Small Biz Florida

Ep. 345 | Brewing Through Adversity: Jordan Weisberg’s Journey from Homebrewer to Business Owner

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, hosted by Tom Kindred, the focus is on the vibrant craft brewing industry in Florida, specifically highlighting the entrepreneurial journey of Jordan Weisberg, owner and operator of Point Ybel Brewing Company. This episode was recorded at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference in Tampa, a gathering of passionate craft brewers and entrepreneurs.

Jordan shares his path from homebrewing in Tampa to running a successful brewery in Fort Myers near Sanibel Island. He dives into the real-world challenges of entrepreneurship, from equipment failures to navigating major disruptions like COVID-19 and hurricanes. Jordan speaks candidly about the importance of resilience, passion, and learning through adversity.

He also reflects on the influence of his entrepreneurial parents and offers valuable advice for aspiring business owners: stay driven, embrace setbacks as learning opportunities, and pursue work you genuinely love.

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://pointybelbrew.com/

Ep. 344 | Sake Meets Startup: The Founders of Shojo’s Dojo Share Their Craft Brewing Journey

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference in downtown Tampa. The episode features an engaging conversation with Heider Hasham and Maria Orozco, the founders of Shojo's Dojo, Florida's first sake-based craft brewery located in Miami.

The discussion explores their unique entrepreneurial journey, transitioning from traditional careers in civil engineering and medicine to launching a niche brewery. Heider and Maria share insights into the challenges and surprises of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience, strategic financial planning, and adaptability.

Listeners will also learn about their innovative brewing process, which blends their Lebanese and Nicaraguan heritage with traditional Japanese sake-making techniques. As Miami’s rapid development pushes them to consider relocation, they invite fans to follow their ongoing journey through social media.

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.instagram.com/shojosdojo

Ep. 343 | Brewing Up Capital: How SBA 504 Loans Fuel Florida’s Craft Breweries

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, hosted by Tom Kindred, the focus shifts to the financial tools that support Florida’s small businesses, specifically within the craft brewing industry. Recorded live at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference in downtown Tampa, the episode features an insightful conversation with Gayle Hoshstrasser, Florida Sales Manager for Florida First Capital.

Gayle shares her extensive experience in SBA lending and provides an in-depth look at how Florida First Capital, a Certified Development Company (CDC), works alongside the U.S. Small Business Administration to deliver SBA 504 loans. These loans are designed to help small business owners like those in the brewing industry acquire real estate, expand operations, and invest in long-term growth through fixed-rate, low-down-payment financing.

The episode also breaks down what it takes to prepare for capital acquisition, including the importance of a solid business plan, tax documentation, financial statements, and expert guidance. Gayle emphasizes that building strong relationships with lenders and advisors is key to making informed decisions and sustaining long-term success.

Whether you're a brewery owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about how SBA financing works, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most impactful loan programs available to small businesses.

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 & Sponsor:
https://www.ffcfc.com

Ep. 342 | Closing the Talent Gap: Zera Techbridge Connects Veterans to High-Tech Careers

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, hosted by Tom Kindred, the spotlight is on bridging the national talent gap in high-tech careers through veteran entrepreneurship. Recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa, this episode features an in-depth conversation with Devon Stevenson, CEO and co-founder of Zera Techbridge, alongside his partners Evan Mills and Don Randall.

Zera Techbridge is a mission-driven company dedicated to connecting veterans, service members, and youth with high-demand careers in data analytics and national security. The platform not only offers industry certifications but also supports the process of obtaining security clearances—key to unlocking jobs in defense and cybersecurity sectors.

The conversation explores the founders’ military backgrounds, the role of mentorship from Veterans Florida, and the critical need to retain skilled professionals within the Department of Defense. With a focus on workforce development and innovation, Zera Techbridge is helping to ensure our national security pipeline remains strong and inclusive.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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

Ep. 341 | The “Tax Trifecta”: Carl Cyrius Builds a Global Financial Firm for Veterans

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, hosted by Tom Kindred, we return to the dynamic atmosphere of the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa. This episode features Carl Cyrius, a veteran and the founder and CEO of The Oasis Firm—a company offering a comprehensive and client-focused approach to financial services through what Carl calls the “holy tax trifecta”: preparation, planning, and representation.

Carl shares his journey from the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program to launching a successful business with a global reach, especially aiding veterans living overseas. He discusses the challenges of starting a business, the power of refining your idea through structured support, and the importance of working with clients who align with your values. Carl’s role at the Expo includes serving as a pitch competition judge and supporting fellow veteran entrepreneurs.

