Music carries an intangible, immeasurable value – shaping how we connect, express ourselves, and experience the world around us. In this episode, we sit down with Dave Mattock, owner of Mattock School of Music and a working jazz pianist, to explore what it really means to build a life in music. Dave shares his journey from college professor to opening his own school of music, reflecting on the challenges he faced learning to run and grow a business. We talk about the many paths available to aspiring musicians, the importance of mentorship and community, and how a vibrant local arts scene strengthens the region for everyone.

OUR PARTNER

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce

LINKS

Dave Mattock

• Website: davemattock.com/music
• YouTube: youtube.com/@davemattockjazz
• Instagram: instagram.com/davemattockmusic/
• Facebook: facebook.com/share/17j9Jhduwu/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Bandcamp: Music | Dave Mattock

Mattock School of Music

• Website: mattockschoolofmusic.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/MattockSchoolofMusic

Additional Links

• Kennett Jazz & Funk Fest
• If Not for Music
• Philadelphia Trusted Advisors

Local Music Venues

• Kennett Flash
• Andréa’s Jazz Café

Artists to Explore

• Brad Mehldau
• Jason Lindner
• Mike LeDonne
• John Medeski
• Lionel Loueke
• Esperanza Spaulding
• Kokayi
• Miho Hazama
• Hiatus Kaiyote
• Alarm Will Sound

Related Episodes

• Training Service and Companion Dogs with Kirstin Downie

TRANSCRIPT

The full episode transcript will be publish on our website as soon as it is available.

Business owners and leaders face many challenges, questions, and hurdles. Leaders at smaller businesses and organizations often address these issues alone. In this episode, we speak at length with Hendrik-Jan Francke, owner of Bright Orange Thread, to explore how peer groups can aid business owners and leaders to unlock both profit and joy in their work. Hendrik-Jan shares how these structured learning environments give leaders the space to step away from daily operations, think more strategically, and learn from the experience of others. We also discuss how the right group dynamic – shaped by thoughtful facilitation, diverse perspectives, and mutual trust – can lead to better decision-making, stronger leadership, and more fulfilling growth for both the leader and the business.

OUR PARTNER

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce

LINKS

Bright Orange Thread

• Website: brightorangethread.com
• Careers: brightorangethread.com/careers
• Remote job shadow: brightorangethread.com/remote-job-shadow-program
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/bright-orange-thread
• Facebook: facebook.com/brightorangethread

Peer Groups

• ASCEND
• SCCCC Roundtable

Additional Links

• Taste Local Eats
• New London Counseling Center

Related Episodes

• Empowering High Performing People and Teams with Bob Cox
• Changing Careers and Building a Local Business with Jason Feller

TRANSCRIPT

The full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

Whether it’s feeding a family pet or planting a backyard garden, many people in our community turn to local stores that help them care for the things that matter at home – and on the farm. We sit down with Jim Cracas, owner of Pickering Valley Feed and Farm Store in Exton, Pennsylvania, to talk about running a family business that has served Chester County for over 50 years. Jim shares how the store has grown from its roots serving local farmers to helping today’s pet owners, gardeners, and farmer owners. We also discuss the role his store plays in the community, from hosting pet adoption events to building long-standing relationships with customers and employees. Jim’s story offers a glimpse into what it takes to keep a local business strong over time.

OUR PARTNER

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce

LINKS

Pickering Valley Feed & Farm Store

• Website: pickeringvalleyfeed.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/pickeringvalleyfeed
• Instagram: instagram.com/pickeringvalleyfeed

Additional Links

• All 4 Paws Rescue
• Angel’s Retreat
• Main Line Animal Rescue
• Brandywine Valley SPCA

Transcript

The full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.