Small Biz Florida
Small Biz FL was designed to highlight issues and promote business assistance resources available throughout the state of Florida.
Episodes
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred spotlights the podcast’s role as a key resource for Florida’s small business community, proudly sponsored by Florida First Capital. Recorded live at the 2025 Florida Economic Development Council Conference at the Sun Seeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, Tom speaks with Bridget LaCoste, Events and Stakeholder Relationships Manager for the Florida SBDC Network. Bridget shares her j...
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred introduces the podcast’s continued mission to support and spotlight small business economic development across the Sunshine State. He’s joined by Paul, CEO of the Florida High Tech Corridor, who shares his journey from Navy veteran to leading one of Florida’s most dynamic innovation engines. Covering 23 counties and anchored by major research institutions like UCF, USF, and UF,...
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Caitlin Gardner, founder and Chief Gardener of Blooming Communications, during Small Business Day at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee. With a rich background spanning two decades in corporate public relations, Caitlin shares her transition into entrepreneurship and the creation of her communications agency. She dives into the critical role storytelling plays in...
In this flavorful episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Oliver Mosqueda, founder and owner of Guanabana, a Jacksonville-based popsicle business turning heads and cooling down customers with bold, unique flavors. Recorded live from the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee during Small Business Days at the Capitol hosted by the Florida Small Business Development Center Network, Oliver shares his inspiring tran...
In this kickoff episode of the 2025 season of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred is joined by longtime SBA leader Jonel Hein, District Director for the North Florida SBA Office. Recorded live at the Florida State Capitol during Small Business Day, Jonel shares her 34-year journey with the Small Business Administration and the agency's renewed focus on manufacturing under new leadership. The conversation dives deep into SBA's core ...
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. He is joined by Linda Mosley, Founder and President of 365 Degree Total Marketing, and Brian Schachter, Regional Sales Executive, to discuss the role of marketing in driving economic development in Florida’s rural communities.
Linda shares her background in psych...
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred interviews Tom Hoversen, Founder and Owner of Comarco Products, a food manufacturing and distribution company. Tom shares the story of launching Comarco Products in 1978 and the strategic decision to relocate operations from New Jersey to Palatka, Florida in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The discussion highlights the challenges of doing business in New Jersey and the advan...
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred speaks with Ben Pauluhn, Founder and President of Optimus Energy Solutions, at the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. The conversation focuses on the evolving opportunities in rural Florida, particularly in the EV charging station market and commercial solar energy solutions.
Ben shares his journey from moving t...
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Mark Kruse, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Florida First Capital, at the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. The conversation focuses on the vital role Florida First Capital plays in supporting small businesses, particularly through the SBA 504 loan program.
Mark explains the benef...
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred speaks with Alex Tijerina, Director of Existing Industry at the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation, during the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida.
Alex shares her journey to her current role and her deep-rooted connection to the Okeechobee community. The discussion highlights key economic development i...
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. He sits down with David Kraus, County Manager of Columbia County, to discuss the county’s unique characteristics and economic potential.
David shares his journey from consultant to county manager and highlights Columbia County’s strategic location at the crossroa...
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred interviews Lacy Beasley, President of Retail Strategies, at the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit. The discussion explores how Retail Strategies helps rural communities attract national retail brands while also supporting local small businesses.
Lacy shares her journey from working at a Chamber of Commerce to leading a firm that has consulted with over 800 communit...
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. He sits down with Wes Hudgens, Lead Project Manager at Florida Power & Light’s (FPL) Office of Economic Development, to discuss FPL’s role in driving business growth across the state.
Wes shares insights into FPL’s innovative initiatives, including the 35 Mul...
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. He is joined by Erica Sittler, Account Director at MWB, a full-service marketing firm specializing in tourism, economic development, and healthcare.
Erica shares her journey in the marketing industry and her passion for supporting economic development in Florida’...
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Rod Jaeger, owner and operator of DC Jaeger Corporation, at the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. The discussion focuses on the vital role of workforce education and training in Florida’s rural communities.
Rod shares the history of DC Jaeger Corporation, founded by his father in 1957, and its ev...
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred speaks with Rabi Sami, Economic Development Specialist for the City of West Palm Beach, at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum in Orlando. Rabi shares his journey from real estate and workforce management to his current role in fostering business growth and economic development in one of Florida’s most dynamic cities.
The conversation highlights key development pro...
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with David A. Armstrong, J.D., President of St. Thomas University, at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum in Orlando. David shares his inspiring journey from a small business family to leading a university, emphasizing the critical role of education in workforce development and ethical leadership.
The conversation highlights St. Thomas University’s commit...
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred speaks with Dr. Jennifer B. King, Senior Vice President of Workforce and Education at Bisk, during the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum. The conversation explores the rapidly evolving EdTech space and how Bisk is transforming corporate training and education through innovative online learning solutions.
Dr. King shares her extensive background in education and expla...
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College, speaks with Kevin Carr, CEO of FloridaMakes, at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum. The discussion centers on the rapid growth and evolving landscape of Florida’s manufacturing sector.
Kevin shares his extensive background in manufacturing, from working with the Navy and the...
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence in higher education and small business at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum in Orlando. He is joined by Liane Sippin, Program Director at Florida International University (FIU), and Dr. Bruce Fraser, Director of the Institute for Academic Excellence at Indian River State College (IRSC).
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