Shad Khan: City of Jacksonville needs to evolve!

[Cheshire Cat]

A few days ago Shad Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars uttered these words when speaking at the World Affairs Council luncheon.  "The city (Jacksonville) needs to evolve.  A homeless guy in Detroit has more Mojo than a millionaire in Jacksonville." He went on to say that"It's a source of pride to represent all of you and Jacksonville." The NFL franchise "like it or not", is the face of Jacksonville and will determine the atmosphere of the city business culture and climate."

In these few short sentences Khan made some very important things absolutely clear about our city and the roll he will play in our future.  I wonder how many really understood him?  He reminded us that our city needs to evolve.  He did not say grow, he said "evolve".  Completely agree Mr. Khan as I am sure most of Jacksonville's citizens do.  He then told us in so many words that the millionaire class in Jacksonville is lacking the needed enthusiasm, excitement and vision to help Jacksonville evolve.  I also fully agree.  His next statements told us exactly how he sees his roll in Jacksonville and how he feels about it.  He let it be known that "He is proud to represent Jacksonville."  Pay attention to those words because on a worldwide scale, Shad Khan is now the face of Jacksonville. He is the billionaire who brings the needed pizazz, street cred and business intellect to the Jacksonville pedigree.  It is not the local political players or our local government that will currently "brand" Jacksonville going forward. Jacksonville has already been branded by Mr. Khan.  He stated that the NFL will define the face of jacksonville and the atmosphere of the city business and climate.  So the fact is, while we discuss, wonder and suppose with regard to how to "brand" our city in order to evolve, it has already been done.  We are being branded a "NFL town".  There is no doubt that Khan is the major player on the Jacksonville landscape right now.  His power of finance and influence was also made clear when newly elected Mayor Alvin Brown decided he would test the resolve of Khan by sending a default letter to the team.  He was promptly slapped into place by Khan and the mayors next interactions would have him being shuttled about on the Jags private jet and lobbying for the Everbank Field scoreboard and video screen.  Khan is good, very good when it comes to business and how to maneuver through the weak leadership found in our local government.  Almost to  a person he had the city council on board with his plans and they readily voted to spend the millions to make those plans real.  Now that left many in Jacksonville, whose worries go beyond the success of a football team, aghast.  Those would be the folks worried about things like failing infrastructure, unkept city parks, mentally ill roaming the streets, homelessness, lack of jobs etc.   Khan made it quite clear that the scoreboard/video screen is part of the plan to turn the tables on the abysmal record of the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Folks, pay attention to what the man is saying.  Understand him and understand his motivations.  Knowing that will go a long way to figuring out the current landscape of power, business and development in Jacksonville.  Khan is a business man first and foremost.  He is very, very good at what he does.  When he purchased the Jags, his personal wealth topped two billion dollars, it has now grown to over four billion.  He is a pro of business and to my eye we should take his analysis of our local landscape and it's players very seriously. 

He went on to say that he is befuddled by the fact that Jacksonville is not doing better, especially taken in light of the reality that we have "young people" whom he called the DNA, the juice that everybody craves. He worked to support that juice via One Spark by investing in a big way and combining the investments of private venture capital investment firms and partners to "offer" 3.25 million in investment opportunities for program/product development.  While lauding the success of One Spark, he said the momentum was simply one step in a 1,000 mile journey.  Well who is going to argue that point?  Not those of us who have been trudging along for years on the 1,000 mile journey. Perhaps Khan could give the rest of us a lift on that journey.

Sure Khan is befuddled as are many of Jacksonville's citizens as to why given our natural assets including the "juice" of young folk we are still running in place. He is new here and has already stated that during the first two seasons he has owned the team, he has been unimpressed by the lack of change in Jacksonville. The truth is that there are many layers of malaise that keep Jacksonville stuck in the mud as it were. 

