Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Render.
Hi Jesse, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Winter Park and attended Winter Park High School. Growing up, I was a devoted Gator fan, which naturally led me to attend the University of Florida, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master’s degree in International Business.
After graduating, I spent my first few years in financial services in Jacksonville as a financial advisor with Equitable. My work focused on holistic financial planning, with a particular emphasis on retirement benefits and insurance and risk management. Much of my time was spent working with public school teachers, helping them prepare for retirement and build long-term financial security. This role was especially meaningful to me, as it allowed me to support individuals who dedicate their careers to serving others. I also valued the opportunity because it gave me the expertise to assist friends, family members, and even the small private school I attended from kindergarten through eighth grade, with their financial planning needs. Investing had long been a personal interest of mine—I began investing in the stock market at age 13—so the work felt like a natural fit.
After a few years in financial services, I decided to return to the University of Florida to pursue a PhD in Strategic Management in Gainesville. I am currently halfway through the program and recently began teaching undergraduate students, which has been an especially rewarding experience given that I was in their position not so long ago.
During my time in undergrad, my brother and I co-founded a local business: Render Brothers LLC, a Winter Park–based real estate firm that we continue to own and operate today. The company manages multiple residential properties and holds minority stakes in commercial properties. My role focuses on the firm’s financial operations, including maintaining financial records, managing tax and legal requirements, and ensuring the company remains profitable and financially sound.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would not necessarily say that the road has been easy, but I do find solace and comfort knowing that I have done, and continue to do, what I enjoy. Financial planning and my current PhD program were and are a perfect fit for me, partly because I do well in explaining and teaching abstract concepts. A lot of my time in financial advising involved explaining the rationale behind financial decisions, not simply executing on them. Making financial decisions can be extremely discomforting, especially for people who do not have the acumen or experience in the space.
In my current role as a PhD student and instructor, I am able to take those same teaching skills and apply them in the classroom. Growing up, I always had an opinion on the best way to execute and get things done, especially when it came to teaching and learning. Now, I have the ability to put those ideas into practice and refine my own approach in real time.
With that said, learning new roles and skills is not easy. There can be a lot of uncertainty along the way, including imposter syndrome, where you are not sure if you are the right person for the job. Being with, and having access to, fantastic mentors and advisors has made a real difference in building both confidence and acumen.
Regarding Render Brothers LLC, when we first started that business, I had no idea what I was doing. I had never owned property, let alone managed and operated a firm. That experience forced me to learn quickly and adapt on the fly. If I could offer advice to new business owners, I would say: never let pride get in the way. It is okay to ask for help from others, and doing so can be critical to your growth and success.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I spend most of my time teaching and conducting research in strategic management. Strategic management, in a nutshell, focuses on how organizations create and sustain advantage in competitive environments. The field is intentionally broad, covering topics such as corporate strategy, competitive dynamics, organizational design, sustainability, and human behavior, to name a few. The material is especially important in the modern business world, where competition is increasingly intense and fast-moving. My current research projects include organizational attractiveness for workers, firm disclosure practices, interpersonal dynamics, and corporate political activity.
What are you most proud of; what sets you apart?
I would say I am most proud of my diversified interests and skill sets. I tend to have a lot of “irons in the fire,” both professionally and personally, and I enjoy learning in different domains which allow me to connect ideas in useful ways. Personally, I love playing basketball, the drums, and board games, and I value spending time with my friends and my very adorable cat. I am also building a fantasy sports app with some friends, which we hope can eventually offer a fresh and more engaging experience for fantasy sports fans.
In terms of what sets me apart from others, resilience and determination have been consistent themes in my life. Life can be demanding, disorienting, and uncomfortable, and it often pulls you in many directions at once. Even in those moments, I try to keep my head down, do the work, and stay focused on long-term growth rather than short-term setbacks.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I would say start with the people you know in your immediate network. Over time, it has become clear to me that who you build relationships with can strongly shape your future opportunities and success. People know people, and your immediate network, such as friends, family, colleagues, and even friends of friends, can often help guide you and connect you with others. Some of my best mentors came through personal connections. In professional settings, it helps to show that you genuinely want to grow—potential advisors or mentors value curiosity and a willingness to learn.
What has really helped me develop relationships with my advisors, past and present, is trying to connect with them on a personal level, not just a professional one. At the end of the day, we are all beings of the same species on the same planet trying to find our way, and approaching those relationships with humility and authenticity goes a long way.
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