Not many people can look at a rundown neighborhood and see a thriving community waiting to happen. Jaime Sturgis, founder of Native Realty, did exactly that—and he bet big on his vision. When others hesitated, he pushed forward, turning Flagler Village into one of Fort Lauderdale’s most sought-after areas.
In his conversation with Keith Costello on Locality’s Making Bank Podcast, Jaime shared three critical lessons for entrepreneurs:
1. Trust Your Vision—Even When Others Don’t
Flagler Village wasn’t always the vibrant community it is today. Jaime saw potential in a place most people avoided.
“When I brought clients to Flagler Village, they told me, ‘You’re crazy. It’ll never work.’ I believed in it anyway—and I bootstrapped it myself when no one else would.”
Jaime took calculated risks, turning an abandoned warehouse into a hub for local businesses. That first project exceeded expectations, drawing attention and sparking more investment in the area.
2. Focus on the Downside, Not Just the Upside
Entrepreneurs often get caught up in big dreams without thinking through the risks. Jaime’s approach was different.
“Run the model the other way. If everything goes wrong, what are you left with? If you can live with that worst-case scenario, everything else is icing on the cake.”
This mindset allowed Jaime to take bold steps while protecting himself from failure. His ability to balance vision with caution is a big reason for his success.
3. Invest in People and Community
For Jaime, success isn’t just about buildings—it’s about the people and businesses that bring neighborhoods to life.
“We love giving opportunities to tenants with great ideas, even if they don’t have multiple locations under their belt. Seeing them grow and succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”
By prioritizing local businesses, Jaime didn’t just transform a neighborhood—he helped create a thriving ecosystem of entrepreneurs.
Take Action
Jaime’s journey is proof that big results come from bold decisions, strategic planning, and a deep commitment to your community. Whether you’re launching a business or taking it to the next level, his advice is simple: trust your vision, manage your risks, and invest in the people around you.
Watch Jaime’s full podcast interview above for the complete story. You’ll learn more about his journey, his lessons, and how he’s reshaping Fort Lauderdale one bold move at a time.
