In this episode of Building Pensacola, host Zach Dykes sits down with community leader and entrepreneur Donnie Peterson for a powerful and inspiring conversation on leadership, business, and purpose. Donnie shares his journey from being a Chick-fil-A Operating Partner and local pastor to founding Collaire, a leadership development company focused on cultivating culture and character within small businesses. He discusses the importance of servant leadership, building ecosystems that develop people across all ages, and ensuring leadership principles are universally human—not just Western. From his impactful work in Uganda to mentoring youth in Pensacola, Donnie emphasizes creating a lasting legacy through intentional influence, personal discipline, and authentic care. Tune in for deep insights, practical advice, and a refreshing take on building a business—and a life—of meaning.👉 Learn more or work with Donnie at: https://www.colere.world/

Buying or selling a home in Pensacola? Wondering what it takes to succeed in real estate or avoid costly mistakes? Realtor Ashley Murray breaks it all down with real stories, tips, and local insight. In this episode, Ashley shares her journey from teaching to real estate, how being on a team fast-tracked her success, and why education plays a key role in helping buyers and sellers feel confident. We talk about building a strong network, prepping a home to sell, common pitfalls for first-time buyers, and what makes the Pensacola market unique. Whether you’re a new agent, a curious buyer, or someone looking to sell, this conversation offers practical steps, honest advice, and a better understanding of what it takes to thrive in real estate.Want to work with Ashley? https://www.levinrinkerealty.com/agent-bio/ashleym

Blake Jones was slinging drinks one day and booking high-profile photo gigs the next—all because of a random LinkedIn message. Wild, right? In this episode, he breaks down how a simple profile update put him on the radar of a global brand, why networking is the cheat code to success, and the brutal lessons he learned about running a business.

If you’re a freelancer, creative, or entrepreneur trying to level up and land bigger clients, you need to hear this.

Pensacola business owners, entrepreneurs, and coffee lovers—this episode is for you. We dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Caleb, the founder of Makers Cafe, a thriving coffee shop in downtown Pensacola. Learn how he transitioned from photography and videography into building a beloved community hub, how branding set them apart, and what it takes to manage a growing team. We also discuss business challenges, the importance of relationships, and why customer experience is everything. Whether you’re launching a startup or scaling your business, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, branding, and resilience. Subscribe for more stories of local business success!

Welcome to Building Pensacola, Episode 0!

Join me, Zach Dykes, and my co-host Nic Wilson as we kick off a brand-new podcast dedicated to highlighting the business leaders, community builders, and change-makers shaping Pensacola.

In this episode, we’re laying out our mission—digging into real conversations with local success stories to uncover the lessons, struggles, and wins that can help you fast-track your own journey.Building Pensacola isn’t just another podcast. It’s a space for growth, innovation, and community, where we bring you stories that matter.

You can find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, and LinkedIn—and we want to hear from you! Drop your feedback, suggest guests, and be part of the conversation.

Our first guest? Caleb Pierce, owner of Maker’s Café & Espresso Bar on Palafox. Get ready—this is going to be good.

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