This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition
by News4Jax and Graham Media Group
This Week in Jacksonville Business Edition is a weekly digital series with News4JAX anchor Kent Justice who talks with the experts about business, economic development, jobs, technology and more.
Episodes
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Women’s Center of Jacksonville plans expansion as demand for services grow
The Women's Center of Jacksonville is preparing to expand its services into Clay County as demand grows across Northeast Florida. CEO Allishia Bauman discusses the organization's 24/7 rape crisis hotline, forensic exams, free mental-health counseling, prevention education and partnerships with…
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New program pairs AmeriCorps members with employer-ready skills
On this episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, City Year Jacksonville Executive Director and Senior Vice President Dr. Dawn Emerick and Managing Director of Impact Quintin Griffin discuss a new partnership with Florida State College at Jacksonville designed to give City Year...
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ESPN deal gives Jacksonville-area universities a bigger stage
In this episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, Kent Justice talks with Jeff Bacon, CEO of Unisun Sports, about the new media-rights agreement bringing the Atlantic Sun Conference and United Athletic Conference together under one strategy with ESPN. The ASUN includes Jacksonville...
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Jake Gordon steps down after nearly 12 years leading Downtown Vision
After nearly 12 years leading Downtown Vision, CEO Jake Gordon is preparing to step away from the role. Gordon reflects on downtown Jacksonville’s transformation since 2015, including billions of dollars in investment, expanded programming, new public spaces, social services and the growth of the...
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How chef-driven food brands are changing the grocery aisle
In this episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, Kent Justice talks with Darby McLean, CEO of Spiceology, about how chef-driven food brands are reshaping the grocery aisle. McLean explains how restaurants serve as testing grounds for new flavors, how social media and e-commerce...
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Jacksonville growth draws Mesa Capital multifamily investment
Jacksonville’s continued growth is driving new investment in multifamily housing, including Mesa Capital Partners’ acquisition of Satori Town Center near St. Johns Town Center. In this episode, host Kent Justice talks with Mesa President and COO Paul Berry about why Northeast Florida remains...
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How the Jacksonville's workforce drives Citi’s expansion, community impact
Citi is one of Jacksonville’s biggest private employers—nearly 4,000 people—and Kent Justice sits down with Ed Skyler, who leads Citi Enterprise Services’ Public Affairs work, to ask what Citi’s “long-term commitment” actually means. Skylar points to a strong business climate, a deep talent...
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Ember and Iron owners talk expansion throughout Northeast Florida
Ember and Iron is growing — and Kent Justice sits down with owners Chef Michael Cooney and Brittany Cooney to talk about what’s driving that expansion and what it takes to scale a local restaurant brand without losing what made it work in the first place. The couple explains why they chose…
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Chang Robotics Fund has answers on how to build a startup in Jacksonville
Kent Justice talks with Cheyenne LeMaire of Chang Robotics and the Chang Robotics Fund about what it takes to build—and fund—a startup in Jacksonville. They preview the Jacksonville Venture Competition on Aug. 19 at The Link (Nocatee), where six local startups pitch live in a “Shark Tank-esque”...
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Cultural Council warns arts funding cuts could ripple beyond City Hall
With Duval County budget season approaching, Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville CEO Diana Donovan joins host Kent Justice to explain what proposed cuts to arts and culture funding could mean beyond museums and performances—impacting jobs, small businesses, youth programs, and services for...
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Experts urge tighter HOA oversight in Florida after $11 million fraud
Kent Justice tackles a question a lot of HOA homeowners are asking after the “Hammocks” case in South Florida: could HOA fraud happen here — and would anyone catch it in time? Kent’s guest is Marc Rodriguez, EVP of Market Operations at RealManage, who breaks down how financial oversight can fail...
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One Tower Court completion proves Shipyards redevelopment is real
Kent Justice talks with Adam Butcher, North Florida area manager for PCL Construction, about the visible—and less visible—economic impact of Jacksonville’s downtown/riverfront buildout. Butcher explains PCL’s growing local presence, why One Tower Court is a signal that Shipyards redevelopment is...
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Jacksonville University Law dean calls Downtown campus ‘rocket fuel’
Jacksonville University College of Law Founding Dean Nick Allard joins Kent Justice to explain how JU built a brand-new downtown law school in just a few years—and why it matters for Jacksonville’s growth.
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FPL details year-round storm prep for hurricane season
Hurricane season is here, and FPL spokesperson Kam Eppinger says preparation is a year-round effort focused on reliability: hardening poles and equipment, aggressive vegetation management, and a data-driven push to underground neighborhood lines.
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Tim Cost Reflects on 14 Years Leading Jacksonville University
As Jacksonville University prepares for a leadership transition, outgoing President Tim Cost joins Kent Justice for a candid conversation about his legacy, the future of higher education, and the university's role as an economic engine for Northeast Florida.
