Podcast Hosted by: Gavin Elliot
The Florida Forge is the podcast spotlighting Florida entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders who are building legacy-driven companies. We dive into real stories of growth, grit, and generational impact, highlighting what it takes to lead with purpose and build a lasting business in the Sunshine State.
From Hustling College Kid To Faith-Driven VC Building Florida's Future ft. Spencer Elliott
What drives a man to build startups, fund innovation, and still keep faith and family at the center of it all? Gavin sits down with Spencer Elliott - venture capitalist, founder, and Director at Plug and Play Tech Center - to explore purpose, perseverance, and the power of gratitude. From humble beginnings in Orlando to leading one of the world’s most active VC networks, Spencer opens up about the childhood experiences that forged his character, the faith that grounds him, and the family that fuels his ambition. Together, they dive deep into entrepreneurship, fatherhood, and Florida’s emerging role as the “Silicon Swamp.” This is more than a success story. It’s a masterclass in purpose-driven living.
From Food Stamps To Building $100M+ Companies Amidst Grief, Loss, and Fatherhood ft. John Chiorando
Entrepreneur and philanthropist John Chiorando shares his raw and remarkable journey from growing up in violence and poverty to building multi-million-dollar companies, all while keeping one title closest to his heart: Dad. John opens up about the heartbreak and faith that shaped his life, from losing his daughter to cancer, to raising a son with Down syndrome, to rebuilding his relationship with God after years of anger and loss. His story is one of redemption, resilience, and relentless love. You’ll hear how he went from welfare and paper routes to moving billions of dollars, and why he’s now on a mission to bring manufacturing - and hope - back to America. This episode will make you cry, think, and believe in the power of purpose all over again.
From Alcoholic To Faithful $9M CEO ft. Matt Mishler
From bailing hay in small-town Michigan to building a multimillion-dollar company in Florida, Matt Mishler’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. In this powerful conversation, Matt opens up about overcoming alcoholism, leaving behind the corporate grind, and discovering a new path through faith, discipline, and entrepreneurship. He shares how his rock bottom moment turned into the launchpad for Lion Rock Financial Services, and why he’s determined to leave a legacy of abundance without the hustle-and-grind mentality. With raw honesty and a message of hope, Matt reveals the habits, mindset, and faith that transformed his life. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn pain into purpose, this is an episode you can’t miss.
From Pregnant in Jail to Gospel-Spreading Lawyer ft. Kaysia Earley
She went from a college student in handcuffs to a trial lawyer who prays with clients, and the moment that changed everything happened in a jail cell. In this episode Kaysia Early tells the raw story of pleading guilty, being sentenced while four months pregnant, and how a solitary night lit a fire that ultimately put her in court as an advocate for others. You’ll hear how one honest letter from the son she carried helped sway a bar committee, why faith reshaped her career, and how she balances law, ministry, family and fashion. Expect courtroom war stories, spiritual candor, and practical lessons about mercy, grit, and speaking up when the system fails. Tune in to learn how one woman turned a worst day into a lifelong mission to fight for the vulnerable.
From Rock & Roll To Faith-Driven Purpose and Family Legacy with Jordan Goodfellow
Jordan Goodfellow was sick of being told he was "non-essential" by the state of Colorado, so packed up his family and moved to Florida, where his business has expanded and his faith has impacted a ton of lives. It's been just one of many chapters of his life where an adventure has brought him the chance to learn, grow, and share his faith. From touring with Linkin Park (and being the only guy not drinking and partying) to surviving COVID while running a business that relied on in-person events, this episode is packed with stories of real resilience, and a life forged by overcoming challenge. This is what it means to be a business owner in Florida, a father, a man of faith, and someone who makes every day of their life count toward a dream and vision bigger than themselves.