BRENT BURNS
PRESIDENT & CEO, JM FAMILY ENTERPRISES, DEERFIELD BEACH
Originating as a Toyota distributorship in 1968, JM Family Enterprises has grown to include businesses and subsidiaries in the automotive, financial services and franchising industries. As CEO, Burns oversees the privately held company with $20 billion in revenue and more than 5,000 associates. He previously served as JM’s chief operating officer and was elevated to president in 2017. Previously, he held senior-level positions at national companies including Alamo Rent-A-Car and AutoNation Financial Services. Burns has served as a trustee at Florida Atlantic University, his alma mater. He’s also a board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County and is a lifetime board member for Kids In Distress, which works to support abused children. He served as co-chair of the Habitat for Humanity of Broward CEO Builds for several years.
EDUCATION: Florida Atlantic University (BS)
READING: I am a faithful reader of the Wall Street Journal. I find it to be the most in-depth and trusted report of business, finance, economic and global news. My focus is upon how today’s events may impact the businesses we operate, as well as the impact on our business partners and customers. That then frames risks, opportunities and priorities.
INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Henry Flagler played a pivotal role in the development of Florida. The Florida East Coast Railway was instrumental in making our state more accessible, and it continues to serve as a major contributor to Florida’s economy. Flagler’s vision and investment turned Florida from a largely undeveloped region into a thriving economy that today stands as a hub for tourism, agriculture and technology.
