In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred brings listeners inside the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa a gathering of veteran entrepreneurs focused on innovation, networking, and resource sharing. One of the expo’s standout moments is the Battle of the Pitches, where veteran-led startups showcase their business ideas for a chance at prize funding.

Tom sits down with Kyle Knowles and Chris Clemons, veterans and co-founders of Steadfast AI, a cybersecurity startup focused on reducing risk in AI applications. Kyle shares his evolution from computing enthusiast and Air Force aircraft mechanic to co-founding a cutting-edge tech company. Chris brings a background in law enforcement and aviation, rounding out the leadership team with strategic business insight.

Together, they discuss Steadfast AI’s mission to ensure data accuracy and integrity in AI systems, especially in the industrial and financial sectors. The conversation also explores AI’s role in the workforce, emphasizing its potential to enhance not eliminate jobs. The episode wraps with valuable insights into veteran entrepreneurship, the importance of community, and the critical role of leveraging support systems for business success.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: https://aisteadfast.com

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred reports from the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa, shining a spotlight on veteran entrepreneurship and the high-energy pitch competition that showcases innovative veteran-led businesses.

Featured in this episode is Michael Carroll, an Air Force veteran and CEO of Tech Driven Consulting, who emerged as one of the competition’s winners. Michael shares his transition from military service to launching a tech-forward business that specializes in cybersecurity assessments, AI automation, and cloud migration. As a Microsoft partner, his firm focuses on supporting professional services with cutting-edge IT solutions.

Michael also discusses his involvement with Veterans Florida and the UCF incubator program, both of which provided essential training and support for his entrepreneurial journey. He reflects on the experience of pitching his business live, the feedback from judges, and what it means to represent veterans in the tech space.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: https://techdrivenconsulting.com

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Maxine Reyes, veteran entrepreneur and founder of With Courage and Grace. Recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches, this conversation explores Maxine’s inspiring transition from 22 years of military service in the Air Force and Army to launching a brand that uplifts and motivates others, especially women veterans.

Maxine discusses her entrepreneurial journey and the creation of ventures like Maxine Reyes Live, focused on motivational speaking and event hosting, and Happily Joined, a joint initiative with her husband supporting military couples. She emphasizes the value of utilizing resources such as Veterans Florida and Action Zone, offers candid insight into building a personal brand, and shares the challenges and rewards of turning motivation into a business. Her story is a testament to the power of purpose, resilience, and community in the world of veteran entrepreneurship.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:

https://www.maxinereyes.com | https://www.couragegrace.org/