Start Local
Episodes
Playing, Teaching, and Building a Career in Music with Dave Mattock
03 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Music carries an intangible, immeasurable value – shaping how we connect, express ourselves, and experience the world around us. In this episode, we...
Unlocking Profit and Joy Through Peer Groups with Hendrik-Jan Francke
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Business owners and leaders face many challenges, questions, and hurdles. Leaders at smaller businesses and organizations often address issues alone. ...
Growing and Evolving a 50-Year Family Feed and Farm Store with Jim Cracas
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it’s feeding a family pet or planting a backyard garden, many people in our community turn to local stores that help them care for the thing...
Baking for Growth with Sarah Holland
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
When the pandemic lock-downs were in full swing, so many dove into sourdough as a way to explore something new. We catch up with Sarah Holland, owner ...
Setting the Example and Leading from the Front with Greg Nardi
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
At a time when the country’s laws and legal systems are much debated, access to justice and a fair, effective legal system are as critical as ever. ...
Organizing Volunteers to Make a Difference in the Community with Michele Moll
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
With so many nonprofit organizations working diligently to address the multiplicity of needs facing our needs, there is a steady need for local volunt...
Spearheading Advocacy, Programs, and Grants for Women and Girls with Cheryl Brubaker
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As of the 2024 census, women and girls comprise approximately half the population of Chester County, Pennsylvania. With that mind, we speak at length ...
Owning and Running a Gift Boutique in the Rush of the Holiday Season with Kari Matthews
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we embrace the hustle-bustle of the holiday season, local retail shop owners are rushing to make the most of their busiest time of the year. We wer...
Buying, Renovating, and Renting Properties with Geoff Bosley
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The growth and vibrancy of Kennett Square and Southern Chester County is shaped by the places where the community gathers, works, and connects. In thi...
Sheltering Our Homeless Neighbors and Caring for Their Needs with Jessica Chappell
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Despite the great wealth in Chester County, homelessness is a significant and persistent local issue. We sit down with Jessica Chappell, Executive Dir...
Supporting the Unhoused from Crisis to Stability with Kelly Faust
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Homelessness and housing insecurity affect people in every community – including here in Chester County. We sit down with Kelly Faust, Community Eng...
Growing the High Voltage Division at an Employee-Owned Business with Jim O’Farrell
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Electricity powers nearly every part of our lives – and the infrastructure behind it keeps our communities running. In this episode, we talk with Ji...
Recording and Teaching Local, National, and Global History with Conor Hepp
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
History lives all around us in Chester County – in our buildings, our landscapes, and our communities. In this episode, we sit down with Conor Hepp,...
Buying, Growing, and Running an Independent Medical Practice with Brad Dyer, MD
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Few topics matter more to parents than the medical well-being of their children. We sit down with Brad Myer, MD, to learn from his decades of experien...
Nurturing Belonging and Celebrating Community with Children Impacted by HIV/AIDS with Patty Hillkirk
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The summer camp experience affords such a meaningful experience for so many children. Camp Dreamcatcher creates a fantastic camp week specifically for...
Changing Careers and Building a Local Business with Jason Feller
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Entrepreneurship isn’t always glamorous, but it can be deeply fulfilling and rewarding. Jason Feller, owner of Crystal Clean Canz, joins us to discu...
Networking, Local Community, and Business Connections with Tony Poluch
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Networking offers avenues to opportunities, collaborations, and growth, especially in business. In this episode, we sit down with Tony Poluch, Senior ...
Making Connections, Opening Doors, and Providing Access with Christopher Everett
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a first for our show, we are are excited to feature a guest who is both a business and nonprofit leader. It was a privilege to walk a full round wi...
Keeping Kennett Square Welcoming and Beautiful with Daniel Embree
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What makes a town truly welcoming? We head to southern Chester County to meet with Daniel Embree, Executive Director of Kennett Collaborative, to expl...
Talking Music and Selling Records with Shawn Cephas
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For many, music is as much a part of life as breathing. We drop the needle on a conversation with Shawn Cephas, owner of Forever Changes, a record sto...
Making Local Cider from Branch to Bottle with Olga and Brian Dressler
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing our run of conversations with local producers, we sit down with Olga and Brian Dressler, the owners and cider makers at Dressler Estate. We...
Farming Grapes and Making Local Wine with Anthony Vietri
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Southeastern Pennsylvania is not typically at the top of the list of renowned wine regions of the world. Yet that is exactly why we stopped into the t...
