Episode 53 - From Tech to Tap with Andrew Batey of Mocama Brewery

Building a Pickle Empire in Jacksonville - Episode 58 with Shai Tzabari

This episode is sponsored by Olive My Pickle: Probiotic Fermented Foods for Gut Health. For more information, visit their website here: https://www.olivemypickle.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoruevMF0Zhy8qzhFTCVkLA2FrxQHFlusRTKY5bGRrHeyBZG9efYWhat does it take to turn a childhood love for pickles into a thriving business?In this episode of PB & Jax, I sit down with Shai Tzabari, Co-founder of Olive My Pickle, to discuss his journey from Israel to Jacksonville and the lessons he learned building one of Northeast Florida's most recognizable food brands.Shai shares how a background in farming, a willingness to take risks, and a deep connection to the community helped transform a small farmers market operation into a growing business. He also opens up about the setbacks most entrepreneurs never talk about, including losing major accounts, inventory struggles, and the resilience required to keep moving forward.In this conversation, we discuss:• Moving from Israel to the United States in search of opportunity• Why Florida became the perfect place to build a business• The early days of selling pickles at farmers markets• How customer feedback shaped Olive My Pickle's growth• The challenges of scaling a food business• Recovering from major financial setbacks• The importance of perseverance in entrepreneurship• Building strong relationships within the Jacksonville communityOne of the biggest takeaways from this episode is simple: every setback carries a lesson. Shai's story is a reminder that successful businesses are not built overnight. They are built through persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to serving customers well.If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone considering taking the leap into business ownership, this episode is packed with practical insights and hard-earned wisdom.Watch the full episode and let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments.Subscribe for more conversations with the founders, builders, leaders, and innovators shaping Jacksonville and beyond.

The Surprising Impact of a 55,000 sq ft Warehouse on Jacksonville's Landfill Crisis

Ever wonder what a 55,000 sq ft warehouse filled with history, sustainability, and creativity looks like?When Michael Murphy bought an abandoned railroad depot in Jacksonville, he saw raw bones and a chance to save, not just build.His mission? Keep thousands of building materials out of landfills while creating a space that feels more like art than commerce.From giant conference tables to custom wood projects, Eco Relics is proof that repurposing is both beautiful and beneficial.They’ve developed a network sourcing materials from around the world — Egypt, India, Costa Rica — and still sell everything!And here's the kicker: 35% of landfill content is building materials. Eco Relics is actively reversing that trend, one piece at a time.Is this the kind of place you'd visit to find that one-of-a-kind piece?Supporting sustainable businesses like this can change the game for local economies & the planet.

Navigating Wealth Management and Jacksonville's Downtown Authority with Scott Wohlers

How do you build a legacy while staying grounded in your community? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Wohlers, President of Riverplace Capital, to discuss the true meaning of fiduciary responsibility and the journey of growing a premier financial advisory firm right here in Jacksonville. From his early days in Tennessee to becoming a key figure in the River City’s financial landscape, Scott shares the "Pioneer" mindset required to embrace change and the "Builder" discipline needed to manage wealth with transparency and integrity. In This Episode: 1. The Fiduciary Difference: Why prioritizing the client’s interest isn't just a policy, it’s the foundation of trust. 2. Relocating for Growth: Scott’s journey from Regions Bank to leading River Place Capital. 3. The Balancing Act: Real-world tips on managing a high-level executive career while staying present for family. 4. Community Impact: Why serving on local boards is a non-negotiable for Jacksonville leaders. Key Takeaways: Embrace Change: Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone and into new metro markets. Relationships > Transactions: Wealth management is about understanding unique goals, not just managing portfolios. Continuous Learning: How to stay ahead of evolving market trends to better serve your clients.

Episode 55: The Block Jax w/ Daniel Moffatt

Finding a place where kids can run wild, dogs can play, and adults can actually enjoy a cocktail without the constant battle against screen time is rare, but that’s exactly what Daniel Moffatt created with The Block Jax.Daniel saw a gap in the local scene: parents were tired of "restaurant stress" and the constant need to hand over an iPad just to get through a meal. His solution? A 10,000-square-foot outdoor hub that brings together food, live music, a dedicated kids' play zone, and a dog park. Here is the breakdown of what makes The Block Jax a unique community anchor: * No-Stress Dining: With eight local food vendors and a cashless ordering system, you can grab a meal from places like Chancho King, Darkside Tacos, or Slingin' Wieners without feeling rushed. * Designed for Every Age: The venue is split into zones. There is a secure, Candyland-inspired play area for kids, a massive LED wall for sports and movies, and an upstairs craft cocktail bar for those looking for an "adults-only" vibe away from the chaos. * Pet-Friendly Culture: Through a partnership with Kanine Social, they’ve integrated a full dog park on-site so your furry friends don’t have to stay home. * The "Anti-Tech" Goal: The core mission is about human connection. By creating a space where kids can be active and parents can actually socialize, the goal is to get everyone off their screens and back to being present. Located just off Gate Parkway (near IKEA), it is quickly becoming the go-to spot for locals who want to stay, hang out, and actually relax. #TheBlockJax #JacksonvilleLiving #JaxLocal #CommunityFirst #FamilyFriendlyJax #LocalEats

Episode 54: Building Software in the AI age with Mike Potts of Feature[23]

In this episode, Randall Thomas sits down with Mike Potts, CEO of [Feature23], to explore the evolution of custom software development, the integration of AI, and the strategic focus on the middle market. They discuss the importance of culture, innovation, and market adaptation in a rapidly changing tech landscape, providing actionable insights for software professionals and business leaders alike.