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In episode 125 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Chris Cunningham, a seasoned entrepreneur with 17 years of experience and President of Dry 24 Water Restoration. Chris also leads USA Commercial Supply and True Value America, but his true passion lies in real estate redevelopment. They discuss how he turned a 5-building city block into a multi-use economic engine, how he uses land trusts to separate business from ownership, and why blue-collar skills and credit strategy are the backbone of his success. From mold remediation to commercial financing, this episode is packed with practical lessons on building real wealth in your own community.
0:00:00 - The benefit of neighborhood stores
0:06:50 - Redeveloping a block
0:29:31 - North Tampa
0:37:55 - Chris Cunningham Backstory
0:47:04 - Maximizing profit from properties
0:56:43 - Entrepreneurship Mindset
1:04:19 - Financing
1:18:06 - Real Estate Wisdom
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In Episode 124 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with James Lascara, Navy SEAL turned real estate investor, who built a thriving community of 100+ real estate professionals quietly reshaping Tampa from the inside out. They discuss how his group is delivering new housing, why so many veterans succeed in real estate, and the unintended consequences of Tampa’s alleyway policies. From hands-on house hacking to orchestrating multimillion-dollar projects, he shares how leadership, team-building, and calculated risk drive long-term success.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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In Episode 123 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with James Nozar, the former CEO of SPP.
Strategic Property Partners (SPP) is the real estate development firm backed by Jeff Vinik and Cascade Investment that led the charge on Tampa’s massive $3.5 billion Water Street District, a first-of-its-kind urban project for the city. In this episode, James unpacks how the project came together from scratch, the challenges of transforming empty parking lots into a walkable downtown, and why intentional design, public-private collaboration, and culture matter more than ever. They also talk about the future of Tampa, what’s next for Water Street, and the lessons other cities can learn from its success.
0:00:00 - Who is James Nozar?
0:13:10 - Water Street
0:43:16 - Sparkman Wharf
0:49:23 - Behind the Scenes of Water Street
1:09:58 - The Future of Tampa
1:19:17 - Gasworx
1:31:39 - Future of Water Street
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In Episode 122 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Richard Munassi from Tampa Bay Wave to discuss how Tampa has become a serious hub for startups. They talk through why founders are choosing to build here, how companies raise early funding, and what makes some startups succeed while others stall. Richard explains how Tampa Bay Wave supports founders, what he looks for when selecting companies, and why a strong team matters more than just a good idea. If you're building or thinking about building a company, this episode gives you a clear look at what it takes to grow in this market.
0:00:00 - Private Equity Buying Businesses
0:03:57 - Tampa Bay Wave
0:15:35 - Pulse Charter Connect
0:19:27 - Is Tampa Becoming an Innovation Hub?
0:29:43 - 3D Printed Seawall Company
0:33:01 - Tampa Bay Wave Success Stories
0:42:45 - Transportation
0:50:52 - Tampa Compared to Major U.S. Cities
1:10:24 - Economic Instability
1:19:17 - Tech Companies
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In Episode 121, Garrett sits down with Chris Kneer, a retired banker turned author, to discuss his debut novel Bluebird: A Cigar City Thriller. The conversation explores Tampa as a rich setting for fiction, the cultural complexity of Ybor City, and how real-life financial events shaped the book's plot. Chris shares behind-the-scenes details about self-publishing, the audiobook production process, and why he believes storytelling is essential to capturing Tampa’s identity. The episode also covers firsthand insights into the shutdown of community banks, the evolution of SBA lending, and what makes Tampa an emerging creative hub.
0:00:00 - Cigar City
0:03:54 - Chris Kneer
0:13:56 - Ybor City
0:35:12 - Writing Bluebird
0:52:56 - Banking during 2008
1:01:44 - Banking during Covid
1:12:47 - Bluebird
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In Episode 120 Garrett sits down with producer David for a freeform and brutally honest conversation about Tampa’s past, present, and future. They dive into the city’s broken transportation system—unpacking why you still can’t take a train to Lakeland, the challenges of expanding the streetcar, and how highways and poor planning disconnected once-thriving neighborhoods. The conversation covers everything from suburban-style apartment projects that undermine walkability to the promise of GasWorx and its potential to reconnect the city grid. They also dig into lesser-known infrastructure issues like the damage caused by South Tampa’s oak canopy and outdated stormwater systems. With no guests and no filters, Garrett and David look into the policy failures, planning frustrations, and emerging technologies that could shape the city’s future.
