WG Coffee + Collab Podcast

Have you ever built something from the ground up, almost lost it multiple times, and still kept going?

That’s Heidi Hardman.

From traveling the country selling handmade kids’ clothes, to running multiple boutique locations, to building a 20-acre dog rescue, Heidi’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose.

🎥 In this episode of WG Coffee + Collab, we sit down with Heidi, the owner of Polka Dotz, to talk about what it really takes to build a business that lasts, and why her “why” today looks completely different than when she started.

If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or someone trying to figure out your next pivot, this one hits.

💡 What we got into:

• How Heidi built her business from craft shows to multiple retail locations
• The reality of almost going bankrupt more than once
• Building a brand rooted in community, not just sales
• How Polka Dogz has helped save 2,000 plus dogs 🐶

💬 Connect with Heidi:
Instagram: @polkadotzwintergarden
Website: https://www.polkadotz.com/

Have you ever met someone who runs four coffee shops, keeps a team of Gen Z baristas caffeinated and thriving, and still laughs through the chaos? That’s Lauren Sutton.

🎥 Filmed at Foxtail Coffee in the Packing District (Dr. Phillips) — and listen… this place looks like a honkin’ 1950s diner that met a Pinterest board. It’s so stinkin’ cool.

Lauren’s the powerhouse behind multiple Foxtail Coffee locations across Winter Garden, and she’s proof that leadership doesn’t have to be stiff or serious. We talked about how she builds real community, what happens when a drive-thru goes rogue, and why oat-milk emergencies are real.

Here’s what we got into:

 ☕ What really happens behind the counter at Winter Garden’s busiest coffee shops
 📸 How her team keeps Foxtail’s content so real — and why that works
 🎃 New drops: the pumpkin-cheesecake muffin and pumpkin cake pop (
 📚 The bookish side of Foxtail — silent book clubs, Halloween markets, and Rocky Horror’s 50th coming soon
 ❤️ The legacy she’s building — where coffee is just the excuse to care about people

💬 Check out Foxtail Coffee: https://www.foxtailcoffee.com
📱Instagram: @foxtailcoffeepackingdistrict

https://www.foxtailcoffee.com/locations/foxtail-coffee-packing-district

🌐 A special THANK YOU to Ken Taibbi, who is filming AND producing all of the  @WGCollab  episodes! Go check him out at www.fullyequippedproductions.com

🎥 Filmed at Foxtail Coffee on Plant Street in Winter Garden — the perfect backdrop for caffeine, conversation, and a few surprising chess moves.

Nick Cepeda, founder of Studio 22 Productions, isn’t just taking photos — he’s capturing stories that stop you mid-scroll. You’ve seen his work all over Central Florida (even if you didn’t realize it was his), from award-winning shoots in downtown Winter Garden to moody creative portraits that feel cinematic.

We talked about:
 ♟️ What playing chess with his grandfather taught him about art and focus
 📸 The storytelling secret that turns a photo into a feeling
 🏆 How he built Studio 22 into an award-winning brand
 🤝 The power of collaboration over competition in the creative world
 🔥 Why he’s as passionate about business as he is about photography
🎁 And yes — there’s a giveaway for a free Studio 22 photo shoot (details below!)

They're giving away a free one-hour photoshoot to one listener:

• 1-hour shoot in Winter Garden
• 15 edited images 

Listeners can enter here: https://www.studio22orlando.com/wgcoffeecollab/

📆 You’ve got one week from the day this episode drops to enter.

Because let’s be real… everyone deserves a fresh set of photos that make them look like the main character.

 📸 Follow Nick on Instagram: @studio22productions
🌐 Visit the website: https://studio22productions.com

🌐 A special THANK YOU to Ken Taibbi, who is filming AND producing all of the  @WGCollab episodes! Go check him out at www.fullyequippedproductions.com

What happens when a mother and daughter move to a new city and realize… community doesn’t just happen — it has to be built? You get this.

🎥 Filmed at Foxtail Coffee — and seriously, it looks like a honkin’ 1950s diner in there. It’s so stinkin’ cool. If you haven’t been, go. You’ll probably stay.

Rebecca Whitney and her daughter, Alli Thompson, are the team behind Striker Sports & Social — creating spaces for people to connect, play, and belong across Winter Garden and beyond.

We talked about:
 ⚽ How one idea turned into a full-blown community movement
 🏆 The goosebump moment their players helped them win a national award
 🐶 The rescue dog that inspired their logo (and their mission to give back)
 ☕ Why play, purpose, and people matter more than ever in Winter Garden

💬 Learn more about Striker Sports & Social: https://strikersportsandsocial.com/
📱 Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strikersportsandsocial/

#coffeeandcollab  #wintergardenpodcast  #StrikerSportsAndSocial  #marthakrejci  #localbusinesslove #womeninbusiness  #sports   #rescuedogs  #floridalife

What do you get when Justin Melton and Jackson Davis pull back the curtain on worship beyond music? This right here.

