Lancaster Connects

In this episode, we sit down with Bube’s Brewery Dining and Entertainment owner Sam Allen, who shares his four-decade journey of restoring and reinventing one of America’s last remaining lager-era breweries. A Penn State graduate with backgrounds in business and psychology—and a deep passion for theatre—Sam took ownership in 1982 and transformed the historic site into a one-of-a-kind destination b...

In this episode, we’re joined by Diana Vuolo, Founder and Executive Director of SWAN: Scaling Walls a Note at a Time. A professional violinist trained under the legendary Dorothy DeLay, Diana has performed at Carnegie Hall and alongside renowned orchestras such as The Philly Pops and the Saint Louis Symphony. With more than 40 years of teaching experience, she brings a deep passion for music and m...

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Mahon, founder of Igloo Insurance, an independent agency dedicated to providing transparent and practical risk advice for business owners and families. Based in Lititz, Pennsylvania and working out of Middletown, Brian shares his expertise in cyber liability insurance and why it’s becoming essential in today’s digital landscape. Beyond his professional work,...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Swinehart and Amy Baumann of Lancaster Farmland Trust to explore the urgent mission of protecting one of America’s most productive agricultural regions. Together, they share how their organization—one of the nation’s oldest and most successful farmland preservation groups—is working to accelerate the permanent protection and stewardship of farmland across Lan...

In this episode, we welcome Becky Doumaux, Executive Director of the Manheim Township Educational Foundation (MTEF), to discuss how community-driven support is transforming education. Becky shares the story behind MTEF’s founding in 1993 and how the organization has since awarded over $2 million in grants to enhance learning experiences for students across all grade levels and subject areas. We ex...

In this episode, we’re joined by Abby Morris, Executive Director of The Arc Lancaster Lebanon, an organization dedicated to empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism — alongside their families — to lead full and independent lives of their own choosing. Abby shares how The Arc works to ensure that individuals with disabilities are recognized for their equal worth...

In this episode, we welcome Holly Lyle, a seasoned Loan Consultant at New American Funding with over 34 years of expertise in residential mortgage lending. Holly has dedicated her career to guiding clients through some of the most important and complex financial decisions of their lives — from first-time home purchases to refinancing during life transitions like divorce. With a signature educator-...

In this episode, we’re joined by Tait Harbaugh (Papa Tater) and Michelle Harbaugh, two leaders blending magic, laughter, and community impact. Tait, known as the “Boredom Banisher,” is a Lancaster County, PA–based comedy magician who combines dad jokes, high-energy audience interaction, and unforgettable sleight of hand to create shows that happen with the audience, not just for them through Papa...

In this episode, Dan Murphy, Executive Director and Founder of Decker’s Blueprint, shares the deeply personal journey that began when his son Decker was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 2024. Faced with a devastating prognosis, Dan refused to accept “wait and see” as an option. Instead, he applied a builder’s mindset to the fight—launching Decker’s Blueprint to fund promising scientif...

In today’s episode, Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo celebrate President’s Day with some fun and share what makes Gardner’s Mattress and More special. They talk about their commitment to better sleep and how their team always puts customers first, with no-pressure guidance and great savings on mattresses. You’ll hear about their unique offers, including a luxury travel voucher with select purchases...

In this episode, we sit down with Andy Sedora and Jeff Emrich, Partners and Financial Advisors at Vantus Wealth, to explore a more connected approach to financial planning. Born from a desire to bring clarity and collaboration to every part of clients’ financial lives, Vantus Wealth is an independent RIA built on the idea of gaining a higher perspective—*vantage*—while keeping the focus on ‘us’: t...

In this episode, we sit down with John Hockley II from Weaver Associates to explore how his team delivers far more than “ink on paper.” John shares how Weaver Associates supports businesses with a full spectrum of office solutions—from copiers and printers to service, printing, pure water systems, and office furniture—helping organizations run smarter and more efficiently. We also get a glimpse in...

In this episode, Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo team up as your local "dynamic duo" to deliver a special Love Your Mattress President’s Day sales event preview from Gardner’s Mattress & More. Hear all about the biggest deals of the year—including 48 months no-interest financing, custom double deals, and bonus luxury travel vouchers—plus exclusive savings from top brands like Tempur Pedic, Avo...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy and Valonda Banks, partners at Liberty Employment Solutions, a dynamic couple united by their passion for helping small and medium-sized businesses thrive. From a hiring and consulting perspective, they share how Liberty supports organizations by uncovering the truth in their workforce needs and freeing leaders to focus on what they do best. Valonda brings...

In this episode, we’re joined by Erin Plotcher and Dr. Shawn Gallagher of the Lancaster Medical Heritage Museum to explore how the region’s rich medical history continues to shape healthcare today. They share how the museum preserves and brings to life stories of medical innovation, caregiving, and public health in Lancaster County—from early colonial healing practices and 18th-century physicians...

In this episode, we explore the mission and impact of ASSETS Lancaster, a nonprofit CDFI focused on building strong communities through entrepreneurship, equitable access to capital, and business education. The conversation highlights how ASSETS supports underserved entrepreneurs by removing traditional barriers and investing in people as the foundation for long-term economic growth. Denzel Brown...

If you're ready to see the real heartbeat of Lancaster County - the people rebuilding lives, feeding families, preserving farmland, and opening doors others thought were closed - then this episode is for you. Join us for the inaugural Lancaster Connecties, where we celebrate the small businesses, nonprofits, and local heroes who didn't just talk about change in 2025 - they made it happen. From fig...

In this episode, we’re joined by Michelle Kime and Kristen Hershey, Co-Directors of Conestoga Valley SEEDS, as they share the heart, vision, and impact of this growing community initiative. Celebrating three years of service as of October 2025, SEEDS was birthed from the passion of CV social worker Katie Reiff and a desire to cultivate a healthy, thriving Conestoga Valley community. Michelle and K...

In this episode, we sit down with Ruth Polillo, Owner and Certified Adaptive Personal Trainer at Special Strong Lancaster County. A seasoned physical therapist and mom of four—including two children with special needs—Ruth shares how her personal and professional journeys came together to fuel her passion for adaptive fitness. She explains why she launched Special Strong Lancaster County and how s...

In this episode, we sit down with Gabriel Luber, Chief Generosity Officer at Lancaster Gift Box, a mission-driven gifting company rooted in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Gabriel shares how Lancaster Gift Box thoughtfully curates Pennsylvania-made products while championing farmland preservation and strengthening local communities. He discusses the company’s expanding mission—including its new e-commerc...

In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Zahn, a key leader in Development at Servant Stage Company, a Lancaster, PA–based nonprofit theater and theater education organization. Andrew shares how Servant Stage has spent more than 12 years bringing high-quality performances and youth arts education to communities across Central Pennsylvania — all through their inspiring pay-what-you-will model that e...

In this episode, we’re joined by Phil True, Fun Specialist at Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center, for an inside look at the mission, magic, and momentum behind one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved adventure destinations. Phil shares how Refreshing Mountain has grown from humble beginnings in 1983—when founders Marlin and Sharon Harnish transformed a run-down horse camp with just two bu...

In this episode, we sit down with Aubrey Montgomery, Executive President of Referral Partners Plus (RPP)—a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping professionals and business owners grow through meaningful connections. Aubrey shares how RPP has built a powerful network across 11 active chapters in Lancaster and Berks Counties, offering exclusive industry representation and creating sp...

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...

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...