On this episode of Gettin' To Know, we dive into the world of furniture upcycling and restoration, highlighting the journey of Shiloh Byrnes, the entrepreneurial mind behind From Drab to Fab in Mayfield, PA. We hear all about her business's origins, growth, and the community's supportive role in its success. Additionally, we had a soft spot learning about how she implements marketing strategies, and the importance of customer interactions. We also touched on the challenges small businesses face,...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 241
On this episode of Gettin' To Know, we get a dual perspective on the independent pro wrestling world, focusing on both the internal operations and the external challenges faced by those in the industry. Robbie and Sarah, owners and wrestlers of New Era Pro Wrestling in Northeastern Pennsylvania, share their experiences of touring, managing events, and the importance of storytelling and character development. The discussion further extends to the financial and promotional hurdles, the role of soc...
May 15, 2024•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 240
In this episode, we hear about the inspiring story of Lori Ogurkis, the woman behind Brandon's Forever Home, a nonprofit dedicated to the advocacy and support of foster children. Listen in as she shares her first-hand experiences with fostering and adoption, driven by a deep-seated passion and unwavering faith, to bring to light the challenges and transformative power of providing loving, stable homes for children in need. We dive into the inception and mission of Brandon's Forever Home, emphasi...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 239
In this episode, we have a chat about business ownership within a family setting, centered around the Connell family's journey with Taylor Deli and Cafe. Listen in as Jim, Joanne, Brianna, and Mia share their adventures from pizza making to a diverse menu that pleases the palate with buffalo chicken hoagies, homemade soups, and more. We explore the family's expansion into blending food with fashion through daughter Mia's boutique. Through personal stories, they highlight the challenges and rewar...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 238
This episode unveils the journeys of entrepreneurial success and innovative brand-building in the brewery industry. We sat with Steve Masterson, owner of Mutant Brewing, and explored his unique approach to the craft beer scene in downtown Scranton, characterized by its distinctive flavors, NFT-inspired artwork, and a compelling lifestyle brand that transcends traditional brewing. We also got into Steve's personal and professional journey, hearing all about his transition from a conventional care...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 237
In this episode we learn about the impactful work of Fork Over Love, a non-profit based in Luzerne County that addresses food insecurity by connecting struggling residents with chef-prepared meals from local restaurants, ensuring no one goes hungry. Joined by Founder and CEO, Tracy Selingo, we discuss the organization's origin amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, its mission to support both the community and small businesses, and its approach to food distribution. You will also hear about the challenge...
Apr 15, 2024•2 hr 21 min•Ep. 236
We're 'Gettin' To Know' Dan Schreffler, a master mead maker and owner of Space Time Mead and Cider Works, exploring the craft of mead making, its history, and the journey from the corporate world to operating a successful craft beverage business. Listen as we delve into technical aspects such as the chemical components of traditional wines versus meads, local sourcing for ingredients, and the craft of cider-making. Dan shares his personal experiences, from winning competitions to the importance ...
Apr 11, 2024•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 235
In this episode, we talked all about the adventurous and passionate legacy of the Grasshopper Lawns family business. We explored the journey of the Kravitsky family from its humble origins in the basement of the family home to becoming pioneers in the lawn care industry. With personal anecdotes that include thrilling adventures in skiing and snowmobiling, challenges and triumphs in business innovation, and a persistent dedication to community and customer service. Emphasizing the importance of e...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 234
In this episode, we talk with Mark and Michelle Yaple of MCS Advertising discussing their entrepreneurial adventure from starting as a side hustle to running a full-time promotional products and brand apparel business in Harvey's Lake, PA. We got to hear all about their networking and marketing strategies, product line expansion, and how they manage working together as a married couple, including personal stories, challenges they've overcome, and the role of technology in their business. The Yap...
Apr 04, 2024•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 233
In this episode, we learned all about Five Mountain Brewing, in Shickshinny, with owners, Brent and Melissa Humm. From its beginnings as a home-based brewery to becoming a thriving local spot, we chat about the brewery's growth, its commitment to the community, and its eclectic offerings. Follow along as we touch on the brewery's origin, the development of a diverse food and beer menu inspired by global travels, and the beer garden. The Humms share their journey of juggling entrepreneurship with...
