Growing Pains: The Unheard Stories of Lakeland's Business Owners

How do you make sure you develop your team members so they have a solid foundation to carry out the mission? How do you develop leaders? In today's episode, we jump right into hearing part two with General Jake Polumbo and General "Beef" Haddad talking about how they lead a "young person's organization." 

Have you seen all the buzz around Top Gun? This month, our host Danielle had the opportunity to interview General Jake Polumbo -- a retired Commander of the Ninth Air Force. A Lakeland local, General Polumbo flew the same plane as the Top Gun pilots (an AN F-18 Hornet, for all you enthusiasts). Now, General Polumbo is a local business owner of Two Blue Aces Consulting. In today’s episode, he sits down with business partner General “Beef” Haddad to describe their military experience, and how it impacted the way they lead.

Join us for part two in two weeks! We will be sharing a deeper dive into how they managed the development of their teams and how that translates into being a business owner. 

Lakeland business owners, listen up! In our NEW episode with Wesley Beck,  learn how you can strategize your business goals from a true professional. Wesley has spent decades navigating the real estate and economic development of Lakeland (including big projects like Catapult, the Joinery, Interstate Commerce Park, and the Executive Offices on Lake Mirror). In today’s episode, learn about Wesley’s approach to business + get tactics for yours. 

Are you heading to the Bonnet Springs Grand Opening this month? Our special guest host, Danielle Harris, asked park CEO Josh Henderson about how he’s bringing Bonnet Springs to the next level. It's going to impact all of Central Florida. The park is FREE for all visitors. Their is a butterfly garden, kayaking, restaurants, running trails, playrooms for children, and several venues that can be rented for corporate events and weddings! Get an insider’s perspective on the park… and where it’s heading next.

Mr. Noris is the Chairman of the Board, as well as serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank.

Prior to joining Bank of Central Florida, Paul Noris was the Lakeland city president for SunTrust Bank, Mid-Florida. During his sixteen-year career with SunTrust Bank, Mr. Noris spent two years in the retail side of the bank as a branch manager, two years in credit administration managing the credit training function for the bank, and one year in the trust and investment area engaged in sales and relationship management, and more than ten years working in the commercial lending department.

Mr. Noris has lived in Lakeland since 1996 and has served on the boards of various civic organizations during that time. He is a former chair of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce, Business Voice, and Leadership Lakeland Class XXXIII. He is the past president of the Explorations V Children's Museum. He currently serves as Chairman of Lakeland Regional Hospital Foundation, Chair of the 2017 United Way Campaign, and is on the Advisory Board at the Barney Barnett School of Business at Florida Southern College.

He is a graduate of Leadership Lakeland Class XVI. Mr. Noris received his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Florida in 1987.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/_pv1hKNaMmI

Justin is a professional that has vast experience in applying and teaching entrepreneurship. He is the Director of the Center for Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship at the Barney Barnett Business School, at Florida Southern College. The Center for Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship’s mission is to instill an entrepreneurial mindset and reinforce free enterprise principles for FSC and the Central Florida community that result in the creation of new ventures and intrapreneurial innovation. The Center already has over 7 startups and seed-stage ideas, and over $20,000 funded to student entrepreneurs.

"Here at the CFEE we pride ourselves in having a strong “Why” and “How” that forms our foundation as a center. Our “Why” is foundationally focused on Free Enterprise Principles and the benefits those create in our society. Our “How” is about translating those principles into an experiential opportunity for students through entrepreneurship. Come experience Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship through some of our unique programming in the center!" - Justin.

Before FSC, Justin Heacock worked for 5 years at the Florida Polytechnic University, as Entrepreneurship Center Coordinator (Program Manager). There, he founded the Entrepreneurship Program at Florida Polytechnic University and built it to be an internationally recognized program in Fall 2019 by the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers. Operated all aspects of the program from teaching, strategy planning, program development, industry relations, event coordination, and business incubation.

