business collaboration

Communication impacts us all, yet so many in businesses and organizations still underplay the importance of such skills. Every CEO not only needs to have a handle on giving presentations...he also needs to build his team relationally. Michael Strawser is a Communications Professor at UCF, and he weighs in on this most valuable resource.

Brian Watson, Vice President at CrossMarc Services, shares insights on the real estate market in Central Florida. He emphasizes the importance of moving quickly in a competitive market and highlights the significance of telling a compelling business story. Watson also discusses the value of listening in leadership, drawing parallels to successful businesses like McDonald's that actively listen to both customers and employees. Later, he reflects on his role as a father, emphasizing the importance of education and sharing knowledge for personal and professional growth.

Host John Crossman engages in a dynamic discussion with Reginald K. Ellis, the Provost Professor of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Research at Florida A&M University. The conversation delves into Ellis' background growing up in a farming community and explores his role in fostering connections between the university and the broader community. They discuss the importance of reengaging with local communities, breaking down silos, and the university's commitment to serving its broader community. The episode also touches on topics like the significance of HBCUs, the role of politics in education, and the need for stronger ties between universities and local businesses. Ellis also shares insightful stories and perspectives.

John Michael Holtmann joins John Crossman on the CEO Edition to discuss positive trends in retail and office space. Holtmann is the co-founder and principal of Concord Property Companies and Concord Capital. Holtmann and John discuss how to strategically invest in property and the advantages of investing in a smaller market. They also highlight the importance of community impact and providing opportunities for growth and change in underrepresented areas.

Host John Crossman interviews Nehemiah Jefferson who is an attorney, pastor and philanthropist. Jefferson and John discuss the impact of mental health, the importance of faith and staying true to your principles.

Kristin Mueller who is the President of Retail Property Management at JLL Retail Property Management talks with John Crossman on the optimistic state of the retail real estate market. She highlights the absence of a significant wave of closures and the challenge of limited available space. The conversation explores post-COVID flexibility, collaborative problem-solving, and the importance of strong leadership in understanding and committing to the mission. Kristen concludes by stressing the value of industry involvement for professional growth.

Monica Williams, corporate council for Cox Media Group, joins John on the podcast to discuss Williams' education journey from FAMU to the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Williams sheds lights on the benefits of pursuing a law degree and the transformative years she had at FAMU.

Dr. Josh Harris, who serves as the Vice President of Strategy for Skanska USA Commercial Development, returns to The Crossman Conversation: CEO Edition to share insights into successful real estate practices. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and ethical consideration. John and Dr. Harris discuss key trends in real estate and what to watch for going into 2024.

Marcelia Freeman, a distinguished member of the FAMU Foundation Board joins John. Freeman shares her journey from an Army brat to a Harvard MBA, offering insights on authenticity, empathy, and the transformative power of education. The episode highlights Freeman's unique experiences, emphasizing the importance of service and diversity in shaping a better future.

Lesley Deutch, Managing Principal at John Burns Research and Consulting joins John to discuss the resilience of the real estate market, focusing on housing and affordability challenges. Deutch shares insights on demographic shifts, remote work's impact, and the rise of build-for-rent apartments. They also discuss key leadership traits, emphasizing preparation, adaptability, authenticity, and strategic thinking.

Thanks for tuning back in for more magic! Today's magic is all about GLASS! In this episode of the Magical Midlife Crisis Podcast, we talk to Blake King, the founder of GlassKing, a glass recycling business.

Blake shares the origin and growth of his business, highlighting how he started as a young entrepreneur working in the nightlife industry. He noticed the sheer volume of glass waste generated by nightclubs and realized most companies were not recycling this material. This discovery ignited his entrepreneurial journey, eventually leading him to establish GlassKing Recovery & Recycling, In. 

The business now partners with various industries, from restaurants to resorts, to divert tons of glass waste from landfills. Despite the challenges, Blake acknowledges the role of resilience, patience, and vision in shaping his business. He emphasizes the significant contribution of his clients and supporters to his success and discusses plans to further expand his services. The episode promotes increased environmental awareness and the potential to create meaningful change in seemingly unlikely scenarios.

