How I Got Here with Dave Fiore

Host Dave Fiore talks with Tallahassee-area leaders, business owners and neighbors about their personal stories – all the challenges, opportunities and influences that led them to where they are today. Emotional, inspirational and almost always surprising, How I Got Here gives listeners real insight into the lives of our area’s most interesting people.

David Clark 12/17/2025

David Clark Host Dave Fiore speaks with David Clark, owner of Allegiant Strategies Group and MyGovGuide. The Tallahassee-area native is a former military officer and entrepreneur with a passion for leadership and making the most of every opportunity. David began his career answering phones at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, saw opportunities to make himself invaluable and eventually was named Deputy Chief of Staff to Gov. Ron DeSantis, which included helping deliver Florida’s response to the worldwide pandemic. Raised by a World War II veteran father and a mother from British Guiana, David learned early the value of hard work, humility and learning from others. That perspective carried him into the Army, where he graduated at the top of his class and allowed him to choose his assignment to the 82nd Airborne to honor his father. After a parachute malfunction and traumatic brain injury ended his military service, David transitioned into entrepreneurship. They talk about being coachable, servant leadership and the importance of mentorship, faith, and most of all, family. The conversation also covers David’s decision to start multiple companies—including Allegiant Strategies Group, MyGovGuide, and also Divergent Solutions, all while pursuing concurrent MBA degrees. When it comes to tackling new challenges, David’s philosophy is actually pretty simple. He just asks himself, “Why not, why not me, and why not now.” /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/39444800

Sky Nobles 11/24/2025

Sky Nobles Host Dave Fiore talks with Sky Nobles, a Tallahassee native, entrepreneur and the creative mind behind Fizz & Foam and Sky Pop Balloons. Sky grew up immersed in books and storytelling, a love that led her to study editing, writing and media at Florida State University and eventually to a career in public relations. Sky’s path has been fueled by curiosity and connection. After experiencing agency life at BowStern, the Zimmerman Agency and now with True Story PR, her journey took an unexpected turn when a Pinterest-inspired idea led to Tallahassee’s first mobile bartending service for weddings and other special occasions. That success opened the door to Sky Pop Balloons, a spin-off that adds color, joy and a little bit of whimsy to any occasion. Today, Sky juggles entrepreneurship, a growing PR career, a thriving social media presence and the launch of Tallahassee Gals — an online community designed to uplift and connect local women. Along the way, she’s learned the power of trusting her instincts, asking for help and staying grounded in purpose. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/39149610

Mark Mustian 10/29/2025

Mark Mustian Host Dave Fiore speaks with Mark Mustian, attorney, author and founder of the Word of South Festival of Literature and Music. Mark grew up in Tallahassee, learned discipline in the Leon High School band and was elected student body president. At the beginning of his career, Mark said he had three life goals: be an attorney, teach and write a book. While he would eventually accomplish all three, he also would serve 10 years on the City Commission, get appointed as Tallahassee Chamber Board Chair and be instrumental in the creation of Cascades Park, turning a decades-long eyesore into a community treasure. Mark recently published his third book, receiving great reviews and literary awards. But it is the impact of Word of South for which he is perhaps best known locally. Now more than 10 years old, the festival attracts national attention and talent, held appropriately in the park he helped make a reality. Mark is already working on his next novel but wanted to keep the details under wraps – at least for now. Learn More About Mark Mustian LinkedIn: Website: Books "The Return:" "The Gendarme:" "Boy With Wings:" Word of South: /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/38823845

5 Years Later – Tom Derzypolski 09/24/2025

5 Years Later – Tom Derzypolski On this mini-episode of How I Got Here: 5 Years Later, host Dave Fiore catches up with Episode 17 Guest Tom Derzypolski. At the end of each original episode, Dave asks his guests the same question: Where do you think “here” will be for you in three to five years? Tom and Dave listen to his answer from 2020, and he thoughtfully shares how his predictions compare to life today. If you have not already, please also listen to Tom’s original episode. It will put some context to this conversation and add additional insight into his journey. Thank you for supporting this podcast and connecting with your community. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/38337045

