Tampa Bay: Embracing Diversity in Business with Equality Florida's Nadine Smith

Orlando is the nation's epicenter of theme park entertainment. Brevard Zoo aims to take advantage of that, attracting visitors who seek an experience while they enjoy the thrills of neighboring attractions. In this episode, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Carolyn Guniss welcomes Brevard Zoo Executive Director Keith Winsten to share his vision, and how a major project is progressing.

With over 40 years experience in the South Florida region, Bank of America Palm Beach Market President Fab Brumley has a solid handle on what's impacting business owners and entrepreneurs. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez invites her to share what she's hearing, and seeing, across South Florida's diverse economy. 

Insulated by an influx of money, talent and ambition, Florida's economy will fare better than most states in a downturn. While many experts are predicting a "soft landing", Fifth Third Commercial Bank Chief Economist Jeff Korzenik isn't celebrating yet, and cautions business owners to be on guard. In this download, Korzenik tells TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner why we need to be careful, and how we can overcome the tight labor market, which will likely last for another decade.

He led the development of the popular Water Street project, which transformed Tampa Bay. Now, Gateway Jax CEO Bryan Moll and his team have their sights set on Jacksonville. In this download, JBJ Editor-in-Chief Tim Gibbons gets an update, as Moll shares how and why Gateway Jax is taking this new challenge one phase at a time.

Not long ago, Tampa Bay was considered the more affordable luxury real estate market when compared to Naples and South Florida. But that's no longer the case, as multi-million dollar homes dot the local map, and more affluent families relocate to the area. In this episode, TBBJ reporter Ashley Gurbal Kritzer invites top luxury agent Jennifer Zales to share what's driving the high end market.

Higher interest rates have helped put the brakes on development,. But construction across Florida is still going strong as key players find creative ways to get deals done. In this download, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez invites 40-year industry veteran Rex Kirby to share his outlook for the year ahead.

And eighth generation Floridian and family business fixture in Tampa-St. Petersburg for four generations, Liz Dimmitt is fiercely loyal to our community and passionate about the arts. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites the co-founder of Fairgrounds Projects and Dimmitt Chevrolet managing partner to share what drives her, and why the arts are so important to our region. 

Tourism is well known as a major driver in Florida's economy. In the past, the Jacksonville-area was the "best kept secret", but that's no longer confidential, as the city and neighboring areas compete for dollars. In this episode, JBJ Editor-in-Chief Tim Gibbons welcomes Visit Jacksonville CEO Michael Corrigan, who shares an update and outlook.

Who needs affordable housing? The answer may surprise you. Shedding light on misconceptions, obstacles and potential solutions only grazes the surface of this critical challenge in a 20-minute podcast. OBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory welcomes Catherine Steck McManus, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando and Osceola County to deliver an update and overview.

He literally grew up in the restaurant industry, and Abe Ng has infused his own entrepreneurial twist to establish his popular Sushi Maki experience across South Florida. In this episode with SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez, Ng reflects on his family's heritage, his inspiration, and his advice to those hoping to replicate his success in the challenging restaurant industry.