Dottie Groover-Skipper, founder of the Heart Dance Foundation and a relentless advocate against human trafficking, substance abuse, and exploitation, shares her journey from corporate wellness to building a mission-driven nonprofit that supports vulnerable individuals in the adult entertainment industry. She offers insights into the challenges, strategies, and careful approach required to tackle this critical work. Covering sensitive topics, including sex trafficking and child abuse, this episode highlights the reality of exploitation and the power of advocacy to bring light into the darkest corners of our communities. Listener discretion is advised. Produced by David “Fingers” Bell and hosted by Nicole Valentin Alicea.

We’re thrilled to welcome back retired commercial banker, Cynthia Weiss, for a candid and insightful discussion about protecting your business from fraud. Cynthia shares five key practices that every small business owner should implement to safeguard their company, including tips on handling vendors, monitoring cash flow, and establishing clear financial controls. We explore real-life examples of fraud, from fake vendors to internal embezzlement, and provide actionable advice on how to prevent these situations from happening to you.

Anthony Koffman, Mission and Ethics Director at BayCare Health System, discusses BayCare’s rich history and legacy, and how Mission and Values guide daily operations—from business decisions to community programs. We also discuss ethics in healthcare, sharing stories of tough decisions regarding patient care, such as organ donation and end-of-life matters. Anthony also introduces us to BayCare’s four-quadrant ethics matrix, used to make tough decisions when faced with ethical dilemmas. Produced by David “Fingers” Bell and hosted by Nicole Valentin Alicea.

We had the privilege of sitting down with the incredible Linda Hurtado-Bond—an Emmy Award-winning journalist, best-selling author, breast cancer survivor, and mother of five! Linda opened up about how she juggles her high-profile career at Fox 13, writing thrilling novels, and raising a family, all while staying true to her passions. In this episode, Linda breaks down the entire process of getting your book published—from finding critique groups to landing an agent—and shares best practices for balancing it all. You won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation about following your dreams, getting your book published, and maintaining balance in a busy life! Produced by David "Fingers" Bell and hosted by Nicole Valentin Alicea.

In this captivating episode, Shane Combs, Ph.D., MBA, opens up about his transformation from running a million-dollar ad agency to guiding students at the University of South Florida. Host Nicole Valentin Alicea explores Shane’s journey of reinvention, leadership, and the new generation’s approach to values and work. Join us for an insightful conversation, produced by David "Fingers" Bell, that delves into entrepreneurship, purpose, and what it takes to thrive in an ever-changing world.

In this episode of Create Brand NV, host Nicole Alicea welcomes back employment law attorney Charlotte Fernee Kelly for an insightful discussion on women’s rights in the workplace, particularly surrounding pregnancy and lactation. Charlotte sheds light on critical laws like the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Pregnant Workers' Fairness Act (PWFA), and the Pump Act, offering guidance on how these laws overlap and the accommodations employers must provide. Learn how to navigate complex workplace scenarios, ensure compliance, and protect your rights as an employee or employer. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking to understand the legal landscape of pregnancy-related workplace issues and how to foster a supportive and compliant work environment.Keywords: Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Pregnant Workers' Fairness Act, PWFA, Pump Act, workplace accommodations, employment law, women’s rights, lactation rights, employee rights, FMLA, ADA, employer compliance, pregnancy-related laws, workplace discrimination, Florida employment law.

James Neely, SVP of KUDUCOM™, joins me to explore the intricacies of growing your company in a tech-centric environment with a remote and hybrid workforce. In this episode, we delve into three main areas: Adapting and Scaling Your Business: Discover best practices for adapting to remote work, scaling your business, and implementing effective hybrid workforce strategies. Learn how to recruit top talent remotely and maintain productivity in a tech-driven environment.Technical and Security Considerations: Understand the critical technical aspects of managing remote teams, including the use of Cisco WebEx solutions, voice over IP services, and contact center solutions. We also cover the importance of internet service providers for business and the latest in millimeter wave technology. Additionally, we address essential security considerations to ensure your data remains protected in a remote setting.Emotional and Management Challenges: Gain insights into the emotional considerations of remote work, managing remote employees, and achieving work-life balance. We share strategies for overcoming the unique challenges of leading a remote team and maintaining team cohesion.Join us for a comprehensive discussion that combines practical advice with expert insights to help you navigate and thrive in today’s evolving business landscape.

