Small Biz Florida

With new AI tools and software appearing every day, how do you decide what your business actually needs?

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Kathy Durfee, founder and CEO of TechHouse.

Celebrating 30 years in business, Kathy shares how a personal challenge led her to launch a company dedicated to helping small businesses succeed through technology. She explains why an effective IT strategy starts with understanding your current systems, your goals, and the problems you need to solve.

From accounting software and customer relationship management to cybersecurity and everyday support, Kathy explores how technology decisions affect the entire business. Her central message: Let your business needs guide your choice of tools, rather than feeling pressured to chase the latest AI trend.

The conversation also highlights the importance of expert guidance when evaluating AI-generated recommendations and choosing systems that work together. Kathy discusses how TechHouse supports businesses through assessments, planning, implementation, and flexible ongoing services.

Tune in for a practical conversation about cutting through technology overload, asking better questions, and choosing tools that support your business goals.

You have the idea, the skills, and the passion to start a business—but have you considered who you are as a leader?

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Dr. Adriene Wright, business consultant with the Florida SBDC at Florida A&M University.

Drawing from her workshop on the leadership alignment gap, Dr. Wright explores how our internal habits, learned behaviors, and automatic responses shape the way we lead. She explains why recognizing these patterns matters—and how the gap between our intentions and our actions can affect employees, relationships, and business performance.

The conversation also examines the difference between managing day-to-day responsibilities and leading with a vision. Dr. Wright emphasizes that leadership can be developed through awareness, learning, and intentional practice.

One practical tool she shares is the “mirror moment”: a deliberate pause to recognize a habitual response, consider its impact, and choose how to move forward.

Whether you’re launching a new venture or leading an established team, tune in for insights on understanding your strengths, recognizing your blind spots, and becoming a more thoughtful, effective leader.

What if AI could help you do more than save time—what if it could help you reimagine what your business can become?

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with keynote speaker, author, and innovation strategist Shawn Kanungo.

Shawn challenges entrepreneurs to move beyond conventional thinking and explore AI’s potential beyond writing emails and creating content. He introduces the concept of agentic AI—technology that can carry out tasks under human direction—and discusses opportunities to expand a small team’s capabilities, improve operations, and pursue new sources of growth.

But getting started begins with business fundamentals. Shawn explains why a clear strategy, documented processes, organized data, and an understanding of your business challenges provide the foundation for effective AI adoption. He also emphasizes involving the entire team in learning and experimenting with these tools.

At the heart of the conversation is a distinctly human message: technology can support your work, but bold ideas, trust, and meaningful relationships remain essential. Shawn shares why caring deeply about customers and helping people take action matter in an increasingly digital world.

Tune in for an energizing conversation about embracing innovation, building your team’s confidence with AI, and thinking bigger about your business’s future.

Could everyday business expenses be costing you more than they should? From utility bills to office supplies, overlooked charges and missed discounts can add up.

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Bill Kurtzner, co-founder and CEO of CostSavings.ai. Drawing on 15 years of experience helping large companies identify billing errors and reduce operating costs, Bill shares how his team is bringing similar tools to small and midsize businesses.

Bill explains how the platform uses AI to review invoices and contracts, identify potential savings, and help business owners prepare questions for their vendors. The conversation covers expenses such as electricity, telecommunications, and waste removal, along with opportunities to negotiate better terms at contract renewal.

He also discusses how group purchasing can give smaller businesses access to discounted supplies and how employee discount programs can extend savings to their teams.

Tune in for a practical look at using AI to better understand your expenses, uncover savings opportunities, and make more informed purchasing decisions.

Could your retirement savings offer another path to business ownership? Understanding the options—and the responsibilities involved—is an important place to start.

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Mickey Parker, CPA and CEO of AccellaFund.

Mickey explains a funding approach that allows eligible retirement funds to be rolled into a new company’s retirement plan and invested in that company’s stock. He walks through the basic structure and discusses how this equity investment differs from a traditional business loan.

The conversation explores questions entrepreneurs should ask about rollover eligibility, including potential restrictions on funds held in a current employer’s retirement plan. Mickey also discusses ongoing plan administration and potential exit options, such as a company repurchasing its shares or an eventual business sale.

Throughout the episode, Tom and Mickey emphasize that access to funding is only one part of starting a business. A solid business plan, market research, and guidance from an SBDC advisor remain essential preparation.