Building Trust and Stewarding Clients’ Financial Affairs with Patti Brennan
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In times of uncertainty, the desire for financial security is universal. In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk with Patti Brennan, founder and CE...
Making Meat Snacks and Growing Distribution with Panache with Brendan Cawley
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The snack business is competitive to say the very least. It may even be cut-throat. Creating a snack that people want is hard enough, but getting it i...
Crafting Ice Cream, Culinary Creations, and Community with Melinda Shaw
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Enticed by her delicious ice cream and kitchens creations, we had to talk with Melinda Shaw, founder and owner of Hangry Bear Creamery in Kennett Squa...
Serving and Supporting the Local Community with Pauline Garcia-Allen
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Located in southern Chester County, Oxford, Pennsylvania, is a charming small town that is rich in history and poised for revitalization and growth. W...
Protecting Land, Birds, Watersheds, and Local Habitats with Kate Etherington
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
While Chester County is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and open spaces, preserving that natural beauty – and the wildlife that thrives with...
Building a Thriving Theater to Benefit the Local Community with Jennifer Carlson
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There’s something special about the glow of a historic theater marquee, the scent of fresh popcorn, and the magic of a film flickering on the screen...
Running the Business and Keeping the Books Accurate with Paula Paisley
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Managing finances can be a major challenge for business owners and nonprofit leaders, and having accurate and up to date bookkeeping can make all the ...
Conducting World-Leading, Innovative Fresh Water Research with John Jackson
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With fresh, clean water a critical resource for life on earth, balanced ecosystems are essential for keeping our communities healthy and safe. We spen...
Leading a Growing Credit Union with Gary Golden
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Businesses, nonprofits, and individuals have more banking options than ever before. To help local leaders understand some of their options, we sit dow...
Managing a Local Accountancy Firm with Kathy Wileczek
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The value that trusted accountants bring to businesses and nonprofits of all sizes cannot be overstated. Changes to federal and state filing rules, ne...
Producing Local Farmers and Crafts Markets and Community Events with Christy Campli
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Farmers markets and craft and artisanal markets are popping up in more and more communities across Chester County, Pennsylvania, as farm-to-table and ...
Building Community and Capacity with Chris Manna
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s libraries play a significant role in the life of the community. The programs, services, and happenings at our local libraries might surprise...
Enabling Economic Empowerment through Education with Javonna Wylie
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The lack of educational and employment opportunities experienced by disadvantaged folks in Chester County presents significant challenges to their wel...
Training Service and Companion Dogs with Kirstin Downie
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We spend time with Kirstin Downie, Director of Development and Communications with Canine Partners for Life (CPL), as she explains how the organizatio...
Spearheading the Organization of a Community Brewfest with Jeff Norman
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Now in its 27th year, the Kennett Brewfest is a leading beer festival held yearly in Kennett Square. Arguably the oldest beer festival in the Philadel...
Enabling the Otherly-Abled to Grow and Contribute in the Workplace with April Ennis-Pierson
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With a unique nonprofit business model, Handi-Crafters employs, trains, and encourages people with intellectual and developmental challenges to enable...
Producing Green Energy with Ron DiSabatino
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Green or clean energy regularly garners press coverage and is often a topic of vigorous public debate. We speak at length with Ron DiSabatino about su...
Addressing Health Needs of Underserved Communities with Ronan Gannon
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Finding and accessing quality and affordable healthcare is a concern for many. We meet with Ronan Gannon, Chief Executive Officer of LCH Health and Co...
Local Organic Mushroom Farming with Meghan Klotzbach
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With Kennett Square celebrated as the Mushroom Capital of the World, we knew it was only a matter of time before we spoke with Meghan Klotzbach. Megha...
Encouraging Local Tourism with Nina Kelly
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We spend time with Nina Kelly, Director of Marketing with Chester County Tourism. We chat with Nina to discover some of the many great places to visit...
Top-Rated Health Care and Well-Supported Staff with Karen Pinsky, MD and Ed Callahan
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We meet with two leaders from Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital to discuss the medical needs of the local community and how the teams providing th...
Telling Stories in Business + Theater with Peter Davis
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We connect and spend time with Peter Davis, owner and brand story strategist with Hero's Quest Consulting. Peter explains business as theater, walking...
Running a Family-Owned Restaurant with Dina Mingrino Barbone
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When folks think of Italian restaurants in Chester County, Pa, Limoncello pops to the top of the list for many locals. We caught up with Dina Mingrino...
Repairing Homes and Building Relationships with Bob Beggs
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We spend time in conversation with Bob Beggs, Executive Director of Good Works, Inc. Good Works is a Christian nonprofit organization working to trans...
