Hometown Jax

First Coast Mortgage Funding
  • 5.0 (17)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Hometown Jax is a podcast that shines a spotlight on the people who make Jacksonville run. From firefighters and nurses to bartenders, teachers, and more, we sit down with locals who have everyday jobs that often go unnoticed but are essential to our community. 

  1. Bringing Bespoke Back: Michael Jay of Tweeds on Style, Mentorship, and Jacksonville Pride

    FEB 4

    Bringing Bespoke Back: Michael Jay of Tweeds on Style, Mentorship, and Jacksonville Pride

    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.

    39 min
  2. The Business of Beauty: Stefani Grant’s Story

    JAN 21

    The Business of Beauty: Stefani Grant’s Story

    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.

    45 min
  3. Chris Ulmer on Building Special Books by Special Kids and Embracing Every Story

    JAN 7

    Chris Ulmer on Building Special Books by Special Kids and Embracing Every Story

    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.

    37 min
  4. Patric Young on Adversity, Faith, and Finding Purpose After the Fall

    12/24/2025

    Patric Young on Adversity, Faith, and Finding Purpose After the Fall

    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.

    1h 5m
  5. Navigating Success in Jacksonville: A Conversation with Matt Toblin

    12/10/2025

    Navigating Success in Jacksonville: A Conversation with Matt Toblin

    Welcome to Hometown Jax! In this inspiring local podcast hosted by Aaron Bacus, we explore the heart and hustle of Jacksonville’s business community. Each episode features candid conversations with local entrepreneurs who share not only the successes but also the real-life challenges they face every day. With a focus on overcoming obstacles and building resilience, Hometown Jax is a go-to resource for anyone looking to be motivated by authentic stories from everyday heroes in our community. In this episode, Aaron sits down with Matt Toblin to dive deep into his journey as a business owner in Jacksonville. Matt shares the pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneurial path, the obstacles he encountered, and the innovative strategies he employed to overcome them. From unexpected setbacks to breakthrough successes, their conversation reveals actionable insights and personal wisdom that will leave you inspired to tackle your own challenges. Tune in to discover how Matt’s perseverance and ingenuity are making a real impact—proof that with the right mindset, local businesses can thrive even in tough times.

    52 min
  6. Robin Pfalzgraf on Making Housing Work in Jacksonville

    11/26/2025

    Robin Pfalzgraf on Making Housing Work in Jacksonville

    Hometown Jax brings you honest, inspiring conversations with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who are shaping the future of Jacksonville. Hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler highlight the personal journeys and powerful missions behind the businesses and organizations that are transforming our communities from the inside out. In this episode, Jason sits down with Robin Pfalzgraf, Executive Director of the Jacksonville Community Land Trust. Robin shares her deeply personal journey from foster care advocacy and nonprofit leadership in the Midwest to leading the charge for attainable housing in Jacksonville. Her passion for dignified, community-based solutions radiates as she explains how the land trust model works, why permanent affordability matters, and what it truly means to give people—not just housing—but opportunity. Packed with heart, humor, and bold vision, Robin’s story will challenge your view of affordable housing and inspire action.

    50 min
  7. Broadcasting Jacksonville: Sam Kouvaris on Journalism and 40 Years in the Spotlight

    11/12/2025

    Broadcasting Jacksonville: Sam Kouvaris on Journalism and 40 Years in the Spotlight

    On Hometown Jax, hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler sit down with Jacksonville’s entrepreneurs, storytellers, and public figures to explore the paths they’ve taken and the impact they’ve made in the First Coast community. It’s a celebration of grit, growth, and the people who keep our city moving forward. In this episode, Aaron chats with Sam Kouvaris, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, longtime Channel 4 sportscaster, and Hall of Fame media figure who helped shape Jacksonville’s sports and news culture over four decades. Sam shares stories from the golden age of local news—covering the Gators’ back-to-back championships, standing on NFL sidelines, and witnessing Jacksonville’s transformation from “the city that stinks” to a Super Bowl host. He opens up about his early days in Charleston, the evolution of journalism, what it takes to build community trust, and the moments that mattered most in his iconic career.

    1h 17m
  8. From Tile Work to City Hall: Gregory Grant’s Mission to Empower Jacksonville Entrepreneurs

    11/05/2025

    From Tile Work to City Hall: Gregory Grant’s Mission to Empower Jacksonville Entrepreneurs

    Welcome to Hometown Jax, the show where hosts Aaron Bacus and Jason Kindler sit down with the business leaders, educators, and difference-makers shaping Jacksonville’s future. Every episode dives into the real stories of local entrepreneurs—what drives them, what they’ve learned, and how they’re helping our community grow stronger, smarter, and more connected. In this episode, Jason sits down with Gregory Grant, a Jacksonville native, Army veteran, serial entrepreneur, and the appointed leader of the City of Jacksonville’s Equal Business Opportunity Division. Gregory shares his powerful story—from learning tile work as a teenager to building multiple companies, teaching entrepreneurship, and now creating access, equity, and education through the city’s JSB program. With a heart for local business and a deep understanding of policy, he’s helping small companies not just start—but scale and succeed. If you’ve ever wanted to understand how government, education, and grit come together to create real opportunity, this conversation is packed with insights, energy, and motivation.

    56 min
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5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Hometown Jax is a podcast that shines a spotlight on the people who make Jacksonville run. From firefighters and nurses to bartenders, teachers, and more, we sit down with locals who have everyday jobs that often go unnoticed but are essential to our community. 

Information

  • Creator
    First Coast Mortgage Funding
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hometown Jax
  • Show Website
    Hometown Jax