LAKE WALES, FL, August 27, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Jody McKeen has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

A highly successful entrepreneur in multiple realms, Ms. McKeen has established herself as a prominent business owner and a cornerstone of her community. Most recently, she has served as the owner of Cherry Pocket Steak n Seafood — which specializes in fresh seafood and meat, produce and fine spices — since 2019. In her role at the establishment, she manages the floor area, updates point-of-sale systems to cloud-based solutions and oversees the implementation of a separate system for the surrounding campground. By coordinating all operational aspects of the business, she ensures the highest standards of service are consistently met to provide customers with a relaxing and memorable dining experience.

Ms. McKeen's entry into entrepreneurship was inspired by her family's business background as well as her own entrepreneurial spirit. She and her husband assumed ownership of Cherry Pocket Steak n Seafood in December 2019 after years of visiting as snowbirds since 2008. Their connection to the restaurant deepened when they began assisting during a period when the previous owner became ill, eventually leading them to take over operations with a commitment to preserving its legacy while enhancing its offerings.

Though her tenure counts many achievements, Ms. McKeen is most proud of her ability to effectually implement her husband's vision for Cherry Pocket. Her expertise in information technology has been pivotal in managing the new point-of-sale system, maintaining the company website and overseeing social media marketing efforts. She has also enhanced the restaurant's ambiance by handling decorations, adding inviting details, revamping the menu and managing its design, all of which has significantly improved both the appearance and functionality of the restaurant. Under her leadership, Cherry Pocket was featured on "America's Best Restaurants" on USA Network, further elevating its profile.

Prior to her work in Florida, Ms. McKeen assumed ownership of a retail business in Lindsay, Ontario, Canada, beginning in 2016. There, she has applied her entrepreneurial skills to oversee daily operations and drive business growth within a competitive market. Her entrepreneurial journey began in 1989 when she became the owner of Paddy's Market in Ontario, Canada. Over several decades, she has developed a reputation for reliability and innovation within the industry, establishing a strong foundation for her subsequent ventures with Cherry Pocket Steak n Seafood.

Throughout her career, Ms. McKeen has seen her work recognized with several accolades. Cherry Pocket Steak n Seafood was the winner of the Best Seafood and Best Bloody Mary categories at the Best of Central Florida Awards in 2021, while her businesses in Canada have been honored through the Clarington Readers' Choice Awards. She is also a member of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, reflecting her dedication to supporting fellow entrepreneurs in their own pursuits.

Academically, Ms. McKeen earned an associate degree in business finance in Canada. Attributing much of her success to a strong support system, she emphasizes the importance of surrounding herself with reliable individuals — particularly her husband Jed, who excels at identifying and retaining key team members vital to their businesses' growth. Her strengths include independently analyzing projects, identifying information technology needs, optimizing software solutions and leveraging social media platforms effectively.

Looking to the future, Ms. McKeen aims to expand her property business in the United States alongside her husband. Their enterprise encompasses a restaurant, cabin rentals and an expanding park with new units being added in 2025. She offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom cabins and has recently acquired additional property for future development. Furthermore, they aim to continue growing their Canadian operations while seeking new opportunities for positive impact and broader community engagement. Her international journey reflects a steadfast commitment to innovation, operational excellence and community involvement across both Canadian and American markets.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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