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In this episode of Palm Harbor Local, Donnie Hathaway sits down with Gary Hall, founder of Blue Collar Home Services, to talk about his 30-year journey in the electrical and HVAC trades. Gary shares how he turned early jobsite experience into a thriving, community-driven company that focuses on training and mentoring the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

He explains why he’s committed to staying locally owned despite multiple offers from investors, emphasizing the importance of people, integrity, and service over profit. Gary also provides practical hurricane prep tips for Florida homeowners—from installing proper surge protection to maintaining smoke detectors and backup power options.

This conversation highlights the heart behind Blue Collar Home Services and Gary’s passion for developing talent, serving customers with care, and keeping Palm Harbor powered and protected year-round.

Stroll through the laid-back streets of the Palm Harbor community with this informative podcast, proudly brought to you by Donnie Hathaway with The Hathaway Group, your trusted guide and local expert in navigating the diverse and ever-changing property landscape of Palm Harbor.

Work with me + FREE Resources

Would you like help buying a home in Palm Harbor? - Buyer Consultation
Would you like help selling your house in Palm Harbor? - Seller Marketing Consultation
Download our free buyer's guide today - Buyer's Guide

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Growing up in a family plumbing business, building homes in PA, moving to Florida, why typical water softeners fall short, chloramine vs chlorine, slab leaks and copper pinholes, whole-home filtration and no-salt conditioning, under-sink alkaline options, maintenance tips, costs and environmental impact, and why the trades matter.

Highlights

• Fred’s 60+ years in plumbing and homebuilding and how that shaped Water Science’s approach.
• The Florida water reality: chloramine, hardness, and why “softened” ≠ “purified.”
• How no-salt conditioning keeps healthy minerals while preventing scale (great for tankless heaters).
• Whole-home carbon + catalytic filtration to address chloramine, taste/odor, and system protection.
• Under-sink drinking systems that maintain alkaline pH and reduce micro-contaminants.
• Practical home tips: flushing your water heater, checking drains when you smell “sulfur,” choosing copper types, and avoiding bottled-water plastic.
• Lifetime warranty, 5-year media refresh, and why right-sized systems matter for larger homes.
• Career message to young people: the trades are a high-opportunity path.

Connect

• Water Science: waterscience.us
• Follow the show on Instagram: @palmharborlocal
• Join the newsletter: PalmHarborLocal.com

Stroll through the laid-back streets of the Palm Harbor community with this informative podcast, proudly brought to you by Donnie Hathaway with The Hathaway Group, your trusted guide and local expert in navigating the diverse and ever-changing property landscape of Palm Harbor.

Work with me + FREE Resources

Would you like help buying a home in Palm Harbor? - Buyer Consultation
Would you like help selling your house in Palm Harbor? - Seller Marketing Consultation
Download our free buyer's guide today - Buyer's Guide

Send us a text

In this episode of Palm Harbor Local, host Donnie Hathaway sits down with Kenny McLaurin, founder of McLaurin Inspections, to explore the evolving world of home inspections and real estate in Florida. Kenny shares his journey of building his business during the pandemic, how market shifts impact both inspectors and agents, and why managing client expectations is critical in such a high-stakes industry.

We dive into:

• How Florida’s insurance requirements make inspections unique (and complicated).
• Differences between inspecting homes in Michigan vs. Florida.
• The role of communication in building trust with buyers and agents.
• Kenny’s candid thoughts on solar panels, roofing, and inspection guidelines.
• The future of AI and technology in the home inspection industry.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of home inspections, this episode is full of insights you won’t want to miss.

Stroll through the laid-back streets of the Palm Harbor community with this informative podcast, proudly brought to you by Donnie Hathaway with The Hathaway Group, your trusted guide and local expert in navigating the diverse and ever-changing property landscape of Palm Harbor.

Work with me + FREE Resources

Would you like help buying a home in Palm Harbor? - Buyer Consultation
Would you like help selling your house in Palm Harbor? - Seller Marketing Consultation
Download our free buyer's guide today - Buyer's Guide

Send us a text

In this powerful episode of Palm Harbor Local, Donnie Hathaway sits down with local creative and endurance athlete Chay Nott—whose journey from musical theater to photography to ultra-marathons is anything but ordinary. Chay shares his incredible story of personal transformation, driven by a commitment to discipline, self-awareness, and pushing past comfort zones.

Discover what led Chay to run a grueling ultra-marathon in the Florida heat, how a single message from a friend reshaped his purpose, and why he believes extreme discomfort is essential to personal growth. From building a freelance media business from scratch to training for Mount Everest-level challenges, this conversation is a deep dive into mindset, discipline, and the pursuit of potential.

Stroll through the laid-back streets of the Palm Harbor community with this informative podcast, proudly brought to you by Donnie Hathaway with The Hathaway Group, your trusted guide and local expert in navigating the diverse and ever-changing property landscape of Palm Harbor.

Work with me + FREE Resources

Would you like help buying a home in Palm Harbor? - Buyer Consultation
Would you like help selling your house in Palm Harbor? - Seller Marketing Consultation
Download our free buyer's guide today - Buyer's Guide

Send us a text

In this episode of Palm Harbor Local, host Donnie Hathaway sits down with longtime friend and local entrepreneur Anthony Santiago, the founder of First Class Detailing. Anthony shares his journey from being a 19-year-old with a passion for clean cars and zero business experience to becoming the owner of one of Palm Harbor's most reputable high-end detailing shops. From humble beginnings as a mobile car wash service to managing a thriving shop specializing in luxury detailing, ceramic coatings, and paint protection, Anthony's story is one of perseverance, evolution, and service.

