Orlando's Own | Conversations with Orlando's Business Leaders

Orlando City Soccer Club debuted in the MLS in 2015 and has continued to rise as one of the top clubs after recently winning the “MLS Is Back Cup”, making it’s furthest run in the playoffs. Carlos Osorio joined the Orlando City Soccer Club as their Chief Financial Officer in 2017 and has played a large role in their success, bringing in recognizable signings, such as Nani, and have held some of the largest soccer competitions in the U.S. such as the MLS All-Star game and the Florida Cup. Soccer is the #1 sport in the world and it brings together the diverse culture here in Orlando. Orlando’s Own is produced by the Orlando Economic Partnership, a public-private, not-for-profit economic and community development organization that works to advance Broad-based Prosperity™ by strengthening Orlando’s economy, amplifying Orlando’s story, championing regional priorities, empowering community leaders and building a brilliant region.

In 2020, KPMG's $450 million high-tech campus opened up in Lake Nona Florida. But why would KPMG choose to invest this much money into Orlando? In this episode, Isaac Juarez, KPMG's Office Managing Partner, shares with us why KPMG wanted to invest in Orlando and is continuing to invest in Central Florida. Isaac talks about why Orlando means so much to him, and as a first-generation college graduate, he understands how tough it can be navigating higher education without much parental advice. With thousands of college students within a 100 mile radius of Orlando, Isaac spearheads his passion for helping mentor many students in and around Central Florida. Orlando’s Own is produced by the Orlando Economic Partnership, a public-private, not-for-profit economic and community development organization that works to advance Broad-based Prosperity™ by strengthening Orlando’s economy, amplifying Orlando’s story, championing regional priorities, empowering community leaders and building a brilliant region.

The IEA conducted an analysis of over 2,500 energy firms and showed that women make up less than 14 percent of senior managers. Sonya Montgomery is a veteran, cancer survivor, and the founder of The Desoto Group, a company that works within infrastructure, energy, and telecom utilities. Sonya's story is one of twists and turns, but there is always one constant: Her community. Community has played a large role in Sonya's life, from where she got the name of her company to why she recently brought her company from Jacksonville to Orlando. She recently announced that The Desoto Group is looking to hire additional team members, and Sonya shares her advice on what type of talent she is looking for and how job-seekers can stand out. Orlando’s Own is produced by the Orlando Economic Partnership, a public-private, not-for-profit economic and community development organization that works to advance Broad-based Prosperity™ by strengthening Orlando’s economy, amplifying Orlando’s story, championing regional priorities, empowering community leaders and building a brilliant region.

Look around your kitchen. You probably have some Tupperware laying around somewhere, but did you know that Tupperware creates more than just the food holders around your house? Tupperware is one of the most innovative companies in Central Florida. They have been working with NASA for over 10 years by bringing their Tupperware technology into space. Miguel Fernandez shares the innovation of Tupperware, and how the business continues to expand beyond the moon. Orlando’s Own is produced by the Orlando Economic Partnership, a public-private, not-for-profit economic and community development organization that works to advance Broad-based Prosperity™ by strengthening Orlando’s economy, amplifying Orlando’s story, championing regional priorities, empowering community leaders and building a brilliant region.

NeoCity is recognized as the up-and-coming world epicenter for smart sensors, photonics and optics. It has ready-made synergies with the University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of South Florida, Florida International University, Florida Atlantic University, and  Central Florida’s large concentration of Department of Defense partners and contractors. NeoCity bolsters a new STEM focused high school, named NeoCity Academy, aimed to disrupt traditional education. President of the University of Central Florida. Dr. Alexander Cartwright, shares his insights into why this deal is so important to this region and why he came to Orlando. Orlando’s Own is produced by the Orlando Economic Partnership, a public-private, not-for-profit economic and community development organization that works to advance Broad-based Prosperity™ by strengthening Orlando’s economy, amplifying Orlando’s story, championing regional priorities, empowering community leaders and building a brilliant region.

On February 24, 2021, Ocean Insight had the official grand opening of their new 52,000-square-foot facility in Orlando. Ocean Insight use spectral technology, application expertise and manufacturing scalability to help customers take on important challenges for a safer, cleaner, healthier future. Don’t know what that means? Don’t worry, in this episode Tim dives into what Ocean Insight does as a company, and his guest Dr. Michael Edwards shares some of his leadership insights. Orlando’s Own is produced by the Orlando Economic Partnership, a public-private, not-for-profit economic and community development organization that works to advance Broad-based Prosperity™ by strengthening Orlando’s economy, amplifying Orlando’s story, championing regional priorities, empowering community leaders and building a brilliant region.

On January 6, 2021, Wyndham Destinations bought Travel + Leisure for $100 Million dollars. Why would a timeshare company buy a media company? Michael Brown, who was the CEO of Wyndham Destinations, is now the CEO of Travel + Leisure. He is the mastermind behind this deal, and in this episode we get an inside look of what it takes to not only start, but close this deal. Why Travel + Leisure? Why during a pandemic? What is the future of hospitality? We find all of the answers in this episode of Orlando’s Own. Orlando’s Own is produced by the Orlando Economic Partnership, a public-private, not-for-profit economic and community development organization that works to advance Broad-based Prosperity™ by strengthening Orlando’s economy, amplifying Orlando’s story, championing regional priorities, empowering community leaders and building a brilliant region.

Taking a company public is one major feat, but managing it is a whole other challenge. In this episode, we dive deep into Scott Faris' journey to becoming the Chief Business Officer of Luminar, a lidar company that is helping make autonomy safe. Key topics covered in this episode are: How Scott landed in technology after bouncing around in various industries. What Scott would do to turn Orlando into the next tech powerhouse. How he maintains a "nicest guy" persona even through the hard work and stress of working at a high-growth tech company. This is Orlando's Own The Orlando's Own podcast is produced by the Orlando Economic Partnership, a public-private, not-for-profit economic and community development organization that works to advance Broad-based Prosperity™ by strengthening Orlando’s economy, amplifying Orlando’s story, championing regional priorities, empowering community leaders and building a brilliant region. These five foundational objectives serve to improve the region’s competitiveness while responding to the needs of communities, residents and businesses.

What comes to mind first when you think about Orlando? If it's not the business opportunities then you need to keep listening to our show. Orlando is home to tech start-up unicorns, a thriving talent-producing higher education ecosystem, and much more! Every other week Tim Giuliani will be bringing on a top business leader from Central Florida to share their insights to growing a business in Orlando. Make sure to subscribe to the show so that you get a notification every time an episode goes live! This is Orlando's Own The Orlando's Own podcast is produced by the Orlando Economic Partnership, a public-private, not-for-profit economic and community development organization that works to advance Broad-based Prosperity™ by strengthening Orlando’s economy, amplifying Orlando’s story, championing regional priorities, empowering community leaders and building a brilliant region. These five foundational objectives serve to improve the region’s competitiveness while responding to the needs of communities, residents and businesses.