PUL$E CHECK: Adapting to Change

April 11, 2011

MBA Lunch and Learn Series

PUL$E CHECK:  Adapting to Change

What does a leader do when the economic climate changes?  How does a leader identify new opportunities?  How does a leader raise investment capital for a new initiative? 

Three industry leaders from the real estate sector shared their expertise with an audience of graduate and undergraduate students, alumni, faculty and staff at the final session of the Donald R. Tapia School of Business MBA Lunch and Learn Series for the spring 2011 semester on Saturday, April 2. Dr. Barbara Caldwell moderated.

Panelists compared today’s economy to more prosperous times, and responded to questions submitted in advance by MBA students.  In doing so, the panelists referred to guiding principles familiar to Saint Leo students.

For Ed Kobel, a Saint Leo University trustee as well as president and chief operating officer of Tampa-based DeBartolo Development, strategic decisions and daily operations at the company are guided by prayer.  “We’re a little bit old-fashioned,” he said of the 40-year-old enterprise. “We pray about our business every day, we pray for God’s wisdom on how we should operate, what we should do and what we should invest in.” 

In the real estate development, brokerage, leasing and sales arena for more than 45 years, Tom Peschio, is now leading the incorporation of a new real estate investment fund, Government Properties Fund LLC, and finding investors. The 1959 Saint Leo Preparatory School graduate  advised, “Develop a respect for people, develop a respect for their money and you will always do well.”

Saint Leo College alumnus, Mike D’Aloia ’92, president of St. Petersburg based Rental Management Solutions and principal of Aspen Investors, LLC, recommended finding a mentor with greater experience.  D’Aloia further counseled students, “Go with what you know, get a good understanding of what you are investing in and invest in what you are interested in.” 

The MBA Lunch and Learn Series is sponsored by the Saint Leo University Graduate Degree Program.  For additional information, contact MBA Director, Dr. Lorrie McGovern, at lorrie.mcgovern@saintleo.edu.