This week’s Ponte Vedran of the Week probably doesn’t need an introduction to our area entrepreneurs. If you are in the business world, chances are you’ve run an idea by Jim, asked him for advice or maybe even an investment. Hard-working, generous and sharp, Jim is a great guy to know. When not advising people, you can find him training for a marathon or a triathlon, or maybe hitting the sticks. Love his answer to the Ponte Vedra mascot. I believe he’s unknowingly suggesting a mosquito! Folks, meet Jim!
Name: Jim Philip
Occupation: Investment Banker
Where I grew up: We moved all over the U.S when I was a kid, so I have been lucky enough to live in all sections of the country.
A Ponte Vedran since: 2002
Other Places I have lived? New York, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Miami, Memphis, Nashville, Chicago — all great places!
My favorite thing about Ponte Vedra: It is a great place to raise a family.
My least favorite thing about Ponte Vedra: Trying to run in the heat and humidity in the summer.
In my spare time I like to? Spend time with my wife and kids; I also enjoy running, mountain biking and golfing.
Ponte Vedrans you most admire: My parents — they always set a great example for my sister, brother and me. I feel lucky to have them here in Ponte Vedra.
My favorite time in Ponte Vedra: The entire month of April – the weather is perfect.
Dream Vacation other than Ponte Vedra? I really enjoy vacations centered around physical adventures such as a unique trail marathon or cycling in the mountains. I have wanted to run the Reykjavik Marathon for years — maybe I will get to it next year.
If you could invite anyone over to dinner – 2 Ponte Vedrans and one famous person – who would you invite? I would have really liked to spend some time with Steve Jobs when he was alive. I have tremendous respect for his ability to make complex things simple enough for everyone to use. Of course, I would invite my father to join us for dinner since he is a dedicated Microsoft user — if Steve could have convinced him to switch to Mac, I’d be pretty impressed.
Last time you went to the beach: This morning for a run
Last time you saw live music: At the Furyk & Friends charity golf event in April — it was outstanding!
Favorite Ponte Vedra organization: The Donna Foundation – I have tremendous respect for the work they are doing to end breast cancer.
Favorite Ponte Vedra restaurant (or area): Palm Valley Fish Camp
Favorite place for a cocktail: On my back porch with my family and good friends
Favorite way to get exercise here: Running the trails behind the TPC golf course
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans — great social message mixed with “edge-of seat” entertainment.
Favorite TV show: Silicon Valley — it reminds me of my years in San Francisco during the .com boom — great fun. It is also laugh-out-loud funny.
Favorite book: The Boys In The Boat — I couldn’t put it down.
Favorite band or music: Darius Rucker — best music for a long run or for a cocktail by the pool.
Suggestion for a Ponte Vedra mascot? Anything that likes, water, heat, humidity and golf — I am not sure that combination exists.
Anything else our readers need to know? It has been a lot of fun watching Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville grow over the past 13 years. Through my work, I am fortunate to get to see many of the innovative companies sprouting up in the area. Based on what I see every day, I expect North Florida to be an even better place to live over the next 13 years.
