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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
195 episodes
Tampa Bay: TPA CEO Michael Stephens Eyes Expansion and Growth Opportunities
With an estimated 750,000 more residents moving to the Tampa area in the next decade, Tampa International Airport and the transportation network feeding it will be vital. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner checks in with TPA CEO Micha...
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27:02
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Tampa Bay: Exploring the Relationship Between Business and Behavioral Health
Business leaders and executives can acquire an MBA, but the mental aspect of leadership is often learned the hard way, by mistake, or through experiencing trial and error. In this download, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites Dr. Naakesh Dewan,...
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24:10
Orlando: Bill Finfrock on the Advantages of a Family Owned Design-Build Business
Growing up in the family business, Bill Finfrock always knew he'd help lead the next generation of the design-build firm. There have been many challenges over the past 80 years, but Finfrock's innovative approach, bringing architects, engineers...
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22:53
South Florida: Coastal Waste & Recycling CFO Kristi Beaudoin's Rise to the C-Suite
In a business that's dominated by men, Kristi Beaudoin has earned her way into the C-Suite, leading acquisitions while integrating AI and technology at Coastal Waste & Recycling. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez invites Be...
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11:35
Jacksonville: NLP Logix President & CFO Fallon Gorman Assesses the Florida Tech Scene
There's no question that Florida has attracted technology companies and significant investments over the past decade. But where do we stand, and what challenges do we face? In this episode, JBJ Reporter Carter Mudgett invites NLP Logix Presiden...
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21:21
Jacksonville: The Link Inspires Innovation in Jax Tech and Business Community
Collaboration and cooperation inspire innovation, and that's what's happening for tech and business startups at The Link in the heart of Nocatee Town Center. In this episode, JBJ Reporter Matt Denis connects with The Link Co-Founder Raghu Misra...
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22:13
Orlando: Ricardo Villar Previews World Cup Soccer Tune-ups in Central Florida
With less than six months until the FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America, organizers at Florida Citrus Sports are gearing up for friendlies between some of the biggest names in the game. OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao invites Flori...
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24:50
South Florida: Serial Entrepreneur Daniel Betts Rethinks A/C
Without air conditioning, it's safe to safe that Florida would still be just a winter retreat. Now, technology is transforming AC, led by the vision of Blue Frontier CEO Daniel Betts. In this download, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez invites ...
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19:02
Tampa Bay: Florida Children's Museum CEO Kerry Falwell on the Business Impact of Giving
It's no secret that funding children's charities is an investment in our next generation of leaders. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner calls on Florida Children's Museum CEO Kerry Falwell to share how business leaders are making a di...
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24:04
Jacksonville: St. Augustine Alligator Farm Attracts the Next Generation
Long before Disney, Universal and SeaWorld were attracting millions of visitors, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm was THE place for adventure. For 130 years, families have ventured to Florida's First Coast to see the closest living relatives of...
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22:00
Orlando: No Stranger to the Spotlight, Brittany Graham Elevates O-Town's Nightlife
Orlando is well-known for its theme parks and entertainment. But it's not all fun in the sun, as Orlando's nightlife is leveling up thanks to Live! at Pointe Orlando Marketing Director Brittany Graham. She was an "influencer" way before that wo...
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23:45
South Florida: Matias Pesce and V&E Lead Florida's Hottest Restaurant Scene
There's no shortage of exceptional dining options across the state, and Florida's hospitality industry is next level. V&E Hospitality CEO Matias Pesce and his team are leading the industry with a wide variety of successful concepts they've ...
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20:20
Tampa Bay: CBRE Market Leader Mike DiBlasi on the Future of Commercial Real Estate
As we wrap up 2025 and look to a new year, TBBJ Editor-at-Large Ashley Kritzer calls on CBRE Senior Managing Director and North Florida Market Leader Mike DiBlasi for an update on the region and the future of the industry.
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19:02
Jacksonville: Kevin Poland Leads Turner Pest Control on Statewide Expansion
Ants, termites and rodents are facing extermination efforts across the Sunshine State as Turner Pest Control continues to expand from the company's war room in Jacksonville. In this episode, JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon gets an update from ...
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20:24
Orlando: Rosen Hotels & Resorts CEO Frank Santos Shares His Vision for Future Growth
It's been a challenging year in the hospitality industry, but that comes with the territory. Rosen Hotels & Resorts CEO Frank Santos has seen it all in almost 40 years with the privately owned and operated company. In this episode, OBJ Edit...
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25:08
South Florida: Fort Lauderdale's Iconic Pier Sixty-Six Shines for a New Generation
'Iconic" might be an understatement for Pier Sixty-Six, known as THE destination for generations of South Floridians and guests from around the world. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez calls on Club GM John Myers to share the s...
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12:11
Tampa Bay: Appspace President Holly Grogan Talks Growth and the Impact of AI
With a major presence in Tampa, Appspace is at the epicenter of AI and the workplace evolution. In this timely download, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites Appspace President Holly Grogan to share plans for continued growth in the midst of the...
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23:01
Jacksonville: Mona Co-Founder Andrew Leon Hanna Shares His Vision for Small Business FinTech
Access to capital is often a major obstacle for small business owners and entrepreneurs growing their business. In this episode, JBJ Reporter Carter Mudgett invites Mona Co-Founder Andrew Leon Hanna to share what he and his team are doing to no...
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18:03
Orlando: An Update on Florida's Venture Capital Market with Govo's Rob Panepinto
As the year winds down, venture capital investors and business start-ups are looking toward 2026 for opportunities. In this episode, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao invites Govo Venture Partners Managing Partner and CIO Rob Panepinto to shar...
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23:09
South Florida: With Land at a Premium, RK Centers Finds Success with Retail Strategy
South Florida's commercial real estate crunch is forcing developers to get creative. In this download, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez invites Andrew Zidar, VP of Acquisitions and Development for RK Centers, to share his company's winning for...
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11:57
Tampa Bay: United Soccer League in Growth Mode as Sport's Popularity Continues to Rise
As North America prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, US soccer teams and executives on all levels are ready to take advantage of the moment. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner calls on United Soccer League President and Chief So...
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23:43
Jacksonville: Nick Carrera Brings His Asado Life Restaurant to the Shipyards
As the Jags "Stadium of the Future" takes shape, the adjacent Shipyards redevelopment continues adding premium experiences. In this episode, JBJ Managing Editor Stuart Korfhage and Reporter Matt Denis connect with Asado Life Owner Nick Carrera,...
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14:26
Orlando: Pharmaceutical Entrepreneur Stan Loomis Leads Industry Innovation
One of the world's most respected pharmaceutical entrepreneurs, Robert "Stan" Loomis is the Founder of Olympia Pharmaceuticals and Wesley Pharmaceuticals. In this download, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao leads a lively and informative conve...
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24:11
South Florida: Real Estate Veteran Lyle Stern Reflects on the Past, Present and Future of South Beach
Vertical Real Estate Co-Founder Lyle Stern's big break came when he attracted Blockbuster Video to South Beach. Hundreds of other retailers have followed since, from national brands to high profile restaurants. In this episode, Stern joins SFBJ...
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16:43
Tampa Bay: Florida Chamber CEO Shares Stats Impacting Businesses in Every Zip Code
Florida's economic future depends heavily on investment in education. That mission starts in kindergarten and also requires continuing education to uplift millions of job ready people. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites Florid...
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23:55