I Am Lakeland® | Podcast en RSS.com

I Am Lakeland®

por Donald P. Burns

Emprendimiento Documentales

Temporada 1

Shwetha & Mina of JJ’s Fusion Khaana sit down with Don Burns.

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Shwetha (Shay) and Mina, the founders of JJ’s Fusion Khaana. This vibrant local business is taking the Lakeland food scene by storm with its "Indo-Fusion" cuisine, blending traditional Indian flavors with global influences like Chinese, Mexican, and Italian. Shay, who is actually a trained doctor (MBBS), shares her incredible "faith story" of how she traded her stethoscope for a spatula. After opening her first restaurant in Wuhan, China, she eventually brought her culinary vision to Lakeland, where she met Mina. Together, they have built a community-focused brand that uses food as an instrument of love and connection. Whether you’re a fan of bold spices or just love a story of local entrepreneurship rooted in faith, Shay and Mina’s energy is contagious. They aren't just serving meals; they are building a family, one "Naan-wich" at a time. 146

Yusuf Wanders of Wanderverse Studios sits down with Don Burns.

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Yusuf Wanders, the founder of Wanderverse Studios. Originally from Turkey and now residing in Plant City, Yusuf shares his unique journey from studying computer science to becoming a creative force in the music industry. Yusuf explains the mission behind Wanderverse Studios: helping independent artists create sustainable income through emotional storytelling. By pairing music with authentic, human-driven content, Yusuf aims to help artists stand out in an era increasingly dominated by AI-generated media. Whether you're an aspiring musician, a tech professional looking for creative inspiration, or a resident who loves a good story of local entrepreneurship, Yusuf’s "wandering" perspective offers a fresh and motivating outlook on life and business. 148

Jessica & Luanna of Polk County Women Mean Business sit down with Don Burns.

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Jessica Robinson and Luanna Baughman to share the story behind Polk County Women Mean Business (PCWMB). This rapidly growing organization has transformed from an informal networking group into a powerful community dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs across Polk County through collaboration, education, and genuine connection. The guests discuss how PCWMB fosters a "community over competition" mindset, providing a space where business owners can drop the sales pitch and find real friendship and professional support. Whether you're looking to scale your business or simply find your "tribe" in Lakeland, Jessica and Lana’s passion for community-driven growth is truly inspiring. 149

Michael Shea of Transworld Business Advisors sits down with Don Burns.

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Michael Shea of Transworld Business Advisors for a compelling look at his journey from military service to becoming a leader in the global business brokerage industry. Michael shares how his background as a chemical weapons officer in the U.S. Army and his corporate experience with PepsiCo and Nestle prepared him for the high-stakes world of buying and selling companies. The conversation delves into the strategies that helped Michael navigate the 2008 recession, emphasizing the importance of resilience and focusing on "singles and doubles"—the essential small businesses like local pizza parlors and lawn services. Michael also recounts the incredible expansion of Transworld from a Florida-based firm to an international powerhouse with over 300 locations through a strategic partnership with Ray Titus of United Franchise Group. Whether you're looking to buy a business, prepare yours for sale, or simply want to hear a great story of professional growth in Lakeland, this episode is packed with actionable advice. 150

Robin Pettersson of Pathway Consultants sits down with Don Burns.

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Robin Pettersson, the founder of Pathway Consultants, for an inspiring conversation about resilience, faith, and the power of human-centered HR. Robin shares his fascinating journey from being born in Sweden and moving to Florida as the child of missionaries to his current role as a champion for small businesses in Lakeland. Robin’s path is anything but conventional. He recounts his early days learning English with a picture dictionary at Wendell Watson Elementary and his time spent in the IB program. He also provides a gripping account of his two years in Bible school, which included a high-stakes mission to Tajikistan, where he experienced the realities of the underground church in a region marked by conflict. These diverse experiences shaped his perspective on people and his ability to "read a room"—a skill that has become his greatest asset in the world of recruitment. The heart of the episode focuses on the birth of Pathway Consultants. After navigating career resets and layoffs, Robin realized that small businesses (typically those with 2 to 25 employees) often lack a dedicated HR department but face significant compliance and scaling challenges. Robin discusses how he helps these owners navigate Department of Labor requirements and, most importantly, how he identifies "free money" through government grants and workforce programs designed to help companies double or triple their headcount without the financial burden. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to scale or someone interested in a story of professional pivot and perseverance, this episode offers a wealth of practical advice and local inspiration. 151

Author, Carol Pope sits down with Don Burns.

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, we sit down with Carol Pope, a seasoned personal finance writer and author of the new book Credit 101. Carol shares her fascinating journey from her roots in Detroit and Michigan to her move to Lakeland, Florida, where she spent over a decade working in the insurance and finance industries, including several years at gieco. Carol explains how a surprise LinkedIn message from a simon and & schuster agent led her to write her first book, turning her passion for simplifying complex financial topics into a comprehensive guide for consumers. Throughout the conversation, Carol demystifies the intimidating world of credit, offering practical advice on how to improve—rather than just "repair"—your credit score. She emphasizes the emotional weight that money often carries and encourages viewers to focus on forward-looking financial habits. Whether you're looking to buy a home, a car, or simply want to gain better control over your financial future, Carol’s insights provide a clear roadmap for navigating the world of credit with confidence. 152

Cyle Rickner of Rickner Smart Solutions sits down with Don Burns.

