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GoDaddy Founder Reveals Untold Story of Traumatic Upbringing, Military Service and Entrepreneurial Journey

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GoDaddy Founder Bob Parsons talks with Florida National News. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Everybody has heard of GoDaddy, but how many people know the real-life story of the highly successful, philanthropic, and colorful man behind the company? For the first time, GoDaddy and PXG founder Bob Parsons, in a highly confessional account, shares the story of his life, from his humble upbringing to his meteoric rise as one of early tech’s pioneers.

Fire in the Hole! The Untold Story of My Traumatic Life and Explosive Success (Forefront Books, May 7, 2024) by Bob Parsons is an unflinching, yet inspirational, account of his path to success, from a hardscrabble childhood to his combat service as a U.S. Marine during the Vietnam War — and beyond.

A descendant of coal miners, Parsons grew up in the 1950s in a blue-collar, working-class neighborhood in East Baltimore. Money was tight, given his parents shared a mutual fondness for gambling and were not particularly good at it. In his book, Parsons talks about the financial struggles his family faced, as well as the emotional neglect he experienced as a boy.

He writes: “We were just getting by when Pop’s business failed … my dad racked up so much debt from gambling and credit cards that everything came tumbling down. In the end, he practically gave the business away. And, when he did, we went from not having much to having nothing. I mean absolutely nothing.”

An admittedly so-so student, he recalls the struggles he faced in learning, as well as the corporal punishment dished out by Catholic school nuns. But his early experiences reveal an innate resiliency that got him through a harrowing tour of duty in Vietnam, his early years at his first company, Parsons Technology, as well as his bold business decisions that would eventually make him one of the wealthiest people in the world. With a net worth of $3.6 billion, Parsons is No. 314 on the Forbes 400 2023 list of the richest people in America.

He’s an everyman who has made it. He’s authentic. And his reflections on life, business, and giving back are heartbreaking, heartwarming, humorous, and inspiring.

In the book, Parsons:

• Shares how he survived his grueling tour of duty in Vietnam with the U.S. Marines infantry.

• Reveals the struggles he has faced throughout his lifetime because of PTSD, as well as the efforts he has made to treat it, including novel therapeutic uses of psychedelics.

• Offers the lessons he has learned during his career, from the launch of his first business, Parsons Technology, to the creation of his present-day business empire, which includes YAM Worldwide and Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG).

Since 2012, Parsons and his wife, Renee, have donated nearly $300 million to more than 96 charities and organizations worldwide. Having suffered from PTSD, he works to find new and effective treatments for himself and others. He strongly believes in paying it forward. And he is always moving forward, creating new companies, and re-creating himself. Fire in the Hole! encourages readers to dream big and imagine all that’s possible — even if the cards seem stacked against them.

Business

Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando Leads Transformative 2024 Executive Mission Trip to Spain

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, in partnership with JCQ Services, is set to launch its 2024 Hispanic Chamber Executive Mission Trip to Spain from November 6-10, 2024. This mission represents a major step in strengthening business connections between Central Florida and Spain through focused collaboration on Smart City innovation, sustainable development, and expanded tourism.

“This Executive Mission Trip to Spain creates a unique opportunity to connect resources and foster innovation across borders,” said Pedro Turushina, President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “Our goal is to bring forth a wave of economic growth for Central Florida by building long-term partnerships in Spain.”

Key Mission Trip Highlights:

  • Catalyzing Economic and Tourism Growth: The Chamber aims to establish new business relationships and explore avenues for expanding Florida-Spain tourism by advocating for more direct flight routes.
  • Promoting Smart City and Sustainable Development Partnerships: Spain’s leadership in urban innovation aligns well with Central Florida’s goals, and this mission seeks to bring those advancements back to the region.
  • Strengthening Central Florida’s Global Economic Footprint: The Chamber’s vision includes showcasing Central Florida as a premier investment destination for Spanish businesses, especially in technology, tourism, and infrastructure.

Mission Itinerary Highlights:

  • Smart City Expo World Congress Conference
  • High-Speed Iryo Train Journey
  • Welcome Rooftop Reception in Madrid
  • Cultural and Business Engagements, including visits to El Cortes Ingles, Madrid’s Chamber of Commerce, Galeria Canalejas, the Riyadh Air Metropolitan Stadium, the Royal Collections Gallery, and a cultural immersion at the Corral de la Moreria Gala Closing Ceremony.