00:58 Guest Introduction: Blake King from GlassKing

01:21 Blake's Journey into the Recycling Business

02:58 The Challenges and Triumphs of Starting a Recycling Business

06:13 Expanding the Business and Learning the Worth

07:15 The Impact of Glass Recycling on Businesses

09:12 The Evolution of a Business Owner's Perspective on Sustainability

12:11 The Challenges and Opportunities in the Recycling Industry

13:47 The Journey of Glass Recycling in Chicago

15:07 The Impact of Glass Recycling on a Single Business

19:06 The Future of Glass Recycling and Sustainability

31:11 The Magic of Glass Recycling

31:28 The Technology Behind Glass Sorting

32:38 The Journey to Phoenix and the Future of Glass Recycling

33:00 The Impact of Windshield Recycling

34:41 The Personal Growth Through Recycling

36:39 The Expansion Plans and Future Collaborations

37:49 The Challenges and Triumphs of Running a Recycling Business

39:16 The Power of Awareness and Choice in Recycling

39:44 The Importance of Collaboration in the Recycling Industry

41:52 The Impact of Glass Recycling on the Restaurant Industry

45:14 The Future of Glass Recycling and the Power of Persistence

50:23 The Power of Community in Promoting Recycling

52:00 Conclusion: The Magic of Recycling and the Power of Collaboration

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John Crossman engages in a dynamic conversation with Kristen Harper, Chair of the Family Board of Trustees. They discuss imposter syndrome, burnout, and the essence of leadership. Kristen shares insights from her book, "Heart of a Leader," emphasizing emotional intelligence and the intangible aspects of success. Harper shares about her journey at FAMU School of Business and Industry, highlighting the unique professional development approach.

Real estate expert Barney McAuley joins John Crossman to discuss the evolving dynamics in real estate, particularly focusing on malls and community development. The conversation covers the impact of interest rate increases, the resilience of department stores, and the potential repositioning of malls to include diverse elements like offices and healthcare facilities. Emphasizing the importance of community collaboration, the episode provides insights into transforming struggling malls into vibrant community hubs.

John Martinez rejoins John Crossman for a candid conversation about the hurdles of teaching in under-resourced schools. They discuss book banning controversies and recent rule changes. Martinez explains the unique challenges teachers face and shares how listeners can make a positive impact on students' lives.

John Crossman is joined by President of One Florida Bank, Rick Pullman who delves into the current state of Central Florida's real estate market, discussing strengths, challenges, and potential opportunities. Pullman shares valuable leadership insights for aspiring CEOs, highlighting the significance of a sense of urgency and empathy.

Willie Montague is the founder of House of Timothy. Willie's passion is to make a positive impact on young lives ages 7 to 25, providing guidance and structure. Willie shares his personal journey and the inspiration of "The House of Timothy." Discover how the organization works and how you can take part in changing the lives of young men.

Special guest, John Martinez and interview real estate veteran and President of CrossMarc Services John Crossman. They explore the current real estate marketing, highlighting the resilience of brick-and-mortar retail and the importance of community engagement. John Crossman also shares career advice, emphasizing the value of mentorship and proactive networking especially for college students looking to enter the industry.

John is joined by Chief Sustainability Officer for Linkscape360, Elaine Armster. Armster shares her personal experiences on navigating a male-dominated industry to becoming a successful woman in leadership. The episode also explores the unique leadership traits instilled by HBCUs such as professionalism and the strong alumni community.

John is joined by Dr. Josh Harris and they both discuss insights and advice for young professionals and aspiring CEOs. Dr. Harris reflects on successful and less successful students, emphasizing the importance of qualities like being a self starter and understanding the value of hard work. John and Dr. Harris also discuss the pressures that come with being a student such as mental health challenges and defining personal successes.

John is joined again by J.C. Derrick to finish their conversation on the intricacies of responsible media consumption through seven recommendations. The tips given are meant to help navigate the complex media landscape with discernment and intentionality.