Author: Chris Pirillo

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Enterprise Florida. All opinions are 100% mine.

One of the more catchy tunes from Monty Python’s repertoire is “The Money Song.” Indeed, it’s accountancy that makes the world go round.

Domestically speaking, most of the nation’s leading financial firms have a presence in Florida – home to over 300 hedge funds and private equity firms. But why? To quote this post on how the state’s finance industry flourishes:

“The Sunshine State has become a rainmaker for the financial services industry, attracting 32,868 financial service and insurance industry companies and employing 351,000 professionals in the field. Is it the business climate? The tax structure? The quality of life? Industry officials say yes, yes and yes.”

This year, in Chief Executive Magazine’s annual list of “Best States for Business,” Florida ranked number two. For both business owners and those wishing to pursue a career in high finance, the state is more than viable.

Experience with managing money is not just valid in the finance-focused sector. Indeed, Florida’s high-tech, innovative businesses are also in need of such intelligence. Consider that Lockheed Martin, Johnson & Johnson, GE Wind and Citrixalso call Florida home for its supportive climate and vibrant talent pool. Assuredly, Florida Business is not going anywhere but up – especially when you consider that “up” in Florida can be taken literally as “up and into outer space” where humanity’s future lies. As you’ve likely been witness to countless aerospace-powered vehicle launches from the state throughout your own life, it’s abundantly clear that Florida is leading the way there by thinking about and living towards the future today.

The state fuels a sizable talent workforce and pipeline – both training and striving to enable retention within Florida’s hosted business industries. Colleges there have established working relationships with business pillars, helping place graduates in various positions statewide upon graduation. For example: GE Wind Energy in Pensacola has a partnership with the UWF College of Engineering, and SAFT in Jacksonville is connected with UNF’s College of Engineering.

In Florida, there are notable opportunities to grow, innovate, discover, and explore. This isn’t just a location for those who have moved beyond their working years – it’s for those who seek conditions that are conducive to both healthy personal and thriving professional lives. Florida Talent can hold onto the best of both worlds.

As this video suggests, Florida has room to create, talent to achieve, an environment to inspire, freedom to grow, and opportunities to succeed. These elements are critical for a stable foundation. Without one of these values in place, the others would not operate as efficiently as they could. Somewhere else, the available brainpower may not be as proficient. Somewhere else, the infrastructure may not be as fruitful. Somewhere else, the options for career advancement may not be as resplendent. Florida Innovation isn’t just about a single spoke – it’s the hub that helps make the entire wheel spin.

This post brought to you by Enterprise Florida. The content and opinions expressed below are that of LockerGnome.

As someone who typically only travels for business reasons, I’ve been brought to Florida more than a few times throughout the decades. In my experience, the state has been quite hospitable to opportunity. Indeed, the data backs up this perspective – with Florida channeling a sizable talent pool for the marketplace.

As Abraham Lincoln was quoted in the following video: “The best way to predict the your future is to create it.” Florida embodies this spirit:

People can and will swiftly relocate for viable job and career opportunities. While there will never be a guarantee for placement, those who are interested will often find themselves stacking the deck in their favor – finding a location that offers an abundance vocational positions across a range of disciplines. Florida is where people of all ages may very well land their next position – whether they honed their skillsets at a secondary learning institution or are a military-trained laborer with hands-on history that remains forever invaluable in the private sector.

While on the topic of schooling, it should be noted that Florida colleges also have active partnerships in place to help graduates solidify work options with in-state companies (including GE Wind Energy in Pensacola + UWF College of Engineering; SAFT in Jacksonville + UNF College of Engineering). This may very well be a deciding factor for those who have not yet begun or completed their higher level education – given that one is driven to the classroom to primarily benefit their professional, lucrative, post-graduation prospects. Florida Talent is flowing.

Aerospace is a field that continues to explode. This blossoming arena requires technologically-savvy individuals at every level – whether it’s leadership with innovative business strategies which fuel Florida’s high-tech landscape (like that of Blue Origin, SpaceX, EA Tiburon, or BRIDG) or those who have practical on-the-job experience from their previous positions as veterans – the state is primed to accommodate. Florida Business is working.

To put a finer point on it, per this post on Florida’s aerospace industry position:

“Florida’s two spaceports and 20 major military installations make the state a prime destination for aviation, aerospace and defense companies. Small wonder Florida ranks second nationwide in aerospace manufacturing establishments, with annual exports exceeding $5.2 billion.”

While it’s relatively safe to assume that humanity collectively hopes for a bright future beyond our planet’s reaches, those dreams may only take hold if our present offers a hospitable environment to foster such endeavors. In other words: someone has to build it, and those “someones” are already doing that in Florida at this very moment. And, naturally, more modern, pressing needs are actively being addressed there by a qualified workforce to boot.

With an ample stream of both needs and those able to fulfill such needs, Florida-based businesses have an opportunity to establish themselves and thrive in a top-ranked business environment. Florida Innovation remains boundless.

Certainly, if you had only considered Florida as a vacation destination before today, you’ll have recognized that the state has way more than play to offer.

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