FSU PC College of Entrepreneurship

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurshipBrian Baber interviews…Aerial PayneAerial’s professional journey is defined by creativity, authenticity, and growth. She is the founder of Maranta Copy Co., a Panama City-based marketing company renowned for its personalized strategies, storytelling-driven branding, and “magical” social media engagement. As a marketing leader in Florida, Aerial has grown Maranta Copy Co. from a one-woman startup into a dynamic team that elevates brands by crafting compelling stories and cultivating loyal online communities. Her passion for empowering others shines through the workshops she leads on branding and content creation, where she helps fellow entrepreneurs find their voice and share it with the world.As a female entrepreneur and Panama City business owner, Aerial is deeply invested in her community. In 2026, she was appointed to a one-year term on the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and also joined the Board of Directors for Impact 100 of Northwest Florida. Colleagues and clients alike recognize Aerial as a thoughtful, forward-thinking business leader and supportive employer who leads by example. Whether she’s implementing flexible policies at work or crafting a client’s next big campaign, her warmth and vision create an atmosphere where everyone feels heard and inspired. Her leadership has made Maranta Copy Co. a magnet for both ambitious clients and talented professionals who value a workplace that balances hard work with heart.

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurshipBrian Baber interviews…Britt MatthewsBritt Matthews is a Florida-licensed real estate broker, multi-passionate entrepreneur, and creative community advocate based in Northwest Florida. Since recommitting to the Florida real estate industry in 2012, she has focused on building businesses that balance profitability with long-term community impact.Britt is a broker with Beachy Beach Real Estate and the Broker/Owner of Full Heart Rentals, a long-term property management company fueled by Golden Rule principles, prioritizing people over profits, and helping create stability for property owners, tenants, and communities.Before real estate, Britt worked in the ballroom dance franchise world, helping launch and train new studios — an experience that shaped her belief that great businesses are built through teaching, mentorship, and culture.Across both her housing and creative businesses, Britt is a spoken word artist and singer-songwriter and a dedicated advocate for creative recovery. She hosts free community writing nights and intentionally integrates arts support into her business ecosystem, believing creativity and entrepreneurship are deeply connected skills.

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurshipBrian Baber interviews Jeff O'Hara.Jeff began his hospitality career in 1985, working part-time while a student at Florida State University. His career has taken him to every corner of the hospitality industry – he has worked in luxury boutique hotels and 1,000 room “supertankers.” He has managed small restaurants and developed B&B’s. As a business owner, he founded or co-founded 11 businesses in hospitality, tech and real estate.Jeff moved to New Orleans in 1992, for what he laughingly describes as “a 2 year assignment” while he was with Sheraton Hotels, and stayed for 30 years. Along the way he navigated the post-911 industry crash, Hurricane Katrina, the Global Financial Crisis and Covid, all of which were devastating to the hospitality industry. Turning these setbacks into opportunities, his company was named three times to the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America and three times to the Seminole 100 list of Fastest Growing Companies owned by Florida State University alumni. His latest successful exit in 2023 led to his transition to focusing on investing full time, most notably in the area of early stage companies.Jeff serves as a Strategic Advisor to several of his portfolio companies, on Boards of investing groups and as a mentor to numerous entrepreneurs. His investments include firms in the fields of hospitality, technology, biotech, consumer staples, medical devices and alternative energy.A native of Kingston, NY, he received a BS in Hospitality Administration from Florida State University and an MBA from Tulane University.

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurshipBrian Baber interviews…Jason Hedden.Drawing on decades of experience in education and the arts, Jason Hedden is an in demand speaker at educational institutions, civic organizations, chambers of commerce, nonprofits and corporations. As a professional educator, actor, director, producer, author, comedian and emcee he is a master at engaging his audiences with passion, authenticity and humor.This former high school teacher and college professor holds undergraduate degrees from Gulf Coast State College and The University of South Florida and a Master’s degree from The Ohio State University.Jason is currently the co-founder and board president of Emerald Coast Theatre Company and owner and producer of Panama City Comedy. He is also the Executive Director of Recruitment and Community Relations at Gulf Coast State College, where in 2023, he was inducted into the Florida College System Activities Association Hall of Fame and gave the spring commencement address.

