John McInnis III: From Building Bridges in Baldwin County to Flora-Bama

Feb 26, 2025

Join John McInnis III, CEO of McInnis Industries and co-owner of the Flora-Bama Lounge, as he shares insights from his diverse entrepreneurial journey. John transformed his family's construction legacy into a billion-dollar empire while embracing his Christian faith. He discusses the Flora-Bama's evolution from a beach bar to a cultural hub, thriving on community connection. Additionally, he reflects on balancing business accountability with flexibility and shares his personal journey from material success to a fulfilled life rooted in faith.

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ANECDOTE

Family Business and Diversification

John McInnis III's grandfather, a WWII recon engineer, started a bridge-building business in Alabama.
McInnis Industries diversified into disaster recovery after Hurricane Ivan devastated Orange Beach.

ANECDOTE

Katrina and Demolition

After Hurricane Katrina, McInnis led the largest FEMA-funded demolition project, removing 10,000 houses.
This experience led to McInnis and partners developing the mass demolition plan for the U.S.

ANECDOTE

Accountability at Flora-Bama

McInnis implemented accountability measures at the Flora-Bama, empowering bartenders while tracking all transactions.
Key employees are incentivized based on net income, aligning their interests with the business's success.

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Join us for an inspiring podcast featuring John McInnis III, the dynamic CEO of McInnis Industries and co-owner of the iconic Flora-Bama Lounge, as he shares his remarkable entrepreneurial journey and deeply personal faith walk.

This episode dives into the life of a third-generation business leader who transformed a family legacy in construction into a multifaceted empire spanning heavy infrastructure, disaster recovery, and entertainment, all while staying rooted in his Christian beliefs.

Born in Mobile, Alabama, John stepped into the family business—founded by his grandfather in 1970—after graduating from the University of Alabama in 2000. Under his leadership, McInnis Industries has completed over $1 billion in projects, including bridges, roads, and major disaster relief efforts like the Hurricane Katrina cleanup.

But John’s story goes beyond business success. In 2009, he took a bold step into the entertainment world, becoming the majority owner of the Flora-Bama, a legendary beach bar straddling the Alabama-Florida line. With his vision, the Flora-Bama has thrived, hosting massive events like Kenny Chesney’s 2014 concert for 40,000 fans, cementing its status as a cultural landmark.

What sets John apart is how his faith guides every decision. Raised with a strong moral compass by his father and grandfather, he sees his work as a calling to serve others. Whether rebuilding communities after natural disasters or fostering a sense of unity at the Flora-Bama, John believes in putting faith into action. His partnership with Kenny Chesney’s Love for Love City Foundation after Hurricanes Irma and Maria showcased this commitment, as he spearheaded relief efforts in the Virgin Islands, blending his expertise in disaster management with a heart for helping those in need.

In this podcast, John opens up about the challenges of balancing ambition with purpose, the lessons learned from high-stakes ventures, and how his belief in God has sustained him through it all.

Perfect for listeners seeking inspiration, this episode offers a raw, authentic look at a man who’s built a legacy not just of profit, but of impact—proving that business can be a powerful force for good when grounded in a higher purpose. Tune in to hear John McInnis III’s unforgettable story.