ElevatePolk: Recent Episodes
Chrissanne Long, Nathaniel Kendrick
A new community podcast about the place we live, work and play - Polk County, Florida. Hosts Chrissanne Long and Rob Arturi explore different topics that impact life, business and culture as seen through the eyes of the people who make the county unique.
On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and Nate talk with the founder of Help(Her), Teresa O’Brien, and enjoy listening to her incredible story. Teresa is a mother of three adopted children, all the same age. She wanted to find the middle-ground between being a stay-at-home mother for her family but wanting to feel fulfilled and impact others. After making the decision to quit her dream job to happily raise her three children, Teresa felt that she needed to dream in a different way! So, she took to creating opportunities for women like her: women who want to stay home still with their kids but have the college degree and skillset to gain some money and help other people. Thus, Help(Her) was born. When you fall in love with the city of Lakeland, the city will fall in love with you right back. Through the support of the community of women like her and connection after connection, Help(Her) has given many opportunities for both the clients and the help(hers)! After listening to this episode, they hope to remind you that you are valued, what you do matters, and it's always okay to ask for help. You are going to LOVE this episode!
On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and Nate talk with Clarke Freed about entrepreneurial growth coaching and the aspects of both having a coach and being a coach to others. Clarke, having been Chrissanne’s coach for years, tells listeners his story of how he became a coach to others. Initially working in the Navy and leading young men and women in their day-to-day life, Clarke was encouraged by his wife to pursue coaching. After earning his coach certification, Clarke tells the audience that his goal is to always get better at providing value to his clients, and has his own coach to this day to do so! Chrissanne and Clarke share the heartwarming and valuable experiences they’ve learned working together over the years, while also discussing some of the greatest challenges they’ve come to face and overcome. Who knows, you might be looking for a coach after this episode!
On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne talks with business owners Jeanna and Mark Parker about the growth of their business as not just a mindset, but what they refer to as a "heartset". Six years after opening Bella Visage Medical & Aesthetic Rejuvenation, Jeanna and Mark have come an incredible way from living off welfare to running the fastest growing spa in Central Florida. Through their story, we learn that when you’re in the middle of this rut of helplessness, not to sit and wallow in your misery, but to work harder than you ever have before to dig yourself out. Jenna and Mark exclaim to listeners that their success would not have been possible without the support of the Lakeland community, and because of this, they are always giving back to the community and helping others achieve their goals. You are going to love their story!
On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and bestselling author Peter Kageyama meet for Elevate Polk’s first-ever remote podcast. 🖥 Chrissanne and Peter discuss the importance of not only acknowledging, but thanking and expressing our gratitude to the incredible entrepreneurs and “co-creators” in Lakeland. It’s through their work they pour into the community that makes us proud of our city! Lakeland is a city where hyperlocal support is always on full display, and this love for Lakeland is expressed through their hard work. Our challenge for you this week after listening to this podcast: Give love to small business creators and express your gratitude for them. Whether it’s posting a great review for their business, choosing a local restaurant rather than a chain, or sharing a post thanking a co-creator on a recent purchase - Appreciate the people doing something meaningful in the community.
In this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and Nate talk about looking at marketing from the angle of prioritizing data, because the facts are that numbers never lie. In marketing, one of the big components of strategically helping businesses grow is in helping them build systems that help them track and measure their success. While using third-party companies to jumpstart can help, Chrissanne explains that your business needs to be able to stand on its own, otherwise you're at the mercy of what they decide to do with your products in their algorithm. Data doesn’t have an ego, it doesn’t have emotions, it doesn’t have feelings: it’s just numbers and it’s real. Data is the secret that will tell you if your product is going to fit into the marketplace, and it leaves clues to find more success if you’re willing to take the time to look into it. This podcast analyzes the key factors in keeping customers long-term and finding the steady pace you want to take your business to bring the most success.
On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and Nate talk to TJ Zimmerman from Concord Coffee about how they became one of Lakeland’s favorite local coffee shops. TJ dives into the dream behind Concord - we bet you didn’t know the original concept envisioned for the coffee shop that meets hot dogs and shaved ice! With the desire to create something to bring the community together, TJ tells Chrissanne and Nate about the detailed intentionality of Concord Coffee’s branding, down to their name and logo symbol. Their origin story is one that teaches the importance of relationships and genuinely connecting with people over the years. Through trial and error, Concord became a place for community and building relationships over the unique experience of craft coffee. In its 6 and a half years of business, Concord Coffee collaborated with other community businesses and brought in many award-winning roasters, to where they now roast their own coffee too!
This podcast dives deep into the truth behind successful entrepreneurship and how to take your own business to the next level while staying true to your goals and values. You won't want to miss this!
