Lancaster Connects

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Yurick, U.S. Army Veteran and host of This Sober Vet Podcast. Joe served in the Air Defense Artillery, working with the PATRIOT Missile System and deploying during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. After years of self-medicating with alcohol and nearly losing everything, Joe made the life-changing decision to get sober — and has now been sober for over three years. Today, he’s on a mission to normalize sobriety among Veterans who struggle with substance use and the hidden wounds of service. Through his podcast, This Sober Vet, Joe provides honest conversations, community, and hope for those ready to break free from self-medication and find purpose in recovery. Tune in to hear Joe’s powerful story, his insights on the challenges Veterans face with addiction and recovery, and how he’s using his platform to help others live sober, strong, and connected. ???? Connect with Joe Yurick: ✅ Website: https://thissobervet.com/ ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/This-Sober-Vet-Podcast/61567537590503/ ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thissobervetpodcast/ ✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thissobervetpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

In this episode, we sit down with Kapp Brown, Owner of Newly Restored, a fast-growing service business based in Elizabethtown. What began in 2014 as a small, two-person operation focused on tile, grout, and concrete cleaning has expanded into a thriving company offering a full range of services — including carpet cleaning, power washing, window cleaning, and even Christmas light installation. From humble beginnings in a home and rented barn to a 5,500-square-foot shop and office, Kapp shares the story of steady growth, team building, and community impact. Tune in to hear how a commitment to quality, adaptability, and customer care helped transform Newly Restored into a trusted name — and what’s next for this dynamic local business. ???? Connect with Kapp Brown: ✅ Website: https://newlyrestored.com/ ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Newlyrestoredhscr/ ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newly-restored ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWKAwNs0-4H4Z96m3BQob5g Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

In this episode, we open the door to stories of transformation, growth, and opportunity through literacy. Featuring Cheryl Hiester, President of the Literacy & Learning Success Centers & Bill Morgan, President of Capital Coating, Inc. - this conversation highlights how literacy is strengthening Lancaster’s workforce and enriching lives. Cheryl shares the mission and impact of the Literacy Council, helping individuals gain critical language and learning skills. Bill discusses how his company benefits from a diverse workforce and why English language learning is essential for communication and safety on the job. From classrooms to kitchens to construction sites, this episode of Lancaster Connects shows how literacy is a vital connector helping our community learn, grow, and thrive. ???? Connect with Cheryl Hiester, Bill Morgan, and Fernando Garcia Aguila: Literacy & Learning Success Centers - Cheryl Hiester ✅ Website : https://literacysuccess.org/ ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literacysuccessLC/ ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/literacy-learning-success-centers/ ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literacycouncil/ Capital Coating, Inc - Bill Morgan ✅ Website: https://capitalcoating.com/ ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapitalCoating/ Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

Join us for a milestone celebration as we turn the spotlight on the heart behind Lancaster Connects. For 35 years, Gardner's Mattress & More has been helping Lancaster County families sleep better and wake up happy, but this anniversary episode goes beyond mattresses to explore what it really means to build a business on honesty, expertise, and genuine community care. Hear the origin story of how Gardner's got its start in Lancaster and what's evolved over more than three decades of serving local families. Discover why their approach stands out in a crowded market, and learn about the customer moments that remind the team why helping people find better sleep truly changes lives. We'll also dive into Gardner's Gives Back, the community impact program that has partnered with local nonprofits to make a real difference across Lancaster County. Find out what inspired this commitment to giving and how it connects directly to the creation of Lancaster Connects itself. From adapting to industry changes like memory foam and online shopping while staying true to core values, to looking ahead at the next chapter for both the business and the podcast, this episode celebrates not just 35 years of success, but 35 years of showing up for the Lancaster community. Whether you're a longtime customer, a fellow small business owner, or simply someone who loves hearing stories about what makes Lancaster special, this anniversary episode offers inspiration, insight, and a reminder of what's possible when you build something with heart. Tune in to celebrate this milestone and discover the vision guiding Gardner's and Lancaster Connects into the future. Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

In this episode, we sit down with Jaime Santiago, Executive Director and founder of Restart Training Center Ministry (RTCM), to explore how a life rooted in faith and purpose can transform individuals and communities. Jaime launched RTCM in 2015 after more than two decades of serving in addiction recovery ministries like Teen Challenge and Revelations of Freedom. With a master’s degree in counseling from Liberty University and as an ordained Assemblies of God pastor, Jaime shares how RTCM equips men to break free from addiction through Christ-centered discipleship. He opens up about his own journey, the challenges of leadership, and the deep role family plays in his life and ministry. Join us for an inspiring conversation about second chances, spiritual transformation, and the power of restarting with purpose. ???? Connect with Jaime Santiago: ✅ Website:https://restartministry.org/ ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restart.ministry/ ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restartministryinc ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@restartministry Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

