Ep.35- Mike Naffah, Naffah Hospitality Group

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:23 — 70.6MB)

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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.29- Nate Wilson, Woodland Cellars & Ellie Platt, Platt Insurance

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:39:24 — 136.5MB)

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It takes a visionary to see the true possibilities of a blank canvass, and that’s exactly what Nate Wilson is doing with Woodland Cellars in Hubbard. From the original concept of the winery, to his plans for its expansion and restoration of the historic property on Logan Way, Woodland Cellars is delivering. Podcast sponsor Ellie Platt of Platt Insurance joins Nate and Lisa to talk about Woodland’s history and future, our community and life in general. And we even got to try out some of his new wine!

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

Ep.28- Derrick McDowell

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:22:12 — 112.9MB)

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Homes and Hops is about our community – looking at all aspects of our amazing area to help build it up and make it what it can truly be. It’s in that spirit, as we are all reflecting and making our own sense of the events of the last few weeks, that I sat down with community leader and founder of the Youngstown Flea, Derrick McDowell, for an open, honest, and sometimes uncomfortable conversation about race, racism, history and starting a real dialogue in our city. Progress for our area isn’t just about bringing in new businesses, growing new industries, sitting back and expecting change. It’s about having difficult conversations about the past and working hard in order to build our future together. I hope you’ll listen. Thank you. 

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

Ep.27- John Rudy, Magic Tree

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:22 — 69.2MB)

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Nice weather and social distancing guidelines = moving our studio outside. And the first guest to join Lisa on the deck is John Rudy, owner of Magic Tree Pub in Boardman. Not only does John have one of best selections of craft beer, but he’s got a fantastic creative menu, and a great atmosphere – all combined to create a loyal following for The Magic Tree.  As our area begins to reopen John is in the midst of planning what The Magic Tree will look like and making sure not to lose the atmosphere that everyone loves. Hear all about his plans, what life in the restaurant businesses is really like, and the crazy connection where we crossed paths in a younger lives!

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.