In this captivating 54th episode of Success in South Florida, host Adam Rossen sits down with Michael Lessing, the driving force behind the 135-year-old Lessing's Hospitality Group. Michael shares the incredible journey of building and sustaining a multi-generational family business, offering a unique perspective on adapting through five generations and successfully expanding from New York to the dynamic South Florida hospitality scene.

Discover what it truly takes to maintain a thriving family legacy, the crucial lessons learned from navigating over a century of change (including major economic shifts and the COVID-19 pandemic), and the strategic insights behind their successful move to the Sunshine State.

Whether you're part of a family business, an aspiring entrepreneur, or fascinated by enduring success stories, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom and actionable takeaways from a true hospitality veteran.

Episode Highlights:

✅ The inspiring 135-year journey of Lessing's Hospitality Group

✅ The keys to navigating generational transitions in a family business

✅ How a historic New York company successfully expanded to South Florida

✅ Critical lessons learned from adapting to over a century of change

✅ Michael Lessing's invaluable advice for building a lasting business legacy

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to a Century-Spanning Hospitality Story

00:28 - Meet Michael Lessing: Leading a Timeless Enterprise

01:15 - The Foundation: Building a Business in Early Manhattan

05:16 - Expanding Reach: From Long Island to New Ventures

12:25 - The Role of Guidance: Navigating Family and Business Dynamics

23:43 - The South Florida Calling: Embracing New Opportunities

30:46 - Weathering the Storm: Lessons from Unprecedented COVID Times

36:40 - Comparing Markets: The New York and Florida Experiences

42:46 - Enduring Wisdom for Business Builders

47:59 - Connect with Michael Lessing

About Michael Lessing:

Michael Lessing is the dynamic President of Lessing’s Hospitality Group, a sixth-generation, family-owned powerhouse serving the East Coast for over 130 years. As chairman of the company’s Executive Committee, this proud Long Island native leads a legacy founded in 1890, encompassing over 100 locations across the Northeast and Florida.

Leading an organization with 15 family members, Michael has been instrumental in Lessing’s enduring success, driven by his belief in quick adaptation and the ability to pivot. A testament to this was the company's vital partnership with New York City during the pandemic, delivering over two million meals. Michael is spearheading expansion across all divisions, including the exciting Love Street Project in Florida, all while fortifying Lessing’s renowned hospitality.

Actively involved in numerous professional and charitable organizations, Michael’s leadership has earned him accolades like the 2017 Executive Circle Award and Family Business CEO of the Year. Beyond the business, he enjoys boating, the beach, and good food, always prioritizing the enduring strength of family within the Lessing’s legacy.

About Lessing’s Hospitality Group:

Lessing’s Hospitality Group comprises over 100 locations throughout the Northeast and Florida. Lessing’s operates 21 wedding and catering venues, 16 full-service restaurants, over 75 corporate and academic dining centers, a historic inn, and a presidential yacht. Steeped in over 135 years of tradition, Lessing’s Hospitality Group focuses on providing each guest and client with unique, personalized experiences and remarkable hospitality. Their extensive reach and diverse operations

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In this thought-provoking 53rd episode of Success in South Florida, host Attorney Adam Rossen talks with Jeffrey Bast, a leading business litigation and bankruptcy attorney, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Bast Amron LLP. Jeffrey shares his inspiring professional journey—from big law to building one of Florida’s most innovative boutique firms—while offering a fresh perspective on leadership, legal tech, and the future of law.

With over two decades of experience in complex commercial litigation, Jeffrey dives into what it really takes to lead a high-performing legal team, the critical importance of communication and clarity in the workplace, and how artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice, without replacing the human touch.

Whether you're a new attorney, a law firm leader, or someone navigating career pivots, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom and actionable takeaways for building a purpose-driven career in law and beyond.

Episode Highlights:

✅ Jeffrey’s journey from BigLaw to founding Bast Amron LLP

✅ The mindset shift from lawyer to entrepreneur

✅ The power of clear communication in law firm culture

✅ Why lawyers who use AI will replace those who don’t

✅ How empathy and strategy can solve deeper client needs

✅ Advice for young professionals facing adversity or starting from scratch

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

01:18 - Meet Jeffrey Bast: From Law Firm Associate to Founder

06:34 - Shifting Mindsets: Communication, Leadership & Team Building

12:15 - AI in Law: Opportunity or Obsolescence?

