Small Biz Florida

Apr 07 2025 100 ep. 18 mins 1
Small Biz Florida Podcast artwork

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

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Ep. 316 | Marketing Rural Florida for Economic Growth with 365 Degree Total Marketing

Apr 07 2025 18 mins  
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 ru

Ep. 315 | From New Jersey to Florida: Comarco Products’ Journey with Tom Hoversen

Apr 02 2025 15 mins  
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 chall

Ep. 314 | Powering Rural Florida’s Future with Optimus Energy Solutions’ Ben Pauluhn

Mar 31 2025 17 mins  
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 ene

Ep. 313 | Financing Small Business Growth with Florida First Capital’s Mark Kruse

Mar 26 2025 19 mins  
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 throug

Ep. 312 | Driving Economic Growth in Okeechobee County with Alex Tijerina

Mar 24 2025 14 mins  
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. T

Ep. 311 | Unlocking Rural Florida’s Economic Potential with Columbia County’s David Kraus

Mar 19 2025 13 mins  
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

Ep. 310 | Strengthening Rural Economies Through Retail with Lacy Beasley

Mar 17 2025 26 mins  
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 leadi

Ep. 309 | Powering Economic Growth in Florida with FPL’s Wes Hudgens

Mar 12 2025 12 mins  
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

Ep. 308 | Strategic Growth & Infrastructure in Rural Florida with MWB’s Erica Sittler

Mar 10 2025 12 mins  
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 pass

Ep. 307 | Strengthening Florida’s Workforce with DC Jaeger Corporation

Mar 05 2025 11 mins  
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 C