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.
Orlando is more than theme parks—it’s a city evolving through vision, innovation, and a deep sense of community.
In episode 04 of The City Playbook, host Tim Giuliani, president and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, sits down with real estate creator and community builder Ken Pozek, founder of The Orlando Real. Together, they explore the people, places, and policies shaping Orlando’s next decade of growth.
Pozek shares his journey from Detroit to Central Florida and how he built a content-driven real estate company that now employs more than 50 people. The conversation dives into what today’s residents and newcomers value most, from neighborhood walkability and access to local amenities to the growing demand for vibrant, connected districts like SoDo, Mills 50, and Winter Garden.
Drawing insights from Orlando’s leadership learning trips to Nashville and Charlotte, Giuliani and Pozek discuss lessons from other fast-growing cities—such as simplifying development codes, investing in light rail, and building true 15-minute communities that blend housing, jobs, and culture.
Listeners will also hear reflections on downtown Orlando’s potential, the role of smart development in strengthening community, and why fostering a sense of belonging is key to sustaining the region’s momentum.
Listen to The City Playbook: Building Orlando’s Future on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.