I am going to run a bit with one of Khan's points.  A point I fully agree with.  "A homeless guy in Detroit has more mojo than a millionaire in Jacksonville.  Bang on statement Mr. Khan and it's time for those in Jacksonville who have followed the same mojo-less millionaires to open their eyes.  Most of the previously mentioned millionaires are to be found in or attached to the "nifty fifty" or "the Civic Council", founded by millionaire Peter Rummell. A group that has long held the reigns of our city at many levels.  Khan went on to wonder why given our natural DNA of young people that we have not found the mojo to go forward.  Well Mr. Khan I believe you already know the answer, but let me make it a bit more clear if I may.  Jacksonville's culture has been one driven by a GOB system in politics and in private industry since it's origins.  Our politicians are financed by the same old private industry players and as such our political will/system reflects the long standing conservative views and values of Jacksonville that in a modern landscape is doing nothing for us.  Now when a young idea driven by young folk comes to light, like One Spark, it is readily co-opted by one or more old guard conservatives.  Rather than allow an idea or community to grow from the ideas of youth, those ideas are purchased and re-packed with the identity of a member of the stale old guard, while the young guy who gave it the juice goes global.  Now Mr Khan, you should also know that the malaise of Jacksonville's conservative past and it's leadership is so pervasive that even many of those we thought were the planners of our future have fallen under the spell of Jacksonville's mojo lacking millionaires.  That is also a fact that when pointed out often leads to vigorous denials.

Khan is right in his understanding of how powerful a force football is in Jacksonville and his presence here will do us much good.  Khan understands that a stronger Jacksonville means a stronger platform for his own business interests.  So, Mr. Khan, when you speak as the face of Jacksonville, please remember that all of the people of Jacksonville are depending upon you. When you do use finances to direct politics, please make that influence about more than football.    Perhaps you could work on recruiting a young man or woman to groom for city leadership and then give them the financial support they need to not only get elected but the wisdom to surround themselves with an administration that not only has surface mojo but the leadership/business qualities to carry Jacksonville forward.  This is something to consider Mr. Khan if you want to help Jacksonville evolve. 

I am going to take you at your word Mr Khan when you say you and the team are staying in Jacksonville but am also asking you to help build our desired future and do so by shuffling the political deck and putting the cards of effective leadership combined with youth and vigor at the top of the deck.  We don't want more $400 million courthouse projects as our legacy of young leadership, at least to my view we don't.  I am guessing Mr. Khan you might agree. 

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2014-04-22/story/city-needs-evolve-jaguars-owner-shad-khan-says-homeless-guy-detroit-has

[tufsu1]

A few days ago Shad Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars uttered these words when speaking at the World Affairs Council luncheon.  "The city (Jacksonville) needs to evolve.  A homeless guy in Detroit has more Mojo than a millionaire in Jacksonville."

sarcastically I might respond to that Jacksonville had MOJO, and Mr. Khan pretty much let him walk right out of town.

On a serious note Diane, do you know who Mr. Khan is supporting so far in next year's mayoral race?

[Cheshire Cat]

A few days ago Shad Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars uttered these words when speaking at the World Affairs Council luncheon.  "The city (Jacksonville) needs to evolve.  A homeless guy in Detroit has more Mojo than a millionaire in Jacksonville."

sarcastically I might respond to that Jacksonville had MOJO, and Mr. Khan pretty much let him walk right out of town.

On a serious note Diane, do you know who Mr. Khan is supporting so far in next year's mayoral race?

My take on Mr. Khan is that when he bought the Jags, it was to fulfill a personal dream he had of owning and NFL team.  He imagined that it would be like many other of his personal investments that he would more or less apply his business prowess too and take something not so hot and make it great.  He never imagined that he would also be expected to become such a public face in Jacksonville nor did he realize how very interested people would be in him and his plans for the team. Literally up in his business.  The original owners, the Weavers are wonderful people who engaged the people of Jacksonville not only as fans but far beyond that.  They have given millions upon millions to charities, hospitals and social needs.  They set a president for a team owner to be fully involved in the community beyond just football.  Initially I do believe that Khan was both surprised and a bit bewildered by the expectations on the part of Jacksonville's citizens upon him along with being dismayed by it's lack luster leadership both elected and non elected.  I believe  he could care less about politics in general or who is mayor as long as that person will be someone who supports the Jags team and supports it to the point that while in leadership they will do all they can to work with Khan and see that he gets the needed support for the team and stadium.  As it stands, he gave Alvin Brown an initial amount of $500.00 when he opened his campaign account.  The message to Brown was clear.  You need to do more.  Once the deal was sealed for the scoreboard/video screen and before any real challenge to Brown was on board, Khan rewarded Brown with a campaign donation of 50K.  Khan is a brilliant business man, there is not doubt about it.  I do believe that if Brown becomes more and more weak in the eyes of the public, especially after the verbal whipping he took from Peter Rummell and another candidate starts to gain major momentum, Khan will likely also give them a donation of 50k to hedge his political bets, especially if he feels like the rising candidate is a sharper businessman than Brown as well as being someone he can work with.  If that were to be Bill Bishop, I don't think Mr. Khan would be opposed to his election because Bishop fully supports him and his agenda.  We don't know officially until he declares what Curry's views on Khan or the team are, but Curry is smart enough to know the city needs Khan and the team.  My take is that Khan is not a political animal at all but I also think given his bold personality and views on getting things done he might move into the political arena to some degree in order to have Jacksonville evolve.  Lastly, I think in the two seasons with the Jags and considering his time spent in Jacksonville, Khan really likes our city a lot and as a man with vision he wanted to seize all the local potential for his own business needs initially perhaps, but now for the prosperity/evolution of Jacksonville. I cannot imagine his sitting by while the local non mojo millionaires do nothing.  I don't think he would blin an eye if Brown lost and is likely not worried about who the next mayor is as long as he sees a working relationship with that mayor.  So the short answer is, a campaign donation of size has been made to Brown, because Brown got the things Khan wanted done.  But I would not expect Khan to endorse Brown beyond his donation.  He is a wise man and a wise man keeps all of his options open. I don't see him openly endorsing anyone for the office of mayor.

