Local Voices Bluffton

About Local Voices Bluffton

Success Stories, Strategies, Local Insights and Entrepreneurial Endeavors in and around Bluffton, OH. This is a poscast by the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs.

Publisher

Jim Enneking

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

11 Mar 2024

Latest episode

29 Apr 2025

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Apr 2025

   S2.E5 - Farmers Market

   History Of The Farmers Market In this episode of "Local Voices Bluffton," hosts Sam Springer and Jim Enneking interview Wendy Chappell, the manager of 10,000 Villages, about the Bluffton Farmers Market. Wendy shares the history of the market, which began in 2002 with the goal of supporting small businesses and local producers. Despite initial challenges, including gaining support from Citizens Bank and navigating health department regulations, the market eventually took off in 2003. The market has grown significantly, now featuring over 25 vendors weekly, with a focus on high-quality, locally produced goods. Wendy emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards and the market's role in fostering community connections. The episode highlights the market's evolution, the dedication of its vendors, and its impact on the local economy.

2. 

   15 Apr 2025

   S2.E4 - Eikenberry Landscaping

   In this episode of Local Voices Bluffton, hosts Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking talk with Chase and Brett Eikenbary, the husband-and-wife team behind Eikenbary Landscaping. Brett, with a background in mowing and landscaping, saw an opportunity to start their own business during COVID. Chase, focused on business development, fully supported the leap, committing to building a company known for great service and communication. Now entering their fourth season, Eikenbary Landscaping has grown into a successful operation with a strong team. Brett leads field operations while Chase drives business strategy. They emphasize learning from industry peers, evolving their services, and creating a positive work environment. The couple discusses overcoming challenges, including impostor syndrome, and shares how they test and refine new services, like their recent expansion into holiday lighting. Their approach—staying adaptable, focusing on customer service, and playing to their team’s strengths—has positioned them for continued growth.

3. 

   31 Mar 2025

   S2.E3 - The Food Store & Greenhorn

   In this episode of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs podcast, hosts Sam Springer and Jim Enneking interview Jonah Agner and Nancy Coral, owners of The Food Store and Greenhorn in Bluffton, Ohio. The discussion begins with the history of The Food Store, which started as a food co-op in the home of John and Sally Weaver before moving to its current downtown location. Jonah and Nancy took over the store in 2016 and have since expanded its offerings to include a wide array of specialty foods, bulk items, and locally sourced products. The conversation then shifts to Greenhorn, a plant-based restaurant that Jonah and Nancy opened in 2019. They discuss the challenges and successes of running a vegan restaurant in a small community, emphasizing the importance of local support and the university's role in bringing diversity to Bluffton. Greenhorn offers a variety of organic, locally sourced dishes and has become a community space for events and gatherings. The podcast also highlights the unique aspects of Greenhorn, such as its whimsical dioramas and the Wednesday night chef's tasting events. Jonah and Nancy share their future plans for both businesses, including expanding their grab-and-go offerings and continuing to engage with the local community through various events and collaborations.

4. 

   18 Mar 2025

   S2.E2 - Jazzercise

   In this episode of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs podcast, hosts Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking interview Chase and Brett Eikenbary, owners of Eikenbary Landscaping and Jazzercise in Bluffton. The conversation delves into the couple's journey in starting and managing their businesses. Chase shares her initial skepticism about Jazzercise, which she overcame after attending a class and becoming hooked. She eventually took over a local Jazzercise franchise, leading it through various challenges, including the pandemic, and celebrating its 10-year anniversary. The discussion highlights the supportive community built around Jazzercise, where participants form meaningful relationships and find stress relief through exercise. Chase and Brett also talk about the importance of communication and teamwork in balancing their multiple responsibilities, including Chase's role with the Regional Growth Partnership and Jobs Ohio network. They emphasize the value of learning from mistakes and maintaining a routine to manage their busy lives. The episode concludes with reflections on the lessons learned from their entrepreneurial journey and the importance of giving each other grace.

