Small Biz Florida

Ep. 88 | Business Success after the “Shark Tank” Ripple Effect with CEO/Founder of The Smart Baker Daniel Rensing

The Jim Moran Institute held it's 11th annual Small Business Leadership Conference this year and it was packed with entrepreneurs and small business owners! Among the business leaders at this conference was Daniel Rensing Founder and CEO of The Smart Baker. The Smart Baker is a brand of baking tools and supplies that make baking so much easier. Some of the products include the Cheat Sheet Apron, Pre-Cut Parchment Paper, and more…Daniel Rensing joins Tom Kindred and cohost Dr. Ricardo to discuss what it’s like being a business owner after the ripple effect of being on a popular show like “Shark Tank” is over. They also discuss the story of how the Smart Baker got started and innovative ways to make baking fun and easy. 
– Connect with Daniel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielrensing/  
– Check out The Smart Baker: https://thesmartbaker.com/  
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. These segments were also cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the JMI Institute, visit their website here
– To learn more about the JMI Small Business Leadership Conference, visit their website here

Ep. 87 | Learn the Secret to Enjoying the Outdoors in Florida This Summer with “Bug Bite Thing” CEO/Founder Kelley Higney

Kelley Higney is the founder and CEO of Bug Bite Thing. In 2013, Kelley’s family relocated from San Diego, California to South Florida. There was one thing they were not prepared for—the mosquitos. On this episode of Small Biz Florida, we let Kelley tell us the story of how Bug Bite Thing got started! Bug Bite Thing gained national recognition in October 2019 when Kelley and her mother, Ellen McAlister, appeared on ABC’s hit show, ‘Shark Tank.’ All the Sharks were biting with offers to invest in the business, but it was Lori Greiner’s ‘Golden Ticket’ offer that secured the partnership. In April 2021, Kelley and her mother returned to ‘Shark Tank.’ This time, they shared details on the company's transformation into a multi-million dollar enterprise following their first appearance on the show. Bug Bite Thing is Amazon’s #1 selling product for insect bite relief with more than 45,000 reviews. 
Kelley is a member of the Fast Company Executive Board and Forbes Business Council. She is also the recipient of numerous awards, including two Gold Stevie Awards wins, and was named  ‘Woman of the Year’ by the 2021 American Business Awards and ‘Female Entrepreneur of the Year’ by the 2021 Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Kelley is active within the South Florida business community. She resides in South Florida with her husband, Richard, and their daughters, Leah and Lilly. 
This episode is one you don’t want to miss! 
– Follow Kelley Higney:https://www.instagram.com/bugbitething/ 
– Check out Bug Bite Thing: https://www.bugbitething.com/ 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. These segments were also cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the JMI Institute, visit their website here
– To learn more about the JMI Small Business Leadership Conference, visit their website here

New Series | Small Biz Florida Goes to 11th Annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference | 2022

The primary purpose of Small Biz Florida is to highlight and create awareness for all of Florida’s small business assistance and resource programs. One of the most effective ways to learn about, gather and share information on these resources is to attend and work at Florida’s top small business and economic development conferences.
One of these important business events was the recent 11th Annual Jim Moran Small Business Leadership Conference held in Orlando, Florida. Small Biz Florida was on the scene during the conference, recording and producing segments. The Small Biz Florida crew wants to thank Melissa Roberts and her entire JMI Team for allowing the podcast to be part of the recent conference. Also want to thank Indian River State College's school of business professor, Dr. Herbert Ricardo, for serving as podcast cohost during the conference.
The next 13 segments of Small Biz Florida were all produced and recorded at the conference-hopefully the segments will provide our listeners with valuable and beneficial information.
Please like, rate, and share our show to continue supporting the podcast with your networks, family, and friends. To stay connected and up to date on our latest releases, follow our Instagram @SmallBizFlorida!
We are so thankful for the growing and overwhelming support of our listeners. We hope our work is inspiring and helping all business owners in Florida and Nationwide!

