Recently, the City of Gainesville executed a paid parking process for Downtown Gainesville. Immediately, patrons stopped showing up downtown, businesses felt an immediate impact, spoke up, and the city decided to place a pause on paid parking to further evaluate. We decided to go down and interview some of the business owners downtown in order to dive deeper into their concerns. What do you think Gainesville? Would paying for parking downtown reduce your trips downtown? What do you think the cit...
Jun 09, 2022•15 min•Season 5Ep. 182
Podcast Family, I just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that we will be taking a hard pause on future podcast recordings. Nothing is more important to me than being in tune with God's will for my life and I've felt an urge to take some time to really reflect and think about the direction of this show and where God wants it all to go. Until now, I've really pushed back against "pausing" because I've met so many businesses and individuals that have made me go "WHOA!" I LOVE this com...
Jan 18, 2022•5 min
This past November, there was a local election for the vacant Gainesville City Commission seat. The race was close between two candidates, Dr. Cynthia Chestnut and Matthew Howland. Because neither of the candidates received over 50% of the vote, there will be a runoff election on January 25th. Since there will be a runoff, I reached out to both candidates to come in for separate interviews and share why they felt they would be the right choice for the seat. Both originally accepted my invitation...
Jan 03, 2022•49 min•Season 5Ep. 181
Jody has over 35 years of Healthcare background and has worked for several of the largest manufacturers of healthcare equipment in the world and he now is providing the future of disinfection. The company, Simple Elements, produces the most powerful bacteria and virus killing products on the planet made locally near Gainesville. Check out this episode to hear all about Jody's story and what makes his product different than anything else on the market. Do you know what the best part about UF Move...
Dec 28, 2021•50 min•Season 4Ep. 180
Due to the impact of the pandemic, there have been a lot of programs that we have seen come out over the last couple of years. One that you have heard us talk about before... the PPP, the Paycheck Protection Program, which was set up to help business owners keep their people employed throughout the pandemic. Well, another program that was set up is called ERAP, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which is a Federal Grant intended to assist households who are unable to pay or are having diff...
Dec 15, 2021•52 min
Proverbs 27:19 NLT - As a face is reflected in the water, so the heart reflects the real person. These are the words I (Collin Austin) had pasted at the top of my show notes as I went into this podcast interview with Gainesville City Commissioner David Arreola. Why? I knew my heart to serve and contribute to Gainesville is in the right place and from what I had learned about David through others, his heart is too. I wanted this to be top of mind as I went through the interview. Though I had met ...
Nov 29, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 177
How’s it going everybody?! This episode we are joined by Alex Copeland at San Felasco Tech City for a really unique episode. Alex at the young age of 23 is extremely successful from his investing in the Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and NFT realm. This is a technical conversation, but this guy is a genius! You all will definitely learn a thing or two about investing and the cycles of Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency and NFT. We all could benefit from following Alex’s spending habits, as he cannot justify spend...
Nov 23, 2021•40 min•Season 4Ep. 176
Hey Podcast Fam! Checkout this episode featuring Erik Zika of his new company: Beachbase! I had the honor of getting to sit down and have a great conversation with him. We discussed Erik's successful entrepreneurship journey so far, what it takes to run a business, and he even announced some thrilling new ideas he's working on! Erik is truly a great business man with a special gift for creativity. You won't want to miss this amazing discussion! The GNV Commercial Advisors at Colliers Gainesville...
Nov 18, 2021•28 min•Season 4Ep. 175
Hey friends! A couple of weeks ago, we released a podcast episode with Firefighter Bubba Ennis ( https://youtu.be/WcujvejbyP4 ) who stood up against the City of Gainesville's vaccine mandates. There was A LOT of interest in the episode and of course, a lot of thoughts and opinions on the subject matter. I wanted to hear YOUR thoughts on the subject, so we put out a quick survey. I thought I would share the results, some of the comments, and end with some of my personal thoughts. Vaccine mandate ...
Nov 15, 2021•24 min
Happy Monday everyone! I am so excited for today's episode and guest! This week we welcomed Eric Bilotta of Energyware to the show, and recorded this episode at San Felasco Tech City! Eric goes into detail about how he got into the energy business and out-reach he does. The experience of building a business and helping consumers with their every request is something Energyware strives to do. Energyware and its business model is so interesting, and I cannot wait for you to experience this thrilli...
Nov 08, 2021•26 min•Season 4Ep. 174
Happy belated Halloween everyone! I am absolutely stoked for today's episode, and what a perfect time for some spooky guests. For the first time EVER we have live animals in the studio. This week we welcomed Bob Guerriere and his two “Maxx Pink” Argentine Boas to the show and it was such an awesome encounter. Bob goes into detail about how he got into the reptile business and all about the snakes he brought onto the show. The niche of reptile breeding is super unique and Bob is one of the best i...
