6
P R O F I L E
Conference call: Edward Gazzola CEO & president of Bennett & Pless (Best Firm #11 Structural for 2018), a 50-person firm based in Atlanta, GA.
By LIISA ANDREASSEN Correspondent
“R OI for investment in our business is far higher than any other investment vehicles typically available to our potential principals,” says Gazzola. “We have set up an associate program to get them used to the idea that they need to be a top performer, have an impact, and be willing to invest and receive ROI based on the performance of the business.” A CONVERSATION WITH EDWARD GAZZOLA. The Zweig Letter: When did you have the most fun run- ning your firm, and what were the hallmarks of that time in your professional life? Edward Gazzola: Now and in my first year. I was fortu- nate to be able to transition the ownership of this prom- inent 50-year-old business five years ago. There were 10 staff members, two offices, one market, and two clients to- taling 50 percent of revenue. The economy was still soft at the time. Currently, we have 50 staff, five offices, multiple markets, and no client that is responsible for more than 10
percent of revenue. We have given raises and bonuses every year. Currently, we have a very strong management team that can run the business without me, so I have the freedom to be strategic and focus on the areas having the most im- pact on the success of the business. I liked year one because I was able to set the strategic direction and have quick suc- cess. It was like a fast-growing startup with a 50-year histo- ry – that was fun. But it’s been great currently as we look to have another record year but without my being involved in the day to day running of the business. “Principals are chosen based on impact on the business. This could be revenue generated or produced, but there are other factors also.”
TZL: Do you tie compensation to performance for your top leaders?
THE ZWEIG LETTER Decem
Made with FlippingBook Annual report