Kent In Good Company
by Katy Thomas
Explore the vibrant tapestry of Kent, Ohio, through the lens of its local businesses in the "Kent in Good Company" podcast. Join us as we delve into the stories of Kent's business owners, unraveling their origins, their endeavors, and the reasons they've chosen Kent as their business hub. Whether you're a local eager to discover new spots or a newcomer seeking insights, this podcast offers a glimpse into the individuals shaping Kent into one of Ohio's cherished communities. Tune in to the engaging conversations that unfold, revealing the essence of Kent's flourishing identity.
Episodes
-
YOUR Listener Stories | Episode 83
It's here! It's finally here! Stories from you and TO YOU! I'm so excited to share your amazing Kent experiences with our listener community. Thank you to everyone who submitted listener stories. We got many, so I hope to do another Listener Story episode again in the future. Thank you also to...
-
Mayor Jack Amhrein | Episode 82
I think if every town had a mayor as casual, kind, and down-to-earth as Mayor Jack, the world might be a better place. That being said, I really didn't know what exactly the job title of "mayor" entailed…until this conversation! I'm bringing you along with me just in case you are as curious (and...
-
Sherry from Bella Vita Wellness | Episode 81
Everyone needs someone like Sherry in their life. She's full of fun energy and warm fuzzies. I truly cannot imagine a better personality to lead a wellness business. Sherry is the owner of Bella Vita Wellness, which, as you will hear, is NOT a yoga studio!!! So stop calling it that….(if you have...
-
Rainbow Weekend and Portage County Pride Fund with Morgan Woodin | Episode 80
Welcome back to the pod! We are learning about Rainbow Weekend and the Portage County Pride Fund from Morgan Woodin today. Morgan sat down with me and explained the relationships between these two organizations as well as his specific role within them. He talked up the Rainbow Weekend 5k, which...
-
Paul & Nathan from Marathon Financial Services | Episode 79
Guys, I have a really handsome guest on the podcast today. I think I might ask him on a date! It's my hubby, Nathan! It was fun interviewing my own husband about his job! I thought I knew all the answers, but I did not! Nathan Thomas, joined by founder Paul Organ, told me all about the origins of...
-
Kegan from Black Tail Events | Episode 78
Isn't it so lovely to finally have a venue where the royalty and social elite of Kent can get together for their black tie galas and cocktail hours?...Lol just kidding! Black Tail Events hosts tons of different celebrations and get-togethers from pilates to birthday parties to charity dinners. I...
-
Josh from Good Golly | Episode 77
Gee whiz! Oops, I mean Good Golly! (Was that the cheesiest thing you've ever read?) That's what we are talking about today! If you've tried the new Good Golly snack joint you know just how fun of an environment it is. It's even more fun knowing where all the ideas originated–from the food to the...
-
Abby from Purple Cottage Flowers | Episode 76
It's a new season and I am extremely excited! Welcome back to the pod, and HAPPY SEASON SIX, EVERYONE! We are kicking off this awesome season with some announcements. Listener Stories are being incorporated into this season! What does that mean? It means that YOU can share your awesome experience...
-
Megan from The Treehouse Inn | Episode 75
Welcome back to the pod! Today, we're talking with Megan from The Treehouse Inn. Can you believe that this is the only b&b in Kent?!...but maybe it's all we need…afterall, it is the quaintest place! I hope you can go visit soon for a weekend staycation or something! But in the meantime, take a...
-
Dia from DLR Accounting and more! | Episode 74
Welcome back to the pod! I spoke with Dia from DLR Accounting / First & Middle Co. / Live with Honor (oh my gosh, she is superwoman!), and walked away with so much appreciation for numbers people! I am admittedly not a numbers person, but I'm so glad people like Dia exist to help all of us,...
-
Erin from Brimfield Insurance | Episode 73
Welcome back to the pod! Today, we're talking with Erin from Brimfield Insurance. The Madonios are extremely active in the community, so it's likely that you've heard of this family! What does dog food have to do with insurance?...I guess you'll find out by listening! In this episode, we…
more -
Kathleen from Gigi's | Episode 72
Hello there! We've got a new business to highlight today! I love talking with the owners of new Kent businesses because I love that this podcast can be a way for a new person in the community to say "hello" to all of us and tell us about their story. So here we are with Kathleen from Gigi's! If...
-
Joe from Jaycees | Episode 71
Hello there! Whether it's your first time listening, or you're a regular: Welcome! I decided that since we heard from the Chamber of Commerce last time, it made sense to learn about the Junior Chamber this week, so here we are with Joe, the acting president of the Jaycees. In this episode, Joe...
-
Dennis from the Chamber of Commerce | Episode 70
Welcome back to the pod! Today, we're talking with Dennis from the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce. If you haven't heard of Dennis, this is an exciting day for you because after hearing this episode, you'll probably recognize his name and voice all over Kent from now on. I was shocked to know how...
