Locality's Making Bank
Host Keith Costello, CEO of Locality Bank, and South Florida visionaries take you on an entrepreneurial journey from tribulation to triumph as they share the stories that have shaped them.
Episodes
What happens when a West Point grad and a polyglot philosopher team up to fix one of banking's biggest pain points? You get Parlay Finance, an AI-powered Loan Intelligence System reshaping small business lending. In this episode, co-founders Jay Long and Alex McLeod share how a mission to help Afghan refugees led to a startup that's giving bankers and business owners their time (and trust) back.
Anthony Clarke’s journey started with $15 flyer gigs and a front-row seat to his parents’ work ethic. That foundation shaped how he thinks, works, and serves. And today, he leads an award-winning agency helping restaurants grow through smart, relentless marketing. In this episode, he shares how he found his calling, why "unlimited" value is non-negotiable, and the lessons he learned the hard way. If you're thinking about taking the...
When Zeina Zein-Wolland started Mobile School Pantry with nothing but a red Jetta and a mission, she had no idea just how far it would go. In this episode, Z shares how a simple act of giving turned into a movement that now feeds thousands of families across South Florida. Her story is one of grit, purpose, and the power of showing up. Learn more at https://mobileschoolpantry.org/.
Brad Tuckman went from running global content studios to launching The Fort, South Florida's newest pickleball hub. In this episode, Brad shares how an unexpected mix of timing, tenacity, and creative reinvention led him to build the country’s first pickleball stadium. We discuss early setbacks, scaling with heart, and what it means to create a genuine third place. Learn more at @PlayTheFort and www.playthefort.com.
From financial advisor to tech founder, Jason R. Hill has gone all in. In this candid episode, he shares how a pandemic idea became the Owwll app (https://owwll.com/), why true connection matters more than ever, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.
Lil Roberts, Founder & CEO of Xendoo, joins the Making Bank podcast to share how she turned adversity into fuel, building a tech-forward accounting company from the ground up. In this candid conversation, she breaks down her entrepreneurial scorecard, the gut-check moments behind every business, and why helping 50,000 small businesses is her north star.
In this episode, Randy Goggans, founder of BankerBounty (http://bankerbounty.com/), shares his journey from growing up on a farm in Alabama to creating a game-changing platform for community banks. Randy and Locality Bank CEO, Keith Costello, dive deep into entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and the vital role of relationships in local banking.
Javier Jorge’s journey is anything but linear. From dropping out of college to working in pest control, spraying Publix floors to make ends meet, to launching two tech startups, one of them while leading SBA lending at Locality Bank, his story is about grit, clarity, and what happens when experience meets purpose. In this episode, Javier shares how setbacks fueled his success and why helping small businesses unlock their potential ...
Basil Bernard bet $10K on a business... and nearly lost it all. But a single pivot changed everything. In this episode of Locality's Making Bank Podcast, he shares how Apricot Office Interiors rose from humble beginnings, weathered the Great Recession, and stayed grounded through it all. This story is about grit, grace, and the quiet strength it takes to start again. Learn more about Apricot Office Interiors at http://apricotos.com...
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 Constructio...
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 somethi...
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 Podc...
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 ...
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 ...
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:
- ...
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 ...
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:
...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...
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 inspiri...
Locality's Keith Costello sits down with South Florida's own entrepreneurial icon, Alan B. Levan, Chairman of BBX Capital. Alan shares his incredible journey from starting in his family's pest control business to becoming a real estate mogul and a legendary banker.
Key topics covered:
- Early Beginnings: Moving from Brooklyn to Florida at 15 and how it transformed his outlook.
- Entrepreneurial Roots: Transitioning from his fath...
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