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 232
In this episode, we chat with local author and film historian, Thom Shubilla, on two pretty diverse, but interconnected subjects. Follow along with us as we explore Thom's insights into the '60s pop culture, drawing from his books 'James Bond and the Sixties Spy Craze' and 'Primetime 1966-67', alongside his journey from idea inception to publication, his personal interests, and his role in an upcoming documentary. We also had a great conversation on the impact of AI, discussing the evolution of ...
Mar 28, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 231
In this episode, we sit down with Tom Schoeller. Tom hosts an annual event in Stroudsburg called Pub Tour for a Cure, designed to raise awareness and funds for juvenile diabetes research, specifically supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Tom Schoeller, motivated by his daughter's diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, created the event to foster community spirit by encouraging participants to visit participating bars and restaurants in any order they prefer. Proceeds from event-sp...
Mar 23, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 230
This episode combines personal storytelling with practical advice, focusing on Jamie and Mel Bogart of J&M Custom Contracting, a family-operated business based in Berwick, Pennsylvania, specializing in home remodels including kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. What started during the 2020 pandemic as a one-man operation, has grown into a successful family affair. The Bogarts share their journey of transitioning from different professions into the contracting industry, emphasizing the import...
Mar 21, 2024•2 hr 1 min•Ep. 229
This episode features the personal and professional journeys of Joe and Tiziana Mazzarella, owners of DeMazz Inc. We talk about how they met in the Washington D.C. area to becoming successful franchise owners here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. We get to hear about their experiences in running local franchises of Planet Smoothie, Annie Ann's, and Cinnabon, highlighting the challenges and achievements encountered, including adapting to changing mall cultures and leveraging online delivery platform...
Mar 18, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 228
Explore the vibrant world of craft beer with Two Dogz and a Guy Brewing in Great Bend, PA! Join us as we delve into the essence of passion, community, and creativity within the craft beer industry. Discover the intricacies of running a brewery, from the brewing process to community engagement. Get insights into unique beer styles, upcoming innovations, and expansion plans. Hear firsthand from Jim and Chrissy about their brewing journey, dreams, and the importance of community support. If you or ...
Mar 14, 2024•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 227
Jared Tennant, DJ Gatsby, delves into his intriguing journey from a corporate finance job to the world of music as a successful DJ and his entrepreneurial venture, 'The Hip Hop Coffee Shop.' Gatsby shares insights about his career, including the highs and lows, his deep-seated love for music, song selection techniques, and his perspective on the dynamism in the DJ industry. Detailed discussion about his unique brand and The Hip Hop Coffee Shop are also highlights of this conversation. This conve...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 226
This episode encapsulates the journey of Scott Sacco, owner of Sacco Chiropractic and partner at Twisted Roots Chiropractic, as he navigates and evolves in the field of chiropractic practice. Fresher approaches, utilizing modern technologies like Pulsed Electric Magnetic Field machines and Cryo tanks, fuse seamlessly with traditional methods, focusing on treating root causes rather than just symptoms. His decision to prioritize building personal relationships with patients, alongside advancement...
Mar 06, 2024•2 hr 29 min•Ep. 225
On this episode, we sit down with Amanda Weron, the owner and stylist of Hue Hair Lounge in Mountain Top. Amanda shares her journey from being a hairstylist at Disney World to owning her own salon. She discusses her passion for color-based hair services, the importance of mentorship, and the role of marketing and brand identity in the beauty industry. If you or someone you know wants to be featured in our next podcast, message us on Facebook !...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 223
Join us as Carley Egerter, owner of 'Carley's Fairytale Dog Grooming', shares her inspiring journey from a cosmetology student to a successful dog grooming business owner. She takes us through her experiences, her personal approach to grooming based on understanding dogs' individual needs, and the aesthetic design of her boutique shop in Pittston. She enlightened us with her love for animals, the importance of grooming for dog's health, and her unique vision for the future of her business. Delvi...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 223
This episode provides expert insights from a certified lactation consultant, Christine Carlson of Lactation Salvation. It explores the critical issue of breastfeeding health and debunking common misconceptions. Listen along as we discuss the unique needs of each mother and baby, the importance of planning and preparation for breastfeeding, and the role of professional lactation consultants in supporting pre and postpartum care. Christine shares her vast expertise on breastfeeding, educates on it...
