Blog

At Bank of Central Florida, we take pride in supporting local organizations that have a positive and lasting impact on our communities. One such organization is Heartland for Children, a vital community-based care agency serving Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties. Through our partnership, we have provided the financial tools and personalized support Heartland for Children needs to carry out their mission of helping foster children and families, making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands.

JL Marine Systems' partnership with Bank of Central Florida showcases the transformative power of collaboration. Rooted in shared values and mutual trust, this alliance has been pivotal in JL Marine's growth from a porch-based operation to a global marine technology leader. The story of their journey emphasizes that success in business is not just about innovation but also about choosing the right partners to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Launching a business on the eve of a global pandemic could be an insurmountable hurdle for many. Yet, for Josh and his team at SERVPRO, a franchise that specializes in disaster restoration using commercial-grade equipment for cleanup and construction, this daunting timing turned into an unexpected opportunity. When the pandemic struck, rather than slowing down, they pivoted their operations to address the immediate needs of their community. This strategic shift didn't just keep their business alive; it propelled significant growth. From a modest team of four, SERVPRO has surged to an impressive roster of fifty employees and has expanded its reach to seven franchises. "It's been a whirlwind," Josh reflects on their remarkable journey.

Pamela Craven, Executive Director of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) of Polk County, has been working with the Polk community for over 21 years, working towards helping students with their education. Before working with the LRC, she was a teacher in the public school system for over 27 years. Devoting her life to education and the youth in our community, Pamela has seen a lot in her years working with students, a decline in education, and a need for help in the community. Click here to read more about her story and involvement with our community.

“We were raised the old school way; we treat people how we would want to be treated.” David Goodwald states this on behalf of himself and his brother Daniel Goodwald. David and Daniel are co-owners and operators of Twin Diesel Performance, a local diesel engine repair shop in Lakeland, FL. 

Being honest and keeping your word true are both standards that these brothers hold themselves to, along with those they do business with. With this mentality and passion, they’ve been able to grow their business each year and connect with different people across the community. 

Starting a business from scratch can indeed be a complex and challenging endeavor, particularly when aspiring to expand internationally. As the business's growth progresses, laying a strong financial foundation becomes increasingly vital. Now, let's explore the remarkable and inspiring journey of Mary Neaf, the founder, owner, and president of Florida State Distributors, as she fearlessly pushes the boundaries of her enterprise and embarks on a courageous journey to conquer global markets.

In the world of business, the saying "success is all about people helping people" holds truer than ever. Derrick Roberts, the owner of Stan Weaver and Company, knows this firsthand. Stan Weaver and Company is a manufacturers rep for heating and air conditioning for the HVAC industry.

Creating a name for yourself in your community can be daunting, but with passion and quality products you can win the communities heart… through their stomach. Meet Benjamin Vickers, owner and founder of Honeycomb Bread Bakers, who took his passion and spread it through the community. Read more on how he got to where he is today.

Matt Wade owns Day and Night Tires, a family business that services tire retreading. Located in Lakeland, Florida, Matt works with distributors across the nation to retread and sell new tires for major truck fleets. Since Matt joined their team, Day and Night has expanded substantially. Read more on how Matt grew their company and how Bank of Central Florida helped.

Owning a business can make banking complex. Hiring, managing payroll, obtaining credit; business owners need access to guidance. On top of that, they’ve still got personal banking needs like everyone else. From equipment and boat financing, read about how Bank of Central Florida helped business-owner John Bragg navigate his business and personal financial journey.