In this episode, we sit down with Ruth Polillo, Owner and Certified Adaptive Personal Trainer at Special Strong Lancaster County. A seasoned physical therapist and...

In this episode, we sit down with Gabriel Luber, Chief Generosity Officer at Lancaster Gift Box, a mission-driven gifting company rooted in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Gabriel shares how Lancaster Gift Box thoughtfully curates Pennsylvania-made products while championing farmland preservation and strengthening local communities. He discusses the company’s expanding mission—including its new e-commerce platform and retail space—and how intentional gifting can create deeper connections between people. This conversation explores the power of generosity, the impact of supporting small makers, and the importance of aligning business with purpose.???? Connect with Gabriel Luber: ✅ Website: https://lancastergiftbox.com/ (https://lancastergiftbox.com/) ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-luber/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-luber/)  ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lancastergiftbox/ (https://www.instagram.com/lancastergiftbox/)  ✅ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LancasterGiftBox/ (https://www.facebook.com/LancasterGiftBox/) Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects:✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ (https://lancasterconnects.com/)

In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Zahn, a key leader in Development at Servant Stage Company, a Lancaster, PA–based nonprofit theater and theater education organization. Andrew shares how Servant Stage has spent more than 12 years bringing high-quality performances and youth arts education to communities across Central Pennsylvania — all through their inspiring pay-what-you-will model that ensures theater is accessible to everyone, regardless of financial barriers. We talk about the company’s mission, its impact on young performers, how community-focused arts can transform lives, and what it takes to sustain an inclusive and thriving arts organization.???? Connect with Andrew Zahn: ✅ Website: https://servantstage.org/ (https://servantstage.org/) ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantStage (https://www.facebook.com/ServantStage) ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantstage/ (https://www.instagram.com/servantstage/) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/servantstage (https://www.youtube.com/servantstage) Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects:✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ (https://lancasterconnects.com/)

In this episode, we’re joined by Phil True, Fun Specialist at Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center, for an inside look at the mission, magic, and momen...

In this episode, we sit down with Aubrey Montgomery, Executive President of Referral Partners Plus (RPP)—a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping professionals and business owners grow through meaningful connections. Aubrey shares how RPP has built a powerful network across 11 active chapters in Lancaster and Berks Counties, offering exclusive industry representation and creating spaces for dynamic networking and educational experiences.We also explore how philanthropy remains a cornerstone of RPP’s mission, driving members to not only grow their businesses but also make a lasting impact in their communities. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting to expand your professional circle, this conversation highlights the value of authentic relationships, collaboration, and giving back as key ingredients to sustainable business success.Tune in to learn how RPP is redefining professional networking and empowering local leaders to thrive—together.???? Connect with Aubrey Montgomery: ✅ Website: https://referralpartnersplus.com/ (https://referralpartnersplus.com/) ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/referralpartnersplusofpa (https://www.facebook.com/referralpartnersplusofpa) ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/referralpartnersplus/ (https://www.instagram.com/referralpartnersplus/) ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/referralpartnersplus/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/referralpartnersplus/) Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Yurick, U.S. Army Veteran and host of This Sober Vet Podcast. Joe served in the Air Defense Artillery, working with the PATRIOT Missile System and deploying during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. After years of self-medicating with alcohol and nearly losing everything, Joe made the life-changing decision to get sober — and has now been sober for over three years.Today, he’s on a mission to normalize sobriety among Veterans who struggle with substance use and the hidden wounds of service. Through his podcast, This Sober Vet, Joe provides honest conversations, community, and hope for those ready to break free from self-medication and find purpose in recovery.Tune in to hear Joe’s powerful story, his insights on the challenges Veterans face with addiction and recovery, and how he’s using his platform to help others live sober, strong, and connected.???? Connect with Joe Yurick: ✅ Website: https://thissobervet.com/ (https://thissobervet.com/) ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/This-Sober-Vet-Podcast/61567537590503/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/This-Sober-Vet-Podcast/61567537590503/) ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thissobervetpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/thissobervetpodcast/)  ✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thissobervetpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc (https://www.tiktok.com/@thissobervetpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc) Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)

In this episode, we sit down with Kapp Brown, Owner of Newly Restored, a fast-growing service business based in Elizabethtown. What began in 2014 as a small, two-person operation focused on tile, grout, and concrete cleaning has expanded into a thriving company offering a full range of services — including carpet cleaning, power washing, window cleaning, and even Christmas light installation.From humble beginnings in a home and rented barn to a 5,500-square-foot shop and office, Kapp shares the story of steady growth, team building, and community impact. Tune in to hear how a commitment to quality, adaptability, and customer care helped transform Newly Restored into a trusted name — and what’s next for this dynamic local business.???? Connect with Kapp Brown: ✅ Website: https://newlyrestored.com/ (https://newlyrestored.com/) ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Newlyrestoredhscr/ (https://www.facebook.com/Newlyrestoredhscr/) ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newly-restored (https://www.linkedin.com/company/newly-restored) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWKAwNs0-4H4Z96m3BQob5g (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWKAwNs0-4H4Z96m3BQob5g) Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects:

