Kent In Good Company

I think if every town had a mayor as casual, kind, and down-to-earth as Mayor Jack, the world might be a better place. That being said, I really didn't know what exactly the job title of "mayor" entailed…until this conversation! I'm bringing you along with me just in case you are as curious (and clueless) as I was.   In this episode, we mention City Manager, Dave Ruller. Guess what! He was a guest...

Everyone needs someone like Sherry in their life. She's full of fun energy and warm fuzzies. I truly cannot imagine a better personality to lead a wellness business. Sherry is the owner of Bella Vita Wellness, which, as you will hear, is NOT a yoga studio!!! So stop calling it that….(if you have called it that, don't worry, we still love you.) You will love hearing this conversation and you'll be...

Welcome back to the pod! We are learning about Rainbow Weekend and the Portage County Pride Fund from Morgan Woodin today. Morgan sat down with me and explained the relationships between these two organizations as well as his specific role within them. He talked up the Rainbow Weekend 5k, which sounds like a lot of fun, as well as the important work that the PoCo Pride Fund does in our community....

Guys, I have a really handsome guest on the podcast today. I think I might ask him on a date! It's my hubby, Nathan! It was fun interviewing my own husband about his job! I thought I knew all the answers, but I did not! Nathan Thomas, joined by founder Paul Organ, told me all about the origins of Marathon Financial, and I loved to hear about how this sweet little business is growing. I'm not exact...

Isn't it so lovely to finally have a venue where the royalty and social elite of Kent can get together for their black tie galas and cocktail hours?...Lol just kidding! Black Tail Events hosts tons of different celebrations and get-togethers from pilates to birthday parties to charity dinners. I loved talking to Kegan about his vision for the space and the many ways Black Tail Events accommodates...

Gee whiz! Oops, I mean Good Golly! (Was that the cheesiest thing you've ever read?) That's what we are talking about today! If you've tried the new Good Golly snack joint you know just how fun of an environment it is. It's even more fun knowing where all the ideas originated–from the food to the atmosphere. You're gonna want to hear about the vision that went into this place and the nostalgia that...

It's a new season and I am extremely excited! Welcome back to the pod, and HAPPY SEASON SIX, EVERYONE! We are kicking off this awesome season with some announcements.   Listener Stories are being incorporated into this season! What does that mean? It means that YOU can share your awesome experience about a local business with us and we will read it on the podcast! Think, your Scribbles barista gav...

Welcome back to the pod! Today, we're talking with Megan from The Treehouse Inn. Can you believe that this is the only b&b in Kent?!...but maybe it's all we need…afterall, it is the quaintest place! I hope you can go visit soon for a weekend staycation or something! But in the meantime, take a listen to this conversation with Megan to learn what blood, sweat, and tears went into getting this thing...

Welcome back to the pod! I spoke with Dia from DLR Accounting / First & Middle Co. / Live with Honor (oh my gosh, she is superwoman!), and walked away with so much appreciation for numbers people! I am admittedly not a numbers person, but I'm so glad people like Dia exist to help all of us, especially local business owners, stay financially stable. One of the highlights that Dia talks about is her...

Welcome back to the pod! Today, we're talking with Erin from Brimfield Insurance. The Madonios are extremely active in the community, so it's likely that you've heard of this family! What does dog food have to do with insurance?...I guess you'll find out by listening!   In this episode, we mentioned the Chamber of Commerce and Jaycees. We have an episode with both of those organizations! Go to htt...

Hello there! We've got a new business to highlight today! I love talking with the owners of new Kent businesses because I love that this podcast can be a way for a new person in the community to say "hello" to all of us and tell us about their story. So here we are with Kathleen from Gigi's!   If you'd like to check out Gigi's, you can go to their: Website   Thank you to Hall-Green for sponsoring...

Hello there! Whether it's your first time listening, or you're a regular: Welcome! I decided that since we heard from the Chamber of Commerce last time, it made sense to learn about the Junior Chamber this week, so here we are with Joe, the acting president of the Jaycees. In this episode, Joe unpacks some answers to questions like: What are the Jaycees? How long have they existed in Kent? Who can...