Michael Budensiek, owner of The Fit Effect, and Nicole Alicea of Brand NV discuss the business of gyms and fitness. They explore how prioritizing self-care can have a profound impact on all aspects of life, leading to greater success.

Sit down with Eric Parker, a Special Operations Combat Veteran with nearly 30 years of experience in the security industry. Eric's impressive career includes military service, private security, high-threat contracting with Blackwater in Iraq and Afghanistan, and federal service with the Diplomatic Security Service as a Subject Matter Expert on High Threat Protection. Now the President of Vault Management Group, Eric oversees Red Variable Concepts, a security consulting and investigations firm, and founded the Select International Training Institute, where he trains elite executive protection specialists. In this episode, Eric shares exciting and sometimes frightening stories about his experiences overseas and how he transitioned to founding his own companies to fulfill his mission to train the next generation of security professionals. He also discusses the importance of mental health awareness and his dedication to supporting fellow veterans. Tune in for an inspiring and exciting conversation about courage, resilience, leadership, and the ever-evolving security industry.

In this episode, Nicole interviews Dave and Alex Trudeau of Clear Armor. Dave, the founder and CEO, shares his journey of creating the strongest protective glass laminate after a personal break-in experience. Alex, the COO, discusses the operational side, detailing installations in schools, police departments, businesses, and homes.The Trudeaus explain Clear Armor's innovative product, designed to withstand smash-and-grab attempts, riots, and bullets, emphasizing their patented technology and dedication to safety. Discover the inspiring story behind Clear Armor and their commitment to protecting lives. Whether you're an entrepreneur or interested in security technology, this episode offers valuable insights and advice surrounding the challenges of launching an innovative new product.

Geek out with us on the future of AI in SEO! In this episode, we welcome Greg Brooks, partner and Chief Marketing Officer at Search Tides. Hear the latest in AI-driven SEO strategies and learn the "secret sauce" to ensure your business ranks well on Google, Bing and other search engines.

In this episode of the Create Brand NV Podcast, host Nicole Alicea sits down with JP Lebel, the driven and visionary founder of Lebel Landscaping. Starting from humble beginnings as a college student mowing residential lawns, JP has transformed his side gig into a flourishing landscaping empire. Discover how his natural business acumen, determination, and decisions propelled Lebel Landscaping to success, landing prestigious clients like Zoo Tampa, Busch Gardens, and the Florida Aquarium, just to name a few.

Not everyone is qualified to make accurate valuations, so don't let someone tell you you're too expensive. Know your worth. Price yourself correctly. Effectively tell the story of the value you bring to the table. Join me as I share my thoughts on pricing, worth, and value.

After a brief hiatus, Nicole is back! Learn the difference between B2B and B2C marketing, marketing and advertising, and bias in marketing advice. If you have 20 minutes and love talking shop, join me!

Licensed Psychologist Dr. Carlos Garcia, owner and founder of Tampa Counseling and Wellness, shares the 5 Major Psychological Shifts business owners need to make if they want to blossom into successful business leaders:Broadening your vision (i.e., how to go from working "in" your business to working "on" your business, seeing opportunity, how to stay thinking "big picture.")Learning to lead (i.e., honing leadership skills, managing people, learning EI skills)Putting your ego aside (i.e., letting go of "control"; letting go of ego, learning to delegate, seeking support)Letting go of fear and limiting beliefs (i.e., dealing with fear of failure and fear of success)Imposter syndrome (i.e., what it is and why it happens)Dr. Carlos Garcia can be reached via phone at 954-830-6222 or online at www.tampacw.com

Meet the team behind the Create Brand NV Podcast. Listen to Fingers and Nicole reminisce about their 20-year friendship, traffic reports done from airplanes back in the day, but most of all, celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the Create Brand NV podcast. Easy listening for a change with a few laughs in between!

Join me in my conversation with Sarah Cole, the President and CEO of the Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa, Florida, as we discuss the business of fun and play. If you're involved in strategic leadership, we hope this episode inspires you!

