Have you ever wondered how a simple visit to a town can spark economic transformation? In this captivating conversation with Brandy Gleason, founder of the 1.3-million-member Ohio Road Trips Facebook group, we discover how tourism creates ripple effects that reshape communities.

Brandy shares her remarkable journey from homeschooling mom documenting family adventures to influential travel writer whose recommendations have helped small businesses thrive across Ohio. What began as a modest blog in 2018 evolved into multiple published books and a social media empire that connects travelers with hidden gems throughout the state. With charming candor, she reveals how reluctantly she stepped into the spotlight, motivated by a desire to showcase the places and people that make Ohio special.

The power of social media emerges as a central theme throughout our discussion. Brandy recounts how a single post about a farm stay generated over a million views, creating bookings through 2026 and allowing the owner to quit her day job. This pattern repeats across small towns where visitor discoveries translate into sustainable business growth. We explore what makes communities attractive destinations—passionate entrepreneurs, collaborative promotion, unique "love notes" like twinkle lights and music, and the power of authentic storytelling.

Restaurant owners earn special recognition as Brandy discusses her upcoming book featuring 84 unique Ohio eateries. She's gained profound respect for these hardworking entrepreneurs who often source ingredients locally, creating economic multiplier effects beyond their own establishments. The "naturally crafted" approach not only delivers distinctive flavors but strengthens entire regional food systems.

Whether you're a small business owner, local government official, or simply someone who loves discovering new places, this episode offers valuable insights into how tourism creates pathways for community development that begin with a single visit. Join us for this journey through Ohio's hidden treasures and the remarkable people preserving their stories.

Guest Links:

https://www.facebook.com/gleasonfamilyadventure

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2642861779333257

https://gleasonfamilyadventure.com/

Main Street Reimagined:

Facebook: facebook.com/MainStreetReimagined

The Main Street Reimagined Podcast, Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqfkmF5bRH0od1d3iiYKs3oEn_gvMYk7N



Henry Development Group:

Facebook: facebook.com/henrydevelopmentgroup

Website: www.henrydevelopmentgroup.com

Developing News Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/33110524eb5c/developing-news


Luke Henry:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/luhenry

Facebook: facebook.com/luke.henry.148

#TravelWriter #OhioTourism #GleasonFamilyAdventure #SupportLocal #MainStreetMatters #CommunityRevitalization #EconomicDevelopment #ExploreOhio #SmallTownCharm #OhioRoadTrips #LocalBusinessLove #VisitOhio #TravelBlogSuccess #DowntownMarion #TourismMatters #ShopLocal #HeartOfOhio #StorytellingThatMatters #WomenWhoTravel #PodcastEpisode

Why do communities with neglected downtowns struggle to attract businesses? How can small towns compete with manufactured lifestyle centers? Economic development expert Sean Hughes reveals the connection between downtown vitality and overall community success in this eye-opening conversation.

Drawing from over a decade of downtown revitalization experience, Hughes challenges conventional thinking about economic development. "Companies evaluating your community will inevitably visit your downtown," he explains. "If they see crumbling buildings and vacant storefronts, they immediately question: 'Why would you take care of us when you can't even take care of something that's been here for 200 years?'"

Hughes shares transformative strategies that turned Delaware, Ohio from a downtown with low-rent, subsidized spaces to a thriving district commanding triple the commercial rent rates. The secret? Treating each storefront as a strategic project, engaging building owners in the vision, and creating pathways for new investment.

Most provocatively, Hughes argues successful downtowns should flip traditional thinking: rather than relying on local residents for 70% of business, communities should target 70% from visitors and tourists. This approach injects new money into local economies while creating amenities residents love.

For community leaders, developers, and entrepreneurs, this episode offers a roadmap for downtown success that goes beyond beautification projects. You'll discover how "soft infrastructure" attracts workforce talent, why both young professionals and empty-nesters seek the same downtown amenities, and how to overcome the perennial "parking problem" by curating experiences that make walking enjoyable.

