Workspace Member Spotlight – Joe McLeod
Workspace Member Spotlight – Joe McLeod
Headshot of Joe McLeod for the Catapult Lakeland Member Spotlight
July 27, 2020
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.

I grew up in Bartow and Lakeland then moved away for about 10 years after high school. My wife, Rebekah, and I moved back to Lakeland in 2008 because we had family in the area, and it felt like home. We have two energetic little boys who keep us constantly on the move. Mountain biking, swimming, traveling, and playing guitar are a few of my hobbies. I served for eight years in the Army Reserve, and I’m currently a teacher and elder at the Rock Community Church.

WHAT’S YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH?

Our public relations firm (McLeod Communications) helps clients tell their stories by providing top-tier communications counsel and strategy. We work with organizations on reputation and issues management, crisis communications, digital strategies, messaging, and more.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ARE LEARNING RIGHT NOW?

I’m at my best when I’m focusing on doing fewer things – and doing them well – instead of giving in to the temptation to take on more. Ambition paired with wisdom means saying “no” to the allure of more. 

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

​As we are bombarded daily with more information than in any point in history, we have to think about reaching people differently. Businesses and organizations are competing for attention, so we have to be thoughtful and strategic about how to connect with people in a genuine way. The media landscape has changed dramatically over the past 15 years. Our approach is to help craft a clear message that will resonate with the intended audience, while ensuring we are using the best channels and methods to reach that audience. This usually requires a combination of new and traditional forms of media.

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

It’s not always about what you are achieving, but who you are becoming and who you are helping along the way.

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

Everyone’s situation is different. I’m fortunate to have a good business partner, Chad (my brother). It’s important to stay connected with people who will encourage and challenge you. One of the many benefits of Catapult is that it provides a support system for entrepreneurs to work together and help each other throughout the journey.

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

We’ve intentionally designed our business model to be lean and nimble – moving on projects quickly and customizing our services to the client. To do that, we have to collaborate. We regularly work with other PR practitioners, web designers, video production companies, researchers, industry experts, and others. We also collaborate with marketing firms who call on us for PR and messaging expertise.

WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO RUN YOUR BUSINESS IN LAKELAND?

Even if I didn’t grow up here, I would be drawn to this community. I love the people. There are exciting opportunities on the horizon. The city is becoming more diverse with something for everyone at every stage of life.

WHERE CAN WE GET YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE?

The best place to learn more about us is our website.

FAVORITE VACATION EVER? 

Touring the Scottish Highlands

WHAT ARE YOU READING?
Leadership: Myth and Reality –  by Stanley McChrystal

FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A SATURDAY?
A long run or bike ride early in the morning, followed by a big breakfast that I didn’t make, then some type of outing/adventure with my family

This blog was written by the team at Catapult Lakeland, an entrepreneur center in Lakeland Florida that exists to foster the growth of startups by providing education, resources, community and space.

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