Florida Business Minds

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Florida Business Minds is a weekly podcast focused on the top business leaders in our state. Each week, we profile executives from across the state, rotating between the Tampa Bay, South Florida, Orlando and Jacksonville markets. Florida Business Minds is proudly presented by The Florida Business Journals and sponsored by Peoples Gas.

The Florida Business Journals


    • Sep 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 23m AVG DURATION
    • 170 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Florida Business Minds

    Jacksonville: Angela TenBroeck on Protecting and Growing Florida's Food Supply

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 17:25


    A fourth-generation farmer, Angela TenBroeck is a leader in innovative farming techniques, an entrepreneur, and the advocate for protecting our food supply. In this download, JBJ Reporter Matt Denis invites TenBroeck to share her insight and perspective on a business sector that directly impacts all of us.

    Orlando: Addition Financial CEO Kevin Miller Talks Growth, Lending and What Business Leaders Should Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 21:55


    Economic uncertainty is top of mind for Florida business owners, including those in the financial services sector. In this episode, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao connects with Addition Financial President & CEO Kevin Miller to get an update on the business climate, Addition's merger with Envision Credit Union, and efforts to improve financial literacy in our schools and communities. 

    South Florida: City National's Jorge Gonzalez on Why Florida's Boom-Bust Cycles Are History

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 19:07


    A native Miamian with over 36 years experience in the banking sector, City National Vice Chairman and CEO Jorge Gonzalez has seen it all in South Florida. In this episode with SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez, he offers an update on rates, the economy and why the boom & bust days are over for Florida's economy.

    Tampa Bay: Tackling the Challenges of Housing Costs with PMG Affordable's Dan Coakley

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 17:21


    Tackling affordable housing issues is a nationwide crisis, particularly in Florida with the influx of new residents the past decade. In this episode, TBBJ Real Estate Reporter Ashley Gurbal Kritzer invites Dan Coakley, Principal of PMG Affordable, to to discuss his company's monumental project, along with the challenges of building affordable housing.

    Jacksonville: How Lisa "The Boatanista" Almeida Went From Rough Seas to Smooth Sailing

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 21:35


    She started running Freedom Boat Club in 2009 during the depths of the Great Recession. Then Mother Nature delivered one of the coldest Florida winters in memory, so even avid boaters weren't interested in memberships. In this episode, JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon invites Freedom Boat Club Owner Lisa Almeida to share how she turned things around, and why so many boaters are now opting for "Freedom".

    Orlando: Publix Fights Off Competition as Florida's Grocery Battle Heats Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 23:53


    Whether the economy's up, or down, we have to eat. With the cost of dining out on the rise, consumers are shifting their buying habits and that benefits grocery stores. So it's no surprise the fast-growing Florida market is attracting new, niche players hoping to take a bite of the market share. In this episode, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao invites "Grocery Guru" Mark Thompson, CEO & Founder of GroceryAnchored.com, to deliver an update.

    South Florida: JM Family Enterprises CEO Dan Chait Reports on the Automotive Sector

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 17:05


    As a major player in the automotive industry, with interests in financial services and franchising, JM Family Enterprises has a pulse on consumers across South Florida. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez invites President and CEO Dan Chait to provide an update on the car market, consumer trends and how AI is reshaping the industry.

    Tampa Bay: Peoples Gas VP Shawn Connell Forecasts the Future of Natural Gas in Florida

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 17:33


    Sponsored Content: With over 500,000 customers across the state, adding more each day, Peoples Gas has a pulse on Florida's growth and what builders and consumers demand. In this episode, 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 natural gas and its future across the Sunshine State.

    Jacksonville: Florida's Homeowners Insurance Crisis Creates Opportunity for Itel

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 16:55


    Hurricanes have wreaked havoc with Florida's property insurance market, driving premiums so high that it often kills a real estate transaction. In this episode, JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon invites Itel President Chris Touchton to explain how his company's technology is working to save costs for insurers, and how that translates into saving money for homeowners.

