Florida SBDC at USF adds full-time consultants to serve Polk County
The Florida SBDC at University of South Florida has added two certified business consultants to its staff, to serve Polk County businesses. The FSBDC at USF assists existing and emerging businesses through no-cost business consulting and low-cost training opportunities. The organization is funded in part by the Small Business Administration and has various educational and economic development hosts across the 10-county region.
The FSBDC at USF has consistently held a part-time presence at the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce and Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce. Now, two full-time consultants will serve Polk County businesses, based out of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce and Lake Wales City Hall locations.
Consultants specialize in business growth by providing confidential consulting in strategic market research, business and strategic plan development, market and revenue growth strategy development and implementation, capital access and loan packaging, financial analysis and assessment, accounting systems and financial literacy, and feasibility analysis and start-up assistance.
Javier Marin is based at the Lakeland Area
Chamber of Commerce.
“Local communities benefit largely by small businesses playing the role of economic cornerstones,” Marin said. “There are many no-cost and fee-based opportunities available for entrepreneurs who want to start businesses. On the other hand, there is limited professional assistance available to existing businesses looking to grow and/or expand. I expect that our no-cost consultation and low-cost seminars will fill that need and create a large impact in helping Polk County businesses grow and continue being successful.”
Marin has invested a combined 22 years in banking and held the positions of CEO of the DNJSA Federal Credit Union, Manager at Chase Bank and Vice President at SunTrust Bank. His expertise includes business finance, business lending, mortgages, human resources, business planning, and business reorganization. Marin holds an associate’s in business administration from Middlesex County College and a bachelor’s in public administration from Polk State College. He is also fluent in Spanish and Swedish. In addition, Marin has served on numerous boards, including United Way, Saint Clare’s Hospital, Dover Community Clinic the Dover Board of Education, and MCOHA, a social services organization for the underserved. He will hold office hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Carl Hadden is based at the Lake Wales
Administration Building.
“I grew up in Polk County, I’m raising my family in Polk County, and I’ve been active in the Polk County business community since 1999,” Hadden said of the new partnership. “I look forward to using my experience, education, and training to help my county’s business community grow and thrive.”
Hadden’s experience includes workforce development, sales, insurance, entrepreneurship, and training. As general manager for a wireless phone retailer, Hadden directed the marketing, co-op advertising, purchasing, vendor relations, and human resources. Hadden is a graduate of Leadership Lake Wales and earned his bachelor’s in marketing management from Webber International University. He is also a Certified Workforce Professional. In addition, Carl is past-president of the Cypress Gardens Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. He has coached or served on the board of Frostproof soccer, youth football and youth baseball. Hadden will hold office hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To schedule an appointment with a consultant or find more information, visit the Florida SBDC at USF online at www.SBDCTampaBay.com/polk.
