We are extremely proud to announce that Stiles Chief Financial Officer, Robert Esposito, was honored by the South Florida Business Journal with the coveted CFO of the Year Award in the private company category. The 2020 CFO Awards honorees were celebrated Jan. 30, 2020 at Signature Grand in Davie.
From the South Florida Business Journal on Jan. 30, 2020
The economy is strong, the region is growing and many companies — especially those whose CFOs are being honored in this year’s CFO Awards — are enjoying solid performance. That doesn’t mean these executives are without worry.
Uncertainty about the future raises cause for concern for many. Historically low unemployment spurs the need to be an “employer of choice” in order to attract and retain the best talent who can help drive returns. They’re always tasked with meeting stakeholders’ expectations.
What’s in the DNA of successful CFOs that empowers them to continually meet the demands of the balance sheet, management and marketplace?
For them, it’s a love of numbers; the support of a strong team; and a clear, shared vision of the future.
For most, that future includes a goal of giving back. Whether mentoring protégés today or teaching students tomorrow, they want to help guide the next generation of financial leaders. By sharing their knowledge and lessons, they can help create career and corporate success.
By driving peak performance today and building leadership for tomorrow, they can help ensure a strong future for their teams, organizations and legacies.
WINNER: $100 Million to $500 Million
Robert Esposito, CFO, Stiles
Birthplace: Panama City
Education: B.A., Florida State University
Career: Audit, tax manager, Kenneth Leventhal & Co.
What would be your second career? I would love to teach accounting, finance and real estate at the college level. I think I can provide real-world insights that would help prepare the next generation to work and understand the industry.
What have you learned from your mentor? The most important thing my mentor taught me was to listen to everything before making a decision. If I were mentoring, I would pass this invaluable skill on, along with explaining the importance of being fair. Not everyone is going to agree with or like a decision, but if they feel that they are being treated fairly, they will provide support. Additionally, loyalty and ensuring that decisions are made ethically and morally have all contributed to my career success.
Professionally speaking, what’s next for you? After I complete my tenure at Stiles, I would like to move toward teaching.