Summary: <p>Checking in at 8am was Matt Ripley, Owner of a Kona Ice Franchice where his shaved ice truck features a tiki hut top, self-serve flavor wave and unique flavors such as pickle and tigers blood. He partners with organizations throughout the area to host “Kona Days” which allow administrators to raise money for underfunded programs and initiatives. One of his “Kona Days” initiatives since the launch of his business has been with the Bob Sierra Family YMCA (4029 Northdale Blvd., Tampa, FL). He has already raised over $1,200 for the organization by donating a percentage of his profits during the past few months. He has numerous upcoming “Kona Days” for the YMCA planned throughout the summer and cannot wait to continuing supporting the organization. Matt will discuss his partnership and fundraising events with the YMCA during this interview. Visit him online at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Kona-Ice-Little-Hillsborough-633846666753753/?fref=ts" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/Kona-Ice-Little-Hillsborough-633846666753753/?fref=ts</a> and be sure to like his page!</p> <p> </p> <p>My next guest was Jennifer Phelps, CEO and Founder of Engage Behavioral Health. Jennifer founded Engage Behavioral Health in 2008 and specializes in the assessment and treatment of children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. She is also an expert in Applied Verbal Behavior treatment for children with ASD. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a specialty in Applied Behavior Analysis, from the University of South Florida. She also holds a master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Florida State University. Starting by herself in 2008, today her company employs around 90 staff members and therapists and their services range from their office to providing services in the home or school. Servicing children aged 5 to 13, find her online at <a href="http://www.engagebehavioralhealth.com/">www.engagebehavioralhealth.com</a> or give them a call today at 813-374-2070 if you have a child in need!</p> <p>Closing out the show was Tom Panaggio, Owner of Apogee Growth. Tom has had a 30-year entrepreneurial career as cofounder of two successful direct marketing companies, Direct Mail Express (DME) in Daytona Beach, Florida, and spin-off RME in Tampa, Florida. He is the author of the book The Risk Advantage: Embracing the Entrepreneur’s Unexpected Edge. With The Risk Advantage he aims to help entrepreneurs face the many situations, predicaments, and crises they’ll encounter during their life, and to help formulate their leadership style and business strategy. In addition, Tom is a mentor for Tampa Bay Wave, a tech incubator where he guides entrepreneurs through the process of building, launching and growing their start-ups. Tom was in studio today to talk about the 19-Minute Fast-Pitch Challenge where on October 4th and 6th, owners of 12 pre-screened businesses will make a 5 minute pitch/presentation in front of a panel of judges to try and win a prize valued at $50,000. The prize is not cash specifically but rather an assortment of coaching and consulting and other business building items that will work with you over the course of 1 year. Sponsors are welcome and you can learn more at <a href="http://www.19minutechallenge.com/">www.19minutechallenge.com</a> and to apply for a spot!</p>
