I Am Lakeland®

David Thornton, founder of A Better Choice Network Solutions, shares his unique transition from a 26-year career in law enforcement to the IT and cybersecurity industry. David emphasizes that his company’s core mission is to provide proactive, personal, and reliable IT support for local businesses, moving away from the traditional, rigid contract model that often leaves clients underserved. He provides crucial insights into digital security, stressing the importance of cloud backups over local USB drives and warning against the risks of connecting to public Wi-Fi.

Alex Kreilich, co-founder of Crylick Creations alongside his wife Elise, details how their passion for woodworking and art evolved into a successful local business during the pandemic. Their company specializes in personalized laser-engraved products and custom merchandise for local businesses like Scout & Tag and Keel Farms. Alex highlights the benefits of working with local artisans, noting that their hands-on, face-to-face approach fosters better communication, faster turnaround times, and a genuine connection with the community.

Both guests reflect on the importance of finding a purpose-driven career after previous long-term professional chapters. The conversation serves as a testament to the thriving entrepreneurial spirit in Lakeland, showcasing how small businesses prioritize relationships and community impact over purely transactional interactions. Whether it’s securing a company’s digital infrastructure or creating a custom gift, these entrepreneurs embody the dedication and care that define the Lakeland lifestyle. 3

In this episode of I Am Lakeland®, host Don Burns sits down with two local entrepreneurs to discuss their unique business journeys, the challenges of starting a venture, and the power of community in Lakeland, Florida.

Denise Curls, founder of The Jewelry Box Lakeland, explains her innovative, concierge-style business model (0:37). By operating without a physical storefront, she provides a personalized shopping experience, meeting customers at their convenience to help them find jewelry within a specific $100–$1,500 price point. She emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships and the joy of helping customers find meaningful gifts, noting that the supportive environment at COhatch has been instrumental in growing her network (4:51).

Josh Borem, owner of Borem Fire Protection, shares his transition from an employee to a business owner, driven by a desire for independence and higher standards of service (8:21). His company provides essential safety services, including fire extinguisher maintenance and restaurant fire suppression systems. Josh highlights the reality of being a small business owner—balancing daily operations, managing cash flow, and setting ambitious goals to become Florida’s "biggest and best" fire company (14:04). He stresses the value of honesty and quality in an industry where some competitors may cut corners (9:45).

Both guests discuss the loneliness that often accompanies the early stages of entrepreneurship and the importance of finding a local community to collaborate with. They share insights on:

Ultimately, the conversation celebrates the spirit of the "serial entrepreneur" and the resilience required to turn an idea into a successful service, reminding viewers that whether you are selling jewelry or saving lives, providing value to the community is the ultimate reward. 2

Adriana highlights the impact of COhatch, a new collaborative workspace that opened in downtown Lakeland earlier this year. The facility, housed in the historic Skipper building (the original post office from 1912), exemplifies the concept of "Town Hall 2.0" by repurposing historic structures to foster community and economic growth. She explains that COhatch offers various membership levels—including co-working, private offices, and a digital platform called COhatch Plus—designed to provide flexibility for remote workers and entrepreneurs. Interestingly, Adriana notes that the space has become a hub for people traveling between Orlando and Tampa, proving Lakeland’s value as a central location.

Abdul, representing Before You Dig, discusses his role as a drain specialist. He emphasizes a neighborly business model, offering free consultations to homeowners dealing with drainage or septic issues. He shares valuable insights into common plumbing problems, specifically citing grease buildup and non-flushable wipes as primary culprits for line blockages. Don suggests that Abdul create a community map of grease drop-off locations to further serve local residents, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the conversation.

The episode also touches on the importance of local media, with a fun segment about the podcast room at COhatch and the evolution of talk radio into the podcasting landscape. The conversation underscores the importance of preservation, entrepreneurship, and the supportive business ecosystem in Lakeland. Don concludes by inviting the community to his weekly Friday morning coffee meetups, reinforcing his commitment to the local area. 1