Florida Business Minds

Most business leaders are optimistic about Florida's outlook in the year ahead. Stiles President Scott MacLaren echoes what many feel about Florida's position as an economic outlier- but with one major concern that could put the brakes on everything. In this download, MacLaren join SFBJ Editor in Chief Mel Melendez to share his outlook, and his concern.

The "R" word has been floating around for quite some time, but there are no apparent signs of a slowdown in Florida. If, or when there is, one person who'd be the first to know is First Horizon Bank Regional President Marty Lanahan. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites Lahahan to share her level of confidence in Florida's economy, and efforts to improve our comm...

What was once unthinkable is now a reality: College sports juggernauts from coast-to-coast will compete in conference matchups, and the University of Central Florida expects an economic boom for the region as a result. In this episode, OBJ Editor in Chief Sean McCrory connects with UCF Director of Broadcasting Marc Daniels to get his take on how UCF's big move will mean big money in the Orlan...

Rising interest rates are cooling off inflation, but what will the impact be on business lending, hiring and our regional economy in the year ahead? In this download, JBJ Editor in Chief Tim Gibbons calls on VyStar Credit Union President and CEO Brian Wolfburg for his outlook, and how he's managing the financial institution in a challenging time.

Operation Pedro Pan was an undercover exodus of Cuban minors to the US between 1960-1962. Young Tony Argiz' parents sent him to America on his own, at the age of 9. Through the help of charities and his own hard work, he rose to be a business and community leader in Miami. In this episode, SFBJ Editor in Chief Mel Melendez welcomes Tony to reflect on his career, the economy, and giving back t...

After 28 years at the helm, Ron Vaughn announced he'll retire in May of 2024. In this download, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner connects with Vaughn to revisit the rebuilding project he undertook in 1995, and how he built UT from a struggling school into a thriving campus in the heart of Tampa Bay.

Jacksonville's sports scene is on the rise, thanks to the NFL Jaguars stirring finish last season, and the summer-long fun provided by the AAA baseball Jumbo Shrimp. In this download, Jacksonville Business Journal Editor in Chief Tim Gibbons welcomes team owner Ken Babby to chat about how he and his team have made minor league baseball a major hit in the area.

Orlando-based Correct Craft is the parent company of many of the biggest brands in boating: Natique, Centurion and Bass Cat just to name a few. As thousands of Americans take to the lakes and waterways this 4th of July holiday, OBJ Editor in Chief Sean McCrory welcomes Correct Craft CEO Bill Yeargin to share what he and his team are doing to innovate in this competitive industry.

Opened as Waterbed City in the 70's, City Furniture's evolution into a leader offering stylish furniture and exceptional customer service is no accident. In this episode, second generation CEO Andrew Koenig connects with SFBJ Editor in Chief Mel Melendez to share how he and his team are continuously improving every aspect of their business to thrive in any economic cycle.

Florida's economy is thriving as our four major markets offer their own unique economic strengths. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner welcomes Tampa Bay Partnership President & CEO Bemetra Simmons. In her role, she leads a coalition of regional business leaders, and compares how Tampa Bay stacks up against other Florida markets, and national metros as well.

Founded almost 30 years ago in Jacksonville by former firefighter brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen, Firehouse Subs had grown to over 1200 restaurants across North America. In this download, new CEO Mike Hancock joins JBJ Editor in Chief Tim Gibbons to share his vision for the future of Firehouse Subs and its franchisees.

Orlando is at the epicenter of America's theme park destinations, tourism and convention business- no other city boasts that travel trifecta. In this download, Visit Orlando President & CEO Casandra Matej joins OBJ Editor in Chief Sean McCrory to offer an update on Orlando's appeal, and a preview of things to come.  

The pandemic-induced influx of tech talent to South Florida drives home the importance of higher ed in establishing long term success. No one knows that better than University of Miami President Dr. Julio Frenk, who's leading the institution's efforts to attract top talent and find successful careers for those graduates in Florida.

A pandemic, massive stimulus, supply chain issues, inflation, and a significant shortage of human capital. It really is "different this time" as the Federal Reserve ratchets interest rates higher in hopes of cooling off the economy without triggering the dreaded "R" word. In this episode, JBJ Editor in Chief Tim Gibbons sits down with Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic and Ja...

She's the first female CEO for BayCare Health System, but Stephanie Conners is also a nurse, and rose to the leadership role with a clinical, patient-focused background. In this download, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites Conners to share her prescription for leadership success, and her plans to grow BayCare's reach beyond west-central Florida.

With the announcement of an SBA partnership that will focus on Florida, Georgia and North Carolina, Orlando-based non-profit Prospera hopes to help the smallest of small business owners. In this episode, OBJ Editor in Chief Sean McCrory profiles Prospera President & CEO Augusto Sanabria, 

Maybe the hippies were on to something in the 60's?  With mental health and wellbeing top of mind, and existing drug treatment therapies achieving inconsistent results, many are turning to the psychedelic drugs of the counterculture era. In this episode, SFBJ Editor in Chief Mel Melendez invites attorney, advocate and venture capitalist Dustin Robinson to explore the path to legalizing psyche...

With over a thousand people moving to the Sunshine State each day, our continuing infrastructure improvement is critical, and clean energy plays a vital role in powering communities large and small. In this episode, TBBJ Publisher and Market President Ian Anderson connects with Tim O'Connor, VP of Operations, Sustainability and External Affairs at Peoples Gas for an inside look at the utility...

As only he can, well known personal injury attorney John Morgan joins Orlando Business Journal Editor in Chief Sean McCrory to address tort reform and the current, testy business and political climate.  In this colorful download, Morgan also offers his take on the feud between Governor Ron DeSantis and Disney. 

The pandemic crippled the airline industry, but that period was thankfully short-lived. Pent up demand for leisure travel continues, and as the Gateway to Florida, Jacksonville is well positioned with ample aviation options. In this episode, JBJ Editor in Chief Tim Gibbons checks in with Mark VanLoh, President and CEO of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority for an update on Concourse B,  a surprisi...

We've been hearing about a looming recession now for over a year. But in spite of higher interest rates and a volatile stock market, Florida continues to prosper. What's driving this, particularly in the commercial real estate sector? In this download, SFBJ Editor in Chief Mel Melendez explores this topic with one of the region's most influential developers, Malcolm Butters, CEO of...

Florida has made national headlines with a clash between conservative Governor Ron DeSantis and social justice advocates. What has been the impact on Florida businesses, and will the outlook change for businesses looking to relocate here? In this hard hitting download, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner welcomes Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith to share her perspective.

A decade ago there were only a handful of craft spirits producers in the state, and those doing business did so under strict guidelines. When St. Augustine Distillery opened, making hand crafted bourbon, rum, gin & vodka was only half the task. Lobbying politicians to slowly loosen the laws was critical to success for the up & coming operation, and the industry. In this episode, JBJ Editor...

Professional sports is a revolving door of players, coaches and executives. But in Orlando, one man has been the face of the NBA's Magic for over 30 years. Alex Martins started in PR and worked his way up to CEO. In this download, OBJ Editor in Chief Sean McCrory invites Martins to reflect on his longtime career, while looking to the exciting future of the franchise with a major project ready...

Born & raised in the Miami-area, Kelley Brown-Murro has a pulse on the local economy and firsthand experience working with the small business owners who make it go. In this episode, SFBJ Editor in Chief Mel Melendez checks in with Brown-Murro for an update and an outlook on the region's economic vitality.