Why He Left Construction to Build a Cookie Empire in Palm Harbor

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In this inspiring episode of Palm Harbor Local, host Donnie Hathaway chats with Kelly Cloward, the owner of two Crumbl Cookie franchises—one right here in Palm Harbor. Kelly opens up about his unconventional path from construction management and door-to-door sales to running one of the most buzzed-about cookie shops in the country.

Originally from Utah, Kelly shares how his entrepreneurial spirit was sparked by a childhood friend’s business-owning family and strengthened by years of life experience, a mission abroad, and even a failed first venture in construction. That path ultimately led him and his cousin to bring Crumbl Cookies to Florida, where they’ve made Palm Harbor their home.

In this conversation, Kelly gets real about the challenges of entrepreneurship—like quitting too soon, starting from scratch, and the trade-offs of running a franchise. He also talks about building community through business, the importance of mentorship, and why Palm Harbor quickly became the perfect place to live, raise a family, and grow his brand.

What You'll Learn:

• Why Kelly traded a steady job in construction for the uncertain life of a franchise owner
• The pros and cons of buying into a franchise vs. starting your own business
• How a failed construction company helped prepare him for success
• What it takes to thrive in the early stages of a franchise
• The value of community, support systems, and choosing the right location
• Why Palm Harbor stood out as the ideal place for his business and family

Links & Resources:

• Visit Crumbl Cookies: crumblcookies.com
• Learn more about Palm Harbor Local: palmharborlocal.com
• Join the weekly newsletter: Sign Up Here
• Follow us on Instagram: @palmharborlocal

Stroll through the laid-back streets of the Palm Harbor community with this informative podcast, proudly brought to you by Donnie Hathaway with The Hathaway Group, your trusted guide and local expert in navigating the diverse and ever-changing property landscape of Palm Harbor.

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