500 Stories
At Florida Trend, we’re in the business of telling stories, and the Florida 500 is no exception. It’s not just an index of Florida’s most influential business leaders — it’s a collection of 500 short stories. Stories about where these leaders came from, what drives them and how they’re leading with impact. Each profile stands on its own, but knitted together, they tell a rich story of businesspeople driven by purpose, rooted in their communities and propelling Florida forward with fresh ideas.
That storytelling wouldn’t be possible without the trust and candor of those spotlighted in this eighth edition of the Florida 500. More than four-fifths (83%) of this year’s honorees took the time to respond to our questionnaire — and we are grateful for their participation. They told us about their first jobs and their dream jobs. They talked about mentoring others. They shared how they spend their free time and how they’re giving back.
Some observations from their stories:
» Florida’s influentials aren’t afraid of hard work, often starting at an early age. Many had newspaper routes as teens, and many worked at McDonald’s. Holland & Knight Partner Robert Grammig did both. Sidus Space CEO Carol Craig’s first job was announcing blue light specials at Kmart. Tim Cost, the president of Jacksonville University, held two jobs as a teen — one selling food and drinks in the football stands of Syracuse University and another climbing telephone poles for New York Telephone. Others waited tables, bagged groceries, sold shoes, swept floors, and plenty labored on the family farm. JPMorgan Chase’s Nikky Flores recalled working at her family’s horticultural nursery, Marcal Growers in Kissimmee, as a teenager. “Working through intense heat, I learned not only the value of hard work, but the intricacies and challenge of running a business — I truly understand and appreciate ‘sweat equity,’” she said.
» More than a few showed an early entrepreneurial streak. Chad Henderson, the founder and CEO of Catalyst HealthCare Real Estate in Pensacola, launched his first business at the age of 16 selling ice cream to people on their docks or boats around Perdido Key. He says the experience opened his eyes to the world of entrepreneurship and “sparked a passion” that’s guided him ever since. And several on our list are serial entrepreneurs. Arnaud Karsenti, managing principle of 13th Floor Investments in Miami, started a DJ business in high school with his best friend that generated about $10,000 in revenue. Later, while attending Duke University, he started a moving and storage company. It grew to eventually serve 40 campuses before he sold it to U-Haul in 2004.
» While these 500 leaders have all poured time and energy into building their careers, they’ve also maintained interesting and active lives outside of work. The 500 roster is filled with musicians, artists, art collectors, athletes, pilots, chefs and travelers. And somehow along the way, they’ve also found time to give back to their communities in meaningful ways. Many serve on nonprofit boards, fund scholarships and support local initiatives. And they’ve paid it forward by mentoring others, setting their organizations and communities up for success for many years to come. A prime example: Florida 500 Legend Martha Saunders, who stepped down as president of the University of West Florida earlier this year. During her eight years at the helm, she built out a deep bench of talent to ensure the school’s long-term stability and growth. “I mentor with purpose, and many of the individuals I’ve guided now lead at high levels,” Saunders told us. “Developing strong successors isn’t just strategy — it’s legacy. I take pride in shaping leaders who will drive impact long after I’ve passed the baton.”
» Indeed, legacy, purpose and intention are common threads running through the 500 stories in these pages. One response in particular stayed with me: Michael DiBlasi, senior managing director and North Florida market leader for CBRE, shared that he reads obituaries regularly, not out of morbid curiosity, but to reflect on the impact people leave behind. And time and time again, the 500 leaders spoke not of professional milestones, but of relationships with their spouses, children and other loved ones as providing the greatest source of meaning and accomplishment in life. Ron Christaldi, the president and CEO of Shumaker Advisors Florida, probably said it best: “Titles are nice, but making a difference in the place I call home is what really matters.”
