FXBG Neighbors Podcast

What happens when three military veterans decide to transform their brotherhood into a business partnership? Matt Lethbridge reveals the inspiring journey behind Kitchen Tune-Up of Fredericksburg and Stafford, the remodeling company he owns with his brothers Jake (his identical twin) and Zach. These former combat engineers and Navy veterans have leveraged their military precision to create a thriv...

What happens when you combine traditional handyman skills with modern business professionalism? Jim Clore of Fredericksburg Handyman joins us to discuss how he's revolutionizing home maintenance services in our community. Founded during the early days of the pandemic and strategically relaunched in late 2022, Fredericksburg Handyman fills a critical market gap by tackling those smaller home p...

The growing "silver tsunami" is creating unprecedented challenges for families trying to support aging loved ones. As Chris Dickey of Visiting Angels Fredericksburg reveals in this compelling conversation, most seniors share one powerful desire: to age gracefully in their own homes. Having transitioned from a successful marketing career at the Martin Agency to taking over his parents&apo...

Ever wondered what happens when children are given true creative freedom? In this enlightening conversation with Stephanie Cox, founder of Art Cart Kids Enrichment Studio, we discover the transformative power of open-ended art education where children choose their own artistic path. Stephanie shares her remarkable journey from keeping art as a background passion to creating a thriving studio that...

Ever wondered what happens when someone who's spent 15 years feeling frustrated with how auto shops operate decides to build their own? That's exactly the story behind Crown Auto Repair, a family-owned business that's redefining vehicle maintenance in Fredericksburg. Jesse Matthews, alongside his wife and son, launched Crown Auto Repair nearly three years ago after realizing there h...

Ever wondered what it takes to bring Broadway-quality theater to a community without the hassle of big-city traffic? The Fredericksburg Neighbors Podcast pulls back the curtain on the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts with special guest Allison, Director of Development and Marketing. Nestled just off I-95, this cultural gem has been serving the Fredericksburg area for 26 years, though many...

From government contractor to burger specialist, James Wine and his wife Catie have created something special in Fredericksburg's food scene. Their passion project, Smashed Life, has grown from a food truck into a soon-to-open brick-and-mortar restaurant while maintaining the quality and community focus that made them local favorites. What makes a great smash burger? According to the Wines, i...

Strength isn't just physical—it's a powerful connection between body, mind, and soul. Chelsea Cameron from Pure Barre Stafford joins the FXBG Neighbors Podcast to reveal how this unique fitness studio is transforming lives through accessible, full-body workouts. Chelsea shares her personal journey of how fitness "saved her life" during a difficult period living overseas with he...

What happens when a reluctant influencer discovers her true passion lies in helping others shine online? Savannah Garth, founder of Poppy Rose Marketing, joins us to share her journey from accidental social media personality to the driving force behind a "small but mighty" marketing agency with heart. Savannah pulls back the curtain on the most persistent marketing myths holding small bu...

Ever wondered how childhood observations shape our career paths? Michelle Fox, founder of The Bridge Studio, traces her entrepreneurial roots back to watching her parents transition from long DC commutes to running a home-based consultancy. That pivotal shift planted a seed: work could mean being present in your community while pursuing passion-driven projects. Michelle's journey from art stu...

Ever walked into a gym and felt completely lost or intimidated? You're not alone. Meet Courtney Dorsey, owner of Premier Athletics in Stafford, Virginia, who's changing how people approach fitness by combining supportive community with personalized strength training. As a lifelong athlete standing 5'11", Courtney grew up in the "smaller is better" mentality that domin...

When a barbershop manages to create an extraordinary experience that touches lives across the community, it deserves recognition. Meet Anna and Craig Houlette, the passionate couple behind 77 Barbershop in Stafford, Virginia – a business that challenges misconceptions about what a barbershop can be. Their journey began with what might have been a devastating start – opening their doors the same we...

Golf has a reputation for exclusivity, but Augustine Golf Club is flipping that script. Tucked away in Stafford County, this hidden gem has been welcoming the public for nearly three decades, though many locals still mistakenly believe it's private. As General Manager Ron Leporati explains, "We are 100% open to the public. Our restaurant's open to the public, the golf course is open...

