Small Biz Florida

Ep. 249 | Navigating Florida's Economic Horizon: A Conversation with Mark Wilson from the 2023 Future of Florida Forum

Join us for a thrilling episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2023 Florida Chamber Annual Future of Florida Forum in Orlando. Host Tom Kindred sits down with Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, for an insightful exploration of Florida's economic future.
In this dynamic conversation, Tom and Mark dissect key themes from the forum, revealing the secrets behind Florida's economic success. From impressive startup stats to strategic initiatives, Mark provides a behind-the-scenes look at the Florida Chamber's role in securing the state's future.
Discover the story behind FloridaScorecard.org and FloridaGapmap.org, powerful tools empowering small businesses. Mark's expertise and Tom's engaging questions make this episode a must-listen for those intrigued by the economic journey of the Sunshine State.
Tune in for a quick yet enlightening dive into the "Race to 2030," where Mark shares the strategic blueprint and highlights critical issues shaping Florida's trajectory. Whether you're an entrepreneur or just curious about Florida's economic landscape, this episode promises an insider's perspective on the Sunshine State's exciting race to 2030.
Recorded live at the Florida Chamber's "Future of Florida Forum," from Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando near Florida’s Disney World. Special thanks to the Florida Chamber for hosting this momentous event and providing a platform for innovative discussions.

Ep. 248 | Innovating Healthcare: Eddie Gonzalez Loumiet, CEO of Ruvos, Redefines HealthTech

Embark on an enlightening journey with host Tom Kindred in this riveting episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2023 Future of Florida Forum. Join the insightful conversation with Eddie Gonzalez Loumiet, the visionary CEO of Ruvos, a trailblazer in public health informatics and health information technology since 2004.
Eddie shares his inspiring journey, from roots in Miami to leading Ruvos in Tallahassee. With expertise in computer science and finance, Eddie's career took a turn overseeing technology for an international private bank in Antigua and Barbuda. In 2008, he embraced the challenge of maturing a startup, marking the birth of Ruvos.
Discover the significance of Ruvos' name, symbolizing the flow of data in healthcare technology. Eddie sheds light on Ruvos' critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, moving over 2.5 billion test results nationwide. Reflecting on the intersection of FinTech and healthcare tech, Eddie emphasizes the importance of embracing technology and demystifies concepts like artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
Eddie's entrepreneurial spirit shines as he shares how Ruvos collaborates with major entities, proving that small businesses can make a substantial impact. The episode takes a compelling turn as Eddie delves into Ruvos' commitment to addressing the childcare crisis, advocating for the role of technology in enhancing early childhood education.
Explore Eddie's engaging insights from the Future of Florida Forum, emphasizing Ruvos' dedication to improving healthcare infrastructure, cybersecurity initiatives, and contributing to the state's technology ecosystem.
Join Tom and Eddie in this illuminating conversation that transcends healthcare and technology, showcasing Ruvos as a force for positive change in Florida and beyond.
Recorded live at the Florida Chamber's "Future of Florida Forum," from Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando near Florida’s Disney World. Special thanks to the Florida Chamber for hosting this momentous event and providing a platform for innovative discussions.

Ep. 247 | Empowering Lives: Goodwill's Impact on Florida's Workforce with Executive Director Keyna Cory

