I Am Lakeland®

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Farhad and Gianna of Feasts of Persia, a beloved local food truck bringing authentic Persian-American fusion to the heart of Florida. Recorded at COhatch in Downtown Lakeland, the conversation explores the couple's journey from corporate life to becoming staples of the Lakeland culinary scene.

Farhad, who moved to the U.S. from Iran in 1989, shares how his passion for cooking was ignited by his mother and refined through years of hosting legendary barbecues for friends and family. Together with Gianna, he launched Feasts of Persia in December 2022 to fill a void in the local market for high-quality, flavorful Mediterranean and Persian cuisine.

Whether you're a fan of traditional kebabs, looking for vegan-friendly options like falafel and hummus, or simply want to support a business with a big heart, Farhad and Gianna’s story is a delicious testament to the power of following your passion. 54

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Ron Heller, a man once dubbed "the most interesting man in the world" by the Lakeland Ledger. Recorded at COhatch, this conversation spans Ron’s incredible 90-year journey—from his days playing professional baseball for the Detroit Tigers to his prolific second act as an author and philosopher.

Ron shares the fascinating story of how he first came to Lakeland for spring training in 1954, beginning a 70-year love affair with the city. He discusses his transition from the baseball diamond to the world of media, advertising, and eventually, a late-in-life calling as a writer. Remarkably, Ron wrote five books during his 80th year and is currently working on a series of ten books to mark his 90th year.

Whether you're interested in local history, the art of aging gracefully, or the wonders of the human mind, Ron’s infectious optimism and wealth of experience provide a truly inspiring roadmap for making the most of every single day. 53

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Kelly Fischer, a business mentor, advisor, and founder of Royal Fischer. Recorded at COhatch in Downtown Lakeland, the conversation explores Kelly’s journey from Brazil to Lakeland and her mission to help entrepreneurs build successful businesses rooted in their true identity.

Kelly shares her unique story of moving to Lakeland after feeling a spiritual calling to study the city's history. Through her research, she discovered Lakeland's legacy as a "city of pioneers," which inspired her to launch her business consulting and mentorship firm right here in the community.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, Kelly’s blend of spiritual wisdom and practical business strategy offers a roadmap for achieving both professional success and personal fulfillment. 52

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Fred Koehler, an award-winning author, illustrator, and the co-founder of Ready Chapter 1. Recorded at COhatch in Downtown Lakeland, this episode explores how Fred is leveraging technology and community to disrupt the traditional publishing industry and help aspiring writers find their voice.

Fred, who was recently named a "Co-Catapulter of the Year" at Lakeland’s Catapult entrepreneur center, shares his own grueling 10-year journey to land his first book deal. This experience inspired him to create a platform that streamlines the process for the next generation of storytellers.

Whether you are a seasoned writer or someone who has always dreamed of seeing your name on a book cover, Fred’s insights into the craft and business of storytelling provide a clear roadmap for turning a manuscript into a published reality. 51

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Patricia Uterwick, owner of Venue Salon and Aveda Salon and Spa, and her colleague Joel Bryant, a stylist and inventory specialist. Recorded at COhatch in Downtown Lakeland, the conversation focuses on an exciting new community event: Inspire, Lakeland’s first-ever collaborative hair show.

Patricia and Joel share their passion for the beauty industry and the creative "itch" that led them to create Inspire. The show is designed to be a high-energy, theatrical performance that moves beyond the everyday routine of haircuts and color to showcase the true artistry and imagination possible within hair and makeup design.

Whether you're a seasoned stylist, a student just starting out, or simply a fan of local creativity and entertainment, Patricia and Joel’s vision for Inspire offers a glimpse into a vibrant new side of the Lakeland art scene. 50

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Robert Moschorak of Ace Handyman Services. Recorded at COhatch in Downtown Lakeland, the conversation highlights how this sister company to the iconic Ace Hardware brand is bringing the "helpful hardware" spirit directly into the homes of Lakeland residents.

Robert explains that Ace Handyman Services is the professional service arm of the 100-year-old Ace Hardware brand. Unlike many general contractors who rely on subcontractors, Robert emphasizes that all their handymen are background-checked, insured, and bonded employees. This allows them to guarantee consistent quality and a level of professionalism that is often hard to find in the home repair industry.

Whether you're an aging homeowner looking for a team you can trust or a busy professional with a "honey-do" list that never seems to end, Robert’s insights show why Ace Handyman Services is a valuable partner for the Lakeland community. 49

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Robert Berganza, a master woodworker and designer whose unique, sculptural pieces have become a staple of the Lakeland creative community. Recorded at COhatch, this conversation explores Robert’s unexpected journey from a "non-creative" background into a world of high-end furniture design and artistic craftsmanship.

Robert shares how he stumbled into woodworking as a therapeutic hobby, only to discover a natural talent for visualizing complex designs. He discusses his transition from recreating existing techniques to having original, "sculptural" ideas—some of which even come to him in dreams. Based out of the Catapult maker space in downtown Lakeland, Robert is known for his ability to blend refined simplicity with a sense of structural balance.

Whether you're a fan of fine craftsmanship or an aspiring entrepreneur, Robert’s story of discovering hidden talent and pursuing excellence is a testament to the vibrant maker culture in Lakeland. 48

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Alex and Steve from Musick Roofing. Recorded at COhatch in Downtown Lakeland, the conversation highlights how this local, family-oriented business has evolved from a general construction company into one of the area’s most trusted roofing specialists.

Steve and Alex share the history of Musick Roofing, which began in 1999 under founder Mike Musick and transitioned to focusing exclusively on roofing in 2017. By specializing in one trade, the team ensures they provide the highest quality of service without spreading themselves too thin.

Whether you're a realtor needing a quick fix to close a deal or a homeowner looking for a reliable team that values "collaboration over competition," Alex and Steve demonstrate why Musick Roofing is a staple of the Lakeland community. 46

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Lisa Sunshine, a local leader, life coach, and the driving force behind the Swan City Jazz Festival and the Blended Family Foundation (BFF). Recorded at COhatch in downtown Lakeland, this deeply moving conversation explores how a family tragedy was transformed into a mission of service and community healing.

Lisa shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 17-year-old son, Kaylen, in a 2016 accident. She reflects on their final conversation, where Kaylen expressed a profound desire to help children in crisis by providing them with basic necessities. This vision became the blueprint for the Blended Family Foundation, which honors Kaylen’s legacy by ensuring local students have access to essential items.

Whether you are a jazz lover, a supporter of local nonprofits, or someone navigating the journey of grief, Lisa Sunshine’s story offers an inspiring testament to the power of love and purpose in the face of adversity. 45

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Bethany Fife to discuss one of the city's most festive and charitable annual traditions: the Downtown Lakeland SantaCon. Since taking over the event in 2020, Bethany and her team have evolved this Santa-themed pub crawl into a massive community gathering that brings holiday cheer to the streets of Lakeland while supporting a great cause.

The event isn't just about the costumes and the crawl; it’s a mission-driven initiative with 100% of the proceeds benefiting KidsPACK of Lakeland, a nonprofit dedicated to feeding hungry children in the local community. Bethany explains how the event has been redesigned as a self-guided "passport" tour to better support local businesses and provide a smoother experience for participants.

Whether you're looking for a fun night out with friends or a meaningful way to give back during the holidays, Bethany’s enthusiasm for SantaCon highlights why this event has become a cornerstone of the Lakeland Christmas season. 44