Jordan Aquila: The Sound of Resilience and the Print of Progress | 40 Under 40

January 18th, 2026

Jordan Aquila: The Sound of Resilience and the Print of Progress

When you walk into Buffalo Graffix in Port Charlotte, the steady rhythm of production hums in the background — printers clicking, embroidery machines whirring, and design screens glowing with color. At the center of it all is Jordan Aquila, leading with the quiet confidence of someone who has grown up alongside the business he now runs.

Born outside Buffalo, New York, Jordan moved to Charlotte County with his family in 1988. He attended Liberty Elementary, Neil Armstrong Elementary, Port Charlotte Middle, and Port Charlotte High School, planting early roots in a community he would one day help shape. His parents, driven by entrepreneurship, built a small printing company that would eventually become a cornerstone of the local business community.

A Legacy Rebuilt

Buffalo Graffix started as a family endeavor. Jordan’s parents took over a small printing franchise from his uncle and later went independent, naming the company Buffalo Printing & Design. As client needs grew beyond paper, the business evolved into Buffalo Graffix — expanding into signs, apparel, and promotional products.

Jordan joined the team while still in school, learning every part of the operation from the ground up. “I started doing odd jobs to help out but officially got on the payroll when I was in high school,” he says. “That’s where I began to learn as much as I could about the business.”

The real test came during the 2008 recession. Like many local businesses, Buffalo Graffix was hit hard. “The recession in 2008 hit our business hard and basically cut it in half,” Jordan recalls. It was a defining moment that could have ended the company’s story, but instead, it became the foundation of his leadership.

After his father launched another venture, Jordan and his mother kept Buffalo Graffix going, rebuilding the company through relationships, efficiency, and service. “We worked hard to keep things going and build the business back up,” he says. “Over the past seven or eight years, we were able to get back to where we left off before the recession.”

Today, Buffalo Graffix is thriving again. With both parents retired, Jordan leads a 25-member team that handles everything from digital and offset printing to embroidery, screen printing, signage, and promotional products. The shop’s capabilities are extensive — and they’re all local.

A Modern Company with Local Roots

Under Jordan’s leadership, Buffalo Graffix has embraced new technology while staying true to its community-centered values. “We have a new CRM program that includes a client portal where clients can review and reorder past projects, approve proofs, and communicate in ways that we haven’t been able to in the past,” he explains. The company also uses advanced project management software to track progress and keep every order moving on schedule.

Technology has allowed Buffalo Graffix to scale without losing its personal touch. “We’re beginning to use AI to get insights on our clients, to help with design, and to create tools for running the business,” Jordan says. “All of this technology has made it easier to keep ahead of the challenges of running a business.”

That balance of innovation and community connection has become the company’s hallmark — a reflection of Jordan’s belief that progress and people must move together.

A Partnership That Strengthens Charlotte County

In 2025, Buffalo Graffix entered a new era through its partnership with Monarch Direct. The collaboration combined two of Charlotte County’s most respected creative firms, allowing each to focus on what it does best.

“The partnership that Mike and I have now means better focus for both companies,” Jordan says. “This means higher quality products, improved customer service for our clients, and faster results as we work together to excel at what each company does best.”

Under the partnership, Buffalo Graffix continues to lead on printing, apparel, wraps, and promotional products, while Monarch Direct focuses on signage, wraps, and LED conversions. The result is a more specialized, efficient service network that benefits the entire region.

The collaboration also mirrors the larger story of Charlotte County’s economy — one that thrives on cooperation rather than competition. “Charlotte County has a rich business community with strong leaders who are deeply connected with our community,” Jordan says. “It’s important to build relationships, not just to serve clients, and there are many opportunities here to connect.”

A Leader Beyond the Office

Jordan’s commitment to Charlotte County extends well beyond the walls of Buffalo Graffix. The company regularly supports local nonprofits and civic organizations including the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Charlotte County Jazz Society, Florida International Air Show, C.A.R.E., and Habitat for Humanity.

“Without the work of organizations like these in our community, Charlotte County wouldn’t be the place it is today,” Jordan says. “When we have a chance to partner with or support these nonprofit organizations, we get a chance to make a much bigger impact than trying to do it alone.”

His passion for music also keeps him deeply involved in community life. As President of the Charlotte County Jazz Society, he leads an organization that brings live music to local audiences while raising funds to help students pursue their musical education. “Helping to connect our community with music is a blessing and a reward,” he says. “As is helping to raise funds that allow Charlotte County students to further their musical knowledge through scholarships.”

Each year, the Jazz Society awards scholarships to local high school seniors planning to study music or continue their education in the arts. The organization also supports school band programs, offers performance opportunities for student musicians, and hosts concerts that expose young audiences to jazz as both a cultural tradition and a living art form. By linking professional musicians, educators, and students, the Society ensures that the next generation of Charlotte County artists continues to grow and thrive.

Whether performing on stage or mentoring through music, Jordan remains grounded in the idea that creativity and connection are inseparable.

Building Charlotte County’s Future

Jordan has watched Charlotte County transform over the decades. Once seen primarily as a retirement community, it has evolved into a dynamic place to live and work. “Seeing larger companies like Cheney Brothers and Sunseeker recently move into our area is exciting,” he says. “It proves to me that Charlotte County is more than just a good place for people to move here to retire.”

He credits much of the county’s progress to collaboration between local organizations and business leaders. “There are many fantastic organizations here that are always available and willing to help business leaders in Charlotte County,” he says. “Organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Office are working each day to help leaders learn and connect with resources that are available but might not be known by business owners.”

Looking ahead, Jordan sees opportunity everywhere. “The growth potential of Charlotte County is exciting,” he says. “Being located between Sarasota and Lee Counties primes our community for development. Seeing the larger and newer companies that have moved into our area demonstrates a surge is in the works.”

Lessons in Leadership

Through two decades of change, Jordan has learned that leadership is a process of continuous growth. “You should never stop wanting to learn more, and you can always be better than you were yesterday,” he says. “It takes a desire to learn and better yourself to succeed.”

He admits that managing people — both team members and clients — can be one of the hardest parts of business ownership. But it’s also one of the most rewarding. “While I personally don’t like conflict, I do get a great sense of accomplishment from turning conflict around,” he says.

His approach to leadership is grounded in gratitude. “I’m truly blessed to have the best team in town,” Jordan says. “When our team focuses on making sure our clients are happy, we all win.”

Fast Facts

• Company: Buffalo Graffix

• Title: President

• Industry: Printing, Apparel, Promotional Products

• Founded: 1988

• Team Members: 25

• Partnership: Monarch Direct (Signs, Wraps, LED Conversions)

• Community Support: Charlotte County Chamber, Jazz Society, C.A.R.E., Habitat for Humanity, Florida International Air Show

• Favorite Local Restaurant: The Grill at 1951

• Favorite Song to Play: “I Remember Clifford”

• Motto: “Never stop learning or trying to better yourself.”

40 Under 40: The Next Generation of Leadership

Jordan Aquila represents the next generation of leadership in Charlotte County — one that blends creativity, community, and commitment. Through his work at Buffalo Graffix and his passion for music, he has built more than a business. He has helped shape a culture of collaboration that reflects the county’s forward momentum.

His story is proof that legacy and innovation can thrive side by side — and that the heart of Charlotte County’s creative economy still beats strongest in those who call it home.