Advertise on podcast: Start Local

With so many nonprofit organizations working diligently to address the multiplicity of needs facing our community, there is a steady need for local volunteers to lend their support to their neighbors. We catch up with Michele Moll, Executive Director of RSVP Volunteers. Michele details the litany programs and services that RSVP Volunteer deliver across Chester County and beyond. We talk about how Michele, her colleagues, and their army of volunteers work to tackle local challenges in education, community support, and senior wellness. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKSRSVP Volunteers Website: rsvpmc.orgVolunteer Enrollment Form: rsvpmc.org/volunteer-enrollment-formDonation: rsvpmc.org/donateUpcoming golf classic: rsvpmc.org/golf-classicFacebook: facebook.com/RSVPvolunteerTwitter: x.com/RSVPVolunteersInstagram: instagram.com/rsvpvolunteerLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rsvp-volunteerAdditional Links Michele's story at the West Chester Story SlamEdge of CinemaShoplandia by Jim BreslinLongwood GardensTranscript The full transcript will be posted as soon as it is available.

As of the 2024 census, women and girls comprise approximately half the population of Chester County, Pennsylvania. With that mind, we speak at length with Cheryl Brubaker, Executive Director of The Fund for Women and Girls. Cheryl details a number of the challenges that local women and girls face, and walks us through The Fund’s programs to address those challenges. She highlights The Fund’s focus on advocacy and helps us understand the direction of the organization’s current efforts. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS The Fund for Women and Girls Website: thefundcc.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-fund-for-women-and-girlsFacebook: facebook.com/thefundchescoInstagram: instagram.com/thefundchescoYouTube: youtube.com/@ChescoFundThe Blueprint Report (4th edition)Impact Report (2023/2024)Additional Links Kaly – clothing, gifts, and accessoriesCommittee of SeventyWomen Against AbuseTRANSCRIPT The full transcript will be posted as soon as it is available.

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 were lucky to connect with Kari Matthews, owner of Clean Slate Goods in Kennett Square. Kari unfolds how she built a purpose-driven retail boutique that connects local shoppers with makers from around the world. Kari shares the story behind her storefront, the values guiding her sourcing decisions, and why investing in artisans and ethical production matters deeply to her. We also talk about the in-person experience she creates for customers, the community partnerships that shape her business, and the impact of choosing gifts that truly change lives. OUR PARTNERS Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Clean Slate Goods Website: cleanslategoods.comInstagram: instagram.com/cleanslategoodsFacebook: facebook.com/cleanslategoodsLocal Nonprofits Kennett Area Community ServicesYoung MomsThe WardrobeFamily Promise of Southern Chester CountyKennett CollaborativeAdditional Links Boutique HubWhizBang Retail TrainingRelated Episodes Keeping Kennett Square Welcoming and Beautiful with Daniel EmbreeTRANSCRIPT The full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

The growth and vibrancy of Kennett Square and Southern Chester County is shaped by the places where the community gathers, works, and connects. In this episode, we sit down with Geoff Bosley, Vice President and CFO of LGB Properties, to explore how a family-run real estate company transforms buildings into community assets across the southern end of the county. Geoff shares the story behind the Market at Liberty Place – and walks us through the company’s approach to renovation, tenant partnerships, and supporting local businesses. We also discuss the challenges of running a boutique property firm, and Geoff’s years of service in local government. OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS LGB Properties lgbproperties.comGeoff Bosley on LinkedInProperty listings: lgbproperties.com/property-listingsLocal Restaurants The Market at Liberty Place (An LGB Properties venue)Mary Pat’s Provisions State Street Pizza & GrillKaboburritosLa VeronaThe Naked Olive Lily Sushi & Grill  Hangry BearBraeloch BrewingPortabellos of Kennett SquareFlowers CafeLocal Nonprofits Kennett Collaborative The Mushroom FestivalMushroom Cap Half MarathonCamp Dreamcatcher  The Garage Community and Youth CenterRelated Episodes Nurturing Belonging and Celebrating Community with Children Impacted by HIV/AIDS with Patty HillkirkKeeping Kennett Square Welcoming and Beautiful with Daniel EmbreeTranscript The full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