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Cyle Rickner, a native Floridian, Army veteran, and the owner of Rickner Smart Solutions, a Lakeland-based security company. Cyle shares his fascinating journey, from growing up in Fort Myers and serving as a wheeled vehicle mechanic in the Army to his transition into the private sector. He recounts several humorous and unexpected stories about his move to Lakeland in 2023, including his initial struggle with a poorly managed apartment complex and a chance encounter with Mayor Bill Mutz that led to fixing a long-standing traffic light issue near South Florida Avenue. The conversation dives deep into Cyle’s career path, which saw him transition from retail sales at LensCrafters to the solar industry, and eventually into corporate security with ADT. Cyle reflects on the frustrations he faced within large corporate structures, particularly the lack of personalized customer service and the rigid, often punitive, contracts common in the security industry. These experiences fueled his passion for starting Rickner Smart Solutions, where he prioritizes ethics, transparency, and a customer-first approach. Cyle explains what sets his business apart: no long-term predatory contracts, a focus on selling only what a customer truly needs, and the reliability of a local, veteran-owned operation. He also provides valuable insights into modern security technology, explaining the importance of "dual-path" communication (using both Wi-Fi and LTE) to prevent systems from being easily bypassed or "jammed." Whether you're looking for professional camera installations, access control, or a monitored security system you can control from your Apple Watch, this episode highlights why local expertise and integrity matter in home and business protection. 153

Jazz Hamilton presents “Timeless” a Celebration of America’s 250th to Don Burns.

In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns welcomes world-renowned saxophonist and composer Jazz Hamilton, Dr. Elizabeth Hernandez, and choreographer Ferdinand “Freddy” De Jesus to discuss an extraordinary upcoming cultural event: the Jazz Hamilton Timeless America Tour. Choosing Lakeland as the location for its world premiere on June 20th at the RP Funding Center, the production is a symphonic suite composed by Hamilton to celebrate America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The performance is described as an immersive experience, combining a live orchestra, choir, drum line, and ballet to tell the story of America’s past, present, and future through nine original musical movements. A major theme of the conversation is the production's deep commitment to community and opportunity. The guests discuss the Jazz Hamilton Arts Foundation and its mission to provide free music education to under served youth. This focus on "paying it forward" is reflected in the casting, which features local talent from the Freddy Dance Project and the Lakeland High School drum line. The production also introduces the "Seats of Honor" initiative, a program designed to recognize and provide sponsored tickets for veterans, first responders, healthcare providers, and educators. The episode highlights why Lakeland was chosen for the premiere, with the guests praising the city’s warmth, sense of identity, and rich history. From original choreography that explores diversity and the "American Dream" to a patriotic ticket pricing structure (starting at $17.76), this episode showcases how Timeless is more than just a concert—it is a heartfelt tribute to the nation and a significant investment in the local Lakeland arts community. 154

Emily Higman of Halite Capital sits down with Don Burns.

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host is joined by Emily Higman, the owner of Highlight Capital Property Management. A fifth-generation Tampa native, Emily shares her journey from renovating "fix and flips" in the cold winters of New Hampshire to returning home to Florida to launch her own property management business. Emily discusses her hands-on experience in real estate, including the physical labor of dry-walling and renovating homes from the ground up while raising a family. This unique background informs her philosophy as a business owner: treating every property as a vital family asset and every tenant with compassion and respect. She highlights how being a "good steward" to both owners and tenants isn't just about ethics—it’s also a smart business strategy that reduces vacancy and builds long-term trust. The conversation also touches on Emily’s involvement with the local community through the Polk County Women’s Business Networking Group and her commitment to maintaining high standards for residential rentals (single-family homes, duplexes, and short-term rentals). 155

Dwight & Rebecca MacPherson of MAD SCOT Media sit down with Don Burns.

In this episode of “I Am Lakeland,” host Don Burns sits down with the creative powerhouse couple behind MAD SCOT Media, Dwight and Rebecca MacPherson. The conversation journeys through their fascinating personal histories, from their roots in Michigan and New York to the unique way they met—a story that sounds like it was pulled straight from one of Dwight’s scripts. Dwight, a former Army combat medic and prolific writer, shares how his military service in South Korea and Fort Hood shaped his storytelling. Interestingly, it was his comic book, Dead Men Tell No Tales, that eventually brought him and Rebecca together. Rebecca, an independent producer with a background in theater and PR in Los Angeles, discovered Dwight’s work in a comic shop, leading to a three-hour phone call that changed their lives. The MacPhersons discuss their transition to Lakeland and the evolution of their creative business. They dive into their transition from comics to novels, highlighting their latest projects under the MAD SCOT Media banner. Dwight introduces his “Wadzi Cycle,” a series of atmospheric horror novels set in a fictionalized Northern Michigan town. He describes the series as a blend of The Twilight Zone, H.P. Lovecraft, and Stephen King, exploring themes of memory, legacy, and generational trauma. 156

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