In this episode of On Target, host Rosanna Catalano sits down with John Crossman—speaker, consultant, bestselling author, real estate expert, and Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman Board of Trustee member—for a wide-ranging conversation about service, success, and creating lasting impact.

John shares the inspiring story of his father, Reverend Ken Crossman, a civil rights leader dubbed the "bridge builder" by the Sun-Sentinel in 1970 for his work bringing communities together.

Decades later, John and a dedicated team—including the attorneys at Gunster—worked to honor that legacy by naming an actual bridge in Central Florida after his father, a powerful symbol during a time of national division.

From growing up as a pastor's kid with limited resources to overcoming dyslexia and building a successful career in commercial real estate, John opens up about his journey and what drives his commitment to giving back.

He discusses his pioneering efforts to bring real estate education to historically black colleges and universities, including endowing scholarships at FAMU, Bethune Cookman, and Jackson State, as well as creating opportunities for Hispanic students at Valencia College.

The conversation turns to the state of higher education in Florida, where John offers candid insights on what the Sunshine State is doing right—and where there's room to grow. He emphasizes the importance of practical skills, financial literacy, and emotional resilience alongside academic achievement, and champions the unique strengths of Florida's diverse university system.

John also discusses his book, "Career Killers, Career Builders: The book every Millennial needs to read", a guide for young professionals navigating the pressures of high achievement, and shares his passion for mental health awareness and suicide prevention resources.

In This Episode:

-The story behind the Reverend Ken Crossman Bridge

-Overcoming dyslexia and finding success in real estate

-Creating real estate scholarships at HBCUs and beyond

-What makes Florida's higher education system stand out

-Preparing students for life beyond the classroom

-Mental health, resilience, and resources for young professionals

-John's book: "Career Killers, Career Builders: The book every Millennial needs to read."

Resources Mentioned:

John Crossman's website: crossmancb.com

"Career Killers, Career Builders: The book every Millennial needs to read" (available on Amazon, Target, and major booksellers)

About Arrow Group: Arrow Group is a full-service government affairs firm with offices across Florida's key markets. Their team of former state government leaders, policy experts, and industry veterans delivers customized strategies and measurable outcomes for businesses, organizations, and causes.

🔗 Learn more: https://arrowgroup.gunster.com/

#GovernmentAffairs #FloridaPolitics #Lobbying #PublicPolicy #ArrowGroup #Advocacy #PolicyStrategy #FloridaEducation #FloridaLegislature #2026Session #EducationPolicy #Gunster #OnTarget #FloridaAdvocacy #PolicyExperts

In this episode of On Target, host Rosanna M. Catalano sits down with Arrow Group colleagues Glen Gilzean and Edgar G. Fernandez to discuss leadership, infrastructure challenges, and strategic advocacy in Florida.

Glen Gilzean shares insights from his high-profile roles, including Supervisor of Elections during the 2024 election cycle, CEO of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, and President of the Central Florida Urban League.

Edgar G. Fernandez draws on over two decades of experience in environmental policy, water infrastructure, and public-private partnerships to explain how Arrow Group helps clients navigate complex funding landscapes and deliver critical projects.

From aging infrastructure and federal mandates to stakeholder mapping and maximizing ROI, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to move the needle in Florida's policy arena.

About Arrow Group: Arrow Group is a full-service government affairs firm with offices across Florida's key markets. Their team of former state government leaders, policy experts, and industry veterans delivers customized strategies and measurable outcomes for businesses, organizations, and causes.

🔗 Learn more: https://arrowgroup.gunster.com/

#governmentaffairs #FloridaPolitics #Lobbying #PublicPolicy #ArrowGroup #Advocacy #PolicyStrategy #FloridaInfrastructure #WaterPolicy #Leadership #PublicPrivatePartnership #FloridaLegislature #EnvironmentalPolicy #OnTargetPodcast

On Target | Inside Florida Lobbying: Decades of Experience with Larry Williams & Sha'Ron James

What does it take to navigate Florida's ever-changing political landscape? In this episode of On Target, host Rosanna M. Catalano sits down with Arrow Group colleagues Larry Williams and Sha'Ron James—two government affairs veterans with decades of combined experience in Tallahassee.

