Start Local

Hosted by Liam Dempsey, Erik Gudmundson, and Joe Casabona

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Episodes

102

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 7, 2026Episode 10139 min

Creating Safe Places and Finding Forever Homes for Cats with Kristine Baney

Cats, cats – here, there and everywhere! Surrounded by felines, we meet with Kristine Baney, Executive Director at Treetops Kitty Cafe. More of a lounge than a cafe, Treetops Kitty Cafe is a cat rescue located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. At Treetops, the cats play, nap, and cause chaos wherever they want as they roam freely throughout the entire facility. Kristine walks us through the running of the rescue shelter, its adoption service, and caring for the cats that call the cafe home, even if only for a short while. We talk about board recruitment and strategies for raising awareness about the nonprofit, ensuring that a growing number of local residents know about and support the cafe.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSTreetops Kitty CafeWebsite: treetopskittycafe.comFacebook: facebook.com/TreetopsKittyCafeRescueInstagram: instagram.com/treetopskittycafeTikTok: tiktok.com/@treetopskittycafeLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/treetops-kitty-cafe-animal-rescueKristine Baney on LinkedInBoard involvement note on the Treetops Kitty Cafe websiteVolunteer with Treetops Kitty CafeAdditional LinksACCT PhillyPocopson Veterinary StationCherry Blossom VacationsForage BooksThe Mushroom FestivalLongwood GardensTRANSCRIPT

July 24, 2026Episode 10058 min

Supporting 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 PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSArts Holding Hands and Hearts (AHHAH)Website: ahhah.orgInstagram: instagram.com/artsholdinghandsandheartsFacebook: facebook.com/ArtsHoldingHandsAndHeartsIncJan Michener on LinkedInAdditional LinksChester County FuturesKennett Ability Network (KAN)Good WorksCamp DreamcatcherKennett LibraryJustamere FoundationChester County Intermediate UnitChester County Youth CenterDolly Parton’s Imagination LibraryThe Alliance for Health EquityChester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (CCOIC)Other Interviews with Jan MichenerJan Michener on Great DamesJan Michener on The Art of Volunteering PodcastRelated EpisodesRepairing Homes and Building Relationships with Bob BeggsNurturing Belonging and Celebrating Community with Children Impacted by HIV/AIDS with Patty HillkirkBuilding Community and Capacity with Chris MannaTRANSCRIPTThe full transcript for this episode will be published on our website as soon as it is available.

July 10, 2026Episode 9949 min

Designing, 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 PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSM. Davis & SonsWebsite: mdavisinc.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/m-davis-&-sonsFacebook: facebook.com/MDavisSonsIncScott Dolor on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-dolor-mba-62134a13Additional LinksThe Garage Community & Youth CenterSILOChester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU)Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)

June 19, 2026Episode 981 hr 3 min

Championing 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 PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSThe Kennett FlashWebsite: kennettflash.orgThe Kennett Flash on Bandcamp: thekennettflash.bandcamp.comInstagram: instagram.com/thekennettflashFacebook: facebook.com/TheKennettFlashVolunteer: kennettflash.org/volunteerMichael Hahn’s YouTube channelAdditional LinksThe Hub for Arts and CultureKATS (Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society)If Not For MusicKoh Show LiveRainbow RecordsSmalls Music ShopLive Music SocietyKennett Restaurants and BusinessesLa VeronaLily Asian CuisineMichoacana GrillThe Mushroom CapPhilterKSQ Barber LoungeRecommended Musical ArtistsStrays and Misfits on BandcampBuffalo NicholsRelated EpisodesPlaying, Teaching, and Building a Career in Music with Dave MattockFocusing on Customers Relationships with Mark Avery

June 5, 2026Episode 971 hr 0 min

Protecting 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 PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSGoldberg, Goldberg & MaloneyWebsiteLinkedInFacebookYouTubeBasil Joy on LinkedInBasil's commencement speech (2013) on YouTubeLocal NonprofitsCrime Victims’ Center of Chester CountyGateway HorseworksFox Chase FarmSafe Harbor of Chester CountyChester County Fund for Women and GirlsChester County Bar AssociationAdditional LinksPink | Marked FoundationUnite for HERFox RothschildUnruh Turner Burke & FreesSuitsupplyConcordville CleanersVillanova University Charles Widger School of LawRelated EpisodesAdvocating for Local Communities: Law and Volunteerism with Rob JeffersonSetting the Example and Leading from the Front with Greg NardiSupporting Victims of Sexual Violence and Other Crimes with Christine ZaccarelliTranscriptThe full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