5. 

   4 Feb 2025

   S2.E1 Success Stories and Strategies with Southgate Lanes

   In this episode of Local Voices, Bluffton, hosts Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking sit down with Derek Dukes and Brandon Falk, the owners of Southgate Lanes. They discuss the journey of owning and operating a bowling alley, the challenges they faced, and the innovative strategies they employed to keep the business thriving. The conversation covers the importance of community involvement, the evolution of their business model, and the unique approach they took to social media and marketing. Derek and Brandon share their experiences of running the bowling alley, the impact of their community fundraisers, and their vision for the future of Southgate Lanes.

6. 

   24 Jul 2024

   E9 - Bluffton Beyond Tomorrow

   Bluffton Beyond Tomorrow - In this episode of "Local Voices Bluffton," hosts Sam Springer and Jim Enneking welcome Liz Gordon Hancock and Paula Scott to discuss "Bluffton Beyond Tomorrow," the village’s comprehensive plan envisioning Bluffton’s future over the next 20 years. The conversation delves into the plan's inception, which began in 2022 with the Lima Allen County Regional Planning Office and included significant public engagement. Liz and Paula emphasize the importance of planning for Bluffton's growth and maintaining its unique community spirit. They highlight the diverse committee of ten residents, each bringing different expertise, and the extensive public input, including surveys and in-person events. The discussion also touches on the challenges and successes of creating a plan that reflects the community’s desires and future needs. Key developments like the potential for a full-time EMS staff and the creation of a downtown event space on Vine Street are mentioned as immediate outcomes of the plan. The episode underscores the plan's role as a living document meant to guide Bluffton’s growth while preserving its character, ensuring it remains a vibrant and engaged community.

7. 

   26 Jun 2024

   E8 - Ten Thousand Villages

   In this episode of Local Voices Bluffton, hosts Sam Springer and Jim Enneking interview Wendy Chappell-Dick, manager of Ten Thousand Villages in Bluffton, Ohio. Wendy shares the history of the Christmas in July sale and the store itself, tracing back to Edna Ruth Byler, who started a fair-trade movement 75 years ago by selling needlework made by women in Puerto Rico. Wendy explains how the movement grew, leading to the establishment of the first storefront in Bluffton in 1974, originally called Self Help Crafts. She highlights the store's impact on artisans worldwide and its ongoing mission to provide a stable market for their products. Wendy also announces upcoming events, including a Christmas in July sale from July 1-13 and a grand reopening after a store renovation in August. The episode emphasizes the importance of community support and the store's connection to the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs (BCE), which aids local businesses through initiatives like the business plan competition.  For more information on the 50th Annaversary of Et Cetera Shop, Inc, check out etceterashop50.com (https://fmcbluffton.org/et-cetera-shop-50/).

8. 

   6 Jun 2024

   E7 - Sanctuary Housing

   In this episode of "Local Voices Bluffton," hosts Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking interview Jessica Meyer, co-owner of Sanctuary Housing. Jessica and her husband Ryan purchased a vacant church on Elm Street in Bluffton with plans to convert it into eight apartment units, including two unique short-term rentals. They aim to preserve the building's historic features, such as stained glass windows and timber frames, to attract visitors to Bluffton. Jessica shares their initial doubts about the demand for short-term rentals, which were quickly dispelled when their first Airbnb listing received an immediate booking. She describes the challenges and excitement of transforming the church, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining its character and history. Jessica also highlights their involvement in the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs' business plan competition, which helped them organize their project and gain valuable insights. The episode underscores Jessica's passion for hospitality and her vision to create a unique, community-oriented housing experience that honors the building's legacy.

9. 

