Small Biz Florida

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, hosted by Tom Kindred, the spotlight is on innovation and veteran entrepreneurship at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa. Tom interviews Navy veteran Bruce Bevins, founder and CEO of ATCFO (Air Traffic Control Future Operators), the first accredited air traffic control training program at the trade school level in the United Stat...

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, hosted by Tom Kindred, the spotlight returns to the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches—a premier event celebrating veteran entrepreneurship. Tom sits down with Marine Corps veteran Nicholas Romero, the owner of Thank My Barber Shop in Fort Myers, Florida. Nicholas shares his journey from cutting hair in the Marine Corps to launching his own b...

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, hosted by Tom Kindred, the conversation centers on innovation in the construction industry and the entrepreneurial journey of Air Force veteran Drew Williams, founder and CEO of Wall-R. Recorded at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitch in Tampa, Drew shares how he transitioned from military service to launching a company focused on 3D printing...

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred speaks with Samuel Medina, an Air Force veteran and the founder of Down to Earth Massage Therapy. Recorded at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitch in Tampa, the conversation explores Samuel’s transition from military service to entrepreneurship. He shares how a variety of post-service roles ultimately led him to his true call...

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred continues his coverage from the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa, showcasing the innovative spirit of veteran entrepreneurs. Tom sits down with Air Force veteran Bruni Oquendo, founder of Casa Bruni—an events lifestyle activation and programming company that’s transforming Tampa’s underutilized spaces into vibrant...

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred takes us to the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa to spotlight the entrepreneurial journey of Army veteran Nate Rowe, founder of Blueprint Hemp. Nate shares how his service in the 75th Ranger Regiment shaped his path to launching a mission-driven hemp business focused on quality and sustainability. With a background...

In this heartfelt episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts live from the Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa, spotlighting a unique nonprofit born from love, loss, and service. Tom sits down with Laura Tracey, founder and director of the Everyday Feathers Foundation, and her husband, Chris Clemons, a veteran and board member of the organization. Laura shares h...

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred highlights veteran entrepreneurship live from the Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa. Tom speaks with Terrell Humphrey, a Marine veteran and the dynamic founder and CEO of FIK Advertising—short for "Failure is Knowledge." Terrell shares his powerful journey from working at Walmart to serving in the Marine Corps, and ultim...

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred comes to you live from the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitch in Tampa, where he highlights the role of veterans in entrepreneurship. Tom sits down with Darwin Rivera, an Air Force veteran and founder of Guayama Group, a cybersecurity consulting firm dedicated to protecting small businesses. Darwin shares insights from his deep...

In this special SBA segment of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Tyler Teresa, the SBA Regional Administrator for the Southeast, to explore how the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) supports entrepreneurs before, during, and after disasters.  Tyler brings both personal experience—growing up in a small family business—and professional insight to this critical discussion. Fro...

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred continues his on-site coverage of the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitch event in Tampa, where veteran entrepreneurship takes center stage. Tom interviews Navy veteran John Gibson, founder of Just Right IT, a Tampa-based company providing specialized cybersecurity services. John shares how his business journey began in San Dieg...

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred speaks with Petra Wilkes, founder of Sage and Lore Counseling Services, during the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa. A Navy veteran and former air traffic controller, Petra shares how her personal journey through mental health challenges led her to create a counseling practice rooted in storytelling and connection....

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred reports from the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa, spotlighting veteran entrepreneurs who are transforming their service experience into business success. Tom interviews Navy veteran Jake Schmidt, founder of Tekton Trades, a custom woodworking business known for producing heirloom-quality furniture. Jake shares his...

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred continues coverage of the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches—an event designed to support and spotlight veteran entrepreneurs across Florida. The expo brings together a wide array of business resources, mentorship opportunities, and startup showcases, all aimed at helping veterans succeed in their entrepreneurial journeys. To...

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred brings listeners inside the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa a gathering of veteran entrepreneurs focused on innovation, networking, and resource sharing. One of the expo’s standout moments is the Battle of the Pitches, where veteran-led startups showcase their business ideas for a chance at prize funding. Tom sits...

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred reports from the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa, shining a spotlight on veteran entrepreneurship and the high-energy pitch competition that showcases innovative veteran-led businesses. Featured in this episode is Michael Carroll, an Air Force veteran and CEO of Tech Driven Consulting, who emerged as one of the co...

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Maxine Reyes, veteran entrepreneur and founder of With Courage and Grace. Recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches, this conversation explores Maxine’s inspiring transition from 22 years of military service in the Air Force and Army to launching a brand that uplifts and motivates others, especial...

In this quarterly SBA update, host Tom Kindred is joined by Jonel Hein, District Director for the SBA North District, and Althea Harris, Deputy District Director for the South District, to discuss the Small Business Administration's latest strategic efforts. From the North District's ambitious billion-dollar goal in lending and contracting to the South District's national leadership in loan guaran...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 Networ...

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 conve...