This episode is about service, faith, and what happens when a community decides to show up for someone who needs help.

Pastor Gerald Williams has spent decades serving Jacksonville as the pastor of Word of Faith Church and Executive Director of the Make It Happen Foundation. His mission is simple: help seniors and families who have fallen through the cracks.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Growing up in poverty in Jacksonville and how those experiences shaped his life

• Nearly 30 years of ministry and community impact

• The creation of the Make It Happen Foundation

• The growing need among Jacksonville's elderly population

• Why service matters more than recognition

• The partnership between the Make It Happen Foundation and the PB & JAX Foundation to identify and support local seniors in need

• The story of Emma Jean Wootson and how a community-wide effort generated more than $60,000 in donated home repairs, services, and support

• How local businesses stepped up to make a lasting difference

• What Jacksonville gains when people stop waiting for someone else to solve a problem

This conversation highlights what becomes possible when nonprofits, business leaders, faith leaders, and community partners work toward a common goal.

If you believe strong communities are built by people who care enough to act, this episode is for you.

Guest: Pastor Gerald Williams
Executive Director, Make It Happen Foundation
Pastor, Word of Faith Church

Subscribe for more conversations with the pioneers and builders shaping Jacksonville's future.

#PBandJax #Jacksonville #CommunityImpact #Leadership #Nonprofit #GivingBack #FaithInAction #MakeItHappenFoundation #JacksonvilleFlorida #Podcast

What were you doing at 18?For Sean Scott, the answer wasn't college parties or figuring out what came next.He was building a software company.In this episode of PB & Jax, we sit down with Sean Scott, founder of UniDesk, an AI-powered ticketing and asset management platform designed to help organizations solve IT problems faster and more efficiently.Sean shares how he went from a high school IT intern to launching a venture-backed startup, landing his first customers, pitching in Jacksonville and San Francisco, and building a company before turning 19.We discuss:• Why he chose entrepreneurship over a traditional path• How UniDesk evolved from a school project into a software company• Using AI to eliminate repetitive IT support work• What it was like pitching startups in Jacksonville and Silicon Valley• The future of AI and its impact on jobs• Why Jacksonville's startup ecosystem is gaining momentum• Lessons learned from Accelerate PV and local startup leaders• The challenges of building a company as a teenager• Why founders should stop waiting for permission and start buildingSean also shares his perspective on AI, innovation, startup culture, fundraising, and why he believes Jacksonville has the potential to become one of the country's leading startup communities.At just 18 years old, Sean represents a new generation of builders who are leveraging technology, community, and curiosity to create businesses earlier than ever before."If you have an idea, nobody is stopping you. Don't wait for permission. Just start."Whether you're an entrepreneur, student, founder, investor, technology professional, or someone interested in the future of innovation, this conversation offers valuable insights into where business and technology are headed.Subscribe for more conversations with the pioneers and builders shaping Jacksonville's future.#PBandJax #Jacksonville #Startup #Entrepreneurship #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Founder #TechStartup #GenZ #Innovation #JacksonvilleTech #BusinessLeadership

What does it take to build a technology company in Jacksonville?

In this episode of PB & Jax, we sit down with Bob Dahlstrom, Founder and CEO of Appellix, to discuss entrepreneurship, innovation, drones, and the future of Jacksonville's startup ecosystem.

Bob shares his journey from software development to creating one of the most innovative drone companies in the country. What started as an idea to improve safety and efficiency has evolved into a business transforming how commercial cleaning and pressure washing are performed.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Why Jacksonville presents unique opportunities for entrepreneurs

• The challenges of launching and scaling a startup• How Appellix created autonomous solutions for commercial cleaning

• The importance of finding product-market fit• Lessons learned from adapting business strategies in real time

• Building a company around safety, innovation, and customer needs

• What Jacksonville needs to become a startup and technology hub

• The future of drones and automation in commercial industries

Bob also shares candid insights on leadership, resource management, resilience, and the realities of entrepreneurship that many founders face but few discuss openly.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, startup founder, technology enthusiast, business leader, or someone interested in Jacksonville's growth, this conversation offers practical lessons from someone who has built, pivoted, and continued pushing forward.

