Promoting the virtues of a great leader has been at the forefront of Barron Collier Companies’ culture for decades. Beginning with the company’s founder, Barron Gift Collier, leadership attributes heralded include humility, enthusiasm, courage, integrity, and vision. “A Legacy of Vision,” the tagline for Barron Collier Companies, aptly describes the foresight of its founder and the company’s continued success in carrying that vision forward.
Barron Collier Companies team members participate regularly in Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce leadership programs. Leadership Collier, an annual program that provides hands-on experiences, exclusive behind-the-scenes sessions, and the opportunity for participants to develop a broader and deeper perspective of Collier County, has graduated more than 25 employees from Barron Collier Companies, including Barry Collier III, a member of the 1989 founder’s class. Nick Casalanguida and Jamie Lopez have both held director positions with Leadership Collier. “Being part of a group of committed professionals that work so well together for the betterment of our community has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life in Collier County,” states Casalanguida.
Leadership Florida brings together the highest level of leaders from Florida’s many diverse sectors. Brian Goguen, COO of Barron Collier Companies and current Southwest Florida Region Chair for Leadership Florida, comments “Leadership Florida makes it possible for people that might otherwise not interact to connect in a meaningful way in order to work together for the common goal of making our community better.” Goguen was also the Chair of Leadership Collier for the Class of 2021.
Barron Collier Companies also plays an important role in sharing its history of agriculture in Southwest Florida with future leaders as the host for Agriculture Day for Leadership Collier Foundation every year. Jamie Thompson, Director of Human Resources, leads the group through private citrus groves, farm fields, sod farms, and behind-the-scenes operations giving future trailblazers insight into Collier company history and the development of agriculture.
Whether leading a program for developing talent or enrolling its employees in leadership programs, Barron Collier Companies is committed to educating, inspiring, and motivating the community’s future professionals.