Larry Williams shares his journey from legislative intern in 1970 to one of Florida's most recognized lobbyists, reflecting on how term limits, the gift ban, and technological advances have transformed the lobbying profession. Sha'Ron James discusses her path from a gubernatorial appointment at 19 to her current roles as attorney, lobbyist, and president of the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.

Together, they explore today's hottest business issues at the Florida Legislature—including AI regulation, property tax policy, and workforce development—while offering insights on the intersection of law, advocacy, and relationship-building in state government.

In This Episode:

• How Florida lobbying has evolved over 50+ years
• The impact of term limits and gift bans on legislative relationships
• Balancing legal expertise with government affairs strategy
• Key issues Florida businesses are watching in 2025
• The value of community involvement in public policy work

About Arrow Group: Arrow Group is a full-service government affairs firm with offices across Florida's key markets. Their team of former state government leaders, policy experts, and industry veterans delivers customized strategies and measurable outcomes for businesses, organizations, and causes.

🔗 Learn more: https://arrowgroup.gunster.com/

#GovernmentAffairs #FloridaPolitics #Lobbying #PublicPolicy #ArrowGroup #Advocacy #PolicyStrategy #FloridaLegislature #TallahasseeChamber #AIRegulation #FloridaBusiness #LobbyingStrategy #PolicyAdvocacy #FloridaGovernment #BusinessAdvocacy #LegislativeAffairs #OnTargetPodcast

In this episode of "On Target," host Rosanna Catalano welcomes Arrow Group colleagues Dr. Kim McDougal and Vice President Ron Brisé for an insightful conversation on Florida's education landscape and utility policy. Dr. McDougal shares her extensive experience working in and around government, offering her perspective on how school choice and charter schools have transformed education in Florida over the last two decades-and what's on the horizon. She also provides key insights for educational vendors looking to expand their footprint in the Sunshine State. Former legislator Ron Brisé brings a unique understanding of the legislative process, discussing how he got involved in politics, the policy areas he focuses on, and what he's working on for the 2026 session. Together, they explore how their combined experience in both government and the private sector helps them advance client needs and navigate Florida's policy environment.

🎯 Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at the people and policies shaping Florida's future!

About Arrow Group: Arrow Group is a full-service government affairs firm with offices across Florida's key markets. Their team of former state government leaders, policy experts, and industry veterans delivers customized strategies and measurable outcomes for businesses, organizations, and causes.

🔗Learn more: https://arrowgroup.gunster.com/

#GovernmentAffairs #FloridaPolitics #Lobbying #PublicPolicy #ArrowGroup #Advocacy #PolicyStrategy #FloridaEducation #SchoolChoice #CharterSchools #UtilityPolicy #EnergyPolicy #FloridaLegislature #2026Session #EducationPolicy #Gunster #OnTarget #FloridaAdvocacy #PolicyExperts

Inside Arrow Group: Florida's Government Affairs Powerhouse | Albert Balido, President

In this episode, we sit down with Albert Balido, President of Arrow Group, to explore the origin story behind one of Florida's most dynamic government affairs firms—born from the strategic merger of Anfield Consulting and Gunster's Government Affairs Practice Group.

Albert shares what's on the horizon for Arrow Group, the firm's unique approach to advocacy, and how his team delivers results across federal, state, and local government landscapes. From navigating Capitol Hill to shaping policy at the local level, Arrow Group combines elite strategy, deep relationships, and decades of hands-on experience to help clients win in even the most competitive environments.

Topics Discussed:

- The merger that created Arrow Group

- Navigating Florida's legislative and regulatory landscape

- Lobbying strategies at all levels of government

- Policy monitoring and relationship building

- Pro bono work protecting Florida's water resources

About Arrow Group: Arrow Group is a full-service government affairs firm with offices across Florida's key markets. Their team of former state government leaders, policy experts, and industry veterans delivers customized strategies and measurable outcomes for businesses, organizations, and causes.

🔗 Learn more: https://arrowgroup.gunster.com/

#GovernmentAffairs #FloridaPolitics #Lobbying #PublicPolicy #ArrowGroup #AlbertBalido #Advocacy #PolicyStrategy

Host: Rosanna M. Catalano