This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition

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

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

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