I Am Lakeland®

In this inspiring episode of the I Am Lakeland podcast, host Don Burns sits down with Patricia Uiterwyk, owner of Venue Salon, and her manager, Jessica Bouter. Patricia shares her fascinating journey from being born and raised in Hawaii to finding her home in Lakeland, where she has built a thriving, community-focused business over the last six years. As a woman entrepreneur, Patricia reflects on why Lakeland is the perfect environment for small businesses and creatives to flourish.

The conversation centers on the values that define Venue Salon, particularly its partnership with Aveda. Patricia explains the importance of using plant-based, sustainably sourced, and cruelty-free products that are safe for both guests and the environment. Beyond providing top-tier beauty services, Patricia is passionate about "smashing the industry's preconceptions" by mentoring cosmetology students and teaching young children about the science and art behind the craft.

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the salon's deep commitment to philanthropy. Patricia and Jessica discuss their upcoming gala for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), an event that has grown significantly each year. They also highlight their efforts during Earth Month, supporting local initiatives like Owl's Nest Sanctuary and global partners like Charity Water. The episode showcases the salon's "relationship-first" approach, including specialized services for women undergoing cancer treatments, proving that a local business can be a powerful force for good. 23

In this energetic and community-focused episode of the I Am Lakeland podcast, host Don Burns sits down with Bianca McKinney, the franchise owner and publisher of Stroll Eagle Brook and Be Local Lakeland. Bianca shares her personal story of moving from South Bend, Indiana, to Lakeland in the early 1970s and how her deep roots in the community led her to a career in hyper-local publishing.

The conversation centers on the unique role Bianca’s publications play in the Lakeland area. Stroll Eagle Brook is an exclusive, resident-driven monthly magazine for the Eagle Brook gated community, while Be Local Lakeland serves as a vital resource for new movers, helping them navigate and connect with the best local businesses during their first months in the city. Bianca highlights how these publications transitioned from entertainment to essential community resources during 2020, providing a much-needed sense of normalcy and connection for residents.

Listeners will gain insight into Bianca’s "top-of-mind awareness" marketing philosophy. She explains the advanced digital strategies her team uses, such as geo-fencing and IP-targeted display ads, to ensure business partners are seen thousands of times by their target audience. Beyond the technology, Bianca emphasizes the "relationship-first" nature of her work, including hosting monthly social events that bring neighbors and local business owners together in person.

The episode also touches on the growth of Lakeland, the importance of supporting small businesses, and Bianca’s personal passion for fitness and community involvement. It’s an inspiring look at how a local entrepreneur is building "bridges of understanding" and fostering a stronger, more connected Lakeland. 22

In this episode of the I Am Lakeland podcast, host Don Burns welcomes the Goins family—Sean, Kathy, and their son Tyler—from High Performance Glass Solutions. This family-owned and operated business specializes in a cutting-edge nanotechnology called Diamond Fusion, which is designed to protect, enhance, and maintain architectural glass for both residential and commercial properties.

The conversation highlights how Diamond Fusion works by filling in the microscopic "peaks and valleys" of glass surfaces. This prevents environmental contaminants, hard water stains, and mineral deposits from sticking, making the glass easier to clean and significantly extending its life. Sean, who brings 17 years of experience in the glass manufacturing industry, explains that while many people think of glass as smooth, it is actually porous, and their treatments can restore "tired" or hazy windows to their original clarity.

A major point of pride for the company is their work on Bonnet Springs Park, where they protected over 24,000 square feet of glass. They also discuss their collaboration with Mid Florida Credit Union and the importance of protecting glass from the harsh Florida sun and rain. Beyond new installations, they emphasize their ability to restore older glass, offering a cost-effective alternative to expensive window replacements that might trigger new building code requirements.

The episode also offers a personal look at the Goins family's transition from corporate roles—Kathy in financial services and Sean in plant management—to entrepreneurship. They share their enthusiasm for the Lakeland community and the "relationship-first" approach they bring to their business. The discussion even takes a fun turn as their son Tyler shares his aspirations of becoming a professional Motocross rider, highlighting the family's dedication to hard work and supporting one another’s dreams. 21

In this compelling episode of the I Am Lakeland podcast, host Don Burns sits down with Gow Fields, the former Mayor of Lakeland, for a deep dive into the history, governance, and future of the city. A Lakeland native, Gow shares his personal journey—from being the son of a Tuskegee graduate to his transition from the insurance industry into public service. He reflects on his 17 years as a city commissioner and his subsequent term as mayor, offering a unique "behind-the-scenes" look at the decisions that shaped modern Lakeland.