Debra Harris 09/03/2025

Debra Harris Host Dave Fiore speaks with Debra Harris, founder of Making Miracles Haven, a provider of faith-based housing for mothers experiencing homelessness. Debra’s journey includes years of physical and emotional abuse as a child and adult, having been let down by almost everyone she ever trusted or depended on. As a young mom, she worked to provide a better life for her children and break the cycles of abuse and financial dependence on a system that penalizes the working poor. Today, the New Orleans native is fulfilling her personal mission to help women with nowhere to turn move toward self-sufficiency with support and confidence. She is grateful for God’s provision in her life and her ministry and for those who continue to come alongside her to ensure Making Miracles does just that for years to come. Warning to listeners: This episode includes explicit discussion of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Please listen with care. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/38071755

Dan Campbell 08/13/2025

Dan Campbell Host Dave Fiore speaks with Dan Campbell, owner of Wash Around the Clock. Dan’s journey into the laundry business began in Jacksonville as the youngest of five brothers. After exceling in multiple sports, including being a state champion discus thrower, Dan was invited to walk-on at Florida State and play football for legendary coach Bobby Bowden. His time on the FSU campus included being part of FSU’s first national championship team in 1993, but more importantly it was where he met his wife, Collette. After college, Dan had great success selling ads in the Yellow Pages, which helped the couple make a series of smart investments in real estate and small business, which eventually led to building their clothes-cleaning empire one quarter at a time. Dan loves football, travel and adventure, but his priorities and clear and strong – faith, family and making a difference in the community. Much like the slogan of the Sunrise Rotary Club he recently served as president, Dan likes to Do Good and Have Fun! /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/37802150

Sally Bradshaw 07/23/2025

Sally Bradshaw Host Dave Fiore speaks with Sally Bradshaw, owner of Midtown Reader, Tallahassee’s neighborhood independent bookstore. Sally is a Mississippi native who fell in love with books and grassroots politics at an early age. The latter would guide a career that included running gubernatorial and presidential campaigns, serving as political director for the Republican Party of Florida and returning to The White House, where she was a college intern, as President George H.W. Bush’s associate director of political affairs. But in 2016, Sally walked away from politics, and the Republican Party, and opened up a bookstore on Thomasville Road. They talk about Sally’s love of lifelong learning, her role as Chair of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital’s Board of Directors, the future of local healthcare in our community and why having a thriving independent bookstore is vital for a healthy community ecosystem. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/37518075

5 Years Later - Talethia Edwards 07/16/2025

5 Years Later - Talethia Edwards On this mini-episode of How I Got Here: 5 Years Later, host Dave Fiore catches up with Episode 16 Guest Talethia Edwards. At the end of each original episode, Dave asks his guests the same question: Where do you think “here” will be for you in three to five years? Talethia and Dave listen to her answer from 2020, and she thoughtfully shares how her predictions compare to life today. Spoiler alert: Things rarely go exactly as planned! If you have not already, please also listen to Talethia’s original episode. It will put some context to this conversation and add additional insight into her journey. Thank you for supporting this podcast and connecting with your community. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/37426930

Matt Thompson 06/25/2025

Matt Thompson Host Dave Fiore talks with Matt Thompson, co-founder of For the Table Hospitality, which includes the brands Charlie Park, Social Catering, Township, Social Kitchen and Madison Social—the heart and soul of College Town. Matt’s path from collecting baseball cards as a kid near Orlando to a restaurant entrepreneur has taken a number of unexpected turns. Matt came to Tallahassee on a trombone performance scholarship to Florida State, eventually earning a degree in public relations and then his master’s. He would teach public speaking back home before returning to Tallahassee to take a digital marketing position at The Zimmerman Agency. But when a college buddy offered him a chance to be part of a new concept in an undeveloped industrial area in the shadow of Doak Campbell Stadium, Matt jumped at the chance. The rest is history—with a side of BLT dip. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/37147340

5 Years Later – Rachel Pienta 06/05/2025

5 Years Later – Rachel Pienta On this mini-episode of How I Got Here: 5 Years Later, host Dave Fiore catches up with Episode 15 Guest Rachel Pienta. At the end of each original episode, Dave asks his guests the same question: Where do you think “here” will be for you in three to five years? Rachel and Dave listen to her answer from 2020, and she thoughtfully shares how her predictions compare to life today. Spoiler alert: Things rarely go exactly as planned! If you have not already, please also listen to Rachel’s original episode. It will put some context to this conversation and add additional insight into her journey. Thank you for supporting this podcast and connecting with your community. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/36861255

