Best SBDC Podcasts (2025)

1
Special Episode | Unlocking Major Tax Breaks for Manufacturers: What the New OBBBA Law Means for You 28:21

Play Pause

20d ago28:21

28:21

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,…

1
Campus Update Ep.109 | 20th annual Undergraduate Research Conference with professors Dr. Alyssa Anderson, Dr. Mostafa Hegazy and keynote speaker Dr. Emily Deaver 29:02

22d ago29:02

29:02

This episode highlights the 20th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference at SMSU. Professors Dr. Alyssa Anderson and Dr. Mostafa Hegazy and Keynote speaker Dr. Emily Deaver join the conversation to discuss: The purpose and impact of the conference on student learning and professional development. How undergraduate research fosters critical thinkin…

1
Ep. 403 | Closing Florida’s Talent Gap: How Xello Connects Students with Future Careers 19:07

24d ago19:07

19:07

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 …

1
Ep. 402 | Breaking Generational Poverty: Heather Cogar on Florida’s Prosperity Initiative 24:00

24d ago24:00

24:00

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 ent…

1
Ep. 401 | Florida’s Manufacturing Boom: Jason Mahon & Kevin Carr on Economic Growth and Future Industries 21:40

23d ago21:40

21:40

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 ju…

1
Ep. 400 | Simulating Success: Waymon Armstrong on Government Contracting and Building a High-Tech Business in Florida 13:05

24d ago13:05

13:05

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 …

1
Ep. 399 | From Paper to Platform: How Craft Education is Digitizing Apprenticeships & Closing the Talent Gap 14:21

24d ago14:21

14:21

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” fo…

1
Ep. 398 | Manufacturing in the Shadows of Tourism: Candy Cole on Supporting Small Manufacturers in Central Florida 15:47

23d ago15:47

15:47

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 emplo…

1
Ep 19: Building Buffalo: How Buffalo's SBDC Helps Entrepreneurs Win 1:09:00

1M ago1:09:00

1:09:00

In our newest episode, the Brainstorm Chasers sit down with the director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Susan McCartney. Located at Buffalo State University, Susan enthusiastically discusses the role of the SBDC, and the tremendous support it offers local entrepreneurship in the Queen City. From first-time founders with big ideas …

1
Special Segment: Shop Small Saturday 2025 | How Local Businesses Can Win Big This Holiday Season 28:36

1M ago28:36

28:36

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, f…

1
Campus Update Ep. 108 | Global Entrepreneurship Week with SMSU Northstar School of Business Assistant Professor Marsha Grimes-Rose and Associate Director of SBDC Kris Boedigheimer 22:22

1M ago22:22

22:22

This episode celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week with guests Marsha Grimes-Rose, Assistant Professor in SMSU’s NorthStar School of Business, and the Associate Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). They dive into: What Global Entrepreneurship Week is all about and why it matters for students and the local community. Opportuni…

1
Why a Video-First Marketing Strategy Wins Every Time with Kevin Klepeis of Kentucky Fried Creative 13:36

1M ago13:36

13:36

In this episode of What’s the Startup?!, Kevin Klepeis shares how small businesses can use a video-first marketing strategy to make a big impact without big-agency budgets. After years in corporate marketing, Kevin founded Kentucky Fried Creative in Paducah, KY, to help local small and mid-sized businesses create smart, affordable marketing that wo…

1
Campus Update Ep. 107 | International Education Week with Office & Administrative Specialist Senior Center for International Education Jamie Leonard and Senior Wesley Vue 20:00

1M ago20:00

20:00

In this episode, Jamie and Wesley review all the events happening on campus related to SMSU’s International Education Week celebration. The week kicks off on Monday, November, 17th with an International Potluck starting at 4 PM and Tuesday through Thursday each night a student has put together a presentation representing their home country, Nepal: …

1
Should You Pursue Venture Capital? Startup Funding Advice from Diego Rubio of CORI 18:02

2M ago18:02

18:02

In this episode, we’re sharing a powerful excerpt from one of our most popular mentor-led workshops—an intro to venture capital with Diego Rubio from the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI). Diego unpacks how venture capital really works, what VCs are looking for, and whether this funding path makes sense for your startup. You’ll learn: The structure…

1
Campus Update Ep. 106 | R/A Facility Floor Repair with Director of Facilities Tony Nubile 20:21

2M ago20:21

20:21

In this episode, Tony Nubile, SMSU’s Director of Facilities, drops by to chat about the recent floor repairs in the RA Facility. He shares what sparked the project, how the team approached it, and what goes into maintaining campus spaces as safe and functional as possible. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the kind of work most people don’t see—but …

1
American Dream, Episode 2503 - Katia Norford, Main South Business Association 37:06

2M ago37:06

37:06

Ms Katia Norford from the Main South Business Association joins us on this episode to discuss the meaning of the American Dream in Worcester.By Herald Associates

