From Real Estate to Restaurants: Andrew Wright’s Entrepreneurial Blueprint

We sat down with Andrew Wright, founder of Franklin Street, for a fascinating conversation about market dynamics, building resilient businesses, and the future of the Tampa Bay region.

Andrew shared how he launched Franklin Street at 26 and grew it into a full ecosystem of real estate services from capital markets and leasing to insurance and property management. He talks about why diversified revenue streams matter, especially in industries that ebb and flow with economic cycles.

We also unpacked today’s commercial real estate environment. Andrew describes the moment as a “rain delay” transactions are slow, liquidity is tight, and valuations are still adjusting after rapid interest-rate hikes. Even so, Florida remains uniquely strong thanks to continued population and capital migration. As lenders start pushing stalled assets toward resolution, he believes new opportunities will emerge.

Beyond market trends, Andrew shared insights on scaling teams, building culture, and developing young talent. His emphasis on authenticity, mentorship, and long-term potential over static skill sets is a refreshing and realistic take on leadership today.

We also explored the future of Westshore, including transportation needs, density, and how thoughtful planning could unlock the next phase of growth for the district. Add in his perspective on AI’s impact on real estate operations, and this episode covers a ton of ground.

If you're interested in real estate, leadership, or Tampa’s economic evolution, this is a must-listen.

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