Getting Down To Business

Welcome back to The Boca Raton Observer and our September Business & Wealth Issue, spotlighting local and national businesspeople making their mark on various industries.

I understand this is a sensitive time to discuss both business and wealth, given how the pandemic has impacted the economy, but I hope this issue may serve as a source of inspiration to those who are struggling. As a business owner myself, I assure you we’re all in this together. 

I’ve been thinking about business and customer service a lot lately, especially how important it is to provide unparalleled service these days and not to accept mediocrity where greatness can exist. Most of all, I’m thinking about how crucial it is for business owners to value customer loyalty and repeat business – now more than ever, when people are being selective in their spending. Businesses should value those supporters who, even during the off-season and a pandemic, are spending hard-earned dollars and being loyal when others are not. We certainly do appreciate our wonderful marketing partners now more than ever.

First, we sat down with fashion icons Mark Badgley and James Mischka, whose namesake brand has been going strong for 32 years. In “The Business Of Fashion” (page 54), the partners in work and life talk about giving back, personal passions and how living in Palm Beach inspires their designs. Personally, I have been a fan of their designs for many years. 

Next, we dive into a subject that’s top-of-mind: remote work. In “No More 9-To-5” (page 60), we talked with area experts and remote employees to explore the ways in which working from home benefits workers, businesses, the economy and even the environment. 

Then, with the election coming up and everyone discussing leadership, we decided to speak with prominent South Floridians for their take on the topic. In “The Way Forward” (page 66), nine men and women offer leadership tips for the next generation.

Finally, you may be familiar with entrepreneur Marcus Lemonis from the series “The Profit,” but did you know his rough Miami childhood helped motivate him to succeed? In “Lemons Into Lemonade” (page 72), learn all about his unlikely career path.

Normally, the bustling social season would be right around the corner. And, while we understand this season will be unlike any other – without all the charity events we know and love – remember that local nonprofits need our support more than ever. That includes the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation, whose Go Pink Luncheon will mark its 17th year in October with a variety of initiatives in lieu of the event. We’re honored to again be the exclusive media sponsor of Go Pink, and I hope you’ll contribute. Another important event we’re sponsoring is the JAFCO In My Shoes Luncheon on Oct. 15, which is also going virtual for its 10th year. This fundraiser is so crucial to the children with developmental disabilities and their families in our community, so please lend a hand if you can.

I hope you and yours are faring as well as you can during this difficult year. Personally, I’m going to spend September putting my energy where it’s best served. The good news is that we’re in the home stretch of 2020 – and I feel positive about what lies ahead. Please continue to be safe and stay healthy. 

Best,

Linda L. Behmoiras 

linda@bocaratonobserver.com