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In Episode 119 of the TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Chris Waggener, a local attorney fighting for pedestrian safety and legal reform in Tampa Bay. They discuss the tragic case of Maximus Giannikos, a tourist from South Africa visiting Clearwater with his family, whose life was forever changed at a local intersection, and the $200,000 cap that limits justice in cases like his. Chris breaks down the legal obstacles to holding cities accountable, the state-level red tape involved in claims bills, and why so many intersections in the region are still dangerously outdated. From traffic engineering to legislative gridlock, this conversation exposes the hard truths behind Florida's infrastructure and what it will take to make meaningful change.
00:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and overview of the case
00:10:21 – Background on the intersection and how the incident happened
00:18:36 – Explanation of the $200,000 state cap and its legal implications
00:26:03 – How claims bills work in Florida and the difficulty of filing them
00:32:42 – Why this case could create systemic change in Tampa Bay
00:41:38 – Discussion of city accountability and lack of maintenance protocols
00:47:30 – Economic impact vs. safety: Clearwater’s tourism dollars vs. payouts
00:57:51 – The growing pedestrian and biking culture in Florida
01:03:32 – Barriers to safer infrastructure and legal loopholes
01:13:56 – Final thoughts on next steps, policy hopes, and long-term reform
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In Episode 118, Garrett sits down with Tampa City Councilman Alan Clendenin for a wide-ranging and brutally honest conversation about the future of Tampa. They dive into the state of public transportation, including the controversial streetcar expansion and how to better connect downtown to the airport. Clendenin shares what’s really holding back progress—from permitting delays to the tangled web of city, county, and state control. They also explore the city’s approach to development, land use reform, housing affordability, and the urgent need for better infrastructure. With decades of experience and no political strings attached, Clendenin offers a rare look into how big decisions are made—and what’s at stake if Tampa gets them wrong.
0:02:15 - Tampa's transportation system needs a bold vision
0:13:40 - Streetcar expansion revival and challenges
0:22:18 - Why Tampa’s ferry system is a missed opportunity
0:31:12 - The truth about tree canopy laws and development
0:45:00 - Tampa's overcrowding and infrastructure strain
0:53:00 - Why the city needs control over major roads
1:00:15 - The $500M mistake: expanding 275
1:04:35 - The politics of streetcar funding and fare-free transit
1:18:10 - Why planned developments (PDs) are being misused
1:39:00 - The unsung heroes shaping Tampa’s future
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In Episode 117 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Shane Brady — actor, director, magician, and now the mind behind Hacked, a new feature film inspired by a real-life real estate scam that cost him and his wife $20,000. What started as a devastating case of wire fraud turned into the fuel for a darkly comedic revenge thriller, shot right here in Tampa. Shane shares how the experience nearly broke him, how Tampa’s film community stepped up, and why he believes indie filmmaking belongs in Florida. Hacked will make its world premiere on March 29th at the Gasparilla Film Festival. You don’t want to miss this one.
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In Episode 116 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with renowned restaurateur Jeff Gigante to discuss how he built some of Tampa’s most iconic restaurants, including Boulon Brasserie, Forbici, Union New American, Blue Lagoon, and the Ciccio Restaurant Group concepts like Fresh Kitchen and Daily Eats. Jeff shares his journey from aspiring actor to entrepreneur, the strategy behind creating Boulon, and why he saw Water Street as the perfect location for a high-energy brasserie. They also dive into the evolution of Tampa’s restaurant scene, how to scale a hospitality business, and what it takes to stay ahead in the competitive food industry. If you’ve ever wondered how top-tier restaurants are built from the ground up, this episode is a must-listen.
