Small Biz Florida

Ep. 412 | Inside the Florida SBDC Network's 5th Annual Small Business Success Summit

In this episode of the Small Biz Florida Podcast, host Tom Kindred sits down with Bridget LaCoste, Events and Stakeholder Relationship Manager for the Florida SBDC Network, to discuss the upcoming 5th Annual Small Business Success Summit taking place August 17–18 at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor. Bridget shares what attendees can expect from this year’s event, including inspiring keynote speakers, over 36 breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and a reverse trade show connecting small businesses with government agencies and prime contractors. The conversation highlights the Florida SBDC Network’s mission to help small businesses launch, grow, and thrive through practical, actionable resources and expert guidance. Listeners will also hear about trending business topics, including AI-driven marketing strategies, leadership development, government contracting, and successfully scaling a business.

Learn more about the event: 
https://floridasbdc.org/success_summit/

Ep. 411 | Unlocking Hidden Savings for Small Businesses with Margin First Advisors

On this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Fred Lenz, Founder and Managing Partner of Margin First Advisors, to discuss how small and medium-sized businesses can uncover enterprise-level cost savings without upfront consulting fees. Fred shares how his company helps SMBs improve margins through healthcare cost mitigation, IT optimization, tax incentives, AP automation, and other specialized solutions typically reserved for large corporations. He explains Margin First Advisors’ unique no-risk business model, in which clients pay only after savings are realized, and takes a deep dive into a healthcare program that leverages Affordable Care Act provisions to reduce employer healthcare expenses while generating significant FICA tax savings. The conversation also explores the growing role of virtual healthcare, automation, and proactive cost management strategies for businesses navigating economic uncertainty.

Connect with our guest: 
https://margin1st.com/

Ep. 410 | Cutting Through Red Tape: How SBA Advocacy Fights for Small Business

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Geoff Grove and Michael Vallante from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy. Together, they break down how this critical office serves as the voice of small businesses within the federal government, especially when navigating complex regulations. Geoff and Michael share their unique backgrounds in manufacturing and small business ownership, and explain how firsthand feedback from business owners plays a pivotal role in shaping policy. The conversation highlights real-world success stories, including how the R&D tax credit can unlock significant savings for manufacturers, and how the “Red Tape Hotline” empowers business owners to report regulatory challenges directly. This episode offers practical insights and valuable resources for entrepreneurs looking to better understand and influence the rules that impact their businesses.

This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
https://advocacy.sba.gov/

Ep. 409 | SBDC at UNF is Helping Small Businesses Unlock the Power of AI (No Tech Background Required)

 

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Debbie Magyar, Regional Director of the SBDC at the University of North Florida, to discuss the launch of the AI Small Business Institute. Designed to help entrepreneurs cut through the noise around artificial intelligence, the institute provides a structured, hands-on approach to understanding and implementing AI in real-world business settings. Debbie shares how the program was created in response to growing demand and confusion around AI, and why a cohort-based model offers a more effective path than traditional one-on-one consulting.

The conversation explores how the institute is tailored for both startups and established businesses, addressing their unique challenges from building a tech stack from scratch to organizing years of existing data. Debbie emphasizes that the program is intentionally built for non-technical business owners, focusing on practical applications, ethical use, and helping participants determine whether AI is truly the right solution for their business needs. The episode also highlights a new AI-powered digital marketing clinic designed to simplify branding and content creation for small businesses.

Ep. 408 | Robotics, AI & the Future of Florida Manufacturing with EZ Automation Systems (Recorded at Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol 2026)

In this forward-looking episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred interviews Ahmed Tawfik, CEO of EZ Automation Systems, to explore how robotics and AI are transforming the manufacturing landscape in Florida. Ahmed Tawfik shares his personal journey from engineer to entrepreneur and explains how his company goes beyond quality control creating smart feedback loops that help manufacturers improve their processes, reduce scrap, and boost efficiency. He also discusses the rapid growth of Florida’s manufacturing sector and the need to educate small businesses on automation’s potential. Wrapping up, Ahmed Tawfik offers key advice for business owners: don’t just work in your business—work on it.