YP Summit: 3 Local Brewers 05/21/2025

YP Summit: 3 Local Brewers Host Dave Fiore returned to Access Tallahassee’s Young Professionals Summit for a live recording of the podcast featuring three successful women entrepreneurs representing the local brewing scene. Dave spoke with: Shannon Smith from Ground Ops Roastery and Bakehouse; Michaela Teasley from Tally Kombucha; and Alison Denny from Amicus Brewing Ventures. Guests shared their unique journeys and the obstacles they overcame along the way and then gave some practical advice for women entrepreneurs pursuing their dreams. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/36654840

5 Years Later – Keith Bowers 05/14/2025

5 Years Later – Keith Bowers On this mini-episode of How I Got Here: 5 Years Later, host Dave Fiore catches up with Episode 13 Guest Keith Bowers. At the end of each original episode, Dave asks his guests the same question: Where do you think “here” will be for you in three to five years? Keith and Dave listen to his answer from 2020, and he thoughtfully shares how his predictions compare to life today. Spoiler alert: Things rarely go exactly as planned! If you have not already, please also listen to Keith’s original episode. It will put some context to this conversation and add additional insight into his journey. Thank you for supporting this podcast and connecting with your community. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/36562550

Darius (Doc D) Baker 05/08/2025

Darius (Doc D) Baker Host Dave Fiore speaks with Darius (Doc D) Baker, music producer and founder of Tallahassee Nights Live. Doc has been launching music careers since middle school, producing up-and-coming artists and creating a platform for local entertainers of all experience levels to hone their craft in front of grateful and enthusiastic audiences around the world. The Havana native is a married father of four boys who remains committed to providing opportunities for anyone with a love of music and a willingness to put in the work to achieve their dreams. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/36484035

5 Years Later – Elizabeth Emmanuel 04/23/2025

5 Years Later – Elizabeth Emmanuel On this mini-episode of How I Got Here: 5 Years Later, host Dave Fiore catches up with Episode 12 Guest Elizabeth Emmanuel. At the end of each original episode, Dave asks his guests the same question: Where do you think “here” will be for you in three to five years? Elizabeth and Dave listen to her answer from 2020, and she thoughtfully shares how her predictions compare to life today. Spoiler alert: Things rarely go exactly as planned! If you have not already, please also listen to Elizabeth’s original episode. It will put some context to this conversation and add additional insight into her journey. Thank you for supporting this podcast and connecting with your community. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/36277965

Carrie Zimmerman 04/16/2025

Carrie Zimmerman Host Dave Fiore speaks with Carrie Zimmerman, co-founder and former CEO of The Zimmerman Agency. Carrie is a native Tallahassean whose family has been in the Capital City for more than 100 years. She grew up in a competitive, sports-oriented environment, but it was rolling on the mats of the Tallahassee Tumbling Tots that sparked a passion that would lead to exploring gymnastics, training full-time in Oregon at age 15 and earning a coveted spot on the 1976 U.S. Olympic team – a memory that still elicits great emotion. After graduating from the University of Georgia, Carrie worked with her husband, Curtis, at an ad agency in Atlanta, before moving to Tallahassee to be near her family. Starting with no clients but a considerable Rolodex, the couple started The Zimmerman Agency, which today has more than 130 employees and competes with New York agencies (and often wins) for the right to represent some of the most prestigious brands in the world. Recently retired, Carrie now focuses on travel, FSU sports and enjoying being a grandmother. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/36186235

5 Years Later – Danny Shrine 03/26/2025

5 Years Later – Danny Shrine On this mini-episode of How I Got Here: 5 Years Later, host Dave Fiore catches up with Episode 9 guest Danny Shrine. At the end of each original episode, Dave asks his guests the same question: Where do you think “here” will be for you in three to five years? Danny and Dave listen to his answer from 2019, and he thoughtfully shares how his predictions compare to life today. Spoiler alert: Things rarely go exactly as planned! If you have not already, please also listen to Danny’s original episode. It will put some context to this conversation and add additional insight into his journey. Thank you for supporting this podcast and connecting with your community. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/35869935

