For some CEOs, COVID-19 crisis is an unknown challenge
In late March, CEOs were asked: How long can your business survive in a downturn?
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The Jewish Federation of Broward County is fully operational, albeit remotely. As a nonprofit that supports individuals and families locally, in Israel and around the world, our efforts are most critical during times of crisis. We understand this and so do our donors. With the strong support of our donors, we are positioned to lead in both good times and during the challenging times when the community needs us the most.
Michael Balaban, president, CEO, Jewish Federation of Broward County
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This question is difficult to answer. I do know that we can cover our overhead with a 25% reduction in revenue. The length of time this takes to occur is not known. After this, payroll changes would have to be considered.
Anita Byer, CEO, Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk
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Difficult to say, businesses with low capital reserves, significantly leveraged, and that rely on day-to-day cash flow to be at their normal performance levels will be the first to shutter. Those with capital reserves, lowly leveraged, high margin businesses that are able to reposition product and service delivery and therefore maintain reasonable cash flow from sales will likely be able to withstand an extended period of stress.
Carlos R. Fernandez-Guzman, president, CEO, Pacific National Bank (PNB)
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We have entered an area of uncharted waters. I am an eternal optimist. It is important to approach things day by day. We are changing our business operations to serve as an information platform for the SBA 7a Disaster Loan Program. There is a lot of misinformation in the media on the program. We have established two websites so there is a unified source of information on this program: www.SBABizHelp.com and www.SBAAyuda.com.
Bernie Navarro, founder and president, Benworth Capital Partners
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We have cash reserves and little debt to allow us to hang in there while we work on building sales.
Julio Ramirez, president, CEO, JEM Global Consulting
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Indefinitely, as our business is litigation which is in demand in good times and bad, although the nature of the cases change.
Stuart Singer, administrative partner, Fort Lauderdale office, Boies Schiller & Flexner
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We are part of Florida’s education system and will continue to support our network of more than 1,200 preschools to ensure they remain in business for as long as possible. How long they can survive is yet to be determined, but most of them are small family owned businesses that do not have large cash reserves or the ability to borrow large sums of money. For the short-term they are okay, but for the long-term not so much.
Evelio C. Torres, president, CEO, Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade and Monroe
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THE MIAMI HERALD CEO ROUNDTABLE IS A WEEKLY FEATURE THAT APPEARS IN BUSINESS MONDAY OF THE MIAMI HERALD. Meet the current members of the roundtable.
RECENT QUESTIONS TO THE ROUNDTABLE HAVE INCLUDED:
▪ CEOs trying to protect the bottom line without layoffs
▪ Most CEOs don’t anticipate changes to tax preparation this year
▪ All eyes on politics: CEOs watching national and local races
▪ As coronavirus menace unfolds, CEOs watch and wait
▪ CEOs discuss their approach to holiday spending
▪ What’s inside? CEOs discuss surge in lab-grown meat
▪ Should Facebook be regulated? CEOs weigh in
▪ As tech hiring slows, CEOs discuss ways to boost opportunities
▪ CEOs worry about climate change — and responding to the threat
▪ College degrees are invaluable, but technical skills also have merit
▪ CEOs spill the beans on how they get their news
▪ CEOs’ one simple rule for social media: Don’t be an embarrassment
▪ CEOs: Best holiday gifts bring cherished memories
▪ CEOs: Holidays celebrate team achievements, cement culture
▪ What is the future for commuter rail in South Florida?
▪ CEOs discuss South Florida’s cost-of-living issues
▪ CEOs in new class share their greatest professional achievements
▪ Ride an e-scooter? Most CEOs haven’t — yet
▪ CEOs offer diverse ways of luring and keeping good workers
▪ CEOs: Local schools equip some students with skills they’ll need for workforce
▪ CEOs say schools have focused on increased safety and security
▪ What should organizations do with scandal-tainted donations?
▪ CEOs moving forward, not scaling back
▪ Sharing office space? It’s a good idea for some
▪ Jobs available, but finding qualified candidates is a hurdle for some
▪ Recession? CEOs say that so far, it’s a no-show in South Florida
▪ Traveler’s checkup: CEOs discuss pros and cons of liberal vacation policies
▪ Too cold? Too hot? Let’s talk workplace temperatures
▪ CEOS: Working remotely is often a great alternative
▪ If the economy falters, local companies are prepared
▪ CEOs consider whether Miami is the ideal spot for a soccer team and stadium
▪ CEOs are planning for climate change and sea-level rise
▪ Efforts to boost low wages may ease affordability crisis
▪ Local and state governments must do more to address affordable housing
▪ Find your passion and own your career path, CEOS tell job seekers
▪ Here’s how CEOs would advise a high school senior class on its last day
▪ South Florida CEOs offer suggestion to address America’s student loan debt
▪ Supervisors often were the greatest influence on CEOs’ careers
▪ CEOs address Miami’s racial wealth gap
▪ CEOs discuss transforming healthcare in America
▪ Is the job market as good as it gets?