1
Ep. 397 | From Jazz Bands to Orchestras: How TechHouse Powers Small Biz with Smart Tech 14:36

2M ago14:36

14:36

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 sma…

1
Title: Ep. 396 | From Problem to Patent: How One Inspector’s Invention Is Changing Construction Safety 16:51

2M ago16:51

16:51

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 pat…

1
Ep. 395 | Missed Deductions? How Manufacturers Can Unlock Big Tax Savings with Michael Lauer of Taxster 15:58

2M ago15:58

15:58

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 ince…

1
Ep. 394 | Preparing to Sell: Ron Krudo on the Silver Tsunami and Maximizing Your Business Exit 18:40

2M ago18:40

18:40

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 re…

1
Ep. 393 | Smarter, Not Harder: How Easy Automation Systems Is Revolutionizing Quality Control with AI & Vision Tech 16:53

2M ago16:53

16:53

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-ser…

1
Ep. 392 | Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Martin Perrone on Preventing Arc Flash Disasters in Manufacturing 15:25

2M ago15:25

15:25

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 experi…

1
Ep. 391 | Lean, Engaged, and Efficient: Tony Rodriguez on Eliminating Waste and Empowering Teams 12:58

2M ago12:58

12:58

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 k…

1
Ep. 390 | Culture Over Policy: How Ecological Laboratories Became Florida’s Employer of Choice 15:45

2M ago15:45

15:45

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, emphasizi…

1
Ep. 389 | Championing the Trades: Terry Iverson on Fixing the Public Perception of Manufacturing 18:36

2M ago18:36

18:36

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, Iver…

1
Ep. 388 | Why Manufacturing Careers Matter: FEDC Chair Casey Barnes on Advocacy, Perception & Florida’s Economic Future 16:02

2M ago16:02

16:02

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 economi…

1
Ep. 387 | Building Tomorrow's Innovators: Rosie Riveters & the Power of Early STEM Education 15:58

2M ago15:58

15:58

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 b…

1
Campus Update Ep. 105 | Theatre Productions of Pride and Prejudice and Sleepy Hollow with Professor of Theatre and Costume Designer Sheila Tabacka and Theatre Student Caleb Ruppert 36:18

2M ago36:18

36:18

This episode features Professor of Theatre and Costume Designer Sheila Tabaka and SMSU theatre student Caleb, who discuss the university’s upcoming production of Pride and Prejudice and Sleepy Hollow. The conversation explores: The creative process behind adapting Jane Austen’s classic novel for the stage. Insights into costume design, character de…

1
Ep 18: Life Is For Living...Not Dreaming: Turning Your Dreams Into Reality 47:58

2M ago47:58

47:58

You only live once...but if you do it right, once is enough! -Mae West Join the Brainstorm Chasers as they ask the very important question-"What do you really want in this life"? They sit down with the owner of Third Space Cafe and Entertainment, Chelsea Mae-and discuss her journey of leaving the corporate world and pursuing her dream of owning her…

1
No Veil 4:26

2M ago4:26

4:26

Electric BluesBy Herald Associates

1
Unfaithful City 8:00

2M ago8:00

8:00

Electric BluesBy Herald Associates

1
How to Grow a GOOD Network, Not Just a Large One 10:51

2M ago10:51

10:51

A strong network doesn’t have to be a big one—it just has to be built right. In this episode, Josiah Wright of Optrivo breaks down what actually works when it comes to networking as a founder. Spoiler: it’s not about cold DMs or handing out business cards to strangers. Josiah shares how building real relationships, doing consistently great work, an…

1
Campus Update Ep. 104 | Southwest Minnesota Orchestra Performance preview with Daniel Rieppel Professor of Music Southwest Minnesota Orchestra Musical Director 38:04

2M ago38:04

38:04

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Rieppel previews the upcoming Southwest Minnesota Orchestra concert, highlighting the musical selections and themes that will shape the performance. He discusses the significance of the featured composers, the emotional and historical context behind the music, and what audiences can expect from this season’s opening conc…

1
Campus Update Ep. 103 | Walking through the college admissions process with Charloette Wahle Director of Admissions 33:16

2M ago33:16

33:16

In this episode, Charlotte Wahle, Director of Admissions at SMSU, joins the show to ease the worries of going through the college admissions journey. Whether you're a high school student, parent, or educator, this conversation offers valuable insights into: What students should know before applying to college Key deadlines and tips for navigating t…

1
Special Episode | MakeMore Manufacturing Summit Returns: Florida's Premier Industry Event is Back! 17:16

2M ago17:16

17:16

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 Manufac…

1
American Dream Theme 4:30

2M ago4:30

4:30

Classic Rock American Dream ThemeBy Herald Associates

1
Campus Update Ep. 102 | Visiting Writers Series with Jessica Hennen Assistant Professor of English 31:20

2M ago31:20

31:20

The SMSU Creative Writing and English Program hosts prominent authors on campus as part of its ongoing Visiting Writers Series. This semester, SMSU is proud to welcome Heid E. Erdrich for a public reading on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 7:00 pm in Charter Hall 201. Erdrich is the author of nine books of poetry and prose as well as a teacher and curator. …

