Small Biz Florida

Ep. 400 | Simulating Success: Waymon Armstrong on Government Contracting and Building a High-Tech Business in Florida

In this live episode from the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Waymon Armstrong, founder and CEO of Engineering and Computer Simulations (ECS), a pioneer in using video game technology for military training. Armstrong shares his entrepreneurial journey, including how he left Lockheed Martin to start ECS nearly three decades ago, his early wins with SBIR grants, and how he grew his company into a global provider of modeling and simulation solutions for the Department of Defense. He discusses why Orlando is a hub for simulation and training, how government contracting became his primary growth engine, and the importance of Florida's SBDC and entrepreneurial ecosystem in helping ECS thrive. From training combat medics to advising small businesses to follow the money in federal contracting, Armstrong delivers powerful insights and inspiration.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
https://www.ecsorl.com

Ep. 399 | From Paper to Platform: How Craft Education is Digitizing Apprenticeships & Closing the Talent Gap

Live from the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Jennifer Mathis, Technical Partnership Sales Leader for Craft Education, a non-profit revolutionizing workforce development through free, digital apprenticeship tracking tools. Mathis outlines Craft’s mission to become a “public data utility” for Florida’s workforce, helping businesses, educators, and workforce boards move beyond outdated, paper-based systems. She explains how Craft’s platform supports smarter talent strategies by enabling employers to digitize on-the-job training, upskill existing staff, and apply apprenticeship models to non-traditional fields, such as IT and healthcare. For small business owners, educators, and policymakers alike, this episode provides powerful and actionable insights on building a more resilient, data-driven workforce pipeline.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
https://www.crafteducation.com/

Ep. 398 | Manufacturing in the Shadows of Tourism: Candy Cole on Supporting Small Manufacturers in Central Florida

Recorded live at the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, this episode features Candy Cole, Executive Director of the Manufacturing Association of Central Florida (MACF), in conversation with Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred. Cole shines a spotlight on the more than 6,000 manufacturers in Central Florida, 80% of which have fewer than 20 employees, and explains how MACF serves as a critical connector for these often-overlooked small businesses. From navigating utility challenges to workforce development and student outreach, Cole discusses how MACF helps manufacturers grow in a region often dominated by tourism headlines. This conversation is a powerful reminder of Florida’s diverse economic engine and the urgent need to invest in the next generation of skilled workers.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
https://www.macf.biz

Special Segment: Shop Small Saturday 2025 | How Local Businesses Can Win Big This Holiday Season

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred dives into the impact and importance of Shop Small Saturday, a nationwide initiative designed to spotlight and support small businesses during the critical holiday season. Tom is joined by two powerhouse guests: Tyler Teresa, SBA Regional Administrator for the Southeast, and Jennifer Johnson, founder of True Fashionistas, Florida’s largest lifestyle reseller.

Tyler shares his personal connection to entrepreneurship and the SBA’s ongoing mission to empower small businesses across the Southeast. Jennifer recounts her entrepreneurial journey, scaling her retail brand from a small boutique to a 13,000-square-foot powerhouse.

Together, they break down why Shop Small Saturday is the “Super Bowl” for small businesses and offer actionable strategies for small business owners to stand out, attract customers, and maximize the benefits of this nationwide shopping event. Topics discussed include gathering customer data, boosting community involvement, and utilizing assets such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Connect with Our Guests:

• Jennifer Johnson’s Retail Store: truefashionistas.com | Jennifer Johnson’s Coaching & Speaking: jenniferannjohnson.com
• SBA

Ep. 397 | From Jazz Bands to Orchestras: How TechHouse Powers Small Biz with Smart Tech

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred interviews Kathy Durfee, founder of TechHouse, live from the 2025 FloridaMakes MakeMore Manufacturing Summit in Orlando. Kathy shares her unique journey from chemist and English major to tech entrepreneur and how necessity led her to create a technology consulting firm built exclusively for small businesses. With a knack for translating complex tech into relatable business strategies, she introduces the concepts of “jazz bands” and “orchestras” to explain how businesses evolve and what tools they need at every stage. From clean data to cybersecurity, Kathy dives deep into how the right tech strategy can make or break a small business and why going it alone may cost more in the long run.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
https://tech-house.com/