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurshipJoin us for a special Lunch & Learn featuring Bill Cramer and his sons Will and Chris — the second and third generations of a family whose legacy of leadership and service has shaped business and community life across Bay County.Bill Cramer is the President and Owner of Bill Cramer Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, one of the most respected family-owned dealerships in Northwest Florida. After earning a law degree from Harvard and clerking for the U.S. Court of Appeals, Bill entered the automobile business in 1979 and became a Chevrolet dealer in 1986. Beyond business, he has dedicated decades to public service — serving on the Florida College System Foundation, the Gulf Coast State College Foundation, and the Florida Energy Commission, among others. His leadership helped grow local educational endowments from $1.6 million to over $25 million.Will Cramer, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Bill Cramer Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, has followed in his father’s footsteps with excellence in both business and civic life. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Phi Beta Kappa), Will has been deeply involved in community leadership — serving as Chair of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club President, and Vice Chair of the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport Authority. He is also a co-owner of Cramer Marine & Outdoor and a partner in multiple real estate and redevelopment projects revitalizing downtown Panama City.Chris Cramer, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Bill Cramer Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, brings energy and innovation to the family enterprise. After earning a degree from the University of Florida, Chris worked in every department of the dealership before taking on senior leadership. He co-founded Panama City Opportunity Fund, LLC and Harrison & Luverne, which have redeveloped homes and commercial properties across the Cove and downtown. In 2022, Chris and Will launched Cramer Marine & Outdoor, now expanding to a second on-water location. Chris and his wife Pam live in the Cove with their three boys — whom he proudly coaches in flag football.Together, the Cramers exemplify what it means to combine entrepreneurship, integrity, and community investment. Their story offers a rare inside look at how a multi-generational family business continues to evolve and thrive through faith, hard work, and shared purpose.

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurshipBrian Baber interviews Kim Godwin. Kim recently retired after an extraordinary 40-year career, making history as the first African American and first woman to lead a national broadcast news network. Under her leadership, ABC News remained America’s top network—home to Good Morning America, World News Tonight, 20/20, and The View.A seven-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, Godwin has held executive roles at ABC, CBS, and NBC, overseeing global news operations and championing diversity and inclusion in storytelling. A proud Florida A&M University alumna, she continues to mentor the next generation of journalists and leaders.

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurshipBrian Baber interviews Edward San Juan. Edward is the President and co-owner of E. F. San Juan, Inc., a third-generation, 120-person, custom millwork and cabinetry manufacturer located in Bay County, Florida.  Edward has lived in Bay County since 1976 and has worked with the company full-time since 1987 when he graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Business Administration.  Edward’s team subscribes to Gino Wickman’s Entrepreneurial Operating System of management as described in the book Traction.  Edward is a member of Vistage, the world’s largest coaching organization, and he serves on the foundation for Holy Nativity Episcopal School.  He and his wife, Mary Kathryn, who works as an accountant for E. F. San Juan, Inc., have three adult children, two of whom work in the family business and a third who attends FSU-Panama City.

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurshipBrian Baber interviews entrepreneur Mark McNees…Mark is the Founder & CEO of RedEye Coffee, Founder of Element3, and an active board member of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. His extensive experience spans both for-profit and non-profit ventures, where he has leveraged commerce, innovation, and social entrepreneurship to tackle global challenges such as poverty, economic injustice, and environmental sustainability.With a B.S. in Marketing (Minor in Finance & Merchandising), an M.A. in Religion, and a Doctorate in Leadership, Mark combines academic expertise with real-world experience to drive meaningful change. His entrepreneurial journey has earned him numerous accolades, including being named Tallahassee’s Most Influential Entrepreneur by Domi Station and leading RedEye Coffee to multiple business awards.Beyond business, Mark is an Ironman athlete, an Alcatraz-to-San Francisco swimmer, and an experienced public speaker, having delivered over 1,000 talks across five countries. His entrepreneurial journey started early—at just 10 years old, he was already running his first business renting video games to classmates.

