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 109 episodes available.

Start Local episodes:

July 24, 2026Supporting and Serving Children in Under Resourced Communities with Jan Michener
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.org
Instagram: instagram.com/artsholdinghandsandhearts
Facebook: facebook.com/ArtsHoldingHandsAndHeartsInc
Jan Michener on LinkedIn
Additional Links
Chester County Futures
Kennett Ability Network (KAN)
Good Works
Camp Dreamcatcher
Kennett Library
Justamere Foundation
Chester County Intermediate Unit
Chester County Youth Center
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
The Alliance for Health Equity
Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (CCOIC)
Other Interviews with Jan Michener
Jan Michener on Great Dames
Jan Michener on The Art of Volunteering Podcast
Related Episodes
Repairing Homes and Building Relationships with Bob Beggs
Nurturing Belonging and Celebrating Community with Children Impacted by HIV/AIDS with Patty Hillkirk
Building Community and Capacity with Chris Manna
TRANSCRIPT
The full transcript for this episode will be published on our website as soon as it is available.
...more
59min
July 10, 2026Designing, Fabricating, and Servicing Industrial Construction with Scott Dolor
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.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/m-davis-&-sons
Facebook: facebook.com/MDavisSonsInc
Scott Dolor on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-dolor-mba-62134a13
Additional Links
The Garage Community & Youth Center
SILO
Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU)
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
...more
50min
June 19, 2026Championing Live Music and Local Arts with Michael Hahn
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.org
The Kennett Flash on Bandcamp: thekennettflash.bandcamp.com
Instagram: instagram.com/thekennettflash
Facebook: facebook.com/TheKennettFlash
Volunteer: kennettflash.org/volunteer
Michael Hahn’s YouTube channel
Additional Links
The Hub for Arts and Culture
KATS (Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society)
If Not For Music
Koh Show Live
Rainbow Records
Smalls Music Shop
Live Music Society
Kennett Restaurants and Businesses
La Verona
Lily Asian Cuisine
Michoacana Grill
The Mushroom Cap
Philter
KSQ Barber Lounge
Recommended Musical Artists
Strays and Misfits on Bandcamp
Buffalo Nichols
Related Episodes
Playing, Teaching, and Building a Career in Music with Dave Mattock
Focusing on Customers Relationships with Mark Avery
...more
1h 4min
June 05, 2026Protecting the Rights and Interests of Victims of Crime and Personal Injury with Basil Joy
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
Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube
Basil Joy on LinkedIn
Basil's commencement speech (2013) on YouTube
Local Nonprofits
Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County
Gateway Horseworks
Fox Chase Farm
Safe Harbor of Chester County
Chester County Fund for Women and Girls
Chester County Bar Association
Additional Links
Pink | Marked Foundation
Unite for HER
Fox Rothschild
Unruh Turner Burke & Frees
Suitsupply
Concordville Cleaners
Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
Related Episodes
Advocating for Local Communities: Law and Volunteerism with Rob Jefferson
Setting the Example and Leading from the Front with Greg Nardi
Supporting Victims of Sexual Violence and Other Crimes with Christine Zaccarelli
Transcript
The full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.
...more
1h 1min
May 22, 2026Championing and Fostering the Future of Transportation with Derrick Herrmann
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/penndot
Careers with PennDOT: pa.gov/agencies/employment/penndot
PennDOT’s upcoming ~$100million of EV charger funding: pa.gov/evcommunity
Open data platform: data-pennshare.opendata.arcgis.com
GIS layers for PennDOT: gis.penndot.pa.gov/onemap
PennStart: pennstart.org
Additional Links
AV Ride
Beta Technologies
Drone 814
GovernmentJobs.com
Pennsylvania SPCA
State Employees Combined Appeal (SECA)
Transportation Organizations
AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials)
ITS America
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
NASEO (National Association of State Energy Officials)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
PAVE (Partners for Automated Vehicle Education)
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
RIDC of Westmoreland
Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC)
Pennsylvania Universities
Bucknell University
Carnegie Mellon University
Safety21 at Carnegie Mellon University
Larson Transportation Institute at Penn State
Harrisburg University
Local Bands and Artists
The Menzingers – Tasker-Morris Station
The Wonder Years – A Raindance in Traffic
The Starting Line – Island
Carly Cosgrove
Tigers Jaw
Balance and Composure
Title Fight
Bike Routes
August Burns Red
Modern Baseball
Sweet Pill
mewithoutYou
Kid Dynamite
Grayscale
Valencia
Man Overboard
Handguns
Related Episodes
Advocating for Sustainable Transportation with Tim Phelps
Transcript
The full episode transcript will be posted here as soon as it is available.
...more
1h 1min
May 08, 2026Connecting Communities and Building Partnerships with Caitlin Ganley and Jennifer Bilotta
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 PARTNER

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce
LINKS

Comcast
Website: xfinity.com
Xfinity Internet Essentials
Project Up
Job opportunities with Comcast: jobs.comcast.com
Caitlin Ganley and Jennifer Bilotta
Caitlin Ganley on LinkedIn
Jennifer Bilotta on LinkedIn
Local Nonprofits
LCH Health & Community Services
Women’s Resource Center (WCS)
Chester County Food Bank
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry
Charles A. Melton Arts & Education Center
Oscar Lasko YMCA and Childcare Center
Additional Links
Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority
Digital Alliance of Chester County
Opa Taverna
Carlino’s
Related Episodes
Addressing Health Needs of Underserved Communities with Ronan Gannon
Transcript
The full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.
...more
47min
April 17, 2026Preparing Young People to Flourish in the Workplace with Stephanie Gambone
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
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
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
42min
March 06, 2026Growing and Evolving a 50-Year Family Feed and Farm Store with Jim Cracas
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
53min

FAQs about Start Local:

How many episodes does Start Local have?

The podcast currently has 109 episodes available.

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