ElevatePolk Podcast

Chrissanne Long, Dan Thumberg
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Elevate Polk is a podcast about the ideas, people, and partnerships shaping the future of Polk County. Hosted by Chrissanne Long and Dan Thumberg, the show explores entrepreneurship, small business, economic development, leadership, and the systems that help communities grow stronger from the inside out. Through honest conversations, local insight, and a practical look at both opportunities and gaps, Elevate Polk highlights what it really takes to build a thriving community where innovators, business owners, and changemakers can succeed. From emerging trends in entrepreneur-led economic development to real conversations about collaboration, growth, and problem-solving, this podcast is for anyone who cares about the future of Polk County and the people building it.

  1. S3 E4 #70 "No Man's Land"

    1 GIỜ TRƯỚC

    S3 E4 #70 "No Man's Land"

    Episode Notes: Episode 4, “No Man’s Land” In this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne Long and Dan Thumberg dig into the phrase “No Man’s Land” and what it reveals about Polk County’s identity, reputation, and small business ecosystem. The conversation begins with a personal reflection on growing up in Polk County and the assumptions people have carried about the area for decades. From outdated stereotypes to the way Polk is often described as being “between Tampa and Orlando,” Chrissanne and Dan explore how those perceptions still influence the way people outside the county view our talent, businesses, and opportunities. The episode then shifts into the real issue: Polk County is not lacking resources, talent, ambition, or entrepreneurial energy. The problem is that those resources can be difficult to find, difficult to navigate, and not always organized in a way that helps business owners know where to turn next. Chrissanne and Dan discuss how surrounding communities have created more unified access points for entrepreneurs, while Polk often sits in the middle of larger regional systems. That can leave local business owners unsure whether they belong in the Tampa Bay resource network, the Central Florida resource network, or somewhere else entirely. A major theme of the episode is the need to move beyond accidental connections. Business owners should not have to rely on luck, networking events, or being in the right room at the right time to find the support they need. Polk County has an opportunity to build a more intentional, visible, and connected entrepreneurial ecosystem. The episode also references the 2023 resource mapping work done in Lakeland with SourceLink and local entrepreneurial resource partners. That process revealed that entrepreneurs are not the only ones struggling with visibility. Resource organizations themselves often face the same challenges around funding, labor, awareness, and connection. Ultimately, this episode is a call to stop accepting “No Man’s Land” as Polk County’s identity. Instead, Chrissanne and Dan challenge listeners to think about what it would take to create a clearer front door for entrepreneurs, stronger collaboration among resource providers, and a countywide system that helps small businesses find their way. Topics Discussed Polk County’s outdated reputation and how outside perceptions still shape opportunity Why “between Tampa and Orlando” can sometimes feel like an advantage and sometimes feel like a gap The difference between having resources and having resources that are easy to find Why small business owners often struggle to know where to turn for help How surrounding communities have organized business resources more clearly The role of Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) The challenge of visibility for both entrepreneurs and resource providers What “Beyond Collisions” means and why chance connections are not enough The 2023 Lakeland resource mapping project with SourceLink How ecosystem building can create stronger pathways for entrepreneurs The importance of creating a more systematic approach to small business support in Polk County Central Florida Business Expo as a place where business owners, resource partners, and regional leaders can connect Resources Mentioned in the Episode You can link to these in the show notes: It’s 3PM Episode sponsor and resource mentioned at the beginning of the show. Link: its3pm.io It’s 3PM / MySpace Mentioned during the opening conversation. Link: its3pm.io/myspace Central Florida Business Expo Mentioned as part of the broader effort to connect business owners, exhibitors, sponsors, and resource partners across the I-4 Corridor. Link: CFLBE.com Beyond Collisions: How to Build Your Entrepreneurial Infrastructure The book Chrissanne references when discussing the need to move beyond accidental connections and toward a more intentional entrepreneurial ecosystem. Author referenced in the episode: Maria Meyers https://www.joinsourcelink.com/explore/beyond-collisions-book/ 2023 Lakeland Entrepreneurial Ecosystem / Resource Mapping Report Referenced as the report that came out of the Lakeland-focused resource mapping conversations with local entrepreneurial support organizations.REPORT: https://resources.polkbizhub.com/entreprereneurial-asset-mapping-reportSOURCEFINDER - Matrix/Graphic  https://resources.polkbizhub.com/2023-lakeland-sourcefinder

