Lancaster Connects

In the spring of 2022, they dreamt of having a miniature golf charity tournament to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. By that August, they had their first-ever Putting For Miracles Miniature Golf Tournament for Children’s Miracle Network. They had over 60 participants and almost 30 local sponsors, including 20 sponsored holes. Thanks to the efforts of the community and friends, they raised o...

About the charity: Jen being a 100% disabled Veteran, it was believed that there was a minimum of a $10,000 Burial Benefit as part of the benefits package. Shortly after Jen's initial diagnosis she was hospitalized, this is where their family found out that they did not have the Life or Burial Insurance that they thought they had through the VA Benefits Packages. In discussing this issue with a fr...

In this episode, Ben and Jeff delve into the inspiring world of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), an international non-profit Christian sports ministry that has been impacting lives since its founding in 1954. Based in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, FCA boasts a global presence with staff offices strategically placed across the United States and abroad. Their guest, Kyle Martin, is a de...

Jeff, Ben & guest Troy Bruchwalski take you on a journey of commitment and self-care, and introduce the fantastic Universal Athletic Club. Special guest Troy shares valuable insights on fitness, therapeutic modalities, and their amazing renewal center. You'll discover the power of recovery in health and witness the impact of commitment on personal growth. Together we’ll uncover the center's am...

In this episode, Ben and Jeff interview Kendra Wolfe, the founder of Unique Lancaster Experiences. Kendra's journey is a remarkable one, as she transitioned from being a nomad traveling across the United States to settling in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. With a strong background in tourism and a deep commitment to community service, Kendra founded Unique Lancaster Experiences with a mission to...

In this episode, Ben interviews Danielle Keperling. As the Executive Director of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County and with over two decades of experience in the preservation industry, Danielle brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our conversation. With a Masters of Business Administration degree from Eastern University, Danielle's unique blend of business acumen and pas...

In this episode of Lancaster Connects, Ben and Jeff interviews Valonda Banks, a professional with nearly three decades of experience in the field of hiring. But Valonda is much more than just a hiring expert; she brings a delightful sense of humor and warmth to every aspect of her life. Married to the self-proclaimed 'funniest human on the planet,' she shares her life with a loving family that inc...

In this episode, Ben and Jeff are delighted to speak with Kristen Richards, the passionate owner of Front Porch Baking Co., a grain-forward neighborhood bakery nestled in Millersville, PA. Kristen's bakery isn't just about crafting delicious breads and pastries; it's a heartfelt mission to nourish Lancaster County while promoting education, sourcing locally in the Mid-Atlantic region, and fosterin...

In this episode, Ben and Jeff interview Glenn J. Smith, the Founder of Brewery Tours, a company that has been making waves in the craft beer tourism industry for over three decades. Glenn's passion for small, independent craft breweries has taken him on a remarkable journey, where he's been able to immerse himself in the world of craft beer, learn from brewers, and share these experiences with ent...

Lin Weaver is an Owner and CEO at Shady Maple Companies. These business interests include a Farmers Market/Supermarket, Smorgasbord/gift shop, RV dealership, Houston Run Development, and Weaver Realty Investment Properties. He has over 35 years’ experience working and growing the businesses at Shady Maple in all the different entities. He has been part of the Shady Maple team that grew the company...

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...