I Am Lakeland®

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Randy Glotfelty, a second-generation potter and the co-owner of Jen-Ken Kilns. Randy shares a rich history of his family’s deep roots in the Lakeland arts scene, specifically the legacy of his mother’s ceramic shop in Dixie Land, which served as a creative hub for the community for decades.

Randy discusses the evolution of his craft, from mass-producing porcelain slip for international doll makers to his current focus on creating one-of-a-kind "legacy items." He highlights the timeless nature of pottery, noting that the way clay is thrown on a wheel today is identical to how it was done thousands of years ago—a raw, earthy process that continues to resonate in our modern, disposable world.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or curious about starting your own journey in the fired arts, Randy’s passion for "making moments in time" offers an inspiring look at the enduring value of handmade craftsmanship. 95

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Jeremiah and Kathryn Lewis, the duo behind Spurzile’s Gourmet Butter. They share the unique story of how a late-night craving for a "better" grilled cheese sandwich accidentally launched a thriving local business.

Jeremiah and Kathryn explain the meaning behind the name "Spurzile"—a combination of family names that represents the intertwining of their Greek and Haitian roots. What began as a personal quest for flavor has evolved into a mission to bring all-natural, preservative-free gourmet butters and artisanal cookies to the Lakeland community.

Whether you're a foodie looking to take your home cooking to "Flavor Town" or a supporter of local startups, Jeremiah and Kathryn’s story is a delicious example of Lakeland’s entrepreneurial spirit. 94

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Jonathan Wayne Andress, a local creative and the driving force behind Studio 61 Productions. Jonathan shares his fascinating personal journey—from growing up in and around Lakeland to embarking on a life-changing 2,200-mile hike of the Appalachian Trail.

Jonathan discusses how his time in the wilderness served as a mental "reset" and eventually reignited a childhood passion for visual storytelling. He shares the inspiring story of how he transitioned from working in construction to becoming a full-time video professional overnight, thanks to a single timely phone call and a leap of faith.

Whether you're an aspiring creator or a business owner looking to elevate your brand's digital presence, Jonathan’s story of ambition and community-focused creativity provides a roadmap for success in the modern media landscape. 93

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Ron Heller, the creator and publisher of the 3 Minutes newsletter. Ron shares the story behind his unique publication, which has been a staple in the Lakeland community for over 22 years, designed to provide a quick, three-minute escape through humor, trivia, and positive information.

Ron discusses how the newsletter serves as a "feel-good" alternative to the typical news cycle, specifically targeting people in waiting rooms, restaurants, and coffee shops. With a distribution network of over 150 locations across Lakeland, Ron’s mission is simple: to make people feel a little better and tickle their "nucleus accumbens" (the brain's reward center) with a daily dose of laughter and learning.

Whether you're looking for a quick laugh during your morning coffee or want to explore the deeper mysteries of the human mind, Ron’s passion for storytelling and community connection shines through in every page of his work. 92

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns welcomes back Patricia Uiterwyk, owner of Venue Salon, and her colleague Crystal. The conversation centers on the upcoming 7th Annual Rose Gold Masquerade, a glamorous fundraising gala hosted by Venue Salon to benefit the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida.

Patricia and Crystal highlight the unique mission of this local foundation, which provides critical financial assistance to individuals in Polk County undergoing active breast cancer treatment. Unlike many organizations that fund research, this foundation focuses on "living expenses"—helping patients pay for groceries, utilities, rent, and even children's needs like orthodontist visits—so they can focus entirely on their life-saving treatments without the crushing weight of financial stress.

Whether you're a survivor, a local business owner looking to sponsor, or someone who loves a night of "glitter and glamour" for a great cause, this episode provides all the details on how to get involved. 91

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Jose Escalera, CEO of The Idea Farm, and Miguel Cruz, who handles business development for the firm's new Florida expansion. Jose shares the rich history of the company—a digital marketing firm founded over 50 years ago—and its mission to serve as a comprehensive marketing department for small to medium-sized businesses.

The Idea Farm differentiates itself by focusing on transparency, education, and long-term partnerships. Jose and Miguel explain their "client-first" philosophy, which often involves coaching business owners on their actual needs rather than just selling them the most expensive services. Their goal is to grow alongside their clients, helping them hit their initial goals and then elevating them to the next level.

Whether you're a business owner struggling to quantify your marketing ROI or a startup looking for a strategic partner to tell your story, Jose and Miguel’s data-backed and "soulful" approach to growth offers a clear path to success. 90

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Darren Cook, the owner of Custom Glass Tinting. As Lakeland’s second oldest glass tinting company—celebrating 39 years in business—Darren shares the fascinating history of the company, which was founded by his uncle, Patrick Boykin, in 1986.

Darren discusses his transition from a long career in the hospitality industry to taking over the family business. He brings a "hospitality-first" approach to his work, emphasizing punctuality, quality, and exceptional customer service. The conversation focuses on debunking common myths about window tinting and highlighting the modern technology that makes it a vital investment for Florida homeowners.

Whether you're looking to lower your AC costs, protect your furniture from UV fading, or add daytime privacy to your home, Darren’s expertise offers a clear look at why quality window tinting is a "must-have" in Central Florida. 89

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns is joined by Anthony Crisante, the entrepreneur behind Local Eats Lakeland. After two years of driving for national giants like DoorDash and Uber Eats, Anthony decided to launch a homegrown alternative that prioritizes the local community, restaurant profitability, and superior customer service.

Anthony sheds light on the hidden costs of national delivery apps, explaining how their high fees can eat up 30% to 51% of a restaurant's profit per order. By cutting out these corporate middleman fees, Local Eats Lakeland aims to save both the consumer and the local restaurant significantly while providing a more professional and personable experience.

Whether you're a local foodie tired of cold orders and high fees or a restaurant owner looking for a more sustainable delivery partner, Anthony’s passion for "local first" offers a refreshing alternative for the Lakeland community. 88

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Lakiesha Lewis, the founder and owner of Queen in Me. Lakiesha shares her journey from working in healthcare for over 15 years to launching her own holistic herbal tea blend business, born out of a personal need for natural remedies to manage anxiety.

Lakiesha’s mission is to move beyond just treating symptoms and focus on the "root issues" of health and wellness. She emphasizes that wellness is built on multiple pillars—mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual—and that her tea blends are crafted to support the body’s natural healing processes.

Whether you're looking for natural ways to manage stress or want to connect with a supportive community of health-conscious women, Lakiesha’s expertise and heart for holistic living offer a refreshing perspective on modern self-care. 87

In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host Don Burns sits down with Matt Wetmiller, the co-owner of Restoration Fitness and Nutrition. Matt shares the inspiring "grassroots" story of how he and his wife started their business from their own home five years ago, eventually growing into their current location in the Win-Dixie shopping center off Edgewood and Lakeland Highlands Road.

Matt, a former collegiate cross-country athlete, explains that his passion for fitness stems from a genuine love for building relationships and helping people become better versions of themselves. He emphasizes that Restoration is not just a place to work out, but a community centered on accountability and holistic health.

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or have "no clue" where to start, Matt’s approach focuses on making fitness simple, sustainable, and soulful. 86