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Jax Chamber outlines a playbook for business adoption
Kent Justice talks with Dr. Carlton Robinson, Chief Innovation Officer at the Jax Chamber, about how Jacksonville can stay competitive as AI shifts from buzzword to workplace reality. Robinson explains why the Chamber launched its new Center for Applied Infrastructure—framing “human-centered AI”…
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Haymaker’s founder on hard work, pivots, and rapid growth
Jacksonville entrepreneur Eun Cho shares how he went from Wall Street fund manager to co-founding Haymaker Coffee Company in 2021 - and why the brand is built around hard work, perseverance, and community.
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Why Beef ‘O’ Brady’s says Jacksonville still has room for more sports pubs
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s COO Scott SirLouis says Jacksonville is one of the biggest remaining growth opportunities for the 40-year-old, Florida-grown “family sports pub” brand. He explains how Beef’s uses site analytics (cell phone and purchase-pattern modeling) to pinpoint strong neighborhoods, why...
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Why a former congressman says the future belongs to skilled trades
Workforce expert and former Congressman Dr. Jason Altmire joins Kent Justice on "This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition" to talk about his new book, Trade Up, and why he believes the future of American competitiveness depends on rebuilding the skilled-trades pipeline.
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Exploring Dapper D's new concept in downtown Jacksonville
Entrepreneur Darien “Jack” Jackson returns to This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition to open his newest downtown venture in the Elbow: Dapper Cheesesteaks downstairs paired with a cigar lounge experience upstairs in the former 11 Ocean space.Jackson walks host Kent Justice through a year of...
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Jacksonville city leaders push for practical money skills in schools
Florida now requires a stand-alone personal financial literacy course for high school graduation - but guests on This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition say the real question is whether it changes behavior. Host Kent Justice talks with Dr. Ronetta Wards of the Jacksonville Public Education…
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Former Jags linebacker helps athletes translate sports skills into business moves
Kent Justice talks with former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Akin Ayodele, now Gallagher’s market leader for North Texas, about the Gallagher Partnership Internship Program with the Jaguars—designed to help pro athletes translate what they’ve built in sports (resilience, preparation…
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Riverfront project key in $2.5B downtown developments
In this episode, Colin Tarbert, the new CEO of Jacksonville’s Downtown Investment Authority (DIA), outlines the agency’s dual role as both a community redevelopment agency and the city’s economic development arm for downtown, using tax increment financing to drive growth.
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What’s there to know about B2B tech companies, AI advancements
Clayton Pritchard, a Jacksonville-based product marketer with experience at Meta, LinkedIn and Twitter, joins This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition to explain his acquisition of a B2B product marketing agency (Olivine) and why he’s choosing to run it remote-first from Jacksonville Beach.
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How social media and email drive small business success in 2026
Small businesses are spending more on marketing in 2026, even with inflation worries—but many owners still aren’t confident they’re putting those dollars in the right places. In this episode, Constant Contact’s Dave Charest explains why the most effective “one-two punch” remains social media plus...
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Jacksonville Children’s Chorus leader marks 20 years, sets sights on the world
Kent Justice visits the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus in downtown Jacksonville and talks with Artistic Director Darren Dailey about how a youth arts nonprofit became a world-class cultural institution - and why that matters to the region’s growth.
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How a new platform aims to cut weeks off Jacksonville's permitting process
Kent Justice talks with Jacksonville contractor Fabian Videla about the least glamorous construction bottleneck: permitting. Videla says projects can stall for weeks or months at multiple points - figuring out the right forms for each city/county, collecting signatures and notarizations, waiting...
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Bank of America leader shares 3 priorities for business owners
As Northeast Florida heads into Q2 2026, Bank of America Jacksonville President & Southeast Regional Executive Mark Bennett says local business confidence has shifted toward growth - if owners have the right capital in place to seize opportunities. Bennett shares three priorities he’s hearing…
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AI-powered permitting aims to speed up city development
Jacksonville’s rapid growth is putting new pressure on an old bottleneck: permitting. On this episode of This Week in Jacksonville Business Edition, Kent Justice talks with Sabrina Dugan, managing partner of SwiftBuild.ai, about how artificial intelligence is being used to speed up plan...
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VyStar pitches solutions to combat financial stress
VyStar Credit Union says its new study pairing regional survey results with TransUnion data shows Jacksonville residents are under significant financial stress and carry more debt than the national average. The credit union is pitching community-wide solutions that go beyond traditional banking....
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Players Championship 2026 preview at TPC Sawgrass
Lee Smith, executive director of the Players Championship, is the next guest to join Kent Justice on “This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition.” Smith said the tournament is a year-round effort as TPC Sawgrass prepares for tournament week. “Kent, you’re right. This is an exciting time for us....
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Florida makes strides to reduce childhood poverty
Florida is making meaningful progress in reducing childhood poverty, a key indicator of the state’s long-term economic health. According to new data highlighted by Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the number of children living in poverty statewide has dropped by...
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Northeast Florida housing faces ‘normal’ year amid marketing shifts
Northeast Florida’s housing market is shifting into what builders call a “more normal” year — still strong, but shaped by higher interest rates, local fees, and the push-and-pull over growth. NEFBA President Scott Brannock (Tidewater Homes) joins “This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition” to...
