PB + Jax

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.

As November comes to a close, the team at PB & Jax wanted highlight Men's Mental Health during MMH month.

We filmed this episode with Dr. Marek Hirsch, a board-certified Psychiatrist, who specializes in mental health treatment for men.

Dr. Hirsch spends time discussing the significance of Men's Mental Health Month and the establishment of his clinic that is dedicated to the cause .

He shares insights into his background as a psychiatrist, the importance of outpatient resources, and the unique design of his clinic, which is aimed at creating a comfortable environment for men seeking help.

We cover the stigma surrounding men's mental health, the impact of social media, and the differences in how men and women experience mental health issues.

Dr. Hirsch emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and encourages men to seek help, highlighting the resources available in Jacksonville.

You can find out more about the clinic by visiting https://mensmentalhealthservices.com/

In this conversation, host Randall Thomas interviews Sean Espenship, the owner of The Jack-Son-Tucky, a distillery in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

They discuss Sean's journey from a legal career to becoming a bourbon distiller, the intricacies of bourbon production, and the unique aspects of making bourbon in Florida compared to Kentucky.

The conversation delves into the aging process, the importance of ingredients, and the challenges faced in the distillation process.

Sean shares insights into the awards his products have won and his plans for community engagement and future growth.

In this special episode, we celebrate the three-year anniversary of Myrtle Avenue Brewing with owner Sean Bielman.

As Myrtle Ave becomes a cornerstone of the neighborhood, Sean shares how the brewery has grown from a production facility into a true community hub rooted in connection, creativity, and collaboration.

We dive into the rich history of the building, dating back to the 1920s, the brewery’s evolution through the pandemic, and the creation of a family-friendly, inclusive space that brings people together.

Sean also discusses how Myrtle Avenue Brewing supports local entrepreneurs through commercial co-working initiatives, and how adaptability and openness to opportunity have shaped his journey from brewer to consultant.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a craft-beer enthusiast, a supporter of local business, or a lover of Jacksonville, this episode offers valuable insight into the power of community engagement and the importance of staying true to your mission while embracing change.

In this special episode, we celebrate the three-year anniversary of Myrtle Avenue Brewing with owner Sean Bielman.

As Myrtle Ave becomes a cornerstone of the neighborhood, Sean shares how the brewery has grown from a production facility into a true community hub rooted in connection, creativity, and collaboration.

We dive into the rich history of the building, dating back to the 1920s, the brewery’s evolution through the pandemic, and the creation of a family-friendly, inclusive space that brings people together.

Sean also discusses how Myrtle Avenue Brewing supports local entrepreneurs through commercial co-working initiatives, and how adaptability and openness to opportunity have shaped his journey from brewer to consultant.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a craft-beer enthusiast, a supporter of local business, or a lover of Jacksonville, this episode offers valuable insight into the power of community engagement and the importance of staying true to your mission while embracing change.

“No child should ever have to worry about their next meal.” That’s the mission driving Blessings in a Backpack — and the heart behind this conversation.

Randall Thomas sits down with Sean Stenson, a dedicated board member of the nonprofit, to explore how a small act of kindness can ripple through an entire community.

From classrooms to kitchens, Blessings in a Backpack is fighting childhood hunger head-on in Jacksonville — ensuring students have the nourishment they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Sean shares a behind-the-scenes look at:

🥪 How the organization provides weekend meals to local children in need

📈 The link between nutrition, focus, and academic success

💰 What it actually costs to feed a child for an entire school year

🤝 The local businesses and volunteers fueling the mission

🎉 Upcoming events that connect the community around a shared cause

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a real difference in your community, or what it looks like when compassion turns into action — this episode will move you.

❤️ Every dollar matters. Every meal counts. Every child deserves hope.

Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders, changemakers, and dreamers making an impact where it matters most.

Join Randall Thomas as he sits down with LonnieIIV, a dynamic content creator with a passion for community and connection. In this episode, Lonnie shares his journey from Jacksonville to Los Angeles, offering insights into the world of social media, the importance of persistence, and the power of starting with what you love. Discover how Lonnie navigates the challenges of content creation and his advice for aspiring creators looking to make their mark. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with humor, wisdom, and a touch of nostalgia for Jacksonville's warm beaches and Waffle House delights.