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[00:00]
Jorge Mora
Indiana University is shaping the future of health care. Advancing discoveries that become treatments for Alzheimer's, obesity and cancer. And training the providers trusted to deliver them. See how IU solves. What's next iu. Edu Impact.
[00:18]
Shaquille O'Neal
Bloomberg Audio Studios Podcasts Radio news.
[00:24]
Romain
While he's a 15 time NBA All Star, a philanthropist, and now Shaquille O' Neal is stepping into the infrastructure space. The NBA legend is joining Jack Mel Infrastructure as a founding partner. Earlier today, Romain spoke with Jorge Mora, co managing partner at jackmill Partners and Shack, about why this new venture is personal.
[00:45]
Shaquille O'Neal
Well, you know, there's a tremendous need in the US for better infrastructure. You know, you see the roads, you see the airports, your train stations, and I want to help make that change. And, you know, Jack Mel is the partner that can help me do that. You know, when I met Jorge and Nick, you know, they approached me and, you know, we kind of have the same values. I like to invest my time and money where I can make a difference in people's lives and have a positive, positive impact on the community. So, no, I thought it was the right thing to do because I live in a town where we need, we definitely need better infrastructure. So if I could, you know, partner with a company like Jack Mail, I'll do it every time.
[01:24]
Interviewer (possibly Bloomberg host)
And a lot of cities, of course, across the US Shaquille, are in that same position. I mean, one of the deals that, that the infrastructure project had been involved in was, of course, the redesign, redevelopment, if you will, of LaGuardia Airport in New York. And Shaq, I mean, as somebody who spent, you know, 19, 20 years in the NBA, I'm sure you've been to pretty much every airport in the United States and beyond. When you look at the infrastructure in the transportation space, what does it say to you?
[01:50]
Shaquille O'Neal
But it says that, you know, whoever has the contract is doing a great job. And I know the work that Jack Mel does, and my hometown is north and part of the airport has already been redone. You know, I would definitely love to be involved in, you know, the expansion of that one. But, you know, as long as we have companies like Jack Mel doing their thing and, you know, bringing, bringing what they bring to the table, it's beautiful. So what they did with, you know, LaGuardia is definitely why I wanted to, to be their teammates. You know, every, every time I win a championship, it's because I have great teammates. You know, one with Colby, I'm winning in a broadcast with your best friend, Charles Barkley. So I want to also win a Championship in the infrastructure space.
[02:33]
Interviewer (possibly Bloomberg host)
So I am curious that with regards to the projects going on through the investment infrastructure fund, I mentioned, of course, what went on in LaGuardia, also a big project at JFK Hartsfield down in Atlanta. Is your focus going to primarily be in, I guess, the aviation space or are you looking to do something more broadly?
[02:53]
Jorge Mora
We're going to be looking at other spaces. I mean, the, the, the transportation space in particular is one of our core focuses. And we also recently did an investment into the energy space. Unfortunately, we can't disclose it, but it was a large, almost $100 million investment. And then we're also going to look at digital. What we try to do is we try to pair the, the competencies that we have in house with the different sectors we're investing in in the digital space. We happen to have a senior advisor who has done an enormous amount of investing in digital for the last 25 years. And in transportation, we happen to own a design engineering firm that has worked in close to 100 airports in the US and so we're trying to stick to, to what we know where we can bring some added value. And then by having Shaquille as one of our founding partners, we can really focus on the community engagement into those big projects. We mentioned what a couple of times if, if you've flown in or out of LaGuardia, you can see that there is all these local businesses that are in the terminal, restaurants, etc. And it also has the impact on the, on the employment in the community. So our, our value add is that we're going to try to bring that organic and more natural connectivity that a group like Jack Mel can bring to a project like that when partnering with large infrastructure investors, either strategic or financial.
[04:18]
Interviewer (possibly Bloomberg host)
Well, expand on that a little bit because, I mean, as someone who goes through LaGuardia almost every other week, it's very obvious that there is an intent with that redesign to highlight local businesses. And I am curious as to what that conversation looks like. Jorge, are you, are you talking with the airport authority or are you talking with just the local government leaders? What is that conversation?
[04:40]
Jorge Mora
It's a, it's a combination of all of that, right? It's understanding which businesses in the local community we will run bring in. What also what investors from the local community we would like to group into our investment group to, to just tie to the community to make sure that their needs are being listened to. So in any new project, for example, new work has been talked about. It hasn't been announced yet. Hopefully it be in the next few months or year when that happens. Having Shaquille as our partner, having the fact that he grew up there, I think will will give an edge to any group that we work with and in delivering that community and engaging with them properly.
[05:24]
Interviewer (possibly Bloomberg host)
Maybe, Shaquille, you can talk just a little bit about Newark and your connections there. Obviously you are raised there and you've been a big investor there long prior to this deal with Jackmo.
[05:34]
Shaquille O'Neal
You know, when I met with Jorge, I told him I wanted the business that's going to have positive impact on local community. Born and raised in north, flew in and out of the Newark airport many times and, you know, would love to be a part of this, you know, project, you know, you know, goes with legacy of a kid who was a meeting of juvenile delinquent. Now he's partnered with a company like Jack Metal and we're redoing the airport. You know, we're making the airport better. So, you know, this would be big if we could land that deal. But again, when I met with Nick and Ore, I told him, I said, I want to have positive impact on local community. That's all we want to do. We want to, you know, help create jobs. You know, just whatever it does to make the community better, that's definitely that I want to be a part of.
[06:19]
Interviewer (possibly Bloomberg host)
Do you have any ambitions for having more deeper ownership in the sports world in terms of sports franchises?
[06:27]
Shaquille O'Neal
Actually, no. I've always been the. I can remember when I was taking my business marketing class, professor gave me a book on the side. He said it was the dummies guide of starting your own business. And my favorite chapter was joint ventureship, because I realized that in order to be a great leader, you have to have people that are smarter than you as teammates. So I applied basketball to business, and I was like, you know what? I need to get guys that are better in whatever space I'm trying to invest in than I imagine me trying to run the five guys by myself. Imagine me, you know, trying to run Reebok by myself. Imagine me trying to do this infrastructure by myself. So you have to get great teammates. I mentioned this earlier. I won championships with Kobe Bryant, D. Wade. I'm winning with Ernie, Kenny and Chuck. So, you know, when it comes to, you know, finding great partners, Jorge and Nick are the best in this business and we will definitely win.
[07:23]
Akshat Ratty
There are two kinds of people in the world. People who think about climate change, people who. And people who are doing something about it. On the Zero podcast, we talk to both kinds of people, people you've heard of, like Bill Gates.
[07:34]
Interviewer (possibly Bloomberg host)
I'm looking at what the world has to do to get to Zero, not using climate as a moral crusade and.
[07:41]
Akshat Ratty
The creative minds you haven't heard of yet. It is serious stuff, but never doom and gloom. I am Akshat Ratty. Listen to Zero every Thursday from Bloomberg Podcasts, on Apple, Spotify or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Summary4 min read

