Advertise on podcast: Start Local

Students from under-resourced communities face hurdles that can block or limit their educational opportunities. We speak with Katie Duffus, Executive Director, Chester County Futures, to learn how she and her colleagues support students, connecting them to resources and networks, to enable those young people to flourish in school and life. As Chester County Futures celebrates its 30th anniversary, Katie explains how her team walks with students from middle school through college graduation and beyond. She spells out their programs and explains how students can engage with this program across Chester County. Katie also shares her insight as a nonprofit leader, including skills garnered as a two-sport college athlete. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Chester County Futures Website: ccfutures.orgInstagram: instagram.com/chestercountyfuturesFacebook: facebook.com/chestercountyfuturesLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/chester-county-futuresLocal Organization Spotlight First Resource BankCoatesville Area School DistrictAdditional Links Smedley County ParkRelated Episodes Fighting Food Insecurity Locally with Andrea YoundtSteering a Large Local Nonprofit with Bertram L. Lawson IIADVERTISEMENT Need legal help? The Chester County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service connects community members with local attorneys for a $25, 30-minute consultation. Start local—and find a path forward. Get legal help

Finding quality mental health and well-being support can make the difference between struggling and flourishing. We sit down with Katie Bowman, Executive Director with New London Counseling Center, about how her team of therapists works to meet the needs of communities in southern Chester County. Katie explains how as a nonprofit, the organization provides counseling, group education, and workshops for local adults and young people. She guides us through the different avenues that her therapists work with and support their neighbors. Katie helps us understand how they partner with schools and other nonprofits to support young people. Importantly, Katie also dispels some myths around people seeking help - making it clear that seeking help is a sign of strength. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS New London Counseling Center Website: newlondoncounselingcenter.comInstagram: instagram.com/newlondoncounselingcenter/Facebook: facebook.com/NewLondonCounselingCenter/YouTube: youtube.com/@newlondoncounselingcenter3362LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/new-london-counseling-center-pa/Katie Bowman on LinkedInLocal Business Spotlight Lola’sJackson & Haines (on Instagram)Brookside Greenhouse (on Facebook)Maple Shade GreenhouseADVERTISEMENT Need legal help? The Chester County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service connects community members with local attorneys for a $25, 30-minute consultation. Start local—and find a path forward. Get legal help

Long abandoned by the music industry, vinyl records have made a strong return to the marketplace in recent years, as music lovers of all generations embrace this historically significant medium. We speak at length with rock music legend Phil Nicolo and his daughter-in-law, Ashley Nicolo, about running Studio4Vinyl, a world-class record pressing plant in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. As owner, Phil, and Chief Operating Officer, Ashley, walk us around their factory floor, they teach us about the complex and unpredictable process of pressing vinyl records. We learn about industry trends and hear about Studio4Vinyl’s cutting edge process for producing the best sounding records. Of course, we throw in a question or two about Phil’s storied career in music production, mixing, and mastering. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Studio 4 Vinyl Website: studio4vinyl.comInstagram: instagram.com/studio4vinylTwitch: twitch.tv/studio4vinylNew promotional video from Studio4VinylStudio4 Recording Studio (on Facebook)Musicians/Artists Saturation by Urge Overkill$uicideboy$Ice-TTaj Mahal – Like Never Before (1991 album)Urge Overkill – Saturation (1994 album)Todd Rundgren – Something/Anything? (1972 album)Couldn’t I Just Tell You by Todd RundgrenTurnstileLocal Business Spotlight Jack’s Pizza and PastaDouble D DinerAdditional Links Women in VinylChester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC)SeedcopaThird Man PressingRIAA Curve (Wikipedia entry)Memory Music StudiosADVERTISEMENT Need legal help? The Chester County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service connects community members with local attorneys for a $25, 30-minute consultation. Start local—and find a path forward. Get legal help

