Morning Oil

What if Jacksonville has more history, hidden secrets, and untapped potential than most people realize?

In Episode 11 of the Morning Oil Podcast, host Phil Rogacki welcomes Tina Sauvage, the entrepreneur behind Jack's Tours, for an inspiring conversation about survival, entrepreneurship, Jacksonville's hidden history, and her bold vision for the future of downtown.

Tina's story begins thousands of miles away in Beirut, Lebanon, where she experienced the dangers of living through conflict. From those early experiences to building a new life in Jacksonville, her journey is one of resilience, determination, and following unexpected opportunities.

"I should be dead, I was in Beirut during a bomb fall."

But Tina's story doesn't stop there.

What started as an idea eventually became Jack's Tours, a business dedicated to helping residents and visitors discover Jacksonville's history, local culture, and hidden treasures.

Together, Phil and Tina explore the fascinating stories behind downtown Jacksonville, including underground tunnels, historic landmarks, and the iconic Jacob Jewelers clock.

They also discuss Tina's ambitious ideas for improving transportation downtown, including trolley concepts, autonomous vehicles, and new experiences designed to connect people with local businesses and attractions.

Beyond the tours and transportation, this episode is about something bigger: believing in your community and having the courage to help build its future.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Tina's remarkable journey from Beirut to Jacksonville

• Surviving conflict and finding new opportunities

• How Jack's Tours was created

• Discovering Jacksonville's underground tunnels and hidden history

• Historic downtown landmarks and the Jacob Jewelers clock

• Innovative trolley and autonomous vehicle transportation ideas

• Jacksonville's downtown revitalization and future development

• Supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs

• The power of storytelling and preserving local history

• Building community through tourism and shared experiences

• Overcoming challenges and pursuing an entrepreneurial vision

• Why Jacksonville's future is worth investing in

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

"If the door opens, you gotta walk through it." (Not attributed to this episode.)

"The Jacob Jewelers clock is a beacon of hope for our city."

"My boyfriend built the LLC and bought the domain for Jack's Tours."

Tina reminds us that sometimes the biggest opportunities begin with a simple idea, a willingness to take risks, and a passion for making a difference.

Whether you're a Jacksonville native, a newcomer, a business owner, or someone interested in history and entrepreneurship, this episode will give you a new perspective on the city and the people helping shape its future.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:49 Tina's Journey from Beirut to Jacksonville

09:48 The Origin of Jack's Tours and Community Impact

19:55 Innovative Transportation Ideas for Jacksonville

30:11 Underground Tunnels and Hidden City Secrets

39:48 Downtown Revitalization and Community Support

50:05 Supporting Local Businesses and Storytelling

01:00:08 Tina's Future Vision for Jacksonville and Closing Thoughts

Hosted by Phil Rogacki and recorded at Morning Oil Coffee in Jacksonville, Florida, the Morning Oil Podcast features conversations with entrepreneurs, skilled tradespeople, veterans, business owners, and community leaders making a difference.

Our mission is to share real stories, inspire action, support the skilled trades, and highlight the people helping strengthen our communities.

Fueling the people who keep America moving.

#MorningOilPodcast #TinaSauvage #JacksTours #Jacksonville #DowntownJacksonville #JacksonvilleHistory #Entrepreneurship #CommunityImpact #JacksonvilleFL #NortheastFlorida

What's next for Jacksonville? From downtown revitalization and real estate to the changing media landscape, the future of our city is full of opportunities and challenges.

In Episode 10 of the Morning Oil Podcast, host Phil Rogacki welcomes Kimberly Waterhouse for a conversation about Jacksonville's past, present, and future, the people shaping its growth, and the importance of building stronger communities.

Kimberly shares her experiences in broadcasting, real estate, and community involvement, offering insights into Jacksonville's evolving landscape and the opportunities ahead.

Together, they explore the potential for downtown Jacksonville's comeback, riverfront development, local events like River City Jams, and how businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders can work together to make a lasting difference.

The conversation also explores the changing world of media, the growing influence of artificial intelligence, and how social media has transformed the way people consume news and information.

Beyond business and development, this episode gets personal, touching on military service, resilience, faith, career transitions, and why asking for help and building meaningful relationships can change the direction of your life.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Jacksonville's downtown revitalization and future growth

• The history and potential of Jacksonville's urban core

• Riverfront development and local community events

• Kimberly's journey through broadcasting and real estate

• How AI and social media are changing news and real estate

• Understanding real estate trends, pricing, and market expectations

• The importance of networking and asking for help

• Military service, resilience, and finding purpose

• Why skilled trades and vocational education matter

• Supporting local nonprofits, youth programs, and community initiatives

• Building a stronger future for Jacksonville

KEY TAKEAWAYS

"Jacksonville's growth is a story worth telling."

