What happens when a seasoned journalist becomes the story? Today we are joined by Lynn Jones, a veteran journalist who has been documenting the stories of Jacksonville since 1994.

Lynn shares her journey through the media landscape and discusses her deep connection to the community she serves. to discuss her long career in Jacksonville media and the viral press conference moment that showcased her unwavering positivity. Lynn explains why she has dedicated her life to sharing local stories and how the media plays a vital role in shaping the narrative of a city.

We talk about the importance of highlighting local success and the impact of a recent viral moment that turned Lynn into a "ray of light" for many. Lynn reflects on the responsibility of influence, the growth she sees in Jacksonville today, and why staying positive in the face of adversity is essential for both personal and community growth.

This conversation touches on the importance of collaboration, the resilience required to stay in the journalism craft for decades, and the exciting development happening across Jacksonville.

Lynn’s message is simple but powerful: recognize your worth, stand tall, and look for the light in every situation.

How do you grow a business from a $500 investment into a thriving firm with eight employees, all without making a single cold call?

In this episode, we sit down with Shana Ryan, founder of Conceptual HR, to pull back the curtain on her entrepreneurial journey here in Jacksonville, Florida. Shana shares how she transitioned from a corporate career to building a leading HR consulting business rooted in the power of community and authentic networking.

If you're a small business owner looking to scale or an aspiring entrepreneur, Shana’s "people-first" approach offers a masterclass in treating employees as your most important asset.

In this episode, we sit down with Darrin Eakins, the founder of DuBlasé Whiskey and a dedicated community leader in Jacksonville. Darrin shares the story behind launching a whiskey brand built on purpose, the realities of the distillation and distribution process, and how he balances entrepreneurship with a passion for philanthropy.

Beyond the bottle, Darrin discusses the mission of the DuBlasé Foundation and its commitment to expanding STEM education for students. We explore his recent awards, his involvement in local sports, and his belief that anyone can succeed in Jacksonville with the right mindset and a willingness to get to work.

In this episode, we cover:

-The origin story of DuBlasé Whiskey and navigating the spirits industry.

-How the DuBlasé Foundation is impacting the next generation through STEM.

-Lessons on perseverance, building local relationships, and leaving a legacy.

-Why community engagement is at the heart of Darrin’s business model.

Step into a sharp discussion with Don Smith of Tanager Holdings and the venture studio model shaping new business paths. Don traces a path from early ideas to unexpected deals in Peru. He breaks down why Gray Collar roles matter, how hiring trends shift, and what your career strategy needs now.You will learn:• Why Gray Collar jobs drive growth across industries• What hiring data signals about future work• How strong networks lead to rare opportunities• Where education falls short in today’s market• What steps position you for emerging rolesThis episode pushes you to rethink status, skills, and direction. If you want an edge in a changing job market, start here.

Anthony Miles shares a story built on grit, service, and ownership. He started young, selling candy at school. That drive led him to the Navy, where discipline and structure shaped his mindset. After military service, he entered corporate roles, then chose risk and stepped into business ownership in Jacksonville.Anthony explains the shift from employee to founder. He details the pressure, the lessons, and the wins. He introduces his safety glasses product, built to solve real eye protection gaps for workers. He outlines plans to donate thousands of pairs to youth and labor crews. His mission centers on safety, access, and local impact.The conversation also covers real estate, partnerships, and small business support. Anthony speaks on why local alliances matter and how cities grow when founders receive backing. He shares plans to launch a manufacturing site in Jacksonville and create jobs.This episode shows how early hustle, military training, and vision combine to build companies and serve communities.

In this episode, Christine Hoffman shares a firsthand look at leadership on the coast. She traces her path from Beaches Museum board member to Executive Director, then to Mayor of Jacksonville Beach. You hear how local history shaped her public service mindset and why preservation still matters today.Christine breaks down the hidden history of Jacksonville Beach and the museum’s 20 year role as a community anchor. She explains why resident involvement drives long term success and how steady leadership improves outcomes. The conversation tackles the pressure of leading during COVID 19, including fast decisions, adaptation, and trust building.As mayor, Christine outlines small town leadership realities, public safety priorities, and fiscal discipline through a flat property tax rate. She also shares a clear vision for revitalization and responsible growth across Jacksonville Beach.This episode connects history, civic duty, and modern leadership through one local leader’s experience.

This conversation highlights how leadership, consistency, and local focus drive business ecosystems forward.

Drew Schrimsher shares his journey from a small town in New Mexico to serving as President and Publisher of the Jacksonville Business Journal, and how early exposure to responsibility shaped his leadership approach.

His move to Jacksonville aligned personal priorities with professional growth, placing him in a role with direct influence over how business stories, data, and connections support the regional economy.

Drew explains the transition from Vice President of Sales to Publisher, where success depends on aligning newsroom integrity, events, and revenue with a shared mission.

The conversation centers on Jacksonville’s continued growth, especially within the urban core, and the role small businesses play in job creation, innovation, and long-term stability.

He reinforces why the Business Journal exists as a platform for founders, operators, and executives building the city every day.

The conversation also covers leadership principles Drew values most, including sustained effort, genuine care for people, and mentorship as a professional responsibility.

His long-term goal centers on leaving behind a stronger organization that amplifies local business voices while helping the next generation of leaders move forward with clarity and confidence.

Andrew McCann did not start with a plan to run for office.

Life forced a reset. Family became the anchor.

Two grandfathers set the standard.

Work mattered. Integrity mattered. Showing up mattered.

Loss followed and priorities changed.

Community stopped feeling abstract and started feeling personal.

This episode walks through each turn.

Mistakes. Growth. Responsibility.

Andrew explains why local leadership shapes daily life more than national politics.

Potholes. Schools. Public safety. Trust. Party labels should fade at city hall.

Jacksonville stands at a crossroads.

Residents want clarity. Residents want honesty. Residents want leaders who listen.

Andrew shares a grounded vision for the city. Open books. Clear communication. Decisions shaped with neighbors, not behind closed doors.

This conversation feels personal because the mission feels personal.

A city improves when people who love home step forward.

*It should be noted that PB & Jax does not endorse candidates for political office. We will give the platform for any and all who seek political office to share their vision and values for the office they seek.*

In this episode of PB & JAX, Randall Thomas explores the entrepreneurial journey of Isaac Altman, CEO of Panda Technology, as he discusses the challenges and innovations in the IT service industry.

Isaac shares insights on building a service-oriented culture, how to properly engage clientele, and the importance of community pertaining to Jacksonville's business landscape.

This conversation highlights the need for collaboration among entrepreneurs and the potential of initiatives like the Jacksonville Business Calendar, The Foundry, and local networking groups to foster innovation and growth in the region.

How do the lessons learned on a college football field translate to the cutting edge of smart technology?

In this video, we sit down with Tim Miscovich, Chief Commercial Officer at wtec, to discuss his unique career trajectory and the future of the smart building industry.

Tim shares his journey from playing quarterback at East Carolina to leading commercial strategy in the tech space.

We dive deep into:

1. The Athlete’s Edge: How discipline and teamwork from sports drive business success.

2. Smart Innovation: How W Tech is pioneering sustainable, tech-integrated lighting solutions.

3. Leadership in Tech: Why effective leadership is the primary driver of corporate innovation.

Whether you're an aspiring leader or a tech enthusiast, Tim’s story is a great reminder that adaptability is the ultimate competitive advantage.