Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Scott, CEO.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kelly. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In 1957, a Wisconsin businessman named Robert Nourse met with four chief executives in the office of the Milwaukee Valve Company to test a simple but revolutionary idea – by sharing their knowledge and experience, they could help each other get better results for their businesses. Soon, this group of businessmen was probing, asking questions and making suggestions. They challenged each other, working together to solve issues and to grow. At that moment, TEC (The Executive Committee) was born. Vistage as it now named has 4 components, the 1st is the monthly executive session where members can process issues and opportunities in a confidential environment, 2nd are valuable resource speakers who offer valuable insights to members during the monthly meeting, the 3rd is the monthly one-to-one meeting with the Chair to discuss those things that are keeping you up at night and to hold you accountable for those items you said you would do and finally the access to over 22,000 members around the world for thoughts and ideas.
In 1985, my father, Red Scott, acquired the license rights to introduce TEC in Florida. He was already a TEC member in California and was a big believer in the business. In 2005, the current management team decided to rebrand the company and change the name to Vistage Florida. With Red’s vision in mind, we have always maintained that Vistage Florida should stay true to the process and we continue to move forward with that goal in mind. Vistage exists because of the passion of our members and their belief in helping their fellow members succeed and they are kept together by the efforts of our Chairs who keep us all on task.
Today, more than 61 years later, Vistage International (TEC’s successor) and its global affiliates have more than 22,000 Members in 16 countries. Florida represents a network with 29 Chairs, 700+ Members, and employs over 100,000 with $28 billion in revenue through-out the state of Florida. In addition to their fantastic business backgrounds, our Chairs here in Florida have undergone extensive training as well as frequent continuing education to ensure that our members receive the greatest value possible.
After spending over 30 years in the medical device industry, my transition into the Family business occurred in 2012. I relocated my family from southern California to our corporate headquarters in Jacksonville and the move has been refreshing and rewarding in many ways. In addition to being the CEO of Vistage Florida, I am also a member of a Vistage group and have been a member for over 15 years including here and Southern California. We are passionate about what we do and feel that there are many CEO’s, business owners and entrepreneurs who could benefit from the peer group experience. We are actively building groups in the Miami-Dade area as well as other locations around the state. Our goal is to continue to be dedicated to the increasing effectiveness and enhancing the lives of Chief Executives.
For more information about what we do and bios on our outstanding community of Chairs in South Florida and the rest of the state, you can visit our website.
https://florida.vistage.com/
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We struggled during the great recession of 2008 like all of Florida did and the loss of my father in 2013 who was an irreplaceable visionary who was not only my father but my best friend.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Vistage Florida – what should we know?
Vistage is a membership driven organization dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness and lives of CEOs and Business Leaders. Vistage provides ongoing professional and personal development for Chief Executives and their employees through confidential monthly meetings with peers in non-competing industries, expert guest speakers, sharing of best practices, and access to a global brain trust.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The being key to my success has been that I am enthusiastic about what I do and that I am surrounded by a great staff who make me better and by a great community of Chairs who keep me grounded and focused on the importance of the value we give to our members.
Contact Info:
- Address: Vistage Florida
8286 Bayberry Road
Jacksonville, FL 32256 - Phone: (904) 636-0770 – (800) 733-4832
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VistageFlorida/
- Phone: https://twitter.com/vistagefl
- Email: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwW_E3z6AXSsLHh3gfJ4Cyg
Image Credit:
Kristin Grover Images, Michelle Royal with RIDG
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