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurship Brian Baber interviews Former Speaker of the House Allan Bense…Allan Bense, born on a farm in Panama City, Florida, exemplifies perseverance and hard work. After losing both parents at a young age, he was raised by his grandmother and worked numerous jobs to support himself through school. Allan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972 and an MBA in 1974 from Florida State University. During his last semester, he lived in his station wagon and worked nights cleaning bathrooms at the capitol.His career began in banking, where he turned around struggling institutions. Teaming up with his mentor, Charles Hilton, Allan helped build a diversified portfolio of businesses spanning real estate, construction, healthcare, and more. He was also a founding shareholder in Simply Healthcare Holdings, which sold for $1 billion in 2015.In public service, Allan was the first Republican to win his district’s seat in the Florida House of Representatives. He became Speaker of the House in 2004 and chose to step down after serving eight years, remaining true to his promise to prioritize his family and business.Allan’s leadership extends to numerous boards, including Florida State University, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and Triumph Gulf Coast. Locally, he has served on organizations such as the Bay County Tourist Development Council and HCA Gulf Coast Community Hospital. His accomplishments have been recognized with awards like the NAACP Appreciation Award and an Honorary Doctorate from FSU.Allan and his wife, Tonie, have been married since 1975. They have three grown children and six grandchildren. Allan’s life story is a testament to resilience, vision, and servant leadership.

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurshipBrian Baber interviews Kevin Elliott…Kevin Elliott is co-founder and director of Wewa Films and Redfish Film Fest. He was also a professor at FSUPC for nearly a decade, where he taught professional communication classes. Kevin moved to Panama City in 1988, when he was 13 years old, and has been part of the local arts community since then. His goal is to help build world-class arts and culture in Panama City so young people can lead a creative life in their hometown. https://wewafilms.com https://redfishfilmfest.com

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurship Brian Baber interviews Avery Adcock, entrepreneur and owner of Dan's Pawn. Avery Adcock is a longtime resident of Panama City, having called it home for the last 34 years, though he originally hails from Mississippi and Texas. He earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University and was a registered Professional Engineer (P.E.). During his 10-year career, he worked on infrastructure projects, building roads, bridges, and airfields. Avery has been involved in real estate since the age of 19 and currently owns a dozen investment properties. In 1995, he founded DANS PAWN in St. Andrews, which grew into three locations by the 2000s, employing over 35 people and offering a range of services including eBay sales, tax preparation, check cashing, and payday advances. Though one location was sold and another lost to a hurricane, the flagship St. Andrews store remains family-owned and operated to this day, having been rebuilt twice due to Hurricane Opal in 1995 and Hurricane Michael in 2018. All five members of the Adcock family have worked in the business over the years. In addition to his business ventures, Avery has been an active volunteer in Bay County for over three decades, serving on various boards and supporting numerous charitable organizations. One of his proudest achievements is his role in helping to establish the Bay Haven Charter Academy school system, where he served for over 17 years. Avery is also involved in the community through his participation in the Krewe of Dominique Youx, where he currently serves as Treasurer. He and his family are members of the Methodist Church and reside in Lynn Haven, Florida.