This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
EZ Automation Systems

Ep. 407 | The Advocate You Didn’t Know You Needed: Public Adjusting for Small Business (Recorded at Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol 2026)

In this enlightening episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred speaks with Matthew Andress, founder of Mockingbird Public Adjusting, about a lesser-known but critical service for business owners: public adjusting. Matthew shares his unique journey from art and IT to entrepreneurship, eventually launching his own firm to advocate for policyholders navigating complex insurance claims after disasters. He explains how a public adjuster helps take the burden off homeowners and business owners during the stressful post-disaster recovery process by translating insurance policies, documenting damage, and negotiating fair settlements. The conversation is a must-listen for any entrepreneur seeking to better understand their insurance coverage, avoid costly mistakes, and prepare for the unexpected.

This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
Mockingbird Public Adjusting

Ep. 406 | Inside the SBA's Record-Breaking Year & Bold Plans for 2026 (Recorded at Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol 2026)

In this powerful episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with two of the SBA’s top leaders: Tyler Teresa, Southeast Regional Administrator, and Jonel Hein, North Florida District Director. Together, they break down the SBA’s “Four Cs” Consulting, Credit, Contracting, and Crises, while spotlighting a historic achievement: over $1 billion in capital access delivered to small businesses in North Florida in 2025. The conversation goes beyond the numbers, diving into the SBA's strategic goals for 2026, including nationwide deregulation efforts, support for American manufacturing, and expanded rural outreach. With over three decades of service, Jonel Hein brings firsthand insight into the agency's evolution, while Tyler Teresa outlines a vision for smarter, faster service delivery. Whether you're a startup founder or seasoned business owner, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how the SBA and Florida SBDC Network are working together to support entrepreneurs across the state.

This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
Small Business Administration – SBA.gov

Special Episode | Merging Music and Marketing: How Krystle Martinez Created Luxe Harmony Music

In this special episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Krystle Martinez, a classically trained violinist and founder of Luxe Harmony Music. Martinez shares her compelling journey from public school music teacher to successful entrepreneur, detailing how her unexpected pivot into sales led to the launch of her own live music business. She explains how Luxe Harmony Music brings elegance and emotion to events through live string performances, offering soloists, duets, trios, and quartets for weddings and private gatherings.

Krystle dives deep into the business side of music, discussing how she found a niche in the events market, tackled early challenges in communicating her vision, and leveraged market research and networking to stand out in a competitive field. She highlights the unique emotional impact of live music, especially in an era dominated by pre-recorded sound and artificial intelligence, and emphasizes the importance of mentorship, particularly through the Florida SBDC Network.

Connect with Our Guest:
www.LuxeHarmonyMusic.com

Ep. 405 | Ag-Tech or Bust: Solving Florida’s Farm Labor Crisis with AI

In this insightful episode recorded live at the 2025 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Dr. Scott Angle, Senior Vice President of UF/IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) at the University of Florida. Dr. Angle shares a powerful message: Florida agriculture is facing a critical labor shortage that threatens its future, and the solution lies in treating farming like a business and embracing advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.

Dr. Angle outlines UF/IFAS’s multi-pronged strategy to modernize agriculture in Florida through cutting-edge research, workforce development partnerships with state colleges, and efforts to recruit ag-tech companies to the state. He also highlights the vital role of the Cooperative Extension Service in connecting university research with real-world applications in Florida’s rural communities. This episode delivers a compelling vision of Florida as a future ag-tech hub and a reminder that innovation is not optional; it’s essential for survival.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Rural Economic Development Association (FREDA) Summit hosted at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
University of Florida IFAS

Ep. 404 | Freight Rail’s Hidden Power: Fueling Rural Florida’s Economy

Recorded live at the 2025 Florida Rural Economic Development Association (FREDA) Summit, this episode of Small Biz Florida features Cassie Dull, Chief Commercial Officer of Pinsly Railroad Company. Cassie joins host Tom Kindred to pull back the curtain on the vital yet often overlooked role of freight rail in supporting small businesses and driving economic growth in rural Florida. She shares that Pinsly Railroad operates eight short-line railroads, including the Florida Gulf and Atlantic Railroad, which spans 400 miles across North Florida and serves as a logistical backbone for industries ranging from construction to food distribution. With over 16 years in the rail industry, Cassie explains how rail can be a cost-effective, efficient alternative to trucking, and how Pinsly partners with counties to attract new industries by building rail infrastructure and educating business owners about the benefits of freight rail.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Rural Economic Development Association (FREDA) Summit hosted at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
Pinsly Railroad Company