In this episode of Panhandle Pulse, Chuck Asbury sits down with Tony Carder, a seasoned entrepreneur who previously built and sold one of the top pest control companies in Georgia before starting a new venture, TruNorth Pest Control, right here in Florida.

Tony dives into what really fueled his success—not just smart business decisions, but a strong emphasis on relationships, exceptional customer service, faith, leadership, and deep community involvement. Now based along the Emerald Coast, he’s applying those same principles to grow his new company while building a meaningful life in the Panhandle.

This episode also explores:

• How Tony approached scaling and eventually selling his first company
• His perspective on business acquisitions and long-term growth
• The importance of mentoring young people and developing future leaders
• What it takes to build a brand from the ground up in a competitive market

It’s a great listen if you’re an entrepreneur, a business owner, or someone interested in the culture and growth of the 30A and Emerald Coast area.

https://trunorthpest.com/

https://www.facebook.com/trunorthpest/

https://www.instagram.com/trunorth.pest/

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In this episode of Pan Handle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with storyteller, marketer, and creator Kerri Parker—the voice behind Hwy 331—to explore how powerful storytelling can shape and uplift a community.

Kerri shares her unique journey from corporate marketing with iconic South Walton brands to building a grassroots media platform that bridges the gap between the north and south sides of Walton County. With a passion for highlighting overlooked communities like DeFuniak Springs and Freeport, she created Hwy 331 as a digital hub featuring stories, podcasts, and local insights that celebrate the people and culture of the Florida Panhandle.

The conversation dives deep into her evolution as a creator—from launching a podcast to stepping far outside her comfort zone to produce her first short documentary, The Lake That Built a Town. With no prior filmmaking experience and only 90 days to complete the project, Kerri reveals the challenges, self-doubt, and “delusional confidence” it took to bring the story of Lake DeFuniak to life.

Chuck and Kerri also discuss:

• The importance of storytelling in building emotional connections within a community
• How Hwy 331 is reshaping the narrative beyond the 30A spotlight
• Lessons learned from podcasting, branding, and content creation
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and rebuilding confidence later in life
• Preserving local history for future generations through film and media
• The real behind-the-scenes work of running a podcast and media brand
• Why community pride and positive storytelling matter now more than ever

Kerri also shares insights on supporting local creators, getting started with your own podcast or documentary, and why consistency—not perfection—is the key to success.

Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or someone passionate about the Florida Panhandle, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a powerful reminder of how stories can connect, preserve, and transform a community.

🎧 Tune in to hear how one idea—bridging a highway—turned into a movement of storytelling, filmmaking, and local impact.

https://hwy331.com/

https://www.instagram.com/hwy.331?igsh=MTQ1cW04OHpweXI1cA==

The Lake That Built a Town: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33ZRuyrEK8c

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In this powerful episode of Panhandle Pulse, Derek Asher opens up about his raw journey from a troubled past in California—marked by jail time, addiction, and setbacks—to rebuilding his life through faith, resilience, and creativity. Now a barber and entrepreneur on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Derek shares how skateboarding shaped his mindset, how he turned a viral haircut into community impact, and what it takes to start over with purpose.

Discover how he built his brand as the “Skateboarding Barber,” navigated failures, and found meaning through giving back, mentoring youth, and creating authentic connections. This episode is packed with inspiration for anyone chasing growth, second chances, and a better future.

Derrick Asher Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskateboardingbarber?igsh=MWlmNXRlM3FucTd6dQ==

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In this episode of Panhandle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with local real estate broker Ron Hefner to talk about what makes Florida’s Emerald Coast one of the most desirable places to live in the country.

From the white-sand beaches of Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, and Destin, to the growing communities around the bay, Ron shares firsthand insight into the real estate market, lifestyle, and the rapid growth happening across the Florida Panhandle.

Ron also shares his unique origin story — how breaking up a bar argument at the famous Red Bar in Grayton Beachunexpectedly led him into a 15-year real estate career that’s helped hundreds of buyers relocate to the area.

In this conversation, they discuss:

• Why so many people are relocating from the Midwest and major cities
• The unique lifestyle of living along Florida’s Emerald Coast
• Real estate trends in Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Freeport, and Destin
• The difference between rental communities and full-time neighborhoods
• What buyers need to know about Florida insurance and hurricane preparedness
• The future of development and housing affordability in the Panhandle
• Hidden local gems, restaurants, and outdoor activities
• The truth about living near the beach year-round

They also dive into how the area has evolved from a vacation destination into a thriving year-round community with growing schools, infrastructure, and family life.

Whether you're thinking about moving to Florida, investing in beach real estate, or simply love the lifestyle of the Gulf Coast, this episode provides an inside look at the opportunities and challenges shaping the Florida Panhandle today.

If you’ve ever dreamed of living near crystal-clear water and sugar-white sand, this conversation will give you a realistic perspective on what life here is really like.

Connect with Ron: https://linktr.ee/RonHefner?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=4e6e5fd2-16e1-4a9f-be92-fbed935f5181

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In this episode of Panhandle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with Pastor Charles Wilson of The Chapel at Crosspoint in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida for an inspiring conversation about faith, leadership, and community impact in the Florida Panhandle.

Pastor Wilson shares the incredible story of how a struggling church with just eight members transformed into a thriving congregation that now supports multiple ministries and nonprofit organizations across the region. What began as a mission to help close a small church turned into a powerful example of faith, perseverance, and community service.

