Lancaster Connects

Lancaster Gift Box makes it easy to share a luxurious Taste of Lancaster County with friends and clients nationwide. With a steadfast commitment to supporting local food producers and makers, Lancaster Gift Box curates signature gift boxes that capture the local flavors of Lancaster County. Deliver joy to the people in your life, both personally and professionally with Lancaster Gift Box, your loc...

This episode features Amanda Reilly-Sokoli and Pashk Sokoli. Co-founders of Pennsylvania Furniture Mission.  Pashk and Amanda always knew they had a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. After meeting in Albania in 2014, a combination of cultures, languages, and experiences brought them together - enhancing their lives ever since. They lived in Chicago, experiencing the challenge...

In this heartfelt episode, we are joined by a remarkable guest, Luke Liberty, who has an extraordinary and deeply inspiring life story. Luke, as he describes it, was "made in Vietnam but assembled by Americans." Born in 1969 during the Vietnam War, his early years were marked by a remarkable journey of survival and resilience. His mother led their escape from Saigon to the sea, where they eventual...

This episode features Robin D. Stauffer, a distinguished figure who has dedicated over three decades to High®, a diverse and dynamic organization headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Her impressive journey within High spans multiple businesses, ranging from steel fabrication to real estate development. As the Executive Director of the High Foundation, Robin's mission is to drive constructive...

This episode features Kelly Osborne, a volunteer with the Pilot Club of Lancaster and serves currently as the President Elect. The Pilot Club of Lancaster is a volunteer service club that was established in Lancaster County in 1947. PCOL was instrumental in launching the Meals on Wheels program in Lancaster in 1967 and still continues to support the program through volunteer deliveries and donatio...

In this episode, Ben and Jeff speak with Pam Witwer, the dynamic owner of Lancaster PA Notary, a 24/7 mobile notary service covering 9 Central PA counties. Pam's journey from launching her business in March 2023 to becoming a certified real estate loan closing agent, living trust delivery agent, and apostille agent is truly remarkable. But Pam's story goes beyond her professional achievements. Wit...

Join Karen King and the SCORE Professional Women's Network for a high-energy and hands-on experience where you will learn how to develop intentional goals for your professional and personal life.  This workshop will occur on Thursday, October 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Lancaster Chamber (115 E. King Street) in Rooms 2E & 2F. Light fare and refreshments will be provided.

Homefields is an award-winning non-profit organization dedicated to creating new life options for people who have disabilities. Six adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live on a 19-acre property in Millersville, PA, in a modern ranch house and 1800s farmhouse. Hundreds of people who have disabilities or other barriers to traditional employment have engaged at Homefields Care Fa...

In this episode, Ben and Jeff speak with Jeff Rutt, the President and CEO of Keystone Custom Homes, a company that has constructed over 9,000 homes in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Keystone Custom Homes is a three-time recipient of Builder Magazine's and the National Association of Homebuilders' prestigious "America's Best Home Builder Award" and has been named "Business of the Year" by Central Penn...

This episode is a heartwarming story of resilience, faith, and community building. Ben and Jeff are joined by Eric and Tanya Newcomer, a remarkable couple who turned challenges into opportunities, transforming a rundown bar into a thriving faith-based coffee shop and cafe. Eric and Tanya grew up in East Berlin and the Spring Grove areas. They've not only embraced a 20-year marriage and raised thre...

In this episode, Ben and Jeff speak with Jona Green, a full-time financial advisor and the dedicated volunteer president of the Southern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce. The chamber serves to connect 200 plus members in business and non-profit organizations. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply someone interested in understanding the relationship betwe...

In this episode, Ben and Jeff speak with Tom Zimmerman, a lifelong resident of central Pennsylvania. Tom's story is one of service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. Tom's career spanned over three decades at EBG Resistors, LLC, where he navigated sales, engineering, and leadership roles. His contribution to this successful multinational business start-up played a...

In this episode, Ben and Jeff meet with David Lapp, a remarkable individual and an inspiring journey of faith and service. Growing up in a large Amish family in New Holland, PA, David and his family moved to a dairy farm in Indiana during his early teens and in 2006, he moved his own growing family back to Lancaster, PA.  David is one of the founders of Blessings of Hope and served on the board fo...

