Two CFDC Investors Upgrade to Visionary Level, Reap Benefits

Two investors in the Central Florida Development Council- Cyndeo Wealth Partners and Florida Southern College- upgraded to the Visionary level this past year. Visionary status is the highest level of investment in CFDC.

CFDC Investors at all levels have a voice in shaping economic strategy for Polk County and the Central Florida region. They all work together toward creating sustainable high-skill, high-wage jobs. The nine investors at the Visionary level have greater access to company CEOs, special events and workshops, among other things.

Upgrading to Visionary Level

J. Michael Weber, Dean and Professor of Marketing at the Barney Barnett School of Business & Free Enterprise at Florida Southern College, summed up why FSC upgraded its membership. It was “a strategic decision to deepen our engagement with the CFDC and increase our impact within the region. As an institution focused on innovation, growth and leadership, the Visionary level allows FSC to actively contribute to shaping the future of the Polk County business ecosystem. It offers us enhanced visibility, stronger partnerships with key industry leaders, and the opportunity to influence economic development initiatives that align with our mission and values,” Weber said. 

For Pete Frantzis, co-founder of Cyndeo Wealth Partners, the desire to upgrade was a very personal reason: He wanted to lead by example. “Actions speak louder than words,” he said. 

Cyndeo’s offices are located in St. Petersburg, but Frantzis and his family live in Polk County. “I’m not in this to get business. I’m in it because I love my community. Look what I endure when I go to the office in St. Petersburg – what used to take me 58 minutes now takes me two hours. But I won’t move because I love it here, my family was raised here. I grew up in Brooksville, but this is home. It’s the greatest place to live, work and bring up a family.” 

The Value of CFDC Membership

Weber said FSC has gained significant value from its membership.  

“The connections we’ve made with regional business leaders, policymakers and innovators have been invaluable in fostering collaboration and creating opportunities for our students and faculty. Additionally, the access to economic development insights, data and regional trends has helped us stay informed and adapt our strategies to meet emerging challenges and opportunities. This partnership has also enhanced our reputation as a key contributor to the local economy.” 

Frantzis said the people he has met and the relationships he’s formed have made being an investor worthwhile for him personally and professionally. He said Cyndeo invests with their hearts, not with their wallets. So, it’s not about what they can get from being an investor, but what value they can bring to the organization.  

“We are investing in an organization that’s making a huge impact in the county. People will do business with people they like, trust and respect,” he said. Frantzis added that if you join an organization for the right reasons, “Someone will come up and say: ‘I watch you, I see you have heart. I need this. Can you come work with me?’” 

Being an investor allows him to have in-depth discussions that help him “understand the economics in the county. I’m learning from owners. Instead of reading statistics, you can get a feel for what’s going on. There are certain people running companies that drive economics. It was a no-brainer for us to be a visionary.” 

Moving Up

Frantzis said he upgraded his company’s membership because “that’s how deep my belief is, how much I love the people running the organization and how much I respect the work they are doing in this community.” 

The CFDC deserves to have more Visionaries across the board, Frantzis said. “To me it’s an investment that just keeps returning every year.”  

Weber spoke about other benefits to Visionary status. 

“Renewing at a higher level is attractive because it amplifies our ability to influence and participate in key regional initiatives,” Weber said. “The Visionary membership offers FSC a more prominent voice in important conversations around economic development, talent attraction and innovation. It also allows us to strengthen our ties with influential stakeholders, ensuring that we are part of shaping Polk County’s future in ways that benefit both our institution and the broader community.” 

CFDC Committee Involvement

Weber serves on the CFDC’s Competitiveness & Advocacy Committee. He said this experience has provided him with “an excellent platform to directly engage with regional economic challenges and opportunities. It has broadened my understanding of the policies and initiatives that drive economic competitiveness in Central Florida. And it allowed me to contribute FSC’s perspective to critical discussions.” 

He’s also attended investor meetings and innovator workshops. He said they “have been instrumental in fostering new partnerships that provide pathways for our students to obtain outstanding internship and employment activities,” he said. 

Frantzis served as Chair for the CFDC Investor Relations Committee for years. He would be “proud and honored to serve again in any capacity they think will help.” 

He’s proud of the foundation he’s set for incoming Investor Relations Committee Chair Jeremy Voss. He hopes Voss will continue what he started. Meanwhile, the outgoing chair said he will “continue to go to social events and support in any way I can. Just pick up the phone.” 

Future Opportunities

As a higher-level member, Weber said he sees “opportunities for FSC to further expand its influence in areas like workforce development, research collaboration and regional policy shaping. We can work more closely with other Visionary members to drive initiatives that focus on education, sustainability and entrepreneurship.” 

There’s even more, he said. “There are opportunities to position FSC as a thought leader by contributing to regional studies, hosting events and participating in high-level discussions with local government and business leaders.” 

Frantzis said being an investor allows businesses to get a lot of extra exposure. “The CFDC works hard to make sure you see the full value and benefits of being a Visionary for your company and you as a representative of your company.” 

Advice to Current & Potential Investors

“To anyone considering becoming an investor, I would say the benefits are substantial,” Weber said. “The CFDC offers unparalleled access to a network of influential leaders, resources and insights that can significantly enhance your business’s growth and strategic positioning. As an investor, you become part of a community that is actively shaping the future of Polk County and Central Florida, driving innovation, and creating opportunities for economic success. The collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advocacy opportunities are incredibly valuable for any organization looking to make a lasting impact in the region.” 

Frantzis said this about upgrading: “You will get the return on investment and all it will do is keep growing as long as you are willing to participate.”