In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Andrew Zapf, CPA, Senior Tax Manager at Withum. Andrew shares critical insights into the recently passed legislation known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" or OBBBA. The conversation explains how this bill reinstates the full expensing of research and experimental (R&E) costs, reintroduces 100% bonus depreciation for machinery, and introduces a powerful new incentive: 100% bonus depreciation for new manufacturing facilities under the Qualified Production Property (QPP) rule. Whether you're a small manufacturer or a large-scale producer, this episode unpacks how the latest tax reforms can fuel expansion, increase cash flow, and support growth across Florida’s booming manufacturing sector. Andrew also emphasizes the complexity of these provisions and why strategic, professional tax planning is crucial to avoid costly mistakes. Connect with Our Guest: https://www.withum.com
In this forward-looking episode, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Noa Lipton, Territory Manager, and Ralph Aiello, Work-Based Learning Partnership Manager for Xello, live from the 2025 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum. The conversation explores how Xello, a state-funded career and academic planning platform, is transforming K-12 education by helping students, starting in kindergarten, discover future careers, build academic pathways, and connect with real-world opportunities, such as internships and apprenticeships. Available at no cost to all Florida public and charter schools, Xello is a powerful workforce development tool helping solve the state's talent shortage. Small businesses are encouraged to get involved by creating a free business profile, giving them access to over 2.5 million students eager to explore careers and gain experience. This episode highlights how early exposure, equity, and public-private collaboration are key to preparing Florida’s next-generation workforce. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guests: https://xello.world/en/
In this moving episode recorded live at the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred speaks with Heather Cogar, Statewide Director of Community Engagement for the Florida Prosperity Initiative. Cogar shares her deeply personal journey from foster care and homelessness to becoming a sheriff’s deputy, successful entrepreneur, and now a statewide leader working to cut childhood poverty in half by 2030. She explains how the initiative uses zip-code-level data to target the areas most in need and mobilizes business leaders as "zip code leaders" to connect existing nonprofits and community resources with families. Rather than creating new programs, the Florida Prosperity Initiative focuses on eliminating silos, driving collaboration, and building self-sufficiency over government dependency, all to secure Florida’s economic future by investing in its children today. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: Florida Prosperity Initiative: https://www.flchamber.com/florida-prosperity-initiative
Live from the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, this milestone Small Biz Florida episode features a powerhouse conversation with Jason Mahon, Florida’s Deputy Secretary of Economic Development and Chief Manufacturing Officer, and Kevin Carr, CEO of FloridaMakes. Together, they break down Florida’s extraordinary economic surge, including a jump in state GDP from $1.1 trillion to $1.7 trillion and the doubling of manufacturing GDP to over $80 billion in just six years. The discussion highlights how Florida has become a national leader in manufacturing productivity, how collaboration between support organizations (like FloridaMakes, SBDC, and Florida Commerce) fuels this momentum, and why future industries such as Ag Tech, shipbuilding, and quantum innovation are in focus. Most importantly, they explain why small businesses are the benchmark of Florida’s success story. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guests: Florida Department of Commerce: https://www.floridajobs.org FloridaMakes: https://www.floridamakes.com
In this live episode from the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Waymon Armstrong, founder and CEO of Engineering and Computer Simulations (ECS), a pioneer in using video game technology for military training. Armstrong shares his entrepreneurial journey, including how he left Lockheed Martin to start ECS nearly three decades ago, his early wins with SBIR grants, and how he grew his company into a global provider of modeling and simulation solutions for the Department of Defense. He discusses why Orlando is a hub for simulation and training, how government contracting became his primary growth engine, and the importance of Florida's SBDC and entrepreneurial ecosystem in helping ECS thrive. From training combat medics to advising small businesses to follow the money in federal contracting, Armstrong delivers powerful insights and inspiration. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://www.ecsorl.com
Live from the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Jennifer Mathis, Technical Partnership Sales Leader for Craft Education, a non-profit revolutionizing workforce development through free, digital apprenticeship tracking tools. Mathis outlines Craft’s mission to become a “public data utility” for Florida’s workforce, helping businesses, educators, and workforce boards move beyond outdated, paper-based systems. She explains how Craft’s platform supports smarter talent strategies by enabling employers to digitize on-the-job training, upskill existing staff, and apply apprenticeship models to non-traditional fields, such as IT and healthcare. For small business owners, educators, and policymakers alike, this episode provides powerful and actionable insights on building a more resilient, data-driven workforce pipeline. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://www.crafteducation.com/