Lori Goldsmith is an experienced HR professional with a wealth of knowledge in global HR practices. We delve into the common mistakes business owners make when expanding their team, which can lead to high turnover rates and potentially jeopardize the business. Lori shares advice on creating and maintaining company culture and the difference between leadership and management, as well as best practices for clear communication in the workplace and proper employee coaching. This episode is a must-listen for small business owners and anyone interested in the pivotal role of HR in shaping a successful, ethical, and thriving business environment.

Banks look at both personal and business finances when giving business loans. Cynthia Weiss, a retired banker, offers guidance on how business owners can clean up their personal credit to get themselves in the best position to be offered favorable lending terms and lower interest rates. This episode is also full of juicy money stories that'll make you chuckle. If you love money talk, tap play!

In this episode, I sit down with Jim Marshall of Sandler (Sales) Training of Tampa Bay. Join us to unpack the stigma of the sleazy salesperson and learn best practices for identifying the top 10% of professional salespeople.

In this episode, we sit down with the accomplished Sheldon Ramkisson—a self-made businessman with an uncanny knack for turning struggling businesses into prosperous ventures. With a consolidated operating revenue of $9 million across six businesses, Sheldon offers unparalleled insights into the science of business and its intricate dance between numbers, passion, and leadership.Delving deep into the underpinnings of successful business scaling, Sheldon challenges our conventional understanding of customer relations, team management, and the role of an owner. What does it mean to truly know your customer? How do you imbue your team with your fervor for the product, and why is letting go crucial for growth?This episode is not just an exploration of business strategy but a deep dive into the psychology of leadership and the art of trust. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business magnate, Sheldon's sage advice promises to transform the way you view your enterprise. Don't miss out on the chance to learn from one of the industry's finest minds.

Bring pen and paper to my conversation with Tony Miller, a seasoned entrepreneur from Tampa, Florida, where we discuss the importance of thorough due diligence in any business endeavor.With five diverse business ventures under his belt in just 17 years, Tony has a keen eye for business and a wealth of hard-knock wisdom.He has owned a marketing and advertising agency, a distillery, an online education platform, and an innovative application for the industrial packaging space. Presently, he is developing a mammoth multi-million-dollar Surf Park, Peak Surf Park, the first of its kind in the area - a first-mover project.In this insightful conversation, Tony takes us behind the scenes of his ventures, sharing the hard truth of what it takes to make a business "go." Tony outlines the questions you'll need to ask yourself to conduct thorough due diligence and pressure-test your business idea from all angles before jumping in and risking it all.

Kevin Citarella, the owner and founder of Citarella Pest Control gives us a peek under the hood of his service-based business model. In this episode, Kevin breaks down what it takes to start a pest control business, including licenses, degrees, experience and certifications. We talk about how he trains his team, the logistics of covering a large territory and he shares his best advice on pitching and getting new business.

Dive into the world of Jack Daniels with Brenda Terry, the brand's one and only Brand Ambassador for the state of Florida, as she reveals the secrets behind the Master Distiller, Distributor, and Supplier side of the business. In this eye-opening episode, Brenda shares her unique role in educating and inspiring the bartending community to explore Jack Daniels in new and innovative ways, leading to personalized recommendations for patrons, and ultimately increased sales. Discover how Brenda's refreshing approach adds a localized touch to this international spirits powerhouse, and learn how you can apply these game-changing strategies to your own business. Cheers to creativity!

Sue Trecasse is a force to be reckoned with in the radio industry. For a decade, she served as the Operations Manager of News Radio 970 WFLA-AM, The Sports Animal 620 WDAE-AM, and the Devil Rays Radio Network, with immediate oversight of 970 WFLA as Program Director. Under her leadership, 970 WFLA consistently ranked in the top 5 in the Tampa Metro area for the Key Demographic of 25 – 54, often reaching #1, and was also in the top 10 for the 18 – 34 demographic, a rare feat for an AM News/Talk station. Sue's uncompromising stance on advertising and programming quality, prioritizing brand experience over profits, stirred up controversy, and she fiercely guarded the reputation of the 970 brand. In this episode, we dive into Sue's tenure at the station, get to know the woman behind the mammoth operation, and reflect on best practices for protecting a major brand like 970 WFLA with 20/20 hindsight.

