View from the C-suite.

• Author: Spieker, Sandra L.

They are the movers and shakers.

Those in the C-suite--the chief executive officer (CEO) and the chief financial officer (CFO)--guide Ohio's companies and their place in Ohio's economy.

Manning the helm of any organization can be a daunting task. Decisions that impact the whole organization often must be made with partial information that is subject to change. At the same time, the air up there offers a unique view of the forces shaping Ohio's economy.

How are area CEOs and CFOs guiding their companies through a changing environment to sustain success? Do these corporate captains predict growth in their workforce? Do they face similar obstacles in achieving success? Here is what they had to say.

Harley E. Rouda, Jr., CEO and managing partner Real Living

Real Living is the largest independently owned real estate firm in the Midwest and the fourth largest in the country. It boasts nearly 4,000 agents and employees, $8.4 billion in annual sales and more than 130 offices throughout 12 states, including Florida, Illinois and Texas. Real Living received the 2005 Innovator Award from Inman News and ranked 23rd in Entrepreneur magazine's Top 50 Best New Franchises.

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Well known regionally for its comprehensive marketing efforts, Real Living is quickly becoming a national brand. The company also offers a full range of affiliated business services, including home financing, title, relocation, corporate relocation management and home warranty.

How do you handle strategic planning in an environment of so much uncertainty?

Look to as many sources as possible, from a national, state and local perspective, and use that data to forecast the overall performance of your industry. Analyze your competitive environment to understand where your threats are and where the opportunities lie. Then build individual business plans by market to take advantage of your competitive competencies. Finally, monitor your performance and the changing market variables constantly.

What industries or factors do you consider to have the most influence on Ohio's economy?

The housing market plays a major part in driving our overall economy. In Central Ohio, government and insurance are factors, whereas manufacturing is key in Northern Ohio.

Do you plan on expanding or contracting your workforce in the next six months?

We are expanding nationwide. We'll open our first office in California this November, and we plan to open 24 new offices within the next six...