Recorded live at the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, this episode features Candy Cole, Executive Director of the Manufacturing Association of Central Florida (MACF), in conversation with Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred. Cole shines a spotlight on the more than 6,000 manufacturers in Central Florida, 80% of which have fewer than 20 employees, and explains how MACF serves as a critical connector for these often-overlooked small businesses. From navigating utility challenges to workforce development and student outreach, Cole discusses how MACF helps manufacturers grow in a region often dominated by tourism headlines. This conversation is a powerful reminder of Florida’s diverse economic engine and the urgent need to invest in the next generation of skilled workers. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://www.macf.biz
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred dives into the impact and importance of Shop Small Saturday, a nationwide initiative designed to spotlight and support small businesses during the critical holiday season. Tom is joined by two powerhouse guests: Tyler Teresa, SBA Regional Administrator for the Southeast, and Jennifer Johnson, founder of True Fashionistas, Florida’s largest lifestyle reseller. Tyler shares his personal connection to entrepreneurship and the SBA’s ongoing mission to empower small businesses across the Southeast. Jennifer recounts her entrepreneurial journey, scaling her retail brand from a small boutique to a 13,000-square-foot powerhouse. Together, they break down why Shop Small Saturday is the “Super Bowl” for small businesses and offer actionable strategies for small business owners to stand out, attract customers, and maximize the benefits of this nationwide shopping event. Topics discussed include gathering customer data, boosting community involvement, and utilizing assets such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Connect with Our Guests: Jennifer Johnson’s Retail Store: truefashionistas.com | Jennifer Johnson’s Coaching & Speaking: jenniferannjohnson.com SBA
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred interviews Kathy Durfee, founder of TechHouse, live from the 2025 FloridaMakes MakeMore Manufacturing Summit in Orlando. Kathy shares her unique journey from chemist and English major to tech entrepreneur and how necessity led her to create a technology consulting firm built exclusively for small businesses. With a knack for translating complex tech into relatable business strategies, she introduces the concepts of “jazz bands” and “orchestras” to explain how businesses evolve and what tools they need at every stage. From clean data to cybersecurity, Kathy dives deep into how the right tech strategy can make or break a small business and why going it alone may cost more in the long run. This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://tech-house.com/
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, we sit down with Arthur Watson, founder of Top Tool USA, during the 2025 FloridaMakes MakeMore Manufacturing Summit in Orlando. Arthur shares his powerful journey from construction inspector to inventor, describing how a recurring workplace hazard, lifting 240-pound manhole covers, sparked the creation of a patented safety tool now positioned to revolutionize the utility and construction industry. With help from the Florida SBDC, Arthur transitioned from a great idea to a business-ready product. He explains the steps behind his invention, the critical role of SBDC mentorship, and his goals for scaling Top Tool USA through licensing or manufacturing partnerships. This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://toptoolusa.com/
In this highly informative episode, recorded at the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred talks with Michael Lauer, founder of Taxster, a boutique CPA firm specializing in helping small and mid-sized manufacturers uncover valuable, often-overlooked tax opportunities. Lauer breaks down two of the biggest current incentives: a newly fixed R&D tax credit available retroactively through July 4th and a powerful new provision that allows manufacturers to fully write off new facility costs in the first year. He also explains why showing profitability on tax returns is crucial not just for tax purposes, but also for securing loans and preparing for a business sale. Whether you're building a new plant or innovating on the shop floor, this episode offers timely advice that could put serious money back in your business. This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://www.taxster.co/
At the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Ron Krudo, Managing Partner of Right Street Advisors, to discuss one of the most important and often overlooked challenges facing Florida’s manufacturing sector: How to prepare for a successful business exit? With a wave of baby boomer owners approaching retirement, Krudo outlines the opportunities of the “silver tsunami” and emphasizes that the key to achieving a premium valuation lies in long-term planning. From leadership development and financial hygiene to strategic buyer engagement and deal structuring, this episode explores the emotional, financial, and operational aspects of selling a business effectively. This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://www.rightstreetadvisors.com
Recorded live at the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, this episode features Ahmed Tawfik (CEO) and Yamini Vattipalli (COO) of EZ Automation Systems,a Florida-based company delivering custom, AI-powered quality control solutions to manufacturers of all sizes. Host Tom Kindred dives into the company’s journey from a software provider to a full-service system integrator, now leveraging machine vision, robotics, and AI to automate and enhance inspection processes. Ahmed and Yamini explain how these technologies help companies gather actionable data, reduce defects, and remain competitive without replacing the human workforce. From aerospace parts to contact lenses, EZ Automation Systems is proving that smart, scalable automation is now within reach for even the smallest manufacturers. This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://www.ezsystemsllc.com/
