In this live episode from the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Waymon Armstrong, founder and CEO of Engineering and Computer Simulations (ECS), a pioneer in using video game technology for military training. Armstrong shares his entrepreneurial journey, including how he left Lockheed Martin to start ECS nearly three decades ago, his early wins with SBIR grants, and how he grew his company into a global provider of modeling and simulation solutions for the Department of Defense. He discusses why Orlando is a hub for simulation and training, how government contracting became his primary growth engine, and the importance of Florida's SBDC and entrepreneurial ecosystem in helping ECS thrive. From training combat medics to advising small businesses to follow the money in federal contracting, Armstrong delivers powerful insights and inspiration.

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Live from the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Jennifer Mathis, Technical Partnership Sales Leader for Craft Education, a non-profit revolutionizing workforce development through free, digital apprenticeship tracking tools. Mathis outlines Craft’s mission to become a “public data utility” for Florida’s workforce, helping businesses, educators, and workforce boards move beyond outdated, paper-based systems. She explains how Craft’s platform supports smarter talent strategies by enabling employers to digitize on-the-job training, upskill existing staff, and apply apprenticeship models to non-traditional fields, such as IT and healthcare. For small business owners, educators, and policymakers alike, this episode provides powerful and actionable insights on building a more resilient, data-driven workforce pipeline.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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Recorded live at the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, this episode features Candy Cole, Executive Director of the Manufacturing Association of Central Florida (MACF), in conversation with Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred. Cole shines a spotlight on the more than 6,000 manufacturers in Central Florida, 80% of which have fewer than 20 employees, and explains how MACF serves as a critical connector for these often-overlooked small businesses. From navigating utility challenges to workforce development and student outreach, Cole discusses how MACF helps manufacturers grow in a region often dominated by tourism headlines. This conversation is a powerful reminder of Florida’s diverse economic engine and the urgent need to invest in the next generation of skilled workers.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. 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 dives into the impact and importance of Shop Small Saturday, a nationwide initiative designed to spotlight and support small businesses during the critical holiday season. Tom is joined by two powerhouse guests: Tyler Teresa, SBA Regional Administrator for the Southeast, and Jennifer Johnson, founder of True Fashionistas, Florida’s largest lifestyle reseller.

Tyler shares his personal connection to entrepreneurship and the SBA’s ongoing mission to empower small businesses across the Southeast. Jennifer recounts her entrepreneurial journey, scaling her retail brand from a small boutique to a 13,000-square-foot powerhouse.

Together, they break down why Shop Small Saturday is the “Super Bowl” for small businesses and offer actionable strategies for small business owners to stand out, attract customers, and maximize the benefits of this nationwide shopping event. Topics discussed include gathering customer data, boosting community involvement, and utilizing assets such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

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In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred interviews Kathy Durfee, founder of TechHouse, live from the 2025 FloridaMakes MakeMore Manufacturing Summit in Orlando. Kathy shares her unique journey from chemist and English major to tech entrepreneur and how necessity led her to create a technology consulting firm built exclusively for small businesses. With a knack for translating complex tech into relatable business strategies, she introduces the concepts of “jazz bands” and “orchestras” to explain how businesses evolve and what tools they need at every stage. From clean data to cybersecurity, Kathy dives deep into how the right tech strategy can make or break a small business and why going it alone may cost more in the long run.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. 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, we sit down with Arthur Watson, founder of Top Tool USA, during the 2025 FloridaMakes MakeMore Manufacturing Summit in Orlando. Arthur shares his powerful journey from construction inspector to inventor, describing how a recurring workplace hazard, lifting 240-pound manhole covers, sparked the creation of a patented safety tool now positioned to revolutionize the utility and construction industry. With help from the Florida SBDC, Arthur transitioned from a great idea to a business-ready product. He explains the steps behind his invention, the critical role of SBDC mentorship, and his goals for scaling Top Tool USA through licensing or manufacturing partnerships.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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In this highly informative episode, recorded at the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred talks with Michael Lauer, founder of Taxster, a boutique CPA firm specializing in helping small and mid-sized manufacturers uncover valuable, often-overlooked tax opportunities. Lauer breaks down two of the biggest current incentives: a newly fixed R&D tax credit available retroactively through July 4th and a powerful new provision that allows manufacturers to fully write off new facility costs in the first year. He also explains why showing profitability on tax returns is crucial not just for tax purposes, but also for securing loans and preparing for a business sale. Whether you're building a new plant or innovating on the shop floor, this episode offers timely advice that could put serious money back in your business.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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At the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Ron Krudo, Managing Partner of Right Street Advisors, to discuss one of the most important and often overlooked challenges facing Florida’s manufacturing sector: How to prepare for a successful business exit? With a wave of baby boomer owners approaching retirement, Krudo outlines the opportunities of the “silver tsunami” and emphasizes that the key to achieving a premium valuation lies in long-term planning. From leadership development and financial hygiene to strategic buyer engagement and deal structuring, this episode explores the emotional, financial, and operational aspects of selling a business effectively.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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In this eye-opening episode from the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred speaks with Martin “Marty” Perrone, founder of Everything Arc Flash, about one of the most overlooked and dangerous threats in industrial environments: arc flash explosions. With a background in electrical systems and years of industry experience, Perrone explains how manufacturers often ignore critical electrical infrastructure until it’s too late. He breaks down the life-threatening risks of arc flash, the requirements of NFPA 70E, and how proactive inspections can prevent both catastrophic injuries and massive financial loss. Sharing a powerful real-world example where one company faced over $500,000 in costs after an avoidable explosion, Perrone makes a strong case for awareness, compliance, and prevention in today’s manufacturing world.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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At the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Tony Rodriguez, President of Daniel Penn Associates, to unpack the power of lean manufacturing. With decades of consulting experience across various industries, Rodriguez explains that eliminating operational waste and engaging frontline employees are the keys to achieving long-term efficiency and growth. He shares real-world results, including a case study where one manufacturer reduced equipment setup time by 60%, unlocking production capacity for an additional 200,000 units annually. Rodriguez also addresses the biggest hurdle in improvement efforts: resistance to change, especially within successful legacy businesses. This episode is a must-listen for manufacturers ready to boost productivity without increasing resources.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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