Start Local

By Liam Dempsey, Erik Gudmundson, and Joe Casabona

Start Local is focused on helping businesses and non-profits in and around Chester County, Pennsylvania, connect and grow together. Our aim is to bring together the many folks that make up our wonderf... more

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FAQs about Start Local:

How many episodes does Start Local have?

The podcast currently has 103 episodes available.

Start Local episodes:

April 17, 2026Preparing Young People to Flourish in the Workplace with Stephanie Gambone
Start Local Podcast Spring Networking Event
We'll be gathering as a community in Coatesville, Pa on Wednesday, May 6th from 5 to 7 PM. This opportunity to meet and mingle with business and nonprofit leaders from in and around Chester County is free to attend, but registration is required.

Come on out for an evening of great people, meaningful conversations, and delicious local food and drink.

Learn more and register over on our website at startlocal.co.

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.org
Careers with JA SEPA: southeasternpa.ja.org/about/career-opportunities
Volunteer: southeasternpa.ja.org/volunteer
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-southeastern-pa
Facebook: facebook.com/JASoutheasternPA
Instagram: instagram.com/ja_philly
Stephanie Gambone on LinkedIn
Additional Links
Forum of Executive Women
Philadelphia 250
The Fund for Women and Girls: Empowering Change in Chester County
Podcasts
Crime Junkie Podcast
Books
Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They Are Too Much by Cynthia Erivo
The Next Level Nonprofit: Build a Dream Team + Increase Lasting Impact by Chris Lambert
Related Episodes
Spearheading Advocacy, Programs, and Grants for Women and Girls with Cheryl Brubaker
TRANSCRIPT
The full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.
...more
40min
April 03, 2026Playing, Teaching, and Building a Career in Music with Dave Mattock
Start Local Podcast Spring Networking Event
We'll be gathering as a community in Coatesville, Pa on Wednesday, May 6th from 5 to 7 PM. This opportunity to meet and mingle with business and nonprofit leaders from in and around Chester County is free to attend, but registration is required.

Come on out for an evening of great people, meaningful conversations, and delicious local food and drink.

Learn more and register over on our website at startlocal.co.

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
LINKS

Dave Mattock
Website: davemattock.com/music
YouTube: youtube.com/@davemattockjazz
Instagram: instagram.com/davemattockmusic/
Facebook: facebook.com/share/17j9Jhduwu/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Bandcamp: Music | Dave Mattock
Knucklebox on Bandcamp
Knucklebox on Spotify
Mattock School of Music
Website: mattockschoolofmusic.com
Facebook: facebook.com/MattockSchoolofMusic
Additional Links
Kennett Jazz & Funk Fest
If Not for Music
Philadelphia Trusted Advisors
Canine Partners for Life
Local Music Venues
Kennett Flash
Andréa’s Jazz Café
Slow Hand
Will’s + Bill’s Brewery
The Nomad
Spence Café
The Creamery of Kennett Square
Kennett Library
Artists to Explore
Brad Mehldau
Jason Lindner
Mike LeDonne
John Medeski
Lionel Loueke
Esperanza Spaulding
Kokayi
Miho Hazama
Hiatus Kaiyote
Alarm Will Sound
Related Episodes
Training Service and Companion Dogs with Kirstin Downie
TRANSCRIPT

The full episode transcript will be publish on our website as soon as it is available.
...more
49min
March 20, 2026Unlocking Profit and Joy Through Peer Groups with Hendrik-Jan Francke
Start Local Podcast Spring Networking Event
We'll be gathering as a community in Coatesville, Pa on Wednesday, May 6th from 5 to 7 PM. This opportunity to meet and mingle with business and nonprofit leaders from in and around Chester County is free to attend, but registration is required.

Come on out for an evening of great people, meaningful conversations, and delicious local food and drink.

Learn more and register over on our website at startlocal.co.

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
LINKS

Bright Orange Thread
Website: brightorangethread.com
Careers: brightorangethread.com/careers
Remote job shadow: brightorangethread.com/remote-job-shadow-program
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/bright-orange-thread
Facebook: facebook.com/brightorangethread
Peer Groups
ASCEND
SCCCC Roundtable
Additional Links
Taste Local Eats
New London Counseling Center
Related Episodes
Empowering High Performing People and Teams with Bob Cox
Changing Careers and Building a Local Business with Jason Feller
TRANSCRIPT

The full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.
...more
43min
March 06, 2026Growing and Evolving a 50-Year Family Feed and Farm Store with Jim Cracas
Start Local Podcast Spring Networking Event
We'll be gathering as a community in Coatesville, Pa on Wednesday, May 6th from 5 to 7 PM. This opportunity to meet and mingle with business and nonprofit leaders from in and around Chester County is free to attend, but registration is required.