Hello Polk County!
On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and Nate talk about the importance of understanding when it is (or isn’t) time to scale your business. No matter how big or small your business starts, the ultimate goal is to grow your business as far as you want it to. But in order to do so, you have to figure out the processes that must be built on the backend of your business in order to have a better workflow. That way, as your business grows and you want to add to it, it doesn't break. Chrissanne and Nate highlight the best approach to selecting the right tools that are equipped to scale WITH your business, and discuss the benefits of setting expectations a bit lower at first to see how the market responds, and then adapting based on the response. The point of entrepreneurship and innovation is doing things that may not work correctly, so you've got to take that risk - but take a mitigated risk. By being self aware of the nuances and challenges of growing a business, you can learn to be proud of small milestones and appreciate all the successes, both big and small, to come!
On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and Nate talk about entrepreneurship’s platform for making a difference, and its effect on employers and their businesses. This pandemic and its negative effects have been on full display, with “Apply here” signs scattered down every main road and businesses struggling to keep up with fewer employees willing to work. Workers are less likely to take on these “smaller roles” due to the systematic label shaming of different generational classes. Boomer, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z grew in vastly different worlds of business. Where the older generations are less willing to adapt to new and more advanced business models, the younger generations are being pressured to learn these old ways of business. Chrissanne and Nate talk about how entrepreneurship IS change: bucking the system and continuing to grow and develop society’s business mindset as the world around us grows as well. In a time where people feel most divided, we must acknowledge the importance of not pin-pointing these challenges onto younger generations, as well as encouraging our community to develop a growth mindset that will allow businesses and their teams to advance alongside technology and the up and coming generations.
For a deeper dive into the topic of making a difference and bettering the next generation's platform, read Chrissanne's blog post on her website!
Nate's New Business Venture: Mike and Mike's Desserts
Chrissanne's New Strategic Growth Coaching 3-Day Challenge to help your business reach its full potential!
PS Join our hosts at the Buena Market Block Party this Saturday, July 17th, 2021!
This week on the Elevate Polk Podcast, Chrissanne and Nate host Emerson Bamaca, owner of Bar 61 in Downtown Lakeland’s popular restaurant, 1961. Emerson tells his story of immigrating from Guatemala to the United States. He shares some of the personal experiences he had moving to San Francisco, where he worked doubles on top of schooling to pay his family back and find success in the US. Starting as a club owner in San Francisco, he had to learn how to assimilate into the American culture. He decided to stop trying to fit in and instead, stand proud of who he is! Emerson met a native of Lakeland and fell in love! They moved to start a family in our amazing community and that is when he met Marcos, the owner of 1961, and has since worked alongside him making cocktails and creating unique drink selections to best fit the restaurant’s menu. He expresses his gratitude that on his path to success, the city of Lakeland, overall, has met him with the most love and acceptance. Chrissanne and Nate full-heartedly agree!
This week on the Elevate Polk podcast, Chrissanne and Nate chat with one of "the coolest cats in Polk County!" He's a serial entrepreneur, born in China and learned from his hardworking parents what it takes to create and maintain a successful business, then he took what he learned and created 2 more of his own! If you haven't already guessed who this week's guest is, you will definitely want to listen in to this show! Jian Zhang, or "Jay" as he is best known in Lakeland is the man behind Jade Fox Lounge and a newly launched business Concrete Technology of Lakeland. He also assists his parents with the operations of their business, China 1. Jay shares some sage advice about running multiple businesses. Chrissanne, Nate, and Jian relate to the need for confidence and success as a business owner and talk through the process of gaining wisdom and courage as a seasoned entrepreneur. Find Jian Zhang’s three businesses on Facebook and then go out and visit him in the Lakeland Highlands Plaza off Edgewood Drive!
Welcome, Adriana AKA Drica, AKA Coffee Lady to the ElevatePolk Podcast! On this show, you'll learn about Drica and discover some interesting details! For example, did you know she was born in Brazil? That she always knew she wanted to open her own coffee shop and she learned a lot about running a coffee business by working in New York for one of the most well-known coffee chains on the planet? Chrissanne and Nate enthusiastically get the story behind how the memorable brightly colored food truck came to be and how she paved the way, as the first mobile food truck in Polk County. You'll love to learn more about what's in store for Drica's at the Mulberry Public Library where she now spends all her free time going to book clubs and socializing with her new customers! We're sure you're going to enjoy Drica’s sense of humor and her perseverance and dedication to her craft. Listen in to learn what other traits Drica has that bring her customers more happiness in just one visit to her coffee boutiques than Drica ever thought possible. Follow Drica’s smiling face and hand-crafted coffee and pastries on Facebook to find out where she is headed next!
