Florida Business Minds
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 Business Journals of Florida and sponsored by Peoples Gas.
Episodes
222 episodes
Jacksonville: Inside the World of Solar Power with A1A Solar & Air Founder Pete Wilking
A former Naval officer with an MBA, Pete Wilking was first intrigued by solar power when his engineer father worked on projects in the 1980's. Today, Wilking is an industry expert leading A1A Solar & Air, a company he founded in 2010. JBJ E...
Orlando: The Why Behind Atrium Management Company's Winning Culture
A perennial winner of the OBJ's "Best Places to Work" award, Atrium stands out in commercial real estate, and the greater Orlando business community, for its unique approach to people. OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao invites Atrium Partner A...
South Florida: A Candid Discussion with Nancy Robin on Affordable Housing
There are many misconceptions about "affordable housing", especially across South Florida. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez tackles the issue head-on with Nancy Robin, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Broward.
Tampa Bay: Monin CEO Bill Lombardo Shares the Ingredients of Beverage Success
Whether it's your favorite morning coffee drink or a dirty soda, Clearwater is the American epicenter for a global empire of flavor. TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites Bill Lombardo, CEO of Monin Gourmet Flavorings, to share the role his team ...
Jacksonville: Silicon Beach Founder Jason Engelhardt Makes the Case for the First Coast Tech Scene
As the rising technology tide lifts all Florida markets, Jacksonville looks to capitalize. In this episode, JBJ Reporter Carter Mudgett invites Silicon Beach Founding Partner Jason Engelhardt to share his multi-faceted marketing approach to lur...
Orlando: A Positive Construction Outlook from a Fourth Generation Family Business Owner
The pace of growth has slowed across the state, but the outlook remains positive, particularly in the construction industry. In this download, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao chats with Richard McCree, Jr., CEO and President of his namesake,...
South Florida: Veteran Banker Calixto Garcia-Velez Reflects on the Past, Present and Future
As the Sunshine State transitions from a period of exponential growth, new challenges arise. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez calls on Calixto Garcia-Velez, President and CEO of Banesco USA, for his insight and guidance for bu...
Tampa Bay: An Update on the Financial Sector with J.P. Morgan's Chris Brandriff
Inflation remains a concern as rates edge higher, prompting Florida business owners to proceed with caution. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites J.P. Morgan Private Bank Managing Director and Southeast Region Head Chris Brandri...
Jacksonville: The Murphy's Explain Why Their Iconic Eco Relics is For Sale
The generation of Baby Boomer business owners is heading for the exits, and Michael & Annie Murphy are ready for their next chapter. In this episode, they reminisce with Jacksonville Business Journal Reporter Matt Denis, and share why now i...
Orlando: UCF Dr. Sean Snaith Delivers Florida's Business & Economic Forecast
Economic uncertainty, inflation and a real estate are dark clouds on Florida's business climate. In this timely download, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao invites respected UCF economist, Dr. Sean Snaith, to deliver his outlook as we grind th...
South Florida: Tackling Housing Challenges with Sandra Veszi Einhorn
While the housing market has cooled, the need for affordable housing remains a hot topic. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez invites Sandra Veszi Einhorn, Chair of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and Founder of SVE Consu...
Tampa Bay: SRQ President & CEO Paul Hoback Jr. Charts Future Growth Opportunities
Florida's growth continues to stretch infrastructure capacity across the state. At Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, parking is at a premium and the biggest challenge facing President & CEO Paul Hoback Jr. In this episode, TBBJ Edit...
Jacksonville: MAC Papers + Packaging CEO Ian Forrest Leads National Growth
Few industries have faced disruption as much as the paper industry. But over the past 61 years, MAC Papers + Packaging has steadily evolved, diversified and delivered for customers across the region and nation. In this episode, JBJ Editor-in-Ch...
OBJ: Investment Insider Michael Quatrini Offers Alternative Advice in a Manic Market
As we hit the mid-point of 2026, investors continue to be cautious. In this episode, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao checks in with Michael "Q" Quatrini, Founder, CEO and CIO of Capital Q Ventures for a market update. Q offers a different pe...
SFBJ: Navigating the Challenges of Industrial Real Estate with Basis President Anthony Scavo
It's no secret, land is at a premium across the Sunshine State, particularly in South Florida. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez calls on one of the industry leaders, Basis Industrial President and Managing Partner Anthony Scav...
Tampa Bay: Special Edition - Power Breakfast Podcast with Cathie Wood, Ark Invest
You may know Cathie Wood as the bold and strategic investment guru who focuses solely on disruptive innovation and a long term approach. But in this exclusive TBBJ Power Breakfast conversation, Editor Alexis Muellner gets personal with Wood. Sh...
Jacksonville: Stephen Hutson Keeps the St. Augustine Food Scene Fresh
Entrepreneur and restaurateur Stephen Hutson put Catch 27 on the culinary map while consulting behind-the-scenes for 17 King and others. In this delicious download, he shares his recipe for success, and the challenges the food scene faces with ...
Orlando: OBJ Businesswoman of the Year Beth Hobart Shares Her Career Journey
The seeds of success are often planted during challenging times. Beth Hobart began her real estate career shortly before the Great Recession, but weathered that tsunami of foreclosures, focused on relationships and leveraged her background in m...
South Florida: Miami Tech Works Powers Tech Talent Growth Across Industries
It's no secret that tech companies have flocked to Florida, particularly in the post-Covid era. And while that's good for business, it also creates challenges. In this download, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez dives into the issues with Terri...
Tampa Bay: What Would Bob Do? FKQ Advertising Celebrates 65 Creative Years
One of America's leading ad agencies is based right here in Florida. Founder Bob Faller made the move from Buffalo to Tampa Bay long before it was the "in" thing. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites FKQ Senior Vice President St...
Jacksonville: Sporting JAX Aims to Parlay World Cup Soccer Frenzy Among Fans
With World Cup Soccer taking center stage across North America this summer, local teams including Sporting JAX are ready to make the most of the sport's exposure. In this download, JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon connects with Chief Operating ...
Orlando: Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center Set to Transform the Space Coast
With funding and land secured, the East Coast Zoological Foundation's second campus, anchored by Bowen Aquarium, will deliver a regional conservation hub and worldwide tourist attraction. In this episode, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao invi...
South Florida: Falcone Group Tackles the Challenges of Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is a hot button issue in many cities across America, but particularly in South Florida where land is scarce and demand is high. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez calls on Falcone Group COO Alfonso Costa, Jr. ...
Tampa Bay: 200th Episode Highlights The Business of Women's Sports
The Florida Business Journal teams thank you and our sponsor, TECO Peoples Gas, for making our series one of the most downloaded business podcasts in the region! In this milestone episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites Tampa Bay Sun FC Pr...
Jacksonville: BSF Navigates the Challenges of a Global Seafood Market
When your product is caught half way around the world, processed in foreign countries and the deal is done three months in advance, even a small hiccup can cause big-time issues while operating on razor thin margins. In this revealing conversat...