Despite the great wealth in Chester County, homelessness is a significant and persistent local issue. We sit down with Jessica Chappell, Executive Director of Safe Harbor of Chester County, to explore how her team provides shelter, meals, and compassionate support to adults experiencing homelessness. Jessica walks us through the realities facing the financially at risk population, the growing challenges around attainable housing, and the trauma-informed approach that guides the organization’s work. We discuss Safe Harbor’s partnerships, volunteer network, and the systemic pressures shaping homelessness in our county. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Safe Harbor of Chester County Website: safeharborofcc.orgInstagram: instagram.com/safeharbor_ofchestercountyFacebook: facebook.com/safeharborofchestercountyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/safe-harbor-of-chester-county-inc/Givebutter (Donations/Events): givebutter.com/safe-harbor-of-chester-county-incLocal Nonprofits Chester County Food BankWest Chester Food CupboardThe Melton Center – PA 211Act NowCamp DreamcatcherCrime Victims’ Center of Chester CountyAdditional Links Better Than Bacon ImprovUptown! Knauer Performing Arts CenterRelated Episodes Nurturing Belonging and Celebrating Community with Children Impacted by HIV/AIDS with Patty HillkirkSupporting Victims of Sexual Violence and Other Crimes with Christine ZaccarelliTranscript The full transcript will be posted on our site as soon as it is available.

Homelessness and housing insecurity affect people in every community – including here in Chester County. We sit down with Kelly Faust, Community Engagement Coordinator at Good Samaritan Services, to learn how the organization supports individuals and families on their journey from crisis to stability. Kelly explains Good Sam’s personalized, relationship-based approach, its housing programs, and the wraparound services that include mentorship, counseling, and microloans. We also talk about the community partnerships that make their work possible – and the local events and fundraisers that make their work possible. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Good Samaritan Services – Good Sam Website: goodsamservices.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/good-samaritan-servicesInstagram: instagram.com/goodsamservFacebook: facebook.com/GoodSamServKelly Faust on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kelly-faust-477b9a2b3Additional Organizations Anne’s HeartPhoenixville Women’s OutreachPhoenixville Free ClinicUnion Community CarePA CareerLinkOrion CommunitiesOpen Hearth, Inc.Citizen Advocacy of Chester CountyUnited Way of Chester CountyNew Story ChurchHopewell United Methodist ChurchTranscript The full transcript will be posted as soon as it is available.

Electricity powers nearly every part of our lives – and the infrastructure behind it keeps our communities running. In this episode, we talk with Jim O’Farrell, Director of High Voltage Operations at the Tri-M Group, based in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Jim walks us through how Tri-M delivers electrical construction, high-voltage services, building automation, and energy analytics across the region – and beyond. We also discuss Tri-M’s employee-ownership model, its accredited apprenticeship program, and the company’s commitment to workforce development and focus on supporting the local community. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Tri-M Group Website: tri-mgroup.comCareers: tri-mgroup.com/careersTri-M Group’s Apprenticeship ProgramInstagram: instagram.com/tri_mgroupFacebook: facebook.com/TheTriMGroupLLCJim O'Farrell on LinkedInAdditional Links Penn Medicine Kennett Library YMCA of Greater Brandywine KACS (Kennett Area Community Service) Camp Dreamcatcher Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) KAU Little League (Kennett-Unionville) Related Episodes Nurturing Belonging and Celebrating Community with Children Impacted by HIV/AIDS with Patty HillkirkTranscript The full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

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, President of the Chester County History Center, to explore how one of our region’s oldest cultural institutions continues to preserve and share the stories that shape us. Conor walks us through the Center’s extensive collection, the creative ways the organization adapted during the pandemic, and how new technologies and community programs are helping expand its reach to audiences near and far. We also hear how the Center is honoring local legacies through exhibits, walking tours, and partnerships, and why history – even when difficult – must be told truthfully. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Chester County History Center Website: mycchc.orgFacebook: facebook.com/ChesterCountyHistoryInstagram: instagram.com/ChesterCountyHistoryLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/chestercountyhistorycenterConor Hepp on LinkedInAdditional Local Organizations The Colonial TheatreChester County Art AssociationHistoric Yellow SpringsNorth Star of Chester CountyHome of the SparrowCrime Victims’ Center of Chester CountyNAACP Coatesville Area BranchPunk/Rock Bands Bad ReligionPennywiseRage Against the MachineRelated Episodes Building a Thriving Theater to Benefit the Local Community with Jennifer CarlsonSupporting Victims of Sexual Violence and Other Crimes with Christine ZaccarelliTranscript The full transcript will be posted on our website as soon it is available.

