the aviation industry and the key priorities going forward. Read more
Raleigh-Durham Timothy Humphrey, NC Senior State Executive | RTP Senior Location Executive, IBM – RTP
2 min read October 2022 — In an interview with Invest:, Timothy Humphrey, senior site executive of IBM’s Raleigh office, discussed the technological and socioeconomic breakthroughs being achieved through regional partnerships. Instead of rejecting competitors entering the market, he is encouraged. “I believe the future is partnerships, and companies embracing partnerships will have advantages,” he said. Read more
Dallas Mike Berry, President, Hillwood
2 min read October 2022 — Mike Berry, president of national industrial, commercial and residential real estate developer Hillwood, talked with Invest: about what sets the company apart from other businesses in North Texas. Berry also discussed what clients are looking for and the pressing need for infrastructure improvements. Read more
Miami James Kohnstamm, Executive Vice President, Miami-Dade Beacon Council
2 min read October 2022 — In an interview with Invest:, James Kohnstamm, executive vice president of the Beacon Council, discussed highlights and milestones over the last 12 months, key opportunities for economic development and the potential impact of the ‘Created in Miami’ campaign to attract more businesses in the creative industries. Read more
Jacksonville Beth McCague, CFO & Chief of Staff, JAXPORT
2 min read October 2022 — Invest: spoke with CFO of JAXPORT Beth McCague about the port’s role in the broader logistics community. In a wide-ranging discussion, she covered the deepening of the port’s harbor, partnerships with the community and tenants and a focus on sustainability. “The strength of the logistics community in Jacksonville is our efficiency to be able to access talent, information, ideas and solutions,” she said. Read more
Minneapolis Terry Mattson, President & CEO, Visit Saint Paul and the RiverCentre
3 min read October 2022 — In an interview with Invest:, Terry Mattson, president and CEO of Visit Saint Paul talked about the devastating impact of the pandemic on travel, the digitization of the industry and its importance to diversity efforts. On Visit Saint Paul and the RiverCentre itself, he said, “We drive the tourism economy, which is the economic engine for this area. In Ramsey County alone, it is a $2.3 billion annual industry.” Read more
Palm Beach Troy McLellan, President, Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce
2 min read October 2022 — In an interview with Invest:, Troy McLellan, the president of the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, discussed the Chamber’s recent highlights, including its latest developments. McLellan also talked about challenges that the community is facing and his outlook for the near term. Read more
Pittsburgh
Sean Kertes, Commissioner Chair, Westmoreland County
2 min read October 2022 — Westmoreland county is the second-most populous county in the Greater Pittsburgh region. In an interview with Invest:, Sean Kertes, commissioner chair of Westmoreland County, discussed where the county stands today, from tackling the labor shortage to progressing investments in autonomous vehicles. Read more