Justin has a degree in Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies at Florida State University and a Masters in Entrepreneurship Applied in Technology at University of South Florida.

Link for the video-episode: https://youtu.be/2S3P0AYiyxo

Dr. Sallie Stone is a consummate professional with over twenty years of experience in educational leadership and management. She is the founder of Compass Smart Solutions educational consulting providing training, professional development, business coaching and motivational speaking for diverse groups around customized themes. She is also Founder and CEO of The Well, a high-design flexible workspace used by a diverse community of independent professionals, startups, and teams from small and large businesses.

The Well is a purpose-built environment that provides members with a variety of areas to focus, collaborate, learn and innovate at any given time. By re-imagining the traditional workspace, The Well gives our members the greatest opportunities for productivity and success. The mission of The Well is to provide a diverse community with opportunities and resources to collaborate and network through education, entertainment, and culturally inspired programming.

Dr. Stone is an experienced educator and administrator with 20 plus years of experience across academic levels to include elementary, secondary, adult, and higher-ed. She has extensive experience in working with charter schools in Florida and one highlight of her career includes being the founding Principal of a local collegiate charter high school. She has served as an adjunct professor/site supervisor with Grand Canyon University working with teachers in their clinical courses and principals in their internship courses.

Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/U4yKJ1ghblc

Amy Wiggins, a communications professional whose career has focused on Lakeland non-profit organizations, is the president and CEO of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. Before this position, Amy worked as an executive at the Chamber from 2005 to 2015, when she executive director of the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra. In March of 2022, Amy returns to the Chamber as the President and CEO, and now oversees a staff of 8 and work closely with the Executive Committee and 38-member Board of Directors to carry out the Lakeland Chamber’s mission as the Catalyst for business success, Convener of leaders and influencers, and Champion for our thriving community. She also support the Lakeland Chamber Foundation’s focus on addressing business education and workforce development.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/GjblIhYCXPc

About the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is a 501 (c) (6) not-for-profit organization consisting of nearly 1,200 investor businesses, making it the largest chamber in Polk County, Florida. Its mission is to serve as the Catalyst for business success, Convener of leaders and influencers, and Champion for our thriving community. In 2019, the Lakeland was recognized with a 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. This significant achievement marks the 50th consecutive year of Accreditation for the Lakeland Chamber.

“From economic development to education, a strong business community strengthens every aspect of our daily lives. Together with the chamber’s board leaders and more than 1,200 investor businesses, I know our future is smart, strong and connected. I am honored to be the one chosen to lead our chamber into the future.” - Amy Wiggins

Rut was born and raised in India. At 19, he got the chance of a lifetime to come to America and pursue his dreams. Coming to a foreign country, his odds were stacked against him. Despite everything, he has started his own company and has discovered his passion for creating solutions that protect the planet and serve communities. Rut takes us through every obstacle that stood in his way and tells us how he overcame each and every one of them.

From insurance to virtual reality, Michael Woodhouse gives us his experience and story starting his Insurance company 'W Insurance Group' as well as his other company 'Paragon'. Michael covers some of his knowledge from the insurance industry as well as his experience trying to grow his business through marketing and branding.

https://www.wgroupfl.com/

Get Connected! ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/businessinsurancepro/

Delta never saw herself starting an organization, but she heard a call she couldn't refuse. After a mission trip to Africa, she was never the same. She felt a calling and a passion to do something about the struggles of the people she met in Kenya. From quitting her job to starting a business she was not prepared for, we cover her story of starting Take Heart.

From passion project to working with companies like Fanatics, join us as we take a peek into Clay Canning's journey! Clay is the founder and owner of Screen Skinz,  the best-selling branded screen protector in the world. In this episode, we dissect his story, and how his relationship-centered approach to business has impacted his journey so far, and how it might help him in the future.

Check them out!

