Small Biz Florida

Ep. 306 | Driving Economic Growth in West Palm Beach with Rabi Sami

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 projects, including the Nora Development and the thriving business community in Northwood Village. Rabi also details the grants, incentives, and resources available to small business owners through the city’s economic development office. He emphasizes the essential role small businesses play in West Palm Beach’s economy and encourages entrepreneurs to take advantage of local support programs.
The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to visit West Palm Beach, experience its vibrant food scene, explore its parks, and attend its many local events. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:Learn more about the City of West Palm Beach Economic Development

Ep. 305 | Education, Workforce Development, and Leadership with St. Thomas University’s David A. Armstrong, J.D.

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 commitment to experiential learning, requiring students to complete internships, co-ops, or apprenticeships before graduation. David also discusses the university’s economic impact, its impressive graduate employment outcomes, and how higher education plays a key role in regional economic growth. This episode provides valuable insights into how businesses and educational institutions can collaborate to shape the future workforce. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:Learn more about St. Thomas University

Ep. 304 | Revolutionizing Workforce Training with Bisk’s Dr. Jennifer B. King

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 explains how Bisk helps businesses design and implement effective online training programs. She highlights the benefits of digital learning, the role of Bisk Amplified as a comprehensive education marketplace, and how investing in workforce development leads to employee retention and business growth. This episode provides valuable insights for small businesses looking to upskill their teams and stay competitive in a changing economy. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:Learn more about Bisk

Ep. 303 | The Future of Manufacturing in Florida with FloridaMakes

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College, speaks with Kevin Carr, CEO of FloridaMakes, at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum. The discussion centers on the rapid growth and evolving landscape of Florida’s manufacturing sector.
Kevin shares his extensive background in manufacturing, from working with the Navy and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establishing Florida’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center. He highlights how Florida’s manufacturing industry has outpaced traditional manufacturing states in GDP growth and job creation, with a strong focus on high-tech and advanced manufacturing.
The conversation also explores how FloridaMakes partners with regional manufacturing associations to provide business advisory services and support to manufacturers statewide. Kevin emphasizes the critical role manufacturing plays in Florida’s economy and the need to continue fostering innovation and workforce development in this sector. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:Learn more about FloridaMakes

Ep. 302 | Tackling Florida’s Affordable Housing Crisis

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred takes a deep dive into Florida’s affordable housing crisis with Heather Kasten, President and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber, and Ashon Nesbitt, CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition. Recorded at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, this discussion sheds light on the growing burden of housing costs and its direct impact on businesses, particularly in employee recruitment and retention.
Heather and Ashon explore potential solutions, including zoning law changes to increase housing density, public-private partnerships, and innovative housing approaches such as container homes and 3D-printed houses. Both guests emphasize the need for creative thinking and collaboration to ensure Florida’s workforce has access to affordable, sustainable housing options. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guests:Learn more about the Greater Sarasota ChamberLearn more about the Florida Housing Coalition

Ep. 301 | The Impact of AI on Education and Small Business

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence in higher education and small business at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum in Orlando. He is joined by Liane Sippin, Program Director at Florida International University (FIU), and Dr. Bruce Fraser, Director of the Institute for Academic Excellence at Indian River State College (IRSC).
The discussion highlights how AI is being integrated into educational institutions to foster innovation and better prepare students for the workforce. Liane and Dr. Fraser address AI’s disruptive potential, the importance of building strong partnerships between academia and private industry, and the critical need for small businesses to embrace AI to stay competitive. This insightful conversation provides valuable takeaways for educators, business leaders, and entrepreneurs looking to navigate the evolving AI landscape. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guests:Learn more about Florida International UniversityLearn more about Indian River State College

Ep. 300 | Bridging Education and Industry with Dr. Timothy Moore of IRSC

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Dr. Timothy Moore, President of Indian River State College (IRSC), at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum in Orlando. Dr. Moore shares how IRSC plays a crucial role in supporting the local business community through innovative educational programs and strategic industry partnerships.
The discussion explores the importance of aligning educational institutions with workforce needs to create a pipeline of skilled professionals. Dr. Moore highlights IRSC’s commitment to providing affordable, high-quality education and the flexibility of Florida’s state college system in adapting to evolving industry demands. Additionally, he addresses workforce development challenges, the significance of early student engagement, and the necessity of long-term planning to sustain economic growth in Florida. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:Learn more about Indian River State College

Ep. 299 | Building a Safer Workplace with the Florida Chamber Safety Council

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred speaks with Jason Mozo, Senior Vice President, and Konrad Sikora, Senior Safety Manager of the Florida Chamber Safety Council. Together, they discuss the Council’s mission to make Florida the safest, healthiest, and most sustainable state in America by 2030.
Jason and Konrad share their personal journeys into the field of workplace safety and highlight the various services offered by the Council, including safety training, mock OSHA inspections, and risk evaluations. They emphasize how investing in safety training not only reduces workplace accidents but also improves overall business profitability.
The conversation also covers the Council’s membership program, which provides small and medium-sized businesses with essential safety resources. Additionally, they discuss their commitment to community outreach through free onsite toolbox talks and career day participation at local high schools, ensuring a safer future for Florida’s workforce. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:Learn more about the Florida Chamber Safety Council

Ep. 298 | The Power of Tourism with Visit Orlando’s Cassandra Matej

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum in Orlando, where he sits down with Cassandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando.
Cassandra shares her journey in the hospitality industry and how Visit Orlando plays a vital role in driving economic growth across Central Florida. The conversation explores the far-reaching impact of tourism on small businesses, the diverse membership of Visit Orlando, and the importance of local tourism boards in fostering business success. Additionally, Cassandra discusses the excitement surrounding the upcoming opening of Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe in 2025 and what it means for the region’s economy. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:Learn more about Visit Orlando

Ep. 297 | Bridging Education and Workforce with Xello

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Ralph Aiello, Partnership Manager for Work-Based Learning at Xello, during the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum. Xello is an innovative online platform designed to support Florida's 67 school districts in building a seamless cradle-to-career pipeline.
Ralph shares how Xello helps students—from kindergarten to adult education—explore career opportunities, identify their strengths, and prepare for future success. He also highlights the critical role businesses play in closing the workforce gap by creating profiles on Xello to connect with the next generation of employees. This conversation underscores the importance of integrating technology into career development and strengthening the link between education and the business community. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2024 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:Learn more about Xello