The conversation covers the critical importance of public infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth. Gow explains the philosophy behind "revitalizing" rather than just "replacing," using the transformation of downtown Lakeland and the development of the city's transit system as primary examples. He provides fascinating insights into the Citrus Connection and the challenges of maintaining a public utility like Lakeland Electric, explaining the "poison pill" in the city charter that protects the utility from being easily sold to private entities. Gow emphasizes that public ownership allows residents to have a voice in their resources, a concept he calls the "strength of Public Power."

Beyond his past achievements, Gow discusses his continued commitment to the community and his decision to run for Polk County Property Appraiser in 2024. He highlights the need for building "bridges of understanding" across Lakeland’s various sectors to overcome the "silos" that can hinder collaboration. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder of the impact of local advocacy and the importance of leadership that encourages people to work together for the common good. 20

In this captivating episode of the I Am Lakeland podcast, host Don Burns sits down with Kate Hall, the creative force behind Art by Kate Hall. A long-time Lakeland resident, Kate shares her journey from a childhood passion for painting—inspired by the legendary Bob Ross—to becoming one of the city's most prominent muralists. As the first recipient of the Dixieland Art Infusion grant, Kate discusses the realization of her "floral triptych" on the Low Country Vintage building and how crowdfunding and community support helped bring her vision to life.

The conversation delves into Kate’s diverse body of work, which can be seen across Lakeland, from the iconic swan mural at Traditions Unlimited to her professional interpretation of student artwork for the historical timeline at Lake Parker. Kate explains the meticulous process behind her murals, including conceptualizing designs that balance artistic expression with local regulations and the logistical challenges of painting large-scale pieces—often while navigating the Florida heat and rain.

Beyond the paint and scaffolding, Kate touches on her professional life in the insurance industry with AmeriLife, where she provides concierge-style services for retirees. She also highlights her deep commitment to family and the importance of encouraging creativity in the next generation, sharing stories of collaborating with her daughter on artistic projects. The episode wraps up with a look at Kate’s upcoming projects, including a "patriotic steampunk" mural in Winter Haven and a vibrant new design for a hair salon in Dixieland. 19

In this episode of the I Am Lakeland podcast, host Don Burns sits down with Brandi Morris, co-owner of All Alarm Services, to discuss the journey of building a local security business from the ground up. Brandi shares the story of how her husband, John, a Navy veteran with a background in shipboard communications, transitioned from over 25 years in the corporate security world—working for giants like ADT and Johnson Controls—to launching their own family-owned venture in 2018.

The conversation explores the "scary leap" of leaving stable corporate careers to prioritize personalized service and community connection. Brandi reflects on the early days of the business, including an unexpected "retirement trial run" where they spent months traveling and attending FSU games before fully kicking off their local operations. This period served as a valuable reminder of why they chose entrepreneurship: to build a legacy that allows for family time and community involvement.

Brandi details the comprehensive services All Alarm Services provides, ranging from high-end commercial fire alarm systems to residential smart home automation. Through their partnership with alarm.com, they offer clients a seamless, one-app solution for managing security cameras, remote door locks, thermostats, and access control. Brandi emphasizes the "relationship-first" model, highlighting how local clients value having direct access to the owners for support, whether they are monitoring a second home from out of state or managing a local business.

Beyond the technology, the episode touches on Brandi’s deep roots in Lakeland, including her passion for coaching youth softball and her commitment to local volunteering. The discussion underscores the peace of mind that comes from working with a local provider who truly understands the community. 18

In this episode of the I Am Lakeland podcast, host Don Burns sits down with Frank Motola, the founder of Brandtastic, a Lakeland-based marketing and advertising agency. Frank shares his extensive background in the industry, which began as a child helping his father with a sign and graphics business. The conversation highlights Frank’s transition from traditional sign-making to becoming a pioneer in web design and digital marketing, with his first website dating back to 1997.

Frank discusses the core philosophy of Brandtastic: delivering tangible results through increased leads rather than just managing large ad budgets. He emphasizes the importance of a "killer website" as the foundation for any service-based business, such as plumbing, pool cleaning, or septic services. Listeners will hear about some of Brandtastic’s local success stories, including work for The Glass Door Store, Lakeland Septic Company, and Pool Works.

