Beachwalk and Beyond

Produced by LBW Productions
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship

Beachwalk and Beyond is your front-row seat to the people, places, and stories that make the 210 corridor in St. Johns County, Florida, feel like home. Hosted by Fred Amato, owner of Stroll Beachwalk, each episode is a relaxed, honest conversation with the neighbors, local business owners, and community builders you'll recognize from around town — the kind of stories that don't make the headlines but make this place special. From small-business journeys and local events to the moments that bring our community together, we're taking you on a stroll through the heart of the 210 corridor.

Episodes

  1. Aug 5

    He Named His Company After a Hippo: João Victor, Hipo Homes | Beachwalk and Beyond Ep. 9

    Welcome back to Beachwalk and Beyond — local stories and events from the 210 corridor in St. Johns, Florida. Host Fred Amato (owner of Stroll Beachwalk and Stroll Beacon Lake) sits down with João Victor, owner of Hipo Homes — a kitchen and bathroom remodeler who grew up in Brazil, spent five years in Boston, and moved into Beachwalk last August. He named the company after a hippopotamus on purpose, he takes only two to three jobs at a time, and every other Thursday he shuts the business off to work a barn for kids with special needs. In this episode we cover: •     Brazil to Canada to Boston to Beachwalk — the short version of a long move •     Why the company is named after a hippopotamus •     Big, calm, precise, and very hard to ignore — the philosophy behind the name •     Why contractors get a bad name, and what he is doing differently •     Kitchens and baths: the puzzle of plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, and countertops •     A new office on A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach •     Every other Thursday at the barn — horses, therapy, and kids with special needs •     Planting flowers for veterans' homes on the First Coast •     Only two to three jobs at a time — and why that is the entire point •     Tennis, golf, and finally learning Cimarrone is open to the public •     Maggie — the rescue he was not looking for •     Hipo Homes featured in Stroll Beachwalk this September Local Events Mentioned in This Episode: •     Beachwalk Farmers Market returns Saturday, August 22 — 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. •     Fourth Saturday of every month from there, for the next nine months •     Live music, DJs, bounce houses, vendors, prizes, and giveaways •     The Cimarrone gathering — first Tuesday of every month, 5:00 to 8:30 p.m., at Stone & Barrel (open to the public) Find Hipo Homes: •     Website: https://www.hipo.homes •     Instagram: @jv.homes •     Phone: (904) 584-7383  ·  Email: hello@hipo-homes.com •     Office: 822 A1A N, Ste 310, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 — by appointment •     Licensed and insured — CRC1335743 Beachwalk and Beyond is brought to you by Stroll Beachwalk and LBW Productions. Have a story, a business, or an event to share with the 210 corridor? Email Fred at info@beachwalkandbeyond.com — we'd love to have you on the show. Subscribe so you never miss an episode — new episodes every Tuesday. 00:00  Welcome to Beachwalk and Beyond 00:12  Meet João Victor — his first time on a podcast 00:35  Brazil, Canada, Boston, and finally Florida 01:17  Moving into Beachwalk and finding the community 01:59  A year in — “this is the place I need to be” 02:18  Why the company is named Hipo Homes 02:46  What a hippo actually means — calm, present, precise 03:46  Why contractors get a bad name 04:33  Kitchens and bathrooms — the specialty 04:58  Historic Boston renovations to high-end Florida homes 05:21  “I love the puzzle” — what a remodel really takes 05:44  Outdoor living and a statewide residential license 06:08  The new office on A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach 06:31  Every other Thursday at the barn 07:15  Scooping stalls and petting bunnies with the kids 07:27  Planting flowers for veterans' homes 07:49  Why he started his own company 08:17  Two to three jobs at a time — full attention 08:50  Hobbies — tennis weekly, golf monthly 09:37  Cimarrone: first Tuesday, 5:00 to 8:30 09:54  Stone & Barrel — open to the public 10:34  “It actually feels like a community” 10:56  Why this farmers market feels different 12:07  Fred on people, family, and the magazine 12:52  The Farmers Market returns Saturday, August 22 13:18  Something for everybody 14:10  Not about business — about the people behind it 15:20  “Connecting businesses throughout your community” 15:37  Maggie — the rescue he wasn't looking for 16:36  Road trips, camping, and a Stroll feature in September 17:12  How to reach Hipo Homes 17:37  Ten years in construction, six months of showing his face 17:59  “It should feel like a signature piece of art” 18:48  Thank you and closing 19:13  Share your 210 corridor story