In this episode, we open the door to stories of transformation, growth, and opportunity through literacy. Featuring Cheryl Hiester, President of the Literacy & Learning Success Centers & Bill Morgan, President of Capital Coating, Inc. - this conversation highlights how literacy is strengthening Lancaster’s workforce and enriching lives.Cheryl shares the mission and impact of the Literacy Council, helping individuals gain critical language and learning skills. Bill discusses how his company benefits from a diverse workforce and why English language learning is essential for communication and safety on the job. From classrooms to kitchens to construction sites, this episode of Lancaster Connects shows how literacy is a vital connector helping our community learn, grow, and thrive.???? Connect with Cheryl Hiester, Bill Morgan, and Fernando Garcia Aguila: Literacy & Learning Success Centers - Cheryl Hiester✅ Website : https://literacysuccess.org/ (https://literacysuccess.org/) ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literacysuccessLC/ (https://www.facebook.com/literacysuccessLC/) ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/literacy-learning-success-centers/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/literacy-learning-success-centers/) ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literacycouncil/ (https://www.instagram.com/literacycouncil/) Capital Coating, Inc - Bill Morgan✅ Website: https://capitalcoating.com/ (https://capitalcoating.com/) ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapitalCoating/ (https://www.facebook.com/CapitalCoating/) Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this?

Join us for a milestone celebration as we turn the spotlight on the heart behind Lancaster Connects. For 35 years, Gardner's Mattress & More has been helping Lancaster County families sleep better and wake up happy, but this anniversary episode goes beyond mattresses to explore what it really means to build a business on honesty, expertise, and genuine community care.Hear the origin story of how Gardner's got its start in Lancaster and what's evolved over more than three decades of serving local families. Discover why their approach stands out in a crowded market, and learn about the customer moments that remind the team why helping people find better sleep truly changes lives.We'll also dive into Gardner's Gives Back, the community impact program that has partnered with local nonprofits to make a real difference across Lancaster County. Find out what inspired this commitment to giving and how it connects directly to the creation of Lancaster Connects itself.From adapting to industry changes like memory foam and online shopping while staying true to core values, to looking ahead at the next chapter for both the business and the podcast, this episode celebrates not just 35 years of success, but 35 years of showing up for the Lancaster community.Whether you're a longtime customer, a fellow small business owner, or simply someone who loves hearing stories about what makes Lancaster special, this anniversary episode offers inspiration, insight, and a reminder of what's possible when you build something with heart.Tune in to celebrate this milestone and discover the vision guiding Gardner's and Lancaster Connects into the future.Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects:✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ (https://lancasterconnects.com/) ✅ YouTube:

In this episode, we sit down with Jaime Santiago, Executive Director and founder of Restart Training Center Ministry (RTCM), to explore how a life rooted in faith and purpose can transform individuals and communities. Jaime launched RTCM in 2015 after more than two decades of serving in addiction recovery ministries like Teen Challenge and Revelations of Freedom.With a master’s degree in counseling from Liberty University and as an ordained Assemblies of God pastor, Jaime shares how RTCM equips men to break free from addiction through Christ-centered discipleship. He opens up about his own journey, the challenges of leadership, and the deep role family plays in his life and ministry.Join us for an inspiring conversation about second chances, spiritual transformation, and the power of restarting with purpose.???? Connect with Jaime Santiago: ✅ Website:https://restartministry.org/ (https://restartministry.org/) ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restart.ministry/ (https://www.instagram.com/restart.ministry/) ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restartministryinc (https://www.facebook.com/restartministryinc) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@restartministry (https://www.youtube.com/@restartministry) Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: 

In this episode, we’re joined by Building Bridges Foundation at Anderson Farm, a nonprofit offering equine-assisted therapy to veterans and their families. Tune in as we discuss the healing power of horses in helping veterans reconnect and recover.???? Connect with Building Bridges: ✅ Website: https://www.buildingbridgesfoundation.org/ (https://www.buildingbridgesfoundation.org/) ✅ Facebook (Building Bridges Foundation): https://www.facebook.com/BuildingBridgesFoundationandersonfarm (https://www.facebook.com/BuildingBridgesFoundationandersonfarm) Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects:✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ (https://lancasterconnects.com/) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects (https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects) ✅ LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects)https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects (https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects)✅ Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects)

In this episode, we sit down with Brad Peterson, Executive Director of Power Packs Project, an inspiring nonprofit dedicated to empowering families with education and ingredients to create nutritious weekend meals—ensuring children return to school fed and ready to learn. With over 30 years of nonprofit experience, Brad joined Power Packs in 2020 and has since led impactful initiatives including forging new partnerships with growers, wholesalers, and distributors, launching weekly fresh milk distributions, and expanding the organization’s reach into York County. Tune in to hear Brad’s insights on addressing food insecurity and building community support systems that nurture children's success both inside and outside the classroom.???? Connect with Brad Peterson: ✅ Website: https://www.powerpacksproject.org/ (https://www.powerpacksproject.org/) ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerpacksproject/ (https://www.instagram.com/powerpacksproject/) ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powerpacksproject (https://www.facebook.com/powerpacksproject) Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects:✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ (https://lancasterconnects.com/) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.

