Florida Business Minds

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.

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...