In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred continues his on-site coverage of the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitch event in Tampa, where veteran entrepreneurship takes center stage.

Tom interviews Navy veteran John Gibson, founder of Just Right IT, a Tampa-based company providing specialized cybersecurity services. John shares how his business journey began in San Diego and why he chose to relocate to Tampa for its strong veteran support network. With the rise of digital threats and the upcoming Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements for government contractors, John stresses the growing importance of cybersecurity for small businesses.

He provides practical insights into protecting small enterprises, including affordable solutions like email security, employee training, and basic cyber hygiene. John also highlights the role AI plays in both improving and complicating the cybersecurity landscape. This episode is a must-listen for any business owner looking to stay ahead of today’s cyber threats.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred speaks with Petra Wilkes, founder of Sage and Lore Counseling Services, during the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa. A Navy veteran and former air traffic controller, Petra shares how her personal journey through mental health challenges led her to create a counseling practice rooted in storytelling and connection.

Petra introduces listeners to the power of narrative therapy—helping clients “re-author” their lives—and discusses her innovative Sage Play Sessions, which use board games as therapeutic tools to build relationships and trust. She also opens up about the realities of running a mission-driven business, emphasizing the need to balance passion with sustainability.

Petra credits her growth as a business owner to her involvement with Florida Gulf Coast University's (FGCU) entrepreneurship program, which gave her the tools and confidence to move her vision forward. The episode closes with a powerful reminder from Petra: "Turn the page, write your story, and change your life."

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred reports from the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa, spotlighting veteran entrepreneurs who are transforming their service experience into business success.

Tom interviews Navy veteran Jake Schmidt, founder of Tekton Trades, a custom woodworking business known for producing heirloom-quality furniture. Jake shares his personal story—from growing up in a large family and helping his father build their home, to serving in the Navy, and eventually carving out a new path in entrepreneurship.

Jake opens up about the challenges of transitioning from military life to running a business, and how programs offered by Veterans Florida helped him build a solid business plan, understand profit margins, and develop growth strategies. He also discusses his pitch for Tekton Trades, which addresses the need for durable, high-quality furniture in a market saturated with disposable alternatives.

This episode highlights the importance of hands-on training, mentorship, and veteran-focused resources in turning craftsmanship into a thriving business.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred continues coverage of the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches—an event designed to support and spotlight veteran entrepreneurs across Florida. The expo brings together a wide array of business resources, mentorship opportunities, and startup showcases, all aimed at helping veterans succeed in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Tom interviews Paris Cheffer, Chief Experience Officer at JULO Strategy Global, an organization focused on guiding individuals from an employee mindset to a CEO mindset. Paris discusses JULO’s approach to teaching vital CEO skills—such as automating tasks, effective scheduling, and mastering delegation—all crucial for business scalability and leadership.

The conversation highlights the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning from military service to business ownership, and how structured training and mentorship can ease that shift. Paris also introduces JULO’s CEO Exchange, a program where CEOs collaborate to solve real-world business challenges. This episode reinforces the power of mindset, leadership development, and peer support in building a thriving business.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred brings listeners inside the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa a gathering of veteran entrepreneurs focused on innovation, networking, and resource sharing. One of the expo’s standout moments is the Battle of the Pitches, where veteran-led startups showcase their business ideas for a chance at prize funding.

Tom sits down with Kyle Knowles and Chris Clemons, veterans and co-founders of Steadfast AI, a cybersecurity startup focused on reducing risk in AI applications. Kyle shares his evolution from computing enthusiast and Air Force aircraft mechanic to co-founding a cutting-edge tech company. Chris brings a background in law enforcement and aviation, rounding out the leadership team with strategic business insight.

Together, they discuss Steadfast AI’s mission to ensure data accuracy and integrity in AI systems, especially in the industrial and financial sectors. The conversation also explores AI’s role in the workforce, emphasizing its potential to enhance not eliminate jobs. The episode wraps with valuable insights into veteran entrepreneurship, the importance of community, and the critical role of leveraging support systems for business success.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred reports from the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa, shining a spotlight on veteran entrepreneurship and the high-energy pitch competition that showcases innovative veteran-led businesses.

Featured in this episode is Michael Carroll, an Air Force veteran and CEO of Tech Driven Consulting, who emerged as one of the competition’s winners. Michael shares his transition from military service to launching a tech-forward business that specializes in cybersecurity assessments, AI automation, and cloud migration. As a Microsoft partner, his firm focuses on supporting professional services with cutting-edge IT solutions.

Michael also discusses his involvement with Veterans Florida and the UCF incubator program, both of which provided essential training and support for his entrepreneurial journey. He reflects on the experience of pitching his business live, the feedback from judges, and what it means to represent veterans in the tech space.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Maxine Reyes, veteran entrepreneur and founder of With Courage and Grace. Recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches, this conversation explores Maxine’s inspiring transition from 22 years of military service in the Air Force and Army to launching a brand that uplifts and motivates others, especially women veterans.

Maxine discusses her entrepreneurial journey and the creation of ventures like Maxine Reyes Live, focused on motivational speaking and event hosting, and Happily Joined, a joint initiative with her husband supporting military couples. She emphasizes the value of utilizing resources such as Veterans Florida and Action Zone, offers candid insight into building a personal brand, and shares the challenges and rewards of turning motivation into a business. Her story is a testament to the power of purpose, resilience, and community in the world of veteran entrepreneurship.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. 

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https://www.maxinereyes.com | https://www.couragegrace.org/

In this quarterly SBA update, host Tom Kindred is joined by Jonel Hein, District Director for the SBA North District, and Althea Harris, Deputy District Director for the South District, to discuss the Small Business Administration's latest strategic efforts. From the North District's ambitious billion-dollar goal in lending and contracting to the South District's national leadership in loan guarantees, this episode dives deep into how the SBA is fueling small business success across Florida. Key topics include a push for rural and manufacturing support, workforce development, and the importance of business relocation to the Sunshine State. The episode also introduces the Red Tape Hotline for reporting regulatory challenges and wraps up with vital tips on hurricane preparedness and disaster recovery resources from sba.gov and ready.gov.

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred welcomes Hillary Blair, CEO and Co-founder of Articulate Real and Clear, for a conversation recorded live at the 2025 Florida Economic Development Council Annual Conference in Charlotte Harbor. Hillary shares her unique journey from drama teacher to sought-after communication coach for entrepreneurs nationwide. What started with coaching women on pitch delivery has grown into a mission to help business leaders communicate with confidence and clarity. She introduces the idea of "fruitful friction"—productive tension that fuels innovation—and offers practical tools for navigating conversations before they become conflicts. Listeners will walk away with tips on managing awkward moments, using voice and body language effectively, and crafting impactful messages. This episode is a masterclass in how small business owners can connect more authentically and communicate their value with precision.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Economic Development Council Conference hosted at the Sun Seeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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Articulate Real and Clear

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Kevin Crowder, founder of Business Flare, an economic and market advisory firm dedicated to helping communities and small businesses stand out. Recorded live at the 2025 Florida Economic Development Council Annual Conference in Charlotte Harbor, Kevin shares his journey from West Texas to Miami and the creation of Business Flare. Central to his philosophy is the idea of discovering and leveraging an "unfair advantage"—a unique quality that gives a business or community an edge. Kevin explains how his team works with cities and entrepreneurs to identify these strengths, with powerful examples like a historic recording studio revitalizing economic development in North Miami. He also discusses his book, Unleash Your Unfair Advantage, which guides readers in telling their story, building memorable customer experiences, and driving repeat business. This episode is a must-listen for business owners looking to define what sets them apart.

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