About Appellix:

Appellix develops autonomous drone solutions that help companies perform commercial cleaning and pressure washing more safely and efficiently. Their technology reduces risk, improves productivity, and creates new possibilities for industries that rely on work at height.Learn more by going to www dot Apellix dot com.

Subscribe for more conversations with Jacksonville's builders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.

#PBandJax #Jacksonville #Entrepreneurship #Startup #Technology #Drones #Innovation #SmallBusiness #FounderStory #BusinessLeadership #JacksonvilleBusiness #Appellix

What does a Navy diver, ice cream shop owner, and janitorial supply entrepreneur have in common?

Josh Davis.

In this episode of PB & Jax, Josh shares the unconventional path that led him from military service to building JanSan, a Jacksonville-based company serving businesses across Northeast Florida.

We discuss:

• How his experience as a Navy diver shaped his approach to leadership and business
• The lessons learned from owning multiple businesses in different industries
• Why resilience matters more than talent when building a company
• The role Jacksonville's entrepreneurial community played in his growth
• How small business owners can create opportunities from unexpected places
• What motivates him to support other builders, founders, and operators

Josh's story is proof that success rarely follows a straight line. From deep-sea diving to entrepreneurship, every chapter prepared him for the next one.

Whether you're a veteran, entrepreneur, business leader, or someone considering taking a leap into ownership, this conversation offers practical lessons on adaptability, perseverance, and purpose.

"You can start at zero and still achieve great things."

Watch now and hear the full story.

This episode is sponsored by Olive My Pickle: Probiotic Fermented Foods for Gut Health. For more information, visit their website here: https://www.olivemypickle.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoruevMF0Zhy8qzhFTCVkLA2FrxQHFlusRTKY5bGRrHeyBZG9efYWhat does it take to turn a childhood love for pickles into a thriving business?In this episode of PB & Jax, I sit down with Shai Tzabari, Co-founder of Olive My Pickle, to discuss his journey from Israel to Jacksonville and the lessons he learned building one of Northeast Florida's most recognizable food brands.Shai shares how a background in farming, a willingness to take risks, and a deep connection to the community helped transform a small farmers market operation into a growing business. He also opens up about the setbacks most entrepreneurs never talk about, including losing major accounts, inventory struggles, and the resilience required to keep moving forward.In this conversation, we discuss:• Moving from Israel to the United States in search of opportunity• Why Florida became the perfect place to build a business• The early days of selling pickles at farmers markets• How customer feedback shaped Olive My Pickle's growth• The challenges of scaling a food business• Recovering from major financial setbacks• The importance of perseverance in entrepreneurship• Building strong relationships within the Jacksonville communityOne of the biggest takeaways from this episode is simple: every setback carries a lesson. Shai's story is a reminder that successful businesses are not built overnight. They are built through persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to serving customers well.If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone considering taking the leap into business ownership, this episode is packed with practical insights and hard-earned wisdom.Watch the full episode and let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments.Subscribe for more conversations with the founders, builders, leaders, and innovators shaping Jacksonville and beyond.

Ever wonder what a 55,000 sq ft warehouse filled with history, sustainability, and creativity looks like?When Michael Murphy bought an abandoned railroad depot in Jacksonville, he saw raw bones and a chance to save, not just build.His mission? Keep thousands of building materials out of landfills while creating a space that feels more like art than commerce.From giant conference tables to custom wood projects, Eco Relics is proof that repurposing is both beautiful and beneficial.They’ve developed a network sourcing materials from around the world — Egypt, India, Costa Rica — and still sell everything!And here's the kicker: 35% of landfill content is building materials. Eco Relics is actively reversing that trend, one piece at a time.Is this the kind of place you'd visit to find that one-of-a-kind piece?Supporting sustainable businesses like this can change the game for local economies & the planet.

How do you build a legacy while staying grounded in your community? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Wohlers, President of Riverplace Capital, to discuss the true meaning of fiduciary responsibility and the journey of growing a premier financial advisory firm right here in Jacksonville.

