Locality's Making Bank

Javier Jorge’s journey is anything but linear. From dropping out of college to working in pest control, spraying Publix floors to make ends meet, to launching two tech startups, one of them while leading SBA lending at Locality Bank, his story is about grit, clarity, and what happens when experience meets purpose. In this episode, Javier shares how setbacks fueled his success and why helping small businesses unlock their potential ...

Basil Bernard bet $10K on a business... and nearly lost it all. But a single pivot changed everything. In this episode of Locality's Making Bank Podcast, he shares how Apricot Office Interiors rose from humble beginnings, weathered the Great Recession, and stayed grounded through it all. This story is about grit, grace, and the quiet strength it takes to start again. Learn more about Apricot Office Interiors at http://apricotos.com...

What happens when a paperboy grows up to build one of South Florida’s most respected construction firms? In this episode, father-daughter duo Tom and Traci Miller of Miller Construction share the real story behind 50+ years of business—family values, hard calls, and the kind of culture you can’t fake. From weathering recessions to redefining legacy, this is a masterclass in principled leadership. Learn more about Miller Constructio...

What happens when you’ve built a thriving business, and it still doesn’t feel right? JR Lay shares his journey from web design wunderkind to bestselling author, revealing the hard resets, personal truths, and shifting perspectives that shaped his entrepreneurial evolution. From the early days of Napster-era hustle to his vision of the "Wisdom Economy," this episode is a masterclass in letting go, starting over, and creating somethi...

What does it take to go from humble beginnings in India to leading billion-dollar banks in the U.S.? Andrew Samuel, CEO of LINKBANK, shares his incredible story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and faith. From his first business selling cow dung as a child to taking multiple banks public, Andrew's journey is packed with valuable insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.

In this episode of Locality’s Making Bank Podc...

Success. Some inherit it. Others chase it. But the rare few create it through vision and perseverance.

Meet Jim Ryan. The son of a Waldorf-Astoria professional who taught him that true character matters more than the size of your wallet. When corporate restructuring ended his AT&T career, he saw an opportunity where others saw setbacks. In a world of instant gratification and quick wins, he built something meaningful - a global ...

What does it take to turn a college side hustle into a growing brand? In this episode of Locality's Making Bank Podcast, Keith Costello sits down with Nick Wucher, the youngest entrepreneur featured on the show so far. Nick shares how he built his streetwear brand, YIFNO, while juggling college, a day job, and pop-up events across the globe. With advice on overcoming fears, taking action, and embracing discomfort, this episode ...

Norman Kravitz, founder of FulfillMe, a technology-enabled third-party logistics (3PL) company specializing in e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, shares his entrepreneurial journey from humble beginnings to building a multimillion-dollar business. From his days at the U.S. Postal Service to launching FulfillMe, Norman offers valuable insights for e-commerce entrepreneurs.

Discover actionable takeaways, including:

• ...

What does it take to grow a law firm while keeping trust and relationships at the core? In this episode of Locality’s Making Bank Podcast, Eric Gros-Dubois, founder of EPGD Business Law, shares his journey from a solo practitioner to a thriving entrepreneur with a growing team. Eric discusses the systems he’s built to scale sustainably, the importance of trust in client and team relationships, and why networking has been his most ...

On this episode of Locality's Making Bank Podcast, Keith Costello sits down with Jaime Sturgis, an entrepreneur who’s not just building businesses—he’s literally transforming neighborhoods. Jaime’s the real deal: a Fort Lauderdale native who took the leap, bet on himself, and turned overlooked areas like Flagler Village into thriving hotspots.

This episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurship and staying hungry. Jaime breaks down:

Ready to turn your passion into a profitable empire? In this episode, we dive deep with Daniel Brandt, founder of Billiards by Brandt, a luxury brand that started with one guy’s love for craftsmanship and turned into a global success. Daniel shares how he went from law school to building high-end, custom game tables for A-list clients – all by mastering the art of listening, creating, and always putting clients first. Get the real...

Ben Genet, a seasoned real estate investor and entrepreneur, shares his journey from his family's entrepreneurial roots to building Genet Property Group. He discusses overcoming challenges like the Savings and Loans Crisis and the Great Recession, the power of relationships, and the importance of community involvement in achieving success. Hear about Ben's unique perspective on philanthropy, the lessons he learned from his inspiri...

Locality's Keith Costello sits down with South Florida's own entrepreneurial icon, Alan B. Levan, Chairman of BBX Capital. Alan shares his incredible journey from starting in his family's pest control business to becoming a real estate mogul and a legendary banker.

Key topics covered:

• Early Beginnings: Moving from Brooklyn to Florida at 15 and how it transformed his outlook.
• Entrepreneurial Roots: Transitioning from his fath...

Carson Kutuchief is the founder of SoFloPT SPORT and SoFloPT REHAB, a growing physical therapy business in South Florida. After discovering his passion for physical therapy while recovering from a sports injury, Carson navigated the challenges of building his own business from the ground up. In this episode, he shares how his journey from Ohio to South Florida led to the creation of multiple clinic locations, his lessons in perseve...

We sit down with Stuart Morris, a local entrepreneur and Director at Locality Bank, to uncover the story behind his impressive career. Stuart takes us through his early years in Brooklyn, his move to Florida, and the pivotal moments that shaped his professional life. From a childhood paper route to establishing a successful law firm, Stuart shares the lessons he’s learned along the way, including the importance of balancing family ...

Locality Bank CEO Keith Costello sits down with Eric Wolf, CEO of Excel Construction, to explore how he transformed his family's business into a thriving construction powerhouse. Taking over Excel at just 27, Eric has quadrupled the company's revenue and expanded into new industry sectors—all while maintaining a family-like culture that values honesty, follow-through, and client relationships. Eric shares his insights on t...