-
Jessica from Alley Mac | Episode 69
Welcome back to the pod! Today, I'm talking with Jessica, one of the owners of Alley Mac. This is a great conversation which I think highlights the common theme of "scappiness" that a lot of our local business owners have as part of their story. I also asked Jessica about her favorite menu items,...
-
Joy from Portage Community Bank | Episode 68
Welcome back to the pod! Today, I'm talking with Joy Pahls, a very present gal in our community! She often volunteers for Main Street Kent events, so I've known her for a little bit already. She is also the branch manager for Portage Community Bank in Kent, so I thought this would be a great...
-
Emily & Mandy from Maddalena's | Episode 67
Welcome back to the pod! Today, we're talking with Emily and Mandy from Maddelena's. From everything they told me, this new Kent business seems to more than live up to the hype! Their goal is to bring fine dining to Kent without a fine dining price tag. I can totally get on board with that! And I...
-
Taco Takeover! | Episode 66
Welcome back to the pod! Today's episode is a little idea that started on our City Manager and Community Engagement Coordinator episode from a few weeks ago. It's Taco Takeover! Let's just say that we are a little (a LOT) blessed to have so many great taco joints here in Kent. I love options!…
more -
Dave & Derek from Beware of the Leopard | Episode 65
Welcome back to the pod! I've been waiting to record this episode for months! Today, we are hearing from Dave and Derek, the owners of Beware of the Leopard. I had not been to Beware of the Leopard before this conversation, so learning about their ever-changing menu and pop-up events was really...
-
A chat with some local government folks! | Episode 63
Welcome back to the Kent pod! We are getting back to our traditional interview format today, but with a twist! Instead of chatting with a local business owner, I sat down with Kent's City Manager, Dave Ruller and Community Engagement Coordinator, Dominique Bollenbacher, to chat about all things...
-
Kid-Friendly Fun in Kent | Episode 62
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! This summer, we are taking a break from new interviews with business owners, and revisiting some of our favorite hidden gem episodes as well as some themed episodes to remind you of all the great fun Kent has to offer this summer. This is one of those themed...
-
Andrew from Haymaker Farmers' Market REWIND | Episode 61
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! Here's another REWIND episode for you! This is my conversation with Andrew from the Haymaker Farmers' Market. This is the perfect time of year to reacquaint ourselves with all that the Market has to offer. The produce is fresh, the weather is beautiful, and…
more -
Coffee Crawl of Kent| Episode 60
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! This summer, we are taking a break from new interviews with business owners, and revisiting some of our favorite hidden gem episodes as well as some themed episodes to remind you of all the great fun Kent has to offer this summer. This is one of those themed...
-
Susan from Hazelmade REWIND | Episode 59
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! Here's another REWIND episode for ya: Susan from Hazelmade! I chose to spotlight Hazelmade again because I just love Susan's story and I feel she's a true hidden gem in Kent. Check out Hazelmade on: Facebook Instagram Hazelmade Website You can also find...
-
The Five Best Patios in Kent | Episode 58
Welcome back to the Kent pod! This is our very first "themed" episode! You'll get to hear my take on the five best patios in Kent and why I think they're great. My goal for this episode is to give you some summer evening inspiration. I would love if you made plans with a friend or partner to try...
-
Emily from Emu Tile REWIND | Episode 57
Welcome back to the Kent pod! Over this summer, I'll be sprinkling some of my favorite hidden gem episodes in with some monologue episodes. This is our first episode of the summer, and it's one of my favorites! Emily from Emu Tile is a true artist, and we are so lucky to have her here in Kent.…
more -
Andra from Leadership Portage County | Episode 56
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! This is our last episode of Season 3! I'm so grateful to all of you for listening to Kent's organization leader stories. And I'm thrilled for what next season will bring! Season 4 will begin in June, so get ready for some fun, "unconventional" episodes this...
-
David from the Kent State University Hotel | Episode 55
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! For today's episode, I spoke with David, the general manager for the Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center. David reminded us that not only is this quality hotel placed perfectly downtown, but it exists to bridge the university and the community.…
more -
Julie and Bengt from the Kent Historical Society | Episode 54
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! I have been waiting for so long to talk about this local organization! We are talking with Julie and Bengt about the Kent Historical Society today! I am a big history buff, and if you are too, this is a great episode to listen to. We chat about some of Kent's...
-
Sarah from the Kent State University Museum | Episode 52
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! We are walking a bit down Main Street today to the Kent State University Museum where I spoke to the director, Sarah. Sarah welcomed me into her beautiful office (pictured as the episode artwork), which she later told me used to be the university president's...
-
Keleigh from Thresholds Group | Episode 51
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I spoke with Keleigh from Thresholds Group. Keleigh has the sweetest personality. I wanted to keep talking to her for hours because she is just a genuine person. Keleigh and I also have a lot in common with her being a Kent transplant and...