May 22, 2026Episode 961 hr 0 min

Championing 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 PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSPennsylvania Department of TransportationWebsite: pa.gov/agencies/penndotCareers with PennDOT: pa.gov/agencies/employment/penndotPennDOT’s upcoming ~$100million of EV charger funding: pa.gov/evcommunityOpen data platform: data-pennshare.opendata.arcgis.comGIS layers for PennDOT: gis.penndot.pa.gov/onemapPennStart: pennstart.orgAdditional LinksAV RideBeta TechnologiesDrone 814GovernmentJobs.comPennsylvania SPCAState Employees Combined Appeal (SECA)Transportation OrganizationsAASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials)ITS AmericaFederal Aviation Administration (FAA)NASEO (National Association of State Energy Officials)National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)PAVE (Partners for Automated Vehicle Education)Pennsylvania Turnpike CommissionRIDC of WestmorelandTransportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC)Pennsylvania UniversitiesBucknell UniversityCarnegie Mellon UniversitySafety21 at Carnegie Mellon UniversityLarson Transportation Institute at Penn StateHarrisburg UniversityLocal Bands and ArtistsThe Menzingers – Tasker-Morris StationThe Wonder Years – A Raindance in TrafficThe Starting Line – IslandCarly CosgroveTigers JawBalance and ComposureTitle FightBike RoutesAugust Burns RedModern BaseballSweet PillmewithoutYouKid DynamiteGrayscaleValenciaMan OverboardHandgunsRelated EpisodesAdvocating for Sustainable Transportation with Tim PhelpsTranscriptThe full episode transcript will be posted here as soon as it is available.

May 8, 2026Episode 9546 min

Connecting 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 PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSComcastWebsite: xfinity.comXfinity Internet EssentialsProject UpJob opportunities with Comcast: jobs.comcast.comCaitlin Ganley and Jennifer BilottaCaitlin Ganley on LinkedInJennifer Bilotta on LinkedInLocal NonprofitsLCH Health & Community ServicesWomen’s Resource Center (WCS)Chester County Food BankUnited Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New JerseyChester County Chamber of Business & IndustryCharles A. Melton Arts & Education CenterOscar Lasko YMCA and Childcare CenterAdditional LinksPennsylvania Broadband Development AuthorityDigital Alliance of Chester CountyOpa TavernaCarlino’sRelated EpisodesAddressing Health Needs of Underserved Communities with Ronan GannonTranscriptThe full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

April 17, 2026Episode 9439 min

Preparing 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 PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSJunior Achievement of Southeastern PennsylvaniaWebsite: southeasternpa.ja.orgCareers with JA SEPA: southeasternpa.ja.org/about/career-opportunitiesVolunteer: southeasternpa.ja.org/volunteerLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-southeastern-paFacebook: facebook.com/JASoutheasternPAInstagram: instagram.com/ja_phillyStephanie Gambone on LinkedInAdditional LinksForum of Executive WomenPhiladelphia 250The Fund for Women and Girls: Empowering Change in Chester CountyPodcastsCrime Junkie PodcastBooksSimply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They Are Too Much by Cynthia ErivoThe Next Level Nonprofit: Build a Dream Team + Increase Lasting Impact by Chris LambertRelated EpisodesSpearheading Advocacy, Programs, and Grants for Women and Girls with Cheryl BrubakerTRANSCRIPTThe full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

April 3, 2026Episode 9348 min

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 PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSDave MattockWebsite: 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 MusicWebsite: mattockschoolofmusic.comFacebook: facebook.com/MattockSchoolofMusicAdditional LinksKennett Jazz & Funk FestIf Not for MusicPhiladelphia Trusted AdvisorsCanine Partners for LifeLocal Music VenuesKennett FlashAndréa’s Jazz CaféSlow HandWill’s + Bill’s BreweryThe NomadSpence CaféThe Creamery of Kennett SquareKennett LibraryArtists to ExploreBrad MehldauJason LindnerMike LeDonneJohn MedeskiLionel LouekeEsperanza SpauldingKokayiMiho HazamaHiatus KaiyoteAlarm Will SoundRelated EpisodesTraining Service and Companion Dogs with Kirstin DownieTRANSCRIPTThe full episode transcript will be publish on our website as soon as it is available.

March 20, 2026Episode 9241 min

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 PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSBright Orange ThreadWebsite: brightorangethread.comCareers: brightorangethread.com/careersRemote job shadow: brightorangethread.com/remote-job-shadow-programLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/bright-orange-threadFacebook: facebook.com/brightorangethreadPeer GroupsASCENDSCCCC RoundtableAdditional LinksTaste Local EatsNew London Counseling CenterRelated EpisodesEmpowering High Performing People and Teams with Bob CoxChanging Careers and Building a Local Business with Jason FellerTRANSCRIPTThe full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.