Join host Tom Kindred in an inspiring episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2023 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum. In this compelling conversation, Tom engages with Keyna Cory, the Executive Director of the Florida Goodwill Association, shedding light on Goodwill's transformative efforts to create an inclusive and empowered workforce across Florida.
Explore the heart and soul of Goodwill's mission, extending beyond retail, as Keyna reveals how the organization provides employment, comprehensive training, and career assistance to individuals facing barriers to meaningful work. Discover the impact of every dollar earned in Goodwill stores, with 90 cents reinvested into programs and services benefiting those in need.
Dive into the diverse services offered by Goodwill, including job skills training, GED assistance, and specialized programs for individuals with disabilities. The episode unfolds success stories from Goodwill's initiatives, spanning housing projects, homeless shelters, and innovative micro-entrepreneurship training programs, fostering not just employment but also purpose and dignity.
Keyna emphasizes Goodwill's collaborative spirit, where nine independent territories exchange ideas, share best practices, and collectively innovate. The commitment to sustainability is evident in Goodwill's effort to divert over 182 million pounds of materials from landfills.
As Keyna shares her journey in association management and her role as the Executive Director of the Florida Goodwill Association, listeners gain insights into the organization's entrepreneurial spirit and its partnerships with businesses like Publix and Bells.
Connect with Goodwill through their website, where you can explore regions and access contact information tailored to your location. This episode serves as a reminder that Goodwill transcends retail—it's a catalyst for positive change, an advocate for environmental sustainability, and a driving force behind the creation of a thriving and inclusive workforce in Florida.
Recorded live at the Florida Chamber's "Future of Florida Forum," from Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando near Florida’s Disney World. Special thanks to the Florida Chamber for hosting this momentous event and providing a platform for innovative discussions.

Ep. 246 | Empowering Families: Better Together's Impact on Florida's Workforce with Executive Director Jeff Bell

In this impactful episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2023 Florida Chamber Foundation's Future of Florida Forum, host Tom Kindred delves into the transformative work of Better Together with Executive Director Jeff Bell. Discover how Better Together is committed to keeping families united, preventing children from entering foster care, and providing meaningful employment opportunities.
Jeff Bell shares his journey to leading Better Together and the organization's innovative approach to addressing family crises. Explore the collaborative efforts with faith-based communities, employers, and social sectors that form a comprehensive solution to challenges faced by families.
Gain insights into how Better Together acts as a liaison connecting employers, job seekers, and communities, building a stronger and more supportive workforce. Explore the impact of job fairs and training programs, Better Together's statewide reach, partnerships, and plans for future expansion.
Discover the unique 100% privately funded business model of Better Together and its alignment with the Florida Chamber's commitment to addressing children in poverty and workforce development. Learn about ways to engage with Better Together and contribute to their impactful initiatives.
Tune in to this enlightening conversation to understand how Better Together is creating positive change in Florida's workforce and fostering stronger, more resilient families.
Recorded live at the Florida Chamber's "Future of Florida Forum," from Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando near Florida’s Disney World. Special thanks to the Florida Chamber for hosting this momentous event and providing a platform for innovative discussions.

Ep. 245 | Empowering Florida's Future: A Conversation with Madeleine Thakur, President and CEO of the Children's Movement of Florida

Join host Tom Kindred in an insightful episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the Future of Florida Forum. In this engaging conversation, Madeleine Thakur, President and CEO of the Children's Movement of Florida, takes center stage, unraveling the crucial role businesses play in shaping Florida's future and the profound impact of early childhood development on the state's workforce.
Amidst an assembly of leaders from business, education, and government, the podcast explores initiatives propelling Florida towards 2030. Affectionately known as Ms. Thakur, she shares her unexpected journey from international affairs to leading a non-profit dedicated to early childhood advocacy, emphasizing the local impact and the importance of education.
Discover the purpose and mission of the Children's Movement of Florida as the state's foremost advocate for early childhood issues. Gain insights into the pivotal first three years of a child's life and how early education influences future success. Ms. Thakur highlights the role of businesses in supporting families, unlocking potential, and addressing workforce challenges.
Delve into the collaboration between the Children's Movement of Florida and the Florida Chamber, focusing on the "Bosses for Babies" initiative. Learn how businesses can contribute to ensuring 100% kindergarten readiness and supporting working parents. Uncover practical strategies, policies, and benefits for creating family-friendly workplaces.
For more information, visit www.childrensmovement.org and www.bossesforbabies.com to access valuable resources and the guide to family-friendly workplaces in Florida.
Recorded live at the Florida Chamber's "Future of Florida Forum," from Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando near Florida’s Disney World. Special thanks to the Florida Chamber for hosting this momentous event and providing a platform for innovative discussions.

