Wilkes-Barre Connect

Hosted by wilkesbarreconnect

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Apr 2026

Language

About the show

A series that brings in local entrepreneurs, council leaders, young professionals, and students who are leaving their mark on Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Listen to episodes

45 recent

April 28, 2026Episode 4534 min

Ben Franklin Technology Partners NEP w/ Ken Okrepkie

On this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect podcast, host Dan Kimbrough sits down with Ken Okrepkie, a Regional Manager of Ben Franklin Technology Partners Northeast Pennsylvania. We explore Ben Franklin Technology Partners' role in entrepreneurial, startup, and manufacturing investing in the region. Ben Franklin Technology Partners has 4 locations across the state, Pittsburgh, Philly, Erie to Harrisburg, and here in the Northeast. They also support seven business incubators, making up a larger 15-incubator network across Northeast PA. Ken discusses how the person coming in for investment and their commitment to their work are just as important as the IP or ideas themselves. They're looking to invest in companies that can create jobs and provide a return on investment to the community and the Commonwealth. Ken also reminds us, in a conversation about the American Paper Bag Company, that there are 96 million households within a day's truck drive of our region. Meaning if you're looking to reach people fast, Northeast Pennsylvania needs to be on your radar. Ken Okrepkie, a graduate of the University of Scranton, oversees investments in a portfolio of 40+ companies. Each year, this group of companies generates $500 million in revenue, creating family-sustaining jobs in the region. For more than 17 years at Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Ken has supported early-stage technology companies and connected manufacturing firms to college and university resources supporting process improvement and product development projects. Tune in to learn more about Ben Franklin Technology Partners and the business resources available across the region. And share this with an entrepreneur in your circle! You can find Ken and Ben Franklin Technology Partners online at www.nep.benfranklin.org or on LinkedIn at @bentechnepa.

April 14, 2026Episode 4441 min

tecBRIDGE w/Don Webster

On this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect podcast, host Dan Kimbrough sits down with Don Webster, Executive Director of tecBRIDGE, to talk about entrepreneurship and the powerful questions of“Why not us? Why not here? Why not now?” tecBRIDGE, best known for its long-running business plan competitions, also organizes innovation conferences, summer internships, and other initiatives to support high school students and early-stage entrepreneurs. The organization also administers the Keystone Innovation Zone Program, which has brought over $30 million to Northeast Pennsylvania for early-stage companies since 2004. A former Wall Street executive and serial entrepreneur, Don Webster has a passion for helping others, and that passion is a key part of what fuels tecBRIDGE’s success. Don acknowledges that tecBRIDGE can’t serve every business, but if you want to go, they can help connect you. Their target customer is those who aspire. With so many resources, connectors, and opportunities in NEPA, when tecBRIDGE asks “Why not us? Why not here? Why not now?”, they mean it. Tune in to learn more, and share this episode with the aspirational people in our community. You can find Don and tecBRIDGE online at https://www.tecbridgepa.org/ or on LinkedIn at @TECBRIDGEPA.

March 31, 2026Episode 4334 min

Penn State Launchbox w/ Kristin McCollum and Bill Andahazy

Join us on this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect podcast as host Dan Kimbrough sit with Kristin McCollum and Bill Andahazy of the Penn State Launchbox, part of the Invent Penn State program. While the Launchbox program can be found on many campuses, Bill and Kristin are primarily focused on the Hazleton Launchbox, where their focus is on lean start ups and customer discovery. They believe one of the first step to any venture is to get outside and talk to people. That's how you find where pain points are. We discuss the importance of mentoring, networking and collaboration within your local economic development ecosystem. Both Kristin and Bill highlight the local and regional partnerships here in Northeast Pennsylvania and how it helps in all aspects of the entrepreneurial process. Tune in to learn how your local Lauchbox is just down the street and ready to help! To find out more about the Hazleton Launchbox, find that them online - https://hazleton.launchbox.psu.edu/

March 17, 2026Episode 4239 min

Diamond City Partnership w/ Larry Newman

In this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect podcast, we hear from Larry Newman, the founding Executive Director of the Diamond City Partnership (DCP), Wilkes-Barre’s nonprofit downtown management organization, where he plans and leads Downtown Wilkes-Barre’s revitalization. A trained architect, Larry has always been fascinated by the “built environment”, specifically cities and towns. Eventually he realized what he was really drawn to improving the public realm, essentially the spaces everyone shares. No matter who we or where we are, the quality of our environment effects us all. We discuss the work of the DCP and it’s role in enhancing downtown Wilkes-Barre’s environment. We also discuss some of the organized events meant to bring folks into the downtown footprint, including the Holiday Market, Sunsets on South Main, and other community engagement. We also discuss the economic impact Downtown has on Wilkes-Barre as a whole and how growing and maintaining a vibrant downtown district helps not only the residents and tenants of Downtown Wilkes-Barre, but the city overall. Larry and his team may not be who you turn to to start your business, but when it comes to resources to grow your business and connect you with partners who can help, the DCP should be an early call! You can find the Diamond City Partnership online at - https://downtownwilkesbarre.org/, or on social media at @downtownwilkesbarre.

