James Gelfand, General Manager, The Citrus Club

March 2026 — In an interview with Invest:, James Gelfand, general manager of The Citrus Club, emphasized the club’s lasting importance as a hub for Orlando‘s business community — a space where professional and social worlds overlap. “People need connections,” Gelfand said. “They thrive when they can sit across a table from someone, share a coffee or a cocktail, and have a real conversation.”

How would you describe The Citrus Club’s role in Orlando’s business ecosystem today?

For 55 years, the Citrus Club has been a cornerstone of the Orlando community, proudly operating from the same downtown location while supporting the city we call home. Many of our founding members remain active today, and we see it as our duty to honor their legacy while continuing to grow and adapt.

Our membership is remarkably diverse, representing virtually every industry. Members join for many reasons, but at the heart of it all is one common goal — connection.

I often describe the club as a “third space,” an office away from home where work and social life naturally blend. Some members treat it as their remote office, while others come for private meetings, networking, dining, or special events. With private rooms, dining areas, event venues, and even a fitness center, the club offers much more than amenities—it cultivates relationships.

People have an innate need for connection. They flourish when they can share a meal, a conversation, or a cup of coffee across a table. That sense of togetherness has remained constant through the years, and it’s what continues to make the Citrus Club such an essential part of Orlando’s business and social fabric.

What achievements or milestones stand out from the past year?

One of our greatest successes has been the steady growth of our membership. Each month, we welcome new members, and it’s especially encouraging to see a younger generation joining the club. Their energy and fresh perspectives are vital to our continued relevance and growth, ensuring the Citrus Club remains vibrant for years to come.

Another major milestone has been the resilience and strength of our community after the pandemic. We’ve successfully brought people back to the club and revived the face-to-face connections that so many missed. Walking through the restaurant and seeing our Board of Governors dining with new and younger members is incredibly rewarding — it’s mentorship and relationship-building happening before my eyes. That sense of connection is one of the most fulfilling aspects of what we do.

The Citrus Club is also truly multigenerational. We have families where a founding member joined decades ago, followed by their children, and now even their grandchildren are active members. That continuity shows we’re doing more than preserving a legacy — we’re expanding it for future generations.

How have member expectations and engagement evolved as Orlando continues to grow?

What’s become most apparent is that people crave both flexibility and genuine connection. As Orlando continues to grow, professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations are seeking spaces where they can collaborate, work, and form meaningful relationships. The Citrus Club is uniquely positioned to meet that need, offering programs and events that cater to nearly every demographic within our membership.

The influx of younger members has brought a new level of excitement and energy. I often say, “young puppies make old dogs young again,” and that spirit is alive throughout the club. Our events showcase a vibrant blend of ages and industries, creating an atmosphere that fosters mentorship, fresh ideas, and strong cross-generational relationships.

At the same time, members still value familiarity and personal attention. They want to feel recognized and appreciated — to walk into a place where the staff knows their preferences and where they can seamlessly transition from a meeting to a meal to a social gathering. In a world that’s increasingly fast-paced and fragmented, that sense of belonging and continuity is more meaningful than ever.

How has hybrid and remote work influenced the value proposition of the club?

Hybrid and remote work have transformed how people connect — and in many ways, they’ve made what we offer even more valuable. While technology has enriched our lives, it has also distanced us from the power of face-to-face conversation. You simply can’t replicate emotion, trust, or genuine connection through a screen.

The Citrus Club provides a welcoming space where members can network, conduct business, and socialize in person. That’s increasingly important for professionals who work remotely and don’t want to spend every day at home, or who find traditional offices too hectic. Here, they can choose the environment that suits their needs — whether it’s a quiet room for a video call, a meal with a colleague, or a lively event with fellow members.

What we offer bridges the practical and the personal. We provide the tools and technology members rely on, but more importantly, we create the atmosphere that fosters real relationships. In today’s fast-changing business world, that human connection is a true competitive edge.

What trends are shaping the private club and business hospitality sector?

Technology and communication are at the heart of how we operate. As part of the Invited network — which includes nearly 200 country and city clubs nationwide — staying connected across multiple platforms is essential. We reach our members through our website, flyers, weekly emails, texts, and other tools to keep them informed and engaged. Within the club, we’ve invested in reliable Wi‑Fi and strong audio-visual capabilities so members can work efficiently, host meetings, and run events with ease.

Still, technology can only go so far. What truly sets us apart is personalization. You can communicate through multiple channels and still find that someone missed a message—that’s where our exceptional frontline team makes the difference. They’re attentive, experienced, and deeply engaged, and they represent one of our greatest strengths.

I’m also fortunate to work alongside an outstanding culinary team and front-of-house staff. After nearly five decades in the hospitality and club industry, I can genuinely say I feel lucky to work with people who show up every day committed to creating exceptional experiences. In a private club setting, that level of care and attention to detail is everything.

How important is community engagement to the club’s long-term strategy?

Community impact is at the heart of who we are. The best way for the Citrus Club to grow and evolve is by actively engaging with Orlando — building relationships across diverse groups and supporting the city we’re proud to call home. This commitment runs through every part of our organization, from our sales and private events teams to our food and beverage staff and our engaged membership.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been watching the club give back. We support a wide range of organizations and causes, from Make‑A‑Wish to the ballet, opera, and Philharmonic. We host programs like Dining on the Mayflower, where we provide meals before Thanksgiving, and we participate in initiatives such as blessing bags, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and golf tournaments that benefit local veterans.

Each month, we also host a Citrus Social featuring a local nonprofit, bringing its representatives to the club to connect directly with our members. Twice a year, we take that even further with a charity expo, where nearly 40 nonprofits come together in one evening. Members have the chance to meet them, learn about their missions, and decide how they’d like to contribute. This kind of hands‑on engagement not only enriches our community—it strengthens the bond between the club and the city we serve.

What is your outlook for The Citrus Club and Orlando over the next three to five years?

I’m confident the Citrus Club will thrive well beyond the next three to five years, and the path forward is clear. Our focus must remain on building relationships, expanding our connections across Orlando’s diverse communities, and continuing to serve as a hub where business, civic, and social leadership converge.

Orlando’s future is exceptionally bright. The city continues to attract new residents, businesses, and investment each year, fueling remarkable economic growth. What stands out most is the collaborative spirit among Orlando’s leaders, planners, and business community—they work together rather than in isolation. That sense of partnership is a big reason the city continues to evolve so successfully.

The Citrus Club is proud to be part of that progress. We’re deeply invested in Orlando’s future and committed to supporting both our members and the broader community. With continued energy, creativity, and purpose, I believe the coming years will be strong ones — for the club, for our members, and for the city we’re honored to serve.

Want more? Read the Invest: Greater Orlando report.