Ep.40- Brian Gabbert, GM Southern Park Mall

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Brian Gabbert, General Manager of the Southern Park Mall, is proof that it’s not just Youngstown natives that love our area. After moving to the Valley to manage the mall two years ago, he loved Youngstown and its people so much he signed on to stay longer. Now, in a time when malls across America are closing doors, the mall’s owner Washington Prime Group is doubling down on Youngstown and investing heavily in our local entrepreneurs to create DeBartolo Commons and make it true town center. Find out what the latest is at the Southern Park Mall site, how this project is setting the national trend for retail development, what the ins and outs are to managing a mall and what they look for in retail space, and how Washington Prime Group has engaged the local community on a vision they have for the future of our area.  They’re here to stay and the impacts could be huge.  

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

Ep.39- Phil Kidd, Defend Youngstown

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Defend Youngstown – As Valley natives, we’ve all felt the need to do it at some point to counter some wise-crack. But defending Youngstown doesn’t have to be negative, it can be so much more – and that’s what Phil Kidd is all about. The YSU alum, community activist, organizer, and founder of Defend Youngstown swung the by the studio to dive a little deeper into that notion. Over some beverages from Modern Methods, Phil and Lisa tackle a lot – the importance of civic engagement, economic development, and some YSU stories. But most of all, they talk about what it really means to defend Youngstown – getting engaged, seeing opportunity, and changing the narrative. This is a conversation for the forward thinking, so grab a beer, enjoy and go get involved! 

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

Ep.38- John and Abby Chandler, Paladin Brewing

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:25 — 55.6MB)

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We know, you’ve probably wondered “why hasn’t Paladin been on yet? Well, the wait is over and it’s just in time to celebrate their 5 year anniversary this weekend! Founders John and Abby Chandler swung by the studio to talk about their roots, how they grew the business (and some of the bumps along the way) the name Paladin, and more. This is truly a community gem in Austintown and the Valley and it was an honor to have them on while sipping on Abby’s favorite Dreamsickle, hearing everything they have going on and how they plan on sticking around for the long run. 

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

Ep.37- Erik Cromer, Union Home Mortgage

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:43 — 73.8MB)

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If you’re wondering how to take advantage of the hot real estate market right now, this episode is for you.  Erik Cromer of Union Home Mortgage and Lisa enjoyed a nice crisp Birdfish and Modern Methods Darlene to chat about the importance of having the right team on your side. The market is crazy right now, and making sure you have people with the right kind of energy and expertise will help you reach your goals is extremely important.

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

Ep.36- Greg Wormley, The PumpHouse Homebrew Shop

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Looking to brew your own beer right from home but don’t know where to begin? Make sure to go to The Pumphouse Home-brew Shop in Struthers. Greg Wormley, owner, not only has all your supply needs but he will take the time to walk through the process. He may even brew your first beer with you. Lisa had a great time chatting with Greg and learning how The PumpHouse is an intricate part of our brewing community and beyond. Hear how Greg came to be a shop owner, and how over the past twenty plus years he’s seen the consumer expand their palates and how they are more willing to spend a bit more for a great tasting craft beer.

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

Ep.35- Mike Naffah, Naffah Hospitality Group

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Ever wonder how Rt. 224 in Canfield became what it is today? Well you’re in good hands with the man who started it all, Mike Naffah of Naffah Hospitality Group. There is so much to unpack in this conversation – from his beginnings on the family farm to the sports park to Ironwood Commons and more. If you’re a resident, learn some cool Canfield history. If you’re a developer, hear about what it takes to break in and what to look for to have successful tenants. Mike is a true advocate and visionary for Canfield and the Valley who has been at the center of seeing are transform to what it is today. It was an honor to have him on the podcast.

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

Ep.34- Birdfish Brewing and The Flight Crew

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Homebrewing with a turkey fryer … in your basement? Today we learned there can be hazards to home brewing, but for Jason “Jugs” Jugenheimer of the Flight Crew, he’s got Greg Snyder and Birdfish Brewing to set him straight. This dynamic duo took their show on the road and swung by the studio to talk, well, homebrewing, and also Birdfish’s new 30-gallon tanks producing their Bohemian Pilsner (which if you listen closely, apparently makes the perfect sound when you open it), some exciting news for the brewery, their great relationship with Columbiana and the COVID comeback tour for the Flight Crew. Enjoy!

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

Ep.33- Robby Komara, Komara Jewelers

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Tiffany’s has their blue box, but in Youngstown it’s all about the Purple Box from Komara Jewelers. And for the guys, how about enjoying a beer to help calm the nerves while you pick out the perfect piece of jewelry. Co-Owner Robby Komara swung by the studio to join Lisa and talk about how they’ve handled the COVID pandemic, the family’s history in the business, they’re commitment to our community, why purple, and a whole host of other random topics. 

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

Ep.32- Wade Calhoun, Canfield City Manager

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:19:34 — 109.3MB)

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What makes a small city a great place to live, work and play? That’s the question Canfield City Manager Wade Calhoun seeks to tackle every day. Since taking the job in 2018, the Ellsworth native and Youngstown State graduate, has been at the center of some exciting developments and happenings in the Canfield area. Wade joined Lisa on this week’s podcast to talk about how the city is thinking outside the box to realize the potential of the Canfield Green area, continue to attract business and residents (and perhaps a brewery?), and make Canfield synonymous with the small-town charm. And of course, listen all the way through to catch the exciting announcement that will benefit all residents of the City of Canfield!

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.