Locality’s Making Bank

What happens when a paperboy grows up to build one of South Florida’s most respected construction firms? In this episode, father-daughter duo Tom and Traci Miller of Miller Construction share the real story behind 50+ years of business—family values, hard calls, and the kind of culture you can’t fake. From weathering recessions to redefining legacy, this is a masterclass in principled leadership. Learn more about Miller Construction Company at millerconstruction.com.

What happens when you’ve built a thriving business, and it still doesn’t feel right? JR Lay shares his journey from web design wunderkind to bestselling author, revealing the hard resets, personal truths, and shifting perspectives that shaped his entrepreneurial evolution. From the early days of Napster-era hustle to his vision of the "Wisdom Economy," this episode is a masterclass in letting go, starting over, and creating something that matters.Note: Since recording, JR Lay has launched Level Up Business, where he helps B2B entrepreneurs grow through brand research, podcasting, and book publishing. https://www.levelupbusiness.com/

What does it take to go from humble beginnings in India to leading billion-dollar banks in the U.S.? Andrew Samuel, CEO of LINKBANK, shares his incredible story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and faith. From his first business selling cow dung as a child to taking multiple banks public, Andrew's journey is packed with valuable insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.In this episode of Locality’s Making Bank Podcast, Andrew and host Keith Costello discuss:✔️ The early lessons in entrepreneurship from his upbringing in India✔️ How he hustled his way into banking without industry connections✔️ The future of community banking and why it matters for entrepreneurs✔️ The power of values, mentorship, and investing in the next generationAndrew’s story is proof that success isn’t just about where you start—it’s about perseverance, relationships, and making a lasting impact.

Success. Some inherit it. Others chase it. But the rare few create it through vision and perseverance.Meet Jim Ryan. The son of a Waldorf-Astoria professional who taught him that true character matters more than the size of your wallet. When corporate restructuring ended his AT&T career, he saw an opportunity where others saw setbacks. In a world of instant gratification and quick wins, he built something meaningful - a global company of 2,000 people who connect humans in an increasingly disconnected world.This isn't just another business story. This is about seeing opportunity in change, about building lasting value in a fast-moving world. It's about someone who saw beyond the conventional wisdom of what a business should be, creating innovative solutions for how people connect.Join us for an hour of unfiltered conversation about:The art of turning setbacks into opportunitiesWhy the traditional path isn't always the right oneThe evolution from voice to digital, and why humanity still mattersHow mentorship shapes the next generationThe future of business in South Florida's growing tech scene

What does it take to turn a college side hustle into a growing brand? In this episode of Locality's Making Bank Podcast, Keith Costello sits down with Nick Wucher, the youngest entrepreneur featured on the show so far. Nick shares how he built his streetwear brand, YIFNO, while juggling college, a day job, and pop-up events across the globe. With advice on overcoming fears, taking action, and embracing discomfort, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiration for young entrepreneurs eager to make their mark.

Norman Kravitz, founder of FulfillMe, a technology-enabled third-party logistics (3PL) company specializing in e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, shares his entrepreneurial journey from humble beginnings to building a multimillion-dollar business. From his days at the U.S. Postal Service to launching FulfillMe, Norman offers valuable insights for e-commerce entrepreneurs. Discover actionable takeaways, including: E-commerce fulfillment solutions to streamline operations and scale effectively. Proven strategies for managing financial risks during business growth. How perseverance and giving back create a sustainable business legacy. Learn more: https://www.fulfillme.com/.

What does it take to grow a law firm while keeping trust and relationships at the core? In this episode of Locality’s Making Bank Podcast, Eric Gros-Dubois, founder of EPGD Business Law, shares his journey from a solo practitioner to a thriving entrepreneur with a growing team. Eric discusses the systems he’s built to scale sustainably, the importance of trust in client and team relationships, and why networking has been his most powerful tool for growth. He also offers practical advice on avoiding legal pitfalls as a small business owner. Whether you’re managing a law firm or growing any small business, this episode offers actionable insights to help you scale with purpose.

On this episode of Locality's Making Bank Podcast, Keith Costello sits down with Jaime Sturgis, an entrepreneur who’s not just building businesses—he’s literally transforming neighborhoods. Jaime’s the real deal: a Fort Lauderdale native who took the leap, bet on himself, and turned overlooked areas like Flagler Village into thriving hotspots. This episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurship and staying hungry. Jaime breaks down: How to spot untapped opportunities others miss. The grind of bootstrapping (and why you should embrace it). Balancing big wins with family life (because legacy is greater than short-term success). Why betting on your local community is the ultimate ROI. If you’re about growth, hustle, and making an impact where it counts, this episode is for you. Hit play, take notes, and GET TO WORK. Learn more about Jaime at https://nativerealty.com/

Ready to turn your passion into a profitable empire? In this episode, we dive deep with Daniel Brandt, founder of Billiards by Brandt, a luxury brand that started with one guy’s love for craftsmanship and turned into a global success. Daniel shares how he went from law school to building high-end, custom game tables for A-list clients – all by mastering the art of listening, creating, and always putting clients first. Get the real, raw insights on building something extraordinary from the ground up, the power of a lifetime of client loyalty, and why creating your own path is the key to making it big. If you’re an entrepreneur looking for inspiration, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Learn more at www.billiardsbybrandt.com.

Ben Genet, a seasoned real estate investor and entrepreneur, shares his journey from his family's entrepreneurial roots to building Genet Property Group. He discusses overcoming challenges like the Savings and Loans Crisis and the Great Recession, the power of relationships, and the importance of community involvement in achieving success. Hear about Ben's unique perspective on philanthropy, the lessons he learned from his inspiring mentors, and why community engagement is key to a thriving business. Learn more at https://genetgroup.com/.