In this special release episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred reports from the 46th Annual America's SBDC Training Event in Orlando, Florida, where over 1,400 SBDC consultants and state directors gathered to advance their expertise in small business support.

This episode features in-depth conversations with two key leaders in the SBDC network: Byron Hicks, President of America's SBDC Board of Directors and State Director for North Carolina’s Small Business and Technology Development Center, and Tee Rowe, President and CEO of America's SBDC. Together, they reflect on the importance of the annual training event, which features over 200 workshops and serves as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and resource sharing.

Topics covered include the evolving role of SBDCs, the latest tools and resources available to small businesses, economic outlooks, access to capital, and the continued need for professional development to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing business environment. Whether you're a consultant, small business owner, or ecosystem partner, this episode offers valuable insights into the engine driving America’s small business success.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event hosted at the Hilton Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: America's SBDC

In this special release episode of Small Biz Florida, we take you inside the 46th Annual America's SBDC Training Event held in Orlando, Florida — a premier gathering for small business development professionals across the country. With over 1,400 SBDC consultants in attendance and more than 200 expert-led workshops, the event provided a comprehensive overview of the latest trends, technologies, and strategies shaping the future of small business support.

Host Tom Kindred speaks with three influential leaders in the SBDC network: April Youngblut, Vice President of America’s SBDC; Lisa Hall, Regional Director at the University of Scranton's SBDC; and Kyle Hensel, Director of Continuing Education at the University of Georgia's SBDC. Together, they discuss how the conference fosters collaboration, professional development, and the integration of new tools, such as AI and FinTech, into small business advising.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event hosted at the Hilton Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: America's SBDC

In this special release episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred reports from the 46th Annual America's SBDC Future of Work Training Event in Orlando, Florida. This episode features a timely and insightful discussion with Jim Colbourne, Wealth Manager, and Bryce Stacy, Service Advisor, both from Merit Financial Advisors.

The conversation centers around the importance of wealth management for small business owners, emphasizing the need to separate personal and business finances to ensure financial security and enable successful business exits. Jim and Bryce shed light on common challenges entrepreneurs face, including the co-mingling of assets, lack of succession planning, and the emotional hurdles of retirement.

They also address the looming “silver tsunami,” the surge of business owners over age 65, and the critical need for early exit planning. Additionally, Bryce shares insights from their presentation on “Behavioral DNA,” which helps businesses improve team communication and internal dynamics.

Whether you're considering retirement or just getting started, this episode provides actionable financial guidance tailored specifically for small business owners.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event hosted at the Hilton Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: Merit Financial Advisors

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference in downtown Tampa, where the spotlight is on innovation and tech solutions in the craft brewing industry. Tom sits down with Frank Pernicano, founder of BeerMS—a customizable menu management and digital display system designed specifically for breweries and bars.

Frank shares his journey from web application development to launching BeerMS, a platform that helps brewery owners streamline operations and enhance the customer experience with real-time digital menus. The conversation touches on the importance of brand consistency, flexibility in menu updates, and the value of using technology to create a more engaging taproom experience.

Frank also offers advice to fellow entrepreneurs, explaining how he built BeerMS while working a full-time job and how he's positioning the product to expand beyond breweries into bars and other beverage-focused venues.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference hosted at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: https://www.beerms.com/

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, hosted by Tom Kindred, the focus is once again on the craft brewing industry, recorded live from the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference in Tampa. Tom is joined by Patrick Brown, Director and Owner of Blue and Company, a CPA and accounting firm with deep expertise in the beverage industry.

Patrick shares his extensive background in public accounting and how he found his niche working with distilleries and craft brewers. The conversation highlights the often-overlooked role of accounting in brewery operations, emphasizing the importance of clean financials when it comes to attracting investors, securing financing, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Throughout the episode, Patrick stresses that small business owners should focus on what they do best—running their business—while relying on trusted professionals to handle accounting, payroll, and tax strategy. It's a must-listen for any entrepreneur looking to grow a financially sound and scalable craft beverage business.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference hosted at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: https://www.blueandco.com/

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference in downtown Tampa. Joining the show are Cody Faig and Isaac Arthur, co-founders of CODO Design—a brand strategy firm with deep expertise in the craft brewing industry.

The conversation dives into the crucial role of branding and positioning in the success of small businesses, especially in a competitive space like craft beer. Cody and Isaac share their journey from art and design students to becoming national leaders in brewery brand development. They explain the process behind building and refreshing a brand, from research and market analysis to visual identity and storytelling.

Listeners will gain insight into how brand architecture and strategic differentiation can help businesses connect with customers, stand out in a saturated market, and grow sustainably. Whether you're launching a new brewery or refreshing an existing brand, this episode offers expert advice on how to approach branding with purpose and precision.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference hosted at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

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

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference in Tampa, Florida. The episode features an insightful conversation with Aaron Gore, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for The Fifth Ingredient and Vice President for the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame. Aaron shares his journey from an IT professional to a key player in the craft beer industry, emphasizing the importance of passion and business acumen in running a successful brewery.

The discussion highlights the challenges faced by craft breweries, such as the need for management skills and the importance of leveraging available resources like technology and consulting services. Aaron also discusses the future of the craft beer industry, suggesting that while growth has slowed, it presents an opportunity for innovation and adaptation. The episode concludes with Aaron explaining the role of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame in honoring industry pioneers and inspiring future generations. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference hosted at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: https://www.thefifthingredient.com

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, hosted by Tom Kindred, the focus is on the vibrant craft brewing industry in Florida, specifically at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference in Tampa. The episode features an interview with Cam Passantino, Vice President of Sales for Knotty Pretzels—a company that’s carved out a unique place in the craft beer scene by offering the perfect complementary snack.

Cam shares his unconventional journey into the pretzel business, which began during his college years at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a small garage operation has grown into a brand recognized in breweries and supermarkets across the Southeast.

The conversation explores the entrepreneurial grind, lessons learned in a startup environment, and Knotty Pretzels’ creative marketing strategy of offering free product samples to build trust and partnerships with breweries. The episode wraps up with info on where to find Knotty Pretzels and a reminder to connect with Small Biz Florida online.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference hosted at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:

https://www.knottypretzels.com