    He Named His Company After a Hippo: João Victor, Hipo Homes | Beachwalk and Beyond Ep. 9

  2. Jul 28

    Meet the Candidate: Carleen Leffler Is Running for Circuit Judge | Beachwalk and Beyond Ep. 8

    Welcome back to Beachwalk and Beyond — local stories and events from the 210 corridor in St. Johns, Florida. Host Fred Amato (owner of Stroll Beachwalk and Stroll Beacon Lake) sits down with Carleen Leffler — a fifth-generation native Floridian, Shearwater resident, and attorney with nearly 15 years of experience — now running for Circuit Judge in Florida's Seventh Judicial Circuit, covering St. Johns, Volusia, Flagler, and Putnam counties. The election is Tuesday, August 18 — and it's the only judicial race on the ballot. In this episode we cover: •     Fifth-generation native Floridian — Daytona roots, Sanford family, Shearwater now •     College volleyball at Webber International — and a one-stop-sign town •     Law school at 20 — and a law degree and an MBA earned on the same day •     Licensed at 23 — nearly 15 years in probate, estate planning, corporate, and real estate law •     A family legacy — her great uncle the judge, her grandfather the trial attorney •     “You're in court more than you think” — the conversation that changed her mind •     Judge Rowe retires — “This is it. I'm running for judge.” •     Campaigning under the judicial canons — what candidates can't say •     The education gap — most voters don't know judges are elected •     The Cimarrone gathering — how this episode came together •     Fred on giving back, cold plunges, and the neighbor who helps everyone •     How to vote — mail-in, early voting, or election day The Election — Circuit Judge, Seventh Judicial Circuit: •     Tuesday, August 18, 2026 — vote by mail, at early voting, or at your polling place •     Open to ALL registered voters in St. Johns, Volusia, Flagler, and Putnam counties •     The only judicial race on the ballot — decided August 18 (nothing in November) •     Learn more about Carleen: https://lefflerforjudge.com Beachwalk and Beyond is brought to you by Stroll Beachwalk and LBW Productions. Have a story, a business, or an event to share with the 210 corridor? Email Fred at info@beachwalkandbeyond.com — we'd love to have you on the show. Subscribe so you never miss an episode — new episodes every Tuesday. 00:00  Welcome to Beachwalk and Beyond 00:12  Meet Carleen Leffler — fifth-generation Floridian 00:56  Daytona roots, Sanford family — Shearwater now 01:19  Fred's New York-to-Florida story 02:14  College volleyball at Webber International 02:38  A law degree and an MBA — on the same day 03:21  Law school at 20 — the tri-sport athlete 04:44  What sports build — work ethic and accountability 05:46  Lehigh winters and cold plunges 06:51  Running for Circuit Judge — four counties, one seat 07:15  Campaigning like building a law practice 08:22  Nearly 15 years of law — probate to real estate 09:38  Why a judge? A family legacy 10:19  “You're in court more than you think” 11:07  Judge Rowe retires — “This is it” 12:10  August 18 — two names, one and done 12:32  The Cimarrone gathering — how this episode happened 13:58  Full circle — Stroll, the podcast, and connections 15:13  Four years of Stroll — 3,000 residents 17:12  What judicial candidates can't talk about 17:58  “Win or lose, I've won” — the connections 18:22  Fred on life's 180s 19:05  Giving back — “the greatest selfish thing” 19:52  Mark Payne — the neighbor who helps everyone 20:39  Fred's baptism — learning to let go 21:43  An invitation back to Cimarrone 22:22  How to vote — mail-in, early voting, August 18 22:52  Share your 210 corridor story

    Meet the Candidate: Carleen Leffler Is Running for Circuit Judge | Beachwalk and Beyond Ep. 8

  3. Jul 23

    Golf for a Cure: The LDC Memorial Classic Returns July 31: Curt Cabot | Beachwalk and Beyond Ep. 7

