In this Building Pensacola interview, Jeff Rogers — founder of Buzz Marketing and former Gulf Power communications leader — shares proven, real-world tactics any entrepreneur or local business can use to grow.You’ll learn: • How to turn word-of-mouth into a repeatable strategy • The “go ugly early” approach to crisis communication • A listening-first superpower that disarms angry customers • A media mix playbook for Google Business Profile, SEO, reviews, PR, radio, billboards, and digital adsJeff also breaks down: • Small, medium, and “all of the above” campaign tiers • Why consistent posting on Google Business Profile drives results • How to cut through inbox noise with press releases • What metrics show your buzz is working • Why generous community involvement and authentic relationships convert better than cold outreachWe also cover: • Launching a company after corporate life • Building referral flywheels • Leading with serviceWatch to the end for practical steps you can implement this week to get people talking about your brand — and subscribe for more Pensacola business leadership interviews and growth tactics.Buzz Marketing: https://www.hirebuzzmarketing.com/clients

Time Stamps:00:00 Intro01:10 Jeff Rogers' Background01:35 Experience at Gulf Power04:46 Communication Strategy at Gulf Power06:14 Importance of Humanizing a Company09:29 Listening and Empathy in Communication12:18 Breaking Bad News16:07 Transition to Covenant Care16:33 Start of Buzz Marketing17:11 Explosive Growth in Buzz Marketing17:49 Importance of Networking and Referrals19:01 Word of Mouth Marketing Strategy20:38 Importance of Testimonials21:15 Success of Covenant Care's Marketing22:26 Thinking Like an Employee23:23 View on Billboards25:04 Different Campaign Sizes27:05 Importance of Google Business Profile28:42 Measuring Word of Mouth Campaigns31:02 Marketing Local Events31:15 Pensacola Egg Fest and Philanthropy32:12 Importance of Service and Giving Back38:11 Role of Faith in Leadership39:35 Advice for Entrepreneurs40:50 Importance of Networking and Building Relationships43:07 Rapid Fire Questions47:11 Current Reading and Inspiration50:04 Favorite Local Restaurants51:14 Experience with Marketing for Restaurants52:08 Where to Find Jeff and Buzz Marketing

Jakob Carmichael is revolutionizing public safety. His startup, RescAlert, merges police, fire, EMS, and volunteer data into one AI-driven dashboard, while the free Overwatch app sends real-time alerts to families.

In this Building Pensacola episode, Jakob shares how a hurricane, a servant-leader mindset, and Pensacola’s tight-knit community shaped his journey from teenage tinkerer to life-saving tech founder.Jakob reveals:◽️ The single disaster that sparked his mission to build smarter emergency tools.◽️ How one AI overlay pinpoints the next best move for first responders in seconds.◽️ Why he hires for a servant’s heart first, skills second.◽️ The steps any founder can take to validate an idea without burning cash.◽️ How Pensacola’s collaborative culture is fueling a rising tech scene.Download Overwatch By RescAlertApple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/overwatch-by-rescalert/id6475739298Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rescalert.overwatchVisit RecAlert: https://rescalert.com/Time Stamps:00:00:00 - Intro00:05:05 - Jakob's Vision and Mission00:09:17 - The Genesis of Jacob's Business Idea00:12:01 - Jakob's Business Today00:15:17 - Jakob's Views on Education and College00:19:15 - Jakob's Approach to Business and Mentors00:26:41 - The Role of Family in Jakob's Business00:27:33 - Challenges and Growth in Jakob's Business00:29:08 - Overcoming Business Obstacles and Innovations00:30:37 - Introduction to Overwatch by RescAlert00:35:37 - Data Security in Overwatch00:46:53 - Future of Pensacola00:47:55 - Predict, Prepare, and Prevail00:50:49 - Jakob's Views on Innovation and Risk Taking00:54:15 - Jakob's Hiring Philosophy and Team Building01:01:21 - Rapid-fire Questions with Jakob01:05:52 - Jakob's Book Recommendations01:06:34 - Jakob's Future Entrepreneurial Plans

In this episode of Building Pensacola, host Zach Dykes sits down with community leader and entrepreneur Donnie Peterson for a powerful and inspiring conversation on leadership, business, and purpose. Donnie shares his journey from being a Chick-fil-A Operating Partner and local pastor to founding Collaire, a leadership development company focused on cultivating culture and character within small businesses. He discusses the importance of servant leadership, building ecosystems that develop people across all ages, and ensuring leadership principles are universally human—not just Western. From his impactful work in Uganda to mentoring youth in Pensacola, Donnie emphasizes creating a lasting legacy through intentional influence, personal discipline, and authentic care. Tune in for deep insights, practical advice, and a refreshing take on building a business—and a life—of meaning.👉 Learn more or work with Donnie at: https://www.colere.world/

Buying or selling a home in Pensacola? Wondering what it takes to succeed in real estate or avoid costly mistakes? Realtor Ashley Murray breaks it all down with real stories, tips, and local insight. In this episode, Ashley shares her journey from teaching to real estate, how being on a team fast-tracked her success, and why education plays a key role in helping buyers and sellers feel confident. We talk about building a strong network, prepping a home to sell, common pitfalls for first-time buyers, and what makes the Pensacola market unique. Whether you’re a new agent, a curious buyer, or someone looking to sell, this conversation offers practical steps, honest advice, and a better understanding of what it takes to thrive in real estate.Want to work with Ashley? https://www.levinrinkerealty.com/agent-bio/ashleym

Blake Jones was slinging drinks one day and booking high-profile photo gigs the next—all because of a random LinkedIn message. Wild, right? In this episode, he breaks down how a simple profile update put him on the radar of a global brand, why networking is the cheat code to success, and the brutal lessons he learned about running a business.

If you’re a freelancer, creative, or entrepreneur trying to level up and land bigger clients, you need to hear this.

Pensacola business owners, entrepreneurs, and coffee lovers—this episode is for you. We dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Caleb, the founder of Makers Cafe, a thriving coffee shop in downtown Pensacola. Learn how he transitioned from photography and videography into building a beloved community hub, how branding set them apart, and what it takes to manage a growing team. We also discuss business challenges, the importance of relationships, and why customer experience is everything. Whether you’re launching a startup or scaling your business, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, branding, and resilience. Subscribe for more stories of local business success!

Welcome to Building Pensacola, Episode 0!

Join me, Zach Dykes, and my co-host Nic Wilson as we kick off a brand-new podcast dedicated to highlighting the business leaders, community builders, and change-makers shaping Pensacola.

In this episode, we’re laying out our mission—digging into real conversations with local success stories to uncover the lessons, struggles, and wins that can help you fast-track your own journey.Building Pensacola isn’t just another podcast. It’s a space for growth, innovation, and community, where we bring you stories that matter.

You can find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, and LinkedIn—and we want to hear from you! Drop your feedback, suggest guests, and be part of the conversation.

Our first guest? Caleb Pierce, owner of Maker’s Café & Espresso Bar on Palafox. Get ready—this is going to be good.

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