Florida Business Minds

Navigating business challenges and opportunities is a full time job, and when the media spotlight falls on your company, effective communication is key. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez compares notes with Tamika Bickham, Founder and CEO of TB Media Group, who shares her insight and offers advice.

Sponsored Content: With over 25 years experience in the electric and gas industry, Shawn Connell is at the helm of a residential and commercial business that powers our region each day. In this download, sponsored by Peoples Gas, Vice President of Residential and Commercial Business Shawn Connell joins TBBJ Publisher and Market President Ian Anderson for a conversation on the impact of Florida&apo...

It's called the "The Fifth Major" for a reason: The Players Championship field is the strongest test in golf. The tournament also has a major impact on the business community, serving as the venue where deals get done. In this episode, JBJ Managing Editor Stuart Korfhage welcomes Lee Smith, Vice President of TPC Sawgrass and The Players Championship, to share his expanded role in ma...

Being "old" in the advertising business isn't usually something to brag about. But Central Florida powerhouse agency &Barr, founded in 1957, is the exception. In this episode, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao talks with Pete Barr, Jr., who's led the agency from pre-internet days, through the digital revolution, and now the age of artificial intelligence.

As hurricane season winds down, a Florida-based company is growing its membership based evacuation program. PriorityEvac Founder Jason Murgio joins South Florida Business Journal Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez to share how the service works, and why it's attracting a wide range of new clients.

The Sunshine State has long been a favorite vacation destination for travelers across America and around the world. In this download, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites Visit St. Pete/Clearwater President & CEO Brian Lowack to share the challenges we face when everyone assumes it's easy attracting tourists to spend their time and money here.

A former Naval officer with an MBA, Pete Wilking was first intrigued by solar power when his engineer father worked on projects in the 1980's. Today, Wilking is an industry expert leading A1A Solar & Air, a company he founded in 2010. JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon connects with Wilking for a download on the industry.

A perennial winner of the OBJ's "Best Places to Work" award, Atrium stands out in commercial real estate, and the greater Orlando business community, for its unique approach to people. OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao invites Atrium Partner Adam Wonus to share his formula for success, and why he may be on the hook for a future Bruno Mars concert.

There are many misconceptions about "affordable housing", especially across South Florida. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez tackles the issue head-on with Nancy Robin, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Broward.

Whether it's your favorite morning coffee drink or a dirty soda, Clearwater is the American epicenter for a global empire of flavor. TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites Bill Lombardo, CEO of Monin Gourmet Flavorings, to share the role his team plays in delivering tasty beverages to millions each day.

As the rising technology tide lifts all Florida markets, Jacksonville looks to capitalize. In this episode, JBJ Reporter Carter Mudgett invites Silicon Beach Founding Partner Jason Engelhardt to share his multi-faceted marketing approach to lure tech entrepreneurs to the First Coast.

The pace of growth has slowed across the state, but the outlook remains positive, particularly in the construction industry. In this download, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao chats with Richard McCree, Jr., CEO and President of his namesake, fourth generation family business.

As the Sunshine State transitions from a period of exponential growth, new challenges arise. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez calls on Calixto Garcia-Velez, President and CEO of Banesco USA, for his insight and guidance for business owners and executives across the region.

Inflation remains a concern as rates edge higher, prompting Florida business owners to proceed with caution. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites J.P. Morgan Private Bank Managing Director and Southeast Region Head Chris Brandriff to share what he's seeing and offer guidance as we grind through the second half of the year.

The generation of Baby Boomer business owners is heading for the exits, and Michael & Annie Murphy are ready for their next chapter. In this episode, they reminisce with Jacksonville Business Journal Reporter Matt Denis, and share why now is the time to move on from their beloved architectural salvage firm, one of the largest in the southeast.

Economic uncertainty, inflation and a real estate are dark clouds on Florida's business climate. In this timely download, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao invites respected UCF economist, Dr. Sean Snaith, to deliver his outlook as we grind through Q3 and begin preparing for the home stretch in 2026.

While the housing market has cooled, the need for affordable housing remains a hot topic. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez invites Sandra Veszi Einhorn, Chair of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and Founder of SVE Consulting, to share her insight and offer solutions.

Florida's growth continues to stretch infrastructure capacity across the state. At Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, parking is at a premium and the biggest challenge facing President & CEO Paul Hoback Jr. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner chats with Hoback Jr. about the challenges and opportunities as SRQ serves more travelers.

Few industries have faced disruption as much as the paper industry. But over the past 61 years, MAC Papers + Packaging has steadily evolved, diversified and delivered for customers across the region and nation. In this episode, JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon invites CEO Ian Forrest to share continuing challenges and opportunities for growth.

As we hit the mid-point of 2026, investors continue to be cautious. In this episode, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao checks in with Michael "Q" Quatrini, Founder, CEO and CIO of Capital Q Ventures for a market update. Q offers a different perspective and shares his alternative approach to investment management.

It's no secret, land is at a premium across the Sunshine State, particularly in South Florida. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez calls on one of the industry leaders, Basis Industrial President and Managing Partner Anthony Scavo for insight on how he and his team grow their portfolio wisely.

You may know Cathie Wood as the bold and strategic investment guru who focuses solely on disruptive innovation and a long term approach. But in this exclusive TBBJ Power Breakfast conversation, Editor Alexis Muellner gets personal with Wood. She shares why she often doesn't get jokes and the significant impact her almost 100-year-old father has had on her life. Wood also explains why Tampa/St...

Entrepreneur and restaurateur Stephen Hutson put Catch 27 on the culinary map while consulting behind-the-scenes for 17 King and others. In this delicious download, he shares his recipe for success, and the challenges the food scene faces with JBJ Managing Editor Stuart Korfhage.

The seeds of success are often planted during challenging times. Beth Hobart began her real estate career shortly before the Great Recession, but weathered that tsunami of foreclosures, focused on relationships and leveraged her background in marketing and advertising to build her business. In this episode, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao invites Hobart to share her career journey, perspective...

It's no secret that tech companies have flocked to Florida, particularly in the post-Covid era. And while that's good for business, it also creates challenges. In this download, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez dives into the issues with Terri-Ann Brown, Director of Miami Tech Works, a workforce development initiative that bridges the gap between employers and training providers.