Welcome back to the pod! Today, we're talking with Dennis from the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce. If you haven't heard of Dennis, this is an exciting day for you because after hearing this episode, you'll probably recognize his name and voice all over Kent from now on. I was shocked to know how many cups of coffee he had with local business owners in his first year as executive director of the Cha...

Welcome back to the pod! Today, I'm talking with Jessica, one of the owners of Alley Mac. This is a great conversation which I think highlights the common theme of "scappiness" that a lot of our local business owners have as part of their story. I also asked Jessica about her favorite menu items, so you'll get to hear straight from the owner what to try if you're ordering at Alley Mac for the firs...

Welcome back to the pod! Today, I'm talking with Joy Pahls, a very present gal in our community! She often volunteers for Main Street Kent events, so I've known her for a little bit already. She is also the branch manager for Portage Community Bank in Kent, so I thought this would be a great opportunity to sit with Joy and talk about PCB!   Portage Community Bank has been a trusted financial partn...

Welcome back to the pod! Today, we're talking with Emily and Mandy from Maddelena's. From everything they told me, this new Kent business seems to more than live up to the hype! Their goal is to bring fine dining to Kent without a fine dining price tag. I can totally get on board with that! And I know that after you hear their story, you will too!   In this episode, we mentioned Bent Tree Coffee....

Welcome back to the pod! Today's episode is a little idea that started on our City Manager and Community Engagement Coordinator episode from a few weeks ago. It's Taco Takeover! Let's just say that we are a little (a LOT) blessed to have so many great taco joints here in Kent. I love options! Each taco place is great in its own little way and has something special to offer the community. In this e...

Welcome back to the pod! I've been waiting to record this episode for months! Today, we are hearing from Dave and Derek, the owners of Beware of the Leopard. I had not been to Beware of the Leopard before this conversation, so learning about their ever-changing menu and pop-up events was really exciting for me. I hope your curiosity has been sparked so that you can go check it out too!   In this e...

Welcome back to the Kent pod! We are getting back to our traditional interview format today, but with a twist! Instead of chatting with a local business owner, I sat down with Kent's City Manager, Dave Ruller and Community Engagement Coordinator, Dominique Bollenbacher , to chat about all things Kent. This was a fun episode for me because I walked away with a whole new perspective about the people...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! This summer, we are taking a break from new interviews with business owners, and revisiting some of our favorite hidden gem episodes as well as some themed episodes to remind you of all the great fun Kent has to offer this summer. This is one of those themed episodes!   Today, we are talking about things for kids to do in Kent! If your kiddos are at that point...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! Here's another REWIND episode for you! This is my conversation with Andrew from the Haymaker Farmers' Market. This is the perfect time of year to reacquaint ourselves with all that the Market has to offer. The produce is fresh, the weather is beautiful, and we all can come together as a community to the Market on a gorgeous Saturday morning. It's what Kent is...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! This summer, we are taking a break from new interviews with business owners, and revisiting some of our favorite hidden gem episodes as well as some themed episodes to remind you of all the great fun Kent has to offer this summer. This is one of those themed episodes!   Today, we are talking coffee! Here is a rundown of all the coffee shops in Kent and why I (...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! Here's another REWIND episode for ya: Susan from Hazelmade! I chose to spotlight Hazelmade again because I just love Susan's story and I feel she's a true hidden gem in Kent.   Check out Hazelmade on: Facebook Instagram Hazelmade Website   You can also find Hazlemade products at some local shops including McKay Bricker on Main Street and Flourish Plant Mkt on...

Welcome back to the Kent pod! This is our very first "themed" episode! You'll get to hear my take on the five best patios in Kent and why I think they're great. My goal for this episode is to give you some summer evening inspiration. I would love if you made plans with a friend or partner to try out one of these patios after listening. The best part: you'll be supporting a Kent local business duri...