Summary of "Bloomberg Talks"

Episode: Former NBA Superstar Shaquille O'Neal Talks New Deal in Infrastructure
Date: October 8, 2025
Host: Bloomberg News (multiple speakers/interviewers)
Guests:

Shaquille O’Neal (NBA legend, philanthropist, partner at Jack Mel Infrastructure)
Jorge Mora (Co-Managing Partner, Jack Mel Partners)

Episode Overview

This episode explores NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal’s new partnership with Jack Mel Infrastructure, marking his entry into the infrastructure investment space. The conversation delves into Shaq's personal motivations, the kinds of projects Jack Mel targets, the importance of community engagement in infrastructure redevelopment, and Shaq’s continued commitment to giving back, especially in his hometown of Newark.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Shaquille O’Neal’s Motivation for Joining Infrastructure

Shaq’s desire to truly impact communities is central to his involvement.
He stresses the urgent need for better infrastructure across the U.S.—roads, airports, train stations—from a lived perspective.
- Notable quote:
  
  "I like to invest my time and money where I can make a difference in people's lives and have a positive, positive impact on the community. ... I live in a town where we need, we definitely need better infrastructure."
  — Shaquille O'Neal [00:44]
Jack Mel’s track record and aligned values made the partnership a “no-brainer” for Shaq.