🎥 Filmed at Foxtail Coffee on W. Colonial Drive in Winter Garden — big love to this local gem for being the perfect backdrop to connection and conversation.

In this episode of Winter Garden Coffee + Collab, I sit down with Justin Melton and Jackson Davis for an honest conversation about worship, prayer, and the new season unfolding at Quay.

We talked about:

 ✨ When worship stops being about music and becomes surrender
 🔥 Prayer nights that shape families and fuel miracles
 🎶 Why songs are missionaries carrying stories beyond the church walls
 📖 Scriptures that anchor them in every season

💿 Plus — their brand-new song “What A Friend” was released on October 3! Go ahead and listen here: https://open.spotify.com/track/7FKbNK0uQKZwwjMdoCLRg6?si=25fc47d332424b3c

👉 Follow Quay Worship on Instagram: @quayworship

Want to be on a future episode? Join the WG Coffee + Collab Facebook group! I select one guest each month from the group to join me for coffee and conversation.

💬 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1158560589287298
🌐 A special THANK YOU to Ken Taibbi, who is filming AND producing all of the  @WGCollab  episodes! Go check him out at www.fullyequippedproductions.com

#CoffeeAndCollab #WinterGardenPodcast #QuayChurch #QuayWorship #marthakrejci  #faithandcommunity

🎥 Filmed at Foxtail Coffee on W. Colonial Drive in Winter Garden  — huge thanks to this cozy local favorite for hosting us for another round of caffeine and conversation!

What happens when an Air Force One pilot and a corporate facilitator nearly lose their marriage… and rebuild it into a mission to help other families heal through play?

Geoff and Brittany Anderson of Renala share how they turned Legos, laughter, and purpose into a blueprint for real family connection.

We talked about:

🧱 The power of play — 80% brain activation vs. 15% with “just talking”
💡 “World-changing leadership begins at home”
📖 Their upcoming book Living Room Leadership — releasing October 14 (now available for preorder!)

If you’re ready to strengthen your family and bring more connection (and fun) into your home, these are your people.

Learn more about their work: https://leadwithfamily.com/
Follow their journey: https://www.instagram.com/renalafamilies/
Preorder the book: https://istoria.com/living-room-leadership/

Want to be on a future episode? Join the WG Coffee + Collab Facebook group! I select one guest each month from the group to join me for coffee and conversation.

💬 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1158560589287298

🌐 A special THANK YOU to Ken Taibbi, who is filming AND producing all of the  @WGCollab episodes! Go check him out at www.fullyequippedproductions.com

#coffeeandcollab #CanonCoffee #Renala #FamilyLeadership #AirForceOne #LivingRoomLeadership #MarthaKrejci

What happens when a cruise ship performer trades in vocals for balloon couture and 10-foot cyborg suits?

🎥 Filmed at Canon Coffee in Apopka — huge thanks to this cozy local favorite for hosting us for coffee and conversation!

Grant Andreae is the wildly creative founder of Andreae Balloon Studio — and I’m telling you right now, he’s not just making balloon animals. This guy is transforming events, magazine covers, and entire rooms with color, character, and imagination that most of us couldn’t even dream up.

And yes, he taught me how to make a balloon dog. Mine turned into a poodle. Naturally.

We talked about:
 🎭 The 10-foot balloon cyborg he wore at Comic-Con
 💡 The balloon trend he wishes would disappear already
 📸 The behind-the-scenes of his Best of the Best magazine cover
 🎈 Why balloon art is a reminder to live in the moment
 🌱 What it’s like to start a creative business from scratch in a brand-new city

Want to bring balloon magic to your next event? Whether it’s immersive decor, high-fashion walkaround performers, or a full-blown balloon workshop, Grant’s your guy.

🎨 See his work: www.andreaeballoonstudio.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreaeballoonstudio
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreaeballoonstudio

Want to be on a future episode? Join the WG Coffee + Collab Facebook group! I select one guest each month from the group to join me for coffee and conversation.

💬 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1158560589287298
🌐 A special THANK YOU to Ken Taibbi, who is filming AND producing all of the  @WGCollab  episodes! Go check him out at www.fullyequippedproductions.com

#coffeeandcollab  #canoncoffee  #GrantAndreae #balloonart  #EventDesignOrlando #BalloonFashion #CreativeEntrepreneurship #marthakrejci

Ever feel like the world’s moving fast… and losing its grip on truth? Jeff Lawrence is one of those voices that cuts through the noise — not with volume, but with vision.

🎥 Filmed at Canon Coffee in Apopka, this episode of Winter Garden Coffee + Collab dives into how we equip the next generation to not just believe the gospel, but think critically in a noisy world.

Jeff Lawrence, Director of Spiritual Development at Foundation Academy, is helping students do exactly that — teaching them to defend their faith, think logically, and spot truth in a culture that’s constantly shifting. With 30+ years in ministry and deep roots in both music and apologetics, Jeff brings clarity, wisdom, and storytelling that hits home.