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 experience as a leading local pediatrician. The founder of All Star Pediatrics, in Exton, Pennsylvania, Brad spent almost two decades growing an independent medical group. In our conversation, Brad talks us through the buying the practice from Penn Medicine and growing it to serve thousands of families, while navigating the world of health insurance, and recruiting and retaining a top team around him. Now with the management of the practice behind him, Brad walks us through how he gives back to his local community through board leadership and volunteerism with a number of local organizations. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS All Star Pediatrics Website: allstarpediatrics.comBrad Dyer on LinkedInAdditional Organizations Chester County Food BankBetter Days AheadWest Chester Food CupboardPhoenixville Area Community Services (PACS)Community Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM)Phoenixville Free Clinic (Phoenixville Free Medical Clinic)Area Hospitals Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)Nemours Children’s HealthPenn MedicineRelated Episodes Fighting Food Insecurity Locally with Andrea YoundtTranscript The full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

The summer camp experience affords such a meaningful experience for so many children. Camp Dreamcatcher creates a fantastic camp week specifically for children infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. We sit down with Patty Hillkirk, the camp’s Founder and Executive Director, to learn about how she is spearheading efforts to organize and run the weeklong camp, held in August every year. We talk about how the camp is run, partnering with other local organizations, and supporting young people and empowering them to lead. Patty walks us through how Camp Dreamcatcher has delivered such a lasting and valuable effect on the lives of so many young people for 30 years. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKS Camp Dreamcatcher Website: campdreamcatcher.orgLinkedIn: inkedin.com/company/camp-dreamcatcherInstagram: instagram.com/campdreamcatcherFacebook: facebook.com/therapeuticcampPatty Hillkirk on LinkedInOver the Edge fundraiserVolunteer with Camp Dreamcatcher: campdreamcatcher.org/get-involved/volunteerCamp Dreamcatcher Videos Video library on the Camp Dreamcatcher website: campdreamcatcher.org/about/video-picturesThe story behind the founding of Camp Dreamcatcher as shared in Patty's TEDx TalkHear about the Wish Log ceremony from two campers (jump to 1:14)HIV/AIDS Resources HIV/AIDS information on the Cleveland Clinic websiteHIV/AIDS information on the May Clinic websiteHIV and AIDS information on the John Hopkins Medicine websiteHIV/AIDS information on the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) websiteSupporting Organizations Longwood Rotary ClubLenape Nation of PennsylvaniaLincoln UniversityPhiladelphia School of Massage & BodyworkAHHAH (Arts Holding Hands and Hearts)Avon Grove High SchoolKennett Lions ClubWest Grove Fire Company (EMTs in West Grove)PayPalMorning Star FoundationChildren’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)St. Christopher’s Hospital for ChildrenPhiladelphia AvengersJohns Hopkins MedicineAdditional Organizations Pennsylvania Gestalt CenterCenter for Relational PracticesFriendship BenchFamily Promise of Southern Chester CountyDeafCAN! of PennsylvaniaKennett Area Community Service (KACS)Related Episodes Managing a Local Accountancy Firm with Kathy WileczekTRANSCRIPT A full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

Entrepreneurship isn’t always glamorous, but it can be deeply fulfilling and rewarding. Jason Feller, owner of Crystal Clean Canz, joins us to discuss his journey from managing country clubs to growing a business centered on cleanliness and customer service. We talk about the surprises he encountered as a first-time business owner, how he diversified his services, refined his service area, and works to grow his recurring revenue. Jason also shares why he values his role as chair of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce. Jason’s story is a candid look at the risks, rewards, and realities of building a small business. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Crystal Clean Canz Website: crystalcleancanz.comInstagram: instagram.com/crystalcleancanzFacebook: facebook.com/CrystalCleanCanzEmail: [email protected] Links Southern Chester County Chamber of CommerceNew London ConsultingThis Sober VetUnivestLBDesignRelated Episodes Networking, Local Community, and Business Connections with Tony PoluchTranscript A full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

Networking offers avenues to opportunities, collaborations, and growth, especially in business. In this episode, we sit down with Tony Poluch, Senior Vice President and Senior Business Development Officer at Univest Bank & Trust Company, to explore how meaningful conversations with local professionals can produce business success, further a career, and forge strong local connections. Tony shares his insights on cultivating authentic relationships and the value of curiosity in business. We explore Tony’s lengthy career in commercial banking and ask about the location business environment. Whether you consider yourself a networking pro, or are struggling in that area, this conversation offers spot-on guidance on making the most of business conversations. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Tony Poluch / Univest Bank Tony Poluch on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tony-poluch-a50b544/Univest website: univest.netUnivest on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/univestUnivest on Facebook: facebook.com/univestfinancialUnivest on Instagram: instagram.com/univest_financialChester County Chambers of Commerce Southern Chester County Chamber of CommerceGreater West Chester Chamber of CommerceChester County Chamber of Business and IndustryExton Chamber of CommerceWestern Chester County Chamber of CommerceAdditional Links The Gables at Chadds FordChester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC)Delaware Contractors AssociationLocal Nonprofits Home of the SparrowOpen HearthChester County Art AssociationKennett LibraryUrban Affairs CoalitionTRANSCRIPT The full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

