Florida Business Minds

Not long ago, Tampa Bay was considered the more affordable luxury real estate market when compared to Naples and South Florida. But that's no longer the case, as multi-million dollar homes dot the local map, and more affluent families relocate to the area. In this episode, TBBJ reporter Ashley Gurbal Kritzer invites top luxury agent Jennifer Zales to share what's driving the high end mar...

Higher interest rates have helped put the brakes on development,. But construction across Florida is still going strong as key players find creative ways to get deals done. In this download, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez invites 40-year industry veteran Rex Kirby to share his outlook for the year ahead.

And eighth generation Floridian and family business fixture in Tampa-St. Petersburg for four generations, Liz Dimmitt is fiercely loyal to our community and passionate about the arts. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites the co-founder of Fairgrounds Projects and Dimmitt Chevrolet managing partner to share what drives her, and why the arts are so important to our region. 

Tourism is well known as a major driver in Florida's economy. In the past, the Jacksonville-area was the "best kept secret", but that's no longer confidential, as the city and neighboring areas compete for dollars. In this episode, JBJ Editor-in-Chief Tim Gibbons welcomes Visit Jacksonville CEO Michael Corrigan, who shares an update and outlook.

Who needs affordable housing? The answer may surprise you. Shedding light on misconceptions, obstacles and potential solutions only grazes the surface of this critical challenge in a 20-minute podcast. OBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory welcomes Catherine Steck McManus, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando and Osceola County to deliver an update and overview.

He literally grew up in the restaurant industry, and Abe Ng has infused his own entrepreneurial twist to establish his popular Sushi Maki experience across South Florida. In this episode with SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez, Ng reflects on his family's heritage, his inspiration, and his advice to those hoping to replicate his success in the challenging restaurant industry.

We open the new year by putting the state's biggest issues front & center. TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites Jeff Brandes, President & CEO of the Florida Policy Project, to share his solutions to insurance costs, affordable housing and more. The former state senator offers a candid assessment of what it will take to make a difference.

One of the most prominent stories in 2023 was affordable housing, or the lack thereof, in Florida's hot housing market. As we close out the year, Jacksonville Business Journal Editor-in-Chief Tim Gibbons calls on Ability Housing CEO Shannon Nazworth for an update on her team's goals to serve more people across the state, and the region.

With the holidays upon us, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory delivers and an extended session with Gregg Hill, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Parkway Venture Capital. Hill details his rise from a small North Carolina town to become legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri's favorite for his work ethic. His tennis career was tragically cut short, so Hill turned to business, and duplicated hi...

With the holidays upon us, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez calls on United Way of Broward County President & CEO Kathleen Cannon for an update on the impact of charitable giving, Cannon's candid interview sheds light on the growing number of families who aren't in poverty, but are struggling to cover the basics of housing, food, transportation, health care and technology.

He's supported US intelligence efforts in two wars and the hunt for Osama bin Laden, and now Celestar CEO Greg Celestan is leading the defense & intelligence industry's growth across Florida. In this download, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites Celestan to share his unique background, which led him to a career in foreign intelligence during 20 years of service to our country.

How did the St. Augustine Amphitheatre become a huge success? Surprisingly, the hit mix of music acts only played a small part. GM Gabe Pellicer knew he and his team had to take care of business behind-the-scenes first. In this download, he shares that success story with JBJ Editor-in-Chief Tim Gibbons, along with future plans for "The Amp".

Florida's "The Sunshine State" for a reason, but we do get a fair amount of cloud cover and that can hamper renewable energy options like solar. In this episode, OUC CEO & GM Clint Bullock connects with OBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory to share what he and his team are doing to maximize renewable energy efficiency, and improve EV options.

South Florida's had a remarkable run the past decade, and Miami-Dade Beacon Council President & CEO Rodrick Miller aims to continue that trend. In this update with SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez, Miller shares his economic outlook and addressed the key concerns many have moving forward.

In 1986, Tonjua Williams' mother gave her two choices: Get a job and start helping with bills, or go to college. She chose the college path, enrolling at St. Petersburg College and becoming the first person in her family to earn a college degree. Almost four decades at later, she's risen through the ranks at SPC to become the first woman and first African American president of the colleg...

Boston, Seattle and Silicon Valley are well established bioscience hubs, but Jacksonville? In this episode, JBJ Editor-in-Chief Tim Gibbons connects with Cadrenal Therapeutics CEO Quang Pham to learn why he chose Jacksonville. Pham also highlights how the game is changing and he hopes to capitalize.

Florida's population growth means community organizations like the YMCA are in high demand. In this episode, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory invites YMCA of Central Florida CEO Kevin Bolding to share how he and his team are responding, while planning for future growth. Plus, the community partners, both public and private, supporting the YMCA's community focus.

The pandemic-induced migration to the Sunshine State brought a ton of tech talent to South Florida. Seasoned veterans and start-ups found new homes in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. How have higher interest rates and a VC slowdown impacted our tech transplants? In this download, SFBJ Editor in Chief Mel Melendez connects with Taxfyle Co-Founder & CEO Richard Lavina to learn more.

Our state's exponential growth over the past decade wouldn't have been possible without innovation and advances in energy distribution and delivery for both businesses and consumers. In this informative download, TBBJ Publisher and Market President Ian Anderson connects with Joann Wehle, VP of Strategy, Marketing and Communications at Peoples Gas, to learn more about the impact of cost-e...

The PGA Tour Champions return to Jacksonville this week for what's become one of the most popular events on the calendar: FURYK & FRIENDS at Timuquana Country Club. In this download, Jacksonville Business Journal Editor-in-Chief Tim Gibbons connects with tournament founders Tabitha & Jim Furyk to learn why they're so passionate about this event and the charities that benefit.

As the Orlando Business Journal covers Hispanic Heritage Month, we'll profile those who know the community best- the Hispanic business leaders and entrepreneurs who are making a difference. In this episode, OBJ Editor in Chief Sean McCrory connects with Hernan Tagliani, Founder & President of The Group Advertising.

His father was a heroic Vietnam veteran, and Mark Pitts has applied those lessons of leadership in the business world.  In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner shares a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with Pitts, who reveals the impact of his father's legacy around the world, and his own success story in the corporate world.

Interest rates will likely remain elevated for some time, so business owners, real estate developers and consumers are adjusting to the new norm. Regardless of rates, there's no shortage of capital across Florida- particularly South Florida. In this download, Vista Bank President Dan Sheehan offers his outlook, plus how Florida stacks up to his counterparts in Texas when counting deposits.

If you've stood in line at a major event waiting to get a cocktail, you're prepared to miss a 20-30 minutes of action. TendedBar is changing the game when it comes to drinks on demand. In this download, JBJ Editor in Chief Tim Gibbons invites TendedBar Co-Founder & CEO Justin Honeysuckle to share how he and his team are blending technology and mixology to improved the customer experi...

After record highs during the pandemic, the short-term rental industry is adjusting to a market that's reportedly softening, with travelers being more selective about where they stay, and why. In this episode, OBJ Editor in Chief Sean McCrory connects with Nick Falcone, Managing Principal of NDM Hospitality and Rentyl Resorts, who's betting on a new, upscale model for short-term rentals.