"Downtown has the potential for a major comeback."

Growth doesn't happen overnight. It takes relationships, leadership, collaboration, and people willing to invest their time and energy into their communities.

Whether you're a Jacksonville resident, entrepreneur, real estate professional, or someone passionate about community development, this episode offers valuable perspectives on where Jacksonville has been and where it could be headed.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Media Landscape
02:24 Meet Kimberly Waterhouse
03:39 Kimberly's New Podcast Venture
04:42 Jacksonville's Growth and Regional Identity
05:07 Downtown Jacksonville's History
08:23 The Potential for a Downtown Comeback
10:03 AI and the Future of News
11:11 Community Events and Regional Engagement
13:42 Riverfront Development and Future Projects
14:56 Personal Stories and Career Transitions
20:12 Leaving Broadcasting and Entering Real Estate
24:50 Real Estate Market Trends
28:18 Water Safety and Community Health
30:36 Military Service and Personal Journeys
34:53 The Impact of AI on Real Estate and Media
39:52 Asking for Help and Building Relationships
45:05 Real Estate Strategies and Client Relationships
49:52 The Value of Skilled Trades and Education
54:53 Staying Informed on Local Issues
59:57 Final Thoughts on Resilience, Faith, and Responsibility

ABOUT THE MORNING OIL PODCAST

Hosted by Phil Rogacki and recorded at Morning Oil Coffee in Jacksonville, Florida, the Morning Oil Podcast shares conversations with entrepreneurs, tradespeople, veterans, community leaders, and everyday people making a difference.

Our mission is to share real stories, inspire action, support the skilled trades, and strengthen the communities around us.

Fueling the people who keep America moving.

#MorningOilPodcast #KimberlyWaterhouse #Jacksonville #JacksonvilleFL #DowntownJacksonville #RealEstate #CommunityDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment #NortheastFlorida

What happens when a conversation turns into a mission, and that mission starts changing lives?

In Episode 9 of the Morning Oil Podcast, Phil Rogacki brings you the story of Randall Thomas, a U.S. Navy veteran whose journey after military service eventually led him to podcasting, community building, and creating a movement with real impact across Jacksonville.

Randall shares his experiences serving in the Navy, transitioning back into civilian life, and the challenges veterans can face when they lose the sense of mission and purpose that came with military service.

Then, a podcast opened a new door.

What began as conversations and storytelling grew into relationships, community partnerships, and ultimately the PB and Jax Foundation.

One of the most powerful stories in the episode is that of Imogene Wootson. Randall explains how Jacksonville businesses and community members came together to provide Imogene with a life changing new roof and how one act of generosity showed what can happen when people stop working in silos and start working together.

Phil and Randall also dig into entrepreneurship, opportunities in the skilled trades, veteran resources, nonprofit collaboration, building relationships through podcasting, and the importance of simply taking the first step when you feel called to do something.

In this episode:

Randall’s journey into the U.S. Navy
Transitioning from military to civilian life
Why purpose is so important for veterans
Mental health resources and veteran support
How podcasting created unexpected opportunities
Building relationships throughout Jacksonville
The story behind the PB and Jax Foundation
Creating stronger collaboration between nonprofits
Opportunities in entrepreneurship and the skilled trades
Imogene Wootson’s incredible roof giveaway
How local businesses came together to make it happen
Lessons from starting and growing a podcast
Advice for anyone waiting to pursue an idea

“If the door opens, you gotta walk through it.”

“Just get started, that’s the number one rule.”

“Sometimes, having a conversation can untangle everything.”

This episode is a reminder that you don’t need to have the entire plan figured out before you begin. Sometimes you just need to take the first step, start the conversation, and see which doors open.

🎙️ Morning Oil Podcast | Episode 9
Guest: Randall Thomas
PB and Jax Foundation

Fueling the people who keep America moving.

What does it look like to be part of the next generation entering America’s skilled trades?

In Episode 8 of the Morning Oil Podcast, Phil Rogacki sits down with Gavin Kloeckner of Miller Electric to talk about his journey from Chicago to Jacksonville, finding his way into the electrical industry, and building a future through the trades.

Gavin shares how his family, life experiences, and even social media influenced his interest in becoming an electrician. He also opens up about his original aspirations of joining the military, the setbacks that changed that plan, and how those unexpected turns ultimately helped lead him toward a career in the trades.