    Orlando: OEP's Bob O'Malley on the Future of Brightline and Commuter Rail Across Florida

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 19:33


    Bob O'Malley sits at the intersection of public affairs, government relations and transportation policy. As the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP), perhaps no one is as well-versed in the challenges and opportunities with commuter rail. OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao invites O'Malley to share his insight and transportation vision in this episode.

    South Florida Means Business: Bob Swindell Shares Why the Growth Will Continue

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 18:07


    While the migration of people and businesses has slowed somewhat, the Sunshine State and South Florida in particular remain highly desirable long-term. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez invites Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance President & CEO Bob Swindell to share what he's seeing and hearing from business decision makers.

    Tampa Bay: Habitat for Humanity CEO Mike Sutton Builds Relationships to Inspire Giving

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 16:36


    Florida's growth has sparked a business boom, but the influx of people has driven up real estate prices, making affordable housing scarce. In this episode, TBBJ Managing Editor Pam Huff invites Habitat for Humanity Gulfside CEO Mike Sutton to share what he and his team are doing, and who they're working with to help ease the housing crunch.

    Jacksonville: Axia Advisors Sean Shapiro on Growing Consolidation in the Trades Sector

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 24:18


    Once a sector dominated by mom & pop shops and locally-owned small businesses, the highly-skilled trades sector is seeing strategic consolidation from private equity firms looking to scale best practices nationally and cash in. In this download, JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon invites Axia Advisors Founder Sean Shapiro to share his expertise in the roofing sector.

    Orlando: The Impact of a Winning Women's Soccer Team on the Central Florida Community

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 22:38


    There's no question sports bring people together, particularly when teams win. In this episode, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao invites Jarrod Dillon, President of Business Operations for Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride and Inter&Co Stadium, to share the impact of the Pride's NWSL title, Orlando's first major sports championship.

    South Florida: Is the Commercial Real Estate Market Bouncing Back?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 14:10


    Elevated interest rates linger, making deals more difficult to pencil. But South Florida's robust international monetary base and the Sunshine State's diversified economy appear to be healthy enough to keep deals flowing. In this download, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez calls on veteran commercial real estate and capital markets exec Greg Matus, EVP at Franklin Street for an update.

    Tampa Bay: Vinik Sports Group CEO Steve Griggs Pushes the Fan Experience Envelope

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 21:06


    The transformation of the Tampa Bay Lightning on and off the ice over the past decade is truly remarkable. But team owner Jeff Vinik, Vinik Sports Group, and CEO and Vice Chairman Steve Griggs aren't sitting back admiring their achievements. In this download, Griggs joins TBBJ Real Estate Editor Ashley Gurbal Kritzer to share what's next as he and his team take the Lightning fan experience to the next level.

    Jacksonville: Tourism Heats Up In Spite of Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 20:58


    Florida's immunity from national & global economic hiccups has been tested the past two years. As we enter the heat of summer, tourism remains robust across the Sunshine State, particularly along the First Coast. In this episode, JBJ Managing Editor Stuart Korfhage welcomes St. George Inn Owner Irving Kass to the podcast with an update.

    Orlando: Angel de la Portilla Bridges the Divide Between Business and Government

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 21:08


    Business owners and executives are busy running their businesses, often unaware of the implications of government policy. That's where Angel de la Portilla comes in. As President of Central Florida Strategies, he translates current and pending government policy for the private sector. In this download, de la Portillla joins OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao to share what may impact businesses statewide.

    South Florida: Richard Berkowitz Reflects on AI and People Skills in Business

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 20:09


    He's seen it all, from the days of hand-written ledgers to artificial intelligence. But one thing remains the same: it's all about people skills. In this episode, Berkowitz Pollack Brant Founder and Executive Chairman Richard Berkowitz shares his takes with SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez.

