John Thomas “JT” Burnette is a visionary and driving force behind many of the development, construction, and management projects that transformed and revived some of Tallahassee’s most overlooked areas. He grew up in nearby Monticello, Florida, where he started in the business world by raising chickens for profit at age 15. A true entrepreneur at heart, JT began Burnette Construction by the time he was 17. He worked in the roofing business for over a decade and then branched out into federal contracting. This venture proved successful and sustainable, as construction companies with which he is involved continue to work on military bases around the country.
Currently, JT focuses his efforts as a principal of Inkbridge, LLC a company specializing in various investments and a process he describes as “financial engineering.” In his most recent endeavor, JT was part of a group that invested in ProBank, facilitating an effort to re-position the community bank as the go-to small business lender of the Southeast. He is also an owner in Hotel Duval, Shula’s Steakhouse, Genghis Grill, Brandt Information Systems, and Hunter+Harp Capital; and a board member at Kind Intelligence.
As a strong supporter of economic development in Tallahassee, JT gives of his time to mentor entrepreneurs and participate in events that cultivate this fledging startup community. His goal is to help put Tallahassee on the map as a community that encourages its businessmen and businesswomen, while also creating a place that supports young entrepreneurs. In his spare moments, JT enjoys spending time with his daughter Sophie and flying.