Nov 01, 2021•47 min•Season 4Ep. 173
Do you think that vaccines should be mandated? There’s definitely been a lot of conversations and opinions on the topic. [Answer our 30-second questionnaire here and give us your input: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/whoagnvvaxquestions ] Recently, the City of Gainesville voted to mandate vaccines for city employees. Soon after, it was paused (at least for the moment). One of the people to rise up and voice his opposition was Lt. Paramedic of Gainesville Professional Firefighters, Bubba Ennis. I...
Oct 25, 2021•54 min•Season 4Ep. 172
Happy Monday Podcast Fam! In this week’s episode I am joined by Lewis Stokes, of the radio station, 93.7 K-Country. Lewis has a way of impacting many lives when he gets his voice on the air. We’re lucky enough to hear about this local legend’s astonishing trials and stories! His fortune and motivation for radio work is truly an amazing story and I cannot wait for you guys to listen! He has experienced a lot throughout his many years in radio and is constantly finding more. You will never believe...
Oct 11, 2021•46 min
Can you all believe it is already October?! In this week’s episode we are joined by Amber Miller, President and CEO of United Way of North Central Florida. Amber has and continues to impact many lives in and outside of her professional life. We get to hear her amazing and touching stories of how she came to be where she is today. Her authentic leadership and passion for nonprofit work is truly inspiring and I cannot wait for you guys to listen! She has persevered through many challenges and is c...
Oct 04, 2021•48 min•Season 4Ep. 170
Happy Friday, it's the weekend! This week Amber Miller of United Way joins us to give us a glimpse of what everyday life in a non-profit organization looks like. Amber and her team are doing amazing things right here in Gainesville and the greater North Central Florida area. We got to learn about how different skill sets can go a long way within a non-profit and how nonprofits are oftentimes small businesses. Amber told a bunch of amazing stories that you won't want to miss! Be sure to text WHOA...
Oct 01, 2021•4 min
Ben Wacksman of Emerson Gainesville joins us this week for an awesome episode! Emerson Gainesville is a luxury residential community that encourages neighborly connections and healthy living. Ben has some amazing stories from his previous endeavors that all came together to inspire him to build Emerson. And how cool that he decided to start his venture in Gainesville?! We talk about everything he’s learned over the years from his work and extensive travels. You won't want to miss it! Have you tr...
Sep 27, 2021•45 min•Season 4Ep. 169
Podcast fam! Happy Friday! In this Side Hustle we’re getting a taste of all the knowledge that Ben has regarding his entrepreneurial venture with Emerson Gainesville. He has such an interesting journey that you are going to want to hear! We discussed how unique the Gainesville market is and what inspired him to create such a special community to live in. Ben has some great stories to share that any entrepreneur could learn a lot from especially during a pandemic! Be sure to text WHOAGNV to 48484...
Sep 24, 2021•6 min
What is up everybody?! Do we have an amazing episode for you! I got to speak with Mike Palmer of the Gainesville rock climbing gym, The Knot. There is sooo much to unpack in this week's episode. I was under the impression that Mike was a realtor full time and did the rock climbing business on the side, but boy was I wrong! Listen in to hear how everything comes together and how he quietly opened his doors amidst the pandemic! It just might make you want to try out this amazing sport...comment be...
Sep 20, 2021•47 min•Season 4Ep. 168
Podcast fam! This week I got to talk with Mike Palmer of the Gainesville rock climbing gym, The Knot. Mike has faced many challenges getting his business doors open, given the pandemic and other building structural issues. With all of these challenges he didn’t give up. The demand has been high and he has found ways to climb over all the obstacles in his way! Hear all about it in the full episode, Monday at 8a! Text WHOAGNV to 484848 to get notified when that full episode drops! This Side Hustle...
Sep 17, 2021•9 min
Hey everyone and HAPPY Monday! In this episode, I got to speak with Daniel & Annette Fortner of Chase for Adventure to hear all about their life traveling the world! There are so many factors we uncover about their journey so far, you will be amazed! From regular boring lives to international travels...check it out and and let us know what you think in the comments below! The GNV Commercial Advisors at Colliers Gainesville are there for you when your business needs to buy land, sell property...
