TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.

I grew up in Bartow and south Lakeland until 8th grade. My wife, Erin, is a graduate of Lakeland Christian School, and we moved back to Lakeland in 2015. We have three kids, ages 7, 5 and 2. I’m the newest member of the Lakeland City Commission. .

WHAT’S YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH?

We (McLeod Communications) help organizations get their message out, manage issues and crises, and reach their goals through public relations and strategic communications. Our expertise is PR and communications strategy. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ARE LEARNING RIGHT NOW?

How to coach youth soccer. I’m coaching my son’s team this fall. 

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS THAT YOU CONTINUE TO INNOVATE AND THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX? 

I try to remind myself often that the economy is always changing. As a firm, we’re constantly looking out at the marketplace to spot PR needs that companies will have in the future and then position our firm for those opportunities. 

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP?

A few years ago, a friend and fellow Lakeland entrepreneur — shoutout to Lora Kellogg of Curious Jane — recommended that I read “Take A Stand for Your Brand“. The book challenged me to figure out what our business does best and what makes us unique in the marketplace.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP CAN BE A TOUGH AND LONELY ROAD. IN THE DIFFICULT MOMENTS HOW DO YOU STAY FOCUSED AND MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD?

I love what I do, and I love that entrepreneurship allows me to be creative and innovative for our clients. When I focus on that instead of the challenges of being an entrepreneur, it helps me keep moving forward. 

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS THAT YOU HAVE INTENTIONALLY COLLABORATED WITH OTHERS TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD?

We’ve been fortunate to collaborate with many talented professionals in the PR and marketing industry. From video production to copywriting, it’s common for us to have large projects where we need extra hands and specific skills that require collaboration with others. 

WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO RUN YOUR BUSINESS IN LAKELAND?

I believe Lakeland is among the best places in Florida to start and run a business. Our business community here is strong, and we’re uniquely positioned between two large metro areas. We’re also a growing city that continues to offer more opportunities for startups, entrepreneurs and small business owners. 

WHERE CAN WE GET YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE?

Visit our website or connect via email.

BEACH OR MOUNTAINS?

Both. Our family loves New Smyrna Beach in the summer and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the winter. 

FAVORITE BOARD GAME?
Monopoly. My son Samuel recently learned how to play, and he’s a fierce competitor!

FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A SATURDAY?
Early morning run and then a family breakfast at First Watch.