Local Voices Bluffton

Hosted by Jim Enneking

Business Entrepreneurship

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Apr 2025

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About the show

Success Stories, Strategies, Local Insights and Entrepreneurial Endeavors in and around Bluffton, OH. This is a poscast by the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs.

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16 recent

April 29, 202522 min

S2.E5 - Farmers Market

History Of The Farmers Market In this episode of "Local Voices Bluffton," hosts Sam Springer and Jim Enneking interview Wendy Chappell, the manager of 10,000 Villages, about the Bluffton Farmers Market. Wendy shares the history of the market, which began in 2002 with the goal of supporting small businesses and local producers. Despite initial challenges, including gaining support from Citizens Bank and navigating health department regulations, the market eventually took off in 2003. The market has grown significantly, now featuring over 25 vendors weekly, with a focus on high-quality, locally produced goods. Wendy emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards and the market's role in fostering community connections. The episode highlights the market's evolution, the dedication of its vendors, and its impact on the local economy.

April 15, 2025Episode 422 min

S2.E4 - Eikenberry Landscaping

Eikenberry LandscapingIn this episode of Local Voices Bluffton, hosts Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking talk with Chase and Brett Eikenbary, the husband-and-wife team behind Eikenbary Landscaping. Brett, with a background in mowing and landscaping, saw an opportunity to start their own business during COVID. Chase, focused on business development, fully supported the leap, committing to building a company known for great service and communication.Now entering their fourth season, Eikenbary Landscaping has grown into a successful operation with a strong team. Brett leads field operations while Chase drives business strategy. They emphasize learning from industry peers, evolving their services, and creating a positive work environment.The couple discusses overcoming challenges, including impostor syndrome, and shares how they test and refine new services, like their recent expansion into holiday lighting. Their approach—staying adaptable, focusing on customer service, and playing to their team’s strengths—has positioned them for continued growth.

March 31, 2025Episode 331 min

S2.E3 - The Food Store & Greenhorn

The Food Store & GreenhornIn this episode of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs podcast, hosts Sam Springer and Jim Enneking interview Jonah Agner and Nancy Coral, owners of The Food Store and Greenhorn in Bluffton, Ohio. The discussion begins with the history of The Food Store, which started as a food co-op in the home of John and Sally Weaver before moving to its current downtown location. Jonah and Nancy took over the store in 2016 and have since expanded its offerings to include a wide array of specialty foods, bulk items, and locally sourced products.The conversation then shifts to Greenhorn, a plant-based restaurant that Jonah and Nancy opened in 2019. They discuss the challenges and successes of running a vegan restaurant in a small community, emphasizing the importance of local support and the university's role in bringing diversity to Bluffton. Greenhorn offers a variety of organic, locally sourced dishes and has become a community space for events and gatherings.The podcast also highlights the unique aspects of Greenhorn, such as its whimsical dioramas and the Wednesday night chef's tasting events. Jonah and Nancy share their future plans for both businesses, including expanding their grab-and-go offerings and continuing to engage with the local community through various events and collaborations.

March 18, 2025Episode 233 min

S2.E2 - Jazzercise

Jazzercise of BlufftonIn this episode of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs podcast, hosts Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking interview Chase and Brett Eikenbary, owners of Eikenbary Landscaping and Jazzercise in Bluffton. The conversation delves into the couple's journey in starting and managing their businesses. Chase shares her initial skepticism about Jazzercise, which she overcame after attending a class and becoming hooked. She eventually took over a local Jazzercise franchise, leading it through various challenges, including the pandemic, and celebrating its 10-year anniversary.The discussion highlights the supportive community built around Jazzercise, where participants form meaningful relationships and find stress relief through exercise. Chase and Brett also talk about the importance of communication and teamwork in balancing their multiple responsibilities, including Chase's role with the Regional Growth Partnership and Jobs Ohio network. They emphasize the value of learning from mistakes and maintaining a routine to manage their busy lives. The episode concludes with reflections on the lessons learned from their entrepreneurial journey and the importance of giving each other grace.

February 4, 2025Episode 128 min

S2.E1 Success Stories and Strategies with Southgate Lanes

Success Stories and Strategies with Southgate LanesIn this episode of Local Voices, Bluffton, hosts Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking sit down with Derek Dukes and Brandon Falk, the owners of Southgate Lanes. They discuss the journey of owning and operating a bowling alley, the challenges they faced, and the innovative strategies they employed to keep the business thriving. The conversation covers the importance of community involvement, the evolution of their business model, and the unique approach they took to social media and marketing. Derek and Brandon share their experiences of running the bowling alley, the impact of their community fundraisers, and their vision for the future of Southgate Lanes.

