Welcome to the premiere issue of Smart Business Tampa Bay, a monthly management journal for C-level executives of middle-market and large companies. Before you say it, let me do it for you: “The last thing I need is something else to read.”
I know how you feel. Running a growing organization is enough to keep anyone busy. The demands on our time from employees, suppliers and clients increase every day. That’s why we designed a unique publication.
After 17 years in the publishing business, we know to listen to our readers. The publication you hold in your hands — the 16th in our growing chain and the third in Florida — is the result of all our listening. Here is what readers like you told us they want in a local management journal.
1. Big minds, big ideas. Smart Business Tampa Bay taps into the top local business minds. In this issue, our cover story tells how CEO Keith Sirois turned around Checkers Drive-In Restaurants by building a culture of operational excellence.
Smart Leaders, featuring thoughts from top local executives, showcases Jim Abrams, whose $180million Clockwork Home Services is his fifth highly successful business venture, including one public company.
Finally, Fast Lane features Bonefish Grill President John Cooper explaining how the business model of parent company Outback Steakhouse helped drive 100 restaurant openings in less than six years. In the coming months, you’ll hear from the best business minds in Tampa Bay on issues ranging from leadership to motivation to innovation.
2. Go to the source. To get the latest thoughts on best practices in business, we partner with key local service providers in areas including banking, benefits, education, legal affairs and real estate. They have front-line experience with the issues facing middle-market companies in the Tampa Bay area.
3. Keep it short. Most articles in Smart Business Tampa Bay fill just a page or two. Only our cover stories are longer — because they delve into the management styles and strategies of top executives. And we plan to keep our page count low so you don’t have to fight to find articles you are looking for.
You will find these three principles carried throughout the premiere issue of Smart Business Tampa Bay — and every subsequent issue — just as our readers have come to expect from our other award-winning publications for the last 17 years.
So why are you getting our management journal? Because of your success in building a business to middle-market status or your senior management role at a larger company that values the middle market. I hope you enjoy our premiere issue. And I invite you to share your feedback with me.
FRED KOURY is president and CEO of Smart Business Network Inc. Reach him with your comments at [email protected] or (800) 988-4726.
