In this episode of “I Am Lakeland,” host Don Burns sits down with Mike and Nate from Mike & Mike’s Desserts, a local success story that has grown from a home kitchen concept into a brand featured in major retailers like Publix. Recorded at COhatch, the conversation explores the grit, strategy, and “pioneer spirit” required to scale a niche food business in a competitive market.
Mike shares how the business began with his mother’s recipes. After an early attempt to break into gas stations taught him the realities of production, he teamed up with his high school friend, Nate, to re-engineer the products. Together, they transformed traditional family favorites into “plant-based/free-from” cupcakes that don’t sacrifice taste, focusing on creating a high-quality product that appeals to everyone, not just those with dietary restrictions.
Whether you’re a sweet-tooth looking for your next favorite treat or an aspiring entrepreneur interested in the “Consumer Packaged Goods” (CPG) industry, Mike and Nate’s journey offers a masterclass in product-market fit and the power of local collaboration. 59
