Small Biz Florida

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 Easy 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

Ep. 391 | Lean, Engaged, and Efficient: Tony Rodriguez on Eliminating Waste and Empowering Teams

At the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Tony Rodriguez, President of Daniel Penn Associates, to unpack the power of lean manufacturing. With decades of consulting experience across various industries, Rodriguez explains that eliminating operational waste and engaging frontline employees are the keys to achieving long-term efficiency and growth. He shares real-world results, including a case study where one manufacturer reduced equipment setup time by 60%, unlocking production capacity for an additional 200,000 units annually. Rodriguez also addresses the biggest hurdle in improvement efforts: resistance to change, especially within successful legacy businesses. This episode is a must-listen for manufacturers ready to boost productivity without increasing resources.

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://danielpenn.com

Ep. 390 | Culture Over Policy: How Ecological Laboratories Became Florida’s Employer of Choice

In this insightful episode recorded at the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred speaks with Tim McKindles, Director at Ecological Laboratories Inc., a Cape Coral-based biotech company recently honored with the Employer of Choice Award. McKindles shares the company's innovative approach to human resources, emphasizing flexibility, culture, and individualized employee experiences over rigid one-size-fits-all policies. With zero turnover in the past year, Ecological Laboratories demonstrates how customizing work arrangements and cultivating a values-driven workplace can lead to extraordinary employee satisfaction and retention. McKindles also walks listeners through the in-depth award process and how the results provided actionable benchmarking data to improve HR strategies.

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://ecologicallabs.com

Ep. 389 | Championing the Trades: Terry Iverson on Fixing the Public Perception of Manufacturing

In this powerful episode from the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, host Tom Kindred sits down with Terry Iverson, founder of CHAMPIONNow, a nonprofit organization on a mission to reshape Americans' views of careers in manufacturing. Drawing on 45 years of experience in machine tool distribution and a deep involvement in technical education, Iverson shares why outdated and negative perceptions of manufacturing are hurting our workforce, and what we can do to change it. From dispelling myths about the industry to challenging the “college for all” mindset, Iverson lays out a compelling case for Career and Technical Education (CTE) as a high-value pathway for young people. With hands-on mentorship programs, multimedia campaigns, and a national message of pride in skilled trades, CHAMPIONNow is working to restore manufacturing’s rightful place in American culture and economy.

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://championnow.org

Ep. 388 | Why Manufacturing Careers Matter: FEDC Chair Casey Barnes on Advocacy, Perception & Florida’s Economic Future

Recorded live at the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, this episode of Small Biz Florida features a compelling conversation with Casey Barnes, Chair of the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) and economic development executive at BRPH. Host Tom Kindred dives into Barnes’s extensive background and his mission to elevate the role of economic developers through proactive advocacy and community engagement. Barnes discusses the FEDC’s three pillars: educate, advocate, and connect, and calls for a rebranding of manufacturing careers as “life-changing” opportunities. He emphasizes reshoring, modern workforce strategies, and the importance of involving elected officials early in economic development conversations. This episode delivers both strategic insight and a powerful message of optimism for Florida’s economic growth.

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.fedconline.org

Ep. 387 | Building Tomorrow's Innovators: Rosie Riveters & the Power of Early STEM Education

In this kickoff episode from the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Brittany Greer, Founder and Executive Director of Rosie Riveters, a nonprofit on a mission to spark confidence and curiosity in the next generation of STEM professionals. Greer shares how her organization builds a talent pipeline by engaging students from kindergarten through 12th grade with hands-on STEM kits, aligning education with local industry needs. From the philosophy of “getting it wrong before you get it right” to success stories of students pursuing STEM careers, this episode offers a compelling look at how Rosie Riveters is reshaping the future of workforce development, starting in elementary school.

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.rosieriveters.com 

Special Episode | MakeMore Manufacturing Summit Returns: Florida's Premier Industry Event is Back!

In this special promotional episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Zoraida Velasco, Executive Vice President of FloridaMakes, to spotlight one of the state’s most important industry events — the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit. Zoraida shares her professional journey and highlights the mission of FloridaMakes, Florida’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which works closely with the Florida SBDC Network to boost productivity and innovation among small manufacturers.

This year’s MakeMore Manufacturing Summit returns to Orlando on October 22nd and 23rd, bringing together stakeholders, business leaders, and service providers to address the evolving needs of Florida’s manufacturing sector. The summit will feature in-depth conversations on industry sub-sectors, workforce development, trade and logistics, and the strategic resources available to help manufacturers grow.

Use Discount Code "M3PARTNER": Listeners can use this exclusive code to receive a discounted registration for the summit.

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

Connect with Our Guest:
https://www.floridamakemore.com/home