-
Jeff & Company from Standing Rock Cultural Arts | Episode 50
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! For our 50th episode (THANK YOU!), I spoke with Jeff, the founder of Standing Rock Cultural Arts. His colleagues, Cameron and Fred, joined us as well! I was so excited to do an episode about this organization because a couple people have mentioned them as a...
-
Alicia from Flourish Plant Mkt (REWIND) | Episode 49
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! Today is a rewind to one of our Season 1 episodes, Alicia from Flourish Plant Mkt. I've been really pumped for plants lately with the new weather, and I know I'm not the only one! So I thought this would be a fun episode to bring back. Alicia and I mentioned...
-
Oliver from Kent Parks and Recreation | Episode 48
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, we are talking with Oliver from Kent Parks and Recreation! We all know who Kent Parks and Rec are, but I had a feeling that we didn't know about all the programming and events that they offer. So I used this episode as an opportunity to...
-
Tina from Just Add Cookies | Episode 47
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, we are finishing up Foodie February while seamlessly entering into Women's History Month! Tina from Just Add Cookies spoke with me today, and we talked so much about balance in our lives. She teaches Public Health at Kent State, but she…
more -
Calley from Talk On! | Episode 46
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, Calley, the founder and owner of Talk On! If you have any children in your life, this is a really cool episode for you to listen to. I had no idea the types of resources Talk On! offers for kids including speech therapy and occupational...
-
Carl from Franklin Square Deli | Episode 45
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, Carl, the owner of Franklin Square Deli. I loved what Carl had to say about taking risks and persevering through difficult times in a business. It's a theme that I've seen in many episodes, and it makes me even more grateful that Kent is...
-
Megan from Traveling Spa Girl | Episode 44
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, Megan, the Traveling Spa Girl herself tells us about her journey from working in spas to owning one herself. We also talked about facials and what it means to have healthy skin. I even asked Megan a bit of a personal question about her…
more -
Tina from Salon NeXt | Episode 43
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I spoke with Tina, the owner (and famous "Hair Jedi") of Salon NeXt. I love Tina's story because it just epitomizes the scrappiness that our Kent business owners have. Salon NeXt had small beginnings, but now it's on arguably the most...
-
Ted from Hall-Green Agency | Episode 42
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I spoke with the owner of Hall-Green Agency. Ted and I talked a little bit about insurance, which is what Hall-Green does, but we mostly talked about Kent and why we love it! If you love Kent too, this is an episode you'll be agreeing with...
-
Stacey from the Kent Free Library | Episode 41
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I spoke with Stacey, the director at the Kent Free Library. I learned a lot about the library and the resources they offer in this conversation, and I'm excited for you to learn more too! In this episode, Stacey and I mentioned Taco…
more -
Justin from 101 Bottles | Episode 40
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, we kick off season three with Justin, the owner of 101 Bottles. Justin has a really cool story that starts with him playing video games in his mom's basement and ends with him being a successful business owner. The in-between is full of...
-
Tom from The Kent Stage | Episode 39
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! This is our season finale of our second season of the podcast. I've had so much fun doing this and I'm excited for season 3 in January! In today's episode, I sat down with Tom, the owner of The Kent Stage. We talked about how the Kent Stage was formed and how...
-
Cass from McKay Bricker | Episode 38
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I sat down with Cass, the owner of McKay Bricker Framing. We talked about how she got started in the business, the artists McKay Bricker partners with, and she even told me that McKay Bricker is the oldest business on that Main Street…
more -
Michael from Squirrel City Jewelers | Episode 37
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I sat down with Michael, the owner of Squirrel City Jewelers. We talked about the artists that SCJ partners with to create a curated and non-typical jewelry store. Michael also has a cool story regarding how he got involved in the…
more -
Kelsi from Branded in Kent | Episode 36
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I sat down with Kelsi, the owner of Branded in Kent. We talked about the mission of Branded and hot Branded aims to keep fashion sustainable. It's the perfect business for downtown Kent; it fits right in! You'll really enjoy my…
more -
Susan from Hazelmade | Episode 35
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I sat down with Susan, the owner of Hazelmade. I got to record this interview in her shop in the Sanford building! It was so cool! She's got labeled bins lining the walls with products and such; it was truly a sight to behold. The only…
more -
MaryJane from Kent Natural Foods | Episode 34
Welcome back to Kent in Good Company! In today's episode, I sat down with MaryJane, buyer and longtime staff member at Kent Natural Foods. We talked about the history of the coop, what membership is, and how to be a member. I learned a lot in this conversation with MaryJane! I know you will also!...
About this show
Explore the vibrant tapestry of Kent, Ohio, through the lens of its local businesses in the "Kent in Good Company" podcast. Join us as we delve into the stories of Kent's business owners, unraveling their origins, their endeavors, and the reasons they've chosen Kent as their business hub. Whether you're a local eager to discover new spots or a newcomer seeking insights, this podcast offers a glimpse into the individuals shaping Kent into one of Ohio's cherished communities. Tune in to the engaging conversations that unfold, revealing the essence of Kent's flourishing identity.
Hosted by
Katy Thomas