Small Biz Florida

Ep. 335 | From Ranger to Regeneration: How Blueprint Hemp is Redefining Florida Agriculture

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred takes us to the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa to spotlight the entrepreneurial journey of Army veteran Nate Rowe, founder of Blueprint Hemp. Nate shares how his service in the 75th Ranger Regiment shaped his path to launching a mission-driven hemp business focused on quality and sustainability.

With a background in agriculture, Nate discusses the unique challenges of breaking into the hemp market, including regulatory hurdles, consumer misconceptions, and the critical need for quality control in CBD products. He dives into Blueprint Hemp’s commitment to regenerative farming techniques that ensure clean, contaminant-free hemp—aiming to elevate industry standards while revitalizing Florida’s agricultural sector.

The conversation also covers the vital support Nate received from organizations like Veterans Florida and Action Zone, which provided mentorship, training, and pitch event opportunities. This episode offers a powerful look at how veterans are leading innovation in emerging markets and building businesses with lasting impact.

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. 334 | Healing Hearts & Paws: The Nonprofit Turning Pet Loss into Purpose

In this heartfelt episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts live from the Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa, spotlighting a unique nonprofit born from love, loss, and service. Tom sits down with Laura Tracey, founder and director of the Everyday Feathers Foundation, and her husband, Chris Clemons, a veteran and board member of the organization.

Laura shares her inspiring transition from school psychologist to nonprofit founder, driven by the loss of their beloved dog, Brody, to cancer. Everyday Feathers Foundation now supports families with dogs undergoing cancer treatment, offering care packages, financial assistance, and promoting therapy dog programs and cancer research. Chris provides insight into his supportive role and the emotional journey behind the foundation’s mission.

Together, they discuss the challenges of launching a nonprofit, the value of mentorship, and the powerful impact service dogs have on mental health—particularly for veterans and their families. This episode is a moving reminder of how personal loss can spark meaningful change and healing for others.

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.everydayfeathers.org/

Ep. 333 | From the Marines to Media: How “Failure is Knowledge” Fuels Podcasting Success

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred highlights veteran entrepreneurship live from the Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa. Tom speaks with Terrell Humphrey, a Marine veteran and the dynamic founder and CEO of FIK Advertising—short for "Failure is Knowledge." Terrell shares his powerful journey from working at Walmart to serving in the Marine Corps, and ultimately launching a business built on resilience and the belief that failure is part of the learning process.

Listeners will hear how Terrell’s upbringing and his mother's guidance shaped his drive, and how FIK Advertising now helps aspiring podcasters launch, grow, and monetize their shows. Terrell breaks down the services his company offers, including webinars, workshops, and digital courses, all designed to educate and empower creators. He also shares insights on why podcasting is a powerful tool for education, branding, and storytelling. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs looking to leverage media and turn obstacles into opportunities.

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.fikadvertising.com

Ep. 332 | Cybersecurity for Small Biz: A Veteran’s Mission to Protect Main Street

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred comes to you live from the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitch in Tampa, where he highlights the role of veterans in entrepreneurship. Tom sits down with Darwin Rivera, an Air Force veteran and founder of Guayama Group, a cybersecurity consulting firm dedicated to protecting small businesses. Darwin shares insights from his deep background in IT and cybersecurity, debunking the myth that small businesses aren’t targets for cyberattacks. He explains the real financial risks involved and how Guayama Group is working to make cybersecurity simple, affordable, and accessible—leveraging AI to drive down costs. Darwin also speaks on the impact of programs like Veterans Florida and the Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative in launching and growing his business. The episode wraps with actionable insights for small business owners and ways to stay connected with Small Biz Florida.

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.guayamagroup.com

Special SBA Segment | SBA’s Blueprint for Disaster Preparedness with Southeast Regional Administrator, Tyler Teresa

In this special SBA segment of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Tyler Teresa, the SBA Regional Administrator for the Southeast, to explore how the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) supports entrepreneurs before, during, and after disasters. 

Tyler brings both personal experience—growing up in a small family business—and professional insight to this critical discussion. From low-interest loans for disaster recovery to preparation strategies and community partnerships, the episode sheds light on how the SBA helps Florida’s business community stay resilient. Tyler also outlines the differences between SBA and FEMA, offers actionable advice for disaster preparedness, and explains how businesses can tap into local resources like the SBDC for support. 

If you're a small business owner in Florida, this episode is packed with tools to help you prepare, recover, and grow stronger after any storm.

Connect with Our Guest:
SBA Website – Disaster Recovery & Resilience

Ep. 331 | Cybersecurity First: John Gibson on Protecting Small Biz in the Age of AI

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred continues his on-site coverage of the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitch event in Tampa, where veteran entrepreneurship takes center stage.

