Kingsville Strong

Matt Olewski is a former teacher turned Executive Director of the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary — a role he found by taking a leap of faith and trading the classroom for a groundskeeping job just to get through the doors of one of Kingsville's most beloved institutions. In this episode, Matt sits down to tell the full story of Jack Miner: the market hunter turned conservation pioneer who counted Henry Ford as a close friend and sparked a continent-wide movement to protect migratory birds. If you've ever walked the trails at Kennedy Woods and wondered how it all began, this one's for you.Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary —jackminer.caJack Miner on Instagram —@jackminersanctuary1865Follow Kingsville Strong on:Instagram —⁠⁠⁠⁠@kingsvillestrong⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook —⁠⁠⁠Strong Towns Kingsville | Kingsville ON⁠⁠

Samantha George, founder of Colour Lounge Beauty Boutique and Harvest Moon Beauty, takes us inside the science of clean cosmetics. Plus, Samantha shares hard-won entrepreneurship lessons and the importance of choosing your lifestyle before your career.Colour Lounge on Instagram —@colourloungebeautyboutiqueHarvest Moon Beauty —https://harvestmoonbeauty.comFollow Kingsville Strong on:Instagram —⁠⁠⁠@kingsvillestrong⁠⁠⁠Facebook —⁠⁠Strong Towns Kingsville | Kingsville ON⁠⁠

James Joyce said Dublin could be rebuilt from Ulysses. If Kingsville vanished, Bob Lynch’s stories could rebuild it entirely.Retired teacher, coach, author of 10 books—Bob took us on an unscripted tour of our town’s hidden history. I threw out my questions and just let him talk.Even if you’re not a history fan, his passion will hook you. Come rediscover why Kingsville is so special. Follow us on:Instagram —⁠⁠@kingsvillestrong⁠⁠Facebook —⁠Strong Towns Kingsville | Kingsville ON

Meet Sandra Paglione, co-owner of Paglione Estate Winery—a standout destination in the Essex Pelee Island Coast region known for its handcrafted wines, authentic Italian hospitality, and unforgettable wood-fired pizzas. We sat down to discuss the family story behind the winery, its evolution in our local wine scene, and what the future holds for this beloved spot.Paglione Estate Winery on:The Web — http://paglioneestatewinery.comInstagram —Paglione Estate Winery (@paglioneestatewinery) • Instagram photos and videosFacebook —Paglione Estate Winery | Harrow ONFollow us on:Instagram —⁠⁠@kingsvillestrong⁠⁠Facebook —⁠Strong Towns Kingsville | Kingsville ON

Meet Tom and Sue Omstead, founders of Share the Road Essex County and the EC Way 100. For the past 20 years, they have been making the roads safer and more comfortable for cyclists. We sat down to discuss the story of how they advanced active transportation in Essex County and what else needs to be done to make our roads safer for everyone. Share the Road / EC WAY 100 on:Instagram —ECWAY100 (@ecway100) • Instagram photos and videosFacebook —Share the Road - Essex CountyFollow us on:Instagram —⁠@kingsvillestrong⁠Facebook —Strong Towns Kingsville | Kingsville ON

Maggie and Sam Leonard bought Dutch Boys Chocolate from its original owners in 2022. They by sticking firmly to the brand’s core values, they have maintained the same level of quality as the founders did, have managed to retain the long term loyal customer base, and have ensured that this chocolate shop will remain a Main Street institution.Dutch Boys Chocolate on:Instagram —@dutchboyschocolate_Website —https://dutchboyschocolate.com

Meet Kent Williams, leader of the Strong Towns Kingsville seniors team. Kent has competed in the World Senior Games and is a keen observer of senior communities in the many places he has lived and visited. He's an outspoken and articulate voice for seniors—especially the thousands like him whom we've invited to move to our town in recent years.Follow us on:Instagram —⁠⁠@kingsvillestrong⁠⁠Facebook —⁠Strong Towns Kingsville | Kingsville ON⁠

Meet Fernanda Hernandez, founder of La Dulce Vida Café—a cozy, European style cafe with a Mexican soul. Join us as Fernanda shares her entrepreneurial journey and her approach to building an experience brand—from a standout social media presence to the choice of ingredients to the community causes that she supports. La Dulce Vida Café on:Instagram —@ladulcevida.cafeFacebook —La Dulce Vida CaféFollow us on:Instagram —⁠@kingsvillestrong⁠Facebook —Strong Towns Kingsville | Kingsville ON

Elaine Hansor, founder of Aggie & Francois—a designer of incredibly imaginative girl’s costume dresses based in Kingsville. Her designs have been commissioned by celebrities, including the wife of an NBA legend. If you’re thinking of taking your creations to market, Elaine’s story could be the sign you’ve been waiting for. Cover photo by: Meg Bitton PhotographyAggie & Francois on:Instagram —@aggieandfrancoisFacebook — @aggieandfrancoisFollow us on:Instagram —@kingsvillestrongFacebook —facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577745996151

Krista Rempel, the director of The Bridge Youth Resource Centre in Leamington. Although they are not based in Kingsville, the Bridge’s range of support programs knows no boundaries. Plus, what the Bridge leadership has accomplished can show us in Kingsville what is possible when you have vision and your actions are firmly rooted in principles.The Bridgethebridgeyouth.caFollow us on:Instagram —@kingsvillestrongFacebook —facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577745996151

Chantel Heaton is the founder of Gamma’s Country Kitchen—a front porch sourdough bakery which has become a favorite among neighbors in the area around Linden Beach and Conservation Boulevard. Chantel’s story might inspire anyone who is thinking of starting a business out of their home, but just needs to hear from someone else who has done it and succeeded in Kingsville. Gamma's Country Kitchen on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573196166224Follow Strong Towns Kingsville on:Instagram —@kingsvillestrongFacebook —@kingsvillestrong

Welcome to Kingsville Strong, the podcast that celebrates the people making Kingsville, Ontario, stronger from the ground up. Meet your host, Chad Nantais for conversations with everyday heroes who are helping the town reach for its potential. Get a sneak peek of inspiring stories—from a home bakery on a front porch to a nonprofit tackling youth homelessness and a designer crafting costumes for NBA royalty. If you’re a newcomer or lifelong resident who believes in Kingsville’s future, join us every other Wednesday for conversations with entrepreneurs, volunteers, and more. Share guest recommendations at [email protected] or DM @kingsvillestrong. Let’s build a stronger Kingsville together!