    Welcome back to Beachwalk and Beyond — local stories and events from the 210 corridor in St. Johns, Florida. Host Fred Amato (owner of Stroll Beachwalk and Stroll Beacon Lake) sits down with Curt Cabot — a 21-year Navy veteran, Northrop Grumman manager, and founder of the LDC Memorial Classic, a charity golf tournament honoring his father, who served 21 years in the Navy and passed from complications of pulmonary fibrosis. The 6th Annual LDC Memorial Classic tees off Friday, July 31 at Cimarrone Golf Club — and it all supports the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. In this episode we cover: •     Growing up in a military family — California, Hawaii, and Virginia •     Boot camp graduation on his 21st birthday — then 21 years in the Navy •     From rescue swimmer school to C-130 flight engineer •     Landing in St. Johns during COVID — and “the Yard,” a neighborhood of retired chiefs •     Falling back into sports cards — his collectibles business (and Fred's Mickey Mantle bat) •     Building the E-2D Hawkeye at Northrop Grumman St. Augustine •     The LDC Memorial Classic — honoring his dad and fighting pulmonary fibrosis •     What $125 gets you — golf, lunch, practice balls, swag bag, and a bounce-back voucher •     Cheats for a cause — mulligans, strings, and grenades •     The first-ever hole-in-one golf cart giveaway •     Raffle baskets from local favorites — plus the “apology bucket” for spouses •     Sponsor packages from $150 to $2,000 •     Fred's challenge — beat him on July 31, or come explain yourself on the podcast The 6th Annual LDC Memorial Classic: •     Friday, July 31, 2026 · Cimarrone Golf Club · 2800 Cimarrone Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32259 •     Check-in 7:00 a.m. · Modified shotgun start 8:00 a.m. · Lunch with awards presentation to follow •     $125 per person — includes golf, lunch, a bucket of practice balls, a swag bag, a $49+tax bounce-back voucher, and winner/hole prizes •     Format: group scramble — the winning team gets its name on the LDC Classic trophy and free registration next year •     Register: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/20266thannualldcmemorialclassic/ •     Questions or sponsorships: Ldcmemclassic@gmail.com Beachwalk and Beyond is brought to you by Stroll Beachwalk and LBW Productions. Have a story, a business, or an event to share with the 210 corridor? Email Fred at info@beachwalkandbeyond.com — we'd love to have you on the show. Subscribe so you never miss an episode — new episodes every Tuesday. 00:00  Welcome to Beachwalk and Beyond 00:12  Meet Curt Cabot — a military family, coast to coast 00:46  Growing up in Hawaii 01:38  Joining the Navy at 21 — boot camp on his birthday 01:58  Rescue swimmer school to C-130 flight engineer 03:02  21 years of service — camaraderie and family 03:58  Finding home in St. Johns during COVID 04:19  “The Yard” — a neighborhood of retired chiefs 04:53  Three boys: Wyatt, Everett, and Beckett 05:10  Fred's boys — and kids who know everything 07:33  What Curt is doing now 07:49  Falling back into sports cards and collectibles 10:08  Northrop Grumman St. Augustine — building the E-2D Hawkeye 11:12  Fred's flyby story 14:31  The golf outing — July 31, for a great cause 14:50  The LDC Memorial Classic — how it started 15:29  Honoring his dad — 21 years in the Navy 15:50  Pulmonary fibrosis — why the fight matters 16:39  Rick Shoemaker and the Cimarrone gathering 16:57  Mom steps in — and the tournament grows 18:23  The goal: sell out all 18 holes 18:39  What $125 gets you — group scramble 19:16  Raffles, baskets, and local sponsors 19:52  Cheats for a cause — mulligans, strings, and grenades 21:49  Fred's foursome is in 22:08  The vision — a tournament that runs itself 22:43  “An unfair disease” — why Curt does it 23:24  First-ever hole-in-one golf cart giveaway 24:16  Raffle prizes — putters, hobby boxes, and Jaguars gear 25:04  The apology bucket 25:28  Fred's Imus tournament story 26:35  How to register 27:49  Sponsor packages — $150 to $2,000 28:18  Fred's challenge 29:02  Share your 210 corridor story

    Golf for a Cure: The LDC Memorial Classic Returns July 31: Curt Cabot | Beachwalk and Beyond Ep. 7

  4. Jul 14

    He’s 16 and Taking On the Card Scalpers: Steele Thompson | Beachwalk and Beyond Ep. 6

