At Barron Collier Companies (BCC), strong leadership is something every team member is encouraged to practice every day. That message was front and center on Oct. 12 at Guadalupe Center’s annual Leadership Day, where BCC CEO Blake Gable delivered the keynote speech to about 60 Guadalupe Center students, many of whom are on track to be the first in their families to attend college. Blake shared the principles that have guided his 27-year journey at BCC, principles that also shape how we lead as a company.
According to Blake, caring is the primary value that drives a successful career. The people who rise are the ones who care enough to go beyond what is required: they prepare before they show up, they ask questions, and they take ownership of the outcome. As he put it, success “doesn’t have to be any more complicated than that.”
At BCC team members are encouraged to treat every project like their own, whether they are designing a master-planned community, maintaining utility service in Ave Maria or restoring native habitat. Caring is the foundation for every other leadership quality.
Blake also told the students, strong leaders build teams of people they can trust. In today’s business world, there is simply too much for any one person to carry alone. Successful leaders depend on team members who have strong integrity and treat everyone with respect.
BCC works to instill these values early on through internship programs that give students real-world experience. “We believe leadership begins long before someone enters the workforce,” said Jamie Thompson, director of human resources, “Our internship programs provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth. Our goal is not simply to recruit future employees, but to inspire, develop, and invest in the next generation of leaders.”
As a fourth-generation company, BCC is deeply committed to continuing the legacy of Barron Gift Collier. That commitment to caring and integrity is why landowners, partners, residents, and the communities we serve have trusted BCC for generations.
The lessons Blake shared with Guadalupe Center students apply to every member of our team. Care about your work. Build a team you trust. Treat people well. When leadership is grounded in those values, it does more than move a company forward. It strengthens the entire community we call home.
