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!