Title: Ep. 396 | From Problem to Patent: How One Inspector’s Invention Is Changing Construction Safety

 In this episode of Small Biz Florida, we sit down with Arthur Watson, founder of Top Tool USA, during the 2025 FloridaMakes MakeMore Manufacturing Summit in Orlando. Arthur shares his powerful journey from construction inspector to inventor, describing how a recurring workplace hazard, lifting 240-pound manhole covers, sparked the creation of a patented safety tool now positioned to revolutionize the utility and construction industry. With help from the Florida SBDC, Arthur transitioned from a great idea to a business-ready product. He explains the steps behind his invention, the critical role of SBDC mentorship, and his goals for scaling Top Tool USA through licensing or manufacturing partnerships.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
https://toptoolusa.com/

Ep. 395 | Missed Deductions? How Manufacturers Can Unlock Big Tax Savings with Michael Lauer of Taxster

In this highly informative episode, recorded at the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred talks with Michael Lauer, founder of Taxster, a boutique CPA firm specializing in helping small and mid-sized manufacturers uncover valuable, often-overlooked tax opportunities. Lauer breaks down two of the biggest current incentives: a newly fixed R&D tax credit available retroactively through July 4th and a powerful new provision that allows manufacturers to fully write off new facility costs in the first year. He also explains why showing profitability on tax returns is crucial not just for tax purposes, but also for securing loans and preparing for a business sale. Whether you're building a new plant or innovating on the shop floor, this episode offers timely advice that could put serious money back in your business.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
https://www.taxster.co/

Ep. 394 | Preparing to Sell: Ron Krudo on the Silver Tsunami and Maximizing Your Business Exit

At the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Ron Krudo, Managing Partner of Right Street Advisors, to discuss one of the most important and often overlooked challenges facing Florida’s manufacturing sector: How to prepare for a successful business exit? With a wave of baby boomer owners approaching retirement, Krudo outlines the opportunities of the “silver tsunami” and emphasizes that the key to achieving a premium valuation lies in long-term planning. From leadership development and financial hygiene to strategic buyer engagement and deal structuring, this episode explores the emotional, financial, and operational aspects of selling a business effectively.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
https://www.rightstreetadvisors.com

Ep. 393 | Smarter, Not Harder: How EZ Automation Systems Is Revolutionizing Quality Control with AI & Vision Tech

Recorded live at the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, this episode features Ahmed Tawfik (CEO) and Yamini Vattipalli (COO) of EZ Automation Systems, a Florida-based company delivering custom, AI-powered quality control solutions to manufacturers of all sizes. Host Tom Kindred dives into the company’s journey from a software provider to a full-service system integrator, now leveraging machine vision, robotics, and AI to automate and enhance inspection processes. Ahmed and Yamini explain how these technologies help companies gather actionable data, reduce defects, and remain competitive without replacing the human workforce. From aerospace parts to contact lenses, EZ Automation Systems is proving that smart, scalable automation is now within reach for even the smallest manufacturers.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
https://www.ezsystemsllc.com/

Ep. 392 | Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Martin Perrone on Preventing Arc Flash Disasters in Manufacturing

In this eye-opening episode from the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred speaks with Martin “Marty” Perrone, founder of Everything Arc Flash, about one of the most overlooked and dangerous threats in industrial environments: arc flash explosions. With a background in electrical systems and years of industry experience, Perrone explains how manufacturers often ignore critical electrical infrastructure until it’s too late. He breaks down the life-threatening risks of arc flash, the requirements of NFPA 70E, and how proactive inspections can prevent both catastrophic injuries and massive financial loss. Sharing a powerful real-world example where one company faced over $500,000 in costs after an avoidable explosion, Perrone makes a strong case for awareness, compliance, and prevention in today’s manufacturing world.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
https://everythingarcflash.com