In this episode, we’re joined by Building Bridges Foundation at Anderson Farm, a nonprofit offering equine-assisted therapy to veterans and their families. Tune in as we discuss the healing power of horses in helping veterans reconnect and recover. ???? Connect with Building Bridges: ✅ Website: https://www.buildingbridgesfoundation.org/ ✅ Facebook (Building Bridges Foundation): https://www.facebook.com/BuildingBridgesFoundationandersonfarm Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net #LancasterCounty #LancasterPA #LancasterCountyPA #LancasterConnects #Community #RetailExperience

In this episode, we sit down with Brad Peterson, Executive Director of Power Packs Project, an inspiring nonprofit dedicated to empowering families with education and ingredients to create nutritious weekend meals—ensuring children return to school fed and ready to learn. With over 30 years of nonprofit experience, Brad joined Power Packs in 2020 and has since led impactful initiatives including forging new partnerships with growers, wholesalers, and distributors, launching weekly fresh milk distributions, and expanding the organization’s reach into York County. Tune in to hear Brad’s insights on addressing food insecurity and building community support systems that nurture children's success both inside and outside the classroom. ???? Connect with Brad Peterson: ✅ Website: https://www.powerpacksproject.org/ ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerpacksproject/ ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powerpacksproject Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

In this episode, we’re joined by Erin Conahan, Director of Advancement, and Paige McFarling, Executive Director of Lancaster County Food Hub—a nonprofit with a 75-year legacy of serving the Lancaster community with compassion, dignity, and equity. Erin and Paige share how the Food Hub is addressing critical needs in the community by providing fresh food, free clothing, and essential resources to neighbors facing hardship. Through partnerships with local farms, businesses, and dedicated volunteers, they not only meet immediate needs but also help connect individuals to long-term support systems. We dive into the organization’s mission, the challenges of food insecurity, and how Lancaster County Food Hub is working every day to build a healthier, more hopeful future for all. This is an inspiring conversation about community, connection, and the power of showing up for one another. ???? Connect with Erin Conahan & Paige McFarling: ✅ Website: https://lancasterfoodhub.org/ ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lancasterfoodhub/ ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterFoodHub Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

In this episode, we sit down with the Rev. Dr. Matthew Lenahan—pastor, farmer, and community organizer in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. As founder and director of the Wittel Farm Growing Project, Dr. Lenahan shares how this innovative ministry is transforming the land and lives in Lancaster County. The project, a ministry of the Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central PA, is dedicated to regenerative farming, sustainable food systems, and inspiring community stewardship of the earth. Learn more about the Wittel Farm Growing Project and how you can get involved in building a more sustainable future from the ground up. ???? Connect with Rev. Dr. Matthew Lenahan: ✅ Website: https://www.lutherancamping.org/the-wittel-farm/the-wittel-farm-growing-project/ ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingwittel/?igsh=OG93dXoxd2oxb2dl# ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWittelFarm Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

In this episode, we sit down with Teresa Richardson, Executive Director of Help The Fight, and Stacey Rife, Manager of Imaging Operations at WellSpan York Hospital, to discuss the vital resources available to individuals fighting breast cancer in our community. Help The Fight is a powerful grassroots organization offering a hand up—not a handout—to those undergoing breast cancer treatment and those in need of essential screening services. We explore how the organization supports local patients in Lancaster and surrounding counties and highlight the life-saving impact of early detection. Stacey also shares exciting news about WellSpan's Mobile Mammography unit—bringing accessible, high-quality breast cancer screening directly to neighborhoods that need it most. Tune in to hear how these passionate women and their organizations are working together to make a real difference, one screening at a time.

In this episode Ben & Jeff highlight all the ways they serve Lancaster County and use their store as a platform for connection to the community. From mattress fundraisers, The Dream Room, the Lancaster Connects Show, Gardners Gives Back - food and mattress donations, and sponsoring a student for a new pillow they see their connection to the community as more than just selling a mattress. Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great.

In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Szalay (pronounced “Sul-lay”), President & CEO of Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity in Pennsylvania. Nicknamed the “Shelter Seeker” by Lancaster News Paper’s Sunday Magazine, Andrew has dedicated his career to supporting first-time homebuyers and advancing affordable housing. An Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP), he has worked at the settlement table and spent 15 years influencing homeownership policy in Washington, D.C., and state capitols. Now leading a mission-driven organization, Andrew shares what fuels his purpose-driven leadership, the challenges and opportunities in housing today, and how his roles as a husband and father shape his vision for stronger communities.