2. The Power of Teamwork and Partnerships

Shaq draws parallels between sports and business, emphasizing great teammates as a foundation for winning—now extending that approach to infrastructure.
- Notable quote:
  
  "Every time I win a championship, it’s because I have great teammates... So I want to also win a championship in the infrastructure space."
  — Shaquille O’Neal [01:50]
He explains his philosophy using examples from his NBA and business career, highlighting joint ventures and picking strong partners in respective fields.

3. Notable Infrastructure Projects (LaGuardia, JFK, Newark)

Jack Mel Infrastructure’s prior and ongoing work includes LaGuardia Airport’s successful redevelopment and investments in other major aviation hubs, like JFK and Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson.
Focus is primarily on transportation but increasingly includes energy and digital infrastructure.
- Jorge Mora mentions a notable recent near $100 million investment in the energy sector.
  - Notable quote:
    
    “We also recently did an investment into the energy space. ... And then we’re also going to look at digital.”
    — Jorge Mora [02:52]

4. Community Engagement & Local Impact

Jack Mel’s approach goes beyond construction—actively involving local businesses, hiring from the community, and staying close to community needs.
- At LaGuardia, local businesses and restaurants were intentionally included in redesigned terminals.
- Notable quote:
  
  "Our value add is that we're going to try to bring that organic and more natural connectivity that a group like Jack Mel can bring to a project... when partnering with large infrastructure investors."
  — Jorge Mora [03:53]
Shaq’s deep personal connection to Newark (his hometown) is a driving factor in his investment choices. He sees the potential Newark Airport project as a way to give back, uplift, and create jobs for locals.
- Notable quote:
  
  "Born and raised in [Newark], flew in and out of the Newark airport many times and, you know, would love to be a part of this... project, you know, you know, goes with legacy of a kid who was a meeting of juvenile delinquent. Now he's partnered with a company like Jack Mel..."
  — Shaquille O’Neal [05:34]

5. Ownership and Leadership Philosophy

Shaq makes it clear: he prefers joint ventures and partnerships over outright ownership, valuing expertise from others over solo control.
- He recounts advice from a college professor on joint ventureship, leading to his business success:
  
  "My favorite chapter was joint ventureship, because I realized that in order to be a great leader, you have to have people that are smarter than you as teammates... You have to get great teammates."
  — Shaquille O'Neal [06:27]

Memorable Quotes

“I want to help make that change... I thought it was the right thing to do because I live in a town where we need, we definitely need better infrastructure.”
— Shaquille O’Neal [00:44]
“Every time I win a championship, it's because I have great teammates.”
— Shaquille O’Neal [01:50]
“Our value add is that we're going to try to bring that organic and more natural connectivity... when partnering with large infrastructure investors.”
— Jorge Mora [03:53]
“Born and raised in [Newark], flew in and out of the Newark airport many times and, you know, would love to be a part of this... goes with legacy of a kid who was a meeting of juvenile delinquent.”
— Shaquille O’Neal [05:34]
“In order to be a great leader, you have to have people that are smarter than you as teammates.”
— Shaquille O’Neal [06:27]

Timestamps for Key Segments

00:44 Shaq’s Motivation & Philosophy: Impact, community focus, why infrastructure matters to him.
01:50 Teamwork Parallel: Importance of great partners in winning—on the court and in business.
02:52 Jorge Mora on Investments: Diving into Jack Mel’s sector activity—transportation, energy, digital.
03:53 Community Engagement: Local employment and business inclusion in airport redesigns.
05:34 Shaq's Connection to Newark: Personal story, goals for the Newark project.
06:27 Shaq on Ownership: Philosophy on joint ventureship, leadership, and success.