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurship Brian Baber interviews Wade Rinehart… Dr. Wade Rinehart was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and moved to Panama City, Florida, in 1981. He graduated from Mosley High School and Gulf Coast Community College with an AA degree before transferring to Florida State University, where he also graduated with the highest honors and a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Fitness/Exercise Physiology.   He first received his Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy in 1999 and is a graduate of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. He later returned to earn his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2009 from the same University and graduated Summa Cum Laude.    Dr. Rinehart has spent his entire career in the outpatient orthopedic setting, opening the first of three clinics in 2002. His achievements include winning the 2007 Bay County Chamber of Commerce Jerry Mills Small Business of the Year award and the Best of Bay Award for seven consecutive years.     He is skilled and trained in Physical Therapy spinal manipulations and is state-certified in dry needling. His interests include Dry Needling, spinal manipulation, headaches, TMJ dysfunction, sports injury, and training.    Dr. Rinehart has also diversified his business interests and leveraged his 25 years of business acumen to own a medical billing company, medical/professional commercial leasing of a collective 75 thousand square feet, and a Hyperbaric medical specialty clinic. He is currently building new commercial space in Panama City Beach and Defuniak Springs, Florida.   He has been happily married to his high school sweetheart, Alicia, for 27 years and is the proud father of a second generation of Seminole Graduates, Marla and Makaela. He loves playing golf, pickleball, cooking and is a published singer/songwriter.

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurship Brian Baber interviews Victoria Williams with VPA Design. Victoria Williams is the owner of VBA Design an Architecture firm with two offices located in Panama City, Florida and Fairhope, Alabama. She has over twenty-four years of experience in architectural design, construction, and contract administration. She has a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Tennessee, is LEED AP BD+C Certified and a registered and licensed architect in the States of Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, and Tennessee. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and is a certified woman business owner by the National Women Business Owners Corporation.Victoria has a strong belief in providing a positive and innovative environment for our community; she shares this passion through her involvement in numerous community service boards including: The Airport Authority, Bay County Chamber of Commerce, FSU Panama City, Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, Club 360, United Way and many others. She has been the recipient of a variety of awards, including the 2009 NW Florida AIACommunity Service, the 2010 Bay County Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year, the 2010 Florida American Institute of Architects Silver Medal, the 2014 Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Leadership Award and in 2015 & 2019 received the Citizen Architecture Award. In addition, in 2023-2024 she received the honor to be an Honorary Commander at Tyndall Air Force Base.

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurship Join us for an Entrepreneurship Lunch and Learn at FSU PC, where I have the privilege of interviewing Bob Amin. This session promises to be an insightful exploration of Bob's journey from managing a single convenience store to becoming a multi-faceted entrepreneur, along with the lessons he has learned and the wisdom he has to share. Bob Amin is a distinguished entrepreneur with a rich background in business. A graduate of Georgia State University with a degree in Computer Science, Bob's career trajectory took a pivotal turn when he ventured into the convenience store industry.  This experience laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial journey, leading him to acquire his first convenience store in late 2003. Over the years, Bob's dedication and business acumen have enabled him to expand his portfolio to an impressive 17 convenience stores. Bob's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop with convenience stores. He has diversified his business interests into the restaurant industry as a franchisee owner of well-known brands such as Tijuana Flats, Fazoli's, Subway, Marco's Pizza, and Checkers.  In addition to his ventures in the retail and food service sectors, Bob has also built a portfolio residential homes. Despite the demands of being self-employed, Bob places a high value on family time and maintains a strong family orientation. He enjoys being around people and has a passion for cricket—an homage to his Indian heritage—as well as follows the NFL whenever possible. Bob's entire career has been underpinned by a commitment to customer service, a field he has been involved in since his first job. With only three jobs over his lifetime, Bob's story is one of steadfast dedication and entrepreneurial growth.

