Randy Knapp, A Great Community Builder, Rolls Off CFDC Board After Six Years

Randy Knapp has spent almost his entire life building relationships, successful business and creative ventures in Polk County. He put this all to use while serving on the board of the Central Florida Development Council.  

Now, after six years as a board member, Knapp’s time has come to an end. We celebrate his service along with fellow board members Drew Wilcox, Deena Drumgo, and Gene Conrad. 

“Randy is deeply committed to the Polk community,” said CFDC President & CEO Sean Malott. “He’s done it in a variety of ways. He’s a community builder, he’s a business builder, he’s a relationship builder. We’ve really appreciated his contribution on our board and we look forward to what’s next in Randy’s portfolio.” 

Working with family members, Knapp is the mastermind behind RLK Real Estate & Development and Camp Margaritaville Auburndale. He has developed these businesses into two entities that serve the community in many ways. 

“Building relationships and meeting new people all the time is magical for me. Getting face to face with people, not having meetings over the phone or through electronics,” Knapp has said. “That leads to a lot of repeat business.” 

County Manager Bill Beasley spent a recent weekend at the 66-acre Camp Margaritaville to see what it was all about. “I had an opportunity to stay here over a weekend just to get the experience and it was pretty neat. I have to thank Randy for conceiving this idea and bringing it to fruition. But it’s not just that. Randy is remembered for a lot of things he’s done, and will continue to do in Polk County. Randy is the kind who is ‘run silent and run deep’. He’s always involved. He will be gone but certainly not forgotten. You’re going to see him again.” 

RLK Real Estate & Development

As CEO of RLK Real Estate & Development, an Auburndale firm focused on improving sites within Central Florida, he has worked on projects ranging from warehouses to residential communities. For him, like others, Camp Margaritaville holds a special place in their hearts. 

“I’ve known randy a long time,” Beasley said. “But the thing I’m going to remember Randy the most for is Margaritaville. It’s a place that will be Randy’s legacy.”

CFDC board Chair David Shepp described Knapp as having the “mindset of a builder, a deal maker and a site selector, someone who’s actually done the work. That kind of experience has been instrumental to the CFDC’s success.”

As Randy Knapp concludes his six-year tenure on the CFDC Board of Directors, his legacy is one of action, vision, and unwavering commitment to Polk County. Whether through bold developments like Camp Margaritaville or quiet, behind-the-scenes collaboration, Randy has helped shape the region’s growth with an entrepreneurial spirit and a builder’s mindset. His insight and dedication have been invaluable to the CFDC’s mission, and while his board service is ending, his influence on the community—and its future—will continue to be felt in meaningful ways.