Kent In Good Company

Welcome back to the Kent pod! Over this summer, I'll be sprinkling some of my favorite hidden gem episodes in with some monologue episodes. This is our first episode of the summer, and it's one of my favorites! Emily from Emu Tile is a true artist, and we are so lucky to have her here in Kent. Her work is so whimsical and stunning, and she does a great job describing it verbally in this podcast ep...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! This is our last episode of Season 3! I'm so grateful to all of you for listening to Kent's organization leader stories. And I'm thrilled for what next season will bring! Season 4 will begin in June, so get ready for some fun, "unconventional" episodes this summer!   Today, I spoke with Andra, the executive director of Leadership Portage County. I admit, I did...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! For today's episode, I spoke with David, the general manager for the Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center. David reminded us that not only is this quality hotel placed perfectly downtown, but it exists to bridge the university and the community. It's a local business with a community purpose just like all the other businesses and organizations we've...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! I have been waiting for so long to talk about this local organization! We are talking with Julie and Bengt about the Kent Historical Society today! I am a big history buff, and if you are too, this is a great episode to listen to. We chat about some of Kent's rich history and the ways we as a community are celebrating it these days, including a 150th birthday...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! We are walking a bit down Main Street today to the Kent State University Museum where I spoke to the director, Sarah. Sarah welcomed me into her beautiful office (pictured as the episode artwork), which she later told me used to be the university president's office! It was quite an experience chatting with her in such a historic and beautiful space. Sarah gave...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I spoke with Keleigh from Thresholds Group. Keleigh has the sweetest personality. I wanted to keep talking to her for hours because she is just a genuine person. Keleigh and I also have a lot in common with her being a Kent transplant and having a background in education, so we are kindred spirits for sure! You will love hearing Keleigh's s...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! For our 50th episode (THANK YOU!), I spoke with Jeff, the founder of Standing Rock Cultural Arts. His colleagues, Cameron and Fred, joined us as well! I was so excited to do an episode about this organization because a couple people have mentioned them as a hidden gem! After talking with them, I can see why it's such a gem: they do so much for the community to...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! Today is a rewind to one of our Season 1 episodes, Alicia from Flourish Plant Mkt. I've been really pumped for plants lately with the new weather, and I know I'm not the only one! So I thought this would be a fun episode to bring back.   Alicia and I mentioned Board and Bevy in this episode. We have an episode about that business. Click here to find it in our...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, we are talking with Oliver from Kent Parks and Recreation! We all know who Kent Parks and Rec are, but I had a feeling that we didn't know about all the programming and events that they offer. So I used this episode as an opportunity to investigate all that we might be missing, and Oliver did NOT disappoint! I hope you have your calendars o...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, we are finishing up Foodie February while seamlessly entering into Women's History Month! Tina from Just Add Cookies spoke with me today, and we talked so much about balance in our lives. She teaches Public Health at Kent State, but she also uses her (delicious) cookies as a creative outlet and a chance to share in joyful occasions with oth...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, Calley, the founder and owner of Talk On! If you have any children in your life, this is a really cool episode for you to listen to. I had no idea the types of resources Talk On! offers for kids including speech therapy and occupational therapy. Calley had a crazy story about how the business survived during the pandemic shutdown. I can't i...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, Carl, the owner of Franklin Square Deli. I loved what Carl had to say about taking risks and persevering through difficult times in a business. It's a theme that I've seen in many episodes, and it makes me even more grateful that Kent is full of business owners that can weather tough storms.    In this episode, Carl and I talked about Woods...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, Megan, the Traveling Spa Girl herself tells us about her journey from working in spas to owning one herself. We also talked about facials and what it means to have healthy skin. I even asked Megan a bit of a personal question about her skin, so there's a teaser for you.    In this episode, Megan and I talk about Scribbles Coffee and The Bat...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I spoke with Tina, the owner (and famous "Hair Jedi") of Salon NeXt. I love Tina's story because it just epitomizes the scrappiness that our Kent business owners have. Salon NeXt had small beginnings, but now it's on arguably the most historic street in downtown Kent! I'm excited for you to hear her story.  Check out Salon NeXt on: Facebook...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I spoke with the owner of Hall-Green Agency. Ted and I talked a little bit about insurance, which is what Hall-Green does, but we mostly talked about Kent and why we love it! If you love Kent too, this is an episode you'll be agreeing with the whole way through.   In this episode, Ted and I mentioned Popped!, The Kent Stage, and a few other...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I spoke with Stacey, the director at the Kent Free Library. I learned a lot about the library and the resources they offer in this conversation, and I'm excited for you to learn more too!    In this episode, Stacey and I mentioned Taco Tontos. We have an episode about that! You can listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4yifk3UqmXbow...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, we kick off season three with Justin, the owner of 101 Bottles. Justin has a really cool story that starts with him playing video games in his mom's basement and ends with him being a successful business owner. The in-between is full of powerful and exciting events that demonstrate Justin's tenacity and scrappiness. Enjoy hearing his story!...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! This is our season finale of our second season of the podcast. I've had so much fun doing this and I'm excited for season 3 in January! In today's episode, I sat down with Tom, the owner of The Kent Stage. We talked about how the Kent Stage was formed and how Tom schedules the amazing artists that play there! Enjoy listening to the inside scoop!   Check out Th...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I sat down with Cass, the owner of McKay Bricker Framing. We talked about how she got started in the business, the artists McKay Bricker partners with, and she even told me that McKay Bricker is the oldest business on that Main Street block, which is really cool! This would be a great place to do some holiday shopping!   In this episode, we...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I sat down with Michael, the owner of Squirrel City Jewelers. We talked about the artists that SCJ partners with to create a curated and non-typical jewelry store. Michael also has a cool story regarding how he got involved in the business, so enjoy hearing that!   In this episode, we referenced our episode with Gwen from Popped! Listen to...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I sat down with Kelsi, the owner of Branded in Kent. We talked about the mission of Branded and hot Branded aims to keep fashion sustainable. It's the perfect business for downtown Kent; it fits right in! You'll really enjoy my conversation with Kelsi. She is so fun!   In this episode, we referenced our episode with Justine from Sun in Leo....

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I sat down with Susan, the owner of Hazelmade. I got to record this interview in her shop in the Sanford building! It was so cool! She's got labeled bins lining the walls with products and such; it was truly a sight to behold. The only thing better than seeing her intricate workspace was hearing her intricate story of going from graphic des...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I sat down with MaryJane, buyer and longtime staff member at Kent Natural Foods. We talked about the history of the coop, what membership is, and how to be a member. I learned a lot in this conversation with MaryJane! I know you will also!   Check out Kent Natural Foods on: Facebook KNF Coop Website   Last, but not least, you can visit Kent...

Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I sat down with Justine, the owner of Sun in Leo and had a really cool conversation with her about her journey to becoming the owner of a circular fashion business. Spoiler alert: It started when she was just a little girl sewing her own clothes! This is why I love doing this podcast. The stories we hear are so wholesome and just highlight...