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurship Will Owen is the Founder & President of JetBoatPilot, a multi-dimensional marine products brand headquartered in Panama City, Florida. Will is a 9 times patented designer, Author and Social Media Influencer and is widely acknowledged as a leader within the recreational boating community. As an engineer and product innovator, Will possesses a unique ability to dissect and analyze problems and create simple solutions that benefit boaters around the world. Many of the products Will has designed are manufactured in Panama City, Florida and are shipped around the globe to through JetBoatPilot's dealer network and direct to consumer. With great emphasis on quality, innovation and customer care JetBoatPilot is widely regarded as one of the best places on the internet to buy boating accessories. Visit Jet Boat Pilot: https://jetboatpilot.com/

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurship Zack Sanchez, a born and raised in Panama City, was raised by his native Puerto Rican parents, Ruben and Iris Sanchez. Rooted in a foundation of strong values—centered on faith, hard work, and love—Zack's character took shape as he observed his parents tirelessly managing their beloved local restaurant. This establishment not only became the backdrop for Zack's lessons in business ownership but also instilled in him a profound and passionate work ethic.A Florida State University graduate with a Bachelor's in Business Administration, Zack began his real estate journey at 15, building a successful career that led to co-owning Think Real Estate, C & G Sporting Goods, and Think Capital.In addition to a background in banking and insurance, Zack serves on the Boards of Directors for Habitat for Humanity, Bay County Chamber of Commerce, and the Be the Light Family Foundation. His achievements include being a Top 1% Agent, earning the Broker of the Year Award in 2022, and receiving the Notable Nole Award in 2023. Zack, happily married to Olivia, is a dedicated father to Vivian, Violet, and John-Crosby, and is passionate about making a positive impact in the world.

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program visit: https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurship Dr. James “Jim” Dever is a senior lecturer in both the Dr. Persis E. Rockwood School of Marketing and the Department of Management at Florida State University’s College of Business. His areas of expertise are marketing solutions, strategic management and entrepreneurship. In 2006, Dever was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship and now serves on the FSU Fulbright committee.  Following a 20-year entrepreneurial career, Dr. Dever returned to college to fulfill a missed opportunity of graduating from college.  Dever received his bachelor’s degree in business administration and MBA from Florida State University. His Ph.D. in entrepreneurship is from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland.

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: ⁠https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurship Karen, a dynamic businesswoman, is renowned for her remarkable community impact through dedicated service. Beyond merely motivating and inspiring, she leads by example, catalyzing action and inviting us to contribute positively to the world. She firmly believes in the unique touch each of us possesses, urging us to make a difference in our own special way. At 50, Karen established Beachy Beach Real Estate, a small yet potent venture. Growing from 3 to 120 team members, she recently partnered with Premiere Property Group, amassing over 250 exceptional agents. Yet, her influence stretches far beyond business success. A community trailblazer, Karen overcomes challenges to address needs head-on. Her leadership fuels NW Florida's progress, fostering job creation, volunteerism, and innovative initiatives that uplift local families. Passionate about recovery, she shares her story of triumph over addiction, celebrating the transformative power of true recovery. Grace and gratitude drive her "rags to riches" journey, encapsulated in her mantra: "The Only People We Have to Get Even With Are Those Who Have Helped Us!" Follow her adventures at Myhappyasslife.com, as Karen embraces life's entirety – its highs, lows, and everything in between. https://beachybeach.com/ https://myhappyasslife.com/

For more information about the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Program: ⁠https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurship Julien Recoussine has been training and coaching sales professionals for over 25 years.  He immigrated to the United States from France in 1985, completing his schooling in New York and Miami.  After a career in sales and sales management at Amazon, mostly in advertising, he began is entrepreneurial journey into the training field working with large companies like SalesForce, Groupon, Cannon Solutions, as well as building out sales departments for numerous start ups. He continues to help CEOs and sales leaders build or improve sales teams and sales performance, as well as coaching directly with sales producers and sales leaders across a variety of industries.  He currently consults with a variety of companies in the US and Internationally and hosts The Sales Fix Podcast, available on Apple and Spotify.  Julien is a passionate believer in the customer-centric, solutions-based selling approach, and trains sales teams on leveraging basic human neuroscience to create collaborative, respectful, and quality interactions with prospects and clients.  He lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida with his family and enjoys the outdoors, kayaking, woodworking, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in his leisure time.  www.salesfixx.com