My Big Comeback

Two entrepreneurs, two very different businesses, one couple! John Ramsey sits down with Lauren Newton and Gunther Van Winkle, who are both building something special right here in Panama City.
Gunther started his mobile fuel delivery company after a scary gas station moment involving his 16 year old sister. It’s now fueling fleets and boats across the Panhandle, with plans to head to Pensacola. Lauren left the car dealership and law firm world to launch her own marketing firm, helping established businesses finally tie their advertising together.


In this episode we talk about:

• How a safety scare turned into a growing fuel delivery business (and the one guy who wouldn’t stop asking Gunther to fuel his boat)
• Why insurance can cost more than a salary, and the hundreds of hours spent finding a company that would cover it
• Lauren’s take on marketing on a small budget, from social media to simply showing up in the community
• Why finding and trusting a team is so hard when you’re used to doing it all yourself
• The franchising question and why getting it right matters more than growing fast
• How the two balance each other out, with one dreaming big and the other keeping everything on track
• Who inspired them to take the leap into entrepreneurship
• Panama City’s growth since Hurricane Michael, plus a little golf and some very chunky bulldogs

Whether you’re thinking about starting a business, scaling one, or just love hearing local success stories in Bay County, this one is for you.
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Season 2 of My Big Comeback is here! John Ramsey kicks things off with Panama City Commissioner Brian Grainger, who represents Ward 3, the biggest ward in the city.


Brian is a Panama City native, Air Force retiree, and cybersecurity pro, and he’s got a lot to say. We talk about how fast Panama City and Bay County are growing since Hurricane Michael, what it’s really like to make decisions that are guaranteed to upset somebody, and why he’s careful about passing new laws when a simpler fix will do.


We also get into the stuff everybody’s wondering about:
The Amendment 3 property tax elimination push and what it could mean for city budgets, including the $4.5 million Panama City just cut heading into 2027
Why Brian changed his mind on term limits
How he uses AI every day (and where he draws the line)
Growing up in Panama City, serving in the Air Force and the Florida Air National Guard at Tyndall, and his bucket list travel plans


Whether you live in Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, or anywhere in Bay County, this one’s a good look at how local government actually works.


Thanks for watching and listening! Like, subscribe, and share this with a neighbor!

In the Season One Finale of My Big Comeback, Kimberly Ramsey joins host John R. Ramsey for a special look back at the incredible journey of the podcast's first 30 episodes.

Together, they revisit some of their favorite guests, memorable moments, inspiring stories, and powerful lessons shared throughout the season. From stories of resilience and redemption to leadership, faith, and personal growth, this episode highlights the conversations that have made My Big Comeback such a meaningful platform.

Kimberly also turns the spotlight on John as they discuss his personal background, family life, and the experiences that have shaped his journey. Listeners will get a closer look at the heart behind the host and the inspiration that led him to create My Big Comeback.

Join us for a heartfelt celebration of Season One and a reminder that every setback can be the beginning of an even greater comeback.

Thank you to Hero’s Child for sponsoring this episode! For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Meredith Cobb at [email protected]

Follow My Big Comeback on social media:
Facebook: @MyBigComeback
Instagram: @mybigcomebackpodcast
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On this episode of My Big Comeback, we welcome Robert Carroll, Senior Bay County Commissioner and engineer with McNeil Carroll Engineering. Robert shares insights from his career in engineering and public service, discussing leadership, infrastructure, economic growth, and the challenges facing Bay County today.

From solving complex engineering challenges to helping shape the future of our community, Robert reflects on the experiences, lessons, and values that have guided his journey. Join us for an engaging conversation about leadership, innovation, public service, and the importance of making a lasting impact.

Thank you to Hero’s Child for sponsoring this episode! For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Meredith Cobb at [email protected] My Big Comeback on social media:
Facebook: @MyBigComeback
Instagram: @mybigcomebackpodcast
TikTok: @mybigcomebackpodcast

This week on My Big Comeback, Doug Lee joins us to discuss the heart behind coaching and leading student athletes at Mosley High School. Coach Lee shares stories from the field, lessons learned throughout his career, and why sports can shape confidence, discipline, and character in young people for life.

