In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred continues his coverage from the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa, showcasing the innovative spirit of veteran entrepreneurs. Tom sits down with Air Force veteran Bruni Oquendo, founder of Casa Bruni—an events lifestyle activation and programming company that’s transforming Tampa’s underutilized spaces into vibrant cultural hubs. Bruni shares her inspiring journey from high school teacher to entrepreneur, a transition sparked during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains how Casa Bruni uses creative placemaking to connect communities through events rooted in music, art, and culture, with salsa dancing playing a central role. The discussion dives into how hobbies can evolve into business opportunities, and how Bruni has leveraged her passion and local connections to build a thriving brand. Listeners will also hear about Bruni’s experience with support organizations like Veterans Florida and Action Zone, and the critical role mentorship and community play in the entrepreneurial journey. Bruni wraps the conversation by sharing her plans for future expansion and how to get involved with Casa Bruni. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest:https://www.casabruni.com