    Welcome back to Beachwalk and Beyond — local stories and events from the 210 corridor in St. Johns, Florida. Host Fred Amato (owner of Stroll Beachwalk) sits down with Steele Thompson — a 16-year-old entrepreneur who moved from Kansas City to St. Johns at age 12, found his footing at Acton Academy in Nocatee, and built Mertan’s Card Forge to make the trading-card hobby fair and fun for kids again. This week he’s hosting his first-ever event: The Forge Card Show in Nocatee. In this episode we cover: •     The move from Kansas City to St. Johns at 12 — a leap of faith for a special school •     Acton Academy: no tests, no teachers — guides, a badge system, and real-life skills •     Why he started the business: scalpers pricing kids out of the hobby •     From Steele’s Card Shop to Mertan’s Card Forge — the family legacy behind the name •     The Forge Card Show — Saturday, July 18, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., free, indoors at Acton Academy •     Vendor details: a six-foot table for $50 — cards, video games, comics, sports, and 3D printing •     A 40-hour apprenticeship at Gone Broke Gaming in Orange Park •     Lemonade first, then Pokémon — how school business projects lit the spark •     Favorite Pokémon (Gengar), the best card he’s found, and the rarest card of all •     What PSA grading means •     Faith at Eleven22: fair prices and giving cards to kids •     His advice to any kid who wants to start a business — put your whole heart into it and take action Mertan’s Card Forge: •     Facebook: facebook.com/mertanscardforge •     Buy · Sell · Trade · Play — Pokémon now, with Magic and Yu-Gi-Oh to come Beachwalk and Beyond is brought to you by Stroll Beachwalk and LBW Productions. Have a story, a business, or an event to share with the 210 corridor? Email Fred at info@beachwalkandbeyond.com — we’d love to have you on the show. Subscribe so you never miss an episode — new episodes every Tuesday. 00:00  Welcome to Beachwalk and Beyond 00:12  Meet Steele Thompson — a 16-year-old entrepreneur 00:33  From Kansas City to St. Johns — a leap of faith for a special school 00:55  Four years at Acton Academy — built for entrepreneurs 01:23  What makes Acton different — guides, badges, and real-life skills 01:55  Why he started the business — scalpers ruining the hobby 02:29  Pokémon now; Magic and Yu-Gi-Oh next 02:51  Steele’s Card Shop becomes Mertan’s Card Forge — the name’s meaning 03:19  Plans to expand — a card show now, a building in five years 03:43  The Forge Card Show — July 18, 9 to 2, Acton Academy, free 04:27  Vendor details — $50, a six-foot table supplied, 12 vendors and counting 04:50  What vendors can sell — cards, video games, comics, sports, 3D printing 05:20  Who it’s for — ages 7 to 16, and plenty of adults 05:44  How Steele got started collecting Pokémon cards 06:22  School business projects — lemonade first, then Pokémon 07:32  The card business is the one that stuck 07:53  A 40-hour apprenticeship at Gone Broke Gaming in Orange Park 09:09  GameStop vs. the local shop — and eyeing the gaming industry 09:50  His first show, run entirely on his own 10:07  How Steele and Fred met — the Beachwalk farmers market 10:27  Dropping the episode Tuesday to promote the show 11:05  Fred’s Pokémon memories with his sons 11:33  Favorite Pokémon: Gengar 11:34  The best card he’s found — a gold Mega Greninja 12:00  The rarest card of all — the Illustrator Pikachu 12:48  What PSA grading means 13:01  Advice for young entrepreneurs — heart, soul, and taking action 13:35  Organizing a market — why getting vendors is hard work 14:12  Faith at Eleven22 — fair prices and giving cards to kids 14:54  Going to church with family 15:35  Summer camp and the Raiders 16:14  Vendors still needed — how to get involved 16:34  Wrapping up — Steele’s future and staying in touch 17:41  How to reach Steele and Mertan’s Card Forge 18:40  Share your 210 corridor story

    He’s 16 and Taking On the Card Scalpers: Steele Thompson | Beachwalk and Beyond Ep. 6

  5. Jul 7

    Tell Your Money What to Do: Navy Vet Turned Private Equity CEO Joseph Tolbert Jr. | Beachwalk and Beyond Ep. 5

