Shenandoah Valley Life

In this episode, we talk with Richard Turk, an Aviation Mechanic with United Airlines at Dulles Airport and an adjunct instructor for Blue Ridge Community College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program. After 30 years living and working in San Francisco, Richard and his wife made the move to the Shenandoah Valley. He shares what brought them here and why the Valley became the place they wanted to call home. Richard also gives us a look at the many career paths available in aviation today and the opportunities for the next generation of aviation professionals -- right here in the region and beyond.

In this episode, we chat with CPA and entrepreneur Lydia Heatwole, owner of Amplified Financial Solutions. Lydia takes us behind the scenes of building a business in the Shenandoah Valley and shares how the relationships, connections and sense of community she’s found here have helped her business grow. Originally from neighboring West Virginia, Lydia also talks about what brought her to the Valley and why she and her husband are raising their family here.

In this episode, we talk with Nathan Garrison, Town Manager for the Town of New Market and former SVP Business Development Manager. A native of Rockingham County, Nathan shares how the Valley has shaped him not just personally, but in his career path as well.

In this episode, we talk with Valley native and commercial realtor Chad Dunham. As a longtime business owner with experience in both commercial and residential real estate, Chad brings a unique business perspective and deep understanding of the Valley to his work at Cottonwood Commercial. Listen in as Chad shares the connections and experiences that shaped his career, his transition into commercial real estate, and why he continues to call our Virginia Valley home.

In this episode, we sit down with Shenandoah Valley native Matt Blauch, president of Blauch Brothers. After growing up in the family business, Matt now leads the company alongside his brother as the third generation of family ownership. He reflects on his decision to carry on the legacy, how the business has evolved since its founding in 1954 and the values that have remained constant through the decades. Matt also shares what makes doing business in the Shenandoah Valley so unique and why he's proud to continue living and working in the place he's always called home.

In this episode, we talk with Kyle Lawrence, director of the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition and an avid cyclist, about the journey that brought him to the Shenandoah Valley. Kyle shares how he became part of the region's biking community, the exciting work underway to expand trails and improve accessibility and why he and his family continue to call the Valley home. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or simply curious about the people shaping our region, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what makes the Shenandoah Valley such a special place to live.

Amanda Kellogg, director of Professional Development with JMU's School of Professional and Continuing Education joins this episode of SV Life. With a background in education, Amanda taught at Radford University for 8 years before transitioning into administration and eventually making the move to Harrisonburg and JMU. Listen in as she shares her story and why she and her family choose to make the Shenandoah Valley home.

In this episode of SV Life, we talk with Rockingham County native and commercial realtor Mike Martin. Mike shares the story of his professional journey -- from teaching, coaching and training local students to helping businesses and investors navigate commercial real estate through Cottonwood Commercial. Mike shares insights into the Shenandoah Valley's growth, the importance of building relationships and the qualities that make this region such a special place to live and work.

In this episode we talk with Garth Knight -- a South Carolina native who has called the Valley home for more than five years. Now the VP of sales with LD&B Insurance, Garth shares his professional journey and the connections he's made in the community.

From a student at JMU to a years long career with Appeal Production to a successful launch as an entrepreneur, Bryn McIntyre Rankin has been building a career, and a life, in the Shenandoah Valley since she arrived here a decade ago. Listen in as Bryn shares her story, including what makes raising a family here so special.