Small Biz Florida

Ep. 356 | Economic Trends & Opportunities for Florida's Small Businesses

Recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, this episode of Small Biz Florida features a powerful conversation between host Tom Kindred and Dr. Jerry Parrish, Chief Economist for the Metro Atlanta Chamber. A long-time advocate of the SBDC network, Dr. Parrish shares timely insights on the Florida and national economy, highlighting the critical role of small businesses—particularly those with 20 to 49 employees—in driving job creation. From trade wars and tariff uncertainties to industry opportunities in healthcare and manufacturing, Dr. Parrish unpacks the challenges and reasons for optimism in today’s business climate. He emphasizes the importance of acquiring skilled trades and business knowledge, encouraging entrepreneurs to leverage SBDC resources to build capacity and resilience. Whether you're just launching your venture or scaling operations, this episode offers valuable economic perspective and practical takeaways for Florida’s business owners.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Ep. 355 | Scrappy PR Playbook: Building Your Brand Like a Pro

Live from the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred welcomes Caitlin Gardner, founder of Blooming Communications. With years of experience in PR, marketing, and communications—from global agencies to Fortune 500 companies—Caitlin now helps small businesses harness professional-level branding strategies. In this episode, she shares insights from her summit presentation, The Scrappy PR Playbook, which includes actionable steps for conducting a vulnerability assessment, protecting your business's reputation, and crafting a clear, effective communications plan. Caitlin breaks down the difference between advertising and PR, highlights the power of storytelling, and explains how emerging platforms like Substack can help small businesses build thought leadership. If you're ready to elevate your brand without a Fortune 500 budget, this episode is your PR masterclass.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
Blooming Communications

Ep. 354 | Empowering Small Businesses: HR Solutions with Aspen HR

Live from the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, host Tom Kindred sits down with Joshua Tyrrell, Senior Vice President at Aspen HR, to explore how outsourcing HR can be a game-changer for Florida’s small businesses. Joshua shares his journey from large-scale business operations to his current role at Aspen HR, where he delivers boutique, white glove HR services to growing companies. The conversation dives into the critical need for payroll, benefits, and HR support for small business owners—and how Aspen HR’s flat-rate, per-employee model simplifies complex processes. From compliance challenges to customized support, this episode offers actionable advice on why HR isn’t just an administrative task—it’s a strategic tool for business success.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
aspenhr.com

Ep. 353 | Unlocking SBA Lending: Turning "Nos" into "Yeses" for Florida’s Small Businesses

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred welcomes Brittany Turner, Senior Business Development Officer with The Bancorp, live from the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa. With over 20 years in small business banking, Brittany shares her deep expertise in SBA financing—specifically the powerful tools available through the SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs. She breaks down the advantages of SBA lending, including lower down payments and less stringent collateral requirements, and explains why The Bancorp is a unique partner for businesses that may not fit the traditional banking mold. Learn how to start the SBA loan process, avoid predatory lending alternatives like Merchant Cash Advances, and understand why the Florida SBDC is a critical first stop for any business seeking funding. Whether you’re launching a startup or acquiring an existing business, this episode is packed with valuable insights for entrepreneurs navigating the world of small business finance.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
The Bancorp

Ep. 352 | Smarter Menus, Better Breweries: Frank Pernicano and the Tech Behind BeerMS

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference in downtown Tampa, where the spotlight is on innovation and tech solutions in the craft brewing industry. Tom sits down with Frank Pernicano, founder of BeerMS—a customizable menu management and digital display system designed specifically for breweries and bars.

Frank shares his journey from web application development to launching BeerMS, a platform that helps brewery owners streamline operations and enhance the customer experience with real-time digital menus. The conversation touches on the importance of brand consistency, flexibility in menu updates, and the value of using technology to create a more engaging taproom experience.

