From a homemade bagel recipe to a growing franchise, Jeff Perera shares how taking a risk, putting in the work, and building a strong brand can turn a side hustle into a business.

In this episode of Nexus at UCF, our host, Luke Kelly, sits down with Jeff Perera, founder of Jeff’s Bagel Run, to explore entrepreneurship, franchising, and how Jeff's Bagel Run grew from a home kitchen into a successful brand. From the financial risks of starting a business to the power of storytelling and social media, this conversation dives deep into innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of branding in business.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – teaser

00:14 Welcome to Nexus + Meet Jeff Perera

02:40 How Jeff’s Bagel Run started

07:51 What UCF taught Jeff + Advice on how to utilize college

12:54 When is a business ready to franchise?

16:06 Who you need to start a franchise

17:40 Utilizing social media for brand building

20:22 Past experiences become tools for the present

22:37 Expanding a franchise in Florida + becoming a franchisee

29:06 The future of Jeff’s Bagel Run + Bagel of the day’s impact

33:08 Jeff’s advice on starting a business

33:31 (Outro) – Thank you for listening!

🔗 Connect with Us
🌐 Website: https://nexusatucf.wixsite.com/nexus-at-ucf

💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nexusatucf
📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/nexusatucf
🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@nexusatucf
▶️ More episodes: https://youtube.com/@nexusatucf

🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

🔗 Connect with UCF

🏛️ College of Business Website: https://business.ucf.edu/

📊 College of Business on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/ucf-college-of-business/posts/?feedView=all

🌐 UCF Website: https://www.ucf.edu/

💼 UCF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-central-florida/posts/?feedView=all

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected to the future of business.

Join us as we kick off Part two of our one-year anniversary special, celebrating some of the most impactful conversations and insights that have shaped Nexus at UCF over the past year.

In this special anniversary edition of Nexus at UCF, we revisit standout conversations with entrepreneurs, executives, educators, and industry leaders to explore entrepreneurship and the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of business. From building resilient startups and embracing calculated risk to leveraging AI, fostering workplace culture, mentorship, and adaptability, this anniversary compilation highlights some of the most valuable lessons shared by our guests throughout Nexus at UCF's first year. As Part two of our anniversary celebration, this episode reflects on the ideas, experiences, and perspectives that continue to shape the future of business.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:51 Artificial Intelligence: Its roots, what it can do now, and what it will do

04:56 Entrepreneurship: How to be a successful founder in 2026

07:01 Entrepreneurship: Developing yourself, your brand, and your brand identity

09:55 Entrepreneurship: Take care of your customers and your stakeholders

13:02 (Outro) – Thank you for listening!

🔗 Connect with Us
🌐 Website: https://nexusatucf.wixsite.com/nexus-at-ucf
💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nexusatucf
📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/nexusatucf
🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@nexusatucf
▶️ More episodes: https://youtube.com/@nexusatucf
🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

🔗 Connect with UCF
🏛️ College of Business Website: https://business.ucf.edu/
📊 College of Business on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/ucf-college-of-business/posts/?feedView=all

🌐 UCF Website: https://www.ucf.edu/
💼 UCF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-central-florida/posts/?feedView=all

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected to the future of business.

Join us as we kick off Part One of our one-year anniversary special, celebrating some of the most impactful conversations and insights that have shaped Nexus at UCF over the past year.

In this special anniversary edition of Nexus at UCF, we revisit standout conversations with entrepreneurs, executives, educators, and industry leaders to explore entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of business. From building resilient startups and embracing calculated risk to leveraging AI, fostering workplace culture, mentorship, and adaptability, this anniversary compilation highlights some of the most valuable lessons shared by our guests throughout Nexus at UCF's first year. As Part One of our anniversary celebration, this episode reflects on the ideas, experiences, and perspectives that continue to shape the future of business.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Intro

01:17 Leadership: How to Succeed

03:55 Leadership: The Required Character & Perseverance

06:22 Advice: Facing storms and taking opportunities

08:47 Advice: Taking risks and finding your passion

10:25 Advice: Problem solving and being fully immersed

13:28 Advice: Joining communities and organization alignment

15:08 (Outro) – Thank you for listening!

🔗 Connect with Us
🌐 Website: https://nexusatucf.wixsite.com/nexus-at-ucf
💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nexusatucf
📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/nexusatucf
🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@nexusatucf
▶️ More episodes: https://youtube.com/@nexusatucf
🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

🔗 Connect with UCF
🏛️ College of Business Website: https://business.ucf.edu/
📊 College of Business on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/ucf-college-of-business/posts/?feedView=all

🌐 UCF Website: https://www.ucf.edu/
💼 UCF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-central-florida/posts/?feedView=all

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected to the future of business.