    Tampa Bay: Interim U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe Reflects on His Career and Legal Leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 20:08


    He's prosecuted some of the world's most high-profile cases and led a team of lawyers and investigators advising the Iraqi Special Tribunal, formed to prosecute Saddam Hussein and members of his former regime. Closer to home, Attorney General Pam Biondi appointed Gregory Kehoe as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, effective March 31st. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner connects with Kehoe, who reflects on his career and the new challenges he faces.

    Jacksonville: Entrepreneur Craig Smith Serves up Food and Entertainment

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 22:09


    His business interests over the years have varied widely, but Craig Smith takes the same approach in tackling each new challenge. In this episode, JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon invites Smith to share how and why he's taken on so many different opportunities, and the story behind his most convenient businesses that literally feed off each other.

    Orlando: Tavistock CEO Craig Collin Shares Lake Nona Magic

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 27:39


    Perhaps no development company in America does large scale master-planned communities as well as Tavistock. With Lake Nona and Sunbridge in Central Florida, and Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale, Tavistock is redefining how thousands of people live- with the input of residents. CEO Craig Collin shares his insight and vision with OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao.

    Tampa Bay: Alicia Schulhof on Challenges and Opportunities in Pediatric Care

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 21:58


    Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital has found the right leader in Alicia Schulhof. She brings over 20 years of leadership in health care and is revitalizing the hospital's image and impact in the community. It's expanding into Wesley Chapel, a rapidly growing area, with a 56-bed hospital and additional clinic space. In this episode, she shares her story with TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner. 

    South Florida: How AI and Hybrid Work are Transforming the Legal Profession

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 14:25


    The pandemic forced change in many industries including the legal profession. Then along came artificial intelligence, saving time but slashing billable hours and altering client expectations. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez welcomes SMGQ Partner and Florida Bar President Roland Sanchez-Medina, Jr. to share how the changing legal landscape is impacting the profession. 

    PR Pro Jason Mudd: The Tools Have Changed, But the Profession Remains the Same

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 23:44


    Naturally curious and an early adopter of the internet and more recently artificial intelligence, Axia Public Relations CEO Jason Mudd has built a national PR powerhouse from Jacksonville. In this episode, JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon connects with Mudd for industry insight that benefits business owners and fellow PR teams.

    Orlando: Align CEO Dena Jalbert Reports the M&A Market is Hot In Spite of Tariff Shock

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 31:28


    Several key factors combine to make 2025 potentially a big year for mergers & acquisitions. In this episode, Orlando Business Journal Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao invites Align Business Advisory Services Founder & CEO Dena Jalbert to share why. She also expands on the importance of technology and AI in building business valuations, and offers advice for upcoming leaders.

    South Florida: Carlos Fernandez-Guzman Explains Why Tariffs May Be a Good Thing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 20:30


    With consumer confidence waning and recession fears rising in national surveys, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez calls on Carlos Fernandez-Guzman, President and CEO of Pacific National Bank for insight and perspective. The banking and business turnaround veteran shares his contrarian take on tariffs, and outlines steps business owners should take to diversify their banking relationships.

    Tampa Bay: Cirkul Co-Founder Garrett Waggoner on the Hydration Company's Super Bowl Splash

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 23:03


    Just over a month after the Tampa Bay start-up debuted its first Super Bowl commercial, Co-Founder Garrett Waggoner is gauging the success. The hybrid hydration company with its innovative bottle design allows users to control how much flavor they add to their water. TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites Waggoner to share an update on the company's growth and future plans.

    Jacksonville: JU President Tim Cost Offers an Upbeat Assessment of Higher Ed's Impact Across Florida

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 24:32


    As the first alumnus to serve as Jacksonville University President in the school's 85 year history, Tim Cost has a unique perspective and approach. After a successful, high profile career in the corporate world, he's brought a business-focused agenda to JU, and it's paying off. In this episode, he shares an update and outlook with JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon.

    Orlando: Hispanic Chamber CEO Pedro Turushina Extends Reach to All Central Florida Business Owners

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 21:29


    The biggest misconception about the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando? That it's only for Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs. President & CEO Pedro Turushina joins OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao to share why he and his team are supporting all businesses across the region, and at the same time offering support for their Hispanic members.