On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and Nate sit across the podcast table from a power couple named Eddie and Tia Crockett who run Authentic You Empowerment! They aim to reach people where they are and encourage them to not be anyone else. Everyone has a role to play in this world and Eddie and Tia believe that you are a product of your environment. They all dive into the beginnings of their entrepreneurial journey filled with fear, doubt, and the pressure they put on themselves to be successful. Everyone agreed that entrepreneurs must not be embarrassed about mixing their personal and professional life because their business is their passion! It's okay to ask for help! Starting a business is one of the most difficult dreams to accomplish and that is why Elevate Polk is cultivating a safe ecosystem of entrepreneurs that will give people that help. Check out Authentic You Empowerment for more resources on business strategy, finance advice, and creating the lifestyle that allows you to be authentic and successful!
In this week's episode, Chrissanne and Nate sit down with Stephanie Bernal Gregg, the founder of a growing movement for makers in the community - the Buena Market! They discuss their ideas that will make Polk County more inclusive, especially for our entrepreneurs. Stephanie shares her story about how she became a Polk County resident and what her intentions were when first starting the Buena Market. She has a heart for diversity and inclusion. Her Hispanic roots power her personal desire for everyone to be taken care of in her community of makers and the greater community of small business owners in Polk. The Buena Market is a fun and eclectic new place to gather with family and friends. They have an array of food, vendors, and artists who come together to better the ecosystem of Lakeland one market at a time.
This episode is all heart. Join Nate and Chrissanne in a conversation about barley, hops water, and yeast, better known as beer! Polk County is adding Florida-grown breweries to its list of amenities and Dan Thumberg, the owner of Swan Brewing, is part of that growing movement. In this episode, Dan talks about where things started and how they have evolved from homebrews and t-shirts to a well-known local brewery. He emphasizes seeking out mentors that will give you sound advice even when you do not want to hear it. He also shares his key secrets for how he became one of Polk County’s most beloved breweries and how he continues to build his business with the support of his amazing wife, and the community he's chosen to invest in!
Nate and Chrissanne are joined on this week's episode by Mario and Patty Medina, the owners of Cigar Life. Mario and Patty share some of the intricacies of their transition from corporate careers to entrepreneurship, and the added "bonus" of starting a business with your spouse! This was our first live-streaming episode (you can watch the video here). You won't want to miss this discussion about how important grit and a "whatever it takes" attitude is essential for any new entrepreneurs!
Check-in with Nate and Chrissanne for this conversation with Lakeland's Mayor, Bill Mutz. The three of them take a deep dive and explore the reality of overcoming challenges, growing as leaders, and creating company cultures that put people first. As Mayor Mutz reminds them throughout the show, "It comes down to the last 10% of the work you have to do to succeed." You'll enjoy some never-before-heard stories and some great examples of leadership, grit, and focus on getting things done the right way, no matter what. While you might be thinking, that's easy for him to say, you'll soon learn how this dynamic leader has managed to talk the talk in his life as an entrepreneur, husband, father, community leader, and now Mayor. NOTE: You'll notice a difference in the sound quality of this episode, but we felt the content of the conversation was worth sharing in spite of some technical difficulties. [HT to Annie, our podcast producer for working through the sound issues!]
Chrissanne and Nate don't have a guest this week, but their lively conversation about the importance of "showing up" in business (and in life), is an episode worth listening to! They sprinkle golden nuggets of advice on how to show up, why it's important and where to focus energy and time to truly maximize the results of the way in which you show up.
Pro tip: Listen to the entire episode to find an exclusive offer just for the listeners of the Elevate Polk Podcast
It’s 5 o’clock here on the ElevatePolk podcast and the owners of Happy Hour Scones, Edie, Jackie and Amy are bringing the booze, but not how you would quite expect it! Listen in to these emerging entrepreneurs as they share the story of how their delicious cocktail-inspired scones came to be. These fun sisters join Chrissanne and Nate, with special thanks to Vickie, Nate's mom, and Chrissanne's friend Cindy, who helped them all connect! Chrissanne and Nate also share their professional insights on marketing for new businesses. Listen in and learn more about this new local business and then go find Happy Hour Scones at the Lakeland Farmers Market this Saturday!
In this week's episode, Lora Gardner, shows up as what can only be described as a beacon of hope for those who are going through a hard time while navigating the roads of entrepreneurship. During their time together, Chrissanne, Nate & Lora discuss the amazing details of her journey as she created her company, Perfect Day Productions. Lora is an excellent example of an entrepreneur who perseveres through each obstacle thrown her way. Find out how Lora and her team can help execute your vision on the big day of your event and while you listen, let us know if you think Lora needs to start her own podcast!
