Suzanne Bonham

Founder

Urban Flats

As a young girl, Suzanne Bonham dreamed of a career that would fulfill her passion for food, fun and hospitality. A stint at the Walt Disney Co. from 1993 to 2002, when she traveled the globe teaching others the magic of a memorable guest experience, further whetted that appetite. In 2004, she founded Urban Flats as a “refined casual restaurant and wine bar, where the centuries-old flatbread is given a modern new twist.” Last month, Bonham, also the chief executive officer, opened her 12th location, in Jacksonville, with plans to open nine others in 2010. Read more

Tom O’Neal

Executive Director
University of Central Florida 
Business Incubation Program

Essentially, Tom O’Neil is an entrepreneur in the business of helping entrepreneurs. In 1999, he was a key member of a collaborative effort that resulted in the establishment of the University of Central Florida Technology Incubator, now known as the UCF Business Incubation Program. Today, as executive director, he works to provide tools and resources that enhance prospects for the success of developing companies. Since its founding, the program has helped more than 120 emerging companies (including more than 75 current clients) create $500 million-plus in annual revenue and more than 1,600 new jobs. Also the associate vice president of research at UCF, O’Neil has helped UCF become a leading metropolitan research university.

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What is the one component most often missing as entrepreneurs strive to build successful companies?

“Usually, there is one component, but in every operation it’s different.

With some it’s the cash flow, with some it’s time, with others it’s focus — a number of things—and usually there is one flaw that stands out with most entrepreneurs. Our job, in our business incubation program, is to help them identify that flaw and help them fix it. It could be a patent strategy that’s just not good or not knowing the right lawyer to help them, or they’re just not making a connection. It’s usually something, but there’s not one that’s at the top of the list; it’s all different. And it makes our job interesting.”

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What bit of advice would you share with someone interested in becoming an entrepreneur?

“I think you need to really understand what that world is like, if you’ve never done it before. The level of time that’s required is much more than most people think. If you’re going to start a company because you’re tired of working hard and not making enough money, [if] you want to start a company to make more money, generally speaking that’s not what happens. Our advice is [to] become a realist and understand what you’re getting into. And discuss it with your whole family, if you have a family, because it affects everything. You are not going to be at home as much as you [have been]. You’ll need that [family] support so you can focus intensely. Go into the new venture with eyes wide open; do research first to see what it’s going to take to be competitive.”

Peter Kacheris

Managing Director

Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Peter Kacheris is squarely on the spot. As managing director, the 30-year veteran of the hospitality industry is responsible for the daily operations of the 497-room Waldorf Astoria Orlando and the 1,000-room Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Kacheris also oversaw the final phase of their construction and opening, which occurred in October. He joined Hilton after most recently serving as complex general manger of the 2,265-room Swan and Dolphin Resort.

What will be your greatest challenge at Bonnet Creek?

“The biggest challenge is, because we have a 1,000-room Hilton and a 500-room Waldorf, we have to figure out how that all works together. And this is while we are introducing the first Waldorf Astoria outside of New York since 1931, which is the flagship hotel leading the new luxury brand for Hilton. So, it’s a big challenge but a most exciting challenge.”

Is there a “Kacheris stamp” — a chief characteristic — that will emerge, whether immediately or eventually?

“I think the stamp that we’re really after is particularly in the service aspect: to exceed expectations of any customer coming on this property — whatever that may mean, if it’s golf, if it’s spa, if it’s restaurant, if it’s the hotel, a convention, a social function. The mission is that as guests leave the gates of Bonnet Creek, we want them to say, ‘Wow, that was spectacular.”

Orlando Magic

With the Magic tipping off their season this month, no two people will be more responsible for the team’s fortunes than star center Dwight Howard and head coach Stan Van Gundy.

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Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

The weather won’t begin to cool for some time, but the arrival of this annual culinary extravaganza brings a hint of change. Let’s call it the unofficial kickoff of the region’s fall festival season.

At Epcot, Sept. 25–Nov. 8, guests can enjoy the flavors of more than 25 international marketplaces dotting the World Showcase promenade. Cities on six continents are spotlighted, including Bologna, Italy; Bangkok, Thailand; Wellington, New Zealand; Santiago, Chile; Marrakesh, Morocco; Shanghai, China; and New Orleans. Daily wine and beer tastings serve up sips from around the world, culinary demonstrations dish up treats and a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participate in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools. There’s also a concert series, featuring classic rock, jazz, R&B, funk and soul.

Take heart — relief from the summer heat is coming.