ElevatePolk Podcast

10/27/2021

Hey Polk County!

On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and Nate talk with the founder of Helpher, Teresa O'Brien, and enjoy listening to her incredible story. Teresa is a mother of three, all the same age. She wanted to find the middle-ground between being a stay-at-home mother for her family but wanting to feel fulfilled and impact others. After making the decision to quit her dream job to happily raise her three children, Teresa felt that she needed to dream in a different way! So, she took to creating opportunities for women like her: women who want to stay home still with their kids but have the college degree and skillset to gain some money and help other people. Thus, Help(Her) was born.

When you fall in love with the city of Lakeland, the city will fall in love with you right back. Through the support of the community of women like her and connection after connection, Help(Her) has given many opportunities for both the clients and the help(hers)! After listening to this episode, they hope to remind you that you are valued, what you do matters, and it's always okay to ask for help.

You are going to LOVE this episode! https://elevatepolk.com/episodes/helping-you-to-helpher

09/22/2021

Hey Polk County!

On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and Nate talk with Clarke Freed about entrepreneurial growth coaching and the aspects of both having a coach and being a coach to others. Clarke, having been Chrissanne’s coach for years, tells listeners his story of how he became a coach to others.

Chrissanne and Clarke share the heartwarming and valuable experiences they’ve learned working together over the years, while also discussing some of the greatest challenges they’ve come to face and overcome.

Who knows, you might be looking for a coach after this episode!

Tune in! https://elevatepolk.com/episodes/the-business-of-coaching

09/08/2021

Hello Polk County!

On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne talks with business owners Jeanna and Mark Parker about the growth of their business as not just a mindset, but what they refer to as a heartset.

6 years after opening Bella Viságe Medical & Aesthetic Rejuvenation, Jeanna and Mark have come an incredible way from living off welfare to running the fastest growing spa in Central Florida. Through their story, we learn that when you’re in the middle of this rut of helplessness, not to sit and wallow in your misery, but to work harder than you ever have before to dig yourself out.

Jenna and Mark exclaim to listeners that their success would not have been possible without the support of the Lakeland community, and because of this, they are always giving back to the community and helping others achieve their goals.

You are going to love their story!
https://elevatepolk.com/episodes/from-welfare-to-5-star

A new community podcast about the place we live, work and play - Polk County, Florida. Hosts Chrissanne Long and Rob Arturi explore different topics that impact life, business and culture as seen through the eyes of the people who make the county unique.

09/01/2021

Hello Polk County!

On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and bestselling author Peter Kageyama meet for Elevate Polk’s first-ever remote podcast. 🖥

Chrissanne and Peter discuss the importance of not only acknowledging, but thanking and expressing our gratitude to the incredible entrepreneurs and “co-creators” in Lakeland. It’s through their work they pour into the community that makes us proud of our city! Lakeland is a city where hyperlocal support is always on full display, and this love for Lakeland is expressed through their hard work.

Our challenge for you this week after listening to this podcast: Give love to small business creators and express your gratitude for them. Whether it’s posting a great review for their business, choosing a local restaurant rather than a chain, or sharing a post thanking a co-creator on a recent purchase - Appreciate the people doing something meaningful in the community.
Listen to the full episode here!

https://elevatepolk.com/episodes/for-the-love-of-polk-county

08/27/2021

What a great surprise!

So fun for Matt to come by today with this Love Lakeland art mural from 2013!

08/25/2021

Hello Polk County!

In this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and Nate talk about looking at marketing from the angle of prioritizing data, because the facts are that numbers never lie. In marketing, one of the biggest components of strategically helping businesses grow is in helping them build systems that help them track and measure their success.

Data doesn’t have an ego, it doesn’t have emotions, it doesn’t have feelings: it’s just numbers and it’s real. Data is the secret that will tell you if your product is going to fit into the marketplace, and it leaves clues to find more success if you’re willing to take the time to look into it.

