Biz & Tech with Aegis

Jay Smith is President of Ajax Building Company and represents the 3rd generation of the Smith family that has run Ajax. Growing up, he was immersed in the business side of the industry with both his father and grandfather managing the family company. He is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and is proud to carry on the Ajax legacy while applying values instilled in him from an early age. In this episode, Blake and Jay discuss business legacy, community engagement, friendships, and much more. Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ and Charlie Bravo Pictures https://www.charliebravopictures.com/ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Jay Smith, President, Ajax Building Company WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

Bennett Napier is the President and CEO of Partners in Association Management, a professional services firm that serves as a strategic and operational partner for not-for-profit organizations. Bennett has been a Certified Association Executive for over 25 years and was named as one of “Florida’s Most Influential Business Leaders” for four years in a row by Florida Trend Magazine. He holds a Master of Science in Applied American Politics and Policy from Florida State University and has completed additional postgraduate work in Public Policy and National Security from the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Institute of World Politics. In this episode, Blake and Bennett discuss career milestones, books, heavy metal, and much more. Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ and Charlie Bravo Pictures https://www.charliebravopictures.com/ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Bennett Napier, President and CEO, Partners in Association Management WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

Sue Dick is the President and CEO of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, a position she has held since 2000. She is the first female executive to lead the Chamber. She is known for her dedication to community involvement, leadership roles in various organizations, and advocacy for economic development. In this episode, Blake and Sue discuss the Tallahassee business community, Sue’s personal history and career, the growth of the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, cybersecurity, organizational leadership, and more.  Produced by: Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Sue Dick, President & CEO, Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

Carter Jacobs is the owner and founder of Rearview Vintage & Vinyl, a record store in Midtown Tallahassee, FL. Carter started Rearview Vintage & Vinyl from his own personal record collection.  In this episode, Blake and Carter discuss musical, concerts, records, time travel, and more.  Produced by: Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ and Charlie Bravo Pictures https://www.charliebravopictures.com/ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Carter Jacobs, Owner/Founder, Rearview Vintage & Vinyl WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

Elizabeth Emmanuel is the Vice President of Public Affairs at the Florida Trucking Association. Emmanuel has a diverse professional background in both the public and private sectors. She most recently worked as CEO of the Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority, which was responsible for economic development and advocacy in Tallahassee. Prior to working in government, Emmanuel worked for corporate and family-owned funeral homes and then at the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. She is the Chair of Leadership Tallahassee, and a School Advisory Committee member for Lively Technical College. Emmanuel is a graduate of Tallahassee State College and valedictorian of Mid-America College in Indiana. In this episode, Blake and Elizabeth discuss trucking, career milestones, celebrity encounters, favorite books, and more.  Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ and Charlie Bravo Pictures https://www.charliebravopictures.com Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Elizabeth Emmanuel, Vice President of Public Affairs, Florida Trucking Association WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales

Reenee Williams-Walter has a diverse background in Event Planning, Public Relations, and Sales, spanning over a decade. Reenee holds the position of Rapid Response Coordinator at CareerSource Capital Region where she provides businesses with proactive strategies to prevent and minimize employee layoffs and business closures. Known as “the P.L.U.G.”, Reenee is a Certified Business Engagement Professional who uses Partner Leverage for Ultimate Growth and was recently recognized as one of the 25 Women to Know by the Tallahassee Democrat, 2024 Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year, Community Change Agent Recipient from Keiser University and currently in Class 42 for Leadership Tallahassee.  Beyond her professional career, Reenee finds joy in traveling with her family, going out in the ministry, cooking, gardening, white-water rafting, and mentoring. In this episode, Blake and Reenee discuss career development, the music industry, mentorship, surviving a plane crash, time travel, and more.  Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Reenee Williams-Walter, Rapid Response Coordinator, The Able Trust WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

Hadi Boulos is the President and CEO of Boulos Corporation, a real estate development and home building company. Hadi has over 25 years of experience in real estate development and international finance, turning visions into thriving communities across Florida.  With a career shaped by leadership roles at Merrill Lynch, Barclays, and Citibank, Boulos combines financial expertise with a passion for building homes that inspire and connect. In this episode, Blake and Hadi discuss Hadi’s career path and personal history, the home building industry, tennis, Maclay School, and much more. Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Hadi Boulos, President and CEO, Boulos Corporation WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

Josh McLawhorn is the director of UNFILTERED: The Truth About Oysters, an Emmy Award-winning feature documentary film that will be on PBS starting January 15, 2025. UNFILTERED: The Truth About Oysters dives into the reasons for the collapse of Apalachicola Bay’s oyster reefs, and what can be done to restore them to their historical health. Josh is also the founder and owner of Level Up Digital Media, a video production company President & Founder of The Able Trust, an organization whose mission is to advance employment for Floridians with disabilities through engagement, investment, and collaboration. Allison has more than twenty-five years’ experience, and has dedicated her career to the employment of people with disabilities.  In this episode, Blake and Josh discuss the process of creating and promoting a feature length documentary film, as well as Josh’s path to becoming a filmmaker. UNFILTERED: The Truth About Oysters will air on WFSU on January 15, 2025 at 8PM, and then be streaming nationwide on PBS Passport. Check www.oyster.film for air dates in other TV markets around the state, including Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Naples, Gainesville, Fort Myers, and Pensacola. Go to www.pbs.org to watch the film on PBS Passport. Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Josh McLawhorn, Director, UNFILTERED: The Truth About Oysters WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