Children in the midst of proceedings in Dependency Court face countless questions, fears, and uncertainties. To understand more, we speak with Leigh Anne McKelvey, Executive Director of CASA Youth Advocates, which serves Delaware and Chester Counties as part of a national nonprofit network. A social worker first, Leigh Anne guides us through the challenges confronting children who have experienced abuse and neglect – and explains how CASA’s staff and volunteers advocate for those children. She unpacks how CASA’s volunteers are screened and trained to support children navigating instability in many areas of their lives. Leigh Anne also shares her passion for teaching graduate-level social work students and reveals how she likes to unwind amidst the pressures of leading CASA, teaching courses, and raising a young family.OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKSCASA Youth Advocates Serving Delaware and Chester Counties Website: chescocasa.orgInstagram: instagram.com/casayouthadvocatesFacebook: facebook.com/CASAYouthAdvocatesCASA on YouTubeCareers with CASA: delcocasa.org/jobs-casaLeigh Anne McKelvey on LinkedInLocal Business Spotlight TLC Rescue (To Love a Canine)ADVERTISEMENT Need legal help? The Chester County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service connects community members with local attorneys for a $25, 30-minute consultation. Start local—and find a path forward. Get legal help

For many people, few culinary pleasures compare with fine Swiss chocolate. Indulging our own dreams, we joined Albert Lauber, Owner and Chocolatier at Neuchatel Chocolates, on his factory floor in Oxford, Pennsylvania. Surrounded by the irresistible sights and aromas of chocolate being made, we spoke with Albert about the craft and business behind it all. He explained how he transforms Swiss chocolate into delicious truffles – and how he makes his own chocolate from Philippine cocoa beans. We also explored industry trends, the challenges of managing a factory, and his approach to sourcing ingredients from local farmers and producers. If you have even a hint of a sweet tooth, this delicious episode is not to be missed. OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Neuchatel Chocolates neuchatelchocolates.comswisschips.comFacebook: facebook.com/NeuchatelChocolatesInstagram: instagram.com/neuchatel_swiss_chocolatesChocoEve Website: chocoeve.comLocal Business Spotlight SILOAdditional Links Extract and BoxMaplehofe DiaryThe Market at Liberty PlaceRelated Episodes Buying, Renovating, and Renting Properties with Geoff BosleyADVERTISEMENT Need legal help? The Chester County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service connects community members with local attorneys for a $25, 30-minute consultation. Start local—and find a path forward. Get legal help

Cats, cats – here, there and everywhere! Surrounded by felines, we meet with Kristine Baney, Executive Director at Treetops Kitty Cafe. More of a lounge than a cafe, Treetops Kitty Cafe is a cat rescue located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. At Treetops, the cats play, nap, and cause chaos wherever they want as they roam freely throughout the entire facility. Kristine walks us through the running of the rescue shelter, its adoption service, and caring for the cats that call the cafe home, even if only for a short while. We talk about board recruitment and strategies for raising awareness about the nonprofit, ensuring that a growing number of local residents know about and support the cafe. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Treetops Kitty Cafe Website: treetopskittycafe.comFacebook: facebook.com/TreetopsKittyCafeRescueInstagram: instagram.com/treetopskittycafeTikTok: tiktok.com/@treetopskittycafeLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/treetops-kitty-cafe-animal-rescueKristine Baney on LinkedInBoard involvement note on the Treetops Kitty Cafe websiteVolunteer with Treetops Kitty CafeAdditional Links ACCT PhillyPocopson Veterinary StationCherry Blossom VacationsForage BooksThe Mushroom FestivalLongwood GardensTRANSCRIPT