Frank also offers advice to fellow entrepreneurs, explaining how he built BeerMS while working a full-time job and how he's positioning the product to expand beyond breweries into bars and other beverage-focused venues.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference hosted at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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

Ep. 351 | Bottom Line Brewing: Patrick Brown on Why Accounting Matters in Craft Beer

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, hosted by Tom Kindred, the focus is once again on the craft brewing industry, recorded live from the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference in Tampa. Tom is joined by Patrick Brown, Director and Owner of Blue and Company, a CPA and accounting firm with deep expertise in the beverage industry.

Patrick shares his extensive background in public accounting and how he found his niche working with distilleries and craft brewers. The conversation highlights the often-overlooked role of accounting in brewery operations, emphasizing the importance of clean financials when it comes to attracting investors, securing financing, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Throughout the episode, Patrick stresses that small business owners should focus on what they do best—running their business—while relying on trusted professionals to handle accounting, payroll, and tax strategy. It's a must-listen for any entrepreneur looking to grow a financially sound and scalable craft beverage business.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference hosted at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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

Ep. 349 | Crafting a Brand: How CODO Design Helps Breweries Stand Out in a Crowded Market

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference in downtown Tampa. Joining the show are Cody Faig and Isaac Arthur, co-founders of CODO Design—a brand strategy firm with deep expertise in the craft brewing industry.

The conversation dives into the crucial role of branding and positioning in the success of small businesses, especially in a competitive space like craft beer. Cody and Isaac share their journey from art and design students to becoming national leaders in brewery brand development. They explain the process behind building and refreshing a brand, from research and market analysis to visual identity and storytelling.

Listeners will gain insight into how brand architecture and strategic differentiation can help businesses connect with customers, stand out in a saturated market, and grow sustainably. Whether you're launching a new brewery or refreshing an existing brand, this episode offers expert advice on how to approach branding with purpose and precision.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference hosted at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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

Ep. 348 | From IT to IPA: Aaron Gore on Innovation and Opportunity in Craft Brewing

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference in Tampa, Florida. The episode features an insightful conversation with Aaron Gore, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for The Fifth Ingredient and Vice President for the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame. Aaron shares his journey from an IT professional to a key player in the craft beer industry, emphasizing the importance of passion and business acumen in running a successful brewery.

The discussion highlights the challenges faced by craft breweries, such as the need for management skills and the importance of leveraging available resources like technology and consulting services. Aaron also discusses the future of the craft beer industry, suggesting that while growth has slowed, it presents an opportunity for innovation and adaptation. The episode concludes with Aaron explaining the role of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame in honoring industry pioneers and inspiring future generations.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference hosted at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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

Ep. 347 | Brewing Up a Snack Empire: Cam Passantino and the Rise of Knotty Pretzels

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, hosted by Tom Kindred, the focus is on the vibrant craft brewing industry in Florida, specifically at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference in Tampa. The episode features an interview with Cam Passantino, Vice President of Sales for Knotty Pretzels—a company that’s carved out a unique place in the craft beer scene by offering the perfect complementary snack.

Cam shares his unconventional journey into the pretzel business, which began during his college years at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a small garage operation has grown into a brand recognized in breweries and supermarkets across the Southeast.

The conversation explores the entrepreneurial grind, lessons learned in a startup environment, and Knotty Pretzels’ creative marketing strategy of offering free product samples to build trust and partnerships with breweries. The episode wraps up with info on where to find Knotty Pretzels and a reminder to connect with Small Biz Florida online.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference hosted at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:

https://www.knottypretzels.com

Ep. 346 | Flavor Forward: How Mother Murphy’s Helps Breweries Innovate and Stand Out

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference in downtown Tampa. The episode features a conversation with Al Murphy, CEO, and David Will Hoyt, VP of Sales at Mother Murphy's Flavors—a company dedicated to crafting custom flavors for a wide range of products, including craft beer.

The discussion explores the essential role of flavor innovation in the craft brewing industry. Al Murphy shares his journey through the company, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and creativity in meeting market needs. David Will Hoyt sheds light on how Mother Murphy’s works with both large-scale and small-batch brewers, highlighting the importance of strong client relationships and personalized service.

This episode underscores how small businesses can use flavor as a strategic tool to adapt, differentiate, and grow in a constantly shifting market.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference hosted at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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