Starting + Running a Community-Focused Business with Bill Ronayne
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We step into the podcast studio with Bill Ronayne, the founder and owner of Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning. Founded in 1993, BVHVAC ...
Supporting Victims of Sexual Violence + Other Crimes with Christine Zaccarelli
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We sit down in the podcast studio with Christine Zaccarelli, Chief Executive Officer of The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County to talk about ho...
Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders with Richard Roberts, III
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The focus on STEM education and STEM careers in recent decades has us meeting with Richard Roberts, III, to talk about supporting economically disadva...
Advocating for Sustainable Transportation with Tim Phelps
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With a growing local population and much upheaval in recent years in how and when people commute to and from work, the transportation needs and goals ...
Residential Property and Home Mortgages with David Graham and Bela Vora
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With so much happening in the local residential property market in recent years, we meet with David Graham and Bela Vora to discuss the topic. Based i...
Building Teams in Manufacturing and Engineering with Doug Thompson
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We jump into the local manufacturing sector with Doug Thompson, Manager of Manufacturing at R-V Industries, Inc.. We learn about how R-V Industries, c...
Connecting People that Can Help with People that Need Help with Chris Saello
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We spend time with Chris Saello, President & CEO of the United Way of Chester County. We explore how the United Way operates and how it supports o...
Keeping the Milk Moving and Making Cheese with Sue Miller
29 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We enjoy a wonderful conversation with Sue Miller, a local farmer and cheese maker. Together with her husband and their two sons, Sue owns and runs Bi...
Assisting Local Businesses in the Pursuit of R&D with Laura Berry
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We cover a lot of ground with Laura Berry, an R&D Tax Credit Specialist with Bowers R&D Associates. We talk at length about how local-area bus...
Running a Data Analytics and Software Company with Chris MacNeel
02 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We spend time with Chris MacNeel, the Chief Operating Officer of Freya Systems, a local area data analytics and software development company. Having m...
Steering a Large Local Nonprofit with Bertram L. Lawson II
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We meet with with Bertram L. Lawson II, the new President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. With a long and distinguished career with the YMC...
Empowering High Performing People and Teams with Bob Cox
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We chat with Bob Cox, Managing Partner of BHHC, a local area consultancy focused on enabling companies and nonprofits to move towards greater success....
Running a Commercial Real Estate Brokerage with Eric Kuhn
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We chat with Eric Kuhn, Managing Partner with Pillar Real Estate Advisors, LLC, a local area commercial real estate brokerage firm. We learn about the...
Advocating for Local Businesses and Organizations with Laura Manion
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We spend time with Laura Manion, the President and CEO of the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry. We speak with Laura about her advocac...
Advocating for Communities: Law and Volunteerism with Robert Jefferson
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We spend time with Robert Jefferson, a private practice attorney, about his role as the City Solicitor for the City of Coatesville, Pa and his approac...
Fighting Food Insecurity Locally with Andrea Youndt
18 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We explore how the Chester County Food Bank leads the local fight against food insecurity in a great conversation with the for impact organization's C...
Why Every Local Business Should Have a Podcast with Marty McDonald
04 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We catch up again with West Chester-based marketing agency owner, Marty McDonald. The CEO and Co-Founder of Bad Rhino, Marty shares how every local bu...
Living, Sharing, and Supporting as a Community with Robert Martin
21 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We learn all about Camphill Village Kimberton Hills from Robert Martin, a retired academic and musician. We begin our conversation with Bob walking us...
Supporting the Local Business Community with Michael Grigalonis
07 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We explore how the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) is helping local area businesses move ahead in today'seconomy. Michael Grigalon...
Investing in Your Local Community with Susan Springsteen
23 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We do a deep dive into how a long-time local business leader and entrepreneur came to commit herself to her local community. Susan Springsteen talks t...
Post-Pandemic Recovery with Rep. Chrissy Houlahan
02 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Start Local is back, and we have a fantastic guest! Representative Chrissy Houlahan joins us to give us an update on post-pandemic recovery for small ...
Connecting with Local Non-Profits with Stephenie D. Stevens
20 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
While we have focused on businesses in and around Chester County since shortly after the arrival of COVID-19, we know that non-profits in the area hav...
Crafting Support for the Hospitality + Restaurant Sectors with Bill Covaleski
13 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With winter weather fast approaching, we know that the local restaurant and hospitality sector is facing an even more precarious position because of t...
Supporting Our Local Businesses with Cheryl Kuhn
30 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With Chester County and much of the nation facing what might be a second wave of COVID-19, we turned to Cheryl Kuhn to understand how businesses in so...
