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, and entry door installation and repair throughout Lancaster County since 1996. Pete, a Lancaster native and Penn State alum, shares how LDS was built on the foundation of honest service, quality craftsmanship, and reliable support.

We also hear from Greg, a seasoned business advisor and broker with LINK Business, who brings a wealth of experience in business strategy, valuation, and acquisitions. Greg discusses his transition from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, and how he and his partner completed a self-funded search that led to the acquisition of Lancaster Door Service in 2023.

Together, Pete and Greg talk about the company’s legacy, the values that drive their team, and their vision for the future of LDS. Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply interested in the story behind a thriving local company, this episode offers insights into leadership, transition, and the art of service-driven business.

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.

In this episode of Lancaster Connects, we pull back the curtain and share what drives us every day — beyond the beds, beyond the showroom. We dive into the why behind our business: our Purpose, our Mission, and the Core Values that guide every customer interaction, every mattress recommendation, and every decision we make.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes us different from other mattress stores — this is the episode that explains it all.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why better sleep isn’t just about comfort — it’s about living longer, healthier, more joyful lives
• How we’re changing the mattress-buying experience from dreaded chore to confidence-filled win
• The 8 Core Values we live by — and how they show up in your shopping experience

Our Purpose:

To help people live longer, healthier, more joyful lives — through the power of truly restorative sleep.

Our Mission:

To change how people feel about buying a mattress — and make it the most enjoyable, confidence-filled purchase in their entire home.

Our Core Values:

1. Integrity First – Say what we do. Do what we say.
2. Guide, Don’t Sell – You’re the hero, we’re the guide.
3. Customer-First Curation – We recommend what’s best for you, not us.
4. Respect Always – For your time, your space, and your budget.
5. Happiness Guaranteed – If you’re not happy, we’re not done.
6. Referable Experiences – We earn every “You’ve gotta go see them.”
7. Significance Over Success – We measure impact, not just income.
8. Trust Earned Daily – We show up with consistency, care, and transparency.

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 welcome David Lapp, CEO and co-founder of Blessings of Hope, a nonprofit organization based in Lancaster, PA, that’s making a national impact. Under David’s leadership, Blessings of Hope provides over 27 million meals annually through a powerful combination of strategic food distribution and community partnerships. With a deep heart for service, David shares how empowering volunteers and ministries can create scalable solutions to hunger and bring lasting hope to communities across the U.S. Whether you're in nonprofit work, business leadership, or simply looking for ways to make a difference, this episode is packed with purpose-driven insights.

In this episode, we sit down with Brittany Garner, Owner, Broker, and CEO of Life Changes Realty Group. Brittany shares how her heart-led approach to real estate is transforming lives—not just through buying and selling homes, but through building community and giving back. With a mission rooted in care, integrity, and client-first service, Brittany and her team guide people through major life transitions with empathy and expertise. We also explore the impact of their powerful Pay It Forward program, which has donated over $915,000 to nonprofits chosen by clients—turning every real estate transaction into a meaningful opportunity to make a difference. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, service, and creating lasting change through real estate.

In this episode, we sit down with Lancaster County native Troy Steffy, whose impressive baseball résumé spans Major League scouting, coaching with USA Baseball, and athlete development at both the collegiate and professional levels. With certifications in sports biomechanics and years of hands-on experience—including six years as director of sports performance at Parisi Speed School and another six as director of baseball operations at Spooky Nook Sports—Steffy brings a deep, behind-the-scenes look at the game. Tune in as he shares insights into talent evaluation, player development, and what makes the Lancaster Stormers a unique part of the baseball landscape.