This podcast analyzes the key factors in keeping customers long-term and finding the steady pace you want to take your business to bring the most success.

You won't wanna miss out on this!

Listen here: https://elevatepolk.com/episodes/the-secret-is-in-the-data

08/18/2021

Hello Polk County! Check out this sound byte from this week's newest episode!

On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and Nate talk to TJ Zimmerman from Concord Coffee about how they became one of Lakeland’s favorite local coffee shops. With the desire to create something to bring the community together, TJ tells Chrissanne and Nate about the detailed intentionality of Concord Coffee’s branding, down to their name and logo symbol. ☕️

This podcast dives deep into the truth behind successful entrepreneurship and how to take your own business to the next level while staying true to your goals and values.

You won't want to miss this! Listen to the full episode today 👇🏼

https://elevatepolk.com/episodes/good-things-happen-over-coffee

08/10/2021

Hello Polk County!

We missed you guys this week on our podcast. 😢

We've been taking a little hiatus in preparation for our new episodes to come in Season 3 of Elevate Polk!

Can you relate to Nate or do you have another opinion? Comment below!

07/28/2021

Hello Polk County!

On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and Nate talk about the importance of understanding when it is (or isn’t) time to scale your business. No matter how big or small your business starts, the ultimate goal is to grow your business as far as you want it to. But in order to do so, you have to figure out the processes that must be built on the backend of your business in order to have a better workflow. That way, as your business grows and you want to add to it, it doesn't break.

Chrissanne and Nate highlight the best approach to selecting the right tools that are equipped to scale WITH your business, and discuss the benefits of setting expectations a bit lower at first to see how the market responds, and then adapting based on the response. The point of entrepreneurship and innovation is doing things that may not work correctly, so you've got to take that risk - but take a mitigated risk.
By being self aware of the nuances and challenges of growing a business, you can learn to be proud of small milestones and appreciate all the successes, both big and small, to come!

Listen to the full episode here: https://elevatepolk.com/episodes/to-scale-or-not-to-scale

07/21/2021

Hey Polk County!

On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and Nate talk about entrepreneurship’s platform for making a difference, and its effect on employers and their businesses.

Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z grew in vastly different worlds of business. Where the older generations are less willing to adapt to new and more advanced business models, the younger generations are being pressured to learn these old ways of business. Chrissanne and Nate talk about how entrepreneurship IS change: bucking the system and continuing to grow and develop society’s business mindset as the world around us grows as well.

This podcast dives deep into the raw truth about generational gaps and the best way for communities of all ages to work together for their futures.

Listen to the full episode here:
https://elevatepolk.com/episodes/a-platform-for-making-a-difference

07/14/2021

Hey Polk County! On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and Nate talk about the importance of content! They explain that a customer’s first impression of your content will determine whether or not they are going to keep coming back. Therefore, delivering consistently unique and quality content is crucial for every business’s success. 🙂

We've grabbed the links to some of the exciting content that the hosts are creating on their Websites or Facebook in the show notes. Nate and Mike and Mike’s Desserts will be at the next Buena Market and Chrissanne has a new video series on Strategic Growth!

Listen to the full episode here: https://elevatepolk.com/episodes/whats-in-your-content

07/12/2021

Elevate Polk: What’s In Your Content?

06/29/2021

Elevate Polk: Bar Revolución

06/11/2021

Elevate Polk | The Coolest Cat in Town

06/09/2021

Hello, Polk County!

On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and Nate sit across the podcast table from a power couple named Eddie and Tia Crockett who run Authentic You Empowerment! They aim to reach people where they are and encourage them to not be anyone else. They all dive into the beginnings of their entrepreneurial journey filled with fear, doubt, and the pressure they put on themselves to be successful. Check out Authentic You Empowerment right here on Facebook for business resources and life advice!

