Chris McArthur talks with The Lakelander’s Kristin Crosby and shares his journey from a 20-year-old Marine at the forefront of the invasion of Iraq to lessons he’s learned as an entrepreneur growing Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro and Patriot Coffee Roasters. The latest issue of The Lakelander, which focuses on Business, will debut […]
Category: Business
Posted inBusiness
Patriot Coffee Beans Going into 350 Publix Stores
Sometimes it helps to be in Lakeland. Just ask Chris McArthur, the founder of Patriot Coffee Roasters. Somebody who bought his coffee beans at the downtown farmer’s market passed a sample along to a friend who works at Publix Super Markets headquarters. Long story short: That person is the buyer for Publix’ Florida Local program, […]
Posted inBusiness
Mutz Meeting Focuses on Minority Business Opportunities
The meeting at Southeastern University on Saturday kicked off Mayor Bill Mutz’ “One Lakeland” initiative to expand prosperity through economic inclusion. Source: Bay News 9
Posted inBusiness
Lakeland Company Wins Chance to Pitch to Walmart
Granny Jo Products (website), a Lakeland company that employs disabled workers to manufacture products aimed at senior citizens, was selected to pitch its products at Walmart’s Arkansas headquarters, the comany’s James Tilghman says. Source: ABC Action News
Posted inBusiness
Company Offers ‘Daycation’ Flights from Lakeland to Key West
Starting in two weeks, Legacy Flights will offer three weekend day-trip flights from Lakeland to Key West. Cost is $199 for Florida residents, $299 for others. For now, it’s down in the morning and back the same evening, but overnight stays are envisioned for the future. The company is hoping to expand to other island […]
Posted inBusiness, City Hall / Local Gov't
New Plan Would Put Hotel on Parking Lot Near Youkey Theatre
Plans were announced last year to build a hotel on a little-used parking lot across Lime Street from the RP Funding Center. The developers discovered soil problems, so now they’re asking city commissioners to sell them property that holds a different parking lot — the one closest to the Youkey Theatre.
Posted inBusiness
Aero Academy’s Pilot Training Solves a Business Problem
International Aero Academy in Lakeland fills the need to quickly replace the diminishing number of professional pilots as retirements thin their ranks, Flying magazine reports. Source: Flying
Posted inBusiness
Candy Maker Leaves Brick and Mortar Behind
The Business Observer catches up with Lea Williams, who took her Got Candy & More from a downtown Lakeland storefront to a food truck. Williams says she values the flexibility of being able to take her home-made products to the customer and focusing on labor and material instead of rent and utilities. Her first stop […]
Posted inBusiness
Trial Starts: Fired Fleetwing Chief Seeks $3 Million Back Pay
David Ricketts claims he was unjustly fired three years ago. Source: The Ledger
Posted inBusiness
42-Acre Airport Project Aims to Land Cargo Traffic
Land clearing is expected to start in July on the project on the north side of Lakeland Linder Airport. The $13 million cost to prepare the site is being split between the city and the Florida Department of Transportation. Source: Bay News 9