PB + Jax

New Podcast Episode with Ike Sherlock of Air Van Inc.In this episode, Randall Thomas interviews Ike Sherlock, CEO of Air Van Inc., discussing the logistics industry, including Air Van's operations in Jacksonville. They explore the significance of third-party logistics (3PL), the impact of the pandemic on supply chains, and the evolving role of technology in the industry. Ike shares insights on the importance of Jacksonville's port and how Air Van has adapted to market fluctuations while emphasizing the company's growth and evolution from its origins as an air delivery franchise. He shares his personal journey from being a musician to entering the logistics industry, highlighting the challenges of labor shortages and the significance of community support in Jacksonville's growth. Ike also outlines Air Van's future plans and innovations to stay ahead in the competitive logistics market.Key Takeaways:

-Jacksonville's port is a major economic driver for the region.

-Air Van operates in multiple verticals of the supply chain.

-Third-party logistics (3PL) allows companies to outsource warehousing and transportation.

-Flexibility and cost savings are key benefits of using 3PL services.

-The pandemic caused a surge in online ordering, straining supply chains.

-There was a significant shift of shipping from the West Coast to the East Coast during the pandemic.

-The logistics industry experienced a boom followed by a correction in freight rates.

-Technology has drastically improved the logistics and delivery process.

-Building a strong culture is essential for business success.-Community support is vital for local business success.

-Jacksonville's infrastructure is improving, aiding growth.

-Collaboration among competitors can benefit the entire industry.

-Future innovations will focus on efficiency and client needs.

-Understanding market trends is crucial for navigating the logistics industry.

-Air Van transitioned from a small franchise to a 3PL company.

Epilepsy Alliance Florida is a nonprofit agency here in the Sunshine State who are committed to providing unwavering support to individuals and families living with epilepsy.

As a leading epilepsy support organization in Florida, Epilepsy Alliance understand the complexities and challenges of living with seizures and are here to help. Epilepsy Alliance Florida offers resources, support, and hope to anyone affected by the neurological disorder.

In the United States, roughly 3 million people, or 1.1% of the population are dealing with epilepsy. Over 500,000 of those cases are here in the state of Florida. Epilepsy doesn’t just affect individuals; it impacts families and caregivers, resonating through every aspect of life.

Recognizing the significance of epilepsy, 1 in 26 Americans will experience this condition at some point in their lives.

YaSheika provides many statistics, great insight, and amazing knowledge as to what epilepsy is and how we can safely help those who may be going through a seizure in live time.

This episode is informative about epilepsy itself, as well as the work the nonprofit is doing across the state.

This rendition of PB & Jax is dedicated to my niece, Kea, on her birthday today. Happy Birthday, Kea - I am extremely proud of everything you do.

I would like dedicate this episode to YaSheika's stepfather, Obie Hickman Sr., as well, who was diagnosed with epilepsy and inspired her incredible work with the foundation and her path toward her Ph.D.

Please enjoy the conversation!

For more information about the Epilepsy Alliance and their work, please visit https://epilepsyalliancefl.org/.

PB + Jacksonville Episode 19: Red Lips for the Ladies

Red Lips For the Ladies is a semi-new nonprofit organization here in Jacksonville, founded by a quartet of ladies, including Indie B. Bollman, MBA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR and Joanna Sisler - who are the guests of this week's podcast.

Red Lips for the Ladies came to due to unforeseen employment change, something we're all too familiar with these past three years. Indie and Joanna wanted to create an atmosphere for those who have been displaced and are looking for community and confidence.

Through their use of networks, Red Lips for the Ladies has put on great events to aid those who need resume services, interview prep, doors opened, introductions made, and a group of like-minded people who want to come together to support each other.

For those going through a job change or for those who want to support others who are, I urge you to listen to these two ladies discuss how this organization came to be and how you can take part in the great work they are doing.

A big thank you to Indie and Joanna for spending some time with me in discussing the great work they are doing.

PB + Jacksonville Episode 18: Mal Washington

MaliVai Washington is a formal professional tennis player who, among other accomplishments, won four ATP titles, beat #1 ranked Andre Agassi, and reached the Wimbledon Final in 1996.

To top his professional tennis accolades, Mal founded the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation in 1996 - to service families in the 32209 zip code by instilling the principles and disciplines of playing tennis into the children of the neighborhood.

The foundation has since exploded in its 29 years - now servicing kids from elementary school all the way through high school. As of 2020, there are now two centers - one for the elementary students and one for the middle and high school students.

While tennis is a core component of the foundation, the youth centers now teach technical and financial literacy, offers tutoring and guidance, and are now offered scholarships to attend college.

The work this team is doing is unbelievable and we are lucky Mal wanted to make such a difference in our home city.

Thank you, Mal, for taking time to chat with us. We are excited to be a part of this incredible cause.

Ron Armstrong is the Founder of Sponsored by GRACE, a local nonprofit, as well as the Founder of Grounds of GRACE, a budding coffee franchise here in Jacksonville, Florida.