Ep. 86 | What is the Employer of Choice Program by Florida Makes | Marcelo Dossantos Director of Talent Development + Susan Haggard Talent Development & Engagement Manager

This episode is a special segment recorded at the Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College. In this segment, we featured two standout guests representing the FloridaMakes network. FloridaMakes focuses on results for small to medium-sized manufacturing companies. Their services are designed to help further the goals for profitability and productivity for these businesses. Depending on the needs and goals of the organization, which can include helping solve a specific manufacturing problem, increasing productivity, adopting best practices, determining how core capabilities might be used to enter a new market, or enhancing processes through appropriate advanced technology or training.
Both Marcelo and Susan work in the Talent Development division which means that part of their job is to find solutions for workforce and talent problems facing manufacturers on the Treasure Coast and all throughout Florida. On this episode host Tom Kindred discusses the Employer of Choice program with Marcelo and Susan.
As an employer you need to promote your organization as a desirable place to work – after all, recruiting and retaining talent is essential for growing your organization! The Manufacturing Employer of Choice program is conducted by a third-party consulting firm via a "no-cost” 40 question survey to determine how your company ranks among peer groups within the industry, in providing the elements necessary to be a great place to work. The survey instrument is completed by your company's Human Resources Department or Management Team that handles talent recruitment & selection, compensation & benefits and training & development functions. All participating manufacturers will receive a valuable benchmarking analytics report based on survey results.
This year's winners will be recognized at the 2022 statewide MakeMore Manufacturing Summit on October 13 taking place in The GuideWell Innovation Center in Orlando.
Become a part of this program and reap the benefits. It only takes 25-30 minutes of your time to apply!
Apply Here: https://www.floridamakes.com/service-offerings/workforce-development/eoc 
 
 

Ep. 85 | Discussing the innovative programs and resources available for businesses in the city of Sanford | Tom Tomerlin and Pamela Lynch with The City of Sanford Economic Development

The City of Sanford Economic Development Department promotes Sanford as a great place to locate businesses through marketing and outreach efforts.  Business growth from both new business relocation and existing business expansion has been a key factor in the health of our local economy.
The Economic Development team develops, implements, and manages citywide policies and procedures for encouraging and attracting growth to make Sanford even more of the livable city that it is.
Tom and Pamela who represent the City of Sanford’s Economic Development Division join Tom and Dr. Herbert Ricardo on this special episode of Small Biz Florida. Learn about the range of industries growing in Sanford and the Programs available for new and small businesses.
– Learn more about The City of Sanford: https://sanfordfl.gov/government/economic-development/  – Connect w/ Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-tomerlin-a2434062/
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual Florida Economic Development Council Conference hosted at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St Petersburg, Florida, and cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo, Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the FEDC Conference, visit their website here
– To visit the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit their website here

Ep. 84 | Learn what Pasco County’s EDC is doing for Small Businesses| Jennie Sammur & Daniel Mitchell with Pasco EDC

Formed in 1987, the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is the leading economic development organization dedicated to the overall growth and prosperity of Pasco County through the development of a sustainable and diversified economy. 
Jennie Sammur and Daniel Mitchell from Pasco EDC join Tom and Dr. Herbert Ricardo on this special episode of Small Biz Florida. Learn about the range of industries growing in Pasco County and the Programs available for new and small businesses.
– Learn more about Pasco EDC: https://www.enterpriseflorida.com/ – Connect w/ Jennie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennie-sammur-96297068/
– Connect w/ Daniel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmitchellrep/
 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual Florida Economic Development Council Conference hosted at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St Petersburg, Florida, and cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo, Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the FEDC Conference, visit their website here
– To visit the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit their website here

Ep. 83 | Discussing the Challenges for Economic Development in Florida that immerged post-COVID-19 | Destin Wells – Senior Vice President of Business Development at Enterprise Florida