Facebook ➡ https://www.facebook.com/ScreenSkinz/

Website ➡ https://screenskinz.co/

Connect with Clay on Linkedin! 

https://www.linkedin.cn/in/clay-canning/

Have you dreamed of taking your passion and making it your full-time job? Well for Kelly Riley, that's her reality. In this episode, we cover Kelly's story as she finds out about her passions and how she has turned those passions into a business.

Through this journey, Kelly learned a lot about herself that she wasn't aware of. She learned about talents and interests she didn't know she had, and just what goes into running a business full time.

Check them out!

Website ➡ https://www.junetaylorshop.com/

Instagram ➡ https://www.instagram.com/junetaylorshop/

Facebook ➡ https://www.facebook.com/junetaylorshop

Teresa O'Brien went from a full-time working mom to a stay-at-home mom and after years of being at home she had that hunger to get back in the work force in some capacity, but still be available to be a great mom and wife for her family. She felt there was a need in our community for women feeling that same struggle. 

Help(her) was just an idea one day at brunch with her husband and has turned into a successful business that allows Teresa to feel like she can have her cake and eat it too. Her entire mission is to make every mom feel that same way; to be able to have a career you're passionate about and also be a wonderful and present parent as well.  

Follow➡ https://www.instagram.com/myhelpher/?hl=en

Website➡ https://myhelpher.com/

In 2010, two best friends Mark Lever and Issac Turpin decided to do what they knew best, working hard with their hands. Choosing disaster cleanup and restoration services was easy because of Mark's experience as a plumber. Many of the jobs Mark would go to as a plumber had significant water damage and his job at the time was to only repair the leak, not the damage it caused. He saw the need for a company that has the experts on staff to do the entire job, correct the problem and fix the damage caused. Armed with the necessary equipment, IICRC certifications and the drive to create a successful company, True Builders was born.

Listen as Issac and Mark share some invaluable business advice and talk about their journey of building up their company!

Have a question for Issac or Mark? Reach out and connect here:

Issac Turpin ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/issac-turpin-60113267/

Mark Lever ➡ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-lever-a0aa7b6b/

Taher is the current VP of Marketing & Business Development for Alltek Services, a computer network support and Cybersecurity company based in Lakeland, Florida. He helps define the marketing strategy and brand identity, which has directly led to a significant increase in their revenue and reach.

Taher's goal is to continue to develop the communication plan of Alltek Services, help to streamline operation, and continue their commitment to customer service. Alltek will be THE name in technology in Florida within 5 years.

Listen as Ryan and Taher discuss a true Marketer's journey!

Have a question for Taher? Reach out and connect here:

➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/taherhishamhamid/

Galletta’s love for art once manifested a habit where he carried around a notepad and would doodle sketches he handed out to friends and relatives. His life was suddenly changed when Galletta was struck by a car while riding a bicycle in Jacksonville. He spent two weeks in a hospital’s intensive care unit with 22 broken bones and a head injury. After his release, Galletta said, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and turned to his art to heal.

“It all started out as therapy,” he said. “It was never an intention for awards or recognition.”

Galletta began hiding postcard-sized sketches around downtown Lakeland marked as free art for others to find. His actions resulted in area businesses, including Mitchell’s Coffee House and Poor Porker, reaching out to him for commissioned work.

Visit Bump's WebsIte: https://www.bumpgalletta.com/

Follow Bump on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bumpgalletta/?hl=en

In this episode, we sat down with Master Jae Choe, owner and martial arts coach of Karate Beyond which offers kids’ classes, teen classes, adult classes, and even after-school class programs. 🥋

"Karate Beyond is a brainchild of mine that has been in the works for a lifetime. I am of the mindset that in order to grow, you have to step outside your comfort zone. Traditional martial arts has its benefits, but due to its nature of rote memorization and subservient direction, I’ve found it necessary to embrace a new ethos. To quote a famed Architect, Louis Sullivan: “Form follows function.” Karate Beyond is a reflection of this idea. I am less concerned with the cinematic aesthetics of martial arts and more focused on its functional aptitude."