Emily Saras 03/12/2025

Emily Saras Host Dave Fiore speaks with Emily Saras, CEO and data scientist with Knowli Data Science. The self-described overachiever with a nerd persona loved field hockey in high school and was her class valedictorian in her hometown of Hopedale, Massachusetts. Emily entered prestigious Wellesley College with plans to be a doctor, only to make a significant pivot to study anthropology and opera singing. Wanting to connect with her family heritage, she earned a scholarship to study ethnomusicology and opera performance in Lithuania under the nation’s top soprano. Emily spent two more years studying in Europe before returning home as an AmeriCorps fellow, where she worked with underserved Boston teens. It was there that Emily was recommended for a position at Florida State, which she took thinking it would be a short-term stop on her life journey. She was wrong. Emily would go on to earn her Ph.D. in sociology from FSU, fall in love with Tallahassee and get connected to Knowli, a women-owned company that translates big data for policy makers in a variety of fields, including health and human science agencies and educational institutions across the Southeast. Emily says her journey to CEO has been a “joyful challenge,” and she greatly appreciates the opportunity to serve as the company’s cultural ambassador. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/35653635

5 Years Later – Jami Coleman 03/05/2025

5 Years Later – Jami Coleman On this mini-episode of How I Got Here: 5 Years Later, host Dave Fiore catches up with Episode 8 Guest Jami Coleman. At the end of each original episode, Dave asks his guests the same question: Where do you think “here” will be for you in three to five years? Jami and Dave listen to her answer from 2019, and she thoughtfully shares how her predictions compare to life today. Spoiler alert: Things rarely go exactly as planned! If you have not already, please also listen to Jami’s original episode. It will put some context to this conversation and add additional insight into her journey. Thank you for supporting this podcast and connecting with your community. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/35543290

Brad Buckenheimer 02/26/2025

Brad Buckenheimer Host Dave Fiore speaks with Brad Buckenheimer, co-founder and CEO of Canopy Road Cafe. The Tampa native got his first taste of the hospitality industry as a country club cabana boy at age 14 and says he always had a job. His path to entrepreneurship, which includes owning 13 Canopy Road locations and being a partner in several other concepts including the popular Lemon & Thyme in Midtown, has had some unexpected twists. An internship in Los Angeles led to touring as a fill-in drummer for a popular band. Brad was a bartender, corporate trainer for a major restaurant chain and developed leadership skills that would unknowingly come in handy later in life. But it was a call from his former FSU roommate and best friend saying that he had just purchased Jenny’s Lunchbox, a small restaurant where they both worked in college, that would put his future in motion. And while Brad is proud of all that he has accomplished, he acknowledges that none of it would have been possible without the love and support of many others – most importantly his parents and wife, Allison. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/35435755

5 Years Later – Bill Kelly 02/18/2025

5 Years Later – Bill Kelly On this mini-episode of How I Got Here: 5 Years Later, host Dave Fiore catches up with Episode 7 Guest Bill Kelly. At the end of each original episode, Dave asks his guests the same question: Where do you think “here” will be for you in three to five years? Bill and Dave listen to his answer from 2019, and he thoughtfully shares how his predictions compare to life today. Spoiler alert: Things rarely go exactly as planned! If you have not already, please also listen to Bill’s original episode. It will put some context to this conversation and add additional insight into his journey. Thank you for supporting this podcast and connecting with your community. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/35333905

Ricardo Schneider 02/12/2025

Ricardo Schneider Host Dave Fiore speaks with Ricardo Schneider, executive advisor and recently retired president and CEO of Danfoss Turbocor. The Tallahassee-based company produces high efficiency, oil-free compressors for commercial air conditioning systems around the world. Ricardo’s lifelong passion for improving the world through better refrigeration and air conditioning led him to a position with Danfoss in his home country of Brazil, where he grew up in a community of German immigrants. He excelled in every opportunity with the company and worked his way up to global vice president and a move from Mexico to Baltimore. While Danfoss has more than 40,000 employees and $12 billion in global revenue, the operation in Tallahassee was in trouble when Ricardo arrived. He quickly turned things around, doubling the company in size every five years, managing multiple expansions and delivering hundreds of millions in economic impact to our community. He remains inspired to create greater global and local impact through innovative and disruptive thinking and helping create tomorrow’s leaders. And while he is in transition toward the next season of his life, Ricardo says, “purpose does not retire.” He is proud of what he has accomplished but says his best products for the world are his three children, made in partnership with his wife, Juliana. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/35254205