July 24, 202424 min

S1.E9 - Bluffton Beyond Tomorrow

Bluffton Beyond TomorrowIn this episode of "Local Voices Bluffton," hosts Sam Springer and Jim Enneking welcome Liz Gordon Hancock and Paula Scott to discuss "Bluffton Beyond Tomorrow," the village’s comprehensive plan envisioning Bluffton’s future over the next 20 years. The conversation delves into the plan's inception, which began in 2022 with the Lima Allen County Regional Planning Office and included significant public engagement. Liz and Paula emphasize the importance of planning for Bluffton's growth and maintaining its unique community spirit. They highlight the diverse committee of ten residents, each bringing different expertise, and the extensive public input, including surveys and in-person events. The discussion also touches on the challenges and successes of creating a plan that reflects the community’s desires and future needs. Key developments like the potential for a full-time EMS staff and the creation of a downtown event space on Vine Street are mentioned as immediate outcomes of the plan. The episode underscores the plan's role as a living document meant to guide Bluffton’s growth while preserving its character, ensuring it remains a vibrant and engaged community.

June 26, 2024Episode 818 min

S1.E8 - Ten Thousand Villages

Ten Thousand Villages In this episode of Local Voices Bluffton, hosts Sam Springer and Jim Enneking interview Wendy Chappell-Dick, manager of Ten Thousand Villages in Bluffton, Ohio. Wendy shares the history of the Christmas in July sale and the store itself, tracing back to Edna Ruth Byler, who started a fair-trade movement 75 years ago by selling needlework made by women in Puerto Rico. Wendy explains how the movement grew, leading to the establishment of the first storefront in Bluffton in 1974, originally called Self Help Crafts. She highlights the store's impact on artisans worldwide and its ongoing mission to provide a stable market for their products. Wendy also announces upcoming events, including a Christmas in July sale from July 1-13 and a grand reopening after a store renovation in August. The episode emphasizes the importance of community support and the store's connection to the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs (BCE), which aids local businesses through initiatives like the business plan competition. For more information on the 50th Annaversary of Et Cetera Shop, Inc, check out etceterashop50.com.

June 6, 202425 min

S1.E7 - Sanctuary Housing

Sanctuary HousingIn this episode of "Local Voices Bluffton," hosts Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking interview Jessica Meyer, co-owner of Sanctuary Housing. Jessica and her husband Ryan purchased a vacant church on Elm Street in Bluffton with plans to convert it into eight apartment units, including two unique short-term rentals. They aim to preserve the building's historic features, such as stained glass windows and timber frames, to attract visitors to Bluffton. Jessica shares their initial doubts about the demand for short-term rentals, which were quickly dispelled when their first Airbnb listing received an immediate booking. She describes the challenges and excitement of transforming the church, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining its character and history. Jessica also highlights their involvement in the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs' business plan competition, which helped them organize their project and gain valuable insights. The episode underscores Jessica's passion for hospitality and her vision to create a unique, community-oriented housing experience that honors the building's legacy.

May 22, 202421 min

S1.E6- Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation

Chiles-Laman Funeral & CremationIn this episode of "Local Voices Bluffton," hosts Sam Springer and Jim Enneking interview Jon Kinn, Funeral Director at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services. Jon shares his journey from mowing the lawn at a funeral home in seventh grade to becoming a licensed funeral director in 2000 after studying management, marketing, and mortuary science. He explains the differences between a funeral director and a mortician, emphasizing that one can be a funeral director without being an embalmer.Jon discusses the rising trend of cremation in Bluffton and the various options available for handling ashes, including unique choices like creating diamonds or sending ashes into orbit. He stresses the importance of pre-planning funerals to ease the burden on families, noting that pre-paid plans are transferable and can be protected in irrevocable trusts. Jon advises families to have open conversations about their funeral preferences to ensure their wishes are respected. The episode offers valuable insights into the funeral industry and highlights the compassionate role funeral directors play in supporting grieving families.

May 8, 202419 min

S1.E5 - Police Chief

Police Chief - Ryan BurkholderIn this episode of "Local Voices Bluffton," hosts Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking interview Police Chief Ryan Burkholder from the village of Bluffton. Burkholder discusses his background, including his time in the Marine Corps before joining the Police Department. He shares insights into his role as chief, handling emergency situations like abductions and missing persons cases, and emphasizes the importance of internet safety for children. The conversation also touches on permits for door-to-door solicitors and ends on a lighter note with a discussion about favorite donuts, with Burkholder expressing a preference for apple fritters. The episode highlights Burkholder's dedication to serving the community and provides valuable information on various aspects of law enforcement and safety.