Hometown Jax

Hometown Jax is a podcast that shines a spotlight on the people who make Jacksonville run. From firefighters and nurses to bartenders, teachers, and more, we sit down with locals who have everyday jobs that often go unnoticed but are essential to our community.

Hometown Jax is a business podcast hosted by First Coast Mortgage Funding, with 48 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

First Coast Mortgage Funding hosts Hometown Jax, a business show with 48 episodes published.

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  Episode #48

  Trey Brunson on Faith, Film & the Rise of Church of Eleven22

  Sep 8, 202659 min

  On this episode of Hometown Jax , host Aaron Bacus sits down with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and difference-makers from across Northeast Florida to uncover the stories behind their success, the obstacles they’ve faced, and the impact they’re making in the Jacksonville community. From business and leadership to faith and personal growth, Hometown Jax shines a spotlight on the people shaping the culture and future of the First Coast. In this episode, Aaron sits down with Trey Brunson of Church of Eleven22 for a powerful conversation about faith, leadership, purpose, and the explosive growth of one of Jacksonville’s most influential churches. Trey shares his journey from growing up as a pastor’s kid to planting a church in Los Angeles, producing the faith-based film Run the Race alongside Tim Tebow, and helping lead the rapid expansion of Eleven22 across Northeast Florida. The conversation dives deep into modern culture, the resurgence of faith, truth in today’s world, discipleship, church planting, and why so many people are searching for meaning right now. This is an inspiring and thought-provoking episode you won’t want to miss.

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  Episode #47

  Military Police, Mortgages & Firearms: The Many Careers of CJ Bobola

  Aug 18, 202657 min

  On this episode of Hometown Jax, host Aaron Bacus sits down with local business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to uncover the real stories behind their success. From overcoming obstacles to building businesses in Northeast Florida, Hometown Jax highlights the people who make the Jacksonville community thrive. Each episode dives into the lessons, struggles, and wins that shape the everyday workforce and business landscape of Jacksonville. This week, Aaron talks with CJ Bobola, veteran, former military police officer, mortgage professional, and owner of Anchored Armory. CJ shares his journey from growing up in a military family to serving overseas in Greece, Spain, and Africa, working anti-piracy missions, becoming a civilian police officer, and eventually transitioning into the mortgage industry and firearms business. The conversation dives deep into gun safety, concealed carry laws, military culture, entrepreneurship, networking, and how CJ built a concierge-style firearm business focused on education and trust. Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, military stories, firearms education, or building a business around your passions, this episode is packed with insight and unforgettable stories.

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  Episode #46

  How Jim Martin Built a Championship Legacy in Jacksonville Basketball

  Aug 4, 202659 min

  On this episode of Hometown Jax, host Aaron Bacus sits down with the people who help shape Jacksonville through leadership, perseverance, and service to the community. Each conversation uncovers the real story behind local success — the setbacks, sacrifices, and defining moments that most people never see. This show is about the individuals who make Northeast Florida stronger every single day. In this episode, Aaron talks with legendary Providence School basketball coach Jim Martin, fresh off his fourth state championship. Jim shares his journey from college player to coach, the moment he walked away from a stable career to follow his calling, and how he built one of Jacksonville’s most respected basketball programs. They dive into leadership, coaching philosophy, parenting in youth sports, player development, and what it truly means to create a winning culture that lasts far beyond the scoreboard.

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  Episode #45

  Inside Local News: Tiffany Salameh on Journalism, AI & Trust in Media

  Jul 21, 202657 min

  Hometown Jax is all about the people who keep Jacksonville moving—business owners, professionals, and community leaders who show up every day to make a difference. Hosted by Jason Kindler, each episode dives into the real stories behind the work—uncovering the challenges, pivots, and passion that fuel success in Northeast Florida. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative, or just someone who loves hearing how others overcome obstacles, this podcast is your front-row seat to the heartbeat of Jacksonville. In this episode, Jason sits down with News4JAX reporter Tiffany Salameh to explore her journey from a Jacksonville native to a trusted voice in local news. Tiffany shares how an unexpected start in high school journalism shaped her career, what it really takes to work in a fast-paced newsroom, and how the media landscape has evolved in the age of social media and AI. From uncovering scams and helping real people get justice to breaking down misconceptions about the news industry, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it means to report the truth—and why local journalism matters now more than ever.

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  Episode #44

  From Beaver County to the Super Bowl: Jerald Ingram’s Championship Journey

  Jul 7, 202659 min

  Hometown Jax is where Jacksonville’s leaders, builders, and difference-makers share the real stories behind their success. Hosted by Aaron Bacus, the show dives into the journeys, setbacks, sacrifices, and defining moments that shape the people impacting our city every day. From entrepreneurs to former NFL coaches, each episode reveals what it truly takes to win — in business, in life, and in the community. In this powerful episode, Aaron sits down with former NFL running backs coach Jerald Ingram to unpack a journey that spans from growing up in Beaver, Pennsylvania to coaching under legendary leaders at Michigan, building the Jacksonville Jaguars from day one, and winning two Super Bowls with the New York Giants. Jerald shares lessons on discipline from his military father, the intensity of playing under Bo Schembechler, what it takes to build a championship culture from scratch, and the emotional reality of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. From expansion draft strategy to playoff battles in 27-below Green Bay, this conversation is packed with wisdom on leadership, sacrifice, and what separates good teams from great ones. If you want a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to win at the highest level — this episode is a must-watch.

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