5 Years Later – Drew McLeod 01/28/2025

5 Years Later – Drew McLeod On this mini-episode of How I Got Here: 5 Years Later, host Dave Fiore catches up with Episode 6 podcast guest Drew McLeod. At the end of each original episode, Dave asks his guests the same question: Where do you think “here” will be for you in three to five years? Drew and Dave listen to his answer from 2019, and he thoughtfully shares how his predictions compare to life today. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/35178655

Susie Busch-Transou 01/14/2025

Susie Busch-Transou Host Dave Fiore speaks with Susie Busch-Transou, founder and owner of Hearth and Soul and vice president/co-owner of Tri-Eagle Sales.
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Katrina Rolle 12/04/2024

Katrina Rolle Host Dave Fiore speaks with Katrina Rolle, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of North Florida. From her days as a varsity cheerleader and student government president at Miami Carol City High School to continuing her family legacy at Tuskegee University and working her way through the University of Florida Law School, even though it was against the rules, Katrina has always found a way to get things done. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/35178665

5 Years Later – Mickey Moore 11/21/2024

5 Years Later – Mickey Moore On this mini-episode of How I Got Here: 5 Years Later, host Dave Fiore catches up with Episode 4 guest Mickey Moore. At the end of each original episode, Dave asks his guests the same question: Where do you think “here” will be for you in three to five years? Mickey and Dave listen to his answer from 2019, and he thoughtfully shares how his predictions compare to life today. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/35178670

Charlie Ward 11/07/2024

Charlie Ward Host Dave Fiore speaks with legendary FSU quarterback and community leader Charlie Ward. Charlie's resume also includes 1993 Heisman Trophy winner, 11-year NBA veteran, longtime high school coach and public speaker. But to the Thomasville, Ga., native, the roles of mentor, husband and father have always been most important.
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5 Years Later – Terrance L. Barber 09/24/2024

5 Years Later – Terrance L. Barber On this mini-episode of How I Got Here: 5 Years Later, host Dave Fiore catches up with Episode 2 guest Terrance L. Barber. At the end of each original episode, Dave asks his guests the same question: Where do you think “here” will be for you in three to five years? Terrance and Dave listen to his answer from 2019, and he thoughtfully shares how his predictions compare to life today. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/35178680

5 Years Later – Kristine Dobosenski 09/17/2024

5 Years Later – Kristine Dobosenski On this episode of How I Got Here: 5 Years Later, host Dave Fiore catches up with Episode 1 Guest Kristine Dobosenski. At the end of each original episode, Dave asks his guests the same question: Where do you think “here” will be for you in three to five years? Kristine and Dave listen to her answer from 2019, and she thoughtfully shares how her predictions compare to life today. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/35178690

Mike McCall 07/31/2024

Mike McCall Host Dave Fiore speaks with Mike McCall, chief meteorologist at WCTV, a position he has held for more than 30 years. Mike caught the weather bug in 1977 at age 12 when a legitimate snow blanketed his hometown of Tampa, and he says everyone lost their minds. To encourage his interest, his mom arranged a trip to a local TV station where Mike met the man who would offer him a job a decade later after he earned his meteorology degree from Florida State. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/35178695

Kim Price 07/01/2024

Kim Price Host Dave Fiore speaks with Kim Price, the general manager of TLH2, Tallahassee’s Amazon Robotics Sortable Fulfillment Center. The graduate of Wakulla High School and former Miss Wakulla County is a wife, mom to three boys and talented musician who plays multiple instruments and has performed in Nashville. /episode/index/show/ec11c9fe-4863-416d-b808-5534d0d91a95/id/35178700

How I Got Here with Dave Fiore

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