Whether you're reimagining your own Main Street or seeking insights on community development, this conversation provides both practical strategies and the inspiration to turn downtown potential into economic reality.

Guest Links:

https://www.facebook.com/CityofPowell

Main Street Reimagined:

Facebook: facebook.com/MainStreetReimagined

The Main Street Reimagined Podcast, Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqfkmF5bRH0od1d3iiYKs3oEn_gvMYk7N



Henry Development Group:

Facebook: facebook.com/henrydevelopmentgroup

Website: www.henrydevelopmentgroup.com

Developing News Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/33110524eb5c/developing-news


Luke Henry:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/luhenry

Facebook: facebook.com/luke.henry.148

#EconomicDevelopment #CommunityGrowth #DowntownRevitalization #SmallBusinessSupport #UrbanDevelopment #CityPlanning #EconomicStrategy #LocalEconomy #CommunityVision #ReviveDowntown #SmartGrowth #PowellOhio #DelawareOhio #EconomicLeadership #PodcastInterview #UrbanSuccess #MainStreetMatters #BusinessDevelopment #CivicInnovation #ThrivingCommunities

Ever wonder what happens when two small-town dreamers return home with fresh eyes and big ideas? Ryan and Chad Whaley's journey from PR professionals to the owners of the vibrant Paddle Bar in Sandusky, Ohio reveals exactly what's possible when vision meets opportunity.

The Whaleys saw potential where others saw decay. After careers that took them to Colorado's ski resorts, they returned to their hometown with entrepreneurial fire and immediately recognized what many locals had overlooked – Sandusky's waterfront was a blank canvas full of possibility. "It took traveling and living elsewhere to see it," Ryan explains, describing the moment they stood on the shore looking at empty buildings and wondering why nobody was capitalizing on this stunning location.

Their entrepreneurial path wasn't straight – starting with a PR firm, then opening the Volstead Bar (a speakeasy with mysterious green lights indicating available seating), and finally creating the Paddle Bar, which itself morphed from an outdoor equipment store with a 32-foot climbing wall into a thriving waterfront establishment with Key West vibes. What makes their story particularly compelling is their willingness to pivot when opportunities presented themselves. As Chad puts it, "The bar kind of swallowed the rest of the shop," and they were smart enough to let it happen.

Behind their success lies intentional hospitality culture. From carrying specific beers that trigger vacation memories to ensuring that every customer receives immediate acknowledgment upon entering, they've created what sociologists call a "third place" where locals and tourists blend seamlessly. But don't let their casual vibe fool you – they've learned to become plumbers, electricians, and problem-solvers who'll show up at 3 AM to fix a sensor because "you can't run the next day if it's not fixed."

The brothers' approach to securing investment offers valuable lessons too. Rather than rigid business plans, they presented flexible options while demonstrating their adaptability. "Be yourself," Ryan advises potential entrepreneurs. "An investor is going to want to bet on you."

Check out the Paddle Bar next time you're in Sandusky – with its fresh-squeezed juice cocktails, relaxed atmosphere, and brothers who transformed not just a building but helped spark their hometown's renaissance. As Ryan says about Sandusky's revitalization, "We're only halfway up the hill, we're not even at the top yet" – and that's exactly what makes this journey worth following.

Guest Links:

https://www.facebook.com/PaddleBarSandusky

Main Street Reimagined:

Facebook: facebook.com/MainStreetReimagined

The Main Street Reimagined Podcast, Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqfkmF5bRH0od1d3iiYKs3oEn_gvMYk7N



Henry Development Group:

Facebook: facebook.com/henrydevelopmentgroup

Website: www.henrydevelopmentgroup.com

Developing News Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/33110524eb5c/developing-news


Luke Henry:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/luhenry

Facebook: facebook.com/luke.henry.148

#DowntownRevitalization #LocalBusiness #Entrepreneurship #GreenDoorMedia #VolsteadBar #PaddleBar #SnapshotsOfSuccess #SmallTownBigVision #RustBeltRising