The conversation dives into the real challenges of entrepreneurship, including managing people, maintaining work-life balance, and navigating shifting consumer habits. Anthony opens up about prioritizing family life, the importance of EQ in business, and why quality service often trumps technical perfection. Whether you're a business owner, car enthusiast, or local resident, this episode offers insight into what it takes to grow something meaningful in your hometown.

Stroll through the laid-back streets of the Palm Harbor community with this informative podcast, proudly brought to you by Donnie Hathaway with The Hathaway Group, your trusted guide and local expert in navigating the diverse and ever-changing property landscape of Palm Harbor.

Work with me + FREE Resources

Would you like help buying a home in Palm Harbor? - Buyer Consultation
Would you like help selling your house in Palm Harbor? - Seller Marketing Consultation
Download our free buyer's guide today - Buyer's Guide

Send us a text

In this inspiring episode of Palm Harbor Local, host Donnie Hathaway chats with Kelly Cloward, the owner of two Crumbl Cookie franchises—one right here in Palm Harbor. Kelly opens up about his unconventional path from construction management and door-to-door sales to running one of the most buzzed-about cookie shops in the country.

Originally from Utah, Kelly shares how his entrepreneurial spirit was sparked by a childhood friend’s business-owning family and strengthened by years of life experience, a mission abroad, and even a failed first venture in construction. That path ultimately led him and his cousin to bring Crumbl Cookies to Florida, where they’ve made Palm Harbor their home.

In this conversation, Kelly gets real about the challenges of entrepreneurship—like quitting too soon, starting from scratch, and the trade-offs of running a franchise. He also talks about building community through business, the importance of mentorship, and why Palm Harbor quickly became the perfect place to live, raise a family, and grow his brand.

What You'll Learn:

• Why Kelly traded a steady job in construction for the uncertain life of a franchise owner
• The pros and cons of buying into a franchise vs. starting your own business
• How a failed construction company helped prepare him for success
• What it takes to thrive in the early stages of a franchise
• The value of community, support systems, and choosing the right location
• Why Palm Harbor stood out as the ideal place for his business and family

Links & Resources:

• Visit Crumbl Cookies: crumblcookies.com
• Learn more about Palm Harbor Local: palmharborlocal.com
• Join the weekly newsletter: Sign Up Here
• Follow us on Instagram: @palmharborlocal

Stroll through the laid-back streets of the Palm Harbor community with this informative podcast, proudly brought to you by Donnie Hathaway with The Hathaway Group, your trusted guide and local expert in navigating the diverse and ever-changing property landscape of Palm Harbor.

Work with me + FREE Resources

Would you like help buying a home in Palm Harbor? - Buyer Consultation
Would you like help selling your house in Palm Harbor? - Seller Marketing Consultation
Download our free buyer's guide today - Buyer's Guide

Send us a text

In this powerful episode of Palm Harbor Local, host Donnie Hathaway sits down with Jacob Moon, a U.S. Army veteran, retired corrections officer, and now a self-published crime fiction author. Jacob shares his incredible journey from serving in Hawaii and working in Pinellas County Jail for nearly three decades to writing gripping novels like Furlough, Dead Reckoning, and Letter 26.

Jacob opens up about his childhood passion for storytelling, his fascination with the human psyche, and how decades of experience in corrections inspired his authentic, chilling tales. He also dives into the world of self-publishing—sharing the process, the challenges, and why control over his stories mattered more than tradition.

What You'll Learn:

• How Jacob's military and corrections background shaped his writing style
• The difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing
• Why Letter 26 is his most psychologically thrilling novel yet
• The real-world mental health struggles inmates face and how Jacob captures that complexity in his books
• Tips for aspiring writers looking to self-publish their work

Links & Resources:

• Visit Jacob’s website: writerjake.com
• Purchase his books: Amazon Author Page
• Follow Palm Harbor Local on Instagram: @palmharborlocal

Stroll through the laid-back streets of the Palm Harbor community with this informative podcast, proudly brought to you by Donnie Hathaway with The Hathaway Group, your trusted guide and local expert in navigating the diverse and ever-changing property landscape of Palm Harbor.

Work with me + FREE Resources

Would you like help buying a home in Palm Harbor? - Buyer Consultation
Would you like help selling your house in Palm Harbor? - Seller Marketing Consultation
Download our free buyer's guide today - Buyer's Guide

Send us a text

In this powerful episode of Palm Harbor Local, host Donnie Hathaway sits down with Shane Stanfield, a veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Cryogenics Rejuvenation and Recovery. Shane shares his journey from serving as an EMT and firefighter in the Air Force to launching a successful landscaping business, and ultimately discovering his passion for holistic wellness through cryotherapy.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How Shane transitioned from landscaping to wellness entrepreneurship
• The physical and mental benefits of cryotherapy
• Differences between cryotherapy and cold plunges
• How the 75 Hard Challenge reshaped Shane's mindset and business
• Shane’s recovery and weight loss services and why they're more than just treatments—they're lifestyle transformations

Whether you're curious about cryotherapy, looking to improve your recovery and wellness, or inspired by stories of personal and professional growth, this episode offers powerful insights into dedication, discipline, and healing.

Stroll through the laid-back streets of the Palm Harbor community with this informative podcast, proudly brought to you by Donnie Hathaway with The Hathaway Group, your trusted guide and local expert in navigating the diverse and ever-changing property landscape of Palm Harbor.

Work with me + FREE Resources

Would you like help buying a home in Palm Harbor? - Buyer Consultation
Would you like help selling your house in Palm Harbor? - Seller Marketing Consultation
Download our free buyer's guide today - Buyer's Guide