A key differentiator for Brandtastic is their hands-on approach. Frank explains how his team travels across the country to visit clients, capturing high-quality photos and videos to create a year’s worth of authentic marketing content. The episode also covers the importance of "social proof" and staying current with new platforms like Threads, while remaining focused on the heavy hitters like Google SEO, Facebook, and Instagram.

Beyond business strategy, Frank shares personal updates about his team, including general manager Stephen Allen’s recent adoption journey and the company’s deep ties to the Lakeland community through partnerships with organizations like Bridge Local and Catapult. The episode concludes with a reminder for business owners to stay consistent with their marketing even during economic shifts and an invitation to access Frank’s free six-part educational video series on marketing. 17

In this episode of the I Am Lakeland podcast, host Don Burns welcomes Bridget and Marco Garcia, the founders of Garcia's Events and Limos. This family-owned business has quickly become a local staple, born from a simple conversation about a party bus and evolving into a comprehensive event service. Bridget, originally from Sweden, and Marco, hailing from Chile, share their unique journeys to Lakeland and how their diverse backgrounds have shaped their commitment to the community.

The Garcias detail how they have expanded their fleet and service offerings to meet the growing needs of Central Florida. Beyond luxury transportation with their signature limos and high-capacity SUVs, the company provides a "full-circle" approach to event planning. This includes everything from floral rentals and centerpieces to photography and full-scale event execution. Whether it’s a wedding, Quinceañera, or a VIP transfer from the Lakeland airport, Bridget and Marco emphasize their role in allowing clients to "stress less" by handling the logistics of traffic and coordination.

A key theme of the discussion is the importance of local relationships. The Garcias highlight their collaboration with other Lakeland-based vendors, such as caterers and bakers, to ensure every event is seamless. They also touch on the importance of transparency and reputation, noting their pride in maintaining excellent Google reviews. The episode wraps up with a look at their future in Lakeland, as they remain dedicated to building their legacy in the city they now call home. 16

In this episode of the I Am Lakeland podcast, host Don Burns sits down with Wayne and Patricia from Check Twice Home Inspections to discuss the critical importance of a thorough home inspection, whether you're buying a vintage Lakeland home or a brand-new build. Wayne, a former remodeling carpenter with decades of experience, shares how a health shift led him and Patricia to launch their family-owned business, bringing a craftsman’s eye to the inspection industry.

The conversation highlights why homeowners shouldn't rely solely on municipal inspections or the word of a builder. Wayne reveals shocking stories from the field, including "mirrored" floor plans where driveways were built on the wrong side and new builds with zero attic insulation. They emphasize the value of the 11-month warranty inspection, which gives new homeowners the leverage to have builders fix structural or mechanical issues before their one-year protection period expires.

Patricia, who manages the administrative and communication side of the business, explains the synergy that makes their partnership successful. They also discuss their strategic rebranding from "Dixieland Inspection Services" to Check Twice, a name that reflects their meticulous "go right and stay right" methodology to ensure no detail is missed.

Beyond purchasing a home, Wayne and Patricia offer practical advice on maintenance that can save thousands in insurance costs. From the importance of clearing tree branches that can "saw" through shingles to the benefits of installing moisture sensors, the episode is packed with actionable tips for protecting your largest investment. The duo closes by reminding listeners that in an industry where "human nature" can lead to shortcuts, having a third-party advocate to "check twice" is essential for long-term peace of mind. 15

In this episode of the I Am Lakeland podcast, host Don Burns is joined by Ashley Troutman, a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual and a dedicated Lakeland "unicorn"—born, raised, and currently raising his own family in the community. Ashley shares his journey of nearly 20 years in the financial industry, highlighting the importance of partnering with a reputable brand to provide clients with the best possible tools for wealth management and risk protection.

The conversation centers on the power of comprehensive financial planning, ranging from personal investments and retirement to complex business succession and tax-efficiency strategies. Ashley emphasizes a "relationship-first" approach, explaining how he acts as a clear voice for clients during times of market uncertainty and inflation. He also discusses the unique "mutual" aspect of his organization, which allows him to leverage a national network of experts to solve specific, high-level financial challenges for local business owners.

Beyond finance, Ashley opens up about his deep roots in Lakeland and his passion for public service. He touches on his experiences with local transit advocacy—inspired by mentors like Gow Fields—and how infrastructure improvements are paving the way for the city’s future. Listeners also get a glimpse into Ashley’s personal life, including his wife’s holistic wellness business, Healing Hands, and their shared commitment to putting family and community first. The episode concludes with Ashley inviting listeners to connect for exploratory consultations to gain clarity on their long-term financial goals. 14