Small Biz Florida

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

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