Phil and Gavin get into what it’s actually like starting out in the electrical industry, finding opportunities, learning from experienced tradespeople, and why humor, relationships, and camaraderie are such an important part of working in the trades.

But this conversation goes beyond work.

They also talk about family, faith, ADHD, personal growth, career aspirations, and what it means to be a young man trying to figure out where God is leading him next.

In this episode:

Gavin’s journey from Chicago to Jacksonville
Growing up and the influence of family
Why Gavin considered joining the military
Setbacks that changed his original career plans
Discovering opportunities in the skilled trades
Getting started in the electrical industry
Working and learning at Miller Electric
The culture and camaraderie of the trades
Career goals beyond becoming an electrician
Faith, purpose, and personal growth
Advice for young people figuring out their next move

Whether you’re considering becoming an electrician, exploring trade school, starting your career, or trying to figure out what direction your life should take, Gavin’s story is a reminder that your first plan doesn’t have to be your final path.

🎙️ Morning Oil Podcast | Episode 8
Guest: Gavin Kloeckner
Industry: Electrical Trades

Fueling the people who keep America moving.

What happens when you finally surrender the life you’ve been trying to control and trust God with what comes next?

In Episode 7 of the Morning Oil Podcast, Phil Rogacki sits down with JD for a powerful conversation about addiction, sobriety, faith, second chances, entrepreneurship, and using business to make an impact.

JD takes us back to his roots in Jacksonville, his years playing sports, and his journey into college football at Florida State. But behind the accomplishments was a battle that would eventually take him into some of the darkest years of his life.

JD opens up about his struggle with addiction, the moments that forced him to confront where his life was headed, and the surrender that changed everything.

Through faith and God’s grace, JD found a new direction.

Today, he is 15 years sober and has turned those experiences into a life centered around faith, family, business, and helping others.

Phil and JD also dive into the story behind Bright Star Merchant Services and the Bright Star Impact Network, an innovative model designed to turn everyday credit card processing into a way for businesses to help support nonprofits and community organizations.

This conversation is about more than recovery.

It’s about what can happen when your darkest chapter doesn’t become your final chapter.

In this episode:

JD’s Jacksonville roots and family story
High school sports and college football
The transition from athletics into difficult years
Battling addiction and reaching a breaking point
The accident that became a wake up call
Surrendering control and turning toward God
15 years of sobriety
Building Bright Star Merchant Services
How credit card processing can support nonprofits
The Bright Star Impact Network
Faith, entrepreneurship, perseverance, and community impact
Using your second chance to create opportunities for others

“God’s grace saved me in those dark years.”

“Follow me, trust me, don’t worry about anything.”

“Be still and know that I am God.”

If you’ve ever struggled, wondered whether you could start over, or questioned whether God could use the hardest parts of your story for something greater, this episode is worth hearing.

🎙️ Morning Oil Podcast | Episode 7
Guest: JD

Fueling the people who keep America moving.

What if building wealth isn’t just about making more money, but understanding your purpose, developing the right habits, and using what you have to create a better future?

In this episode of the Morning Oil Podcast, Phil Rogacki sits down with Belline Bonaparte for a powerful conversation about faith, finances, financial wellness, personal growth, and building stronger communities in Jacksonville.

Belline shares his personal journey and the life experiences that shaped the way he looks at money, faith, work, and success.

They break down financial wellness in a practical way, including why consistency matters more than where you start, how education can help break cycles of poverty, setting financial goals, saving and investing, and understanding when a financial advisor can actually help.

But this conversation goes much deeper than dollars and cents.

Phil and Belline talk about overcoming adversity, following opportunities when doors open, Jacksonville’s growth, serving the community, and why faith and work go hand in hand.

In this episode:

Faith and financial wellness
Breaking cycles through financial education
Simple steps toward better financial health
Building consistent saving habits
Setting financial and investment goals
Understanding the role of a financial advisor
Overcoming adversity and continuing to grow
Faith, work, purpose, and entrepreneurship
Jacksonville’s growth and community opportunities

“Faith and work go hand in hand.”

Whether you’re building a business, trying to improve your finances, growing in your faith, or simply working toward a better future for your family, this conversation will give you something to think about.

🎙️ Morning Oil Podcast
Guest: Belline Bonaparte

Fueling the people who keep America moving.

From Military to the Trades: Faith, Resilience & Finding Your Path | Tay Gardner

Description:

In Episode 5 of the Morning Oil Podcast, Phil Rogacki sits down with Tay Gardner for a conversation about military service, skilled trades, faith, adversity, and figuring out what comes next when life doesn’t follow the plan you expected.

