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.