In this episode of Create Brand NV, Nicole Alicea sits down with Dr. Jerry Copeland, a pediatric dentist based out of Tampa, FL, to discuss the essential elements of running a successful pediatric dentistry practice. Dr. Copeland shares his experience purchasing an existing practice and integrating into the existing team while creating a new culture.Join the conversation as we delve into the challenges Dr. Copeland faced and the innovative solutions he implemented to create a delightful patient and parent experience. From hiring best practices to marketing strategies, we explore the key components required to build and grow a thriving pediatric dentistry practice.Whether you're a practicing dentist, business owner, or simply curious about what it takes to run a successful healthcare practice, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips you won't want to miss!

Today's guest is Isabel Norton. This episode will reveal the story behind the Robert Norton Foundation, a 501(c)(3) providing communication devices for families with non-verbal autistic children. You'll hear how Robert Norton's mom, Isabel Norton, came up with the idea and put a plan into action to help her son Robert and other families that also need this crucial communication device. For more information, visit www.givekidsavoice.org

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hearing from Pilar Ortiz, a highly accomplished communications expert and coach who has helped countless individuals and businesses improve their communication skills. Pilar shares her personal journey of transitioning from an employee mindset after losing her steady news anchor job of 11 years, to becoming an independent consultant who had to learn to price her services, create sales packages, and confidently ask for the sale. Pilar emphasizes the importance of the 3 C's: Clarity, Communication, and Closing, and stresses the significance of controlling our thoughts and how they impact our lives. She introduces the concept of "Imperfect Action," advocating for taking action even when everything isn't perfect. Overall, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. We appreciate you tuning in!

Sit in with me and my conversation with Tim Moore. Tim has built two successful video production companies with his partner Jonathan Davila. The first half of our discussion explores his companies from a business owner and entrepreneurial perspective. The second half dives headfirst into speculating about the future of virtual environments, simulation, the concept of virtually co-creating without the use of written or spoken language, our near-future ability to create content at the speed of thought, feeling and seeing the ideas of others in real-time, your reality getting jealous of your visions and other mind-bending concepts of the future.

My guest, Matt Loder, owns and operates multiple restaurants, but he is most well-known for being the son of Crabby Bill and Dolores, who founded The Original Crabby Bill's in 1983. In this episode, we explore how and why Crabby Bill's family brand of restaurants has consistently been able to nail the perfect customer experience for over 40 years. Learn first-hand the history of this legacy family business, the importance of succession planning, how to deal with problematic employees, and how Matt approaches strategically planning his portfolio of restaurants. We discuss failed businesses, the importance of humility in leadership, and more!

Today's guest is Cynthia Weiss, a commercial banking and lending expert who evaluates businesses' financials to determine whether that business can repay a loan, should one be granted. This interview features advice on handling your business financials correctly and discusses the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) of 1977 and what that means for small business lending in underprivileged areas. If you are a business owner that has ever borrowed money or you think that at some point you'll need someone else's money to grow your organization, listen up; this is a juicy episode you won't want to miss!

My guest today is Joni Adams, the CEO of Reimagine Office Furnishings. ROF is one of less than a small handful of office furniture dealers in the United States with full-scale remanufacturing capabilities. Hear the story of how she and her husband started their company selling simple office supplies and how they grew their business into a massive 120,000 sq ft office furniture dealership and remanufacturer. Today, Reimagine Office Furnishings outfits office furniture interiors for major companies with large office populations like the AVEDA Institute, New York Life, and Wipro, to name a few.

My guest today is Anthony Perrone, who is in his 34th year at the helm of the Pin Chasers Bowling Family Center empire, which has run thriving bowling centers in the Tampa Bay area for over 65 years!Hear the family business stories and learn about the lessons and values that the father, Bill Morris, instilled in his children. Learn about the history of the bowling business, the negative stereotypes they needed to overcome, and the strategies they implemented to combat each of these threats.We also discuss the challenges they face today, the mindset that enables them to be successful, and their plans for a successful future for the Pin Chasers brand of bowling centers.