    Welcome back to Beachwalk and Beyond — local stories and events from the 210 corridor in St. Johns, Florida. Host Fred Amato (owner of Stroll Beachwalk) sits down with Joseph Tolbert Jr. — Navy veteran, author, and CEO of Corner Stone Group Financial, a private equity company with businesses across Northeast Florida. From the oldest of ten kids in Detroit to quitting the Chrysler assembly line on the spot, Joseph’s story is about discipline, mentorship, and faith — and about teaching people to stop letting money talk to them and start telling their money what to do. In this episode we cover: •     From Detroit — the oldest of ten kids — to the U.S. Navy, and a promise to build a financial legacy •     The day he quit the assembly line: “Do we have a plant in Jacksonville, Florida? No? I quit.” •     Two garbage bags, a 27-inch TV, and a Ford Probe — and getting fired from his first Florida job •     What Corner Stone Group Financial does: private equity, real estate, semi trucks, and lending •     The portfolio: an esports facility, a salon, a software platform that teaches futures trading, and a comedy club deal downtown •     The trading rule he taught his son: don’t lose what you made yesterday •     Win 30 days in a row — no home runs, all base hits •     Trading in the Zone, mindset over mechanics, and why he says 90% of retail traders fail •     Fred’s own trading story: the mentor’s challenge and nine months without a red day •     Find the thing you can do every day — discipline in health, marriage, and business •     The Anti Mediocre Podcast and refusing to accept average •     550 men at 6 a.m. — faith, the 1122 men’s group, and “trust and obey” •     Why he says most retirees end up back at work — and how to tell your money what to do Reach Joseph: •     Corner Stone Group Financial: thecornerstonecontract.com •     Email: info@thecornerstonecontract.com · Phone: (904) 762-6057 •     Joseph’s book, A Quick Guide to Discovering the Best You, is available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0aOYOalh Beachwalk and Beyond is brought to you by Stroll Beachwalk and LBW Productions. Have a story, a business, or an event to share with the 210 corridor? Email Fred at info@beachwalkandbeyond.com — we’d love to have you on the show. Subscribe so you never miss an episode — new episodes every Tuesday. 00:00  Welcome to Beachwalk and Beyond 00:13  Meet Joseph Tolbert Jr. — how he and Fred met 00:30  Detroit, the oldest of ten kids, and the Navy 01:02  “I didn’t want to be average” — a mentor and a legacy 01:32  A $5,000 start — and a calling to include everybody 01:54  What Corner Stone Group Financial does 02:27  Out of the Navy, back to the Chrysler plant 02:52  “Do we have a plant in Jacksonville? I quit.” 03:16  A Ford Probe, two garbage bags, and a trailer 03:47  Fired from his first Florida job 04:00  Esports, a salon, semi trucks, and a comedy club 04:45  Fred the equities trader; a son who trades futures 05:16  Teaching futures trading — two classes a week 05:38  “An extra $2,000 a month from your laptop” 06:20  How Fred trades now: core positions and swings 07:26  Trading in the Zone — mindset over mechanics 07:48  Checkers with dad: trying not to lose 08:14  The rule: don’t lose what you made yesterday 08:53  Win 30 days in a row — all base hits 09:26  “Only $50?” — 15 minutes on a laptop 09:43  Fred’s story: starting at the top of the 1999 market 10:28  The mentor’s challenge: green every day for a month 12:12  Nine months without a red day 13:01  The Heat rule: be able to walk away from anything 13:48  Discipline at 58 — health, food, and showing up 14:31  Find the thing you can do every day 15:41  Books and the Anti Mediocre Podcast 16:07  “What are you top notch at?” 18:38  His book: A Quick Guide to Discovering the Best You 19:07  Fred’s morning: the Bible and prayer 19:26  550 men at 6 a.m. — the 1122 men’s group 20:43  Faith as the foundation for hard times 21:31  Fred’s baptism — November 8, 2020 22:14  “Trust and obey — there’s no other way” 23:29  Knocking on a stranger’s door at 10 p.m. 24:22  Why most retirees end up back at work 24:51  The one constant: the need to earn money 25:20  Money talks to you — or you tell it what to do 26:36  How to reach Joseph 26:56  Wrap-up — share your 210 corridor story

    Tell Your Money What to Do: Navy Vet Turned Private Equity CEO Joseph Tolbert Jr. | Beachwalk and Beyond Ep. 5

  6. Jun 30

    Slow the Growth, Stop the Waste: Ex-FBI Agent Martin Pyszczymuka Runs for St. Johns County | Beachwalk and Beyond Ep. 4

