Start Local

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

  1. 4D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 11/28/2025

    Buying, Renovating, and Renting Properties with Geoff Bosley

    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 PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS LGB Properties lgbproperties.comGeoff Bosley on LinkedInProperty listings: lgbproperties.com/property-listingsLocal Restaurants The Market at Liberty Place (An LGB Properties venue)Mary Pat’s Provisions State Street Pizza & GrillKaboburritosLa VeronaThe Naked Olive Lily Sushi & Grill  Hangry BearBraeloch BrewingPortabellos of Kennett SquareFlowers CafeLocal Nonprofits Kennett Collaborative The Mushroom FestivalMushroom Cap Half MarathonCamp Dreamcatcher  The Garage Community and Youth CenterRelated Episodes Nurturing Belonging and Celebrating Community with Children Impacted by HIV/AIDS with Patty HillkirkKeeping Kennett Square Welcoming and Beautiful with Daniel EmbreeTranscript The full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

    54 min

  6. 11/14/2025

    Sheltering Our Homeless Neighbors and Caring for Their Needs with Jessica Chappell

    Despite the great wealth in Chester County, homelessness is a significant and persistent local issue. We sit down with Jessica Chappell, Executive Director of Safe Harbor of Chester County, to explore how her team provides shelter, meals, and compassionate support to adults experiencing homelessness. Jessica walks us through the realities facing the financially at risk population, the growing challenges around attainable housing, and the trauma-informed approach that guides the organization’s work. We discuss Safe Harbor’s partnerships, volunteer network, and the systemic pressures shaping homelessness in our county. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Safe Harbor of Chester County Website: safeharborofcc.orgInstagram: instagram.com/safeharbor_ofchestercountyFacebook: facebook.com/safeharborofchestercountyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/safe-harbor-of-chester-county-inc/Givebutter (Donations/Events): givebutter.com/safe-harbor-of-chester-county-incLocal Nonprofits Chester County Food BankWest Chester Food CupboardThe Melton Center – PA 211Act NowCamp DreamcatcherCrime Victims’ Center of Chester CountyAdditional Links Better Than Bacon ImprovUptown! Knauer Performing Arts CenterRelated Episodes Nurturing Belonging and Celebrating Community with Children Impacted by HIV/AIDS with Patty HillkirkSupporting Victims of Sexual Violence and Other Crimes with Christine ZaccarelliTranscript The full transcript will be posted on our site as soon as it is available.

    58 min

  7. 10/31/2025

    Supporting the Unhoused from Crisis to Stability with Kelly Faust

    Homelessness and housing insecurity affect people in every community – including here in Chester County. We sit down with Kelly Faust, Community Engagement Coordinator at Good Samaritan Services, to learn how the organization supports individuals and families on their journey from crisis to stability. Kelly explains Good Sam’s personalized, relationship-based approach, its housing programs, and the wraparound services that include mentorship, counseling, and microloans. We also talk about the community partnerships that make their work possible – and the local events and fundraisers that make their work possible. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Good Samaritan Services – Good Sam Website: goodsamservices.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/good-samaritan-servicesInstagram: instagram.com/goodsamservFacebook: facebook.com/GoodSamServKelly Faust on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kelly-faust-477b9a2b3Additional Organizations Anne’s HeartPhoenixville Women’s OutreachPhoenixville Free ClinicUnion Community CarePA CareerLinkOrion CommunitiesOpen Hearth, Inc.Citizen Advocacy of Chester CountyUnited Way of Chester CountyNew Story ChurchHopewell United Methodist ChurchTranscript The full transcript will be posted as soon as it is available.

    52 min

  8. 10/17/2025

    Growing the High Voltage Division at an Employee-Owned Business with Jim O’Farrell

    Electricity powers nearly every part of our lives – and the infrastructure behind it keeps our communities running. In this episode, we talk with Jim O’Farrell, Director of High Voltage Operations at the Tri-M Group, based in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Jim walks us through how Tri-M delivers electrical construction, high-voltage services, building automation, and energy analytics across the region – and beyond. We also discuss Tri-M’s employee-ownership model, its accredited apprenticeship program, and the company’s commitment to workforce development and focus on supporting the local community. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Tri-M Group Website: tri-mgroup.comCareers: tri-mgroup.com/careersTri-M Group’s Apprenticeship ProgramInstagram: instagram.com/tri_mgroupFacebook: facebook.com/TheTriMGroupLLCJim O'Farrell on LinkedInAdditional Links Penn Medicine Kennett Library YMCA of Greater Brandywine KACS (Kennett Area Community Service) Camp Dreamcatcher Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) KAU Little League (Kennett-Unionville) Related Episodes Nurturing Belonging and Celebrating Community with Children Impacted by HIV/AIDS with Patty HillkirkTranscript The full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

    34 min
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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
    90
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Start Local
  • Show Website
    Start Local