In this flavorful episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Oliver Mosqueda, founder and owner of Guanabana, a Jacksonville-based popsicle business turning heads and cooling down customers with bold, unique flavors. Recorded live from the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee during Small Business Days at the Capitol hosted by the Florida Small Business Development Center Network, Oliver shares his inspiring transition from working in restaurants to launching a family-run frozen treat brand. He opens up about the entrepreneurial challenges he faced, the keys to standing out in a crowded market, and how the Small Business Administration (SBA) helped him bring his vision to life. This episode offers practical insights for food-focused founders and anyone dreaming of starting their own venture.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida State Capitol hosted at the Capitol Courtyard in Tallahassee. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: https://guanabanajax.com

In this kickoff episode of the 2025 season of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred is joined by longtime SBA leader Jonel Hein, District Director for the North Florida SBA Office. Recorded live at the Florida State Capitol during Small Business Day, Jonel shares her 34-year journey with the Small Business Administration and the agency's renewed focus on manufacturing under new leadership. The conversation dives deep into SBA's core offerings—capital, contracting, consulting, and crisis support—and what small business owners need to know to become “lender-ready” in today’s market. Jonel also highlights the impressive progress in Florida’s manufacturing sector and the North Florida district’s push to surpass $1 billion in loan and contracting volume in 2025. This is essential for any entrepreneur ready to grow, scale, or access the right funding resources.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida State Capitol hosted at the Capitol Courtyard in Tallahassee. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: https://www.sba.gov/northflorida

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. He is joined by Linda Mosley, Founder and President of 365 Degree Total Marketing, and Brian Schachter, Regional Sales Executive, to discuss the role of marketing in driving economic development in Florida’s rural communities.

Linda shares her background in psychology and marketing, including her work with Texas Instruments before founding 365 Degree Total Marketing in 1986. Brian talks about his journey from New Jersey to Florida, his experience in hospitality and tourism, and his current focus on digital marketing and advertising.

The conversation highlights the importance of well-optimized websites for economic development organizations (EDOs), the power of search engine optimization (SEO) in attracting businesses, and how rural communities can leverage their unique assets to foster growth. Linda and Brian also explore the untapped potential of rural Florida and the opportunities available for small businesses looking to establish themselves in the region. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Rural Economic Development Summit hosted at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guests: Learn more about 365 Degree Total Marketing

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred interviews Tom Hoversen, Founder and Owner of Comarco Products, a food manufacturing and distribution company. Tom shares the story of launching Comarco Products in 1978 and the strategic decision to relocate operations from New Jersey to Palatka, Florida in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The discussion highlights the challenges of doing business in New Jersey and the advantages of moving to rural Florida, including the strong support from local government and economic development authorities. Tom also talks about the company’s evolution, the role of his son as a business partner, and the opportunities that Florida offers to manufacturers looking to grow and thrive. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Rural Economic Development Summit hosted at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: Learn more about Comarco Products

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred speaks with Ben Pauluhn, Founder and President of Optimus Energy Solutions, at the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. The conversation focuses on the evolving opportunities in rural Florida, particularly in the EV charging station market and commercial solar energy solutions.

Ben shares his journey from moving to Florida in 2010 to launching Optimus Energy Solutions in 2018. He discusses the company’s business model, which includes selling, leasing, and owning EV charging stations, and emphasizes the crucial role of private investment in expanding Florida’s EV infrastructure. The episode also highlights Optimus Energy Solutions’ work in commercial solar projects through the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which helps businesses in rural areas adopt renewable energy solutions.

The episode concludes with Ben offering valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of partnerships and collaboration in driving innovation and success. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Rural Economic Development Summit hosted at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: Learn more about Optimus Energy Solutions

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Mark Kruse, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Florida First Capital, at the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. The conversation focuses on the vital role Florida First Capital plays in supporting small businesses, particularly through the SBA 504 loan program.

Mark explains the benefits of the 504 loan, which offers long-term, below-market fixed interest rates and up to 90% financing for small business owners looking to purchase commercial real estate or heavy equipment. He also highlights the importance of educating business owners about this financial tool and how Florida First Capital collaborates with local banks to make these loans accessible.

Additionally, the episode covers Florida First Capital’s role in disaster recovery through the Emergency Bridge Loan program and the launch of a new agricultural loan program designed to assist farmers impacted by natural disasters. The discussion underscores the critical support Florida First Capital provides to small businesses in both urban and rural communities across Florida. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Rural Economic Development Summit hosted at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: Learn more about Florida First Capital

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred speaks with Alex Tijerina, Director of Existing Industry at the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation, during the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida.

Alex shares her journey to her current role and her deep-rooted connection to the Okeechobee community. The discussion highlights key economic development initiatives, including the growth of four private industrial parks, ongoing efforts at the county airport’s Commerce Park, and the Business Retention and Expansion (BRNE) program, which prioritizes workforce development.

Alex also emphasizes the importance of local partnerships in overcoming workforce challenges and details the success of Career Technical Education (CTE) programs in preparing students for in-demand jobs. The episode wraps up with a look at upcoming projects and events aimed at fostering economic growth and retaining local talent in Okeechobee County. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Rural Economic Development Summit hosted at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: Learn more about the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. He sits down with David Kraus, County Manager of Columbia County, to discuss the county’s unique characteristics and economic potential.

David shares his journey from consultant to county manager and highlights Columbia County’s strategic location at the crossroads of Interstates 75 and 10, its strong agricultural roots, and its vision for attracting high-quality industries while preserving its rural charm. The conversation explores the critical role of infrastructure development in economic growth, with a focus on key projects like the North Florida Mega Industrial Park and emerging solar facilities.

David also emphasizes Columbia County’s excellent schools, abundant recreational opportunities, and strong partnerships that make it an ideal location for both businesses and residents. This episode provides valuable insights into how rural communities can leverage their strengths to drive sustainable economic development. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Rural Economic Development Summit hosted at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: Learn more about Columbia County