Ron's path to entrepreneurship and NPO leadership is one of overcoming obstacles, addiction, lack of direction, and much more. Through a friend, he discovered Jesus Christ, and his life changed forever.

After years of serving his community, Ron is now taking the next step to serve the entire city of Jacksonville by running for mayor.

We were thrilled to have this conversation with Ron to discuss his journey and how he envisions a better tomorrow for Jacksonville.

To learn more about Ron's mayoral run, please visit https://theronarmstrong.com/

Kim Sirdevan is the Executive Director of Youth Crisis Center, a nonprofit founded in 1974 here in the great state of Florida, whose mission is to provide care for those who have exposed to traumatic life situations.

Although founded as an organization that targeted in aiding the youth, YCC has evolved over their 50+ years in service to provide resources to those of all ages.

YCC provides short term crisis care, mental health counseling, skills-based group training, and transitional living services program for children, teens, young adults, and their families. YCC provides more than a safety net for those in need, YCC transforms lives to hundreds of youth and their families every year.

As part of a strategic alliance with another great organization, YCC has partnered with the 2025 Hayden Hurst Family Foundation Golf Tournament to raise awareness of the great work both parties are doing. The golf tournament takes place this upcoming Monday, March 3, 2025 and will feature a silent auction. The link to participate in the auction will be listed below.

Kim shared a lot of great nuggets in this episode. She explains all of the great services YCC offers, success stories, future plans, and more.

We thank Kim for the time to speak with PBJ and appreciate the amazing work her and her team provide our great city.

Register and bid on the YCC/HHF auction using this link: https://ycc2025.ggo.bid/bidding/package-browse

If you are in need of a conversation that will have you wanting to run through a brick wall, I suggest listening to this episode of PB & JAX with Sonya Morales-Marchisillo.

During the pandemic, Sonya knew she had to do something for the sake of herself and her family. She took on monumental risk in launching her own two-way radio company - something that she did not have a background in.

Through risk taking, putting herself in the room, sharing her story, and hiring people to elevate her and those around her, Sonya is now on a rocket ship.

Five years in, and 50+ business awards later, she has taken the security world by storm.

Now, Sonya is hellbent on giving back all she's learned. She is a JSEB Champion, The VP of JAX Chamber's Arlington Council, and an advocate for women in the business world.

We can't thank Sonya enough for her time. Please enjoy.

Nick Howland is a Jacksonville City Councilmember and the Executive Director of The Fire Watch, a nonprofit organization created with the sole purpose of reducing veteran suicide.

The Fire Watch conducts trainings to companies, groups, and individuals to identify those who exude preemptive symptoms of suicide and arm them with the resources to get help to those in need.

There are currently 8,331 trained "Watch Standers" with the aim of making the number soar in 2025.

This episode unpacks what the Fire Watch is, why it exists, and the importance of its future. As a City Councilman, we spend time talking about the current and future state of Jacksonville, as well.

We appreciate Nick taking the time to walk through the great work of the nonprofit and the interesting things happening throughout the city of Jacksonville.

Troy McNair is one half of the visionaries behind the Think Bold Festival & Conference. He is also co-founder and co-owner of Gangplank Media Group (GMG) and the co-author of DECODED.

Before Troy settled in Jacksonville, he was living in Manhattan, NY - working at Def Jam Records. He discovered that the Bold City possessed untapped potential, and has since made it his mission to uncover Jacksonville's gems.

The Think Bold Conference is coming up this April. Keynotes include Mark Lamping, Nat Ford, Pinky Cole Hayes, Lil Duval, Brett Barish, and more.

https://www.thinkboldfest.com/tickets

PB + Jacksonville Episode 12: Joell Arnold

"It starts with your mindset. It starts with what you believe, it starts with what you think, and it dictates how you behave."

Joell Arnold is the Founder and CEO of Zenhergy Group, a women's mindset, empowerment, and leadership coaching company based here in Jacksonville, FL.

Although female-focused, Joell and Zenhergy Group have found success with people in all walks of life and those in various stages of personal and professional development.

Joell does a masterful job of walking me through how she channeled life's grief to step away from corporate life and take a leap into entrepreneurship to help others reach their potential.

I've had the honor of getting to know Joell as she consults the board at PS27 Ventures, keeping us balanced and organized. She does the same for other entities in town, and based on the work I've done with her, these other companies are lucky to have her.

Joell is chock full of resources - she has a podcast called Vibrate Higher, a course called Unshaken, valuable content across Instagram and TikTok, plus the various coaching options at Zenhergy Group. I am actively convincing her to bring her work to LinkedIn, as well.

If you are looking for someone to hold up the mirror and help you be accountable by someone who has put in the work themselves, there is nobody in the City of Jacksonville I could recommend more.

This episode is dedicated in memory to both of Joell's parents, who have inspired Joell's work and the person she is today.

Full episode, as always, can be found at PBJAX.com and everywhere podcasts are played.

Thank you, Joell, for hanging out with me and sharing your story!!