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In Episode 115 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Tampa Bay sports insider JP Peterson to break down the latest on the Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium saga. From failed deals in St. Petersburg to behind-the-scenes negotiations with new ownership groups, JP explains why Major League Baseball has finally had enough of Stu Sternberg and why a move to Tampa is more likely than ever. They discuss potential stadium locations, how Tampa business leaders are stepping up, and what this means for the future of baseball in the region. If you’re a Rays fan or just curious about one of the biggest business moves in Tampa history, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
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In Episode 114 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Christian Giordano, president and majority owner of Mancini Duffy, and Andy Dohmen, co-founder of Design Styles Architecture (now Tempo Studio under Mancini Duffy). They discuss how technology is radically reshaping the architecture industry, from AI-driven design to VR-powered client experiences.
Christian shares his vision for modernizing a 100-year-old firm, drawing from collaborations with major brands like Google, Peloton, and Disney. Andy dives into the evolution of Tampa’s real estate landscape, tackling everything from high-end residential homes to solving the affordable housing crisis. They also discuss the challenges of rapid urban growth, the future of public transportation, and how design thinking is shaping Tampa’s skyline.
Whether you’re into architecture, real estate, or just curious about the future of our cities, this episode is packed with insights!This episode is sponsored by KohlerHaus Remodeling Co, the Official Remodeler of the TBD POD.
KohlerHaus is built on integrity, craftsmanship, and clear communication, setting a high standard for home remodeling. Their work ranges from condos in Channelside to century-old homes in South Tampa, delivering quality renovations that are built to last.Visit kohlerhaus.net to explore their portfolio and start yourresidential remodeling experience today.
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In Episode 113 of the TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with real estate developer Omar Garcia, a builder who has taken on some of Tampa’s most challenging projects. Garcia has turned abandoned and overlooked properties—like a foreclosed office building and a 123-year-old cigar factory—into thriving student housing developments. He talks about how to spot undervalued real estate, the risks of adaptive reuse, and the importance of preserving Tampa’s history while building for the future. They cover everything from navigating zoning laws and historic designations to handling crime, city bureaucracy, and financing unconventional projects. Garcia also shares the wildest moments of his career, including dealing with a SWAT team, a hitman, and the massive turnaround of a once-troubled apartment complex.Omar Garcia is a real estate developer and investor who has built a reputation for taking on projects others overlook. His work includes revitalizing historic buildings, adaptive reuse projects, and large-scale student housing developments. A former Navy officer and construction manager, his notable projects include 220 Madison, the Cigar Lofts, and the transformation of West River Flats. With a deep understanding of real estate, urban development, and business strategy, he shares insights on how to find value in forgotten properties, why historic preservation matters, and what’s next for Tampa’s real estate market.
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In Episode 112 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Judge E.J. Salcines and Professor James Fernández to talk about Tampa’s Spanish immigrants and how they shaped the city. They get into the cigar industry, the immigrant communities that built Tampa’s economy, and why many Spaniards never planned to stay in the U.S. The conversation covers how Tampa grew into a major entry point for immigrants and why its history often gets overlooked.The Tampa Bay History Center is a museum in downtown Tampa that focuses on the region’s past. It covers everything from early indigenous settlements to Tampa’s cigar industry and immigrant communities. The museum has historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, and educational programs that explain how the area developed. It’s located on the Tampa Riverwalk and is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.This episode is sponsored by KohlerHaus Remodeling Co, the Official Remodeler of the TBD POD. KohlerHaus is built on integrity, craftsmanship, and clear communication, setting a high standard for home remodeling. Their work ranges from condos in Channelside to century-old homes in South Tampa, delivering quality renovations that are built to last.Visit kohlerhaus.net to explore their portfolio and start yourresidential remodeling experience today.
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In episode 111 of the TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with former Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn. Buckhorn served from 2011 to 2019 and led the city through major growth, helping shape its development and infrastructure. He talks about how Tampa changed during his time in office, the challenges of handling rapid expansion, and what still needs to be addressed. They cover everything from flood control and transportation to the role of state and federal funding in city projects. Buckhorn also gives his thoughts on leadership, public trust in local government, and the possibility of running for office again.
