Tampa Bay: Florida Chamber CEO Shares Stats Impacting Businesses in Every Zip Code

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 Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez to talk about his career, his most memorable deals, and the past, present and future of South Beach and the Miami real estate scene.

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 Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Wilson to share statistics and perspective that impacts business owners in every zip code across the state.

A fourth-generation farmer, Angela TenBroeck is a leader in innovative farming techniques, an entrepreneur, and the advocate for protecting our food supply. In this download, JBJ Reporter Matt Denis invites TenBroeck to share her insight and perspective on a business sector that directly impacts all of us.

Economic uncertainty is top of mind for Florida business owners, including those in the financial services sector. In this episode, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao connects with Addition Financial President & CEO Kevin Miller to get an update on the business climate, Addition's merger with Envision Credit Union, and efforts to improve financial literacy in our schools and communities. 

A native Miamian with over 36 years experience in the banking sector, City National Vice Chairman and CEO Jorge Gonzalez has seen it all in South Florida. In this episode with SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez, he offers an update on rates, the economy and why the boom & bust days are over for Florida's economy.

Tackling affordable housing issues is a nationwide crisis, particularly in Florida with the influx of new residents the past decade. In this episode, TBBJ Real Estate Reporter Ashley Gurbal Kritzer invites Dan Coakley, Principal of PMG Affordable, to to discuss his company's monumental project, along with the challenges of building affordable housing.

She started running Freedom Boat Club in 2009 during the depths of the Great Recession. Then Mother Nature delivered one of the coldest Florida winters in memory, so even avid boaters weren't interested in memberships. In this episode, JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon invites Freedom Boat Club Owner Lisa Almeida to share how she turned things around, and why so many boaters are now opting for "Freedom".

Whether the economy's up, or down, we have to eat. With the cost of dining out on the rise, consumers are shifting their buying habits and that benefits grocery stores. So it's no surprise the fast-growing Florida market is attracting new, niche players hoping to take a bite of the market share. In this episode, OBJ Editor-in-Chief Richard Bilbao invites "Grocery Guru" Mark Thompson, CEO & Founder of GroceryAnchored.com, to deliver an update.

As a major player in the automotive industry, with interests in financial services and franchising, JM Family Enterprises has a pulse on consumers across South Florida. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez invites President and CEO Dan Chait to provide an update on the car market, consumer trends and how AI is reshaping the industry.

Sponsored Content: With over 500,000 customers across the state, adding more each day, Peoples Gas has a pulse on Florida's growth and what builders and consumers demand. In this episode, sponsored by Peoples Gas, Vice President of Residential and Commercial Business Shawn Connell joins TBBJ Publisher and Market President Ian Anderson for a conversation on the impact of natural gas and its future across the Sunshine State.