Throughout the conversation, Pastor Wilson and Chuck discuss:

• The history of the church dating back more than 70 years in South Walton
• How The Chapel at Crosspoint helped launch several other churches in the area
• Supporting local nonprofits providing food, medical, and dental care
• The importance of churches working together across denominations
• The role faith plays in building stronger communities
• Disaster relief and the vision for a future community support facility
• Challenges facing the Florida Panhandle including workforce shortages, housing affordability, and infrastructure growth

Pastor Wilson also reflects on his unconventional journey into ministry, his passion for theology and community service, and why helping others has become the most fulfilling work of his life.

If you're interested in faith, leadership, community development, nonprofit work, or the future of Florida’s Panhandle, this episode offers meaningful insight and inspiration.

🎙 Panhandle Pulse is the podcast that explores real issues, real conversations, and the people shaping the Florida Panhandle.

Subscribe for more conversations with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.

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Thinking about leaving your 9-5 job to become a business owner? In this episode of the Panhandle Pulse, Chuck Asbury sits down with business acquisition expert Matt Uhler to break down how entrepreneurs can successfully buy established businesses instead of starting from scratch.

With more than 28 years of experience and involvement in 800+ business transactions, Matt shares real-world insights on buying, selling, financing, and growing businesses. He explains why purchasing an established business can significantly reduce risk compared to launching a startup, and how buyers can evaluate opportunities using proven financial and operational strategies.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why buying an existing business can be safer than starting one
• The 4 key factors to evaluate before acquiring a company
• How business financing works (including SBA loans and seller financing)
• Common mistakes new business buyers make—and how to avoid them
• Why many deals fail after purchase when owners change the “recipe”
• How to approach business owners privately if a business isn’t listed for sale
• Why the upcoming “Silver Tsunami” of retiring baby boomers will create major buying opportunities
• Whether franchises or independent businesses are better investments
• Practical steps for W-2 employees who want to transition into business ownership

Matt also discusses the importance of education, financial preparation, and choosing industries aligned with your skills, proximity, and long-term goals. If you’re considering entrepreneurship through acquisition, this episode offers practical advice to help you avoid costly mistakes and build an income-producing asset.

🎧 Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, investor, or business owner looking to grow through acquisitions, this conversation provides a roadmap to getting started the right way.

Guest: Matt Uhler – Business Acquisition Expert & Founder of Amped Success
Host: Chuck Asbury
Podcast: Panhandle Pulse

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In this powerful episode of Panhandle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with “The Dyslexia Professor” Russell Van Brocklen to unpack the real science behind dyslexia and why traditional school systems are failing bright students. From his own journey with a first-grade reading level to developing a results-driven method that helped students jump from the 4th percentile to the 65th percentile, Russell shares practical strategies parents and educators can use immediately.

Learn how early intervention can save millions in education costs, how to tap into a child’s “specialty” to unlock reading and writing skills, and why motivation—not medication—is often the missing piece. If you're a parent, teacher, or policymaker in Florida’s Panhandle, this conversation could change how you think about dyslexia, special education, and student potential.

https://dyslexiaclasses.com/

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In this episode of PanHandle Pulse, host Chuck Asbury sits down with local anesthetist Corey Fernandez of Destin Surgical Center.

Corey shares his journey from growing up in Freeport to training at Florida State, the University of Florida, and Nova Southeastern, eventually returning home to serve the community. They discuss healthcare access challenges in Northwest Florida, physician turnover, population growth, and what it will take to strengthen medical services in the Panhandle.

Beyond medicine, Corey opens up about his passion for songwriting and performing with his band, The Salty Strays, balancing life as a husband, father of three, medical professional, and musician.

If you care about local healthcare, community growth, entrepreneurship, or creative pursuits in the Florida Panhandle, this episode delivers honest insight and real conversation.

You can find Corey’s music, social media, and latest releases here: https://linktr.ee/coreyfernandez

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Kevin O’Neill, Master Captain and owner of Destiny Water Adventures, joins Panhandle Pulse with host Chuck Asbury, to share his incredible journey from a laid-off Detroit plumber to one of the Emerald Coast’s most successful water sports entrepreneurs. In this episode, Kevin breaks down how he got his captain’s license, moved from Key West to North Florida, navigated strict water sports regulations, and scaled Destiny Water Adventures into a thriving multi-business operation with over 35 boats.

Chuck and Kevin dive deep into entrepreneurship, blue-collar work ethic, digital marketing, team building, leadership, and the realities of running seasonal businesses in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Navarre. Kevin also shares lessons learned from setbacks, health challenges, and why investing in people—and not being afraid to bet on yourself—is the key to long-term success.

Whether you’re interested in water sports, small business growth, marketing strategy, or building a life and business on the Emerald Coast, this episode delivers real-world insights and inspiration.

Topics Covered:

• Starting and scaling a water sports business in Florida
• Captain’s licenses and working on the water
• Marketing, SEO, and digital ads for local businesses
• Leadership, team building, and employee development
• Navigating regulations and growth on the Emerald Coast
• Entrepreneurship, grit, and betting on yourself

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In this episode, host Chuck Asbury sits down with author and speaker Judson Stone to discuss his journey from Maine to Florida, his passion for history and writing, and the importance of preserving family stories. Judson reflects on his work as a substitute teacher, his involvement in local organizations, and building meaningful community connections in the Panhandle. The conversation also touches on healthcare challenges in the area, the customary use controversy impacting beach access, and practical advice for new residents and retirees seeking purpose and connection along Florida’s Panhandle.

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