All you need is a sword, a guild, and a dream! Well, that’s according to Sittadel Co-Founders Joshua Sitta and Trafenia Flynn-Salzman. Nate and Chrissanne had the pleasure of speaking with these two longtime friends about their quest to become business owners and how they’ve built their kingdom, Sittadel. Listen in to learn more about their journey and also enjoy some free marketing tidbits from Chrissanne!
Chrissanne and Nate are excited to welcome the team from Union Hall - Sam Houghton and Parker Duncan. In this episode, they share some of the trials of trying to keep a music venue alive during a pandemic. They talk about their creative survival skills and some exciting news about their upcoming reopening. Listen to learn about their partnership with a local restaurant, some cool new additions to the venue, and the musical acts that are scheduled for the coming months! PS - If you know some great local musicians, send them this episode so we can help them get connected to this dynamic duo!
Nate and Chrissanne wanted to celebrate some of their past guests and the incredible stories, wisdom, and messages they’ve shared with us. They decided to recap for their newest audience members the last four episodes but don’t worry, they still discuss entrepreneurship as usual! and The Easter egg hunt leaves us with a special highlight reel of season two. These will become a series of recaps every few weeks so, you can use these special episodes as a reference guide for our podcast as we continue to build our local entrepreneurial ecosystem in Polk County, FL. Let’s keep elevating Polk.
When it comes to entrepreneurship stories in Polk County, this conversation that Nate and Chrissanne have with Rut Patel is a must listen! In this episode, they talk about Rut’s journey from India and how he refused to let language (or anything) stop him from achieving greatness. Grab a pen and paper, because you’ll want to write down Rut’s own personal wisdom on building your business (and yourself) for success.
Chrissanne and Nate chat with Jack McHugh the owner of Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day! They discuss the McHugh’s family journey from Ireland to Lakeland, the legacy of his father, and how it came to be that the youngest son chose to take over the family business. Listen in to learn how Jack is leading downtown Lakeland's revered Irish pub through COVID-19 and how he's stepping into his role as the leader for his employees during these unprecedented times. You'll enjoy the conversation as you discover how this new business leader's voice is making an impact in Polk County.
Chrissanne and Nate talk about the term "White Space" and the role it plays in business as well as in the context of entrepreneurial ecosystem building. If you're considering where you might expand your business, or what other opportunities might exist that you haven't yet tapped into within your industry or market, this episode will inspire you to think about how you can stretch and grow into new, unexplored territory.
Chrissanne and Nate meet with Chad McLeod - a local entrepreneur and elected official - a man with many hats. Erin, his wife knows him as husband and his three children know him as Dad, the City of Lakeland knows him as Commissioner and his brother Joe knows him as his business partner in their Public Relations Firm. This episode covers a lot of ground! From the importance of Public Relations and managing the message of your brand to the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in Polk County!
Chrissanne and Nate are excited to introduce the ElevatePolk Podcast audience to Isom Morris, an emerging tech entrepreneur and owner of FitLyfe Fitness. Listen as they chat about how this young professional discovered entrepreneurship after a pivot from football. Isom shares the role that the City of Lakeland's Police Athletic League played in his life as he developed as a young leader in the community. Get to know this emerging entrepreneur and all of the great things coming for him and his team!
Nate and Chrissanne are joined by LaTrice Moore - the Entrepreneurship Coordinator and Business Administration professor at Polk State College. They discuss the fundamental traits of entrepreneurship, opportunities for growth within the local Polk County ecosystem for entrepreneurs of color, and how important the culture of entrepreneurship is in helping entrepreneurs in Polk County start to see a path for themselves in the community of e-ship.
On the last episode of Season 1, Rob said goodbye to the show as the permanent co-host, and Chrissanne introduced the new direction the show would be taking. In this episode, Chrissanne introduces Nate the Great Kendrick to the show as the new co-host.
The two dive in to Nate's entrepreneurial journey and the lessons learned along the way. You'll never guess how Chrissanne and Nate almost met in 2016, or what entrepreneurial etiquette lessons they both learned from that near-encounter. They riff on the importance of a network, relationships, alignment and more nuggets on entrepreneurship!
In this episode Rob and Chrissanne share some important announcements and wax philosophical on the origins of success and whether it’s simply a matter of hard work or if the conditions for success also play a role in an entrepreneur’s journey.
The Quitter by Robert Service
When you're lost in the Wild, and you're scared as a child,
And Death looks you bang in the eye,
And you're sore as a boil, it's according to Hoyle
To cock your revolver and . . . die.
But the Code of a Man says: "Fight all you can,"
And self-dissolution is barred.
In hunger and woe, oh, it's easy to blow . . .
It's the hell-served-for-breakfast that's hard.
"You're sick of the game!" Well, now, that's a shame.
