Ken Pozek on Building Orlando’s Future: Real Estate, Community, and Growth | 4

Orlando is more than theme parks. In this episode of The City Playbook, host Tim Giuliani sits down with real estate creator and community builder Ken Pozek (The Orlando Real) to unpack Orlando’s growth story, what residents and newcomers really want, and how smart development can strengthen community.

Ken shares his journey from Detroit to Central Florida, how content marketing helped him scale a 55-person real estate company, and why neighborhoods like SoDo, Mills 50, and Winter Garden are setting the pace. We compare takeaways from Orlando’s learning trips to Nashville and Charlotte including light rail, infill, 15-minute districts, and policies that fast-track high-quality development. Plus, we talk food scene surprises, the power of third places, and why “amenities and access” often matter more than bed-bath counts.

What you’ll learn:
• How Orlando’s brand and creative economy attract talent and companies
• Lessons from Nashville and Charlotte that Orlando can apply now
• Why downtown housing, mobility, and mixed-use are key to a thriving core
• What today’s buyers value most and where growth is heading
• Practical ways cities and developers can foster true community and belonging

TIME STAMPS:

• 00:00 – Intro: shaping Orlando’s future
• 00:25 – Meet Ken Pozek, The Orlando Real
• 01:10 – From Detroit to Orlando
• 02:45 – Building a content-driven real estate business
• 04:45 – What people ask before moving to Orlando
• 06:15 – Hidden gems & Orlando’s food scene
• 08:00 – Lessons from Nashville’s growth
• 09:45 – Charlotte insights: light rail & live-work balance
• 11:30 – Why downtown Orlando needs more residents
• 13:15 – Growth, policy, and opportunity
• 15:00 – Orlando housing market outlook
• 17:00 – What buyers value most today
• 18:45 – Building community & belonging
• 20:30 – Winter Garden’s model for success
• 22:30 – Orlando’s next decade & key catalysts
• 25:00 – Big projects reshaping downtown
• 27:15 – Ken’s book & podcast recommendations
• 29:00 – Where to find Ken Pozek
• 31:00 – Closing thoughts & CTA

Connect with our Guest at:
• Ken Pozek — Real estate leader and creator behind The Orlando Real
IG: @theorlandoreal
YouTube: Ken Pozek

------------------------------------------------------

What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.

Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.

Connect with our host Tim at:
Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/
Website: https://timgiuliani.com/

Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org

------------------------------------------------------

Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hihellolabs/
Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/