Come on out for an evening of great people, meaningful conversations, and delicious local food and drink.

Learn more and register over on our website at startlocal.co.

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 things that matter at home – and on the farm. We sit down with Jim Cracas, owner of Pickering Valley Feed and Farm Store in Exton, Pennsylvania, to talk about running a family business that has served Chester County for over 50 years. Jim shares how the store has grown from its roots serving local farmers to helping today’s pet owners, gardeners, and farmer owners. We also discuss the role his store plays in the community, from hosting pet adoption events to building long-standing relationships with customers and employees. Jim’s story offers a glimpse into what it takes to keep a local business strong over time.
OUR PARTNER
Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce
LINKS
Pickering Valley Feed & Farm Store
Website: pickeringvalleyfeed.com
Facebook: facebook.com/pickeringvalleyfeed
Instagram: instagram.com/pickeringvalleyfeed
Additional Links
All 4 Paws Rescue
Angel’s Retreat
Main Line Animal Rescue
Brandywine Valley SPCA
Transcript

The full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.
...more
54min
February 20, 2026Baking for Growth with Sarah Holland
Start Local Podcast Spring Networking Event
We'll be gathering as a community in Coatesville, Pa on Wednesday, May 6th from 5 to 7 PM. This opportunity to meet and mingle with business and nonprofit leaders from in and around Chester County is free to attend, but registration is required.

Come on out for an evening of great people, meaningful conversations, and delicious local food and drink.

Learn more and register over on our website at startlocal.co.

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 of Good Girls Bakery. Sarah dives deep into how she experimented with sourdough as the launchpad for her own bakery. She walks us through starting her own business and how she has expanded her products and grown her business. She talks about crafting a welcoming environment for customers and an equitable workplace for her employees. From her bakery in Eagleview Town Center in Exton, Pennsylvania, Sarah offer insights into her focus on business opportunities and growth.
OUR PARTNER

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce
LINKS
Good Girls Bakery
Website: goodgirlsbakery.com
Instagram: instagram.com/goodgirlsbakeryy/
Facebook: facebook.com/goodgirlsbakeryy
Additional Links
Growing Roots Farmers Markets
Malvern Farmers Market
Downingtown Farmers Market
Stove & Co
Chester County Food Bank
Lindenhof Farm
The Artisan Exchange
IrieVeda
The Restaurant School at Walnut College
Hangry Bear Creamery
Related Episode
Fighting Food Insecurity Locally with Andrea Youndt
Crafting Ice Cream, Culinary Creations, and Community with Melinda Shaw
TRANSCRIPT

The full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.
...more
49min
February 06, 2026Setting the Example and Leading from the Front with Greg Nardi
Start Local Podcast Spring Networking Event
We'll be gathering as a community in Coatesville, Pa on Wednesday, May 6th from 5 to 7 PM. This opportunity to meet and mingle with business and nonprofit leaders from in and around Chester County is free to attend, but registration is required.

Come on out for an evening of great people, meaningful conversations, and delicious local food and drink.

Learn more and register over on our website at startlocal.co.

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. In this episode, we sit down with Greg Nardi, Executive Director of the Chester County Bar Association, to explore how the organization serves both its attorney members and the wider public. Greg walks us through the Bar Association’s dual role as a professional membership organization and a community resource, including pro bono legal services, civics education, and grant-making through the Chester County Bar Foundation. We discuss how fostering connection among attorneys leads to a more effective and humane legal system, how legal education supports access and equity, and why long-standing institutions like the Bar Association continue to matter in Chester County today.
OUR PARTNER

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce
LINKS

Chester County Bar Association
Website: chescobar.org
Facebook: facebook.com/chestercountybarassociation
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/chester-county-bar-association
Instagram: instagram.com/chestercountybar
Additional Links
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Senior Law Center
Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County
Domestic Violence Center of Chester County
Friends Association for Care and Protection of Children
Westside Community Center
Gateway HorseWorks
Home of the Sparrow
Housing Partnership of Chester County
Wills for Heroes
Chester County History Center
Founding Forward
FourBlock
Related Episodes
Recording and Teaching Local, National, and Global History with Conor Hepp
Connecting People that Can Help with People that Need Help with Chris Saello
TRANSCRIPT
The full transcript for this episode will be posted to our website as soon as it is available.
...more
45min
January 23, 2026Organizing Volunteers to Make a Difference in the Community with Michele Moll
Start Local Podcast Spring Networking Event
We'll be gathering as a community in Coatesville, Pa on Wednesday, May 6th from 5 to 7 PM. This opportunity to meet and mingle with business and nonprofit leaders from in and around Chester County is free to attend, but registration is required.