    Welcome back to Beachwalk and Beyond — local stories and events from the 210 corridor in St. Johns, Florida. Host Fred Amato (owner of Stroll Beachwalk) sits down with Martin Pyszczymuka, a retired FBI agent and Republican candidate for St. Johns County Commissioner, District 2. From a family that survived a WWII labor camp to a career as a federal Air Marshal and FBI fraud investigator, Martin lays out why he’s running and what “Slow the Growth, Stop the Waste” actually means for the county. It’s a wide-ranging, local conversation about growth, accountability, and the August 18 election that will decide the seat. In this episode we cover: •     Why the August 18 primary is open to every St. Johns voter this year — Republican, Democrat, or no party •     The story behind his last name: a WWII slave-labor camp, Belgium, and the middle name Valerian •     From federal Air Marshal instructor to FBI white-collar crime and SWAT •     Why he refuses developer money — and how he qualified for the ballot by petition •     SB 354 and the roughly 50,000 acres that could be developed with little county oversight •     Restoring local home rule and the fight in Tallahassee •     The math of growth: 4.7% a year since 2000 vs. a sustainable 2.5% •     Traffic on CR 210, clear-cutting, and lessons from South Florida •     A county budget that he says doubled in six years — and subsidizing Publix •     Faith, accountability, and why he felt called to run Learn more: •     Candidate site: VoteMartin2026.com •     Early voting starts August 8 · Election Day / primary is August 18, 2026 Beachwalk and Beyond is brought to you by Stroll Beachwalk and LBW Productions. Have a story, a business, or an event to share with the 210 corridor? Email Fred at info@beachwalkandbeyond.com — we’d love to have you on the show. Subscribe so you never miss an episode — new episodes every Tuesday. 00:00  Welcome to Beachwalk and Beyond 00:12  Meet Martin Pyszczymuka — candidate, District 2 00:32  Why this primary is different: every voter can vote Aug 18 01:25  Retired FBI agent; “Slow the Growth, Stop the Waste” 01:48  How Fred & Martin met — the Stroll Beachwalk cover 04:44  “What’s the deal with your last name?” 05:11  A WWII survival story & the middle name Valerian 07:01  Struggling with the name — and finding it on the ballot 07:55  What qualifies him: FBI, Rutgers economics, MBA, business 09:00  Fred’s own developer background & the politics of growth 11:03  Air Marshal, FBI SWAT & a father in the HRT 12:20  Capitalism vs. crony capitalism: following the money 13:04  What sets him apart: no developer money, on by petition 15:20  Accountability, faith & why he felt called to run 17:11  SB 354 & ~50,000 acres at risk; restoring home rule 19:14  “There’s no slowing the growth” — and why he disagrees 20:17  Krista Joseph, a board majority & exposing approvals 22:16  Traffic, CR 210 & lessons from South Florida 24:06  4.7% growth since 2000 vs. a sustainable 2.5% 25:16  “Plug the hole”: clear-cutting & habitat loss 25:44  Does being “from here” matter? Growing up in New Jersey 27:27  Rising taxes & who really pays for growth 28:08  Infrastructure & a budget that doubled in six years 29:23  Subsidizing Publix & “accountability over transparency” 29:57  Wrap-up: early voting Aug 8, Election Day Aug 18 31:18  Re-elect Krista Joseph; VoteMartin2026.com 31:31  Thanks & how to get on the show

    Slow the Growth, Stop the Waste: Ex-FBI Agent Martin Pyszczymuka Runs for St. Johns County | Beachwalk and Beyond Ep. 4

  7. Jun 23

    Ep. 3 — Island Fin Poké: Come Hungry, Leave Happy (with Seth Neiman)

