FSU PC College of Entrepreneurship

Hosted by Brian Baber

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

Latest episode

Apr 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to the FSU PC Entrepreneurship Lunch and Learn Podcast. I am Brian Baber, your host. In each episode, we'll dive into the lives of successful entrepreneurs. Get ready to be inspired as we embark on this journey together through the exciting world of entrepreneurship, where we'll uncover the stories behind their business success. https://pc.fsu.edu/entrepreneurship

Listen to episodes

19 recent

April 14, 20261 hr 35 min

2026 April - Aerial Payne

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.

March 24, 20261 hr 17 min

2026 March - Britt Matthews

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.

February 15, 20261 hr 20 min

2026 January - Jeff O'Hara

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.

January 28, 20261 hr 26 min

2026 January - Jason Hedden

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.

November 17, 20251 hr 18 min

2025 November - Cramer

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.

October 17, 20251 hr 29 min

2025 October - Kim Godwin

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.

September 16, 20251 hr 24 min

2025 September - Edward San Juan

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.

April 23, 20251 hr 15 min

2025 April - Mark McNees

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.

March 26, 20251 hr 10 min

2025 March - Allan Bense

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.

February 14, 2025Episode 11 hr 17 min

2025 February - Kevin Elliott

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