    52 phút
  2. S3 E3 #69 From Classroom to Commerce

    22 THG 4

    S3 E3 #69 From Classroom to Commerce

    In this episode of the ElevatePolk Podcast, we sit down with Shauna Dykes of Junior Achievement of Polk County to explore how students are being prepared for the real world through hands-on learning, business exposure, mentorship, and entrepreneurial thinking. Shauna shares how Junior Achievement is helping bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce by giving young people practical experiences that build confidence, vision, and readiness for the future. We also discuss the impact of the new JA Discovery Center at Tenoroc High School, the importance of local business involvement, and why investing in students today is a meaningful investment in Polk County’s long-term future. This episode also ties directly into the Central Florida Business Expo, where Junior Achievement is the beneficiary, 20% of proceeds will support JA locally, and student-run businesses will be featured at the event. In this episode, we discuss: The mission of Junior Achievement of Polk County How JA helps students build skills in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship The vision and impact of the JA Discovery Center Why business leaders matter as mentors, volunteers, and supporters How exposing students to opportunity helps shape Polk’s future The connection between Junior Achievement and the Central Florida Business Expo Why featuring student businesses at the Expo matters Episode Links:  JA Polk website: japolk.org Instagram: instagram.com/JA_Polk Follow along with Dan's new project: its3pm.io Join the conversation and learn more about the Central Florida Business Expo: cflbe.com | instagram.com/cflbe | facebook.com/cflbe

    57 phút
  3. S3 E2 #68: Our Greatest Export

    15 THG 4

    S3 E2 #68: Our Greatest Export

    Topics discussed in this episode: Why the phrase “Our Greatest Export” became the framing for the episode and what it suggests about local talent loss. Polk County’s Innovation Intelligence Index data, including the gap between Human Capital and Economic Well-Being. Peer county comparisons with Pasco, Marion, and Lee. Labor shed and commuter data showing how many Polk residents leave the county for work. The idea that Polk may be operating as a “dormitory county” rather than fully converting its talent into local prosperity. Whether current economic development priorities are creating the right kinds of outcomes for residents. The tension between growth, affordability, commuting, and long-term community well-being. Bigger questions around accountability, local strategy, and what Polk wants its future to look like. Episode notes: This episode is more of a data-driven conversation than a typical broad economic development discussion. It is framed around a core mismatch: the talent is here, but the outcomes are not showing up at the level they should. The discussion moves from instinct, to data, to interpretation, and finally to a broader civic question about whether Polk County is intentionally building the kind of economy that helps more residents get ahead locally. Show Links: Innovation Intelligence Index: statsamerica.org/innovation2 Central Florida Development Council: cfdc.org/continued-growth-in-polk-county-fuels-economic-development-opportunities/ Labor Shed Report: lmsresources.labormarketinfo.com/library/labor_shed/polk.pdf Polk Health Care Plan: polkhealthcareplan.net/polk-healthcare-plan/ This podcast is brought to you by: It’s 3PM | its3pm.io Central Florida Business Expo | cflbe.com

    56 phút
  4. S3 E1 (Rebooting) The Podcast About the Podcast

    9 THG 4

    S3 E1 (Rebooting) The Podcast About the Podcast

    After a long hiatus, ElevatePolk is back. In this relaunch episode, Chrissanne Long and Dan Thumberg pull back the curtain on how the podcast started, why it went quiet, and why now feels like the right time to bring it back. They talk honestly about growth, frustration, big vision, entrepreneurship, and what has changed in Polk County since the original show. This is a real conversation about what it means to build something, lose momentum, and come back with a clearer purpose. If you care about small business, entrepreneurship, economic development, and the future of Polk County, this is where the new chapter begins.Resources Mentioned During this Episode: It's 3PM - Dan's newly launched consultancy Central Florida Business Expo - Taking place on September 29 & 30 at the RP Funding Center

    52 phút
  5. Helping You to Help(Her)

    27/10/2021

    Helping You to Help(Her)

    On this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne and Nate talk with the founder of Help(Her), Teresa O’Brien, and enjoy listening to her incredible story. Teresa is a mother of three adopted children, 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!

    51 phút
  6. The Business of Coaching

    22/09/2021

    The Business of Coaching

    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. Initially working in the Navy and leading young men and women in their day-to-day life, Clarke was encouraged by his wife to pursue coaching. After earning his coach certification, Clarke tells the audience that his goal is to always get better at providing value to his clients, and has his own coach to this day to do so! 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!

    56 phút
  7. From Welfare to 5-Star

    08/09/2021

    From Welfare to 5-Star

    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". Six years after opening Bella Visage 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!

    53 phút
  8. For the Love of Polk County

    01/09/2021

    For the Love of 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.

    43 phút
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Giới Thiệu

Elevate Polk is a podcast about the ideas, people, and partnerships shaping the future of Polk County. Hosted by Chrissanne Long and Dan Thumberg, the show explores entrepreneurship, small business, economic development, leadership, and the systems that help communities grow stronger from the inside out. Through honest conversations, local insight, and a practical look at both opportunities and gaps, Elevate Polk highlights what it really takes to build a thriving community where innovators, business owners, and changemakers can succeed. From emerging trends in entrepreneur-led economic development to real conversations about collaboration, growth, and problem-solving, this podcast is for anyone who cares about the future of Polk County and the people building it.

Thông Tin

  • Nhà sáng tạo
    Chrissanne Long, Dan Thumberg
  • Năm hoạt động
    2019 - 2026
  • Tập
    70
  • Xếp hạng
    Sạch
  • Bản quyền
    © 2026 Maximize Digital Media
  • Trang web chương trình
    ElevatePolk Podcast