“We’re at this transformational point in Jacksonville, where there are so many innovative things happening here that a lot of people just don’t know about...what we’re trying to solve for is connecting those dots.”
Jacksonville is known for its size (largest city by landmass), its enviable waterways (sparkling St. Johns River, scenic Intracoastal and glorious Atlantic) and its southern hospitality (the Jags’ last season? Bless their hearts!). Ask Craig Mandeville what it needs to be known for and he’ll answer innovation. As founder and CEO of Forcura, Craig believes his adopted hometown should be known the world-over, and its citizens galvanized behind the fact that Jax is an innovation hub that’s coming into its own. To Craig and many of Jax’s leaders, the convergence of our business, academic, technology and cultural sectors makes for an innovation environment that rivals the Austins, Bostons, and Raleighs of the world. Yet there’s something Jax possesses that even these cities can’t claim: our people support each other’s path to success.
We’re not trying to be Silicon Valley (we wouldn’t want to be)
Ever catch “Silicon Valley” on HBO? The back-stabbing, cutthroat ways of that startup world were made into an entertaining series. But the show was praised because of how closely it captured reality. Someone’s successful funding round, mentoring relationship or acquisition could only be seen as another person’s loss. Success in Jax? It’s not a zero-sum game. As Craig found in his own successful exit from his first company, and as he scales his second with double revenues projected year-over-year, his professional network is fully engaged to advance Craig’s journey. Doors here are open, warm introductions are willingly made, and hard lessons are humbly shared. Craig has found enormous value in the Jacksonville chapter of Young Presidents Organization, with local executives vetting his ideas and sharing candid, insightful feedback. This is the kind of support money can’t buy. And it’s our secret sauce that’s found from Amelia Island to St. Augustine.
Rockstars live here (and we don’t just mean Lynyrd Skynyrd)
The Innovate Jax podcast will introduce you to the Jacksonville change-makers who are propelling our city into a new realm of sophistication. Our goal is to connect you to the people who are leaving their mark on our city today, in hopes that they inspire you to leave your mark tomorrow. Subscribe today and you’ll have fresh new episodes delivered to you each month. And feel free to recommend a guest by dropping us a note at innovatejax@forcura.com.