You're young and you're brave and you're bright.
"You've had a raw deal!" I know — but don't squeal,
Buck up, do your damnedest, and fight.
It's the plugging away that will win you the day,
So don't be a piker, old pard!
Just draw on your grit; it's so easy to quit:
It's the keeping-your-chin-up that's hard.
It's easy to cry that you're beaten — and die;
It's easy to crawfish and crawl;
But to fight and to fight when hope's out of sight —
Why, that's the best game of them all!
And though you come out of each gruelling bout,
All broken and beaten and scarred,
Just have one more try — it's dead easy to die,
It's the keeping-on-living that's hard.
https://allpoetry.com/The-Quitter
When it comes to phosphate mining, Tip Fowler has had a front row seat to the evolution of mining in our county and the region overall. Tip shares with us some of the history of phosphate mining, what phosphates are used for, how old mines are converted into lavish resorts and what the future of the industry might look like. From rocks to urine, join us for a fascinating glimpse into an industry that shaped Polk County's past, present and possibly its future.
A veritable grab bag of conversation and some obscure trivia. Also, will Rob and Chrissanne's friendship survive? Listen and find out!
Are there things you are afraid to talk about? Do you worry that even though your beliefs might seem measured and reasoned, they might just be used against you and could harm your business or personal life? In the age of social justice, one false move can cost you everything. What's worse, there is rarely a clear path toward redemption. Chrissanne and Rob discuss the overall concept of "cancel culture," what it means for society as a whole and how we can cope in our local community.
After taking some time off to relax and contemplate the future of the podcast, we are ready to get back full swing. Our goal is to highlight the best of our community, to hopefully make you laugh a bit (even if it's at Chrissanne's expense) and build a stronger community overall. We appreciate your support and make sure to subscribe to get our new weekly episodes.
After taking a week off to plan our response to recent events in our community and our nation overall, we want to share with you some principles that we believe will put all of us on a better path forward. We don't have all the answers and there is an assortment of problems affecting all of us these days. It is our hope that we can resolve these problems and build a better tomorrow for our community. However, none of that is possible without a willingness to listen and respect one another as human beings. Join us as we attempt to elevate the conversation and hopefully advance a conversation that desperately needs to take place.
Why does Rob despite the move Frozen? What do you think of #LoveRedBug? And we all know that at Publix, shopping is a pleasure... but the reason why just might surprise you. Tune in and test your knowledge of Polk County fun facts and trivia.
William "Bill" Braswell, Chairman of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners, joins us to discuss the Polk CARES program and what the county is doing to help businesses during the COVID-19 recovery process. Comm. Braswell also shares with us a bit about his evolution from the Air Force, to an airline captain and ultimately to farming blueberries in Auburndale. If you would like to learn more about Polk CARES or to submit an application online, go to https://www.polk-county.net/polk-cares-2020
For video instructions and tips for completing your Polk CARES application, go to https://vimeo.com/421713245
Dr. Timothy Regan, Lakeland Regional Health's Chief Medical Officer joins us to discuss the importance of keeping up with your scheduled visits and tests despite the pandemic and Patrick Phillips, Lakeland Regional Health's Senior Vice President of Business Development and Chief Strategy Officer offers some tips that both businesses and consumers can use to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection. For more information, please visit LRH's COVID-19 Business Resource Center at http://mylrh.org/businessresources/
To inquire about their consulting services call 863-904-1859 or email covidsafe@mylrh.org.
Whether your hair is a bit fluffy, your roots are impossible to hide or your toes look like a velociraptor, most of us are greatly in need of some personal care. As Governor DeSantis modifies his order and allows hair and nail salons to reopen, there is bound to be a flood of shaggy patrons rushing back to their favorite salons. Those working in the salon and beauty industry are also eager to get back to work but everyone wants to do it as safely as possible. Victoria Woods, owner of End Results Salon and Spa in Lakeland joins us to share her experience with the shutdown, her plans for reopening and how she plans to keep her customers and her stylists safe in these trying times.
Just as Polk County begins to reopen, $126 million in unexpected relief funding arrives from Washington. Reopening our businesses and taking small steps to returning to normal might be too much for some and too slow for others, nevertheless Polk is marching forward to brighter times and with a few extra dollars to spend in the process. Find out how the County Commission intends to distribute the funds, what it means for small businesses desperate for relief and glimmers of what the future holds.
A look back at the funniest moments of the last 22 episodes. We dare you not to laugh. The "Lakelandist" Joe Cruz shares some of his favorite headlines. What's the deal with Chrissanne's marbles? Craig Hosking signature tropical style. Joe Tedder, our very own Zacchaeus! Sheriff Judd chooses a motorcycle over high school football. Bob Donahay's "Geraldo hair." Steve Scruggs' family were not travelling circus performers, despite what you might have heard. Tom Phillips gives the Ramada Inn five stars. Jae Choe and the pros and cons of goat yoga. Brad Sundgren and the art of feline carpentry.