Allison Chase is the President & CEO of The Able Trust, an organization whose mission is to advance employment for Floridians with disabilities through engagement, investment, and collaboration. Allison has more than twenty-five years’ experience, and has dedicated her career to the employment of people with disabilities.  In this episode, Blake and Allison discuss service, disability, career development, fundraising, books, and more.  Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Allison Chase, President & CEO, The Able Trust WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

Jay Revell is the Founder, President and Chief Storyteller at Revell Media, a company that does marketing, public relations, and brand storytelling. Jay is also an author, golfer, and adjunct faculty member at Florida State University College of Social Sciences & Public Policy. In this episode, Blake and Jay discuss community, storytelling, golf, time travel, and much more. Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Jay Revell, Founder, President and Chief Storyteller, Revell Media WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

Brian Welch is the Leon County Commissioner for District 4, as well as a teacher at Chiles High School. Brian has been a social studies teacher at Chiles since 2007, and is very involved with student life, from sponsoring clubs to taking students on international trips. In this episode, Blake and Brian discuss education, local government, Gen Z slang, travel, history, and much more. Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Brian Welch, Leon County Commissioner, Chiles High School Teacher WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

Miron Richardson is the vice president of universal retail banking at VyStar Credit Union. He is responsible for leading multiple branch & regional contact center operations, business development, community & business partnerships, and brand awareness within the Tallahassee Metro Area. In this episode, Blake and Miron discuss banking, career development, building communities, networking, and more.  Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Miron Richardson, Vice President of Universal Retail Banking at VyStar Credit Union WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

Fred Shelfer has been the CEO of Goodwill Industries - Big Bend, Inc. since 2002. He has an extensive business background as the developer of residential and commercial properties in Tallahassee, Panama City, and the surrounding areas. He still holds his insurance license (fire, casualty, life, health annuities) as well as his real estate broker’s license. Fred is a past Chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, past President of GIBB Inc. (developers and owners of apartments for people with disabilities and the elderly) and Lay leader and Chairman, Administrative Council, Pisgah United Methodist Church. In this episode, Blake and Fred discuss Fred’s career, the valuable role Goodwill plays in our communities, the importance of serving the community, and much more. Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Fred Shelfer, CEO, Goodwill Industries - Big Bend, Inc. WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

Susan Stafford is the founder and CEO of The Event Architects, a leader in event design, management, and implementation. The Event Architects specializes in customizing events from large concepts to specific details in order to create the uniquely perfect trip, retreat, event, or seminar. In this episode, Blake and Susan discuss destinations, events, Susan’s career path, shared experiences growing up in Tallahassee, cyber security, and much more. Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Susan Stafford, CEO, The Event Architects WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

William Smith III is a 4th generation banker at Capital City Bank, which recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. Capital City Bank is a pillar in Tallahassee and communities across the Southeastern U.S. where it serves clients with personal and business banking and wealth management.  In this episode, Blake and Mark discuss banking, local history, career paths, leadership, sports, time travel, and more. Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies William Smith III, Senior Vice President, Capital City Bank WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

Gary Yordon is a writer, TV show host, former Leon County Commissioner, and the president of The Zachary Group. Gary has been the brains behind countless marketing campaigns with topics ranging from sensitive political issues to picking up dog waste. In this episode, Blake and Gary discuss creativity, writing, TV, music, career, and much more. Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Gary Yordon, Writer WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

Mark Mustian is an attorney, author, former elected official, and the founder of Word of South - A Festival of Literature and Music. Word of South attracts visitors from around the country for a weekend celebrating music and literature, featuring artists and writers from diverse and varied genres. In this episode, Blake and Mark discuss music, writing, books, history, art, culture, Mark’s career, and more. Don’t miss Word of South: April 26-28, 2024. Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Mark Mustian, Attorney, Author, Founder of Word of South WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our viewers and listeners! This special edition episode of the Aegis Biz & Tech Podcast features three guests from the Aegis team who lead IT sales and service for clients across the Southeast, and make Aegis the amazing place it is to work. In this episode, Blake and the Aegis team discuss everything from IT, cybersecurity, career growth, company culture, sports, music, time travel and more. Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Jeanne Dowling, Procurement Director, Aegis Business Technologies Leonardo Forero, Help Desk Coordinator, Aegis Business Technologies Michael Harris, Solutions Manager, Aegis Business Technologies WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

Cameron Williams is a professional musician. He’s the guitarist and lead singer of Tishamingo, a Southern Rock and Blues band from Athens, GA. Cameron is also a lifelong friend of Blake. In this episode, Cameron and Blake discuss musical influences, the music industry, Cameron’s travels as a professional musician, the best bars and restaurants in America, and much more. Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Cameron Williams, Guitarist/Lead Vocalist, Tishamingo WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​

Molly Lord is the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend, a nonprofit organization that helps children realize their potential and build their futures through mentorship with adult role models. Brian Walgamott, shareholder of Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. and leader of bookkeeping services, is the former board chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend. In this episode, Blake, Brian and Molly discuss youth mentorship, community impact, college football, music, time travel, and more. Produced by Level Up Digital Media http://www.levelup.media/​​ Participants:  Blake Dowling, CEO, Aegis Business Technologies Molly Lord, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend Brian Walgamott, Shareholder, Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. WEBSITE - https://www.aegisbiztech.com​​  FACEBOOK - https://facebook.com/aegisbiztech​​ INSTAGRAM - https://instagram.com/aegisbiztech​​ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/aegissales​​