Tay shares his journey through the military, the challenges he faced along the way, and his transition back into civilian life. That journey eventually led him toward trade education and new opportunities in HVAC, electrical work, entrepreneurship, and building a career around his skills and creativity.

This conversation goes beyond choosing a career.

Phil and Tay talk about the growing need for skilled tradespeople in America, navigating trade school, different ways people learn, turning passions into opportunities, and why there is no single path to building a successful life.

They also get into something even bigger: faith.

Tay shares how his relationship with God has influenced his decisions and perspective through difficult seasons and uncertain transitions.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.”

In this episode:

• Military service and transitioning back to civilian life

• Overcoming adversity and continuing to move forward
• Finding opportunities in HVAC, electrical, and the skilled trades
• Choosing and navigating trade school
• Turning creativity and passion into a career
• Entrepreneurship and future business goals
• Faith, purpose, and trusting God through uncertainty
• The importance of developing America’s next generation of skilled workers

Whether you’re a veteran, student, tradesperson, career changer, entrepreneur, or someone trying to figure out your next move, this episode is a reminder that your path doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s.

🎙️ Morning Oil Podcast | Episode 5
Guest: Tay Gardner

Fueling the people who keep America moving.

From Bodybuilding to Building Back: Faith, Business & Restoration | Melina Serrano

In Episode 4 of the Morning Oil Podcast, Phil Rogacki sits down with Melina Serrano of All Things Restored for a conversation about career transformation, faith, business, community, and what it means to help people rebuild when life takes an unexpected turn.

Melina shares her journey from bodybuilding and managing gyms to finding her place in the restoration industry. She talks about the discipline she developed through fitness, returning to Florida during COVID, losing an important mentor, and ultimately discovering an opportunity with All Things Restored that would change the direction of her career.

Phil and Melina also get into the business side of her story, including setting and exceeding sales goals, developing relationships, growing within a company, and why great service matters when you're working with people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

But one of the biggest parts of this conversation is faith.

Melina explains how All Things Restored incorporates faith and prayer into its company culture and how those values influence the way the team serves customers and the Jacksonville community.

They also talk about Jacksonville, community involvement, personal development, goal setting, and why where you focus your attention can have a major impact on where your life goes.

If you're building a business, changing careers, working through a difficult season, or trying to figure out what's next, this conversation is worth hearing.

🎙️ Morning Oil Podcast | Episode 4
Guest: Melina Serrano
Company: All Things Restored

In this episode:

Bodybuilding, discipline, and personal development
Career transitions and finding new opportunities
Growing in sales and business development
The restoration industry and serving customers after disasters
Faith and prayer in the workplace
Goal setting and exceeding expectations
Building relationships and serving the Jacksonville community
Lessons from mentors and moving forward after loss

“Where attention goes, energy flows.”

Fueling the people who keep America moving.

From Refugee to Entrepreneur: Building the Future of the Skilled Trades | Misha Yarmolich

In Episode 3 of the Morning Oil Podcast, Phil Rogacki sits down with Misha Yarmolich of Advanced Trade Services to hear his journey from coming to America as a refugee to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the skilled trades.

Misha shares how he found his way into electrical work, built Advanced Trade Services, and navigated the challenges that come with growing a company in the construction industry.

The conversation goes beyond his story. Phil and Misha dig into some of the biggest issues and opportunities facing the trades today, including the skilled labor shortage, recruiting and retaining reliable workers, managing diverse crews, mentorship, automation, business acquisitions, and what happens as an aging generation of trade business owners begins to retire.

They also discuss the importance of continuous learning, the “Who Not How” mindset, lessons from the School of Hard Knocks, and why perseverance can matter more than where you started.

If you're a contractor, tradesperson, entrepreneur, business owner, or someone considering a career in the skilled trades, this episode is packed with lessons and opportunities worth hearing.

🎙️ Morning Oil Podcast | Episode 3
Guest: Misha Yarmolich
Company: Advanced Trade Services

Fueling the people who keep America moving.

Episode 2: Brian Cain | Building Brands, Business & Digital Growth

On Episode 2 of the Morning Oil Podcast, we sit down with Brian Cain of 6S Digital for a conversation about entrepreneurship, business, marketing, and what it really takes to build and grow.

Brian shares his journey, lessons learned along the way, and his perspective on using digital strategy to help businesses stand out in an increasingly competitive world.

The Morning Oil Podcast is about the builders, entrepreneurs, tradespeople, and leaders who keep America moving. Real people. Real stories. Real conversations.

Pour a cup and tune in.

🎙️ Morning Oil Podcast | Episode 2
Guest: Brian Cain, 6S Digital

Fueling the people who keep America moving.