The Fiber

In this episode of The Fiber, hosts Garret O’Leary and Steve Smith sit down with Jennifer Conoley, President and CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest, to talk about economic development across the Florida Panhandle.

Jennifer shares insights into how the organization drives growth, attracts new businesses, and supports the communities that make up Northwest Florida. From workforce development and infrastructure investment to regional collaboration and innovation, this conversation dives deep into what makes the Panhandle a thriving place to live and work.

Tune in to learn how Florida’s Great Northwest is shaping the future of the region—one opportunity at a time.

In this episode, we sit down with Jayme Nabors and Brett Divine, hosts of Nicotine & Jetfuel and founders of Beach Weekend, for a high-energy conversation about building brands, fueling growth, and standing out in competitive industries.

We cover:
 ⚡ The story of LiveOak Fiber — how we got started and what sets us apart from the competition
⚡ Building a brand people actually connect with
⚡ Jayme & Brett’s journey with Beach Weekend — how it started, what they’ve learned, and where it’s headed next
⚡ The entrepreneurial mindset it takes to grow in today’s market

If you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or just someone who loves hearing the behind-the-scenes of building brands, this one’s for you.

🔔 Subscribe to Nicotine & Jetfuel: https://www.nicotineandjetfuel.com/

📺 Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@nicandjetfuel

—

About Nicotine & Jetfuel
Nicotine & Jetfuel is the podcast for entrepreneurs who want more than just a business — they want a brand people believe in. Hosted by two friends, founders, and family men, the show blends unfiltered business lessons with stories from launching brands, chasing freedom, and failing forward.

No fluff. No formulas. Just the fuel you need to build bold.

In this episode of The Fiber, hosts Garret O’Leary and Steve Smith talk with Nick Palumbo, Savannah City Council member and Executive Director of Start Up Savannah.

We dive into Savannah’s thriving startup culture, why it’s an ideal city for launching a business, and the resources available to help entrepreneurs turn ideas into reality. Nick shares his insights on what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur, the role Start Up Savannah plays in supporting local innovators, and how the city fosters growth for new businesses.

If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or just curious about Savannah’s business landscape, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.

In this episode of The Fiber, hosts Garret O'Leary and Steve Smith sit down with Kevin and Lexi from Southern Soul Academy to talk about their inspiring program, Gis for Growth. This initiative gives underprivileged kids the opportunity to train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for free, helping them build confidence, discipline, and community through martial arts.

Kevin and Lexi share how the program began, the impact it’s having on young lives, and their vision for expanding its reach.

Tune in for a powerful conversation about giving back, mentorship, and using Jiu-Jitsu as a tool for growth.

In this episode of The Fiber, Garret O'Leary sits down with Jarret Johnson, former NFL linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens and San Diego Chargers, and current owner of Black Rifle Coffee Company in Niceville, FL.

Jarret opens up about his 12-year NFL career (2003–2015), what fueled his success on the field, and the challenges of transitioning to life after football. We also dive into his journey of finding a new path, leading to his ownership of a Black Rifle Coffee franchise.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about hard work, reinvention, and community.

In this episode of The Fiber, Garret O'Leary sits down with local entrepreneur, business owner, and active duty military member Tevan Millette. Tevan shares his incredible journey—starting with his upbringing, the lessons he’s learned through military service, and how those lessons translated into building a successful civilian life filled with purpose-driven business ventures. Tune in for a candid and inspiring conversation about discipline, leadership, and ambition.

In this episode of The Fiber Podcast, Garret sits down with Savannah native Hughes Threlkeld, a senior golfer at the University of North Georgia, as he gears up for the Club Car Championship (April 4-7). We talk about his journey in golf, what it means to compete in a professional event, and his plans after graduation as he prepares to turn pro.

Join us for a great conversation about golf, competition, and what’s next for Hughes!

In this episode of The Fiber Podcast, we sit down with Bert Brantley, President and CEO of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. Hosted by Garret O’Leary and LiveOak Fiber’s Chief Revenue Officer, Steve Smith, we dive into Savannah’s economic growth, upcoming projects, and how LiveOak Fiber is shaping the future of high-speed internet in the region.

From major initiatives in the city to the importance of fiber-optic connectivity, we cover it all! Don’t miss this insightful conversation about Savannah’s future and our commitment to keeping communities connected.

🔗 Subscribe for more episodes of The Fiber Podcast!
👍 Like, Comment & Share!

In this episode of The Fiber, we sit down with TikTok sensation and social media influencer Justin “Danger” Nunley! A local to the Emerald Coast of Florida, Justin is known for his hilarious videos and signature comedic style. We talk about everything—his thoughts on the potential TikTok ban, what’s next now that he’s officially out of the military, and (as a LiveOak Fiber customer) how much he loves our service. Tune in for laughs, insight, and a behind-the-scenes look at Justin’s journey!

In this episode of The Fiber, we sit down with three dedicated members of the Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast. They share their career journeys, the goals that drive the organization, and the meaningful services they provide to families in our community. Join us as we explore how the Early Learning Coalition is working to create a foundation for lifelong success and what they hope to accomplish in the coming years to support the youngest members of the Emerald Coast.