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PROFILE
Transforming lives: Mike Lendino CFO of Studio+ (Fort Myers, FL), an architecture and interior design firm focused on design solutions that transform lives.
By LIISA ANDREASSEN Correspondent
L endino is one of Studio+’s initial founders. Having spearheaded the firm’s growth from eight employees at its inception in 2011 to more than 50 today, he says teambuilding and recruitment are among his greatest passions. A true entrepreneur, he works to balance financial austerity and strategic growth opportunities as the firm looks to grow over the next decade. “My number one goal as a leader in this company is to grow people in the ways they want to grow, and I’m always on the lookout for new ways to help our people,” he says. A CONVERSATION WITH MIKE LENDINO. The Zweig Letter: Your website states, “Together we design solutions that transform lives.” What does this mean to you? Mike Lendino: I find this mission resonates with everyone in the firm, regardless of role. Design, in our core markets of healthcare and education, truly can transform a life. Every
detail matters and plays a role in the impact of design. When projects and schedules create challenges, having a mission focused on such a meaningful outcome keeps our team focused on the cause and result of the design, no matter the scale and complexity. This mission also is vital during the interview process. The strongest new hire candidates tend to find great meaning and connection to our mission. TZL: What skills are required to run a successful practice? What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now? ML: The internal culture of a firm is so important. Not losing sight of this is vital to maintaining a long-term, successful firm. It’s unfortunate that negativity tends to spread faster than positivity. Focusing on keeping leadership and the studio positive and team-oriented can help drive a strong culture. TZL: What was the reason for the recent acquisition of TDM Architects? What do you hope it will achieve?
THE ZWEIG LETTER JU
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