20:49 - Empathy vs. Routine: What Clients Really Need

29:30 - Future-Proofing Your Legal Career

38:00 - Words of Wisdom for Young Lawyers & Entrepreneurs

46:12 - How to Connect with Jeff Bast

About Jeffrey Bast:

Jeffrey Bast has been practicing in the areas of insolvency and litigation for over 25 years. He guides clients through a wide range of bankruptcy-related matters, including corporate reorganization, workouts, and liquidation, with an emphasis on avoiding bankruptcy when possible. Jeff represents corporate and individual debtors, trustees, creditors’ committees, and secured and unsecured creditors in reorganizations and litigation.

Before co-founding Bast Amron LLP in 2009, Jeff was an equity partner at two international law firms: Hunton & Williams and Holland & Knight. He previously clerked for federal judges in both Texas and Florida. His firm, Bast Amron, is now widely recognized as one of South Florida’s leading boutique firms in commercial litigation and insolvency.

Jeff is a frequent speaker and author on insolvency issues both in the U.S. and abroad. His work and leadership have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Chambers and Partners, Martindale-Hubbell, and Florida Super Lawyers.

About Bast Amron LLP:

Bast Amron LLP is a Miami-based boutique law firm focused on commercial litigation, business reorganization, and insolvency. The firm is known for its client-centered approach and innovative strategies that drive results for businesses and individuals facing complex disputes.

Connect with Jeffrey Bast:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreybast-insolvencylitigator/

🎧 Podcast: The Practice by Bast Amron LLP ( BastamronThe Practice Podcast


The Practice Podcast



bastamron.com/news/the-practice-podcast )

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Learn more about Adam & the Rossen Law Firm at https://www.rossenlawfirm.com/

In this inspiring 52nd episode of the Success in South Florida Podcast, host Attorney Adam Rossen sits down with Dr. Rachel Docekal, a seasoned leader in the fields of philanthropy, addiction recovery, and community development. Dr. Docekal shares her remarkable journey. From leading the nation's most extensive continuum of behavioral health services to pioneering innovative programs for veterans, pregnant women, and families, Dr. Docekal is reshaping how we approach addiction, mental health, and healing.

With over 20 years of experience in leadership roles, Dr. Docekal discusses her unique approach to shifting from “what is present to what is possible” and the key initiatives she is driving at the Hanley Foundation, including groundbreaking programs like Casa Flores, the Patriots Program, and Hanley’s Family Program for Children.

Whether you're interested in leadership, helping those with addiction, or community-building, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable insights from one of South Florida’s most influential leaders.

Episode Highlights:
✅ Dr. Docekal’s journey from philanthropy to addiction recovery
✅ Leading Hanley Foundation's $35M capital campaign
✅ Groundbreaking programs: Casa Flores, Patriots Program, & Family Program for Children
✅ The importance of shifting from “what is present to what is possible”
✅ How to support addiction recovery through community and policy
✅ Balancing leadership with personal values and mission-driven work

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Rachel Docekal & Her Vision
07:07 – Expanding Hanley’s Treatment Services
10:40 – Hanley’s Leadership in Behavioral Health and Innovation
13:05 – Developing Programs for Specific Populations
18:22 – The Role of Partnerships in Hanley’s Work
22:10 – Collaboration with Government and Local Agencies
26:20 – The Importance of Support Systems in Addiction Recovery
37:10 – The Role of Family Support in Recovery
46:00 – Building Long-Term Strategies for Addiction Recovery
50:00 – Hanley’s Work with Vulnerable Populations
52:10 – The Importance of Holistic Treatment Approaches
56:20 – Success Stories from Hanley Foundation Programs
58:30 – Closing Thoughts on Behavioral Health Innovation

About Dr. Rachel Docekal:

Dr. Rachel Docekal is a philanthropist and leader with over two decades of experience in nonprofit management and community development. She is the former Managing Director of Lyrae Group, a firm focused on philanthropy, and the current chair-elect of the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission. Dr. Docekal’s expertise in leadership, mentorship, and community service continues to shape Hanley Foundation’s efforts to combat substance use disorders and provide innovative, evidence-based treatment options.

Dr. Docekal is leading Hanley Foundation in a monumental $35 million campaign to transform addiction treatment through new programs that support both individuals and families. Her efforts, including the launch of Casa Flores, the Patriots Program, and Hanley’s Family Program, are shaping the future of addiction recovery in the U.S.

Dr. Docekal holds a Doctorate in Education and has been recognized as one of South Florida Business Journal’s 25 Most Influential Women in 2012.

About Hanley Foundation:
The Hanley Foundation is dedicated to transforming the landscape of addiction treatment and recovery. Through prevention, advocacy, treatment, and recovery support, Hanley Foundation is leading the charge to reduce stigma, provide holistic treatment, and offer support to those affected by substance use disorder.

Connect with Dr. Rachel Docekal:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-docekal/
Facebook: https://ww

Learn more about Adam & the Rossen Law Firm at https://www.rossenlawfirm.com/