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

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.

➡️ 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

Nicole Bradham, an EMERGE Lakeland member, owns Mindset Marketing & Consulting, a full-service marketing agency partnering with businesses across a variety of industries. She also recently launched an influencer management agency called HotMod Agency.

Nicole is passionate about working with small businesses and promoting Lakeland. On a normal day, you will find her working at her desk at Catapult Lakeland, meeting with clients, and filming videos for social media. As a board member for the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, she takes serving the community to heart. 

To keep up with all things social media, follow Nicole on Instagram @mindsetmarketinglakeland and @hotmodagency.

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

Mayor Mutz was born in Indianapolis and graduated from Indiana University, majoring in Finance and Marketing. He moved to Lakeland, FL, in 1996, becoming President & Co-Owner of Lakeland Automall (Lakeland Ford, Mazda, & Hyundai.)

Bill sold Lakeland Automall in 2012 and became a partner in Greenstar Panels for several years. Subsequently, Bill performed as a Business Consultant with Claridge Associates before becoming the City of Lakeland Mayor in 2018.

Mayor Mutz and his wife, Pam, formerly from Denver, have been married 43 years and are parents of 12 children — seven boys and five girls (ranging in age from 42 to 21 years old!) Bill and Pam have 25 Grandchildren with another on the way.

In civic roles, Bill has served on 21 not-for-profit or business boards and helped found Grace City Church. Bill has a passion for seeing successful life change in marriages and parenting. His foundational human relations goal is to strive to honor everyone. He believes when we do so, we create thriving environments where motivated people can attain hopes and dreams while maximizing their potential.

Bill has also served on the following boards:

[email protected]

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!