As talk of reopening our economy grows louder, so have opinions over whether or not it's the right time and if it will be done the right way. During these difficult times, emotions are running high but there are so many examples of generosity, innovation and survival going on around us. We can only hope that when we return back to "normal" that the "new normal" might involve a greater appreciation for the incredible people in our community who stood up and pushed forward at a time when it would have been easier to fold. Please help us support these individuals and businesses, fill out our online small business survey so that we can share our collective voice with our elected officials and guide them as we take these next steps together.
https://bridgelocal.com/survey/
When things are tough, it helps to turn to those who are always there to support you. This week, we talk with Brad Sundgren, a long time supporter of the show. Brad shares some funny stories and some insight on how we can all get through this together. We discuss the need to focus on getting back to normal and when we might expect to see that happen.
These are tough times for our local community and our country overall. But while there is so much uncertainty and stress, there are extraordinary things happening right here in our area. We share countless examples of individuals and businesses who are innovating and how there are big things and small things alike that can make our present situation much more positive and rewarding. We are all in this together and in the tough times it's more important than ever to Elevate Polk.
The son of an immigrant entrepreneur, Jae Choe grew up in a family martial arts business. He's since opened his own martial arts studio, Karate Beyond, in Lakeland. Jae share with us the evolution of his business and his vision for our community in the years to come. We talk philosophy, raising children and answer the age old question; "should Rob have become a dentist and is he willing to try yoga?" Listen and find out, it's a lighthearted episode that should be as fun to listen to as it was to record.
To learn more about all the martial arts classes Jae offers, visit his website at https://www.karatebeyond.com/
And you can listen to Jae's own podcast, The Jae Choe Show at https://www.jaechoe.net/
Alis shares with us some memorable stops on his journey to Lakeland, a journey paved with service to community and country. As CRA Manager for the City of Lakeland, Alis brings a unique passion to an agency tasked with making Lakeland a more vibrant, modern city for all its citizens. Alis shares some insight on CRA projects as well as what is on the horizon as Lakeland continues to grow and thrive.
Government can be messy, it can be full of challenges and those challenges only grow larger as our world changes with social media and the twenty-four hour news cycle. Tom Phillips, Director of the Citrus Connection, is no stranger to the minefield of public policy. His pursuits of "big, hairy, audacious goals" has taught him many lessons about how best to communicate with the public he serves. Tom shares with us some of those lessons, some of his proven methods, a smattering of interesting acronyms and more than a few laughs in the process. Special thanks to the manager of the Ramada Inn for making this conversation possible. (listen to find out why)
The Lakeland Economic Development Council has worked to improve the local economy, create jobs and cultivate new opportunities for the City of Lakeland and its citizens. But as any organization looking to raise the bar and tackle big challenges, their bold ideas occasionally ruffle feathers or even cause outright panic. The fate of the Cleveland Heights golf course was one such issue that caused quite a stir. As thousands of Lakelanders chatted online and among one another about what was, what is, and what should be; we decided to sit down with the man behind it all, LEDC President, Steve Scruggs. We discuss the Heights, the role of the LEDC in shaping Lakeland's future and strategies for improving communication between all interested parties. This conversation may or may not change your opinion of the Heights, the LEDC or Steve Scruggs himself but we believe it's imperative to hear all sides and we hope you do too.
For more information on the LEDC, including contact information, you can get to their website by clicking here.
In the wake of community outrage over an idea pitched by the Lakeland Economic Development Council that included the possibility of developing the land that is currently the Cleveland Heights municipal golf course, we decided to start the conversation with the man in charge of it all. Bob Donahay, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Lakeland shares his insight into the history of the course, the challenges, the opportunities and how the future of the course can effect Lakeland for years to come. Regardless of what comes of The Heights down the road, one thing is for sure. Bob Donahay, a.k.a. Lakeland's very own "Ron Swanson," has spent a lifetime of making Lakeland's parks the best they can be.
Criminal justice reform is a hot topic these days. The truth is that most of what we see on cable news isn't the whole story and often doesn't translate into what we see and hear in our own community. So we wanted to talk about this controversial subject with the number one law man in our county, Sheriff Grady Judd. Sheriff Judd shares with us the other side of the proposed changes to our criminal justice system, the side you won't hear about from traditional media sources. Sheriff Judd shares his thoughts on mandatory body cameras for law enforcement officers and he offers a perspective you likely haven't considered. We also talk about the personal side to Grady Judd, his journey growing up in Polk County, his hobbies, his thirteen grandchildren and what he like to do when he's got some time to himself.