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In Episode 110 of the TBD Podcast, Garrett talks with Justin Tramble and Dustin Pack of Tampa Bay Waterkeeper about the state of Tampa’s waterways. They break down the issues affecting Hillsborough River, the ongoing pollution problems, and why local infrastructure isn’t keeping up. They also get into the controversy over Tampa’s annual St. Patrick’s Day river dyeing, questioning whether it’s worth the environmental risk. The conversation covers living shorelines as an alternative to seawalls and how natural solutions could help long-term. They explain how city planning, funding, and public awareness all play a role in improving water quality.Tampa Bay Waterkeeper is a nonprofit organization working to protect and improve Tampa Bay’s watershed. They focus on clean water, coastal resilience, and ecosystem health. Through water quality monitoring, legal advocacy, and community engagement, they push for policies and projects that make a difference. They also collaborate on research studies, like tracking contaminants in marine life. Their work relies on local support, and they offer ways for people to get involved through memberships, volunteer opportunities, and donations. Learn more at TampaBayWaterkeeper.org.
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In Episode 109 of the TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Jon Paul Bacariza, the Florida Market Leader at Ryan Companies, to discuss the evolving landscape of real estate development in Florida. They explore the challenges of mixed-use projects, the impact of office market shifts, and how automation is reshaping logistics and retail. Jon Paul shares insights into major developments, including adaptive reuse, structured parking, and the economic forces influencing land use in Tampa Bay. They also dive into the rise of automated fulfillment centers, the future of public transportation, and how large-scale land deals are shaping Florida’s growth.
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In episode 108 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Randy Goers, Tampa’s former city planner, to discuss the city’s evolution, from major redevelopment projects like Water Street and West River to the future of urban growth. With over 35 years of experience, Randy shares insights on city planning challenges, bold development strategies, and what Tampa could look like in 2050.
Randy Goers is an urban planner and strategist who spent over 35 years shaping Tampa’s growth through innovative planning, economic development, and policy strategy. He played a key role in projects like the Riverwalk expansion and major redevelopment efforts. Since 2015, he has also hosted the Drone Radio Show Podcast, exploring how drones are transforming industries and improving quality of life.
0:00:00 - Introduction0:01:21 - Drones0:08:43 - Becoming Tampa’s City Planner0:32:24 - Harbor Island People Mover0:45:55 - Howard Franklin Bridge0:48:15 - Future of Rail0:53:13 - Tampa in the 90’s1:00:00 - Tampa in the 2000’s1:09:42 - Tampa in the 2010’s1:18:33 - Invision Tampa1:29:42 - McDill Airforce Base1:35:32 - Buckhorn’s Second Term1:43:36 - Closing Remarks
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In episode 107 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett talks with Mercedes Gonzales, a senior leader from MacDill Air Force Base, about the military’s role in Tampa and the challenges service members face. They cover how rising home prices affect military families, the struggle to find affordable housing, and efforts to improve infrastructure, including a proposed ferry system.They also talk about special operations and how the military is adapting to global threats. You’ll hear about the importance of military partnerships, how service members transition into civilian life, and why so many veterans choose to stay in Tampa. This episode gives you a clear look at how the military fits into Tampa’s growth and the challenges ahead.
0:00:00 - Introduction to the guest0:03:15 - Tampa’s post-pandemic growth0:08:40 - Rising home prices & military housing0:15:22 - MacDill AFB’s impact on Tampa0:21:10 - The commuting challenges for service members0:30:45 - Special operations & future threats0:40:30 - Military partnerships worldwide0:48:20 - Infrastructure improvements & traffic solutions0:55:10 - Why veterans stay in Tampa1:05:00 - Closing thoughts & final message
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In episode 106 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett Greco sits down with Erica Moody to discuss the transformative efforts of the University Area CDC in Tampa. They explore the challenges and opportunities in developing attainable housing, creating community spaces, and integrating transportation with urban planning. Erica shares insights into the importance of fostering strong relationships with the community, addressing systemic barriers, and the innovative ways her team is helping improve the quality of life in the university area. You can expect an engaging conversation about sustainable growth, urban design, and the essential role of collaboration in building stronger neighborhoods.
- Visa fler
