Investing in Youth & Revitalizing Downtown DeLand | Joe Hearn Interview

In this episode of 𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭, Bee Powell sits down with 𝗝𝗼𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻, founder of 𝗝𝗼𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, President of 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱, and one of the most influential community leaders in West Volusia.With more than 30 years in the event industry, Joe shares what it truly takes to execute unforgettable events — from weddings and nonprofit fundraisers to large-scale destination productions. He explains why integrity, high standards, and word-of-mouth marketing built his business without traditional advertising.But this conversation goes far beyond event planning.𝙅𝙤𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤:The revitalization of Downtown DeLandWhy “shop local” is critical for small business successSmart growth for entrepreneursBalancing retail, office space, and community vibrancyInvesting in youth leadership and programs like 𝗗𝗲𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱’𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁How MainStreet DeLand became a model program in FloridaIf you're a 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹, 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿, this episode is packed with real-world insight and inspiration.🔍 𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱✅ How Joe Hearn built a successful event planning business through word of mouth✅ Why standards matter more than marketing✅ The responsibility of planning once-in-a-lifetime events✅ Leadership during COVID and stepping into volunteer roles✅ Serving as President of MainStreet DeLand✅ Downtown DeLand’s award-winning Main Street program✅ The importance of retail on the ground floor of downtown districts✅ Smart growth advice for entrepreneurs✅ Balancing rent increases with small business sustainability✅ DeLand’s Got Talent & investing in youth confidence⏱️ 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀00:00 – Why event planning is a huge responsibility00:37 – Introduction to Joe Hearn01:15 – Moving to DeLand 30 years ago02:54 – Helping launch Gator’s Dockside05:14 – Starting Joe Hearn Events06:56 – Building a business with zero marketing07:42 – Why word of mouth is the best advertising08:54 – Serving on multiple boards & leadership roles10:03 – Getting heavily involved during COVID11:16 – Passion for investing in youth12:15 – MainStreet DeLand & award-winning downtown model14:31 – Balancing business & volunteer commitments16:08 – What DeLand could improve for youth engagement18:03 – Real estate challenges & rent increases downtown20:15 – Why retail storefronts are essential to vibrancy22:58 – Advice for aspiring event planners24:13 – “Smart growth” for entrepreneurs25:37 – DeLand’s Got Talent overview27:00 – Bringing generations together through arts & entertainment29:44 – Final thoughts on community pride30:14 – Lightning round + favorite snack