Tom interviews Navy veteran John Gibson, founder of Just Right IT, a Tampa-based company providing specialized cybersecurity services. John shares how his business journey began in San Diego and why he chose to relocate to Tampa for its strong veteran support network. With the rise of digital threats and the upcoming Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements for government contractors, John stresses the growing importance of cybersecurity for small businesses.

He provides practical insights into protecting small enterprises, including affordable solutions like email security, employee training, and basic cyber hygiene. John also highlights the role AI plays in both improving and complicating the cybersecurity landscape. This episode is a must-listen for any business owner looking to stay ahead of today’s cyber threats.

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://justrightit.com

Ep. 330 | Rewriting the Narrative: Petra Wilkes Blends Therapy, Storytelling, and Entrepreneurship

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred speaks with Petra Wilkes, founder of Sage and Lore Counseling Services, during the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa. A Navy veteran and former air traffic controller, Petra shares how her personal journey through mental health challenges led her to create a counseling practice rooted in storytelling and connection.

Petra introduces listeners to the power of narrative therapy—helping clients “re-author” their lives—and discusses her innovative Sage Play Sessions, which use board games as therapeutic tools to build relationships and trust. She also opens up about the realities of running a mission-driven business, emphasizing the need to balance passion with sustainability.

Petra credits her growth as a business owner to her involvement with Florida Gulf Coast University's (FGCU) entrepreneurship program, which gave her the tools and confidence to move her vision forward. The episode closes with a powerful reminder from Petra: "Turn the page, write your story, and change your life."

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://sageandlore.com/

Ep. 329 | Crafting Success: Jake Schmidt Turns Military Precision into Heirloom Woodworking

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred reports from the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa, spotlighting veteran entrepreneurs who are transforming their service experience into business success.

Tom interviews Navy veteran Jake Schmidt, founder of Tekton Trades, a custom woodworking business known for producing heirloom-quality furniture. Jake shares his personal story—from growing up in a large family and helping his father build their home, to serving in the Navy, and eventually carving out a new path in entrepreneurship.

Jake opens up about the challenges of transitioning from military life to running a business, and how programs offered by Veterans Florida helped him build a solid business plan, understand profit margins, and develop growth strategies. He also discusses his pitch for Tekton Trades, which addresses the need for durable, high-quality furniture in a market saturated with disposable alternatives.

This episode highlights the importance of hands-on training, mentorship, and veteran-focused resources in turning craftsmanship into a thriving business.

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://tektontrades.co/

Ep. 328 | Mindset Over Mission: Paris Cheffer Chief Experience Officer at JULO Strategy Global on Training Veterans to Lead Like CEOs

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred continues coverage of the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches—an event designed to support and spotlight veteran entrepreneurs across Florida. The expo brings together a wide array of business resources, mentorship opportunities, and startup showcases, all aimed at helping veterans succeed in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Tom interviews Paris Cheffer, Chief Experience Officer at JULO Strategy Global, an organization focused on guiding individuals from an employee mindset to a CEO mindset. Paris discusses JULO’s approach to teaching vital CEO skills—such as automating tasks, effective scheduling, and mastering delegation—all crucial for business scalability and leadership.

The conversation highlights the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning from military service to business ownership, and how structured training and mentorship can ease that shift. Paris also introduces JULO’s CEO Exchange, a program where CEOs collaborate to solve real-world business challenges. This episode reinforces the power of mindset, leadership development, and peer support in building a thriving business.

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://julostrategy.com

Ep. 327 | Securing the Future: How Steadfast AI is Tackling Risk in the Age of AI

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred brings listeners inside the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa a gathering of veteran entrepreneurs focused on innovation, networking, and resource sharing. One of the expo’s standout moments is the Battle of the Pitches, where veteran-led startups showcase their business ideas for a chance at prize funding.

Tom sits down with Kyle Knowles and Chris Clemons, veterans and co-founders of Steadfast AI, a cybersecurity startup focused on reducing risk in AI applications. Kyle shares his evolution from computing enthusiast and Air Force aircraft mechanic to co-founding a cutting-edge tech company. Chris brings a background in law enforcement and aviation, rounding out the leadership team with strategic business insight.

Together, they discuss Steadfast AI’s mission to ensure data accuracy and integrity in AI systems, especially in the industrial and financial sectors. The conversation also explores AI’s role in the workforce, emphasizing its potential to enhance not eliminate jobs. The episode wraps with valuable insights into veteran entrepreneurship, the importance of community, and the critical role of leveraging support systems for business success.

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://aisteadfast.com