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Interview with John Magwood, President and CEO of First Coast Biofuels, conducted by Brevard Biodiesel. BrevardBiodiesel: What is your background? John: John Magwood, the President and CEO of First Coast Biofuels, earned a Master's degree in Ethanol Fuel from Biomass from the University of California. BrevardBiodiesel: What biodiesel related products/services does your business offer to retail and/or wholesale customers? John: First Coast Biofuels offers B-100 and all blends of biodiesel to retail and wholesale customers. BrevardBiodiesel: What types of customers do you target? (e.g. home brewers, truckers, average drivers, auto-parts stores, filling stations, etc.) John: FCB provides biodiesel to government and private fleets as well as retail fuel outlets. BrevardBiodiesel: How do customers learn about your products/services? John: I've been making direct contact with vehicle fleet operators and government agencies that are mandated to use alternative fuels. I've also been attending or speaking at various workshops and meetings related to alternative fuels. First Coast Biofuels is also listed as a federal and state provider on government procurement lists. In addition, the company is listed on the web sites of several alternative fuel associations. BrevardBiodiesel: How do customers purchase and receive your products/services? John: Customers may set up a credit account and pay for purchases via check or wire transfer. Shipments are made by common carrier or customers may pick up the fuels themselves. BrevardBiodiesel: What attracted you to the biodiesel area of business? John: I've always believed strongly in conservation of natural resources and protection of the environment. My undergraduate degree is in biology. My advanced university studies focused on alcohol fuel but I've been interested in all alternative energy sources. BrevardBiodiesel: What is the history of your business? John: I formed my corporation in late 2003 and started operations in 2005. One of the goals of First Coast Biofuels is to be the premier provider of alternative fuels in Florida. BrevardBiodiesel: Where do you see your business in 5 years? John: One of the goals of First Coast Biofuels is to be the premier provider of alternative fuels in Florida. BrevardBiodiesel: What are the main obstacles to operating your business? (Legal regulations, market perceptions, technical problems, etc.) John: Government regulations have been an obstacle, but Florida is moving the industry along this year by promoting alternative energy at the highest levels of government. BrevardBiodiesel: What do you think are the pros/cons of operating a biodiesel business in Florida? John: Biodiesel and alternative fuels in general are a fairly new idea in Florida and it's exciting to be involved in the growth of an industry that protects our environment, benefits our economy and strengthens national energy security. BrevardBiodiesel: Any other comments the public would be interested in? John: An exciting development is the state of Florida is currently approving new rules that will allow retail sales of biodiesel and ethanol (E-85) to the general public in 2006. BrevardBiodiesel: Can you provide some details on the biodiesel you provide - feedstock? John: I have two locations where I blend fuels, one in Jacksonville (not at my business address) and one in lake City. All fuels are ASTM certified.
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