This episode features two remarkable guests who have made significant contributions to their communities through their passions and expertise. Our first guest is Chef Oliver Saye, a seasoned culinary expert with over 30 years of experience in the food service industry. Hailing from the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute, Chef's journey has taken him from the world of fine dining to retirement communi...

In this episode, Ben interviews Matt Neff, a devoted child of God, a loving husband, and a devoted father to his children. Matt's mission in life is to delve deep into the oneness of God and share this truth with the world, embodying clarity, love, and humility in all that he does. Having studied at Rhema Bible College, Matt's journey in leadership spans over 25 years, primarily centered around hi...

In this episode, Jeff interviews Marlyn Barbosa, the Director at Tec Centro, a groundbreaking workforce program operating under the Spanish American Civic Association (SACA).  Marlyn opens up about the challenges she faced as she moved to a new country with a different language and culture. Discover how she reached out to SACA for support during the transitional phase and became a client in their...

In this episode, Ben and Jeff speak with Dr. Tracey Jones, a renowned author, speaker, veteran, and international leadership expert. Dr. Tracey Jones wears many hats, serving as the President of Tremendous Leadership and T3 Solutions. She carries on the legacy of her father, the legendary Charlie "Tremendous" Jones, in the insurance and motivational arenas. With a diverse background spanning the m...

Still riding high off of the amazing 100th episode, Ben & Jeff discuss their interview with Bret Michaels and share exciting news about ticket & VIP package giveaways for an Bret Michaels at Pardi-Gras 2023 in Central PA. Bret has given the Lancaster Connects community a whopping 40 tickets in total, with 10 pairs reserved for Hometown Heroes and 10 pairs for Veterans, along with a special...

So glad you could join us for our biggest episode yet, hometown hero and rockstar Bret Michaels shares his deep connection to Central Pennsylvania. Michaels, who was born and raised in Mechanicsburg, emphasizes the importance of home and the strong work ethic that characterizes the area's residents. Michaels' love for Central PA is evident in his dedication to giving back to the community. He crea...

Join Ben and Jeff in this episode as they interview Shannon Cleaveland, a CPA and  the owner and founder of Your Accounting Solution, LLC based in Lancaster, PA. With a career dedicated to serving the nonprofit community, Shannon's expertise as a non-profit accounting specialist shines through her accounting firm's mission to provide quality accounting and guidance to nonprofits and small business...

Ben & Jeff speaks with Liz Ackerman, the dynamic Executive Director of the Northern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce. Liz shares her journey from Member Relations and Events Director to her current role, where she leads a dedicated team in serving over 440 businesses in the vibrant Northern Lancaster region. Liz's leadership style has led to remarkable achievements, including a steady incr...

Join Ben & Jeff on this episode as they dive into the captivating world of Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater with the founder and owner, Brett Myers. He and his team's commitment to innovation and creativity have propelled the business to new heights, making Magic & Wonder a must-visit destination for all magic enthusiasts. From transforming a simple theatre into a whimsical and enchanting...

In this episode, Ben & Jeff sit down with Stephen and Jordan, the dynamic duo behind HQ Water Solutions LLC, a leading provider of water treatment services in Lancaster and the surrounding areas. Stephen, the proud owner and founder, brings his extensive experience in the water treatment industry and a passion for helping others to the table. Jordan, co-owner and Business Development Executive...

The Long's Park Amphitheatre Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to curating music and arts in Long's Park, Lancaster County. Their mission is to enrich the quality of life in the community by providing diverse cultural experiences. The foundation's financial resources come from businesses, individuals, and grants within their community. In addition to their events, the foundat...

In this episode, Ben will be joined by Jose Lopez, the President of SACA & SACA Development Corporation. With over two decades of experience in leadership positions, including in commercial real estate and financial services, Jose has a wealth of knowledge to share. Throughout his time at SACA, Jose has implemented a strategic model that encourages stakeholder and staff engagement, empowering...