In this episode, we’re joined by Shawn and Maile Smucker, the husband-and-wife team behind Nooks, a charming independent bookshop in Lancaster, PA. Maile is a writer, mother of six, and the day-to-day heart of the store, while Shawn is a seasoned author and ghostwriter with over 30 co-written books and five novels of his own. Together, they’re not only raising a big, beautiful family (including their Labrador, Winnie), but also building a literary haven for their community. We talk about the realities of running a small business, the magic of storytelling, and their journey as co-hosts of their own podcast, So, We Bought a Bookshop. This conversation is full of warmth, creativity, and the kind of honesty that makes you want to follow your own crazy dream—bookshop or otherwise.

In this episode, we sit down with Pete Rothacker and Greg Mavraganis to explore the journey of Lancaster Door Service (LDS), a trusted name in garage door, window, and entry door installation and repair throughout Lancaster County since 1996. Pete, a Lancaster native and Penn State alum, shares how LDS was built on the foundation of honest service, quality craftsmanship, and reliable support. We also hear from Greg, a seasoned business advisor and broker with LINK Business, who brings a wealth of experience in business strategy, valuation, and acquisitions. Greg discusses his transition from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, and how he and his partner completed a self-funded search that led to the acquisition of Lancaster Door Service in 2023. Together, Pete and Greg talk about the company’s legacy, the values that drive their team, and their vision for the future of LDS. Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply interested in the story behind a thriving local company, this episode offers insights into leadership, transition, and the art of service-driven business.

In this episode, we’re joined by Bill Klees and Kailey Hurst from Woodcrest Retreat, a ministry with a legacy of over 65 years impacting lives in Lancaster County and beyond. Bill and Kailey share the heart behind Woodcrest’s vibrant summer youth camp program, where over 2,000 campers step away from the ordinary to experience the extraordinary. But their mission doesn’t stop when summer ends—Woodcrest also serves families, churches, and organizations through year-round rentals, retreats, and community events. Tune in as we explore how this unique retreat center continues to create spaces for spiritual growth, connection, and lasting memories.

In this episode of Lancaster Connects, we pull back the curtain and share what drives us every day — beyond the beds, beyond the showroom. We dive into the why behind our business: our Purpose, our Mission, and the Core Values that guide every customer interaction, every mattress recommendation, and every decision we make. If you’ve ever wondered what makes us different from other mattress stores — this is the episode that explains it all. What You’ll Learn: Our Purpose: To help people live longer, healthier, more joyful lives — through the power of truly restorative sleep. Our Mission: To change how people feel about buying a mattress — and make it the most enjoyable, confidence-filled purchase in their entire home. Our Core Values: Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great.

In this episode, we welcome David Lapp, CEO and co-founder of Blessings of Hope, a nonprofit organization based in Lancaster, PA, that’s making a national impact. Under David’s leadership, Blessings of Hope provides over 27 million meals annually through a powerful combination of strategic food distribution and community partnerships. With a deep heart for service, David shares how empowering volunteers and ministries can create scalable solutions to hunger and bring lasting hope to communities across the U.S. Whether you're in nonprofit work, business leadership, or simply looking for ways to make a difference, this episode is packed with purpose-driven insights.

In this episode, we sit down with Brittany Garner, Owner, Broker, and CEO of Life Changes Realty Group. Brittany shares how her heart-led approach to real estate is transforming lives—not just through buying and selling homes, but through building community and giving back. With a mission rooted in care, integrity, and client-first service, Brittany and her team guide people through major life transitions with empathy and expertise. We also explore the impact of their powerful Pay It Forward program, which has donated over $915,000 to nonprofits chosen by clients—turning every real estate transaction into a meaningful opportunity to make a difference. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, service, and creating lasting change through real estate.

In this episode, we sit down with Lancaster County native Troy Steffy, whose impressive baseball résumé spans Major League scouting, coaching with USA Baseball, and athlete development at both the collegiate and professional levels. With certifications in sports biomechanics and years of hands-on experience—including six years as director of sports performance at Parisi Speed School and another six as director of baseball operations at Spooky Nook Sports—Steffy brings a deep, behind-the-scenes look at the game. Tune in as he shares insights into talent evaluation, player development, and what makes the Lancaster Stormers a unique part of the baseball landscape.

In this episode, we talk with Rachel Kantner, Business Development Manager at Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical — a women-led, veteran-led company proudly serving Lancaster County since 1904. Rachel shares how their team delivers trusted residential services with upfront pricing, personalized care, and a 5-star commitment to customer satisfaction. She also highlights their affordable Service Partner Plan and the importance of staying connected to the local community. Outside of work, Rachel is a working artist and founder of the Lancaster PA Artist Society (LPAS), which provides creative opportunities for local artists to connect, grow, and showcase their work.