Whether its politics, taxes, schools, diversity or the litany of other conversational land mines most of us tiptoe around in our daily lives, simply ignoring these conversations is merely a temporary solution. We think we are doing the world a favor, avoiding conflict for the sake of keeping the peace. But in reality, the issues don’t resolve themselves and kicking the conversational can down the road only makes things worse. There is no secret formula for solving problems in our community. We have a lot of different people around us who hold different beliefs and many of those beliefs are difficult, if not impossible, to change. But maybe what we need isn’t a homogenous society, maybe it isn’t about getting everyone to agree, that’s the stuff of Utopian pipe dreams. Maybe we can simply make things better if we found some better ways to communicate. In this episode we take a deep dive into some of those methods and frameworks for having those difficult conversations. On this show we want to address those issues, together, as a community. And while we won’t always agree, we are all better off when everyone’s voice can be heard and communication takes place effectively, civilly and where we all can work toward the goal of elevating our community to new heights.
He's our Zacchaeus and while he might not be the tallest tax collector out there, Joe Tedder has raised the bar for tax collectors around the country. In his nearly twenty-five year tenure as the tax collector for Polk County, Joe Tedder has made efficiency and customer service a priority. As if that process wasn't difficult enough, changes in technology and in the way we conduct business provides Joe with an endless stream of new challenges he and his team must face. We look at one of those issues, short term rentals through platforms like AirBNB, and discuss how Joe worked with them to make things easier for taxpayers while ensuring the tax laws are being followed. We talk about term limits and Joe offers some interesting insight about an issue that might not be as simple as you think. Taxes are a funny thing. Few people enjoy paying them but most of us want more of the services and benefits they provide. Joe Tedder and his team have made the process about as pleasant as possible for the citizens of Polk County and they continue to innovate to make the process of living and conducting business in Polk County even easier for years to come.
Former Lakeland Mayor and Lakeland's longest serving public official and his lovely wife Linda Bagley Wiggs join us in studio to talk about some of their greatest legacies: the #LoveLakeland movement and the City Maker award. Throughout their service to the Lakeland community, the Wiggs' focus was on preserving the best attributes of Lakeland while simultaneously seeking out opportunities to grow and improve. Their passion was encapsulated in the #LoveLakeland movement which fostered civic pride and a connection between the people and the place where they live, work and play. That process included recognizing those in the community who gave selflessly for the benefit of the community. Together with Chrissanne Long, the Wiggs' created and the City Maker award which continues to live on as part of Mayor Mutz's mayoral agenda. Although the Wiggs' are now retired, their impact continues to shape Lakeland and the hope is that the path they forged will be an inspiration to other cities throughout Polk County.
This is, by all measures, the best time to be alive in the history of mankind. Yet many folks find themselves miserable with many things, including where they live. We are often creatures of habit and when things change around us we often feel apprehensive or even upset. When the parking lot where you learned how to drive is razed to build a new office building, you might feel sad. If your community is changing, does that mean you must change too? Happiness starts from within and we discuss why so many people let external factors dictate their happiness in life. Happiness isn't something you will yourself to feel. Instead, it's a skill you work at every day. We talk strategy for that process, everything from gaining perspective, being heard and even playing marbles over a bowl of ice cream.
Before revealing his identity, Joe Cruz managed to create a whirlwind of enjoyment throughout Polk County and all in just over one month’s time. The Lakelandist, Cruz’s blog and the pseudonym for his comedic writing, poked fun at the quirks that we all know and love about the place we call home. Nothing was off limits but everything was in good fun. Joe shares with us what led him to start the infamous satire blog and the stories behind some of his favorite humorous headlines. Although The Lakelandist hasn’t released any new material since Joe revealed his identity to thousands of curious fans, could The Lakelandist make a comeback at some point? Listen to find out and laugh along with us as we dive into the mind and the comedy of Lakeland’s beloved satirist. Here are some of our favorite Lakelandist headlines:
- Ledger Parent Company Optimistic About Impending Merger with Tire Fire
- Buoyed By Ron DeSantis, Grady Judd, Florida Rises to Most Press Conferences Per Capita
- Tired of Explaining Difference, Junior League Changes Building Name from “Sorosis” to “Liver Disease”
- Winter Haven Holiday Boat Parade Interrupted By Renegade Festivus Kayak
- After Success of Black & Brew at Library, Commissioners Contemplate Turning City Hall into a Beef’s Express
- Mulberry Man Can’t Decide Between Gray and Black Cargo Shorts for Wedding Day
- Retired Couple Not Sure Lake Alfred Has Enough Antique Stores
- Desperately Seeking Sponsors, Lakeland Community Theatre To Mount Production of “A Taco Bus Named Desire”
- South Florida Avenue to be Expanded from Four Slow Lanes to Six Slow Lanes
- Auditor Reports Citrus Connection Woefully Unprepared for “Speed” Scenario as Buses Unable to Go Faster than 5 MPH
- Polk County Commissioners Baffled By Simultaneous Obesity, Meth Epidemics
- Snowbirds Complete Migration By Parking Diagonally Across Cypress Gardens Blvd
- Mulberry Resident Claiming Lakeland Citizenship Forced to Wear Scarlet M
You can see all of the infamous Lakelandist headlines at TheLakelandist.com .