Listen to the raw discussion below. It left the entire studio feeling lifted and ready to take on the world! https://elevatepolk.com/episodes/the-power-of-authenticity

06/07/2021

Elevate Polk | But First, Coffee!! A sneak peek to the next epsiode...

06/05/2021

Minority businesses in Polk County, listen up!

There are TWO WEEKS REMAINING! Submit your MBE or MBE Champion Nomination TODAY!

Since 1969, the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has been instrumental in fostering the growth and global competitiveness of the Nation’s minority-owned businesses. From an estimated 300,000 minority-owned firms in 1969 to more than nine million today, MBDA has led the way in gaining public recognition of the achievements and economic contributions of minority-owned firms.

The MBDA National Minority Enterprise Development Week Awards are the highest level of national recognition that a U.S. minority-owned firm can receive by the U.S. Department of Commerce. These prestigious awards, bestowed during National Minority Enterprise Development Week (MED Week), celebrate the outstanding achievements of minority entrepreneurs, as well as the individuals and organizations that have demonstrated their commitment to advancing minority business enterprises

There are three main award categories:

MINORITY FIRMS OF THE YEAR

Minority Construction Firm of the Year
Minority Export Firm of the Year
Minority Manufacturing Firm of the Year
Minority Health Products and Services Firm of the Year
Minority Emerging Technology and Industries Firm of the Year
Minority Marketing and Communications Firm of the Year
Minority E-Commerce Firm of the Year
Minority Veteran-Owned Firm of the Year
Robert J. Brown Minority Business Enterprise of the Year

CHAMPIONS OF MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Access to Capital Award
Advocate of the Year
Distinguished Supplier Diversity Award

INDIVIDUAL RECOGNITION

Abe Venable Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement
Ronald H. Brown Leadership Award

Click this link 🔗 to learn more and apply: https://my.reviewr.com/mbda/site/MedWeek_Awards_2021

06/03/2021

Elevate Polk | The Power of Authenticity

06/02/2021

Is there good in everyone? The folks over here think so! 😁 Chrissanne and Nate sit down with Stephanie Bernal Gregg, the founder of a growing movement for makers in the community - the Buena Market! They discuss their ideas that will make Polk County more inclusive, especially for our entrepreneurs.

The Buena Market is a fun and eclectic new place to gather with family and friends. They have an array of food, vendors, and artists who come together to better the ecosystem of Lakeland one market at a time.

Click to listen here: https://elevatepolk.com/episodes/there-is-good-in-everyone

05/27/2021

Elevate Polk | There Is Good In Everyone

05/26/2021

Everyone loves a trusted trio. What do barley, hops water, and yeast make?! If you guessed anything related to beer, you are correct!! On this week's episode of Elevate Polk our guest, Dan Thumberg owner of Swan Brewing, knows how to make a fierce brew for everyone's preferred taste of beer.

Polk County is adding Florida-grown breweries to its list of amenities and Dan is part of that growing movement. In this episode, Dan talks to Chrissanne and Nate about where things started and how they have evolved from homebrews and t-shirts to a well-known local brewery. He emphasizes seeking out mentors that will give you sound advice even when you do not want to hear it. He is continuing to build our community here in Lakeland so, go visit him when you need a well-deserved break at both of his locations (downtown and Southside)!

Listen Here: https://elevatepolk.com/episodes/florida-grown-beer

This episode is all heart. Join Nate and Chrissanne in a conversation about barley, hops water, and yeast, better known as beer! Polk County is adding Florida-grown breweries to its list of amenities and Dan Thumberg, the owner of Swan Brewing, is part of that growing movement. In this episode, Dan....

05/19/2021

The episode that we had the privilege of live streaming last week is HERE! Check it out on any podcast platform or down below.

Nate and Chrissanne are joined on this week's episode by Mario and Patty Medina, the owners of Cigar Life - A Diamond Crown Cigar Lounge. Mario and Patty share some of the intricacies of their transition from corporate careers to entrepreneurship, and the added "bonus" of starting a business with your spouse!