Just to further explain the local politics.  Brown received Rummells support last elections because Brown was someone Rummell though he could work with as Brown was amicable to Rummells agenda.   Brown however made some promises that he was unable to keep.  The big one being the creation of and full funding of the DIA.  He failed miserably at that and as a result, Rummell showed him to the door marked "exit".

[edjax]

I am sure he will donate in a similar manner to the GOP candidate.  No different than when Delores Weaver donated to The Brown Campaign and Wayne donated to the GOP candidate last time around. 

[mtraininjax]

He stated that the NFL will define the face of jacksonville and the atmosphere of the city business and climate.

Good luck, we had a Super Bowl here and looking around, you'd be hard pressed to see any resemblance that the event was held in Jacksonville. Khan loves Jacksonville SOOOOOO much, he moved one of our home games overseas, all to benefit the citizens of Jacksonville.........yeah right!

Khan/Brown, they use each other for their own benefits. I don't see anything more or less.

Long live the Weavers, who have done more for Jacksonville than anyone I have ever met in our great city. They are fantastic people!

[downtownbrown]

Shad's comments sound pretty dire to me.  I don't think he could be more plain: Show me a reason to stay, Jacksonville.  That guy could own this city.  If he develops the Shipyards, as he said he will, he'll change this place forever.  If he doesn't (and no one else does either), we go backwards in a big way.

[pierre]

He stated that the NFL will define the face of jacksonville and the atmosphere of the city business and climate.

Good luck, we had a Super Bowl here and looking around, you'd be hard pressed to see any resemblance that the event was held in Jacksonville. Khan loves Jacksonville SOOOOOO much, he moved one of our home games overseas, all to benefit the citizens of Jacksonville.........yeah right!

Khan/Brown, they use each other for their own benefits. I don't see anything more or less.

Long live the Weavers, who have done more for Jacksonville than anyone I have ever met in our great city. They are fantastic people!

The Weavers are great people. They are friendly, down to earth and have given so much to the community.

Having said that, Weaver allowed the Jaguars franchise to be run into the ground. From a football standpoint, he has a poor track record of hiring the right people after his initial hire of Tom Coughlin. He was way too loyal to Jack Del Rio and kept him around mediocre season after mediocre season. Firing Shack Harris was the right move but to just simply promote Gene Smith was uninspiring at best. And then to give Smith an extension in 2011 was a joke. Just awful.

And from a business standpoint, he was way to involved with the day to day operations of the team. Khan did the smart thing and hired Mark Lamping to run the franchise. The difference in the operations of the franchise now versus when Khan bought the team is night and day.

I understand why you probably don't like the team playing a game in London. I don't like it either. But for team revenue, it is a necessary evil. And numbers have shown the team's international awareness has skyrocketed since playing the one game last year. And it remains to be seen if the team will continue playing games overseas after 2016.

[duvaldude08]

He stated that the NFL will define the face of jacksonville and the atmosphere of the city business and climate.

Good luck, we had a Super Bowl here and looking around, you'd be hard pressed to see any resemblance that the event was held in Jacksonville. Khan loves Jacksonville SOOOOOO much, he moved one of our home games overseas, all to benefit the citizens of Jacksonville.........yeah right!

Khan/Brown, they use each other for their own benefits. I don't see anything more or less.

Long live the Weavers, who have done more for Jacksonville than anyone I have ever met in our great city. They are fantastic people!

The Weavers are great people. They are friendly, down to earth and have given so much to the community.