In this episode, we’re joined by Erin Conahan, Director of Advancement, and Paige McFarling, Executive Director of Lancaster County Food Hub—a nonprofit with a 75-year legacy of serving the Lancaster community with compassion, dignity, and equity.Erin and Paige share how the Food Hub is addressing critical needs in the community by providing fresh food, free clothing, and essential resources to neighbors facing hardship. Through partnerships with local farms, businesses, and dedicated volunteers, they not only meet immediate needs but also help connect individuals to long-term support systems.We dive into the organization’s mission, the challenges of food insecurity, and how Lancaster County Food Hub is working every day to build a healthier, more hopeful future for all. This is an inspiring conversation about community, connection, and the power of showing up for one another.???? Connect with Erin Conahan & Paige McFarling: ✅ Website: https://lancasterfoodhub.org/ (https://lancasterfoodhub.org/) ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lancasterfoodhub/ (https://www.instagram.com/lancasterfoodhub/) ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterFoodHub (https://www.facebook.com/LancasterFoodHub) Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better (https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better)LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects:✅ Official:

In this episode, we sit down with the Rev. Dr. Matthew Lenahan—pastor, farmer, and community organizer in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. As founder an...

In this episode, we sit down with Teresa Richardson, Executive Director of Help The Fight, and Stacey Rife, Manager of Imaging Operations at WellSpan York Hospital, to discuss the vital resources available to individuals fighting breast cancer in our community. Help The Fight is a powerful grassroots organization offering a hand up—not a handout—to those undergoing breast cancer treatment and those in need of essential screening services.We explore how the organization supports local patients in Lancaster and surrounding counties and highlight the life-saving impact of early detection. Stacey also shares exciting news about WellSpan's Mobile Mammography unit—bringing accessible, high-quality breast cancer screening directly to neighborhoods that need it most.Tune in to hear how these passionate women and their organizations are working together to make a real difference, one screening at a time.

In this episode Ben & Jeff highlight all the ways they serve Lancaster County and use their store as a platform for connection to the community.From mattress fundraisers, The Dream Room, the Lancaster Connects Show, Gardners Gives Back - food and mattress donations, and sponsoring a student for a new pillow they see their connection to the community as more than just selling a mattress.Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Szalay (pronounced “Sul-lay”), President & CEO of Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity in Pennsylvania. Nicknamed the “Shelter Seeker” by Lancaster News Paper’s Sunday Magazine, Andrew has dedicated his career to supporting first-time homebuyers and advancing affordable housing. An Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP), he has worked at the settlement table and spent 15 years influencing homeownership policy in Washington, D.C., and state capitols. Now leading a mission-driven organization, Andrew shares what fuels his purpose-driven leadership, the challenges and opportunities in housing today, and how his roles as a husband and father shape his vision for stronger communities.

In this episode, we’re joined by Shawn and Maile Smucker, the husband-and-wife team behind Nooks, a charming independent bookshop in Lancaster, PA. Maile is a writer, mother of six, and the day-to-day heart of the store, while Shawn is a seasoned author and ghostwriter with over 30 co-written books and five novels of his own. Together, they’re not only raising a big, beautiful family (including their Labrador, Winnie), but also building a literary haven for their community. We talk about the realities of running a small business, the magic of storytelling, and their journey as co-hosts of their own podcast, So, We Bought a Bookshop.This conversation is full of warmth, creativity, and the kind of honesty that makes you want to follow your own crazy dream—bookshop or otherwise.

In this episode, we sit down with Pete Rothacker and Greg Mavraganis to explore the journey of Lancaster Door Service (LDS), a trusted name in garage door, window,...

In this episode, we’re joined by Bill Klees and Kailey Hurst from Woodcrest Retreat, a ministry with a legacy of over 65 years impacting lives in Lancaster County and beyond. Bill and Kailey share the heart behind Woodcrest’s vibrant summer youth camp program, where over 2,000 campers step away from the ordinary to experience the extraordinary. But their mission doesn’t stop when summer ends—Woodcrest also serves families, churches, and organizations through year-round rentals, retreats, and community events. Tune in as we explore how this unique retreat center continues to create spaces for spiritual growth, connection, and lasting memories.