Here it is! https://elevatepolk.com/episodes/living-the-cigar-life

05/14/2021

ElevatePolk Podcast Live: Living the Cigar Life

05/12/2021

Episode 50 is one for the (podcast) books! 📚 Join Nate and Chrissanne for this conversation with Lakeland's Mayor, Bill Mutz. The three of them take a deep dive and explore the reality of overcoming challenges, growing as leaders, and creating company cultures that put people first. As Mayor Mutz reminds them throughout the show, "It comes down to the last 10% of the work you have to do to succeed." 🤯

You'll enjoy some never-before-heard stories and some great examples of leadership, grit, and focus on getting things done the right way, no matter what. While you might be thinking, that's easy for him to say, you'll soon learn how this dynamic leader has managed to "talk the talk AND walk the walk" in his life as an entrepreneur, husband, father, community leader, and now Mayor.
Listen Here: https://elevatepolk.com/episodes/the-last-ten-percent

05/05/2021

Why show up? Chrissanne and Nate don't have a guest this week, but their lively conversation about the importance of "showing up" in business (and in life), is an episode worth listening to! They sprinkle golden nuggets of advice on how to show up, why it's important, and where to focus energy and time to truly maximize the results of the way in which you show up.

Pro tip: Listen to the entire episode to find an exclusive offer just for the listeners of the Elevate Polk Podcast
https://elevatepolk.com/episodes/why-show-up

Chrissanne and Nate don't have a guest this week, but their lively conversation about the importance of "showing up" in business (and in life), is an episode worth listening to! They sprinkle golden nuggets of advice on how to show up, why it's important and where to focus energy and time to truly m...

04/21/2021

"The higher the heel, the closer to God!"

Our friend and recent podcast guest Lora Gardner lives by this motto. Listen to her, Nate & Chrissanne discuss the amazing details of Lora's journey to starting her event planning company, Perfect Day Productions .

Find out how Lora and her team can help execute your vision on the big day of your event and while you listen, let us know if you think Lora needs to start her own podcast!

https://elevatepolk.com/episodes/high-heels-and-a-hard-hat

04/20/2021

A delightful treat was just dropped off for us by our next guests, Happy Hour Scones!! They will join us for our April 28th episode! We really really hope they bring more scones and their secret recipe for success with them when they come into our studio to record! Their scones were flavored after our favorite alcoholic beverages hence, the name of the company! Go grab some at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market this Saturday.😋

04/16/2021

We received an email today that melted our hearts! We're hoping to have the author of these kind words on an upcoming episode, so keep listening, so you can find out how we connected!

When you get a message like this, totally unexpected, it's a natural mood booster!

"My sisters and I have listened to several [of your shows] and you guys are performing such a good service for this community. As I mentioned to Nate, it increases our knowledge and enlarges the heart for this place we call home."

Well dang, ya'll. This pretty much made my week!

If you want to know who shared these kind words, keep on listening..... for the rest of the story.

04/14/2021

Are you ready for an adventure?

Join Chrissanne and Nate as they talk to Lakeland Business Owners Josh Sittadel and Trafenia Flynn-Salzman about their quest to build the kingdom of Sittadel, a new cyber security business in town.

Listen to the end to hear some of Chrissanne's free marketing tidbits! And, if you like the show, please share it with your friends. :)

04/07/2021

Where are our music lovers at? You'll love this conversation Nate and Chrissanne had with the Union Hall team - Sam Houghton and Parker Duncan. Things get deep as they talk about the trials and tribulations they experienced while trying to keep a music venue alive during a pandemic.

It took a lot of courage and creativity to keep the business afloat, but they've managed to survive and have some exciting news about their upcoming reopening! Listen in to learn about the the future of Union Hall.

P.S. If you know some talented local musicians, send them this episode so they can get connected to this dynamic duo!

https://elevatepolk.com/episodes/dont-stop-the-music