tampabaybusiness

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. 

He's supported US intelligence efforts in two wars and the hunt for Osama bin Laden, and now Celestar CEO Greg Celestan is leading the defense & intelligence industry's growth across Florida. In this download, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites Celestan to share his unique background, which led him to a career in foreign intelligence during 20 years of service to our country.

In 1986, Tonjua Williams' mother gave her two choices: Get a job and start helping with bills, or go to college. She chose the college path, enrolling at St. Petersburg College and becoming the first person in her family to earn a college degree. Almost four decades at later, she's risen through the ranks at SPC to become the first woman and first African American president of the college. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner welcomes Dr. Williams for an enlightening conversation about the synergy between higher ed and business.

His father was a heroic Vietnam veteran, and Mark Pitts has applied those lessons of leadership in the business world.  In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner shares a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with Pitts, who reveals the impact of his father's legacy around the world, and his own success story in the corporate world.

The "R" word has been floating around for quite some time, but there are no apparent signs of a slowdown in Florida. If, or when there is, one person who'd be the first to know is First Horizon Bank Regional President Marty Lanahan. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner invites Lahahan to share her level of confidence in Florida's economy, and efforts to improve our communities.

After 28 years at the helm, Ron Vaughn announced he'll retire in May of 2024. In this download, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner connects with Vaughn to revisit the rebuilding project he undertook in 1995, and how he built UT from a struggling school into a thriving campus in the heart of Tampa Bay.

Florida's economy is thriving as our four major markets offer their own unique economic strengths. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner welcomes Tampa Bay Partnership President & CEO Bemetra Simmons. In her role, she leads a coalition of regional business leaders, and compares how Tampa Bay stacks up against other Florida markets, and national metros as well.

Florida has made national headlines with a clash between conservative Governor Ron DeSantis and social justice advocates. What has been the impact on Florida businesses, and will the outlook change for businesses looking to relocate here? In this hard hitting download, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner welcomes Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith to share her perspective.

Florida's growth, and the infusion of new residents from a wide ethnic and cultural background is fueling interest in the arts. Tampa Museum of Art Executive Director Michael Tomor is leading growth in attendance, funding, diversity and engagement. In this episode, TBBJ Editor Alexis Muellner leads a insightful conversation.