Jon Ross, Owner

*Website or Social Media Link

http://www.southernlawn.care

Q: What inspired you to start this business, and how did it first begin in our community?

A: Southern Lawn Care actually began right here in the neighborhood in a very simple way. I’ve always taken pride in keeping my own yard looking its best, and over time neighbors started asking if I could help with theirs as well. What began as helping a few people down the street quickly grew through word of mouth. Neighbors would see the difference in a yard after it had been serviced and ask if I could take care of theirs too. Before long, those few yards turned into a full schedule and eventually a full business. Because I live in the community myself, it’s always felt personal. I’m not just servicing properties here — I’m helping maintain the neighborhood that my family and neighbors call home.

Q: What makes your business different from others that offer similar services?

A: The biggest difference is that Southern Lawn Care is truly local and personally operated. Customers know exactly who is taking care of their property each week, and that level of consistency makes a big difference. Attention to detail is also a major focus. Clean edges, consistent mowing patterns, and proper turf practices are things many companies rush through, but they’re the details that really make a lawn stand out. Being part of the community also means I care about the overall appearance of the neighborhood, not just individual properties. When the yards look good, the whole community benefits.

Q: What is one thing about your industry that most customers don’t realize but should know?

A: One thing many people don’t realize is that lawn care is as much about turf health as it is about appearance. Florida grass goes through a lot of stress throughout the year from heat, heavy rain, cold snaps, and pests. Things like mowing height, fertilizer timing, and watering practices all play a big role in keeping a lawn healthy. When those things are done properly, lawns stay greener, stronger, and more resilient. A good lawn service isn’t just cutting grass — it’s helping maintain the long-term health of the property.

Q: What has been the most rewarding moment or customer experience you’ve had since opening your business?

A: One of the most rewarding aspects of this business has been the relationships built with customers over time. Many of the people I started working for early on are still clients today. It’s also incredibly rewarding when neighbors recommend Southern Lawn Care to friends and family. Word of mouth has been the biggest reason the business has grown. Knowing that people trust me to take care of their homes and take pride in the results is something I never take for granted.

Clayton and Cassidy Kiddey, Owners

Website or Social Media Link

http://Wy-Co.com

Q: What inspired you to start this business, and how did it first begin in our community?

A: We’ve always liked building things and seeing ideas become reality. Wy-Co began with us creating custom pieces for friends and family—something they could wear and be proud of. It started simple, but the mission stayed the same: clean designs, quality production, and treating customer with the attention to detail they deserve. As the community supported us, we expanded into more product lines and brought more production in-house so we can control quality from start to finish.

Q: What makes your business different from others that offer similar services?

A: What makes Wy-Co different is that we’re built for small businesses and local organizations—not huge minimums and one-size-fits-all orders. We specialize in smaller runs with high-quality results at affordable pricing, so you can get professional gear without having to buy hundreds of pieces. And we’re big on service: we make sure every order is done right, and if you’re not 100% satisfied, we’ll make it right. That combination—low minimums, quality, fair pricing, and a satisfaction-first mindset—is what sets us apart.

Q: What is one thing about your industry that most customers don’t realize but should know?

A: One thing most customers don’t realize is that “custom apparel” isn’t just one process—there are a lot of different decoration styles for shirts, hats, jackets, and more, and each one has its own best use. The right choice depends on things like the fabric, the design detail, how the item will be worn/washed, and the look you’re going for. That’s why we spend time educating customers and helping them choose the correct embellishment type for their needs—so they get the best result, the best durability, and the best value.

Q: What has been the most rewarding moment or customer experience you’ve had since opening your business?

A: The most rewarding part has been seeing a customer’s vision go from just an idea to a finished product they’re genuinely proud of—whether it’s a new logo on hats, uniforms for a team, or gear for a growing business. Along the way, we’ve also built real relationships with our customers, and that’s been huge for us. And honestly, one of the coolest moments is spotting someone out in public rocking something we made—it’s a reminder that we’re helping people represent their brand and their story in a real way.

Gary Haberl CEO

*Website or Social Media Link

http://crossroadcycleslakeland.com

Q: What inspired you to start this business, and how did it first begin in our community?

A: I started building gas bikes. It ran into a lot of problems, and then I started building electric trikes for the retirees.

Q: What makes your business different from others that offer similar services?

A: We sell in service all electric bikes, and scooters

Q: What is one thing about your industry that most customers don’t realize but should know?

A: We are family run business 45 years in Lakeland, Florida and we standby our products. Our service in our word.

Q: What has been the most rewarding moment or customer experience you’ve had since opening your business?

A: Seeing the smile on peoples faces once they purchased their micro transportation from us whether it’s a way to work and back or on the trails or whatever

Edwin Rios Lopez owner

Website or Social Media Link

Q: What inspired you to start this business, and how did it first begin in our community?

A: Little Sunshine RV Rental started with a simple idea: making travel and outdoor experiences accessible to families who want adventure without the stress of owning an RV. I’ve always loved the freedom that RV travel gives—being able to explore nature, spend time with family, and disconnect from everyday routines. When I looked around our community in Central Florida, I realized many people wanted to try RV camping but didn’t know where to start or didn’t want the financial commitment of buying one. That’s when the idea came to create a rental company that makes the process easy and affordable. We started by offering a few well-equipped travel trailers and focusing on great customer service. Our goal from day one has been simple: help families create memories while we handle the complicated parts of RV travel.

Q: What makes your business different from others that offer similar services?

A: What makes Little Sunshine RV Rental different is the personal service and simplicity we provide. We don’t just rent an RV—we guide customers through the entire experience. Many first-time renters are nervous because they’ve never used an RV before. We walk them through everything: how the RV works, how to set it up, and how to enjoy the trip stress-free. We also focus heavily on clean, well-maintained trailers and honest pricing, so customers know exactly what they’re getting. Another difference is that we are a local family-driven business, so every customer matters. We’re not a large corporate rental company. We focus on building relationships and making sure every trip becomes a great memory.

Q: What is one thing about your industry that most customers don’t realize but should know?

A: One thing many customers don’t realize is how easy RV travel actually is today. People often think RV camping is complicated or requires a lot of experience. In reality, modern travel trailers are designed to be very user-friendly. With the right guidance, even someone who has never camped before can have an amazing experience. Many RV parks provide full hookups, Wi-Fi, pools, and family activities. Another thing people should know is that renting an RV is often much more affordable than traditional vacations, especially for families. You get transportation, lodging, and the adventure of exploring different places all in one trip.

Q: What has been the most rewarding moment or customer experience you’ve had since opening your business?

A: The most rewarding moments are when customers come back and tell us how special their trip was. We’ve had families celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and even their first camping experience with our RVs. One of the best feelings is hearing someone say, “This was our first RV trip and now we’re hooked.” That tells us we helped create a memory that will last for years. Seeing families reconnect, spend time outdoors, and enjoy simple moments together is exactly why we started this business.