    Welcome back to Beachwalk and Beyond — local stories and events from the 210 corridor in St. Johns, Florida. Host Fred Amato (owner of Stroll Beachwalk) sits down on location with Seth Neiman, owner of Island Fin Poké at Beachwalk. Seth left a 25-year career in the New York entertainment industry, moved his family to Florida during COVID, and took a leap into the restaurant business. What follows is a refreshingly honest conversation about chasing a dream, the hard math of running a storefront, and the faith and grit it takes to keep going. In this episode we cover: •     Leaving a 25-year entertainment career in New York after a COVID layoff •     How the Beachwalk marketing video sold him on opening here — and the video he made splicing it with reality that went viral •     What poké actually is (a Hawaiian word for cubed meat — yes, even spam) •     99% gluten-free, kids’ bowls, the new tacos, and Dole Whip soft serve •     A 4.9 rating across 400+ reviews — and why service from a teenage staff is the secret •     The honest truth about high rents, thin margins, and the struggling storefront model •     The pizza-and-poké idea, and delivering pies to the Beachwalk apartments by golf cart •     The record-breaking July 4th fireworks happening right behind the store •     Fresh, made-to-order Hawaiian lemonades coming to the menu Find Island Fin Poké: •     Located at Beachwalk on CR 210, St. Johns, FL •     4.9 stars across 400+ reviews Beachwalk and Beyond is brought to you by Stroll Beachwalk and LBW Productions. Have a story, a business, or an event to share with the 210 corridor? Email Fred at fred.amato@strollmag.com — we’d love to have you on the show. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. 00:00  Welcome to Beachwalk and Beyond 00:12  Meet Seth Neiman of Island Fin Poké 00:30  From New Jersey to Florida: a COVID-era leap 01:14  Falling for poké & a 3-year road to opening 01:38  Settling in Beacon Lake, across from Beachwalk 02:03  The marketing video that sold him on Beachwalk 02:38  The video he made that went viral 02:56  The “mini town center” dream vs. the 5–7 year reality 03:36  Roadwork, traffic & why restaurants here are hard 04:29  How Fred and Seth met — and the Stroll cover 05:19  What is poké? (It means “cubed meat”) 06:42  Building your bowl & going 99% gluten-free 07:00  The new tacos & eating with your hands 08:19  Foot traffic, Margaritaville & filling storefronts 09:02  Slower summers & the July 4th fireworks behind the store 10:25  Looking for a partner to help with cash flow 11:18  The pizza-and-poké idea 12:10  Golf-cart pizza delivery to the Beachwalk apartments 12:47  Planting seeds, keeping faith & not giving up 13:18  4.9 stars, 400+ reviews & service that stands out 14:04  Dole Whip soft serve & table service 15:20  Why the podcast — sharing 210 corridor stories 16:19  Breaking news: fresh Hawaiian lemonades 17:00  Fred’s Kool-Aid stand & why people really buy 18:14  The Beachwalk farmers market & what really sells 19:04  “Come to Island Fin Poké” — raw, real & honest 19:40  Faith, journey & being the vessel 23:05  Thanks & wrap-up

    Ep. 3 — Island Fin Poké: Come Hungry, Leave Happy (with Seth Neiman)

  8. Jun 23

    Ep. 2 — Chris Sileo, The Florida Realtor: One Man, Every Hustle

    Welcome back to Beachwalk and Beyond — local stories and events from the 210 corridor in St. Johns, Florida. Host Fred Amato (owner of Stroll Beachwalk) sits down with Chris Sileo, better known as “The Florida Realtor.” Chris is a native Floridian who spent 20 years in Central Florida before moving his family to Beacon Lake in 2024 — and he doesn’t do anything halfway. Real estate is the day job (nearly ten years, everywhere in Florida except Miami), but he also runs a holiday-lighting business, films a YouTube channel just for the fun of it, and writes a regular column for Stroll Beacon Lake. In this episode we cover: •     Why a tangible, printed magazine still matters in a digital world •     Leaving a 20-year life in Central Florida and starting over in St. Johns •     Ten years as “The Florida Realtor” — listings from Central Florida to the Georgia line (just not Miami) •     Holidays Done Bright: hanging Christmas lights, climbing roofs barefoot, and surviving the Florida heat •     Golf, volunteering inside the ropes at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and the casual monthly mixer at Cimarron Golf & Country Club •     Skim boarding since middle school — headstands and backflips off the shore break •     What’s happening in Beacon Lake this summer: Food Truck Fridays, the pool, kayaking, and pickleball •     The biggest July 4th fireworks show St. Johns County has ever seen, coming to Beachwalk •     His Doing Stuff Today YouTube channel — from building a shed to Disney rides to changing a car battery Find Chris Sileo: •     Real estate: “The Florida Realtor” on Facebook •     Holiday lighting: Holidays Done Bright (Facebook / holidaysdonebright.com) •     YouTube: “Doing Stuff Today” Beachwalk and Beyond is brought to you by Stroll Beachwalk and LBW Productions. Have a story, a business, or an event to share with the 210 corridor? Email Fred at fred.amato@strollmag.com — we’d love to have you on the show. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. 00:00  Welcome to Beachwalk and Beyond 00:12  Meet Chris Sileo & thanks for the Stroll cover story 01:22  Why a tangible, printed magazine still matters 02:05  The Stroll story: a 500+ market franchise, one local magazine man 02:46  Twenty years in Central Florida, then home to St. Johns 03:47  A family man — featured on the Stroll cover 04:11  The “Doing Stuff Today” YouTube channel & family adventures 05:00  Ten years as “The Florida Realtor” — everywhere but Miami 07:00  Holidays Done Bright: the holiday-lighting side hustle 08:00  Climbing roofs in the Florida heat — barefoot 09:05  Writing a column for Stroll Beacon Lake 09:46  Golf, nature & volunteering at the Arnold Palmer Invitational 11:45  Cimarron Golf & Country Club — the monthly mixer open to all 13:42  Recovery shots & getting the whole family into golf 14:45  What’s new in Beacon Lake this summer 15:30  Beacon Lake’s resident-funded July 4th fireworks 16:13  Beachwalk’s record-breaking July 4th show (Margaritaville) 18:13  Fireworks, kids & Disney every night 19:00  Food Truck Fridays, the pool & pickleball 20:05  Kayaking, paddleboarding & skim-boarding tricks 21:29  From skim boarding to wakeboarding & boat-kid days 23:44  Let’s go golfing (and maybe wakeboarding) 24:26  Where to find Chris: real estate, Holidays Done Bright & YouTube 26:08  Sponsorship, friendship & wrap-up

