Bob Swindell discusses how Broward County is becoming a leader in high-paying jobs and next-generation industries on Florida Business Minds podcast

Florida – Some still think of South Florida as nothing more than a haven for retirees and beachgoers. But according to Bob Swindell, that outdated image couldn’t be further from today’s reality. As president and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Swindell is on the frontlines of reshaping Broward County’s reputation — and he’s seeing clear results.

In a recent conversation on the Florida Business Minds podcast, hosted by Mel Meléndez, editor-in-chief of the South Florida Business Journal, Swindell outlined how Broward County is stepping into a new era of economic growth. From attracting next-generation industries to helping local graduates land high-paying jobs, the region is quickly becoming a hotspot for serious business — not just sun and surf.

Swindell, who has been leading the Alliance since 2009, points to Broward’s key powerhouse sector as a major driver behind this transformation. Although many might guess tourism or hospitality, it’s actually the tech and life sciences industries that are gaining ground fast. “We’ve seen incredible momentum in these sectors,” Swindell explained. “Companies are looking for places where talent, infrastructure, and quality of life intersect — and Broward delivers on all three.”

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One of the most surprising aspects, Swindell notes, is how this growth is benefitting young people entering the workforce. “Local students secure high-paying jobs in this industry – straight out of school,” he said, highlighting how partnerships between education providers and businesses are paying off.

But tech isn’t the only force behind Fort Lauderdale’s economic surge. Swindell points to a variety of industries fueling this rise, from aviation to financial services and even marine technologies. These sectors might not make national headlines the way Miami’s tech scene does, but in Broward, they are quietly generating jobs, investment, and opportunities.

A big question remains: how is Broward County pulling this off without the massive state incentives that often lure corporations elsewhere? Swindell believes it comes down to relationships and reputation. “The secret to luring major companies to Broward County, despite the lack of big state incentives,” he explained, “is rooted in how we collaborate and tell our story.”

Swindell emphasized that public-private partnerships play a crucial role in building this momentum. These alliances ensure that companies not only see the economic benefits of moving to the area but also understand the quality of life their employees will enjoy. This approach is helping rewrite South Florida’s reputation on the national stage. “How South Florida is rewriting its reputation as a serious business destination to be reckoned with,” Swindell said, is a story built on strategy, not luck.

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Listeners can hear the full conversation and get a closer look at Broward’s evolving business landscape by tuning into the podcast. In the episode, Swindell shares how the county’s future is being shaped — not by chance, but by vision, collaboration, and a commitment to building an economy that works for everyone.

The podcast is available for free, offering a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on the people and strategies pushing Broward County into a new economic chapter.