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South Florida Sun-Sentinel Manager Minute Column

Posted on: Monday, 20 February 2006, 18:00 CST

By Cindy Kent, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Feb. 20--Beginning in junior high school, Benjamin Patipa got a glimpse of his future when he was a participant in a science work-study program at the University of Miami.

From cleaning the delicate glass vials used in experiments to assisting in lab projects, Patipa got hooked and pursued a medical career. He practiced medicine as a pediatrician before eventually developing his entrepreneurial side -- a side of him that he says he inherited from his parents, who were concentration camp survivors.

Growing up in North Miami Beach, the family stressed a strong work ethic and Patipa often worked at his father's men's clothing business.

Looking for ways to service the medical industry while serving and educating consumers, Patipa founded a weight loss clinic for children. He also worked for hearing aid firms; a health-care marketing agency; and a data technology firm that serviced physicians.

Patipa joined Bravo! Foods International four years ago, establishing the company's school and vending business.

Patipa, 50, lives in Lake Worth with his wife, Marla, and their 8-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son.

THE JOB: Benjamin Patipa is chief operating officer, Bravo! Foods International, North Palm Beach. The company develops, brands, markets, distributes and sells various milk products in partnership with other brands by blending signature flavors such as fruits, candy, and chocolate and candy bars. Patipa oversees production, quality management, product development, production/partner relationships and distribution.

CRITICAL GOAL TO ACCOMPLISH: Develop and execute a critical path leading to our plan of success.

A MANAGEMENT LESSON LEARNED: Don't micromanage. I learned you have to give people the room they need. Be anticipatory rather than reactive.

A MANAGER'S ROLE: Teach, mentor and guide the team for the greater good of the company.

COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY TO BOSSES: My job is to make the boss look good and bring his ideas to fruition.

FAVORITE PART OF MY JOB: Being creative and innovative while working with a team to bring new concepts to market.

WASTE OF TIME: Trying to fit a round peg into a square hole. Cut your losses and move on.

TEAM-BUILDING PRACTICE: Avoid creating a hierarchy whereby no one wants to communicate.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION: Hit the issues head-on; keep the floor open to creativity.

EMPLOYEE RETENTION TIP: Every day, teach and train; motivate and guide; constantly support your employees.

CAREER-BUILDING ADVICE: Pick mentors who are open and honest with you. One of my best mentors was an operations genius, from whom I learned what to do and what not to do. Listening is critical. Apply what you've learned to formulate your path forward.

IN THE DESK JUNK DRAWER: Fishing stuff -- a fishhook, photos of boats I'd like to own one day; and tools -- I love to build things.

ON THE BOOKSHELF: At home -- books I read to my children.

WHAT I LOOK FOR IN A JOB CANDIDATE: Passion, entrepreneurial spirit, work ethic and drive.

ADVICE: Build your corporate culture without compromising the dignity of the individual.

Cindy Kent interviews managers of small to mid-size South Florida businesses for Manager Minute. You can reach her at ckent@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4662.

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Copyright (c) 2006, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

For information on republishing this content, contact us at (800) 661-2511 (U.S.), (213) 237-4914 (worldwide), fax (213) 237-6515, or e-mail reprints@krtinfo.com.

BRVO,

Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

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