Sep 13, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 167
Podcast Fam! I sat down with Daniel and Annette Fortner of the popular YouTube Channel, Chase for Adventure, to talk about their CRAZY adventures all over the world. They have made so many memories being able to travel everywhere and are fulfilled by meeting people of all backgrounds. Daniel and Annette share some awesome stories that you're totally gonna want to hear! This Side Hustle Podcast Preview is brought to you by Leonardo's Pizza of Millhopper. No time to cook dinner?? Come by to Leonar...
Sep 10, 2021•9 min
What is up?! Happy Labor Day everyone! I’m so happy I got to sit down with Jan and David to ask allll my questions about their work with God and bringing that into their businesses! How did you receive God's message? How are you able to run two businesses and a community ministry? How have your past experiences helped you move forward with your plans? And SO much more! From engineering to ministry to coffee...check out and and let us know what you think in the comments below! Liquid Creative is ...
Sep 06, 2021•46 min•Season 4Ep. 66
Podcast fam! Happy Friday! This coming Monday, we have a fire episode with Jan & David Patterson of Patticakes coming your way. Check out this quick Side Hustle to learn about how having faith during the COVID-19 Pandemic is key as well as how amazing the customer base is for their support through such a hard time. We want to give a huge shoutout to Liquid Creative for helping us all summer long to get this podcast to you! Be sure to check them out and give them some love: https://liquidcrea...
Sep 03, 2021•7 min
Jason Carr started out in retail management, working long hours and crazy shifts. When he met a connection at Express Employment Professionals, he had to reflect on just how awful retail really was. After a journey of promotions and growth, he now OWNS the Gainesville franchise of Express Pros, where he connects talented people with great businesses all day long! I’m so happy I got to sit down with Jason to ask all my BURNING questions about hiring great talent! Where are all the great employees...
Aug 30, 2021•46 min•Season 4Ep. 165
Podcast fam! In our upcoming episode, I sat down with Jason Carr of Express Employment Professionals. With a CRAZY hiring market, Jason is sharing strategies on how to have success in your hiring process. I loved hearing his perspective on the challenges businesses are facing right now - getting people to show up for interviews, losing candidates during the hiring process, and more! Check out this Monday’s episode at 8am to hear all his hiring advice! This side hustle podcast preview is brought ...
Aug 27, 2021•9 min
In this episode, I sat down with my good friend Cody Meche, an Agile Coach with Institute Agility. This guy loves helping businesses make the most of their teams. The lessons he brings - feedback loops, relationships, and autonomy - are useful for all businesses and even families! This guy knows how to get you thinking about your employees, teams, and relationships. You know I used this time to reflect on improving my own team - and you can too! This episode is almost a mini-session of Agile Coa...
Aug 23, 2021•46 min•Season 4Ep. 164
On Monday’s episode, I sat down with my friend Cody Meche. He’s helped me with my own business as an agility coach. I asked the expert to break down what agile coaching means and how it can help entrepreneurs like me. Here’s a sneak preview of our conversation! Be sure to check back at 8am on Monday to learn more about agility coaching in business. Shoutout to the GNV Commercial Advisors at Colliers Gainesville for sponsoring this side hustle! They have the most experienced commercial real estat...
Aug 20, 2021•5 min
Jose Juarez auditioned for a living grilling contest on Live with Kelly and Ryan in 2015 after being convinced by his wife. His hobby led him to WIN $10,000 and fame for his unique hot sauce. With his cash prize and his moments of fame, he decided to turn his sauce into a business instead of just giving it away. Now, his business, Barbacuban’s 455 Sauce, is bringing the best sauces to YOUR table. What a JOURNEY Jose has gone through - from auditioning on a whim to selling sauce around the countr...
Aug 16, 2021•44 min•Season 4Ep. 163
Podcast fam! I sat down with Jose Juarez - the Barbacuban - to talk hot sauce! Jose won a cash prize of $10,000 and the title of America’s Next Grill Star in 2015. He used that money to start a business that brings his delicious sauces to the world. He’s now selling hot sauce online to buyers from Ocala to Oklahoma and beyond! This Side Hustle is brought to you by Gainesville Harley Davison! The last Friday of every month is Bike Night at Gainesville Harley - everyone is welcome to join us from ...
Aug 13, 2021•5 min•Season 4Ep. 163
Meagan Anderson is one of those entrepreneurs whose corporate experience sparked a whole new entrepreneurial adventure. This marketer and entrepreneur started out at Bentley! Yes, she worked at the luxury car company and FELL IN LOVE with the care they put into their vehicles. Now, she’s translated her passion for the end user experience into Well Wish, an individualized service for putting together the MOST thoughtful gifts for her clients. Sitting down with Meagan for this episode was a BLAST!...
Aug 09, 2021•50 min•Season 4Ep. 162
