I Am Lakeland®

Donald P. Burns
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Spreading love & kindness from Lakeland, Florida.

  1. 2d ago

    Jason Cropper of Cropper Consultancy sits down with Don Burns.

    In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Jason Cropper, the driving force behind Cropper Consultancy, for an insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, strategic business growth, and making a lasting impact in the local community. Throughout the interview, Jason shares his professional journey, breaking down the core principles that guide Cropper Consultancy’s approach to helping businesses navigate challenges, scale operations, and achieve sustainable success. Don and Jason dive deep into the mindset required to lead effectively in today’s evolving market, discussing everything from the importance of clear vision and strategic planning to building strong client relationships and fostering local collaboration. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, an established business owner looking to sharpen your strategy, or simply passionate about the leaders shaping our community, this conversation offers practical takeaways, actionable business advice, and inspiration to help you elevate your own endeavors. 160

    Jason Cropper of Cropper Consultancy sits down with Don Burns.

  2. Aug 28

    Britt Olson a personal coach sits down with Don Burns.

    In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Britt Olson—integrative health coach, wellness strategist, and founder of Britt Olson LLC—to explore holistic wellness, nervous system regulation, and authentic content messaging. Britt shares her journey from managing high-profile corporate VIP events in New York City to discovering her true passion for health, community, and personal alignment. She opens up about overcoming burnout, navigating major life and career transitions, and the pivotal moments that led her to launch her coaching practice. Throughout their conversation, Don and Britt dive into the connection between modern lifestyle stressors, inflammation, and overall well-being. Britt explains the vital importance of "slowing down to speed up"—shifting the body out of chronic fight-or-flight into rest and digest—and shares practical tools like breath work, mindfulness, and staying grounded in the present moment. Additionally, Britt details how she combines her strategic marketing background with authentic storytelling, revealing how creators and entrepreneurs can connect deeply with their ideal audience without losing their true identity in trends. 159

    Britt Olson a personal coach sits down with Don Burns.

  3. Jul 13

    Author, JP Sims of Three Loves sits down with Don Burns.

    In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with local author J.P. Sims to discuss his journey from a storyteller in training to a published novelist. Sims shares the inspiration behind his debut book, Three Loves, a coming-of-age romance that follows a protagonist through three pivotal relationships spanning over 20 years. He describes the story as a blend of romance, comedy, action, and drama, heavily influenced by his own experiences growing up in Lakeland and attending the University of South Florida. J.P. reflects on how a creative writing course at Lakeland High School first ignited his passion for writing. Despite life’s many responsibilities, he continued to fill notebooks with ideas for decades. It wasn't until the passing of his father in 2023 that he felt the urgency to finally finish and publish his work. He discusses the intense process of rewriting and refining the manuscript with the help of fellow local artists and publishers, emphasizing that while the book is fictional, it captures the nostalgia of 2000s Lakeland, featuring iconic local spots like Merchants Walk and Palace Pizza. The conversation also touches on the success Sims has found as an indie author, with his book maintaining high ratings on major platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. He expresses deep gratitude for the support of the Lakeland community and shares his excitement for upcoming local events and future projects, including two more novels already in development. 158

    Author, JP Sims of Three Loves sits down with Don Burns.

  4. Jul 6

    Michele Cash a financial advisor sits down with Don Burns.

    In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Michele Cash, a financial advisor at Allen & Company, for an engaging conversation about her journey, the importance of financial planning, and her deep involvement in the Lakeland community. Michele shares her transition from a background in fitness and campus recreation to becoming a financial advisor. She emphasizes that whether she’s teaching a group fitness class at Crunch or helping a client plan for retirement, her core passion remains the same: helping people find their "aha moment." She discusses how Allen & Company, the oldest investment firm in Florida, focuses on building long-term relationships and providing clarity through intimate financial guidance. Michele highlights her upcoming YouTube channel, "Clarity with Cash," and her "Coffee with Cash" sessions at Cohatch and Mitchell's Coffee House, where she meets community members one-on-one. She also discusses her involvement with the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and Polk County Women Mean Business, including initiatives like the "Confidence Closet." 157

    Michele Cash a financial advisor sits down with Don Burns.

  5. Jun 29

    Dwight & Rebecca MacPherson of MAD SCOT Media sit down with Don Burns.

    In this episode of “I Am Lakeland,” host Don Burns sits down with the creative powerhouse couple behind MAD SCOT Media, Dwight and Rebecca MacPherson. The conversation journeys through their fascinating personal histories, from their roots in Michigan and New York to the unique way they met—a story that sounds like it was pulled straight from one of Dwight’s scripts. Dwight, a former Army combat medic and prolific writer, shares how his military service in South Korea and Fort Hood shaped his storytelling. Interestingly, it was his comic book, Dead Men Tell No Tales, that eventually brought him and Rebecca together. Rebecca, an independent producer with a background in theater and PR in Los Angeles, discovered Dwight’s work in a comic shop, leading to a three-hour phone call that changed their lives. The MacPhersons discuss their transition to Lakeland and the evolution of their creative business. They dive into their transition from comics to novels, highlighting their latest projects under the MAD SCOT Media banner. Dwight introduces his “Wadzi Cycle,” a series of atmospheric horror novels set in a fictionalized Northern Michigan town. He describes the series as a blend of The Twilight Zone, H.P. Lovecraft, and Stephen King, exploring themes of memory, legacy, and generational trauma. 156

    Dwight & Rebecca MacPherson of MAD SCOT Media sit down with Don Burns.