The mission promises to build Central Florida’s position as a dynamic economic partner for Spain, creating lasting benefits across sectors.

 

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ORRA Celebrates Landmark Milestone with Grand Opening of Innovative Headquarters in Orlando

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, ORRA President Rose Kemp, and ORRA CEO Cliff Long cut the ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of the massive new headquarters for the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association.

This building isn’t just a new facility for ORRA – it’s a national hub designed to inspire and support REALTORS® in their pursuit of excellence.

The grand opening of the massive new headquarters for the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association, Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Corey Williams / Florida National News)

Central Florida Real Estate Trade Giant: ORRA

The Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA) marked a major milestone in Central Florida’s real estate industry with the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art headquarters on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. This new complex, located at 5421 Diplomat Circle, spans 45,000 square feet four stories square across three buildings on a 7.2-acre property, and is set to redefine ORRA’s offerings for its 20,000 members and the larger Central Florida community.

The grand opening of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association’s new headquarters on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. (Photo by Corey Williams / Florida National News)

Designed to support ORRA’s commitment to propelling the real estate profession into the next century, the new headquarters prioritizes innovation, education, and growth.

ORRA’s CEO Cliff Long underscored the significance of this expansion: “It’s time to welcome our REALTORS® home to a place that can handle our rapidly growing membership. As we put a heavy emphasis on education, we need a space to accommodate an increasing list of classes and events.”

The facility was selected in 2019 and purchased in early 2021, with ORRA transforming the once-92% vacant property into a landmark along I-4.

The space is tailored for the next generation of REALTORS® with amenities that include:

  • Classrooms: Three modern classrooms equipped for educational seminars, workshops, and continuing education programs.
  • Creativity Pods: Innovative workspaces designed for collaboration and brainstorming to foster creativity among REALTORS®.
  • State-of-the-Art Media Studio: Includes a dedicated podcast room and video production capabilities, allowing REALTORS® to create high-quality media content to enhance their digital presence.
  • ORRA Innovation Lab: A cutting-edge space where members can explore and test advancements in real estate technology, including artificial intelligence and metaverse applications.
  • Gym: A wellness facility for members and staff, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
  • Major Investor Lounge: An exclusive, tech-enabled space for REALTORS® who contribute at least $1,000 annually to RPAC. The lounge features facial recognition access, comfortable seating, a wet bar, and private amenities.

Each space has been strategically designed to create an environment that fosters learning, collaboration, and productivity.

“We are at the start of an exciting new century for real estate,” Long explained. “Technology and community are intersecting hugely, and our new building exemplifies the latest trends. When our members enter this new building, we want them to feel right at home, so they’re better able to serve Central Florida.”

Hundreds attend the grand opening of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association’s new headquarters on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. (Photo by Corey Williams / Florida National News)

The grand opening celebration offered an immersive experience for attendees with building tours, live entertainment, food and drinks, and giveaways. Attendees, including members and elected officials, were treated to a firsthand look at the cutting-edge technology and innovative spaces designed to elevate their careers and service to the community.

ORRA’s Impact on Central Florida Real Estate

ORRA’s new headquarters cements its position as the eighth-largest real estate trade association in the country, bringing with it increased opportunities for Central Florida REALTORS® to thrive in an ever-evolving market. The new space’s comprehensive facilities are a powerful resource for members to build their skills, expand their networks, and serve Central Florida’s growing housing needs.

___________________________________
J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

 

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Kia Center to Host Hiring Events: Join the Winning Team!

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Source: Kia Center
ORLANDO, FL — Kia Center, Central Florida’s premier sports and entertainment venue, previously announced their series of hiring events which started on September 30 and will continue on December 9, and January 21, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day. These events are designed to attract passionate individuals eager to provide legendary experiences for guests while supporting local sports teams and world-class performances. With a busy calendar featuring Orlando Magic basketball and Orlando Solar Bears hockey, the need for dynamic team members has never been greater.

Job seekers will have the opportunity to explore part-time roles in areas such as guest services, security, food and beverage, and cleaning services, with same-day on-site interviews available. Applicants are encouraged to bring resumes and two forms of identification. Additionally, those attending can apply for positions at nearby venues like Camping World Stadium and Tinker Field. As a bonus, attendees will have a chance to win complimentary tickets to upcoming events, including performances by Simone Biles and Justin Timberlake. For more information, visit KiaCenter.com.

______________________________________________________

Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News

kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

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