Running an Essential Business with Patrice Banks
16 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Running an essential business during COVID-19 presents its own challenges to business owners – especially for brick-and-mortar businesses. We spoke ...
Harnessing Tech to Grow a Business with Joy Beam and Gareth Yoder
09 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Chester County boasts an amazingly diverse economy with strong, vibrant businesses ranging from pharma and medical technology to manufacturing, and fr...
A Commitment to Information Communication with Josh Maxwell
02 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As the challenging effects of COVID-19 continue across southeast Pennsylvania and beyond, many businesses and non-profits are still struggle to cope. ...
Financial Help for Local Businesses with Rebecca Worthington
25 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As COVID-19 continues to have a significant effect on the local economy in Chester County, Pennsylvania, businesses and organizations are still in nee...
Starting + Building Your Own Business with Yardell Perkins
18 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With all the economy turmoil caused by COVID-19, many folks are considering taking their careers in new directions. We caught up with Yardell Perkins ...
Focusing on Customers Relationships with Mark Avery
04 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As salons and barbershops across Pennsylvania try to keep up with changing safety guidelines, we sat down with a local shop owner to chat through his ...
Creating Great Customer Experiences with Jim Adams
28 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With restaurants, bars, and taprooms reopening across the State of Pennsylvania, we caught up with Jim Adams to chat about what he and his team at Lev...
Starting Your Own Podcast with Kyle C. Rheiner
14 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As businesses in Chester County and greater Philadelphia continue to pivot to online marketing and sales, many owners and leaders are exploring starti...
Building Your Local Audience with Matt Medeiros
07 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With social distancing not going away any time soon, growing a local audience can prove a real challenge. We turned to Matt Medeiros, Director of Podc...
Support of Businesses by the State of PA with Katie Muth
31 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With businesses re-opened, and as schools across Pennsylvania consider how best to re-open, many business owners and leaders are looking for answers a...
Local Beer, Food, and Hospitality with Matt Reimold
24 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With the hospitality industry across Pennsylvania particularly hard hit by the coronavirus lockdowns, many local restaurants, bars, brewers, and disti...
Creating Online Courses with Chris Badgett
10 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As businesses look to diversify their revenue streams, many are considering selling online courses and training materials. We spoke with Chris Badgett...
Building Revenue Streams with Don Reid, Jr.
26 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In what is a jam packed conversation, Don Reid, Jr. shared his own experiences as he works to keep his business afloat amidst COVID-19. As the CEO of ...
Pivoting to Online Sales and Marketing with Joe and Liam
19 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As more and more businesses are allowed to open across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Joe Casabona and Liam Dempsey discuss how businesses have piv...
Supporting Small Businesses with Chrissy Houlahan
12 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As Pennsylvania begins to open up following the relaxing of lock-down orders, we had the opportunity to sit down with U.S. Representative Chrissy Houl...
Business Strategy Roadmapping with John Tooher
05 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A business owner and strategy consultant, John Tooher has his finger on the pulse of the business community in greater Philadelphia. John is the owner...
Leading a Remote Company with Brad Williams
22 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As businesses forced to work from home due to the coronavirus begin to wake up the possibilities of working remotely, we spoke to a local business own...
Leadership in Human Resources with Lisa Van Ess
15 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Human resources departments have the difficult job of helping employees navigate through a lot of change right now: working from home, changing proces...
Main Street Preservation Grants with Marian Moskowitz
07 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Chester Countys Commissioners set up a $5M fund to establish the Main Street Preservation program. This program allows for grants of up to $25,00...
Social Media Marketing with Marty McDonald
01 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With all of Pennsylvania still under stay at home orders, businesses pivoting to online has been crucial to staying in business. Marty McDonald runs a...
How Insurance Can Protect You in a Pandemic with Austin Morris, Jr.
24 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Austin Morris, Jr. is an insurance broker that really knows his stuff! And in this episode, he’s going to run through all sorts of different insuran...
Handling Tech while Working Remotely with Erik Gudmundson
17 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Erik Gudmundson is the VP of Business Development at Pegasus Technologies, a company that provides an IT department to businesses which don’t have t...
Getting Economic Assistance with Michael Grigalonis
10 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Businesses all over the country are being impacted by COVID-19 and the stay at home orders issued by most states. Local, State, and Federal government...
Start Local: Helping Business in the Greater Philly Area
09 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Start Local is focused on helping businesses in Chester County, PA, and the greater Philly area as they try to navigate through the COVID-19 economy. ...