Small Biz Florida

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

Ep. 386 | Unlocking Millions in SBA Funding: The Green Pathway with SR Engineering & Consulting

Recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference, this episode of Small Biz Florida dives into one of the SBA's most powerful yet underutilized financing tools: the Energy Public Policy Program, also known as the SBA “Green Program.” Host Tom Kindred speaks with Sol Rosenbaum, Owner and Managing Engineer of SR Engineering & Consulting, to break down how small businesses can exceed the standard $5 million SBA 504 loan cap and access up to $16.5 million in additional capital by implementing renewable energy or energy efficiency upgrades. Rosenbaum explains the two compliance pathways, why solar is the most accessible option for many, and how his firm performs the required engineering analysis to help businesses qualify. This episode is a must-listen for growing companies facing funding limits and for lenders seeking to offer strategic, policy-driven loan solutions.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
www.srengineeringandconsulting.com

Ep. 385 | Streamlining Small Business Lending: How My Sherpa Simplifies the Loan Application Process

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference, host Tom Kindred sits down with Sarah Sams, Marketing Manager for mysherpas, a FinTech company transforming how small business loan applications are managed. Sams shares how mysherpas was born from the firsthand frustrations of entrepreneurs navigating the commercial loan process and how the platform now empowers both borrowers and lenders through a secure, intuitive, and organized digital portal. Designed to eliminate the back-and-forth of traditional email-based applications, mysherpas helps lenders collect the right documents faster while providing small business owners with clarity and control during the funding journey. With financial institutions rapidly adopting this type of technology, Sams highlights how mysherpas is setting a new standard in efficiency, security, and borrower experience.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
www.mysherpas.ai

Ep. 384 | Why Your Business Plan Could Make or Break Your Loan Approval

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference, host Tom Kindred speaks with Ross McClellan, Director of Business Development for Rapid Business Plans. McClellan offers key insights into why a well-crafted business plan is essential not only for securing capital, but for guiding long-term business strategy. He explains Rapid Business Plans’ collaborative, “boutique-style” process that includes a discovery call, expert financial review, and a four-day turnaround. McClellan also raises an important warning: lenders are increasingly rejecting business plans generated by AI tools like ChatGPT, flagging them as unserious and lacking depth. Listeners will gain valuable perspective on what lenders really look for in a business plan and why entrepreneurs must truly understand the document they're presenting.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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

Ep. 383 | High-Tech Meets High-Touch: How Loan Mantra Is Revolutionizing Small Business Lending

Recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference, this kickoff episode of Small Biz Florida's latest season features a powerful conversation with Raj Tulshan, Founder and CEO, and Emily Larsen Doxford, VP, of Loan Mantra, a financial technology company transforming how small businesses access capital. Host Tom Kindred explores how Loan Mantra blends a high-tech lending platform with high-touch human support to guide small business owners through the funding process. From preparing complete, lender-ready loan packages to connecting borrowers with a nationwide network of over 100 lenders, Tulshan and Doxford break down how their model levels the playing field and drives better loan outcomes. The discussion also delves into the challenges of micro-lending, the decline of traditional relationship banking, and why personalized financial mentorship is crucial to business growth in today's rapidly evolving lending landscape.

 

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

 

Connect with Our Guest:

https://www.loanmantra.com