The 2024 Small Business Leaders of the Year winners were recently recognized at the Small Business Breakfast. taking top honors was awardee Lakita Spann who founded Mr. Potato Spread in 2014. The company has locations at the Orange Park Mall and the River City Marketplace, a food truck and catering services. The company began as a catering company and introduced their food truck in 2016 and eventually, the opening of their first brick-and-mortar location just a few years after.
“Our journey began with personal savings and a 401(K), a leap of faith underpinned by a clear vision.” Spann said. “Balancing my corporate job between 2014-2016, I leveraged my experience to market our business through word-of-mouth, email, and social media. This dual focus allowed us to grow a robust following, ready and eager for our food truck launch.”
Spann confronted adversities during their expansion, facing market challenges due to COVID-19, and overcoming a devastating kitchen fire. However, those adversities only led to reaching their substantial $1.1 million mark in 2021. Her dedication to entrepreneurship is expressed through her secondary outlet, The Girlfriends Brand, a platform focused on women empowerment.
The 11 Northeast Florida business leaders were selected for the honor by the Chamber Councils, the Beaches Division, NextUp JAX, and Venture Services. In addition to Lakita Spann, the 2024 Small Business Leaders of the Year are: Brandy Lewis, Platinum Realty Group, LLC Arlington Council; Aaron Robles, Innovative Physical Therapy, Beaches Division;Jon Singleton, Jonathan David Singleton PA – The Singleton Team, Downtown Council;
Eric Ross, Two Twelve Benefits, Health Council; Summer Vyne, AnuVision Technologies, Inc., Jacksonville IT Council ; Belkis Plata, Plata Schott Law, LLC, NextUp JAX; Gretchen Kornutik, Salt Air Stays Consulting, Professional Women’s Council; Dr. Dalton Tolliver, Seven Bridges Chiropractic, LLC, South Council; Steph Dale, Go Tuk’n, Inc., Transportation & Logistics Council; Priscilla Redd Sparrow, PR Insurance Agency, LLC, Three Rivers Council.
For more info visit: www.mrpotatospread.com
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