Welcome to “The Horse’s Mouth” with Tom McManus, a cool, unique talk show where Tom’s guests sidle up to his bar to discuss sports, business and life. Today, Tom sits down with Patty Keenan, Chris Freedman, and RJ DeBee.
What started as an electrical lamp and appliance store in 1928 has grown into one of the largest companies in the industry with over 2,000 employees. Headquartered in Jacksonville, FL and with a network of branch offices, Miller Electric Company provides comprehensive power and technology solutions to Fortune 500 clients in a diversified range of industries.
To learn more, visit https://www.mecojax.com.
How do you define success?: Getting to live and work with great people who share common values and a strong sense of meaning and purpose, and knowing that what you do is good for humans.
How has your business changed in the past 12 months?: We have become increasingly resilient and focused on future growth.
What do you feel the Jaguars need to do to market their product?: Show how what they do builds community and contributes to the greater good.
Who inspires you and why?: I am inspired by anyone who cares deeply about their contribution to the world. This includes my two sons: Sean is a freelance journalist in Atlanta and Joseph is a music producer in Brooklyn, and my daughter Grace who is working as an onboard coach for 30 new interns coming to Miller this month.
What the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome in your business?: Overcoming the misconception that construction is an old-school business. Miller brings the best of both to any prospective employee: we are a strong, values-based company with a growth-mindset focused on innovating and leaving this company even better for the next generation.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE: CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2020 revenue).
To learn more, visit https://www.cbre.us.
How do you define success?: Doing more than is expected of you and lifting up those around you.
How has your business changed in the past 12 months?: The seniors housing and health care sectors of real estate were uniquely impacted. We have transitioned to virtual tours and meetings like everyone else.
What do you feel the Jaguars need to do to market their product?: Win! The addition of Urban Meyer and hopeful addition of Trevor Lawrence is a good start.
Who inspires you and why?: My wife and kids. The most inspiration I gain is from being a husband and a father.
What the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome in your business?: Trying to educate young real estate professionals about the valuation profession. More than 70% of appraisers are over the age of 51 and over 92% of appraisers are older than 36.
OnDefend helps companies prepare for and defend against real-world cyber attacks.
To learn more, visit https://www.ondefend.com.
How do you define success?: Client satisfaction related to security services & finding product-market fit with our proprietary security products.
How has your business changed in the past 12 months?: Doubled during Covid. Launched 2 proprietary and patented security products
What do you feel the Jaguars need to do to market their product?: They just did it with coach hire and about to do it during draft.
Who inspires you and why?: Anyone who creates a company, finds service/product market fit and achieves scale.
What the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome in your business?: Limited client base, capital and overall limited availability/connectivity to STRATEGIC capital, channel partners and other strategic NATIONAL relationships