Come on out for an evening of great people, meaningful conversations, and delicious local food and drink.

Learn more and register over on our website at startlocal.co.

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
LINKS

RSVP Volunteers
Website: rsvpmc.org
Volunteer Enrollment Form: rsvpmc.org/volunteer-enrollment-form
Donation: rsvpmc.org/donate
Upcoming golf classic: rsvpmc.org/golf-classic
Facebook: facebook.com/RSVPvolunteer
Twitter: x.com/RSVPVolunteers
Instagram: instagram.com/rsvpvolunteer
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rsvp-volunteer
Additional Links
Michele's story at the West Chester Story Slam
Edge of Cinema
Shoplandia by Jim Breslin
Longwood Gardens
Transcript

The full transcript will be posted as soon as it is available.
...more
46min
January 09, 2026Spearheading Advocacy, Programs, and Grants for Women and Girls with Cheryl Brubaker
Start Local Podcast Spring Networking Event
We'll be gathering as a community in Coatesville, Pa on Wednesday, May 6th from 5 to 7 PM. This opportunity to meet and mingle with business and nonprofit leaders from in and around Chester County is free to attend, but registration is required.

Come on out for an evening of great people, meaningful conversations, and delicious local food and drink.

Learn more and register over on our website at startlocal.co.

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.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-fund-for-women-and-girls
Facebook: facebook.com/thefundchesco
Instagram: instagram.com/thefundchesco
YouTube: youtube.com/@ChescoFund
The Blueprint Report (4th edition)
Impact Report (2023/2024)
Additional Links
Kaly – clothing, gifts, and accessories
Committee of Seventy
Women Against Abuse
TRANSCRIPT
The full transcript will be posted as soon as it is available.
...more
45min
December 12, 2025Owning and Running a Gift Boutique in the Rush of the Holiday Season with Kari Matthews
Start Local Podcast Spring Networking Event
We'll be gathering as a community in Coatesville, Pa on Wednesday, May 6th from 5 to 7 PM. This opportunity to meet and mingle with business and nonprofit leaders from in and around Chester County is free to attend, but registration is required.

Come on out for an evening of great people, meaningful conversations, and delicious local food and drink.

Learn more and register over on our website at startlocal.co.

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.com
Instagram: instagram.com/cleanslategoods
Facebook: facebook.com/cleanslategoods
Local Nonprofits
Kennett Area Community Services
Young Moms
The Wardrobe
Family Promise of Southern Chester County
Kennett Collaborative
Additional Links
Boutique Hub
WhizBang Retail Training
Related Episodes
Keeping Kennett Square Welcoming and Beautiful with Daniel Embree
TRANSCRIPT
The full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.
...more
43min
November 28, 2025Buying, Renovating, and Renting Properties with Geoff Bosley
Start Local Podcast Spring Networking Event
We'll be gathering as a community in Coatesville, Pa on Wednesday, May 6th from 5 to 7 PM. This opportunity to meet and mingle with business and nonprofit leaders from in and around Chester County is free to attend, but registration is required.

Come on out for an evening of great people, meaningful conversations, and delicious local food and drink.

Learn more and register over on our website at startlocal.co.

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 PARTNER

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce
LINKS
LGB Properties
lgbproperties.com
Geoff Bosley on LinkedIn
Property listings: lgbproperties.com/property-listings
Local Restaurants
The Market at Liberty Place (An LGB Properties venue)
Mary Pat’s Provisions
State Street Pizza & Grill
Kaboburritos
La Verona
The Naked Olive
Lily Sushi & Grill
Hangry Bear
Braeloch Brewing
Portabellos of Kennett Square
Flowers Cafe
Local Nonprofits
Kennett Collaborative
The Mushroom Festival
Mushroom Cap Half Marathon
Camp Dreamcatcher
The Garage Community and Youth Center
Related Episodes
Nurturing Belonging and Celebrating Community with Children Impacted by HIV/AIDS with Patty Hillkirk
Keeping Kennett Square Welcoming and Beautiful with Daniel Embree
Transcript
The full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.
...more
55min

FAQs about Start Local:

How many episodes does Start Local have?

The podcast currently has 103 episodes available.

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