    South Florida: The State of Healthcare in South Florida with Broward Health CEO Shane Strum

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 14:52


    Currently serving the dual role of President/CEO of Broward Health and Interim CEO of Memorial Healthcare, few have a pulse on the healthcare market as strong as Shane Strum. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez invites one of the busiest executives in the business to share what's happening, plus the collaboration between Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare, and the possibility of a future merger.

    Tampa Bay: Larry Feldman - "Things Were So Damn Cheap We Had to Buy Them"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 27:05


    Real estate is in the Feldman family DNA. Larry's father owned strip centers and he, in turn, taught his son Mack the ins & outs of the business with a few of his own unique leasing strategies while playing Monopoly. In this episode, TBBJ Real Estate Editor Ashley Gurbal Kritzer invites the Feldman Equities leaders to share their story, and explain what makes St. Petersburg so special.

    Jacksonville: Homegrown Hero Allishia Bauman Leads City Year Kids & Community Focus

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 23:48


    With a growing focus on our communities, City Year is well positioned to make an impact- both in Jacksonville and across our state. In this download, JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon invites City Year Jacksonville Executive Director Allishia Bauman to share how her team is making a difference.

    Orlando: Cole NeSmith and Creative City Project Drive the Arts in America's Entertainment Capital

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 28:37


    In a mecca where theme parks attract millions annually, it's often forgotten that the arts also play a major role in Orlando. In this episode, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao invites Cole NeSmith, Founder & CEO of Creative City Project, to share what's happening behind-the-scenes.

    South Florida: It's Called Native Realty for a Reason, and the Outlook is Optimistic

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 14:24


    Jaime Sturgis and his team were born & raised in South Florida, so they know the neighborhoods and have a crystal ball when it comes to picking the next hot zip codes. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez invites Sturgis to share a few of his secrets and offer an outlook for 2025.

    Tampa Bay: The Accidental Entrepreneur Who Tells All After Finding Unexpected Success

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 25:25


    Like many entrepreneurs, Lauren Wittenberg Weiner had to figure things out on the fly when she entered the male-dominated field of military contracting. In this episode, she shares her story with TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner and previews her new book "Unruly".

    Jacksonville: Cadrenal Founder & CEO Quang Pham Rings the Bell Again with New Drug

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 21:36


    His family came to America as Vietnamese refugees, and now Quang Pham epitomizes the American Dream. The first Vietnamese American to earn naval aviator's wings, Pham parlayed his leadership skills in the pharmaceutical industry. In this episode, JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon welcomes Pham back to the podcast for an update on Cadrenal's groundbreaking tecarfarin drug.

    Orlando: CFX Executive Director Michelle Maikisch Provides a Road Map for 2025 and Beyond

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 23:59


    Florida's growth continues and that means more & more traffic across the state, particularly in Central Florida, at the crossroads of the Sunshine State. In our season-opening episode, Orlando Business Journal Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao connects with Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) leader Michelle Maikisch to learn what her and her team are doing to keep people and business moving.

    South Florida: Serial Entrepreneur Christopher Barnett On Growing Business While Giving Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 14:55


    South Florida Business Journal Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez opens the year with an inspiring conversation. EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 National Overall Winner Christopher Barnett joins the podcast to share his entrepreneurial journey. Barnett is the Founder & Chairman of ABA Centers, CurativeAI and ICBD Holdings, the parent company to his portfolio of ventures.

    Tampa Bay: Boys & Girls Club Alum Freddy Williams Sees a Bright Future for Florida's Next Generation

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 23:37


    These days, there's no shortage of negative influence on our next generation of leaders. Locally and across Florida, the Boys & Girls Clubs provide much more than just fun and games. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites Freddy Williams, President of the Tampa Bay and Suncoast Boys & Girls Clubs, to share his story and the positive influence the clubs are having in the lives of our youth.