In this eye-opening episode from the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred speaks with Martin “Marty” Perrone, founder of Everything Arc Flash, about one of the most overlooked and dangerous threats in industrial environments: arc flash explosions. With a background in electrical systems and years of industry experience, Perrone explains how manufacturers often ignore critical electrical infrastructure until it’s too late. He breaks down the life-threatening risks of arc flash, the requirements of NFPA 70E, and how proactive inspections can prevent both catastrophic injuries and massive financial loss. Sharing a powerful real-world example where one company faced over $500,000 in costs after an avoidable explosion, Perrone makes a strong case for awareness, compliance, and prevention in today’s manufacturing world. This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://everythingarcflash.com
At the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Tony Rodriguez, President of Daniel Penn Associates, to unpack the power of lean manufacturing. With decades of consulting experience across various industries, Rodriguez explains that eliminating operational waste and engaging frontline employees are the keys to achieving long-term efficiency and growth. He shares real-world results, including a case study where one manufacturer reduced equipment setup time by 60%, unlocking production capacity for an additional 200,000 units annually. Rodriguez also addresses the biggest hurdle in improvement efforts: resistance to change, especially within successful legacy businesses. This episode is a must-listen for manufacturers ready to boost productivity without increasing resources. This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://danielpenn.com
In this insightful episode recorded at the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred speaks with Tim McKindles, Director at Ecological Laboratories Inc., a Cape Coral-based biotech company recently honored with the Employer of Choice Award. McKindles shares the company's innovative approach to human resources, emphasizing flexibility, culture, and individualized employee experiences over rigid one-size-fits-all policies. With zero turnover in the past year, Ecological Laboratories demonstrates how customizing work arrangements and cultivating a values-driven workplace can lead to extraordinary employee satisfaction and retention. McKindles also walks listeners through the in-depth award process and how the results provided actionable benchmarking data to improve HR strategies. This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://ecologicallabs.com
In this powerful episode from the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, host Tom Kindred sits down with Terry Iverson, founder of CHAMPIONNow, a nonprofit organization on a mission to reshape Americans' views of careers in manufacturing. Drawing on 45 years of experience in machine tool distribution and a deep involvement in technical education, Iverson shares why outdated and negative perceptions of manufacturing are hurting our workforce, and what we can do to change it. From dispelling myths about the industry to challenging the “college for all” mindset, Iverson lays out a compelling case for Career and Technical Education (CTE) as a high-value pathway for young people. With hands-on mentorship programs, multimedia campaigns, and a national message of pride in skilled trades, CHAMPIONNow is working to restore manufacturing’s rightful place in American culture and economy. This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://championnow.org
Recorded live at the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, this episode of Small Biz Florida features a compelling conversation with Casey Barnes, Chair of the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) and economic development executive at BRPH. Host Tom Kindred dives into Barnes’s extensive background and his mission to elevate the role of economic developers through proactive advocacy and community engagement. Barnes discusses the FEDC’s three pillars: educate, advocate, and connect, and calls for a rebranding of manufacturing careers as “life-changing” opportunities. He emphasizes reshoring, modern workforce strategies, and the importance of involving elected officials early in economic development conversations. This episode delivers both strategic insight and a powerful message of optimism for Florida’s economic growth. This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://www.fedconline.org
In this kickoff episode from the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Brittany Greer, Founder and Executive Director of Rosie Riveters, a nonprofit on a mission to spark confidence and curiosity in the next generation of STEM professionals. Greer shares how her organization builds a talent pipeline by engaging students from kindergarten through 12th grade with hands-on STEM kits, aligning education with local industry needs. From the philosophy of “getting it wrong before you get it right” to success stories of students pursuing STEM careers, this episode offers a compelling look at how Rosie Riveters is reshaping the future of workforce development, starting in elementary school. This podcast episode was recorded live at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit hosted at the Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://www.rosieriveters.com
In this special promotional episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Zoraida Velasco, Executive Vice President of FloridaMakes, to spotlight one of the state’s most important industry events — the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit. Zoraida shares her professional journey and highlights the mission of FloridaMakes, Florida’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which works closely with the Florida SBDC Network to boost productivity and innovation among small manufacturers. This year’s MakeMore Manufacturing Summit returns to Orlando on October 22nd and 23rd, bringing together stakeholders, business leaders, and service providers to address the evolving needs of Florida’s manufacturing sector. The summit will feature in-depth conversations on industry sub-sectors, workforce development, trade and logistics, and the strategic resources available to help manufacturers grow. Use Discount Code "M3PARTNER": Listeners can use this exclusive code to receive a discounted registration for the summit. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://www.floridamakemore.com/home