RICHARD J. WALSH

CHAIRMAN & CEO, KNOB HILL GROUP, ORLANDO

Knob Hill Group is an investment and strategic consulting firm that helps established and emerging businesses develop, thrive and stay in Central Florida through consulting in hospitality design, retail operations, commercial real estate development and community impact. The firm provided the framework for the successful launch of the Entrepreneurs Alliance of Orlando, a collective of successful entrepreneurs in Central Florida. Walsh was part of Darden Restaurants leadership for 25 years, developing health care plans and wellness initiatives for employees, which he says “showed me the value of healthcare to employees, families and the community.” He has served on the board of OneBlood and Nemours Children’s Health System. “When our children and families have great health, Florida and Americans have great wealth,” he says.

EDUCATION: University of Central Florida (BA, MBA)

MENTOR: Former Darden Chairman and CEO Joe Lee.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: We are a showcase of talented people working to build the best entrepreneurial ecosystem on the East Coast.

MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA
“Be brilliant with the basics, a lesson I learned from my mentor, former Darden Chairman and CEO Joe Lee.”