Start Local

Liam Dempsey, Erik Gudmundson, and Joe Casabona
  • 5.0 (4)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

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 wonderful community in greater Philadelphia to share and learn from each other.

  1. APR 3

    Playing, 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 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.

    48 min

  2. MAR 20

    Unlocking 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 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.

    42 min

  3. MAR 6

    Growing 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.comFacebook: facebook.com/pickeringvalleyfeedInstagram: instagram.com/pickeringvalleyfeedAdditional Links All 4 Paws RescueAngel’s RetreatMain Line Animal RescueBrandywine Valley SPCATranscript The full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

    53 min

  4. FEB 20

    Baking for Growth with Sarah Holland

    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 PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Good Girls Bakery Website: goodgirlsbakery.comInstagram: instagram.com/goodgirlsbakeryy/Facebook: facebook.com/goodgirlsbakeryyAdditional Links Growing Roots Farmers MarketsMalvern Farmers MarketDowningtown Farmers MarketStove & CoChester County Food BankLindenhof FarmThe Artisan ExchangeIrieVedaThe Restaurant School at Walnut CollegeHangry Bear CreameryRelated Episode Fighting Food Insecurity Locally with Andrea YoundtCrafting Ice Cream, Culinary Creations, and Community with Melinda ShawTRANSCRIPTThe full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

    48 min

  5. FEB 6

    Setting the Example and Leading from the Front with Greg Nardi

    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 PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Chester County Bar Association Website: chescobar.orgFacebook: facebook.com/chestercountybarassociationLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/chester-county-bar-associationInstagram: instagram.com/chestercountybarAdditional Links Pennsylvania Bar AssociationLegal Aid of Southeastern PennsylvaniaSenior Law CenterCrime Victims’ Center of Chester CountyDomestic Violence Center of Chester CountyFriends Association for Care and Protection of ChildrenWestside Community CenterGateway HorseWorksHome of the SparrowHousing Partnership of Chester CountyWills for HeroesChester County History CenterFounding ForwardFourBlockRelated Episodes Recording and Teaching Local, National, and Global History with Conor HeppConnecting People that Can Help with People that Need Help with Chris SaelloTRANSCRIPT The full transcript for this episode will be posted to our website as soon as it is available.

    44 min

  6. JAN 23

    Organizing Volunteers to Make a Difference in the Community with Michele Moll

    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 LINKSRSVP Volunteers Website: rsvpmc.orgVolunteer Enrollment Form: rsvpmc.org/volunteer-enrollment-formDonation: rsvpmc.org/donateUpcoming golf classic: rsvpmc.org/golf-classicFacebook: facebook.com/RSVPvolunteerTwitter: x.com/RSVPVolunteersInstagram: instagram.com/rsvpvolunteerLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rsvp-volunteerAdditional Links Michele's story at the West Chester Story SlamEdge of CinemaShoplandia by Jim BreslinLongwood GardensTranscript The full transcript will be posted as soon as it is available.

    44 min

  7. JAN 9

    Spearheading Advocacy, Programs, and Grants for Women and Girls with Cheryl Brubaker

    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.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-fund-for-women-and-girlsFacebook: facebook.com/thefundchescoInstagram: instagram.com/thefundchescoYouTube: youtube.com/@ChescoFundThe Blueprint Report (4th edition)Impact Report (2023/2024)Additional Links Kaly – clothing, gifts, and accessoriesCommittee of SeventyWomen Against AbuseTRANSCRIPT The full transcript will be posted as soon as it is available.

    43 min

  8. 12/12/2025

    Owning and Running a Gift Boutique in the Rush of the Holiday Season with Kari Matthews

    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.comInstagram: instagram.com/cleanslategoodsFacebook: facebook.com/cleanslategoodsLocal Nonprofits Kennett Area Community ServicesYoung MomsThe WardrobeFamily Promise of Southern Chester CountyKennett CollaborativeAdditional Links Boutique HubWhizBang Retail TrainingRelated Episodes Keeping Kennett Square Welcoming and Beautiful with Daniel EmbreeTRANSCRIPT The full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

    42 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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 wonderful community in greater Philadelphia to share and learn from each other.

Information

  • Creator
    Liam Dempsey, Erik Gudmundson, and Joe Casabona
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    94
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Start Local
  • Show Website
    Start Local