This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition

Hosted by News4Jax and Graham Media Group

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Episodes

130

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

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.

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60 recent

September 10, 202614 min

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 accelerate product development, and why local chefs can inspire products with national potential. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 3, 202623 min

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 attractive to investors, how proximity to major employers, retail, downtown and the beaches shapes renter demand, and what Mesa looks for in a Class A apartment community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 26, 202620 min

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 pipeline (dozens of universities within 150 miles), and a hybrid model designed around flexibility and collaboration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 20, 202623 min

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 historic downtown St. Augustine for a flagship-style location, how they think about balancing tourists vs. locals, and why culture and training matter as much as the menu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 13, 202610 min

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” format, with speakers and networking. LeMaire explains how companies are selected, what judges prioritize (founder confidence, growth potential, and “investable” paperwork), and how the Fund’s due diligence works. They also dig into what Jacksonville’s startup ecosystem does well, what’s still missing—especially capital and mentorship—and what success would look like if more investors “band together” to support local founders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 6, 202622 min

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 veterans and military families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 30, 202618 min

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 inside volunteer-run boards, what practical controls can stop fraud before it starts, and how technology can add real transparency for both board members and homeowners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 16, 202624 min

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 “real,” and how multiple anchor projects (including the Four Seasons) create an ecosystem that attracts more investment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 9, 202617 min

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 2, 202612 min

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices