Area Code: Batavia

When Austin Dempsey had the opportunity to step into a long-term leadership role in the family business, he took it. But in the face of a global pandemic, he recognized how investing in Batavia's community would pay off for everyone in the long run.

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the CEO of BEI Commercial Real Estate about the significance of spaces to foster community, Batavia's culture of collaboration, and how Batavia's rich history results in a culture of mutual support.

This season of Area Code: Batavia is presented by BEI Real Estate. Visit their website for available spaces at www.beicre.com or reach out directly: 630-879-3680.

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.

Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Every year, an entirely new group of entrepreneurs set up shop on the corner of Wilson and River street, with their hearts set of finding a home and community in Batavia.

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, we talk to all the boardwalk shop owners about their hopes for their time in Batavia, what led them here, and what it means to be part of the boardwalk shops community.

The Boardwalk Shops featured in this episode are:

• Scout and Gem
• Big Bear Glasses
• Jodi Mac Sweets and Treats
• Neighbors Grid Shop
• Since Seventy Five
• Home and Garden Provisions
• Bewitching Brews
• Home Run Hot Dogs and Lemonade
• Morbid Momentos
• Seapeak Style

This season of Area Code: Batavia is presented by BEI Real Estate. Visit their website for available spaces at www.beicre.com or reach out directly: 630-879-3680.

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.

Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Craig Foltos grew up in Batavia, cleaning his Dad's barber shop. He has almost never ventured outside of the town where he was raised (once he stayed overnight in Warrenville).

But when his dad died, Craig had to come to terms with his fate, as a barber, as a Batavian, and as a consistent presence in a constantly changing town.

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the owner of Foltos Tonsorial Parlor about inheriting his dad's barber shop, what it was like living in Batavia his entire life, and how he spearheaded the Batavia "Peace Bridge".

This season of Area Code: Batavia is presented by BEI Real Estate. Visit their website for available spaces at www.beicre.com or reach out directly: 630-879-3680.

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.

Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

A "blind date" between two beer aficionados. A day spent praying and fasting. A wedding invitation with a familiar passage. A pre-designed logo featuring a familiar building. These are just some of the serendipitous moments that lead to Sturdy Shelter Brewing, and that made the founding of the brewery in Batavia, IL seem almost fated.

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, recorded live in front of an audience, a conversation with Frank, Diane, and Oliver about the hopes, dreams, prayers, and fasting that led them to launch a brewery with a specific, unique focus on the "spirituality of hospitality."

This season of Area Code: Batavia is presented by BEI Real Estate. Visit their website for available spaces at www.beicre.com or reach out directly: 630-879-3680.

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.

Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

When Juliana Cancelo's mom, Sylvia Sanchez had a dream of Batavians craving empanadas, Juliana was skeptical. But it took a change of perspective to realize that her mom's dream could also be an act of empathy and resistance.

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation Juliana Cancelo, one-half of the Bocaditos founding duo, about the counter-cultural vision behind their Argentian cafe, her unique vision of home, and how she deals with grumpy patrons.

This season of Area Code: Batavia is presented by BEI Real Estate. Visit their website for available spaces at www.beicre.com or reach out directly: 630-879-3680.

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.

Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

When Tyler and Natalie Anderson set out to start their own barbershop in Batavia, they knew they wanted to make it their own.

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the co-owners of Beardsgaard Barbers about why they chose Batavia to host their vision, and why they're so passionate about creating a barbershop as a place to belong.

Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Building on a successful candle-business, Ariane Scholl wanted to create a space that was welcoming, people-oriented, and comfortable. And with her new location, she found a place perfectly situated to accomodate anyone.

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, I talked to Ariane (who also goes by Annie) about the tensions between creating a space that feels like home and a space that challenges us to strive for something more, even in the midst of coziness.

Special thanks to our sponsor: The Batavia Chamber of Commerce.

Area Code: Batavia is looking for sponsors who are interested in supporting our vision of creating a deeper sense of belonging and investment in the community. If you’d like to discuss how you can get your message in front of Batavia’s most engaged consumers, reach out for more info: [email protected].

Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Fernando Martinez is everywhere. He spends most of his time running his business all over town. But how does one feel a sense of belonging when they're always moving from place to place?

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, I talk to Fernando Martinez about the tension between tradition and progress, and how that tension applies to Mexican food, business ownership, and Batavia itself.

Special thanks to our sponsor: The Batavia Chamber of Commerce.

Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Mentioned in this episode:

Chamber Midroll

Joy and Leah had a dream of running a thriving community space. When the chance to turn their aspirations into reality presented itself, Leah and Joy jumped at the opportunity.

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the co-owners of Limestone Coffee and Tea about how their friendship began, their experience in Batavia, and the road that led to Limestone.

Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Coming this February, a podcast about what it means to belong in Batavia, IL.