Lancaster Connects

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.

200 episodes. Hundreds of community champions. One unwavering mission. In this special milestone episode, we reflect on what Lancaster Connects has become: more than just a podcast, it’s a community platform rooted in connection, impact, and purpose. From day one, we set out to spotlight the people and causes that make Lancaster extraordinary. Today, we celebrate those voices and recommit to what lies ahead. This episode isn’t about us—it’s about Lancaster County. About the 600,000 people we aim to serve, whether by helping them sleep better, connecting them to local heroes, or donating beds to those in need. Gardner’s Mattress & More isn’t just a store—it’s a community connector. And this show? It’s our microphone for what matters most. We’re just getting started.

Transform how your school raises funds—forever. This week on Lancaster Connects, discover Gardner's Mattress & More's groundbreaking Sleep Better Mattress Fundraiser Program, the first initiative of its kind in Lancaster County. Instead of traditional Popcorn, Hoagie or Coupon sales that often disappoint, this innovative partnership offers schools an immediate $750 grant to launch their programs, plus ongoing revenue through personalized School Codes that return up to 10% of every mattress purchase directly to participating schools. We'll explore how this customized, branded partnership works: schools receive professional promotional materials and their unique code, transforming every Gardner's customer into a potential supporter of local education. From athletics to arts programs, discover how this sustainable funding model is already making a difference for Lancaster County schools—and how your community can get involved. Whether you're a parent, educator, school board member, or simply someone who believes in supporting local education, this episode reveals a smarter way to fund the programs that matter most to our kids. Join us as we celebrate an initiative that proves the best innovations happen when local businesses and schools work together. Ready to support Lancaster's students while you sleep better? Your school's success story starts here.

In this episode, we sit down with Teresa Richardson & Lynda Charles of Help The Fight, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals in the battle against breast cancer. Teresa shares the heart and mission behind Help The Fight—an organization that offers not handouts, but a hand up to those courageously navigating treatment or in need of essential screenings. Focused on Lancaster and surrounding counties, Help The Fight is deeply rooted in the community, ensuring local patients have access to critical resources during one of the most challenging times in their lives. Tune in to hear how this people-driven organization is making a powerful impact, one individual at a time.

In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Vanderplate, CEO of Vertex Mechanical, a trusted name in heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing services for over 40 years. Serving Lancaster, Berks, and Lebanon counties, Vertex Mechanical has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship, community-focused service, and their enduring motto: Here For Your Comfort™. Joshua shares the company’s journey, insights on leading in the trades industry, and what it takes to maintain trust and excellence across decades of service. Whether you're a homeowner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about what goes into running a successful service business, this episode offers valuable takeaways.

In this episode of Lancaster Connects, Jim Dornes, incoming president of Off The Streets Lancaster, discusses how Off The Streets helps individuals transition from homelessness to permanent housing by providing security, homes and furnishings. The emotional highlight includes Gardner's Mattress and More receiving recognition from Lancaster's Mayor for their donations of beds that bring dignity and security to families. The episode effectively showcases Lancaster's collaborative approach to addressing homelessness while emphasizing respect and compassion for those being served. You won’t want to miss this heartfelt Memorial Day episode as Jeff also touches on the reason why Memorial Day is so important.

In this episode, we welcome Kate Mullen, Director of Development & Community Relations, and Risa Paskoff, Executive Director of Aaron’s Acres. Since 1998, Aaron’s Acres has been creating life-changing opportunities for individuals with disabilities by offering inclusive social and recreational programs that empower participants to learn, grow, and connect. Kate and Risa share the inspiring mission behind Aaron’s Acres, how their programs foster vital socialization and communication skills, and the impact they’ve had on families throughout the community. We dive into the organization’s journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the unwavering belief that everyone—regardless of ability—deserves the chance to thrive. Whether you're passionate about inclusion, community impact, or nonprofit leadership, this episode offers powerful insight into what it means to create possibility for all.

In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Dunn, Vice President of Programs, and Sami Burdick, Outreach and Community Relations Manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA. Amanda shares how her extensive background in education and deep commitment to mentorship have guided her leadership in building inclusive, innovative youth programs. With over 15 years of experience and recent recognition as one of Central Penn Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40, Amanda brings both expertise and passion to her work supporting youth across the region. Sami, a proud Lancaster native and Penn State graduate in Rehabilitation and Human Services, shares how her experience in clinical services, homelessness, addiction recovery, and case management informs her community-focused approach. From her start as an Enrollment & Match Support Specialist to her current leadership role, Sami has been instrumental in expanding school-based mentoring across five districts and a college campus in Lebanon County. Her work centers on building authentic relationships, fostering belonging, and ensuring every child and family feels seen, heard, and supported. Together, Amanda and Sami offer powerful insights into how Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA is changing lives through one-to-one mentoring, trauma-informed care, and a mission to ignite the power and promise of youth.

In this episode, we sit down with Nate Boring, partner at Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse and founder of Lancaster Distilleries, a thriving craft distillery based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Nate shares how his background as an artist and craftsman inspired his journey into distilling, leading to the launch of Lancaster Distilleries in 2018. We explore his passion for blending creativity with the science of spirits, his commitment to quality, and the role of community in growing the brand. From expanding distribution across South Central PA to opening the Boring Bar in Columbia, Nate’s story is one of innovation, resilience, and purpose.

In this episode, we’re joined by Kristin Chronister, President of the Long’s Park Amphitheater Foundation, to dive into the incredible legacy and ongoing impact of one of Lancaster’s most cherished cultural institutions. For over 60 years, the Foundation has connected the community through its signature Summer Music Series—featuring twelve weeks of free Sunday concerts—and the nationally recognized Labor Day Art Festival, which showcases over 200 artists from around the country. Kristin shares how these events not only celebrate music and visual art in a stunning outdoor setting, but also serve as a vital driver for local tourism, business, and community engagement. From patriotic Fourth of July performances to the Emerging Artist program, discover how the Foundation continues to evolve while staying rooted in its mission to inspire, uplift, and unite through the arts.

In this episode, we welcome Shawn Gladden, Site Administrator of Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum — a living history museum in Lancaster, PA dedicated to preserving Pennsylvania German heritage from 1740 to 1940. With over 20 years of museum leadership experience, Shawn shares how he’s guiding Landis Valley into its 100th anniversary in 2025. From expanded outreach and educational programming to deepening community engagement, Shawn offers a compelling look at how history comes alive and stays relevant in today’s world. This conversation is perfect for history buffs, cultural heritage advocates, and anyone curious about the intersection of preservation and progress.

In this episode, we’re joined by Andrea Murray, Director of Community Impact at Union Community Care, a nonprofit healthcare provider that has been serving communities for over 50 years. Andrea shares how Union is reshaping healthcare by focusing on people, not profit—delivering accessible, inclusive, and high-quality care that’s grounded in the unique needs of local families. We discuss Union’s mission to spark equity through patient-led care and how their work goes beyond medicine to support thriving families, vibrant workplaces, and resilient communities. With a deep commitment to meeting people where they are, Union is proving that when healthcare is driven by purpose, communities can truly flourish.