St. Pete X

On this episode of SPx, Ashley and Joe co-host Beth Houghton, executive director of the St. Pete Free Clinic. Houghton has received the most shout-outs on our show to date - for good reason. Equipped as a CPA, attorney, and MBA, this local powerhouse has chosen to spend the last six years leading one of the largest non-profit organizations in Tampa Bay. Houghton has not only revolutionized the Free Clinic's services, but worked to expand its reach to the nearly 50% of the county's population struggling to make ends meet. Enjoy this look inside one of St. Pete's best non-profits, the woman who runs it, and the passion that drives her.

On this episode of SPx, host Ashley Ryneska sits down with Tim Moore, CEO of the Emmy award-winning video production company, Diamond View Studios. They tackle everything from Moore's inescapable "millennial" title to the ways in which viewer values and attention span have changed the advertising industry. From its humble start in his parents' house 10 years ago (in the midst of the Great Recession) to the critically-acclaimed 22-employee business it is today, Diamond View Studios is riding a well-earned upward trajectory. Tim shares the means of his success with our listeners, including his unconventional methods of growth, passion, and the mindset that got him to where he is today.

On this episode of SPx, host Joe Hamilton sits down with Kyle Taylor, millennial founder and CEO of the multimillion dollar company, Taylor Media. Publisher of The Penny Hoarder, Taylor Media's mission is to put more money in people's pockets. Enjoy this conversation on St. Pete's entrepreneurial environment, Kyle's take on the changing faces of education and business for an evolving economy, and the Penny Hoarder's revolutionary monetizing strategy. Hear about why Kyle chose his hometown to start his business, and how he's recruited talent, local and national to St. Pete. This interview was originally shot on video. Head to the show notes on StPeteX.com to watch instead of listen.

On this episode of SPx, Sara & Nathan Stonecipher sit down with host Ashley Ryneska to talk about the 2 entrepreneur family. Sara's MISRED Outfitters, and Nathan's Green Bench Brewing, are staples in St. Pete's booming small business landscape. The couple discusses their entrepreneurial origins, different styles of doing business and what lies ahead.

On this episode of SPx, Ashley and Joe co-host Community Foundation of Tampa Bay's Vice President of Community Impact - Matt Spence. Spence explains how his career and his passions have evolved throughout the years in tandem with the various roles he has played as an integral member of the non-profit community of St. Pete, and his most recent niche in grant funding. This fun episode explores in the ins and outs of non-profit funding, inside secrets on Spence's grant review check-list, and the future of non-profits as they trend toward social enterprise.

On this episode of SPx, Joe and Ashley take another stab at co-hosting, as they welcome the very spirited Craig Sher, Executive Chairman of the Sembler Company. In this multi-faceted conversation, Sher talks "nuclear bombing" as a life philosophy and the importance of heroic ventures in business and civic life. Sher played an integral part in the development of downtown St. Petersburg and shares, from that vantage point, his insight on economic development in St. Pete. A well-known fundraiser and booster of the Democratic Party, Sher also opens up about his thoughts on the 2016 presidential election and the future of party politics.

On this episode of SPx, host Ashley Ryneska sits down with third generation Floridian and Florida Market President of Republic Bank, David Feaster. A highly involved member of St. Pete's community, Feaster was Chair of All Children's hospital, and helped to bring the Rays to St. Pete through the Chamber. In his many ventures in banking, from giants like Bank of America, to small community banks like the one he started, Signature Bank, Feaster has seen the financial sector and banking itself change drastically in his lifetime. He shares the good and bad of automation and innovation, surviving recessions and acquisitions, and his advice to St. Pete's up-and-comers.

This episode of SPx is a team effort. Joe and Ashley co-host the show for the first time, welcoming Senator Jeff Brandes to the studio. Senator Brandes gives us an in-depth view of his legislative agenda, talks prioritizing policy over politics and finding issues where he can make a real impact. Coming from a libertarian perspective, Brandes has never been afraid of crossing party lines. Establishing himself as a bit of a maverick, he was the first Republican to come out in favor of medical marijuana. He and his team focus on "transpartisan" issues - the latest of which are parental visitation, flood insurance, and criminal justice reform. Senator Brandes opens up about impactful legislation, the ups and downs of life as a legislator, and following his "true north."

On this episode of SPx, we sit down with past St. Pete Chamber Board Chair and VP of Manning and Napier, Greg Holden. A native of Ohio, Holden has earned deep roots in the St. Pete community through his tireless work to help rebuild the Chamber, and through his involvement in programs such as St Pete Young Professionals and Leadership St. Pete. Alongside his wave-making Leadership St. Pete cohort, in 2016, Holden became the second youngest Board Chair in St. Pete history. Holden talks the welcoming aura of St. Pete, making connections - and change - in the city he's made his home, and his efforts to give back.

On this episode of SPx, we discuss doing business in St. Pete with former Silicon Valley executives Christina Cherry & Chad Nuss. Co-founders of InsideOut Sales Innovation Lab, this pair shares a passion for innovative business solutions and foresight in an oft-neglected area - sales. Gone are the days of trite sales calls and emails - they'll get into the metaphorical mud with host Joe Hamilton, giving us a picture of how the sales process has changed in our current world. They'll also outline the ways they plug in in their sales acumen with companies across the country, including ADP and IBM. Treating their clients to all of the best things Gulf Coast living can offer, a shockingly short commute, tiki bars, and occasional bull-riding contests, these new-found evangelists of St. Pete are spreading the good word about our city across the country, one company at a time.