Thank you to Hero’s Child for sponsoring this episode! For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Meredith Cobb at [email protected]

Follow My Big Comeback on social media:
Facebook: @MyBigComeback
Instagram: @mybigcomebackpodcast
TikTok: @mybigcomebackpodcast

On this episode of My Big Comeback, we sit down with Daniel Raffield for a conversation about family legacy, leadership, and building success through hard work. With deep family roots in Gulf County as fishermen, Daniel shares how those values shaped his path to becoming a Bay County Board of County Commissioners commissioner and a real estate agent in Bay County. 


Thank you to Hero’s Child for sponsoring this episode! For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Meredith Cobb at [email protected]


Follow My Big Comeback on social media:
Facebook: @MyBigComeback
Instagram: @mybigcomebackpodcast
TikTok: @mybigcomebackpodcast

In this episode of My Big Comeback, State Attorney Larry Basford takes us behind the scenes of the critical work happening inside the State Attorney’s Office and what it truly means to serve the community. He shares what a typical day in his role looks like, the weight of the decisions he carries, and the purpose that drives his work.


Beyond the courtroom, Larry opens up about one of his most meaningful roles, being a grandfather, and how family keeps him grounded through it all. It’s an honest and inspiring conversation about leadership, balance, and finding fulfillment both in public service and at home.


Thank you to Hero’s Child for sponsoring this episode!

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Meredith Cobb at [email protected]
Follow My Big Comeback on social media:
Facebook: @MyBigComeback
Instagram: @mybigcomebackpodcast
TikTok: @mybigcomebackpodcast

In this episode of My Big Comeback, we sit down with Allan Branch, Mayor of Panama City, to talk about the passion and dedication behind leading a growing community. Mayor Branch shares what it’s like to serve the people of Panama City, the responsibility that comes with the role, and the rewarding impact of helping shape the city’s future. From meeting the needs of citizens to celebrating progress, this conversation highlights the purpose, commitment, and pride that come with public service.


Thank you to Hero’s Child for sponsoring this episode! For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Meredith Cobb at [email protected]

Follow My Big Comeback on social media:
Facebook: @MyBigComeback
Instagram: @mybigcomebackpodcast
TikTok: @mybigcomebackpodcast

In this episode of the My Big Comeback Podcast, we sit down with Tricia Berry to talk about life, leadership, and the experiences that have shaped her journey. Tricia shares what it’s like balancing personal life, business ownership, and community involvement while staying committed to serving Bay County.


We talk about the challenges and the lessons she’s learned through her career and leadership roles, and why being involved in the community at a high level matters to her. She also shares stories about travel, mentors who influenced her along the way, books that left an impact, and what she hopes to see in the future of Panama City and Bay County.


This episode is full of wisdom, perspective, and encouragement for anyone learning how to balance career, family, and purpose while continuing to grow through every season of life.


Thank you to Hero’s Child for sponsoring this episode! For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Meredith Cobb at [email protected]
Follow My Big Comeback on social media:
Facebook: @MyBigComeback
Instagram: @mybigcomebackpodcast
TikTok: @mybigcomebackpodcast

On this episode of My Big Comeback, host John R. Ramsey sits down with Doug Crosby—District 3 Commissioner for Bay County Board of County Commissioners and General Manager of Granny Cantrell’s.


Doug shares how his upbringing, strong faith, and commitment to family shaped his journey into leadership and public service. From managing a beloved local restaurant to serving his community in county government, Doug talks about the values that guide him and the lessons he’s learned about leadership, humility, and serving others.


This conversation dives into what it truly means to lead with faith, stay grounded in family, and make a lasting impact in your community.


Thank you to Hero’s Child for sponsoring this episode! For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Meredith Cobb at [email protected]

Follow My Big Comeback on social media:
Facebook: @MyBigComeback
Instagram: @mybigcomebackpodcast
TikTok: @mybigcomebackpodcast