Innovation to Stay Competitive - CEO Interview - Rick Caruso, Caruso Affiliated - July 11, 2010 - Segment Three

Betsy and Renee interview Rick Caruso, CEO of Caruso Affiliated, the real estate development company responsible for the wonderful open space malls like The Grove, The Americana at Brand and the Promenade at Westlake.

Rick discusses why he got into the real estate business and what inspires him. He feels his properties provide a unique experience and superior customer service experience by providing destinations that are not just a standard brick and mortar mall. The inspiration for the open spaces came from a trip Rick made to Italy where they embrace piazzas and the community environment and participation those piazzas create.

Rick also discusses what he feels have been the reasons for his success - honesty and passion for what you do and a sense of being a part of a community. This includes networking as much as possible and being involved with organizations that give back. You do not have to give away money but you can always give your time, your talents and your treasure. An example he cites is the work that Para Los Ninos does with underserved children in the Hispanic communities in Los Angeles.

Rick lives by the mantra that family comes first. He does whatever he can to participate fully in the lives of his wife and children. He drives his kids to school in the morning and reserves the weekend for family. The most important investment you can make is in your spouse and your children. They are the reason for your success.

2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.