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Gateway Jax CEO shares vision for downtown’s transformation
Gateway Jax is leading a major redevelopment effort in downtown Jacksonville, aiming to reshape nearly 30 acres with a mix of residential, retail, and public spaces. Bryan Moll, CEO of Gateway Jax, spoke with This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition about the project’s progress and its…
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Revival 250 comes to town in May
In this episode of “This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition,” host Kent Justice talks with Revival 250 organizer Chris Widener and Bold City Church pastor Jason Masters about Revival 250—an upcoming faith-focused event scheduled for May 3 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville....
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How the city’s growth hinges on street design
As Jacksonville grows, the big question isn’t simply how many people move here—it’s what kind of city they arrive to. Victor Dover, a nationally known town planner and urban designer and the keynote speaker at Scenic Jacksonville’s Sixth Annual Great Cities Symposium on Feb. 5, says the…
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Veteran doctors bring military leadership to healthcare innovation
Dr. Kyle Mikals and Dr. Samantha Mikals, both military veterans and board-certified physicians, have launched Jacksonville Concierge Medicine, a boutique healthcare practice focused on personalized care. Dr. Samantha Mikals credits her military experience for developing creativity and quick...
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Innovation Hub aims to be the go-to place for entrepreneurs
In this episode of "This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition," host Kent Justice talks with Ryan Smith, founder of First Coast Metalworks and the Jacksonville Innovation Hub. Smith, a Jacksonville entrepreneur with a background in FinTech and manufacturing, saw a gap in the local innovation...
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Downtown’s growth, development and future plans for 2026
Downtown Jacksonville continues strong growth as 2025 ends, says Jake Gordon, CEO of Downtown Vision, Inc., who has been leading the organization for nearly 11 years and joined the next episode of “This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition.” “It’s wonderful. My kids have grown up here. The...
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Franchise opportunities grow in River City
Franchising is emerging as a powerful option for entrepreneurs in Jacksonville and the surrounding region, providing a proven business model that helps reduce risk and accelerate success. David Montanez, vice president of franchise development for Authority Brands, shared insights on the current...
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Chang Robotics uses faith to shape leadership approach
Jacksonville entrepreneur Matthew Chang is making waves both as CEO of Chang Robotics and as the author of the Amazon bestseller “Risk Taking is Biblical.” In a recent interview on “This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition”, Chang shared how his faith shapes his approach to business and...
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Jax Hub drives fintech innovation, global partnerships
Jacksonville is emerging as a key player in the global fintech landscape with the launch of Jax Hub, a new corporate innovation initiative led by L Marks, a UK-based firm specializing in accelerating innovation for large organizations. Daniel Saunders, CEO of L Marks, shared in a recent interview...
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Planet Skate revival brings family fun, jobs, hope to Northside
Jacksonville’s Northside community is experiencing a revival of roller skating and family entertainment thanks to retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Terry Harris. Harris, a lifelong skater and serial entrepreneur, recently opened Planet Skate in the former K-Mart Plaza on Lem Turner Road,...
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Able Medical Group brings jobs, expanded service
A new primary care model launched this summer in Ponte Vedra is positioning itself as both a health-care alternative for patients and a source of jobs and services for Northeast Florida. Able Medical Group, a direct-pay primary care practice led by CEO Peter Jensen, charges a membership fee…
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Paradigm Roofing expands to city with veteran-focused initiatives
Paradigm Roof and Shield expands roofing with a veteran focus in Jacksonville. Paradigm, an award-winning roofing company based in Dallas, has expanded to Jacksonville, Florida, launching its new office in March 2025. Greg Hiltz, CEO since 2023, leads the expansion with a focus on roofing...
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Carry Forward 5K boosts veteran employment initiatives
As the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) prepares for its signature Carry Forward 5K event on Nov. 8, the organization’s economic footprint in Jacksonville continues to expand, reflecting its evolution from a grassroots veterans’ support group to a major force in veteran employment and community...
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Jaxport is growing as a Gateway for auto logistics
Jacksonville’s port is sharpening its Southeast advantage by combining deepwater access, abundant land for vehicle staging, and strong multimodal links to move cargo inland efficiently. This episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition explores JAXPORT’s growing role in auto logistics…
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UNF’s Free AI Certificate Program draws over 20,000 global registrants
The University of North Florida (UNF) has launched a groundbreaking free AI certificate program that has already attracted more than 20,000 registrants worldwide, demonstrating the growing global interest in artificial intelligence education. The “AI for Work and Life” certificate program, which...
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WJCT’s community-powered evolution
When WJCT Public Media faced state and federal funding cuts, the organization didn’t just survive—it thrived. In this revealing conversation on This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, President & CEO David McGowan discusses how more than 1,000 donors contributed over $1 million to support...
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Spotlight on Jax Tech Fest and regional innovation
Jacksonville is rapidly consolidating its position as a nexus for technological innovation, evidenced by the forthcoming Jax Tech Fest — an intensive, week-long symposium designed to aggregate and showcase the region’s most advanced technological enterprises and thought leaders. Industry pioneers...