Ep. 244 | Transforming Florida's Manufacturing: Insights from Suzy Teele, Chief Strategy Officer at the ARM Institute

Join us for an engaging episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded at the 2023 Florida Chamber Annual Future of Florida Forum. Host Tom Kindred sits down with Suzy Teele, Chief Strategy Officer at the ARM Institute, to uncover the impact of advanced robotics on Florida's manufacturing landscape.
Suzy Teele, a recent Florida transplant from Pittsburgh, shares her passion for advancing U.S. manufacturing through technology. The ARM Institute, headquartered in Pittsburgh with an office in St. Petersburg, aims to bridge the gap for small manufacturers, offering resources and funding to tackle challenges.
Explore RoboticsCareer.org, a platform connecting individuals with training programs in manufacturing involving robotics or AI. Suzy envisions creating a network of Robotics Manufacturing Hubs across Florida, fostering collaboration with organizations like FloridaMakes to address production challenges.
In this episode, Suzy challenges the misconception of job losses in manufacturing due to technology, emphasizing lifelong learning and opportunities within the evolving industry. Tom and Suzy discuss the importance of building an ecosystem to support advanced manufacturing, connecting education, manufacturers, and STEM-focused individuals.
Recorded live at the Florida Chamber's "Future of Florida Forum," from Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando near Florida’s Disney World. Special thanks to the Florida Chamber for hosting this momentous event and providing a platform for innovative discussions.

Ep. 243 | Charting Florida's Business Frontier: Insights from Jamal Sowell at the 2023 Future of Florida Forum

Fasten your seatbelts as our host, Tom Kindred, engages in a profound conversation with Mr. Jamal Sowell, President of Business Solutions at Indelible Solutions. From deep-rooted sixth-generation Floridian ties to Marine Corps service, and from being the former Florida Secretary of Commerce to CEO of Enterprise Florida, Jamal brings a wealth of experience and insights to our discussion.
Together, they delve into the challenges confronting Florida's businesses, the transformative impact of technology integration, the nuances of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the pivotal role played by Indelible Solutions in shaping the economic future of the state. This dynamic discussion covers a spectrum of topics, from broadband expansion to the evolving dynamics of work post-COVID.
This podcast isn't just a listening experience; it's your front-row ticket to the epicenter of Florida's business revolution. Small Biz Florida is set to take you on a thrilling ride through the corridors of economic development, business solutions, and the incredible future that lies ahead for the Sunshine State.
Recorded live at the Florida Chamber's "Future of Florida Forum," from Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando near Florida’s Disney World. Special thanks to the Florida Chamber for hosting this momentous event and providing a platform for innovative discussions.

Ep. 242 | Data for Good: Sheri Cheney Jones Unveils SureImpact's Social Impact Revolution