Learning to read at a young age can prove so critical to how well a child flourishes as they grow. We meet with Jan Michener, Founder and Executive Director of Arts Holding Hands & Hearts (AHHAH). Based in Kennett Square, AHHAH supports young people in under resourced communities across Chester County. The organizations runs a range of arts and literacy programs in communities, schools, and the youth detention center – all focused on enabling those young people to thrive, rather than merely service. With deep commitment to helping children read at grade level from an early age, Jan walks us through several of AHHAH’s program and initiatives. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Arts Holding Hands and Hearts (AHHAH) Website: ahhah.orgInstagram: instagram.com/artsholdinghandsandheartsFacebook: facebook.com/ArtsHoldingHandsAndHeartsIncJan Michener on LinkedInAdditional Links Chester County FuturesKennett Ability Network (KAN)Good WorksCamp DreamcatcherKennett LibraryJustamere FoundationChester County Intermediate UnitChester County Youth CenterDolly Parton’s Imagination LibraryThe Alliance for Health EquityChester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (CCOIC)Other Interviews with Jan Michener Jan Michener on Great DamesJan Michener on The Art of Volunteering PodcastRelated Episodes Repairing Homes and Building Relationships with Bob BeggsNurturing Belonging and Celebrating Community with Children Impacted by HIV/AIDS with Patty HillkirkBuilding Community and Capacity with Chris MannaTRANSCRIPT The full transcript for this episode will be published on our website as soon as it is available.

Industrial fabrication and construction underpins much of the infrastructure and manufacturing that keeps our economy moving. In this episode, we sit down with Scott Dolor, Vice President of Operations at M. Davis & Sons, to explore how the Kennett Square company designs, fabricates, installs, and maintains complex industrial systems. Scott walks us through the evolution of the family-owned business, its focus on investing on its people, and how the company attracts and develops the next generation of craftspeople. We also discuss the many facets of M. Davis’s business, fostering a strong workplace culture, and how the company is eager to engage with and supporting its local community. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS M. Davis & Sons Website: mdavisinc.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/m-davis-&-sonsFacebook: facebook.com/MDavisSonsIncScott Dolor on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-dolor-mba-62134a13Additional Links The Garage Community & Youth CenterSILOChester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU)Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)

Live music plays an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities. We sit down with Michael Hahn, Executive Director of the Kennett Flash, to explore how the nonprofit listening room has become a home for live music, comedy, and community events in Kennett Square. Michael walks us through the realities of operating a nonprofit arts organization, from booking performers and securing sponsorships to recruiting volunteers and building audiences. We also discuss plans for a future arts and culture hub in Kennett Square. Along the way, Michael shares insights from his own career as a musician, songwriter, and arts administrator. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS The Kennett Flash Website: kennettflash.orgThe Kennett Flash on Bandcamp: thekennettflash.bandcamp.comInstagram: instagram.com/thekennettflashFacebook: facebook.com/TheKennettFlashVolunteer: kennettflash.org/volunteerMichael Hahn’s YouTube channelAdditional Links The Hub for Arts and CultureKATS (Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society)If Not For MusicKoh Show LiveRainbow RecordsSmalls Music ShopLive Music SocietyKennett Restaurants and Businesses La VeronaLily Asian CuisineMichoacana GrillThe Mushroom CapPhilterKSQ Barber LoungeRecommended Musical Artists Strays and Misfits on BandcampBuffalo NicholsRelated Episodes Playing, Teaching, and Building a Career in Music with Dave MattockFocusing on Customers Relationships with Mark Avery

When people suffer serious injury, abuse, or trauma – either through criminal acts or negligence – it can prove challenging to rebuild their lives. We sit down with Basil Joy, an attorney with Goldberg, Goldberg & Maloney, to discuss his work representing victims of crime and personal injury. Basil explains how attorneys help clients pursue justice, accountability, and restitution. Basil reflects on his legal career and how that shapes his work advocating for and protecting the rights of victims. Chatting about a number of nonprofits, we also discuss the value of supporting local communities through board involvement. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Goldberg, Goldberg & Maloney WebsiteLinkedInFacebookYouTubeBasil Joy on LinkedInBasil's commencement speech (2013) on YouTubeLocal Nonprofits Crime Victims’ Center of Chester CountyGateway HorseworksFox Chase FarmSafe Harbor of Chester CountyChester County Fund for Women and GirlsChester County Bar AssociationAdditional Links Pink | Marked FoundationUnite for HERFox RothschildUnruh Turner Burke & FreesSuitsupplyConcordville CleanersVillanova University Charles Widger School of LawRelated Episodes Advocating for Local Communities: Law and Volunteerism with Rob JeffersonSetting the Example and Leading from the Front with Greg NardiSupporting Victims of Sexual Violence and Other Crimes with Christine ZaccarelliTranscript The full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

With transportation touching nearly every aspect of daily life, advancing technology is rapidly changing how we get around our local region. We sit down with Derrick Herrmann, Chief of Transformational Technology at PennDOT, to explore how the agency is preparing for a future that includes AI-powered traffic systems, automated vehicles, EV charging infrastructure, drones, and advanced air mobility. Derrick walks us through PennDOT’s role in regulating emerging transportation technologies, supporting first responders, and using real-time data to improve roadway safety and reduce congestion – and so much more. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Website: pa.gov/agencies/penndotCareers with PennDOT: pa.gov/agencies/employment/penndotPennDOT’s upcoming ~$100million of EV charger funding: pa.gov/evcommunityOpen data platform: data-pennshare.opendata.arcgis.comGIS layers for PennDOT: gis.penndot.pa.gov/onemapPennStart: pennstart.orgAdditional Links AV RideBeta TechnologiesDrone 814GovernmentJobs.comPennsylvania SPCAState Employees Combined Appeal (SECA)Transportation Organizations AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials)ITS AmericaFederal Aviation Administration (FAA)NASEO (National Association of State Energy Officials)National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)PAVE (Partners for Automated Vehicle Education)Pennsylvania Turnpike CommissionRIDC of WestmorelandTransportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC)Pennsylvania Universities Bucknell UniversityCarnegie Mellon UniversitySafety21 at Carnegie Mellon UniversityLarson Transportation Institute at Penn StateHarrisburg UniversityLocal Bands and Artists The Menzingers – Tasker-Morris StationThe Wonder Years – A Raindance in TrafficThe Starting Line – IslandCarly CosgroveTigers JawBalance and ComposureTitle FightBike RoutesAugust Burns RedModern BaseballSweet PillmewithoutYouKid DynamiteGrayscaleValenciaMan OverboardHandgunsRelated Episodes Advocating for Sustainable Transportation with Tim PhelpsTranscript The full episode transcript will be posted here as soon as it is available.

Access to high-speed internet is pivotal to enabling local communities access to the value that the internet can provide in the digital age. We sit down with Caitlin Ganley, Senior Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Comcast, and Jennifer Bilotta, VP, Communications at Comcast, to explore how one of the region’s largest employers approaches connectivity, community partnerships, and customer experience across Chester County and beyond. Caitlin and Jenn walk us through the challenges of expanding broadband infrastructure into underserved areas, Comcast’s efforts to provide low-cost internet access to those in need, and the company’s role in supporting local nonprofits. We also discuss AI, innovation, and and some exciting offerings from Comcast. OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Comcast Website: xfinity.comXfinity Internet EssentialsProject UpJob opportunities with Comcast: jobs.comcast.comCaitlin Ganley and Jennifer Bilotta Caitlin Ganley on LinkedInJennifer Bilotta on LinkedInLocal Nonprofits LCH Health & Community ServicesWomen’s Resource Center (WCS)Chester County Food BankUnited Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New JerseyChester County Chamber of Business & IndustryCharles A. Melton Arts & Education CenterOscar Lasko YMCA and Childcare CenterAdditional Links Pennsylvania Broadband Development AuthorityDigital Alliance of Chester CountyOpa TavernaCarlino’sRelated Episodes Addressing Health Needs of Underserved Communities with Ronan GannonTranscript The full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

In classrooms across the country, students are learning to become the leaders of tomorrow. We chat with Stephanie Gambone, President and CEO, Junior Achievement of Southeastern Pennsylvania, to better understand how her organization supports local young people as they prepare to enter the workplace as adults. As JASEPA celebrates its 75th anniversary, we explore the programs the JASEPA delivers in Coatesville, Downingtown, and elsewhere across the Delaware Valley. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Junior Achievement of Southeastern Pennsylvania Website: southeasternpa.ja.orgCareers with JA SEPA: southeasternpa.ja.org/about/career-opportunitiesVolunteer: southeasternpa.ja.org/volunteerLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-southeastern-paFacebook: facebook.com/JASoutheasternPAInstagram: instagram.com/ja_phillyStephanie Gambone on LinkedInAdditional Links Forum of Executive WomenPhiladelphia 250The Fund for Women and Girls: Empowering Change in Chester CountyPodcasts Crime Junkie PodcastBooks Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They Are Too Much by Cynthia ErivoThe Next Level Nonprofit: Build a Dream Team + Increase Lasting Impact by Chris LambertRelated Episodes Spearheading Advocacy, Programs, and Grants for Women and Girls with Cheryl BrubakerTRANSCRIPT The full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

Music carries an intangible, immeasurable value – shaping how we connect, express ourselves, and experience the world around us. In this episode, we sit down with Dave Mattock, owner of Mattock School of Music and a working jazz pianist, to explore what it really means to build a life in music. Dave shares his journey from college professor to opening his own school of music, reflecting on the challenges he faced learning to run and grow a business. We talk about the many paths available to aspiring musicians, the importance of mentorship and community, and how a vibrant local arts scene strengthens the region for everyone. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKSDave Mattock Website: davemattock.com/musicYouTube: youtube.com/@davemattockjazzInstagram: instagram.com/davemattockmusic/Facebook: facebook.com/share/17j9Jhduwu/?mibextid=wwXIfrBandcamp: Music | Dave MattockKnucklebox on BandcampKnucklebox on SpotifyMattock School of Music Website: mattockschoolofmusic.comFacebook: facebook.com/MattockSchoolofMusicAdditional Links Kennett Jazz & Funk FestIf Not for MusicPhiladelphia Trusted AdvisorsCanine Partners for LifeLocal Music Venues Kennett FlashAndréa’s Jazz CaféSlow HandWill’s + Bill’s BreweryThe NomadSpence CaféThe Creamery of Kennett SquareKennett LibraryArtists to Explore Brad MehldauJason LindnerMike LeDonneJohn MedeskiLionel LouekeEsperanza SpauldingKokayiMiho HazamaHiatus KaiyoteAlarm Will SoundRelated Episodes Training Service and Companion Dogs with Kirstin DownieTRANSCRIPT The full episode transcript will be publish on our website as soon as it is available.

Business owners and leaders face many challenges, questions, and hurdles. Leaders at smaller businesses and organizations often address these issues alone. In this episode, we speak at length with Hendrik-Jan Francke, owner of Bright Orange Thread, to explore how peer groups can aid business owners and leaders to unlock both profit and joy in their work. Hendrik-Jan shares how these structured learning environments give leaders the space to step away from daily operations, think more strategically, and learn from the experience of others. We also discuss how the right group dynamic – shaped by thoughtful facilitation, diverse perspectives, and mutual trust – can lead to better decision-making, stronger leadership, and more fulfilling growth for both the leader and the business. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKSBright Orange Thread Website: brightorangethread.comCareers: brightorangethread.com/careersRemote job shadow: brightorangethread.com/remote-job-shadow-programLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/bright-orange-threadFacebook: facebook.com/brightorangethreadPeer Groups ASCENDSCCCC RoundtableAdditional Links Taste Local EatsNew London Counseling CenterRelated Episodes Empowering High Performing People and Teams with Bob CoxChanging Careers and Building a Local Business with Jason FellerTRANSCRIPT The full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.