  6. Jun 8

    Emily Higman of Halite Capital sits down with Don Burns.

    In this episode of "I Am Lakeland," host is joined by Emily Higman, the owner of Highlight Capital Property Management. A fifth-generation Tampa native, Emily shares her journey from renovating "fix and flips" in the cold winters of New Hampshire to returning home to Florida to launch her own property management business. Emily discusses her hands-on experience in real estate, including the physical labor of dry-walling and renovating homes from the ground up while raising a family. This unique background informs her philosophy as a business owner: treating every property as a vital family asset and every tenant with compassion and respect. She highlights how being a "good steward" to both owners and tenants isn't just about ethics—it’s also a smart business strategy that reduces vacancy and builds long-term trust. The conversation also touches on Emily’s involvement with the local community through the Polk County Women’s Business Networking Group and her commitment to maintaining high standards for residential rentals (single-family homes, duplexes, and short-term rentals). 155

    Emily Higman of Halite Capital sits down with Don Burns.

  7. Jun 4

    Jazz Hamilton presents “Timeless” a Celebration of America’s 250th to Don Burns.

    In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns welcomes world-renowned saxophonist and composer Jazz Hamilton, Dr. Elizabeth Hernandez, and choreographer Ferdinand “Freddy” De Jesus to discuss an extraordinary upcoming cultural event: the Jazz Hamilton Timeless America Tour. Choosing Lakeland as the location for its world premiere on June 20th at the RP Funding Center, the production is a symphonic suite composed by Hamilton to celebrate America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The performance is described as an immersive experience, combining a live orchestra, choir, drum line, and ballet to tell the story of America’s past, present, and future through nine original musical movements. A major theme of the conversation is the production's deep commitment to community and opportunity. The guests discuss the Jazz Hamilton Arts Foundation and its mission to provide free music education to under served youth. This focus on "paying it forward" is reflected in the casting, which features local talent from the Freddy Dance Project and the Lakeland High School drum line. The production also introduces the "Seats of Honor" initiative, a program designed to recognize and provide sponsored tickets for veterans, first responders, healthcare providers, and educators. The episode highlights why Lakeland was chosen for the premiere, with the guests praising the city’s warmth, sense of identity, and rich history. From original choreography that explores diversity and the "American Dream" to a patriotic ticket pricing structure (starting at $17.76), this episode showcases how Timeless is more than just a concert—it is a heartfelt tribute to the nation and a significant investment in the local Lakeland arts community. 154

    Jazz Hamilton presents “Timeless” a Celebration of America’s 250th to Don Burns.

  8. Jun 2

    Cyle Rickner of Rickner Smart Solutions sits down with Don Burns.

    In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Cyle Rickner, a native Floridian, Army veteran, and the owner of Rickner Smart Solutions, a Lakeland-based security company. Cyle shares his fascinating journey, from growing up in Fort Myers and serving as a wheeled vehicle mechanic in the Army to his transition into the private sector. He recounts several humorous and unexpected stories about his move to Lakeland in 2023, including his initial struggle with a poorly managed apartment complex and a chance encounter with Mayor Bill Mutz that led to fixing a long-standing traffic light issue near South Florida Avenue. The conversation dives deep into Cyle’s career path, which saw him transition from retail sales at LensCrafters to the solar industry, and eventually into corporate security with ADT. Cyle reflects on the frustrations he faced within large corporate structures, particularly the lack of personalized customer service and the rigid, often punitive, contracts common in the security industry. These experiences fueled his passion for starting Rickner Smart Solutions, where he prioritizes ethics, transparency, and a customer-first approach. Cyle explains what sets his business apart: no long-term predatory contracts, a focus on selling only what a customer truly needs, and the reliability of a local, veteran-owned operation. He also provides valuable insights into modern security technology, explaining the importance of "dual-path" communication (using both Wi-Fi and LTE) to prevent systems from being easily bypassed or "jammed." Whether you're looking for professional camera installations, access control, or a monitored security system you can control from your Apple Watch, this episode highlights why local expertise and integrity matter in home and business protection. 153

    Cyle Rickner of Rickner Smart Solutions sits down with Don Burns.
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Spreading love & kindness from Lakeland, Florida.

Information

  • Creator
    Donald P. Burns
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    157
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Donald P. Burns
  • Show Website
    I Am Lakeland®
  • Provider
    Donald Patrick Burns