Having said that, Weaver allowed the Jaguars franchise to be run into the ground. From a football standpoint, he has a poor track record of hiring the right people after his initial hire of Tom Coughlin. He was way too loyal to Jack Del Rio and kept him around mediocre season after mediocre season. Firing Shack Harris was the right move but to just simply promote Gene Smith was uninspiring at best. And then to give Smith an extension in 2011 was a joke. Just awful.

And from a business standpoint, he was way to involved with the day to day operations of the team. Khan did the smart thing and hired Mark Lamping to run the franchise. The difference in the operations of the franchise now versus when Khan bought the team is night and day.

I understand why you probably don't like the team playing a game in London. I don't like it either. But for team revenue, it is a necessary evil. And numbers have shown the team's international awareness has skyrocketed since playing the one game last year. And it remains to be seen if the team will continue playing games overseas after 2016.

Couldnt Agree more. Ive made the same statements before and people thought I was bashing WW. But Khan and WW are just two different business men. Khan belive in maximizing the team and city exposure via the NFL. Thats part of doing the London games. The revenue were getting from the games is somewhat of a place holder. He knows they are not in the place to raise ticket prices here anytime soon, so were playing the game overseas to boost our revenue in the meantime. At the end of the day, Khan has nothing put good intentions for the Jags and the City, and I think he's shown that over and over again. Khan is just very blunt. So when he stated Jax needs to evovle, hes saying what everyone else is thinking.

[ProjectMaximus]

1) The Weavers are amazing for this city, this community, and elsewhere as well.
2) Shad Khan has been terrific so far and the future looks incredibly bright if both he and the city continue to do their share in this partnership.
3) The Weavers should get tons of credit for selling the team to Khan. For finding the right guy, working out the deal, and transitioning at the right time.

[downtownbrown]

Totally agree.  I just wish Khan would move forward on the Shipyards instead of just teasing it.

[pierre]

1) The Weavers are amazing for this city, this community, and elsewhere as well.
2) Shad Khan has been terrific so far and the future looks incredibly bright if both he and the city continue to do their share in this partnership.
3) The Weavers should get tons of credit for selling the team to Khan. For finding the right guy, working out the deal, and transitioning at the right time.

Definitely. Weaver could have easily sold the franchise to the highest bidder and made 100's of millions more than what he got from Khan. But he wanted someone that could make somewhat of a committment to Jacksonville. Khan has.

[duvaldude08]

Totally agree.  I just wish Khan would move forward on the Shipyards instead of just teasing it.

He is actually in talks with a developer right now about a plan for the site... I guess we will hear something soon.

[Stephen]

I just hope the City and the Good Old Boys don't stand in Khan's way...I met him recently and I was very impressed by his passion and his vision for the future....I am hopeful but all we need are the people like those in RAP or We Love Avondale to bring ants to the picnic.....Aim High should be the new motto of Jacksonville

[simms3]

The Weavers sold the team along with several other minority owners, several of whom have also done lots of good for the city and are connected.

The Jags is the single biggest "force" in the city.  My only concern is that it soaks up a lot of the resources to drive that force.  Khan may be a "billionaire" (who has a lot of his personal balance sheet consumed by the Jags), but it takes a number of these guys being proactive to really make a difference.

If we were to list out the 10 people in Jacksonville who we think are making the biggest difference, it would likely become apparent that ~6-8/10 of them are/were connected to the Jags in some way.  Is Rob Clements, CEO of Everbank, on the list?  Perhaps.  He received incentives to put mid-level staffers in Everbank Tower, which we all praised, however he also bought naming rights to the stadium and has played a role in that.  Everything comes back to the Jags in some way.

While I think the Jaguars is easily the most important thing for the city right now, in a smaller city with clearly limited resources, it [the NFL franchise] is a resource hog.

To me, Shad Khan is a non-local guy who is being tossed up as a knight in shining armor to rescue a city that he has a financial commitment to.  I'm wary that we are putting too much faith in one man who was not even born here and has in fact been a part of Jax for only a couple of years.  This is not usually how it works - usually the real hometown hero does more for a city than a mere outsider who happens to own a sports team there.  I think we should all use caution before worshiping the man.

[Cheshire Cat]

I just hope the City and the Good Old Boys don't stand in Khan's way...I met him recently and I was very impressed by his passion and his vision for the future....I am hopeful but all we need are the people like those in RAP or We Love Avondale to bring ants to the picnic.....Aim High should be the new motto of Jacksonville

Khan will roll right over those who stand in his way and we should hope he does.  He may finally be the one to give Jacksonville leadership the long needed kick in the pants to "evolve".