Feb 14, 2024•2 hr•Ep. 222
Matt and Jen Micciche, the proud owners of Designs by Olivia Grey in Pittston, unravel their inspiring journey from a budding romance in the restaurant industry to success in the thriving soy candle business. Not only do they introduce viewers to the world of unique scent profiles and creative candle-making techniques, but they also offer a behind-the-scenes look into in-person candle-making classes and themed events. Amidst discussing their products and future business ambitions, they reveal th...
Feb 07, 2024•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 221
While most of our episodes focus on local business and what it is in the community, most times we only focus on the successful part. Today's guest not only talked about the success, but we also dug a little bit into the grind and the struggle that comes with owning and operating a small business. Listen along as we chat with the Queen of Tarts, aka, Donna Maria Groysman about following your dreams and grinding it out to be a small business owner, baker, mom, and queen! We enjoyed this episode an...
Jan 31, 2024•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 220
If you're into good scenery, good food, and more importantly, good wine, then don't miss this episode! We had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Sal and Pauline Maiolatesi from Maiolatesi Wine Cellars in Scott Township! It's no secret that we here at GTK are big fans of Sal's wine, but we certainly enjoyed hearing about how an established business such as this, started basically from Sal's father saying, "Hey, let's make some wine!" You're going to want to listen to this one, and of cour...
Jan 17, 2024•2 hr 15 min•Ep. 219
Our next guest has quite an incredible story and you'll definitely want to settle in and give this one a listen! Follow along as we chat with Brooke Evans, owner of Catalyst Nutrition and Training in Kingston. We really enjoyed hearing all about how Brooke's personal journey and experiences have led her down the path of helping people by promoting proper nutrition and training routines! If you or someone you know wants to be featured in our next podcast, message us on Facebook !...
Jan 10, 2024•2 hr 25 min•Ep. 218
Building a business, writing a book, 100-mile races, marathons, and Ironman events! That's what you'll hear in this episode with Candice Dutko of Achieve Wellness. We certainly got winded just thinking about competing in everything that Candice has done all while creating a gym environment and philosophy that everyone, regardless of your fitness level, can take part in to get themselves feeling better! If you or someone you know wants to be featured in our next podcast, message us on Facebook !...
Dec 07, 2023•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 217
It's never too late to follow your passions. That's exactly what Amy Sitler of the Glow House- Nail and Skin Spa did! Listen along as Amy shares with us her origin story about how after 7 years of teaching, 14 years of raising her children, and one quick return trip to the teaching world, she realized it was time to follow her dreams of attending beauty school! We enjoyed this episode so much and we know you will too! If you or someone you know wants to be featured in our next podcast, message u...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 216
We've invented a new word... Mookies! What are Mookies? Well, they are cookies the size of muffins and that name is up for trademark now! The Mookies are made by this episode's guest, Raina Long, of Crumbs to Crystals Bakery. Follow along with this truly inspiring story about how she overcame a disability and learned that she happens to be an incredible crafter of edible creations! If you or someone you know wants to be featured in our next podcast, message us on Facebook !...
Nov 20, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 215
We love the kind of episode where you can just feel how much passion the owners have to put into their businesses, and this one is no different! We sat down with the Rinehimer Family, of Rinehimer Farms in Nescopeck, and not only did we have a great time hearing their stories, but we also learned a lot in the process! Join in as Gary, Randi, Anna, and Faith share with us the origin story of Rinehimer Farms, and why they employ the tactics they do to produce some of the highest quality healthy go...
Nov 16, 2023•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 214
We're Gettin' "Saucy" with our new friends from Carmella's Sauces of Dunmore! We sat down with Pat and Danielle Padula and got to learn all about this new sauce brand that is bringing "A Taste of Bunker Hill" to the folks of the area! Join in as Pat tells us all about the namesake of the brand, his grandmother Carmella, how they started, where they are heading, where you can find them, and everything in between! If you or someone you know wants to be featured in our next podcast, message us on F...
Nov 13, 2023•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 213
If you want to know what a Boom Boom Shroom is, then you've come to the right place. On this episode of GTK we sat down with George, Jennifer, and Gabe of 3rd Kingdom Mushrooms. We're gonna spare you all of the mushroom puns that we can think of, and just direct you to listen to this informationally jam-packed episode. We learned a lot and had a lot of laughs. We know you will too. If you or someone you know wants to be featured in our next podcast, message us on Facebook !...
Nov 08, 2023•2 hr 17 min•Ep. 212
