From a secure job as an engineer, to opening a small retail business, learn how local running legend, Mark Stickley quit his job at an engineering firm to turn his passion for running into a successful small business.  Twenty years later, his store on the Winchester Old Town Mall, Runners’ Retreat, is a staple in the community. Hear how Mark’s involvement and dedication to the community as a coach, Race Director, and business owner has evolved and how he plans to celebrate the upcoming 20th anniversary of his store.

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Andy Gail's enthusiasm for life, and our community is contagious in this episode of Keeping it Real.  Andy is passionate about his position as the Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers and shares how he and his team collaborate with businesses and organizations in an innovated way. Listen as Andy proves by being your best self in all areas of your life, your community benefits as a whole.

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Meet Justin Kerns, Executive Director at Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Justin shares insight on how partnering with  state and local elected officials, the City of Winchester and Frederick County work with Justin and the local CVB to create a destination plan that entices tourists to visit our local area.  Want to know more about this great community?  Listen here to learn more about some of the unique and original experiences this area has to offer. 

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A mother to 7 kids, an entrepreneur,  a community advocate, and a cancer survivor.  Jill Edlich managed to continue to grow her business and started a community outreach all while fighting breast cancer. Jill regained control of her life by focusing on things she wanted to accomplish in life and moved forward with her mission with perserverance and determination. Her story is sure to inspire you.

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As a business works to improve and grow, setting goals and creating strategies is one way to measure success. Kevin McKannan,  Managing Attorney with Glenloch Legal, discusses how having a business plan is an important strategic tool for entrepreneurs to plan for success. Kevin walks us through the reasons why a business plan and strategy can be the difference between a successful business and one that struggles to succeed.

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Join me as I sit with Sherry Hudson,  Senior Director, Institutional Advancement at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.  Sherry raises awareness of the impact a museum has on a community by expanding awareness of cultures and ways of life. Sherry enthusiastically shares how a museum can challenge us to see life through a different lens.  This is an informative discussion about the importance and connections a museum and community share as well as information on the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley!  You will get to know Sherry Hudson as she not only shares her passion for her job, but her enthusiasm for life itself!

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Becky McGraw, Aging in Place Coordinator at Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity, discusses the challenges that come with aging and home ownership and ways to overcome some of these challenges. Becky and the team at Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity understand the growing concern facing the aging population and designed programs and resources to help them stay home longer.
Becky shares her inspirational health journey during our discussion and how she has challenged herself to stay true to herself throughout this journey.

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Olivia Landry,  Owner and Operator of Jordan Springs Market in Stephenson, VA shares why it's so important to maximize the effectiveness of employees through collaboration while promoting a culture of teamwork. Working with the strengths and weaknesses of employees has helped build a team that values mutual support and team cohesion. This positive work atmosphere has lead to a low turn over rate in her 14 years of business and which, in turn, has lead to a successful business.

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Join me for a very open and candid conversation with Carly Stoliker, Director of Development for NW Works. Working with people with disabilities on a daily basis, Carly educates all of us on the importance of treating each and every individual with dignity and respect, despite their disability.  Her passion for this vulnerable community shows through her strong advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities to enjoy life as normal and full as possible. Throughout the conversation, Carly learns more about herself and what it means to be "Radically Happy" while staying true to who she is!

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For 37 Years, Virginia and West Virginia started the day with radio personality, Barry Lee. Listen as Barry shares his journey over the years as the on-air personality of a community radio station and the lives he touched along the way. Not only did Barry Lee entertain thousands, but as a community activist he has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through the Chain of Checks to help those in need. Although Barry Lee recently retired as a radio personality, he is now producing a daily podcast, "Breakfast with Barry Lee" where he continues to entertain, educate and advocate all over the world.  

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