Investing in your community, we talk a lot about it but what does it mean? It means different things to different people but for Jennifer Batts, her husband Joel and their co-founders, it means risking time, money and effort in order to bring a unique new concept from Boulder, Colorado to a growing area of Lakeland. The Yard on Mass is the latest business to breathe new life into a long-ignored part of midtown Lakeland. The concept it simple, a comfortable place to grab lunch, a family-friendly place to listen to music and spend time with friends and a versatile venue for parties and events. There is nothing like it in our community and Jennifer Batts joins us on this episode to talk about her journey and what it was like starting a business here in Lakeland. The Yard on Mass is a great example of an investment in our community, an investment that is likely to bring great returns for the Batts’, their investors and our community as a whole.
Coach Renee Lopez is a highly successful soccer coach and has coached college athletes for the past fourteen years at every level. Renee spent years dealing with the challenges of recruitment and coordinating athletic scholarships at colleges and universities around the nation. Renee, a resident of Polk County, took those years of unique experience and turned it into a consulting and speaking business that continues to grow. Renee new book, "Looking for a Full Ride" is a must-have guide for students, parents and anyone looking for guidance in the confusing world of college athletic scholarships.
You can pick up a copy through her website, lookingforafreeride.com . As a special offer for ElevatePolk listeners, Renee is offering free shipping on her new book for the first 15 listeners using coupon code POLK. Renee is also offering a FREE COPY of her latest Strategy Guide for contacting college coaches.
With the cost of college tuition continuing to rise, the possibility of athletic scholarships has never been more attractive or more important. We are proud to have such wonderful, talented people like Renee Lopez living and working right here in Polk County. Be sure to check out her free strategy guide and check out her new book, it just might save you tens of thousands worth of student debt!
It's a brand new year and everyone is talking about their "resolution" for 2020. Are you vowing to eat right, exercise more, quit smoking or some other promise you've probably made to yourself year after year? Why are New Year's resolutions so difficult to achieve? One reason is that most of us approach the resolution making process all wrong. We discuss the classic pitfalls most people make and some tips for not only making better resolutions but starting this new year off better than ever before.
Are you afraid of failure? Few things are more prohibitive to success than fear. Rob and Chrissanne discuss their path in life and in business, including key examples of failure and success. The fear of failure is not hard to comprehend. However, success brings with it its own set of challenges and creates a new type of fear in those lucky enough to taste it, even a little bit. We get real open and honest about our journeys and hopefully it will inspire some of you to keep going on your own path to success. We look back at some notable moments for each of us in 2019 and share a special message about the upcoming new year.
Whether you were born here or moved to Polk at some point in your life, there is no denying the long standing sentiment that many people feel that they are stuck in Polk County. Maybe it's the small town mentality, the longing for bigger and better things. Maybe it's the limited job prospects and earnings potential compared to surrounding metropolitan areas. Whatever it is, those who celebrate living and working in Polk County are a rare breed. We want to change that and we need your help. Our community is growing, changing and improving at a record pace. We need your help to change perspectives and flip the narrative. It's more than just positive thinking, together we really can make Polk County known as a great place to live, work and play.
The terms "diversity" and "inclusivity" are interchangeable to most people. However, there are important differences. In 2019, the term "diversity" likely evokes strong emotions in most people. Whether your view it as a good thing or a bad thing, it's important to understand the context and what it means. A strong community builds draws from an array of opinions, backgrounds and strengths- but not to the exclusion of others. We discuss this important difference and how it can elevate our community to new heights, together.
At a time when people are more connected than ever before, studies show that Americans are more lonely than ever and many have not made a new friend in several years. We discuss the importance of a balanced approach between online and real life interaction. Such balance is important for happiness and success of individuals AND communities alike.
Welcome to the new ElevatePolk podcast. This podcast is dedicated to creating a thriving ecosystem for individuals and business within Polk County, Florida. We discuss issues important to all of us, we'll hear from inspiring people from our community and we will keep you informed about what's new and exciting in the place we call home.