▪ CEOs split on encouraging marijuana sales in Florida
▪ Unlocking state funds for affordable housing is the right move, CEOS said
▪ CEOs try to lasso healthcare costs, but more needs to be done
▪ CEOs agree that tax breaks are needed to lure businesses to Florida
▪ Technology led to significant changes in 2018 for most CEOs
▪ What are CEOs doing to attract and retain workers?
▪ Most CEOs say salaries will increase in 2019
▪ Most CEOs are in ‘growth mode’ with plans to hire more
▪ CEOs’ 2019 economic forecast offers differing views
▪ How CEOs are trying to attract ‘Generation Z’
▪ Most CEOs say PortMiami should expand more, without hurting the fragile eco-system
▪ Should financial institutions reach more ‘unbanked’ people?
▪ Tech scene throughout South Florida is building momentum
▪ CEOs discuss their top workforce challenges for 2019
▪ The best gift? Even for the most successful people, life is about more than business
▪ Recession ahead? CEOs divided on whether they see signs of one
▪ CEOs: Amazon’s strong look at Miami for HQ2 made the region look hard at itself
▪ Biggest influence on CEOs’ careers? Most say it was a parent
▪ Jobs available? CEOs look at their companies
▪ CEOs keep an eye on Miami’s cost of living
▪ The key to retaining employees? Start with good pay and benefits
▪ Live-work-play? More employees opt to live closer to workplaces
▪ Some CEOs say they’ve raised wages this year
▪ Here are some issues CEOs hope lawmakers keep top-of-mind this election year
▪ CEOs offer varying opinions on higher education
▪ Local firms are doing their part to be more eco-friendly
▪ CEOs are all smiles thanks to local economic boom
▪ Is work-life balance a myth? CEOs share their thoughts
▪ CEOs help employees stsruggling with long commutes
▪ Despite airline woes, CEOs are not changing traveling habits
▪ CEOs have diverse opinions on Trump’s tariffs and other actions
▪ CEOs feel pressure to keep wages competitive
▪ South Florida CEOs say that Miami can sustain David Beckham’s soccer team
▪ CEOs hope common-sense control on assault rifles happens soon
▪ Will Amazon open HQ2 in Miami? Maybe, maybe not, but city’s profile rises, CEOs say
▪ We have much to learn about public transit from other cities, CEOs say
▪ CEOs: Cuban coffee, flexibility and beach picnics help employees balance job demands
▪ CEOs discuss how to deal with extreme views in the workplace
▪ Extra guards, added security measures protect staff and clients
▪ As automation advances, CEOs say humans are still needed
▪ Holiday parties celebrate employees and the year’s successes
▪ These CEOs have zero tolerance for sexual harassment
▪ Will automation change your job? Yes — and no, CEOs say
▪ How CEOs address hostility in the workplace
▪ Good storm planning can stave off disruptions, CEOs find
▪ Storms highlighted serious local issues, CEOs say
▪ Planning, preparation are keys to disaster recovery, CEOs say
▪ CEOs say students who improve certain skills are better prepared for future jobs
▪ Uncertainty about the Affordable Care Act on the minds of CEOs
▪ In a year of challenges, CEOs took risks, learned and grew
▪ CEOs believe community should be involved in making public schools better
▪ Best bosses we ever had inspired, challenged and cared, say South Florida CEOs
▪ South Florida CEOs try to evaluate the nation’s top CEO: President Trump
▪ CEOs’ advice to college students: Network! Internships! Research!
▪ Affordable housing a cause of concern for CEOs
▪ Communication, cool heads key to avoiding public relations nightmares
▪ Meet the new Miami Herald CEO Roundtable
▪ Ahh, the first job. CEOs learned valuable lessons on the bottom rung
▪ It’s getting harder for employees and CEOs to disconnect while on vacation
▪ Florida’s legislators must act on economy and education, CEOs say
▪ Most CEOs provide paid internships, and everyone benefits
▪ Local firms rich in generational immigrants, CEO say, but deportation efforts worry some
▪ Long hours at the office? CEOs say how they avoid burnout
▪ CEOs prefer balance when dealing with a defiant employee
▪ The most important issue facing South Florida this year? CEOs say it’s traffic
▪ Have you been to Cuba? CEOs discuss business and travel opportunities on the island
▪ CEOs discuss their resolutions for the New Year
▪ CEOs: Trump, ugly politics among the biggest surprises of 2016
▪ CEOs’ top request for Trump’s first 100 days: ‘Unity’
▪ CEOs won’t tolerate ugly comments in the workplace
▪ CEOs assess South Florida’s economy for 2017
▪ Did Obamacare hurt your business? South Florida CEOs respond