From his early days in Tennessee to becoming a key figure in the River City’s financial landscape, Scott shares the "Pioneer" mindset required to embrace change and the "Builder" discipline needed to manage wealth with transparency and integrity.

In This Episode:

1. The Fiduciary Difference: Why prioritizing the client’s interest isn't just a policy, it’s the foundation of trust.

2. Relocating for Growth: Scott’s journey from Regions Bank to leading River Place Capital.

3. The Balancing Act: Real-world tips on managing a high-level executive career while staying present for family.

4. Community Impact: Why serving on local boards is a non-negotiable for Jacksonville leaders.

Key Takeaways:

Embrace Change: Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone and into new metro markets.

Relationships > Transactions: Wealth management is about understanding unique goals, not just managing portfolios.

Continuous Learning: How to stay ahead of evolving market trends to better serve your clients.

Finding a place where kids can run wild, dogs can play, and adults can actually enjoy a cocktail without the constant battle against screen time is rare, but that’s exactly what Daniel Moffatt created with The Block Jax.Daniel saw a gap in the local scene: parents were tired of "restaurant stress" and the constant need to hand over an iPad just to get through a meal. His solution? A 10,000-square-foot outdoor hub that brings together food, live music, a dedicated kids' play zone, and a dog park.

Here is the breakdown of what makes The Block Jax a unique community anchor:

• No-Stress Dining: With eight local food vendors and a cashless ordering system, you can grab a meal from places like Chancho King, Darkside Tacos, or Slingin' Wieners without feeling rushed.

• Designed for Every Age: The venue is split into zones. There is a secure, Candyland-inspired play area for kids, a massive LED wall for sports and movies, and an upstairs craft cocktail bar for those looking for an "adults-only" vibe away from the chaos.

• Pet-Friendly Culture: Through a partnership with Kanine Social, they’ve integrated a full dog park on-site so your furry friends don’t have to stay home.

• The "Anti-Tech" Goal: The core mission is about human connection. By creating a space where kids can be active and parents can actually socialize, the goal is to get everyone off their screens and back to being present.

Located just off Gate Parkway (near IKEA), it is quickly becoming the go-to spot for locals who want to stay, hang out, and actually relax.

#TheBlockJax #JacksonvilleLiving #JaxLocal #CommunityFirst #FamilyFriendlyJax #LocalEats

In this episode, Randall Thomas sits down with Mike Potts, CEO of [Feature23], to explore the evolution of custom software development, the integration of AI, and the strategic focus on the middle market.

They discuss the importance of culture, innovation, and market adaptation in a rapidly changing tech landscape, providing actionable insights for software professionals and business leaders alike.

What happens when a tech entrepreneur dives headfirst into the world of craft beer? In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Batey to discuss his fascinating transition from the startup world to revitalizing the Northeast Florida brewery scene.Andrew shares the "under the hood" reality of business turnarounds, the grit required to scale a brand like Mocama Brewery, and why he believes you should always "swing for the fences" in entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a local business owner, a craft beer enthusiast, or an aspiring founder, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on leadership, venture capital, and the power of community.We Cover:The Pivot: How Andrew fell into the craft beer industry.Business Turnarounds: Strategies for saving and scaling failing businesses.Jacksonville Growth: Why Northeast Florida is the ultimate hub for innovation and collaboration.Venture & Investment: What it really takes to get a startup off the ground.Giving Back: Mocama's commitment to supporting first responders and local families.Episode Chapters:00:00 - The Origin Story of Mocama Brewery11:13 - Turning Around a Failing Business14:08 - The Craft Beer Community in Northeast Florida18:26 - Future Aspirations and Market Dynamics21:54 - The Story of Mocama23:31 - Community and Connection24:58 - Entrepreneurship in Jacksonville28:51 - Government and Community Collaboration32:25 - Investing in Startups37:28 - The Importance of Team and Adaptability39:08 - Supporting First Responders and Families42:12 - Quality of Product and Community Impact