Whether you're a veteran, entrepreneur, or small business owner looking to improve your financial foundation, Carl’s insights offer valuable takeaways and encouragement.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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

Ep. 340 | Training the Tower: Bruce Bevins Builds the Future of Air Traffic Control with ATCFO

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, hosted by Tom Kindred, the spotlight is on innovation and veteran entrepreneurship at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa. Tom interviews Navy veteran Bruce Bevins, founder and CEO of ATCFO (Air Traffic Control Future Operators), the first accredited air traffic control training program at the trade school level in the United States. Located at Bartow Executive Airport, ATCFO offers a groundbreaking pathway into air traffic control—eliminating the need for a traditional college degree and providing students with real-world experience and certification.

Bruce shares his extensive career in air traffic control and discusses how ATCFO is addressing the critical shortage of controllers nationwide. He also highlights the high-paying job opportunities in the field, especially for veterans looking to transition into civilian careers. Throughout the conversation, Bruce emphasizes the role Veterans Florida has played in supporting his entrepreneurial journey and outlines his plans for expanding training facilities to meet growing demand.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
https://www.atcfo.us

Ep. 339 | From Marine to Master Barber: Nicholas Romero’s Vision for the Industry

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, hosted by Tom Kindred, the spotlight returns to the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches—a premier event celebrating veteran entrepreneurship. Tom sits down with Marine Corps veteran Nicholas Romero, the owner of Thank My Barber Shop in Fort Myers, Florida. Nicholas shares his journey from cutting hair in the Marine Corps to launching his own barbershop and founding the Thank My Barber Association. His mission: to elevate the barbering profession by promoting professionalism, financial literacy, and community engagement. Nicholas discusses the critical role of customer service in the barber industry and outlines his ambitious plans to offer barbers access to medical insurance, financial planning tools, and ongoing education. As he prepares to pitch his business in the event’s Shark Tank-style competition, Nicholas hopes to secure funding to expand his association and impact the industry on a larger scale.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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

Ep. 338 | Printing the Future: Drew Williams on 3D Construction Innovation with Wall-R

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, hosted by Tom Kindred, the conversation centers on innovation in the construction industry and the entrepreneurial journey of Air Force veteran Drew Williams, founder and CEO of Wall-R. Recorded at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitch in Tampa, Drew shares how he transitioned from military service to launching a company focused on 3D printing for construction. He discusses the game-changing potential of this technology to reduce material waste, lower costs, and improve access to affordable housing. While acknowledging the hurdles of scaling an emerging technology, Drew expresses optimism about the industry's future. He also credits veteran-focused entrepreneurship programs at Florida Atlantic University, University of Florida, and Syracuse University for helping him build his venture. The episode wraps with an invitation for listeners to support his innovative mission.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Ep. 337 | From Service to Self-Care: Samuel Medina’s Mission with Down to Earth Massage Therapy

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred speaks with Samuel Medina, an Air Force veteran and the founder of Down to Earth Massage Therapy. Recorded at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitch in Tampa, the conversation explores Samuel’s transition from military service to entrepreneurship. He shares how a variety of post-service roles ultimately led him to his true calling—helping others through massage therapy, personal training, and health education. Samuel explains his holistic approach to wellness and how his business integrates mobile services and collaborations with boutique hotels and events. He also highlights the valuable support he’s received from Veterans Florida and discusses the importance of utilizing available resources for business growth in Florida’s thriving wellness sector.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Ep. 336 | From Air Force to Activator: How Casa Bruni Brings Tampa Spaces to Life

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred continues his coverage from the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa, showcasing the innovative spirit of veteran entrepreneurs. Tom sits down with Air Force veteran Bruni Oquendo, founder of Casa Bruni—an events lifestyle activation and programming company that’s transforming Tampa’s underutilized spaces into vibrant cultural hubs.

Bruni shares her inspiring journey from high school teacher to entrepreneur, a transition sparked during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains how Casa Bruni uses creative placemaking to connect communities through events rooted in music, art, and culture, with salsa dancing playing a central role. The discussion dives into how hobbies can evolve into business opportunities, and how Bruni has leveraged her passion and local connections to build a thriving brand.

Listeners will also hear about Bruni’s experience with support organizations like Veterans Florida and Action Zone, and the critical role mentorship and community play in the entrepreneurial journey. Bruni wraps the conversation by sharing her plans for future expansion and how to get involved with Casa Bruni.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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