In this episode of “I Am Lakeland,” host Don Burns sits down with Robin Pettersson, the founder of Pathway Consultants, for an inspiring conversation about resilience, faith, and the power of human-centered HR. Robin shares his fascinating journey from being born in Sweden and moving to Florida as the child of missionaries to his current role as a champion for small businesses in Lakeland.
Robin’s path is anything but conventional. He recounts his early days learning English with a picture dictionary at Wendell Watson Elementary and his time spent in the IB program. He also provides a gripping account of his two years in Bible school, which included a high-stakes mission to Tajikistan, where he experienced the realities of the underground church in a region marked by conflict. These diverse experiences shaped his perspective on people and his ability to “read a room”—a skill that has become his greatest asset in the world of recruitment.
The heart of the episode focuses on the birth of Pathway Consultants. After navigating career resets and layoffs, Robin realized that small businesses (typically those with 2 to 25 employees) often lack a dedicated HR department but face significant compliance and scaling challenges. Robin discusses how he helps these owners navigate Department of Labor requirements and, most importantly, how he identifies “free money” through government grants and workforce programs designed to help companies double or triple their headcount without the financial burden.
Whether you’re a small business owner looking to scale or someone interested in a story of professional pivot and perseverance, this episode offers a wealth of practical advice and local inspiration. 151
