In this episode of On Target, host Rosanna Catalano sits down with John Crossman—speaker, consultant, bestselling author, real estate expert, and Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman Board of Trustee member—for a wide-ranging conversation about service, success, and creating lasting impact.
John shares the inspiring story of his father, Reverend Ken Crossman, a civil rights leader dubbed the "bridge builder" by the Sun-Sentinel in 1970 for his work bringing communities together.
Decades later, John and a dedicated team—including the attorneys at Gunster—worked to honor that legacy by naming an actual bridge in Central Florida after his father, a powerful symbol during a time of national division.
From growing up as a pastor's kid with limited resources to overcoming dyslexia and building a successful career in commercial real estate, John opens up about his journey and what drives his commitment to giving back.
He discusses his pioneering efforts to bring real estate education to historically black colleges and universities, including endowing scholarships at FAMU, Bethune Cookman, and Jackson State, as well as creating opportunities for Hispanic students at Valencia College.
The conversation turns to the state of higher education in Florida, where John offers candid insights on what the Sunshine State is doing right—and where there's room to grow. He emphasizes the importance of practical skills, financial literacy, and emotional resilience alongside academic achievement, and champions the unique strengths of Florida's diverse university system.
John also discusses his book, "Career Killers, Career Builders: The book every Millennial needs to read", a guide for young professionals navigating the pressures of high achievement, and shares his passion for mental health awareness and suicide prevention resources.
In This Episode:
-The story behind the Reverend Ken Crossman Bridge
-Overcoming dyslexia and finding success in real estate
-Creating real estate scholarships at HBCUs and beyond
-What makes Florida's higher education system stand out
-Preparing students for life beyond the classroom
-Mental health, resilience, and resources for young professionals
-John's book: "Career Killers, Career Builders: The book every Millennial needs to read."
Resources Mentioned:
John Crossman's website: crossmancb.com
"Career Killers, Career Builders: The book every Millennial needs to read" (available on Amazon, Target, and major booksellers)
About Arrow Group: Arrow Group is a full-service government affairs firm with offices across Florida's key markets. Their team of former state government leaders, policy experts, and industry veterans delivers customized strategies and measurable outcomes for businesses, organizations, and causes.
🔗 Learn more: https://arrowgroup.gunster.com/
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