Welcome back to Hometown Jax, the podcast where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler dive into the stories, challenges, and breakthroughs of Jacksonville’s business owners and community leaders. Each episode uncovers the real paths behind local success — the resilience, the pivots, and the lessons that shape Northeast Florida’s most driven entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Keola Elobt of MAI Capital Management for a conversation that blends military mindset with financial strategy. Keola opens up about his time at West Point, sharing how the academy’s intense discipline, leadership training, and values shaped the way he now guides clients through wealth building and long-term planning. He discusses the pressure of performing under high stakes, what West Point taught him about managing stress and complexity, and how those same principles apply directly to investing. From navigating emotional financial decisions to helping families build security with confidence, Keola offers a grounded, deeply human perspective on money. This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to understand the connection between mindset, discipline, and financial success.

Welcome to Hometown Jax, where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler sit down with Jacksonville’s business owners, leaders, and changemakers to uncover their stories, challenges, and the lessons that shape their impact on the local community. Each episode highlights the perseverance, creativity, and heart behind the people building Northeast Florida’s future — one story at a time.

In this powerful episode, Aaron sits down with Pastor Trevor Hersey, founder of Champion Church in St. Augustine. Trevor opens up about his path from a turbulent adolescence and family hardship to finding faith, overcoming depression, and launching a ministry focused on helping others “win in life.” He shares the struggles of starting a church from scratch, his mission to serve local families and even prison inmates through outreach programs, and the real emotional toll of leadership. Trevor’s honesty about mental health, purpose, and persistence offers a message of hope that will resonate far beyond the pulpit.

Welcome to Hometown Jax, the podcast where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler sit down with local business owners and community leaders to uncover their journeys, challenges, and impact on Northeast Florida. Each week, we highlight the people behind Jacksonville’s growing economy — the innovators, dreamers, and everyday workers who make this city thrive.

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Deana Smith, Executive Director and Operating Partner of LearningRx Jacksonville Beach, to explore how brain training is revolutionizing how we think about learning and mental performance. Deana dives into neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to change — and how her center helps children and adults strengthen their cognitive skills, overcome ADHD, dyslexia, and memory challenges, and unlock their true potential. From the science behind brain function to her own personal journey as a mother and educator, this conversation reveals how a new approach to brain health can create lasting change for students, families, and even seniors.

Welcome back to Hometown Jax — the podcast where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler sit down with Jacksonville’s entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders to uncover their journeys, challenges, and the stories that make our city thrive. Each episode dives deep into what drives our guests to make a difference in Northeast Florida, celebrating the spirit of hard work and hometown pride that keeps Jacksonville growing.

In this inspiring conversation, Aaron sits down with Dr. Corey Duncan, founder of Duncan Health Direct, to explore his journey from biology student to family physician — and how his experiences in traditional medicine led him to create a more personal, patient-first healthcare model. Dr. Duncan shares candid stories from medical school, long hospital shifts, and the mental toll of the pandemic, before explaining why he’s now passionate about direct primary care — a model that puts relationships and real access back at the center of medicine. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to become a doctor or how healthcare could be done better, this episode will change how you think about modern medicine.

Welcome to Hometown Jax, the podcast where hosts Jason Kindler and Aaron Backus sit down with local business owners to share their journeys, challenges, and impact on Jacksonville’s community. Each episode dives into the stories of entrepreneurs who are shaping the city, giving listeners an inside look at the grit, creativity, and perseverance that make Jacksonville thrive. Whether you’re a fellow business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about the people driving your city forward, Hometown Jax is here to inspire and connect you with the heart of Jax.

In this episode, Jason sits down with Michael Jay, co-owner of Tweeds, Jacksonville’s premier custom suit and menswear shop. Michael shares his journey from running a pick-up and delivery dry cleaning business to helping build Tweeds into a multi-location brand across Florida. They discuss the art of custom suiting, elevating personal style, and how dressing with intention can boost confidence and professionalism. Michael also opens up about mentorship, giving back to the next generation, and why returning to his hometown has given him the platform to raise the standard of business and lifestyle in Jacksonville. Tune in to hear how passion, perseverance, and a love for your roots can create meaningful impact in your community.

Hometown Jax is a podcast dedicated to spotlighting the local entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners who make Jacksonville thrive. Hosted by Aaron Bacus, each episode dives into the real stories behind the brands—highlighting the challenges, risks, and personal growth that come with building a business from the ground up in our community.

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Stefani Grant, a professional hairstylist and entrepreneur, to talk about her journey in the beauty industry. Stefani shares what it was like getting started behind the chair, the pressure and excitement of her first hair show, and the moment she knew she wanted to build something of her own. They discuss her approach to working with clients, how she helps people find confidence through their appearance, and her advice for young stylists looking to break into the industry. This episode offers an honest look at creativity, entrepreneurship, and what it really takes to turn passion into a career.

Welcome to Hometown Jax, where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler bring you into authentic conversations with the entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders shaping Jacksonville’s future. Each episode highlights the people behind the progress—the ones turning adversity into opportunity and building something meaningful right here on the First Coast.

In this heartfelt episode, Jason sits down with Chris Ulmer, founder of Special Books by Special Kids, to explore how one former special education teacher ended up sharing some of the world’s most powerful and overlooked human stories. Chris opens up about the early struggles of launching his platform, the deeply personal experiences that continue to shape his approach, and what it means to lead with curiosity, compassion, and love. From viral videos to global impact, this episode is a reminder that everyone—no matter their background or diagnosis—deserves to be heard and celebrated.

Welcome to Hometown Jax, the podcast where Aaron Bacus explores the real stories of Jacksonville’s most inspiring individuals—from entrepreneurs and athletes to community leaders—who share how they’ve overcome life’s challenges while staying grounded in purpose. Each episode digs deep into personal resilience, professional growth, and the kind of hard-earned wisdom that defines this city.

In this powerful episode, Aaron sits down with Patric Young, former Florida Gator basketball star, pro athlete, and ESPN analyst, whose life took a dramatic turn after a spinal cord injury in 2022. Patric opens up about his journey from dominating the court to facing life in a wheelchair—and how that experience reshaped his identity, faith, and mission. He speaks candidly about loss, perspective, and learning to serve others through pain. This conversation is raw, motivating, and deeply human—an absolute must-watch for anyone searching for strength in the face of unimaginable adversity.