Best Place to Start

ByChuck McDanal

Chuck talks with the CFDC about starting a business in Lakeland:

When you think of innovative, progressive cities where people are moving to start a business, Austin, Nashville, and Charleston might come to mind. Now add Lakeland to that mix.

Polk County’s largest city landed at No. 30 on the 2020 Surge Cities list compiled by Inc. and Startup Genome. The two companies gathered information in seven categories — including population growth and job creation, where Lakeland landed No. 1 and No. 2, respectively — to determine the Top 50.

Read more here.

Chuck McDanal is the owner of StudioC and has more than 25 years of experience in a range of roles, from managing an IT department to working as an editor; from directing a large operation to leading an internet startup and creating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit from the ground up. He has extensive experience in process improvement, data analytics, coaching, mentoring, facilitation, strategic planning, managing and leading. Chuck also is a Certified Analytics Professional, an RRCA-certified running coach, has a certificate from the Wharton School in Business Analytics, is a Six Sigma Black Belt, and is a professional coffee roaster. He has served on multiple community boards and organizations, which currently includes the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra and Lakeland Vision. He is a graduate of Leadership Lakeland and Leadership Polk, and was Chair-elect of Leadership Lakeland Class 36 and Chair of Class 37. Chuck was named 2020 Businessman of the Year by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. He recently published a book called “Human Training,” which is available on Amazon and through other resellers.

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