    Jacksonville: Opera Singer Robyn Lamp Takes the Lead at Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 16:09


    It's a festive time of year, and with that in mind Jacksonville Business Journal Editor-in-Chief James Cannon calls on Robyn Lamp, who takes over as Executive Director at the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival. Lamp reflects on her career which includes performing at Carnegie Hall, and her transition to the business side of the arts.

    Orlando: GO Sports CEO Jason Siegel Reports on the Business of Sports in Orlando

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 33:03


    Known for theme parks & tourism, Orlando is also growing its reputation as a mecca for major sporting events. In this download, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao connects with Greater Orlando Sports Commission President & CEO Jason Siegel, who shares the team effort behind the success, and what the future holds for more big events.

    South Florida: United Way Miami President & CEO Symeria Hudson the Impact of Giving

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 16:42


    With the holiday season upon us, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez welcomes United Way Miami President and CEO Symeria Hudson to share her organization's impact, the needs of many across the area, and challenges in the year ahead.

    Tampa Bay: THEA CEO Greg Slater on Traffic Management Lessons That Apply Statewide

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 27:04


    Traffic congestion is relative, but that's no consolation for Florida residents who are adjusting to a pandemic-influx of new residents and now, the post-pandemic surge in return-to-office traffic. In this timely download, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner calls on Greg Slater, CEO of the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority, for his insight and past experience in traffic-clogged Maryland.

    Jacksonville: BHRS Companies Founder Brandon Hurd's Optimistic Outlook for 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 22:36


    Higher interest rates killed many projects and stalled others, slowing Florida's fast-paced growth for the past two years. In this download, JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon invites BHRS Companies Founder Brandon Hurd to share why he's cautiously optimistic about the year ahead, and where he sees opportunity for growth.

    Orlando: Justin Williams Returns to Lead the Luxurious and Artistic Alfond Inn

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 21:45


    No stranger to the Orlando-area, Justin Williams returns from Atlanta to lead Winter Park's award-winning boutique hotel, The Alfond Inn. In this engaging episode, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao features Williams, who in addition to leading The Alfond Inn, is active in the community as a mentor to the next generation of leaders.

    South Florida: Melissa Medina and the Impact of eMerge Americas on Florida's Tech Scene

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 16:15


    Founded in 2014, the eMerge Americas global tech conference set the stage for what has become a fast-growing tech scene. Is South Florida, and on a larger scale the Sunshine State, set to become the next Silicon Valley? And what's the outlook for 2025 and beyond? In this episode, eMerge Co-Founder, CEO & President Melissa Medina joins SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez to share her vision for the state and the impact of artificial intelligence.

    Tampa Bay: Lynnette Clinton Rejoins BayCare Health System the Day Before Hurricane Helene

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 19:02


    Lynnette Clinton is thrilled to be back as the Chief Information Officer at BayCare Health System, in spite of the circumstances. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites Clinton to share her career journey, and why she returned to lead the IT team at BayCare.

    Orlando: Central Florida's Oldest Theme Park Celebrates 75 Years of Family Entertainment

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 27:52


    When hurricanes roll through Florida, the Gatorland team isn't worried about their gators and crocs escaping. They're actually more concerned about renegade reptiles attempting to get into the park- that's how good life is at Gatorland. In this entertaining episode, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao chats with Gatorland CEO Mark McHugh, who shares the success of this family business that dates back to 1949.

    South Florida: Andrew Doole Previews the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 12:28


    It's the biggest in-water boat show in the world, and every year FLIBS gets even bigger and better. In this episode, South Florida Business Journal Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez welcomes Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows for Informa Markets to take us behind-the-scenes to preview new attractions and amenities, and the massive effort it takes to make it happen.

    Jacksonville: PR Pro Natalie DeYoung Dishes on What's Hot and What's Not in Media

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 23:57


    At the intersection of media, advertising and community impact, Wingard Partner and VP of Public Relations and Communications Natalie DeYoung has her eyes & ears on the latest trends. In this episode, JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon leads the conversation with DeYoung, who shares what's working for her clients.

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