In this episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live from the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, host Tom Kindred sits down with Richard Greco, founder of Money Matters University. With over 30 years of experience in accounting and financial literacy, Richard shares why understanding financial statements, KPIs, and revenue streams is essential for business owners ready to grow. From building a leadership-driven company culture to avoiding burnout, Richard explains how business owners can scale their operations smartly—utilizing technology, financial expertise, and a mindset shift from merely surviving to thriving. This episode is packed with practical strategies, alternative scaling solutions, and real-world insights for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. 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, recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, host Tom Kindred speaks with Mimi Damm, Digital Media Expert and Media Sales Manager at Gray Media. With more than 20 years of experience in media sales—from print to digital—Mimi shares how small businesses can harness the power of omnichannel marketing to engage customers across platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Hulu, and podcasts. Mimi offers practical advice on setting clear digital goals, managing platform overload, and investing wisely—recommending that businesses dedicate about 5% of annual gross sales to marketing. From real-world success stories to tips on where to start, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help entrepreneurs build brand awareness, increase sales, and eliminate the guesswork from digital strategy.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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Live from the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred welcomes Jonathan Katz of Lendistry, a FinTech company focused on providing fast, flexible, and technology-driven lending solutions for small business owners. With a background as a former Wall Street analyst and investor, Jonathan shares how he transitioned from large financial institutions to empowering Main Street businesses with accessible capital. In this episode, he breaks down how FinTech is reshaping small business lending through streamlined applications, SBA and non-SBA loans, and transparent partnerships. Jonathan also warns business owners about the risks of predatory lending and provides actionable advice on navigating online financing responsibly. If you're looking to understand how modern FinTech can support your business growth, this episode delivers the insight and guidance you need.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. 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, recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, host Tom Kindred sits down with Larry Carnell, Vice President of Strategic Development at Benetrends. A former Entrepreneur of the Year with deep expertise in finance, franchising, and funding, Larry shares powerful insights on how aspiring and existing business owners can fund their ventures using the ROBS (Rollovers as Business Startups) program. Learn how entrepreneurs can tap into their retirement savings—tax-advantaged and penalty-free—to start, buy, or grow a business. Larry also introduces the ROBS Plus strategy, offering even greater tax benefits and flexibility. Whether you're seeking capital, a way to minimize taxes, or looking to scale your business, this episode offers clear strategies to move from dream to ownership—with expert guidance and proven results.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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Live from the 2025 Small Business Success Summit at the Grand Hyatt in Tampa, host Tom Kindred sits down with Jason Mahone, Deputy Secretary for Florida Commerce, Economic Development, and Chief Manufacturing Officer. A Florida native and former emergency management official, Jason brings a wealth of experience to his current role championing Florida’s small manufacturing businesses. In this episode, he discusses the explosive growth of the state’s manufacturing sector—doubling its GDP contribution in the past decade—and outlines Florida's goal of becoming a top-five manufacturing state. Jason also breaks down how the state is helping small manufacturers expand globally through programs like Select Florida and trade missions to events such as the Paris Air Show. Additionally, listeners will hear about key support resources like the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which is helping deliver nearly a billion dollars in loans to small businesses. Whether you’re a maker, exporter, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights into how Florida is building a more resilient and opportunity-rich economy.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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Recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, this episode of Small Biz Florida features Haley Evans, founder of Strategies That Stick. Haley shares her inspiring journey from single motherhood to earning an MBA and launching a successful business—completely debt-free. She introduces her signature EPIC framework (Engage, Persuade, Inspire, Close), designed to help small businesses use AI tools to craft emotionally resonant storytelling that drives results. From leveraging email marketing with a 4200% ROI to building lead magnets that convert, Haley offers clear, actionable strategies for growth. Tune in to learn why storytelling—not social media—is your most powerful marketing asset, and how to transform your message into a movement.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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Recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, this episode of Small Biz Florida features a powerful conversation between host Tom Kindred and Dr. Jerry Parrish, Chief Economist for the Metro Atlanta Chamber. A long-time advocate of the SBDC network, Dr. Parrish shares timely insights on the Florida and national economy, highlighting the critical role of small businesses—particularly those with 20 to 49 employees—in driving job creation. From trade wars and tariff uncertainties to industry opportunities in healthcare and manufacturing, Dr. Parrish unpacks the challenges and reasons for optimism in today’s business climate. He emphasizes the importance of acquiring skilled trades and business knowledge, encouraging entrepreneurs to leverage SBDC resources to build capacity and resilience. Whether you're just launching your venture or scaling operations, this episode offers valuable economic perspective and practical takeaways for Florida’s business owners.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Live from the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred welcomes Caitlin Gardner, founder of Blooming Communications. With years of experience in PR, marketing, and communications—from global agencies to Fortune 500 companies—Caitlin now helps small businesses harness professional-level branding strategies. In this episode, she shares insights from her summit presentation, The Scrappy PR Playbook, which includes actionable steps for conducting a vulnerability assessment, protecting your business's reputation, and crafting a clear, effective communications plan. Caitlin breaks down the difference between advertising and PR, highlights the power of storytelling, and explains how emerging platforms like Substack can help small businesses build thought leadership. If you're ready to elevate your brand without a Fortune 500 budget, this episode is your PR masterclass.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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Live from the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, host Tom Kindred sits down with Joshua Tyrrell, Senior Vice President at Aspen HR, to explore how outsourcing HR can be a game-changer for Florida’s small businesses. Joshua shares his journey from large-scale business operations to his current role at Aspen HR, where he delivers boutique, white glove HR services to growing companies. The conversation dives into the critical need for payroll, benefits, and HR support for small business owners—and how Aspen HR’s flat-rate, per-employee model simplifies complex processes. From compliance challenges to customized support, this episode offers actionable advice on why HR isn’t just an administrative task—it’s a strategic tool for business success.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. 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 welcomes Brittany Turner, Senior Business Development Officer with The Bancorp, live from the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa. With over 20 years in small business banking, Brittany shares her deep expertise in SBA financing—specifically the powerful tools available through the SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs. She breaks down the advantages of SBA lending, including lower down payments and less stringent collateral requirements, and explains why The Bancorp is a unique partner for businesses that may not fit the traditional banking mold. Learn how to start the SBA loan process, avoid predatory lending alternatives like Merchant Cash Advances, and understand why the Florida SBDC is a critical first stop for any business seeking funding. Whether you’re launching a startup or acquiring an existing business, this episode is packed with valuable insights for entrepreneurs navigating the world of small business finance.

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