    Ep. 2 — Chris Sileo, The Florida Realtor: One Man, Every Hustle

  9. Jun 14

    80 Years of Clean Water

    Welcome to the very first episode of Beachwalk and Beyond — local stories and events from the 210 corridor in St. Johns, Florida. Host Fred Amato (owner of Stroll Beachwalk) sits down with his friend and business partner Diane Ingram of CGC Home Services. Diane took a leap of faith out of the medical field nearly ten years ago and never looked back — today she's one of the most recognizable faces in the St. Johns business community. In this episode we cover: Why Florida water is so different from up north — and how a reverse-osmosis system changed Fred's family's daily life (and got his son off bottled water)Inside CGC Home Services: 80 years of service, full-service plumbing, water treatment, and a new store in Ponte VedraDiane's path from the medical field to "Queen of Networking"Downsizing, becoming empty nesters, and the surprising freedom of letting go of "stuff"Faith, family, seven grandchildren in Michigan, and finally finding the courage to sing in churchThe biggest July 4th fireworks show St. Johns County has ever seen, coming to BeachwalkCGC Home Services — water treatment & full-service plumbingCall Diane directly: (904) 776-7256Referral program: refer a friend and you each get $75 — and $225 when they install a system. Beachwalk and Beyond is brought to you by Stroll Beachwalk and LBW Productions.Have a story, a business, or an event to share with the 210 corridor? Email Fred at fred.amato@strollmag.com — we'd love to have you on the show. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Chapters00:00 Welcome to Beachwalk and Beyond00:13 Meet Diane Ingram: a leap of faith into water treatment00:52 How Fred and Diane met01:12 Inside CGC Home Services & the new Ponte Vedra store01:31 Why Florida water is different: reverse osmosis & filtration02:22 Family, faith, and seven grandchildren in Michigan02:55 The "Queen of Networking" & St. Johns community life03:59 Celebrating 80 years of service04:55 Meet the owners: Kelly and Dan05:28 The biggest July 4th fireworks in St. Johns County06:12 Downsizing & the freedom of empty-nester life07:36 Leaving New York and learning what you really need08:46 Faith, family, and singing in church10:18 CGC's mission & referral program11:06 How to reach CGC Home Services11:32 Sponsorship, friendship & wrap-up

    80 Years of Clean Water
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Beachwalk and Beyond is your front-row seat to the people, places, and stories that make the 210 corridor in St. Johns County, Florida, feel like home. Hosted by Fred Amato, owner of Stroll Beachwalk, each episode is a relaxed, honest conversation with the neighbors, local business owners, and community builders you'll recognize from around town — the kind of stories that don't make the headlines but make this place special. From small-business journeys and local events to the moments that bring our community together, we're taking you on a stroll through the heart of the 210 corridor.

Information

  • Creator
    Produced by LBW Productions
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beachwalk and Beyond
  • Show Website
    Beachwalk and Beyond