Ever wonder how a pandemic setback could transform into a delicious opportunity? Meet Jessica Wilkins, the force behind Biscuit Batch, who shares her fascinating journey from Navy gas turbine mechanic to comfort food entrepreneur on this episode of the Fredericksburg Neighbors Podcast. Jessica's story defies expectations at every turn. After serving four years in the Navy performing SWAT-like...

Reading struggles in children often mask a surprisingly simple issue that goes undetected by standard eye exams. In this eye-opening conversation, Leah Stine of Vision Reading Academy shares the transformative approach that's helping children overcome reading difficulties by addressing eye muscle coordination problems rather than assuming learning disabilities. Leah reveals how each eye conta...

Ever wondered what happens when culinary artistry meets hometown dedication? Chef Brittany Flint welcomes us into her world of elevated dining experiences through CBF Catering, a Fredericksburg-based private chef service that's redefining local food culture. Starting in the heart of her childhood home's kitchen, Brittany's culinary passion led her across state lines to the prestigio...

Ever wondered what makes a local business thrive for nearly two decades? The secret lies in family values, exceptional service, and genuine community connection. Meet Valerie McCawley from Peak Roofing Contractors, a family-owned business celebrating an impressive 19 years of service this November. What began as a brother-sister venture from a basement office has blossomed into a company with 37 e...

The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in Anne Flythe's veins. As the daughter of two Fredericksburg small business owners, she witnessed firsthand the challenges of building and maintaining a local brand. Now, as the founder of Elevate Creative, Anne is transforming how small businesses approach their digital presence—with authenticity, accessibility, and genuine care. Fresh from graduating ma...

What happens when an art teacher with a decade of classroom experience follows her hidden dream? Meet Lindsey Marine, the creative force behind Whitby's, a charming home decor and lifestyle goods shop nestled in downtown Fredericksburg. Lindsey's journey from educator to entrepreneur unfolds as she shares how leaving a beloved teaching career shortly after COVID led her to fulfill a long...

Martial arts enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs alike will find inspiration in my conversation with Gannon Lang, founder of Nexus American Jiu Jitsu in Fredericksburg. From humble beginnings as a soccer player seeking something new, Gannon's 11-year journey in Jiu Jitsu transformed into a thriving business with 200 members and over 300 five-star Google reviews in just two years. Gannon di...

What happens when a philosophy major picks up a saw for the first time after college? For Nick Covert, it sparked a passion that grew into Dream Builders, a thriving 19-year business specializing in custom decks, screened porches, and sunrooms throughout Fredericksburg. Nick's unexpected journey from academic to entrepreneur forms the heart of this engaging conversation. Unlike many in his fi...

Stepping into the world of wellness with authenticity and purpose, Jennifer Craig-Ford shares the compelling story behind Kül Contour Studio, a med spa nestled in the growing Spotsylvania Courthouse area. Her journey from California lawyer to Virginia wellness entrepreneur reveals how personal health challenges became the catalyst for a business focused on honest, supportive approaches to body con...

Ever wondered what it takes to build a brand that truly stands out? Marie Linne von Berg, owner of Stratifi Creative, pulls back the curtain on effective brand building and website development in this engaging conversation. Marie shares her unexpected path to entrepreneurship after graduating from VCU with degrees in creative and strategic advertising. When faced with a job offer that would relega...

Buying a home shouldn't feel like deciphering an ancient language, yet terms like "amortization," "debt-to-income ratio," and "loan-to-value" often leave potential buyers feeling overwhelmed and underprepared. That's exactly why Julie Birt from Mortgage Network Solutions is stepping in with a solution for the Fredericksburg community. Julie joins us to annou...

Mark Perry never imagined his journey would lead from military aviation to craft beer innovation, yet his Red Dragon Brewery has become a cornerstone of Fredericksburg's evolving cultural landscape. When Virginia changed its brewing laws in the early 2010s, Perry saw an opportunity not just for business, but to give something back to his hometown. Alongside partners with deep local connection...