Tune in to learn about an alternative funding option, the considerations involved in putting retirement savings into a business, and the questions to explore before taking the next step.

What does it take to turn a struggling company into a brand customers believe in? For Jim Weber, former CEO of Brooks Running, the answer starts with customer focus, perseverance, and a team committed to execution.

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with keynote speaker and author Jim Weber. Drawing on his experience leading Brooks through a business turnaround, Jim shares lessons entrepreneurs can apply to businesses of any size.

The conversation centers on three themes: focusing on your customers, pushing through challenges, and putting in the work to turn a vision into results. Jim explains how identifying a profitable niche helped Brooks compete against larger brands—and why protecting cash flow is essential to staying in the game.

Jim also explores the people behind business success, from developing leaders to building a culture defined by everyday behavior. He shares insights from his book, Running with Purpose, and reflects on why business is a team sport.

Tune in for an inspiring, practical conversation about finding your focus, leading through uncertainty, and building a business with purpose.

Sometimes a small amount of capital can open the door to a big opportunity. But where can entrepreneurs turn when they’re just starting out or need funding below the size of a traditional business loan?

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Brandon Martinez, Microenterprise Specialist with Suncoast Credit Union.

Brandon introduces Suncoast’s microenterprise lending program and discusses how it supports startups and growing businesses—including entrepreneurs who have not yet generated revenue. He explains how a structured business plan, realistic financial projections, industry experience, and a clear purpose for the funds help tell a business’s story to a lender.

The conversation also explores the member-owned credit union model, the value of building a relationship with your business banker, and how a personalized consultation can help identify suitable financing options, including microloans and SBA-backed loans.

Whether you’re launching an idea, purchasing equipment, or preparing to expand, tune in for insights on preparing for a lending conversation and finding financial support for your next step.

A great business starts with a problem worth solving—but how do you know your customers see it that way?

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Kathrine Zobre, founder of Founders Playground. A former SBDC advisor and experienced entrepreneurship educator, Kathrine helps founders turn ideas into businesses by understanding the people they want to serve.

Kathrine shares why customer discovery should happen before you build a product, how to recognize a meaningful customer need, and why getting too attached to your original idea can hold you back. Through examples from her own entrepreneurial and investing experiences, she explores the importance of reaching your target market, listening to feedback, and finding evidence that customers want your solution.

The conversation also highlights the value of peer networks, SBDC advising, and hands-on support to help entrepreneurs put advice into action. Kathrine offers a brief look at her Summit presentations on using AI to develop service quotes and tapping into workforce development resources.

Whether you’re exploring a new idea or refining an existing business, tune in for practical insights on asking better questions, testing assumptions, and building around your customers’ needs.

Is your business getting harder to find online? As AI changes how customers search for products and services, small business owners need to rethink how they show up—and stand out.

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Mimi Damm, media specialist with Gray Media. Drawing on more than two decades of experience working with small businesses, Mimi shares her perspective on building visibility in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

The conversation explores how AI-powered search is changing customer behavior and why an effective marketing strategy reaches beyond keywords. Mimi discusses the role of video, YouTube, website content, and social media in helping businesses connect with potential customers. She also explains the importance of setting a dedicated marketing budget, choosing channels that fit your goals, and knowing when to bring in expert support.

At the heart of her message is a simple takeaway: “Consistency equals visibility.” Whether you’re starting with a modest budget or expanding your reach, a deliberate, sustained approach can help you build a stronger marketing foundation.

Tune in for practical insights on adapting your marketing, making thoughtful use of your budget, and keeping your business visible in the age of AI.

How can small business owners find better leads, reach the right customers, and grow without doing everything themselves?

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Luke Kim, founder of Truth Cartel and an entrepreneurship faculty member at UC Berkeley.

Drawing on his experience leading marketing for technology companies, Luke explores how entrepreneurs can apply AI, lead generation, and sales automation to their own businesses. He discusses using AI to streamline market research, identify potential customers, and develop more targeted outreach. The conversation also highlights why testing, compliance, and carefully curated leads matter when scaling a sales strategy.

But technology is only part of the equation. Luke shares how a simple cookie delivery helped turn cold outreach into meaningful conversations, illustrating the value of combining automation with a personal touch. He also discusses his passion for teaching and how Truth Cartel supports growing businesses through marketing services, training, and fractional marketing leadership.

Tune in for a practical conversation about strengthening your sales process, building relationships, and using technology to support business growth.