October 29, 2025Episode 4126 min

Pittston Progress with Mayor Lombardo

In this episode of the Wilkes-Barre connect podcast we welcome back Pittston city Mayor, Michael Lombardo. We discuss upcoming plans for the city including improved sewer lines, a 500 seat theatre, new housing and more ways Pittston is finding ways to stand out on its own in Northeast PA. Mayor Lombardo also discusses the power of partnerships and focusing on getting the job done, not the politics around what needs to be done. He says many issues "aren't R or D issues, their US issues. Tune in to see how Mayor Lombardo and the city of Pittston keep progress and it's people in the forefront. To learn more about the improvements to the city of Pittston and Mayor Lombardo's efforts, visit ://www.pittstoncity.gov/ This episode was recorded live at the Legislation Education & Advocacy Day (LEAD) 2025.LEAD) is an exciting event that gives attendees the opportunity to learn about advocacy on both the local and state levels. Presented in partnership with our regional Chambers, LEAD is designed to deepen participants' understanding of our regional legislative agenda.

October 10, 2025Episode 4017 min

America250PA with Cassandra Coleman

In this live episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect podcast, host Dan Kimbrough sits with Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of PA 250. Coleman discusses the inception and mission of PA 250, established in 2018 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in 2026. The initiative aims to engage all 67 Pennsylvania counties. Coleman highlights the Direct Effect Innovation Challenge, which has engaged 50,000 students across the state. PA 250 has raised $1 million in private support and secured a line item in the state budget. Tune in to learn about upcoming events including the free Commonwealth Concert Series; with one date scheduled for Luzerne County, the Liberty Tree Project, and Liberty Bell sculptures. The goal is to ensure every Pennsylvanian feels included in the historic anniversary. To learn more, visit https://www.america250pa.org/ This episode was recorded live at the Legislation Education & Advocacy Day (LEAD) 2025.LEAD) is an exciting event that gives attendees the opportunity to learn about advocacy on both the local and state levels. Presented in partnership with our regional Chambers, LEAD is designed to deepen participants' understanding of our regional legislative agenda.

September 16, 2025Episode 3935 min

Tri-Path Synergy with Shay Jones-Vitale

Join host Dan Kimbrough for as he sits down with Shay Jones-Vitale, founder of Tri-Path Synergy and our next participant in the Luzerne County TechCelerator program, as she shares her experience with the TechCelerator program and how it helped her shape Tri-Path Synergy. As a licensed Clinical Social Worker who is also a yoga and mindfulness practitioner. Shay was always interested in psychology and human behavior. Trying to make sense of why people do what they do, and more importantly, how we can make the changes needed to overcome challenging situations. This curiosity lead to Tri Path Synergy. A wellness company that focuses on the mind-body-spirit connection, empowering others with knowledge to improve their lives. Through her experience in TechCelerator! program, she was pushed out of her comfort zone, given the resources to sharpen her vision into a tangible plan, and fostered invaluable connections within the local entrepreneurial community. Listen in to learn more and see how a Mind-Body-Spirit connection can help transform you. We need to BE well to DO well in this world. Learn more about TriPath Synergy at - https://tripathsynergy.com/ The Luzerne County TechCelerator program is operated by the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with CAN DO, Inc., Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA, tecBRIDGE, Wilkes University Small Business Development Center - Wilkes SBDC, and Penn State Great Valley LaunchBox, and funded by Microsoft.

August 4, 2025Episode 3836 min

BedRez with James Monahan

Join host Dan Kimbrough for an inspiring conversation James Monahan, founder of BedRez and our next participant in the Luzerne County TechCelerator program, as he shares his powerful journey from addiction to recovery and entrepreneurship. Hear how James’s personal struggles navigating the rehab system led him to create BedRez, a groundbreaking platform designed to help individuals and families quickly find available treatment beds. Learn about the pivotal role of mentorship, the TechCelerator program, and community support in turning an idea into a mission-driven business. Whether you’re interested in recovery, innovation, or making a difference in your community, this episode offers hope, insight, and practical inspiration. Learn more about BedRez at - https://bedrez.wordpress.com/ The Luzerne County TechCelerator program is operated by the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with CAN DO, Inc., Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA, tecBRIDGE, Wilkes University Small Business Development Center - Wilkes SBDC, and Penn State Great Valley LaunchBox, and funded by Microsoft.

July 21, 2025Episode 3724 min

Wilkes Small Business Development Center w/ Dorothy Lane

Join host Dan Kimbrough for a conversation with Dorothy Lane, Director of the Wilkes University Small Business Development Center. Dorothy joined the SBDC in 1999 and has served as training coordinator, business consultant, and now leads the Center, ensuring entrepreneurs and small businesses across five Northeastern Pennsylvania counties have the support they need to succeed. In this episode, Dorothy shares insights on starting and growing a business, real-world success stories, and the vital partnerships that help Northeast Pennsylvania businesses thrive. Whether you’re launching a new venture or looking to expand, this episode offers valuable guidance and inspiration for your entrepreneurial journey. Wilkes SBDC - https://www.pasbdc.org/wilkes/ Produced by - Park Multimedia - www.parkmultimedia.com Asst. Editor - Tyler Baker

June 16, 2025Episode 3613 min

Vital Health Enterprises w/Angel Diaz Jr.

In this episode of The Wilkes-Barre Connect Podcast, we speak with Angel Diaz Jr., founder of Vital Health Enterprises and participant in the Luzerne County TechCelerator program. A U.S. military veteran and healthcare innovator, Angel is developing a real-time, wearable monitoring solution designed to streamline patient intake and optimize clinical workflows. The Vital Band—his flagship device—continuously tracks key biometric indicators such as blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and additional vitals. By enabling patients to bypass preliminary nursing assessments, the device empowers healthcare providers to allocate resources more efficiently and prioritize direct physician care. We explore Angel’s entrepreneurial journey, the technological underpinnings of the Vital Band, and how Vital Health Enterprises is positioned to disrupt traditional care delivery through data-driven, patient-centered innovation. Produced by Park Multimedia Editing assistance by Tyler Baker