Join us for a special on-site episode at the 2023 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, where Tom Kindred engages in a captivating conversation with Sheri Cheney Jones, the distinguished CEO and Founder of SureImpact. In this exclusive interview, Sheri, armed with a background in industrial and organizational psychology, shares her fascinating journey from aiding individuals with mental illness to revolutionizing the way nonprofits utilize data for social good.
Discover the impetus behind Sheri's entrepreneurial ventures, including Measurement Resources and SureImpact, as she unveils how these entities empower mission-driven organizations.
Sheri sheds light on the pivotal role of data in steering social change, drawing from her extensive experience evaluating programs in juvenile courts and the state of Ohio. The dialogue delves into the essence of SureImpact, a cutting-edge Impact Management software designed to elevate case management and demonstrate the effectiveness of services. From the flexibility of user-defined metrics to the scalability of the cloud-based platform, Sheri articulates how SureImpact caters to diverse organizations nationwide.
The discussion pivots to the nonprofit sector, exploring the common challenge of time constraints and the reluctance to embrace technology. Sheri provides insights into overcoming these barriers and highlights the significance of SureImpact in providing mission metrics for nonprofit boards of directors. By fostering transparency and demonstrating social return on investment, Sheri advocates for a paradigm shift in how nonprofits communicate their impact.
Tom and Sheri also touch upon the evolving landscape of data tools, ranging from off-the-shelf CRM software to specialized solutions like SureImpact. Sheri demystifies the misconception that data is solely for financial metrics, underlining the importance of tailoring tools for mission-driven organizations.
As the episode concludes, Sheri shares her motivation for attending the Future of Florida Forum and expresses her support for the Florida Chamber of Commerce's visionary 2030 blueprint. With an inspiring blend of expertise and passion, Sheri Cheney Jones leaves listeners with a deeper understanding of the transformative power of data in steering social impact and propelling organizations toward success.
Tune in to Small Biz Florida for this enriching dialogue, where business meets social change, and explore the boundless potential of navigating the data-driven landscape!
Recorded live at the Florida Chamber's "Future of Florida Forum," from Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando near Florida’s Disney World. Special thanks to the Florida Chamber for hosting this momentous event and providing a platform for innovative discussions.

Ep. 241 | Empowering Futures: Lorri Benjamin Redefines Education at Brevard Public Schools

Dive into the dynamic world of education and workforce development in this special episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2023 Florida Chamber Foundation's Annual Future of Florida Forum. Join Tom Kindred as he engages in a revelatory conversation with the inspiring Lorri Benjamin, Director of Adult and Community Education for Brevard Public Schools.
Setting the stage for the conversation, Tom captures the essence of the Future of Florida Forum—a combination of business, education, and government leaders focused on steering Florida towards growth in 2030. Lorri, a seasoned educator, takes center stage, sharing insights from her remarkable journey in Brevard Public Schools.
As the dialogue unfolds, Lorri reveals the groundbreaking Adult and Community Education program, challenging norms by integrating adult education into the K-12 public school system. Tom navigates the intricacies, unraveling the seamless pathway from high school to career certification that defines this innovative program.
The episode provides a front-row seat to Lorri's passionate advocacy for equity in education and alternative pathways to success. Tom delves into program specifics, extracting insights into affordability, eligibility criteria, and the pivotal role of wraparound services, emphasizing how the team tailors programs to community needs.
Recorded live at the Florida Chamber's "Future of Florida Forum," from Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando near Florida’s Disney World. Special thanks to the Florida Chamber for hosting this momentous event and providing a platform for innovative discussions.

Ep. 240 | Transforming Lives: Maria Darby on Dwyer Workforce Development's Healthcare Vision

Welcome to Small Biz Florida, the podcast dedicated to Florida's small business community, presented by the Florida SBDC Network. Today, we're live from the Florida Chamber's "Future of Florida Forum," exploring innovative solutions. Joining us is Maria Darby, COO at Dwyer Workforce Development, making a significant impact on healthcare workforce development.
Maria shares Dwyer's threefold vision: empowering underserved populations, enhancing seniors' lives, and addressing the healthcare staffing crisis. Dwyer not only trains individuals as Certified Nursing Assistants but also provides wrap-around support services for their entire journey, from certification to career advancement.
Discover how Dwyer's successful model from Baltimore and Texas has expanded to Florida, with a focus on the state's unique demographic challenges. Maria emphasizes the flexibility of Dwyer's eligibility, targeting underserved communities without strict requirements.
The episode delves into Dwyer's funding model, highlighting Jack Dwyer's visionary investment and strategic partnerships.
Recorded live at the Florida Chamber's "Future of Florida Forum," from Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando near Florida’s Disney World. Special thanks to the Florida Chamber for hosting this momentous event and providing a platform for innovative discussions.