Conclusion

In this episode, Shaquille O’Neal shares his vision for making a tangible difference in infrastructure alongside Jack Mel Partners, placing strong emphasis on teamwork, partnership, and local impact. With projects like LaGuardia and eyes on Newark, the initiative is not just about building physical structures but uplifting communities. Shaq’s authentic, collaborative approach draws directly from his sports career, reframing business as a team sport—one where legacies are built not alone, but together.

Loading summary

Transcript17 lines

[00:00]
Jorge Mora
Indiana University is shaping the future of health care. Advancing discoveries that become treatments for Alzheimer's, obesity and cancer. And training the providers trusted to deliver them. See how IU solves. What's next iu. Edu Impact.
[00:18]
Shaquille O'Neal
Bloomberg Audio Studios Podcasts Radio news.
[00:24]
Romain
While he's a 15 time NBA All Star, a philanthropist, and now Shaquille O' Neal is stepping into the infrastructure space. The NBA legend is joining Jack Mel Infrastructure as a founding partner. Earlier today, Romain spoke with Jorge Mora, co managing partner at jackmill Partners and Shack, about why this new venture is personal.
[00:45]
Shaquille O'Neal
Well, you know, there's a tremendous need in the US for better infrastructure. You know, you see the roads, you see the airports, your train stations, and I want to help make that change. And, you know, Jack Mel is the partner that can help me do that. You know, when I met Jorge and Nick, you know, they approached me and, you know, we kind of have the same values. I like to invest my time and money where I can make a difference in people's lives and have a positive, positive impact on the community. So, no, I thought it was the right thing to do because I live in a town where we need, we definitely need better infrastructure. So if I could, you know, partner with a company like Jack Mail, I'll do it every time.
[01:24]
Interviewer (possibly Bloomberg host)
And a lot of cities, of course, across the US Shaquille, are in that same position. I mean, one of the deals that, that the infrastructure project had been involved in was, of course, the redesign, redevelopment, if you will, of LaGuardia Airport in New York. And Shaq, I mean, as somebody who spent, you know, 19, 20 years in the NBA, I'm sure you've been to pretty much every airport in the United States and beyond. When you look at the infrastructure in the transportation space, what does it say to you?
[01:50]
Shaquille O'Neal
But it says that, you know, whoever has the contract is doing a great job. And I know the work that Jack Mel does, and my hometown is north and part of the airport has already been redone. You know, I would definitely love to be involved in, you know, the expansion of that one. But, you know, as long as we have companies like Jack Mel doing their thing and, you know, bringing, bringing what they bring to the table, it's beautiful. So what they did with, you know, LaGuardia is definitely why I wanted to, to be their teammates. You know, every, every time I win a championship, it's because I have great teammates. You know, one with Colby, I'm winning in a broadcast with your best friend, Charles Barkley. So I want to also win a Championship in the infrastructure space.
[02:33]
Interviewer (possibly Bloomberg host)
So I am curious that with regards to the projects going on through the investment infrastructure fund, I mentioned, of course, what went on in LaGuardia, also a big project at JFK Hartsfield down in Atlanta. Is your focus going to primarily be in, I guess, the aviation space or are you looking to do something more broadly?
[02:53]
Jorge Mora
We're going to be looking at other spaces. I mean, the, the, the transportation space in particular is one of our core focuses. And we also recently did an investment into the energy space. Unfortunately, we can't disclose it, but it was a large, almost $100 million investment. And then we're also going to look at digital. What we try to do is we try to pair the, the competencies that we have in house with the different sectors we're investing in in the digital space. We happen to have a senior advisor who has done an enormous amount of investing in digital for the last 25 years. And in transportation, we happen to own a design engineering firm that has worked in close to 100 airports in the US and so we're trying to stick to, to what we know where we can bring some added value. And then by having Shaquille as one of our founding partners, we can really focus on the community engagement into those big projects. We mentioned what a couple of times if, if you've flown in or out of LaGuardia, you can see that there is all these local businesses that are in the terminal, restaurants, etc. And it also has the impact on the, on the employment in the community. So our, our value add is that we're going to try to bring that organic and more natural connectivity that a group like Jack Mel can bring to a project like that when partnering with large infrastructure investors, either strategic or financial.
