Shenandoah Valley Life

Amanda Kellogg, director of Professional Development with JMU's School of Professional and Continuing Education joins this episode of SV Life. With a background in education, Amanda taught at Radford University for 8 years before transitioning into administration and eventually making the move to Harrisonburg and JMU. Listen in as she shares her story and why she and her family choose to make...

In this episode of SV Life, we talk with Rockingham County native and commercial realtor Mike Martin. Mike shares the story of his professional journey -- from teaching, coaching and training local students to helping businesses and investors navigate commercial real estate through Cottonwood Commercial. Mike shares insights into the Shenandoah Valley's growth, the importance of building relat...

In this episode we talk with Garth Knight -- a South Carolina native who has called the Valley home for more than five years. Now the VP of sales with LD&B Insurance, Garth shares his professional journey and the connections he's made in the community.

From a student at JMU to a years long career with Appeal Production to a successful launch as an entrepreneur, Bryn McIntyre Rankin has been building a career, and a life, in the Shenandoah Valley since she arrived here a decade ago. Listen in as Bryn shares her story, including what makes raising a family here so special.

In this episode, we talk with Keith May, Shenandoah Valley native, long time real estate broker and champion of the region. Keith, owner and broker for Cottonwood Commercial, shares his story, where he sees the Shenandoah Valley region going and why he will always call the region home.

In this episode, we talk with Amanda Leech, executive director of the United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley. Amanda grew up in a military family, moving frequently through her growing up years. After coming to Harrisonburg to attend JMU, Amanda has now made a home and life in the Valley. Listen in as Amanda shares her story and highlights the mission and service of the Central Shenandoah Valley...

In this episode, we talk with Scot Lilly - longtime resident, programs manager for Farm Credit of the Virginias and champion of agriculture in the Shenandoah Valley. Scot shares his story, talks about how ag has evolved and continues to innovate and highlights the impact of the ag sector to our region.

In this episode, we talk with Joe Ulmer, Valley native and owner of Overlook Produce Bakery and Deli. Starting as a small farm stand, Joe and his family have grown their operation to a year-round destination featuring produce, a greenhouse, a deli, locally made products and more. Listen in as Joe shares his story and the vision he has for the future of Overlook Produce!

Valley native and recent JMU graduate Kyle Showalter shares why he chose to stay in the Shenandoah Valley after graduating from James Madison University. Now working as the assistant controller for Partners Excavating, Kyle talks about why he values working at this long-standing Valley company and how he turned an internship into a full time career opportunity.

In this episode of the SV Life Podcast, we sit down with Vanessa Morosco, Executive Director of the American Shakespeare Center. Vanessa first discovered the Shenandoah Valley as a recent college graduate performing with the Shenandoah Shakespeare ensemble. After building her career across the country, her journey came full circle when she returned to guide the organization forward. Listen in as s...

Brooke Buffington, Associate Vice President of Career and Professional Development at Mary Baldwin University joins the SV Life podcast to share her passion for helping students craft their message and find their path after graduation. Transitioning to higher ed after years in a corporate setting, Brooke has a unique perspective in bridging communication between businesses and prospective employee...

Maya Elcox was first introduced to Ryzing Technologies as a high school student mentee. As she progressed through her educational journey, she had the opportunity to intern with the company and today, is a full-time employee. Listen in as Maya, a Shenandoah Valley native, shares her story and some inspiring words for all young girls interested in STEM.

In this episode of SV Life, we chat with Ann Cundy, executive director of the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC). Ann grew up in Richmond but always had strong ties to the Shenandoah Valley. She went to college in the area and eventually decided to put down roots here. Ann shares her story and gives us a look at some of the many programs and projects the CSPDC is involved in.

In this episode we talk with Piete Casius, President & CEO of Friendship Industries. Living in the Shenandoah Valley since 2008, he shares the journey that brought him to Virginia and eventually to his leadership role. Starting as Director of Commercial Operations at Friendship Industries in 2016, Piete reflects on how working at a nonprofit has shaped him personally—and the meaningful impact...

It's National Dairy Month and in this episode, we're talking with Amanda Culp, director of Marketing for Maola Dairies. A local dairy co-op that works with farmers in the Valley and beyond, Amanda shares some of the co-op's history and future plans plus where you might their products in the Valley. Educated in forestry and a native of Texas, Amanda also shares a little of her own story...

In this episode of SV Life, Jay sits down with Kevin Hutton, Director of Massanutten Technical Center. Coming from a family of educators, Kevin always felt drawn to the field and shares the path that led him from the classroom to his current leadership role at MTC. A native of the Shenandoah Valley, Kevin reflects on the time he spent out of the area and the reasons he ultimately moved back, under...

In our milestone 50th episode of the SV Life Podcast, we’re turning the mic around! Our very own host and SVP Executive Director, Jay A. Langston, Ph. D.—a 40-year veteran of economic development—is in the hot seat. With decades of experience and a passion for economic development, Jay shares his journey and passion for the region he champions. Don’t miss this special episode that brings Jay’s sto...

This episode of SV Life features Tom Weber, Chief Medical Officer for MD Ortho Systems. Listen in as Tom shares his journey to becoming a doctor and the evolution of practicing in a hospital setting to redefining the way care is delivered through a proprietary digital platform.

What does it mean to energize the community for good? Tune in as Kevin Gibson shares the journey of VA Momentum, a local running events organization founded by two friends with a vision to create inclusive spaces where people of all skill levels and backgrounds feel welcome.

With family connections in the Valley, Leigh Evans spent a lot of time here before it officially became home last year. Now settled in and serving as the Executive Director of the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council and director of Research to Impact at JMU, Leigh shares her vision for both moving forward and what this community means to her.

This episode features AJ Jalal, owner of AJ's Gentlemen's Barbershop. Listen in as AJ shares the journey that brought him to the United States and why he chose to build a life and a business in the Shenandoah Valley. AJ's story of growing his business and what a barbershop can mean to the community is a fascinating one.

Valley native and Riverbank Farms owner Jack Dixon shares his story in our latest SV Life Podcast. With roots in the Valley that run generations back, Jack spent some time out of the area before he and his wife returned home and he began delving into regenerative farming. Listen in as Jack shares his plans for the farm, what drew him back to the area and what makes him stay.

Harrisonburg native and entrepreneur Tanner Johnson shares the story and evolution of Pure Shenandoah, an Elkton based company that makes products ranging from CBD oils to hemp fiber. With roots that run deep in the Valley, Tanner and his siblings are honoring the legacy of not just their family's entrepreneurial spirt but the Valley's agricultural legacy as well.

In this episode of the SV Life Podcast, Jay talks with George Neighbors, owner of X-Roads Advisory and Shenandoah Valley visitor turned resident. Listen in as George shares the path that led to his current business venture and to the Shenandoah Valley.

In this #SVLifePodcast episode, Jay talks with Connie Frigo , executive director of JMU X-Labs and Patrice Ludwig , interim assistant vice provost for Research and Innovation and associate professor of X-Labs courses. With varied backgrounds leading to their current roles, Connie and Patrice share how X-Labs got its start and has grown and how its "Reimagined Internship" is a huge win fo...