Small Biz Florida

Small Biz Florida

Small Biz FL was designed to highlight issues and promote business assistance resources available throughout the state of Florida.

Episodes

July 10, 2025 24 mins

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred welcomes Hillary Blair, CEO and Co-founder of Articulate Real and Clear, for a conversation recorded live at the 2025 Florida Economic Development Council Annual Conference in Charlotte Harbor. Hillary shares her unique journey from drama teacher to sought-after communication coach for entrepreneurs nationwide. What started with coaching women on pitch delivery has grown into a...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Kevin Crowder, founder of Business Flare, an economic and market advisory firm dedicated to helping communities and small businesses stand out. Recorded live at the 2025 Florida Economic Development Council Annual Conference in Charlotte Harbor, Kevin shares his journey from West Texas to Miami and the creation of Business Flare. Central to his philosophy is the ...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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,...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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’...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.