[04:18]
Interviewer (possibly Bloomberg host)
Well, expand on that a little bit because, I mean, as someone who goes through LaGuardia almost every other week, it's very obvious that there is an intent with that redesign to highlight local businesses. And I am curious as to what that conversation looks like. Jorge, are you, are you talking with the airport authority or are you talking with just the local government leaders? What is that conversation?
[04:40]
Jorge Mora
It's a, it's a combination of all of that, right? It's understanding which businesses in the local community we will run bring in. What also what investors from the local community we would like to group into our investment group to, to just tie to the community to make sure that their needs are being listened to. So in any new project, for example, new work has been talked about. It hasn't been announced yet. Hopefully it be in the next few months or year when that happens. Having Shaquille as our partner, having the fact that he grew up there, I think will will give an edge to any group that we work with and in delivering that community and engaging with them properly.
[05:24]
Interviewer (possibly Bloomberg host)
Maybe, Shaquille, you can talk just a little bit about Newark and your connections there. Obviously you are raised there and you've been a big investor there long prior to this deal with Jackmo.
[05:34]
Shaquille O'Neal
You know, when I met with Jorge, I told him I wanted the business that's going to have positive impact on local community. Born and raised in north, flew in and out of the Newark airport many times and, you know, would love to be a part of this, you know, project, you know, you know, goes with legacy of a kid who was a meeting of juvenile delinquent. Now he's partnered with a company like Jack Metal and we're redoing the airport. You know, we're making the airport better. So, you know, this would be big if we could land that deal. But again, when I met with Nick and Ore, I told him, I said, I want to have positive impact on local community. That's all we want to do. We want to, you know, help create jobs. You know, just whatever it does to make the community better, that's definitely that I want to be a part of.
[06:19]
Interviewer (possibly Bloomberg host)
Do you have any ambitions for having more deeper ownership in the sports world in terms of sports franchises?
[06:27]
Shaquille O'Neal
Actually, no. I've always been the. I can remember when I was taking my business marketing class, professor gave me a book on the side. He said it was the dummies guide of starting your own business. And my favorite chapter was joint ventureship, because I realized that in order to be a great leader, you have to have people that are smarter than you as teammates. So I applied basketball to business, and I was like, you know what? I need to get guys that are better in whatever space I'm trying to invest in than I imagine me trying to run the five guys by myself. Imagine me, you know, trying to run Reebok by myself. Imagine me trying to do this infrastructure by myself. So you have to get great teammates. I mentioned this earlier. I won championships with Kobe Bryant, D. Wade. I'm winning with Ernie, Kenny and Chuck. So, you know, when it comes to, you know, finding great partners, Jorge and Nick are the best in this business and we will definitely win.
[07:23]
Akshat Ratty
There are two kinds of people in the world. People who think about climate change, people who. And people who are doing something about it. On the Zero podcast, we talk to both kinds of people, people you've heard of, like Bill Gates.
[07:34]
Interviewer (possibly Bloomberg host)
I'm looking at what the world has to do to get to Zero, not using climate as a moral crusade and.
[07:41]
Akshat Ratty
The creative minds you haven't heard of yet. It is serious stuff, but never doom and gloom. I am Akshat Ratty. Listen to Zero every Thursday from Bloomberg Podcasts, on Apple, Spotify or anywhere else you get your podcasts.