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


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 23m AVG DURATION
    • 153 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Florida Business Minds

    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.

    Tampa Bay: Hospitality, History and the Epicurean Vibe with Mainsail President Joe Collier

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 28:17


    Riding a horse to the nearby Burger King as a kid, Mainsail Lodging & Development President Joe Collier probably never envisioned he'd be leading a hospitality company that's left it's mark across Florida, and beyond. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites the Miami-native to trace his Tennessee roots, his passion for history and hospitality, and the state of the industry.

    Jacksonville: ETM President Tyler Mathews Eyes Expansion to Additional Florida Markets

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 22:51


    With a variety of projects in the works and clients requesting support across the state, ETM's leader, Tyler Mathews, is planting teams in Tampa Bay and Orlando. In this episode, JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon invites Mathews to share ETM's success story, and how he plans to duplicate that level of service in development consulting and public works in multiple markets.

    Orlando: Oktoberfest Intrigue as a Favorite German Restaurant Considers a New Location

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 25:33


    A family-owned favorite in Sanford since 2001, Hollerbach's German Restaurant, like others in the industry, is battling inflation and higher labor costs. CEO Christina Hollerbach is also fed up with the lack of hospitality from Sanford city leaders, and she's been invited to open a restaurant in a neighboring community. In this candid conversation, brats are on the back burner as Hollerbach shares her frustrations and the new opportunity with OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao.

    South Florida: The Research Park at FAU Fuels the Region's Growing Tech Scene

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 18:17


    Founded almost 40 years ago, The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University has served as the incubator for numerous technology startups and as a real-time learning experience for everyone from students to entrepreneurs. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez invites President Andrew Duffell to share the impact on the region's growing tech scene.

    Tampa Bay: The Next Generation Steps Up to Stage Disney On Ice and Other Favorites

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 27:17


    For over 50 years, Palmetto-based and family owned and operated Feld Entertainment has produced and presented the biggest traveling shows in the world: Disney On Ice, Monster Jam, and now the return of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, among others. In this fun-filled episode, Tampa Bay Business Journal Editor Alexis Muellner reminisces about the past, present and future of the business with third generation CEO Juliette Feld Grossman.

    Jacksonville: The Future is Now in Jax as Tony Cho's Vision Becomes a Reality

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 28:10


    Know for weaving social innovation, arts & culture and impact investing into commercial real estate development, Tony Cho is transforming northern Springfield with the Phoenix Arts and Innovation District, or PHX-JAX. In this episode, JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon connects with the founder and CEO of Future of Cities to learn more about his vision.

    Orlando: ThreatLocker CEO Danny Jenkins Explains the Mysterious World of Cybersecurity

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 23:55


    The threat of a cyber attack alone is enough to keep business owners up at night. The confusing and often contradictory advice offered by IT and cybersecurity consultants is just as perplexing. In this episode, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao invites Danny Jenkins, CEO of the fast-growing Orlando-based ThreatLocker to share simple "hygiene tips" to help keep your business data safe.

    South Florida: With Worldwide Interest in the Region, Are We Immune to a Slowdown?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024 14:39


    If you'd like to read the tea leaves on South Florida's economic future, just call on the people who are shaping it. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez takes the temperature with Peter Dyga, President & CEO of the Associated Builders and Contractors, who has a pulse on the region.

    Tampa Bay: Oscar Horton Among Our Inaugural 10 Most Admired CEO's

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 26:19


    He grew up in rural Arkansas and his first big break was selling farm equipment in the south during the 1970's. As Oscar Horton explains, "In 1974, a 5-9 African American that weighed about 130 pounds with an afro selling cotton pickers was a tough job". But Oscar pulled it off and climbed the corporate ladder before moving to Tampa Bay in 2000 to take over as owner and CEO of Sun State International Trucks. In this episode, he shares his story and reflects on Tampa Bay's growth with TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner. 

    Jacksonville: Eddie Farah - Home Grown and Heavily Invested in the Success of River City

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 20:10


    Well known as a personal injury attorney across Florida and the Southeast, Eddie Farah is also a big fan of his hometown Jacksonville. In this episode, JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon joins Farah to learn why family and friends are so important, and to get his outlook on downtown JAX.

    South Florida: Heathcare Entrepreneur Dr. Alejandro Badia Disrupts Urgent Care

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 16:10


    Patients often lose time and waste money awaiting referrals for orthopedic issues. Dr. Alejandro Badia aims to change that with OrthoNOW. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez invites Dr. Badia to share his vision, and discuss other timely issues impacting healthcare.

    Orlando: EA Sports Exec Daryl Holt Reports on the Much Anticipated College Football 25

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2024 23:27


    Orlando is the epicenter of gaming, and a lot has changed since EA Sports released NCAA Football 14 over a decade ago. College athletes now broker name, image and likeness deals (NIL), powerhouse programs have changed conferences, and technology has advanced dramatically. In this timely download, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao welcomes Daryl Holt, EA's SVP and Group GM who shares the journey to re-launch the popular franchise, and looks ahead to growing Florida's tech sector.

    Tampa Bay: Home Grown Business and Civic Leader Mike Griffin Charts Florida's Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 25:43


    His earned his first civic leadership victory as a third grader at Bay Crest Elementary, winning new & improved lunchroom snacks for the cafeteria. Now, as Savills Co-Head for Florida and Tampa Bay market leader, Mike Griffin reflects on the growth and future opportunities, both in commercial real estate, business, and civic leadership.

    Jacksonville: How the New Kid in the Neighborhood Took Over the Real Estate Market

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 29:08


    Residential real estate is all about referrals & relationships. So how did Corey Hasting and company take over the Jacksonville market in less than a decade? In this download, JBJ Editor-in-Chief Tim Gibbons invites the Engel & Volkers First Coast CEO to share how and why his brokerage is the market leader.

    Orlando: International Space Medicine Expert Dr. Emmanuel Urquieta Joins UCF Team

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2024 21:22


    There are no drugstores halfway to Mars, so space exploration will only go as far as space medicine will take us. In this fascinating episode, OBJ Associate Managing Editor Richard Bilbao welcomes Dr. Emmanuel Urquieta, who joins UCF's College of Medicine as vice chair for aerospace medicine. 

    South Florida: Related Companies SVP Jordan Rathlev Remains Bullish on the Florida Real Estate

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2024 15:55


    Higher interest rates have stifled real estate development across the country, but Related Companies isn't tapping the brakes. In this download, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez checks in with Jordan Rathlev, SVP for Related Southeast, to get an update on Related's projects and a forecast for Florida.

    Tampa Bay: Thomas Mantz Drives Home the Impact of Food and Shelter Insecurity on Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 24:02


    If the head of a household is struggling to pay bills or buy food, that stress will negatively impact job performance. That's one reason why it's critical for Tampa Bay's business community to help address this growing concern. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites Feeding Tampa Bay CEO Thomas Mantz to share how he and his team are partnering with businesses to help the community.

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