What we talked about:
 🧠 How critical thinking combats a culture of confusion
 🎶 Why 1980s Christian music still matters
 ⛪ Gen Z’s return to reverence and liturgy
 📱 Ditching smartphones for landlines and flip phones
 📚 How Foundation Academy is raising truth-equipped leaders

Whether you're a parent, teacher, pastor, or someone who simply cares about the future of the Church, this one will ground you, challenge you, and encourage you.

Want to be on a future episode? Join the WG Coffee + Collab Facebook group! I select one guest each month from the group to join me for coffee and conversation.

💬 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1158560589287298
🌐 A special THANK YOU to Ken Taibbi, who is filming AND producing all of the  @WGCollab  episodes! Go check him out at www.fullyequippedproductions.com

📚 Learn more about Foundation Academy: https://www.foundationacademy.net
📘 Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoundationAcademy


#CoffeeAndCollab #JeffLawrence #FoundationAcademy #ApopkaFL #christianeducation  #biblicalworldview  #canoncoffee  #marthakrejci

Ever wonder what happens when a kid with a big heart and a mom who actually says yes team up to serve their community?

🎥 Filmed at Canon Coffee in Apopka — huge thanks to this warm and welcoming local spot for hosting our coffee and conversation!

Danielle Newbold is the Founder & CEO of Miles To Go, a nonprofit born in the front seat of a car when her then 9-year-old son, Miles, asked, “Why don’t we help him instead?”

From that moment, they launched a movement — one thoughtful bag at a time.

Today, they've distributed 12,000+ Miles To Go bags filled with essentials for people experiencing homelessness. But the real magic? The hand-signed card inside each bag reminds the recipient that they matter.

We talked about:
 ❤️ How a 4th-grade question sparked a nonprofit
 🧼 Why socks, sunscreen, and toothpaste matter more than you think
 🚐 Danielle’s dream to launch a "loud and random kindness bus" (and yes, she’s serious)

And hey — Miles To Go's biggest fundraiser of the year is coming up! Join the MTG5K (https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Orlando/5KMilesToGo) on September 20, 2025, at Bill Frederick Turkey Lake Park.

 🎉 Use code COLLAB for a discount or sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Register?raceId=129077&coupon=Collab

Check out their store — 100% of profits go to the mission

Watch the 5-minute Miles To Go story video: https://youtu.be/UfJGHSfHZhI?si=c5mgHySTbfuoLq1N
Learn more at: http://www.milestogo.org/

Follow MTG on socials:
Instagram: @milestogocharities
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milestogocharities
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogocharities?igsh=MXRkeGxsa2RmOHppNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Want to be on a future episode? Join the WG Coffee + Collab Facebook group! I select one guest each month from the group to join me for coffee and conversation.

💬 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1158560589287298
🌐 A special THANK YOU to Ken Taibbi, who is filming AND producing all of the  @WGCollab episodes! Go check him out at www.fullyequippedproductions.com

#coffeeandcollab #CanonCoffee #MilesToGoBags #communitykindness   #HopeInABag #marthakrejci  #compassioninaction  #milestogo #Danielle Newbold

Ever wonder what happens when a former police detective turns his passion for planning into one of Central Florida’s most sought-after catering companies?

 🎥 Filmed at Foxtail Coffee on Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden — huge thanks to this local favorite for being the coziest spot to connect.

Andy Raphael, founder of Big Boards Catering, joins us to talk about how a knack for community events turned into a full-blown local favorite. He’s built a 25+ person team that caters to everything from private dinners to events with over 1,000 guests and never skimps on flavor, service, or a backup plan.

We talked about:
👮‍♂️ How 30 years in law enforcement shaped the way Andy runs his catering business
🔥 What really goes into planning a flawless event — even when the oven breaks
💡 How Big Boards adapts catering styles for any vibe
🎯 The importance of contingency plans, radical responsibility, and solving problems before they hit the guest experience

Whether you're dreaming up a dinner party or wondering how catering at this level really works behind the scenes, this one's for you!

Want to be on a future episode? Join the WG Coffee + Collab Facebook group! I select one guest each month from the group to join me for coffee and conversation.

💬 Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1158560589287298

🌐 A special THANK YOU to Ken Taibbi, who is filming AND producing all of the  @WGCollab episodes! Go check him out at www.fullyequippedproductions.com

🌐 Learn more about Big Boards Catering: https://bigboardscharcuterie.squarespace.com/
📱 Follow Big Boards on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigboardscharcuterie
📘 Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigBoardsCharcuterie

#CoffeeAndCollab #WinterGardenPodcast #BigBoardsCatering #EventCatering #WinterGardenFL #ComfortFoodDoneRight #MarthaKrejci #CommunitySpotlight #CateringWithHeart