There can be no telling of the revitalization/rebirth/rebuilding of downtown Erie without recognizing the steadfast leadership and presence of Calamari’s under the ownership and leadership of Jay and Marci Honard. In celebrationof our decades long friendship – and their 30th anniversary indowntown Erie – we connect to discuss their business origin story – the challenges of running a successful restaurant and catering business – live music, pricing in an uncertain time, finding and keeping good staff…and so much more. Jay and Marci are powerful personalities, great business people, andgenuinely kind, friendly, and lovely people. And they are my dear friends. I hope you enjoy. Let’s go

Darlene Feeney almost never went to college. Thankfully - for thousands of students in Erie - she did. Darlene started in the parochial system and migrated to Erie's Public Schools where she taught for 20 years. She then ran for and won a seat on the Erie School Board. Darlene is a professional educator who has seen it from all angles. She is also a very thoughtful individual when it comes to critical issues facing our community andour country. This was a fun conversation with just a great human being.

Kyle is a husband & dad first - he is also an entrepreneur, coach, volunteer and so much more. Kyle is a great example of someone on the playing field of our region making plays, being a good teammate, and strategizing on what’s next. I have said on this show several times – the ball finds energy…and ball is definitely finding Kyle’s energy. Excited for everyone to hear directly from this highly impressive individual.

Rebecca Styn has an undergraduate degree in piano but is building a national brand of spirit free cocktails called Blind Tiger. Rebecca's career path may not be a strait-line of progression, but it is a deeply impressive one. From marketing to campaign consulting to running for office to opening a restaurant to becoming a beverage manufacturer - Rebecca takes on challenges that peak her interest. Rebecca's curiosity, resourcefulness, willingness to learn and overcome obstacles, and commitment have made her a success on many fronts. Enjoy this conversation with a long-time friend to many...you may just learn something new! Thank you for listening.

Bob & Desiree Troutner are just husband and wife - they are business partners in two complex, technology heavy businesses. In 2012 they created ACTION SHOTS (a sporting event photo service for large tournaments and competitions) and in 2022 they created FIXED - HOME HANDYMAN SERVICES (a web-based technology company that is designed to connect skilled home repair and improvement professionals to jobs in a timely manner for planned – and unplanned – home improvements or repairs).

ONE of these businesses would be handful for a couple…but the two businesses seems insurmountable. Today we will explore the origin story, challenges, futurevision and more of both businesses and learn more about how they do that as both business partners and husband and wife. Bob and Desiree perfectly compliment one another, have an amazing work ethic, have great vision, and are not afraid to jump into the deep end of the entrepreneurial pool. Most importantly, they are wonderful people. Business leaders come in all shapes and sizes - and they also come in the form of married couples working together. I hope you enjoy.

In this episode, we are joined by two individuals who are onthe daily, front line of entrepreneurship – Sean Fedorko and Jenessa Norton. Sean is an Erie native who founded Radius CoWork, is a champion for co-working, for entrepreneurship, for technology, for Erie, for downtown Erie and for youngdynamic professionals choosing Erie to live and work. Jenessa Norton Business Support Coordinator for Radius, ErieDowntown Development Corporation, and Erie Downtown Partnership. Jenessa works with entrepreneurs daily as a counselor, strategist, connector, colleague andfriend. Jenessa is dynamic young professional who radiates an optimistic and committed energy when talking about the work she does and the people she getsto serve.

Listen as they share their insights on building community, entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurship in Erie. These are two extremely bright and articulate individuals – and they are helping make Erie a more dynamic and vibrant placeto live, work and play.

I hope you enjoy it. Let’s go!

Brad DiFiore is Managing Director at Ailevon Pacific, an airline consulting firm that has been working with the Erie International Airport for the last 5+ years to help increase airservice options. Prior to creating Ailevon Pacific, Brad worked for Sabre Airline Solutions and Delta Airlines in a variety of capacities focused on scheduling, network planning, andcultivating relationships between carriers and airports/communities. Brad and I became more deeply acquainted during my work at the Erie Regional Chamber toincrease flight options and create the Fly Erie Fund. Brad is swimming in the air service water every day…and I find his direct insights and information to be enlightening regarding present and future air service…even if it isn’t what you want to hear. Given our topsy turvy world, hear from a air service expert regarding today’s and tomorrows challenges and opportunities facing air service. Enjoy

I think the first 10+ episodes are a good sample set to request some feedback from those of you who have been kind enough to listen. Take a listen to hear how best to share your thought and some ideas I have on how to go forward. Regardless of whether you share ides with me or not - a gigantic THANK YOU to all of you who have listened - it is beyond what I could have ever expected!