Jae is also the host of the Jae Choe show, a podcast where he invites guests from our Lakeland community to talk about their areas of expertise and lifestyle.

Check out Karate & Beyond here: https://www.karatebeyond.com/

Follow Jae on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/jaechoe/

Uli & Co. is owned by mother-and-daughter duo Maria Mironchuk and Julie Czernek. They started the business as a local floral company offering a variety of arrangements and bouquets. Within months they expanded their offerings to balloon arches and most recently snack boards, including charcuterie and cheese, breakfast boards, and everything in between.

📲 Follow them on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/uli.and.co

Corey is part of a trio of successful entrepreneurs enhancing the social scene here in Lakeland! He and his partners, Jason Ellis and Conn O’Leary, just opened Rec Room, Lakeland's first Bar+Arcade in Downtown!

The three also own and operate the Cob & Pen craft beer bar in Dixieland. Part snout-to-tail restaurant, part upscale beer and wine bar, Cob and Pen inhabits a towering Tudor structure on South Florida Avenue that once was part of a large residence on nearby Lake Hollingsworth.

Most recently, their third venture, Good Thyme is now open as well. Good Thyme is a fast-casual takeout restaurant mixing healthy options and comfort food in the Dixieland Village spot that has held several eateries, including D’Lucas. 

This episode is JAM PACKED with great advice and perspective! Enjoy!

Loud Life Productions operates out of Catapult, a beautiful co-working space in Lakeland full of other bright young entrepreneurs. Clemens, his wife Natalya, and his team believe in having fun and making their clients feel at ease. They also believe in the importance of getting your customers to connect with your brand.

Like most entrepreneurs, the Clemens’ have experienced their share of challenges. "One of the biggest challenges as an entrepreneur is that you have to do everything and also do it very well," Clemens said. "Big companies have specific departments with department heads, assistants, assistants for the assistants. The chart goes deep. My needs are just as big, but they can leverage those resources. I don't have the ability to do that. Getting clients is still a challenge, but I'm learning how to put them at ease by presenting them with a unique solution that addresses their problems. I'm also learning how to, in a tactful way, tell my clients that their idea might not be a good one. The customer is not always right. It's our job to steer them in the right direction."

Clemens offers up some great advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. "Don't rush it," he said. "It's dangerous to think that your parachute will open if you just jump into your dreams. We're all dreamers and optimists but it's important to think through your launch and to spend time with people doing what you're doing. Also, it's important to understand that the easiest form of communication is talking about what you do. The highest form of communication is WHY you do what you do." 

You learn many lessons down the road of entrepreneurship, but those challenging and unglamorous moments when we get knocked down are what ultimately define us. In this episode, we sit down with Ruthie Tait & Kirstin Czernek, Co-Owners of The Balance Culture, to discuss their struggles & sacrifices that they've encountered along the way to their success that we either didn’t know about or often go unshared. 

We hope that diving into these vulnerable stories that our community leaders have experienced not only helps you relate to them even more, but that they also inspire and motivate you to follow your calling!

Learn More About The Balance Culture:

The Balance Culture is a women’s fitness studio located in Lakeland, FL. They offer group fitness classes, private sessions, health coaching, and community events.

Website: 

https://thebalanceculture.com/

Mike & Kim Knaisch, Co-Owners of both Lakeland Athletic Club (Formally known as Lakeland Crossfit) and Lakeland Cryo & Recovery sit down with us to talk about their journey from Mike being the head trainer at Florida Southern to how they meshed Kim's business and financial background to create not one, but TWO businesses together in Lakeland over the years.

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Learn More About Lakeland Athletic Club: https://www.lakelandathleticclub.com/

Learn More About Lakeland Cryo & Recovery: http://lakelandcryoandrecovery.com/