PB + Jax

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

Whether you know him as the man behind the iconic whiskers or a champion for local wildlife, Curtis Dvorak is a Jacksonville legend.In this episode, we sit down with the man who brought Jaxson de Ville to life to discuss his high-octane career with the Jaguars, his seamless transition into media, and his current mission: advocating for the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Curtis shares why he "never misses what he did yesterday" and how he’s now using his platform to drive conservation and community growth in the city he loves.In This Episode, We Cover:The Mascot Era: The adrenaline, the stunts, and the 350+ appearances a year that defined the early days of Jaguars football.Media & Storytelling: How Curtis transitioned from silent stadium antics to becoming a prominent local voice.Conservation First: Why the Jacksonville Zoo is a cornerstone of the city's future and how you can get involved.Jacksonville Pride: Exploring the "Good Stuff" that makes our community a unique place to live and work.

Take a step back in time to explore the coastal heritage of Northeast Florida. In this episode, we journey through the evolution of Pablo Beach into the modern-day Jacksonville Beach, uncovering the stories of the pioneers, railroads, and landmarks that shaped the community.

We visit the Pablo Historical Park to look at preservation in action, from the hand-built pioneer cabins to the 1887 depot that once served as the heartbeat of the shore. Whether you're a local history buff or a curious traveler, this deep dive reveals how the "World’s Finest Beach" came to be.

What You’ll Learn:

The Name Change: Why the community transitioned from Pablo Beach to Jacksonville Beach in 1925.

Railroad Roots: The vital role of the historic locomotive and the early train depot in developing the coast.

Pioneer Life: Stories of the Stryker and Skull families, including the construction of the hand-built pioneer cabin.

Preservation Efforts: How the Pablo Historical Park maintains the oldest buildings in the area, dating back to the late 1800s.

Keywords:#PabloBeach #Jacksonville Beach #FloridaHistory #JaxBeach #HistoricalPreservation #LocalHeritage #PioneerLife #PabloHistoricalPark #FirstCoast

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.