Investor Spotlight: Haneke Design
April 19, 2017
Haneke Design is a custom software development company focused on delivering user-centered solutions for connected devices. Our core services center on iOS and Android mobile application design and development and website/web application design and development.
Jody Haneke is the President & Founder of Haneke Design in Tampa, FL. A graduate of Ringling College of Art & Design, he has always had a passion for all things design. Since then, Jody Haneke transformed the graphic and interactive design agency he established in 2002 into a full-service custom software development company. Jody now employs more than 23 full-time staff developing custom digital solutions from its downtown Tampa studio. Jody plays an integral role in keeping the technology community in Tampa thriving by partnering with the American Marketing Association and Tampa Bay Technology Forum. In addition, he is an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Tampa Entrepreneurship Center and recently joined the Chairman’s Board of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation. Haneke Design has won over 50+ design and user experience awards throughout the years and continues to expand its business solutions with a core commitment to process and innovation.
1) As a business leader here, what aspects make Tampa and Hillsborough County such an attractive location for companies and talent? 
This area has really evolved in the recent years. There are so many places where companies can draw talent, whether it’s any of a number of large college programs or small code schools that provide boot camps for emerging developers. Tampa and Hillsborough County have the perfect environment to match qualified talent with established companies. As for what makes talented folks want to be here, just look out the window. We are located in downtown Tampa, a thriving urban environment within steps of Bayshore Boulevard, which quickly reminds us that we are in paradise. Across the river, we have University of Tampa and their Lowth Entrepreneurship Center which is one of the most impressive centers of its kind—within a couple mile radius.
2) In your opinion, what was the biggest win for our community in the past few years?
If I had to pick one, I would say it would be the research Jeff Vinik did in uncovering the huge untapped potential of the Tampa area. The guy only picks winners, as his track record has shown, and he is putting his words into action with huge plans for our downtown areas.
3) How does your company impact the business culture of Tampa and Hillsborough County?
Our company is our people. Our people LOVE this area. Some folks have lived here many years, others we have recruited from across the country. These people are excited about the work we are doing, and we are extremely proud that California and New York markets are looking to a company like ours in Tampa to execute national projects for their region. We all want to put Tampa’s innovative resources on the map as ‘Silicon Beach.’
4) Where do you derive the most benefit for yourself and your company as an Investor of the EDC?
I’m new to the board, so I am looking forward to being involved. I am most enthusiastic in helping the tide to rise here in Tampa and watching all the companies, including ours, get noticed across the country and the world.
5) How has the EDC helped your company continue to grow and thrive here in Hillsborough County?
The EDC is the connective tissue between all emerging companies in the area. They have made connections for us that would have been extremely hard to make otherwise. I have never experienced a team more willing to go above and beyond to assist passionate companies achieve their dreams and do it in a beautiful city like Tampa.