Discussing the Challenges for Economic Development in Florida that immerged post-pandemic with Senior Vice President of Business Development for Enterprise Florida, Destin Wells.
On this episode of Small Biz Florida, Tom Kindred and Dr. Herbert Ricardo are joined by Destin Wells who serves as Senior Vice President of Business Development for Enterprise Florida. To kick things off Destin tells us the story of how he accidentally fell into his career as an Economic Development professional in Florida. After his time in the Peace Corp. and experience working there and in the Dominican Republic, he developed a passion for working together with others and giving back to communities. In this episode, Destin talks about the issues that Economic Development Organizations in Florida have been facing post-pandemic. Listen to this episode to hear more about what he had to say.
– Learn more about Enterprise Florida: https://www.enterpriseflorida.com/ – Connect w/ Destin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/destin-wells-82b9b923/
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual Florida Economic Development Council Conference hosted at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St Petersburg, Florida, and cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo, Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the FEDC Conference, visit their website here
– To visit the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit their website here

Ep. 82 |Learn How Hillsborough County is Helping New Businesses | Carol Miner – Director of Hillsborough FSBDC and Manager of Entrepreneurial Services

Carol Miner talks to us about a 4-month program that helps individuals who are thinking about starting a business but don’t know where to begin. Listen to this episode for more details!
Carol Miner started her career in lending, after years of working up north she decide it was time for warmer weather and she moved to Florida. After starting her very own consulting firm she found a connection with the SBDC in Hillsborough County. Eventually, she became the Director of the Hillsborough County FSBDC and Manager of Entrepreneurial Services. Today on Small Biz Florida she is talking to us about a program she developed called Self-Employment Workshop Program (S.E.W.P). This program is designed for entrepreneurs who want to start a business but do not exactly have the resources or the knowledge to start. It is quite an intensive course and most people have a hard time sticking with it but Carol tells us how they build discipline in these entrepreneurs through this program.
– Learn more about Hillsborough FSBDC and SEWP: https://clients.floridasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=630410097 – Connect w/ Carol: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolaminor/
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual Florida Economic Development Council Conference hosted at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St Petersburg, Florida, and cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo, Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the FEDC Conference, visit their website here
– To visit the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit their website here

Ep. 81 | Find out why Ormond Beach is “the Birthplace of Speed.” | Brian Rademacher – Director of Economic Development for Ormond Beach, FL

We’re learning why Ormond Beach is “the birthplace of speed” in this conversation with the Director of Economic Development for Ormond Beach, Brian Rademacher.
Ormond Beach is Central Florida's Preferred Business Address for its remarkable quality of life and its healthy business climate. Ormond Beach is located near the crossroads of Central Florida's High Tech Corridor, I-95, and I-4. The City of Ormond Beach Economic Development Department is committed to implementing a robust growth strategy that results in a strong economy and improved quality of life. Brian Rademacher who serves as the Director of Economic Development for Ormond Beach joins the cohosts of Small Biz Florida Tom Kindred and Dr. Ricardo on this special segment from the Florida Economic Development Council Conference. Brian covers the areas and target markets of businesses in the region and lays out the benefits of doing business in Ormond Beach.
– Learn more about Ormond Beach: https://ormondbeach.org/194/Economic-Development – Connect w/ Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrademacher/
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual Florida Economic Development Council Conference hosted at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St Petersburg, Florida, and cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo, Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the FEDC Conference, visit their website here
– To visit the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit their website here

Ep. 80 | How a Business Approach to Fundraising can lead to Huge Success | Paul Santiago Director of Campaign Services Convergent Nonprofit Solutions

Paul Santiago’s career started in Atlanta. His pathway to Convergent Solutions began when five highly respected national nonprofit consulting firms came together to provide a variety of services to the nonprofit industry, from fundraising to sustainability planning to organizational audits and more.
Paul joins the Small Biz Florida team to talk about Convergent Solution’s mission, vision, and process. Paul takes a deep dive into what it looks like to work with Convergent Solutions and outlines Convergent Solution’s unique approach and strategy to get the best results.
– Learn more about Convergent Solutions: https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/ – Connect w/ Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pjsjax/
Subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram for more segments like these This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual Florida Economic Development Council Conference hosted at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St Petersburg, Florida, and cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo, Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the FEDC Conference, visit their website here
– To visit the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit their website here