1
Ep. 386 | Unlocking Millions in SBA Funding: The Green Pathway with SR Engineering & Consulting 12:19

2M ago12:19

12:19

Recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference, this episode of Small Biz Florida dives into one of the SBA's most powerful yet underutilized financing tools: the Energy Public Policy Program, also known as the SBA “Green Program.” Host Tom Kindred speaks with Sol Rosenbaum, Owner and Managing Engineer of SR Engineering & Consulting, to break down how…

1
Ep. 385 | Streamlining Small Business Lending: How My Sherpa Simplifies the Loan Application Process 11:51

2M ago11:51

11:51

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference, host Tom Kindred sits down with Sarah Sams, Marketing Manager for mysherpas, a FinTech company transforming how small business loan applications are managed. Sams shares how mysherpas was born from the firsthand frustrations of entrepreneurs navigating the commercial…

1
Ep. 384 | Why Your Business Plan Could Make or Break Your Loan Approval 13:37

2M ago13:37

13:37

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference, host Tom Kindred speaks with Ross McClellan, Director of Business Development for Rapid Business Plans. McClellan offers key insights into why a well-crafted business plan is essential not only for securing capital, but for guiding long-term business strategy. He exp…

1
Ep. 383 | High-Tech Meets High-Touch: How Loan Mantra Is Revolutionizing Small Business Lending 20:41

2M ago20:41

20:41

Recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference, this kickoff episode of Small Biz Florida's latest season features a powerful conversation with Raj Tulshan, Founder and CEO, and Emily Larsen Doxford, VP, of Loan Mantra, a financial technology company transforming how small businesses access capital. Host Tom Kindred explores how Loan Mantra blends a h…

1
Thinking About Starting a Business? Here’s What You Need to Know with Aaron Harned of the SBDC 27:58

3M ago27:58

27:58

Thinking about starting a business—but not sure where to begin? In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Harned, Center Director of the Paducah Small Business Development Center (SBDC), to unpack what really goes into launching and growing a business. From funding myths and feasibility checks to business plans and buying an existing business, Aaron …

1
Ep 17: How Society Teaches Us To Behave: Rewriting The Rules Of Society 1:32:01

3M ago1:32:01

1:32:01

By brainstormchasers2

1
Ep. 382 | Empowering Entrepreneurs: The Roadmap to Business Growth with Popstart 28:39

3M ago28:39

28:39

Live from the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida features Kim Fedore and David Glantz, co-founders of Popstart a revolutionary platform combining business tools with essential training. Host Tom Kindred sits down with these two innovative entrepreneurs to explore how Popstart integrates key softw…

1
Ep. 381 | The Power of Market Research: A Guide for Florida Entrepreneurs 13:53

3M ago13:53

13:53

Recorded live from the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida features Matthew Jackson, Director of SBDCnet, the national research and information arm of the SBDC network. Host Tom Kindred leads a discussion on the critical role that data and market research play in helping entrepreneurs make smarter…

1
Ep. 380 | Empowering Entrepreneurs: Inside the Stella Foundation with Dr. Sylvia Mah 12:31

3M ago12:31

12:31

Episode Summary: Recorded live at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida features Dr. Silvia Mah, founder and chairwoman of the Stella Foundation. With a remarkable background in biochemistry, molecular biology, university commercialization, and entrepreneurial education, Dr. Mah shares the power…

1
Ep. 379 | Data-Driven Decisions: How Vertical IQ Empowers Small Business Growth 23:19

3M ago23:19

23:19

Recorded live at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida highlights the power of data and industry intelligence for small business success. Host Tom Kindred welcomes Nicole DeLiso, Director of Training at Vertical IQ, and Phil, Digital Marketing Consultant with the Florida SBDC at Indian River Sta…

1
Ep. 378 | Visa’s Role in Small Business Success: From Cashflow to Credit 20:41

3M ago20:41

20:41

Recorded live from the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida features Shawn Thomas, Senior Director at Visa, as he shares how Visa is supporting the growth and success of small businesses across the country. Host Tom Kindred dives into a conversation on critical small business topics from managing c…

1
Ep. 377 | Connecting Entrepreneurs: The Power of 1 Million Cups 17:36

3M ago17:36

17:36

Recorded live from the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida shines a spotlight on the national entrepreneurial support program, 1 Million Cups. Host Tom Kindred welcomes Dr. Emmah Muema, Program Manager at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and Rupert Meghnot, founder of Orlandopreneur and longt…

1
Ep. 376 | Revolutionize Your Marketing: MailChimp’s Tools for Small Businesses 18:19

3M ago18:19

18:19

Discover how MailChimp is transforming the way small businesses in Florida approach marketing and customer engagement. In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Jocelyn Hardy and Kyra Cherry from MailChimp to explore the powerful tools and technologies available to small business owners. Recorded live at the 46th Annual …