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 with Christopher Everett, Senior Vice President at Truist Bank and the Founder and Board President of the RLE Go Fore It! Foundation. Christopher guides us through his career in banking – a journey of almost 25 years. He explains what led him to create a nonprofit that empowers young people through business education, mentorship, and exposure to new possibilities – all through the game of golf. He shares some tough lessons he learned in his younger days, and what connecting people and opening doors for the next generation means to him. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Truist Website: truist.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/truistfinancialcorporationFacebook: facebook.com/truistInstagram: instagram.com/truistChristopher on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christophereverett26Careers with Truist: careers.truist.com/us/enRLE Go Fore It! Foundation Website: goforeitusa.comBook: Go Fore It!: A Family and Golf Story by Christopher EverettFacebook: facebook.com/goforeitusaInstagram: instagram.com/goforeitusaGolf/Sports Organizations and Books Carter’s Spectrum GolfBook: Swinging Beyond the Spectrum: How Autism Became My Superpower On And Off The Golf Course! by Carter BonasBook: Playing from the Rough by Jimmie JamesBook: Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You by A’Ja WilsonAdditional Links Sow Good NowChester County Community FoundationNorth Carolina Central UniversityLocal Restaurants Black Lab BistroSedona TaphouseSavannah BistroThe Naked OliveTranscript The full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

What makes a town truly welcoming? We head to southern Chester County to meet with Daniel Embree, Executive Director of Kennett Collaborative, to explore how placemaking, events, and people shape a stronger, more inclusive community in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Daniel shares the organization’s mission and why collaboration is at the heart of their work. We discuss Daniel’s own journey from artist to nonprofit leader, and the value of telling personal stories in public spaces. From Kennett Brewfest, Daniel paints a beautiful picture of his corner of our community. Our PartnerSouthern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Kennett Collaborative Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kennettcollaborative/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennett.collaborativeVolunteer: kennettcollaborative.org/volunteerDonate: kennettcollaborative.org/supportBrewfest Tickets: https://www.kennettbrewfest.com/Unicorn Across the Street: https://kennettcollaborative.org/stories/the-unicorn-across-the-street/Daniel Embree on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielembree/Local Shops and Organizations Great places to eat and shop (Business Directory): kennettcollaborative.org/exploreKSQ Farmers Market: https://www.ksqfarmersmarket.com/Shoppe Marché: https://www.instagram.com/shoppemarcheCamp Dreamcatcher: https://campdreamcatcher.org/Kennett Area Community Service: https://kacsimpact.orgThe Garage Community and Youth Center: https://www.garageyouthcenter.orgYoungMoms: https://www.youngmomschestercounty.orgRelated Episodes Spearheading the Organization of a Community Brewfest with Jeff NormanNote: The photo of Daniel used in the episode artwork is by Dylan Francis. Transcript The full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

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 store in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Shawn shares how his deep love for and expansive knowledge of music has driven him to open a shop that is as much a space to learn about music as to buy records. We explore the intimate connection that Shawn’s family has with music. Through our conversation, Shawn offers a lesson in music history as we journey through genres. Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just getting into the groove, this episode strikes a chord. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Forever Changes Website: foreverchangesrecords.comInstagram: instagram.com/forever.changesForever Changes on FacebookBluesky: @foreverchangespxv.bsky.socialAdditional Links WXPNSteel City CaféPhoenixville Area Community Services (PACS)Ann’s HeartKit’s ClosetLocal Music Venues The Fenix Bar & LoungeSoulJoel’s (at SunnyBrook, Pottstown)SunnyBrook BallroomThe GemBands and Artists Mentioned We linked to the Wikipedia page for all the artists below. We invite you to check out their music wherever you listen. Hüsker DüBlack FlagMinor ThreatRites of SpringMetallicaSlayerAnthraxDeathBig StarThe ClashThe JamThe SmithsR.E.M.Talking HeadsRamonesDepeche ModeThe CureBad BrainsMy Morning JacketBelle and SebastianChappell RoanDeath Cab for CutieThe Postal ServiceCat PowerMannequin PussySoccer MommyBlondshellBullyFlorence + The MachineGreta Van FleetMadonnaDuran DuranTaylor SwiftRay CharlesLuther VandrossPocoBuffalo SpringfieldJethro TullJapanese BreakfastBlack PumasMaya DelilahAdeleLordeCulture ClubCharlie ParkerDuke EllingtonDizzy GillespieBill EvansPaul MotianScott LaFaroMac MillerSuki WaterhouseSteve LacyN.W.A.Dr. DreIce CubePrinceJimi HendrixMovie: High FidelityRecord Labels Blue Note RecordsOriginal Jazz Composers (OJC)Riverside RecordsTranscript The transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.