   22 May 2024

   E6- Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation

   In this episode of "Local Voices Bluffton," hosts Sam Springer and Jim Enneking interview Jon Kinn, Funeral Director at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services. Jon shares his journey from mowing the lawn at a funeral home in seventh grade to becoming a licensed funeral director in 2000 after studying management, marketing, and mortuary science. He explains the differences between a funeral director and a mortician, emphasizing that one can be a funeral director without being an embalmer. Jon discusses the rising trend of cremation in Bluffton and the various options available for handling ashes, including unique choices like creating diamonds or sending ashes into orbit. He stresses the importance of pre-planning funerals to ease the burden on families, noting that pre-paid plans are transferable and can be protected in irrevocable trusts. Jon advises families to have open conversations about their funeral preferences to ensure their wishes are respected. The episode offers valuable insights into the funeral industry and highlights the compassionate role funeral directors play in supporting grieving families.

10. 

    8 May 2024

    E5 - Police Chief

    In this episode of "Local Voices Bluffton," hosts Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking interview Police Chief Ryan Burkholder from the village of Bluffton. Burkholder discusses his background, including his time in the Marine Corps before joining the Police Department. He shares insights into his role as chief, handling emergency situations like abductions and missing persons cases, and emphasizes the importance of internet safety for children. The conversation also touches on permits for door-to-door solicitors and ends on a lighter note with a discussion about favorite donuts, with Burkholder expressing a preference for apple fritters. The episode highlights Burkholder's dedication to serving the community and provides valuable information on various aspects of law enforcement and safety.

11. 

    24 Apr 2024

    E4 - The Dough Hook

    This episode of "Local Voices Bluffton" spotlights Marlena Ballinger and The Dough Hook. Marlena shares her journey with The Dough Hook, which began in 2008 when her parents started the business, initially offering baked goods before expanding into a successful meat market. Marlena's involvement with programs like the Small Business Information Series from the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs has been instrumental in honing her business planning skills and contributing to The Dough Hook's growth. "Local Voices Bluffton" serves as a platform to showcase Marlena's journey as a business owner and the resources available to support local businesses like The Dough Hook in Bluffton.

12. 

    11 Apr 2024

    E3- Lounge Media Group

    The podcast transcript features speakers Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking discussing the creation and growth of Lounge Media Group in Bluffton. Sam shares his passion for sports broadcasting and graphic design, leading to the formation of the group to give back to the community. They talk about producing podcasts and internet television shows, focusing on local sports events and gaining support from businesses and the school. Sam's motivation stems from his love for radio broadcasts and wanting to keep his elderly mother updated on local sports. The group sponsors various aspects of the broadcasts, prioritizing community involvement over profit. The speakers express gratitude for the community's support and acceptance, highlighting Bluffton's importance in their lives. The podcast emphasizes the importance of community involvement and support in pursuing passions and giving back. The episode closes with a message of gratitude and a reminder to tune in to future episodes of "Local Voices Bluffton."

13. 

    29 Mar 2024

    Special - April 8th Eclipse

    The podcast featured speakers including the police chief Ryan Burkholder and fire chief Jon Kinn discussing the upcoming eclipse event happening on April 8th in Bluffton. They talked about the preparations needed for the influx of 30,000 visitors, including increased police presence, staffing the fire department, and potential road closures. The importance of having a plan in place to handle the large crowds and ensure emergency services can still respond effectively was emphasized. They also mentioned the need for patience, cooperation, and preparedness from both residents and visitors, including having essential supplies on hand. Overall, the discussion focused on the logistical challenges and safety measures needed for a successful event in the community.

14. 

    27 Mar 2024

    E2- The Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs

    The podcast featured the executive director of the Bluffton Center For Entrepreneurs discussing the differences between the BCE and the Chamber of Commerce, focusing on education, assistance, and promoting entrepreneurship. The conversation highlighted the complementary services of the two organizations, with a focus on helping new businesses succeed. The BCE offers mentoring, advice, and resources to help businesses grow, including a Small Business Information series and a Business Plan competition with prize money. The goal is to provide services to smaller businesses and help them succeed in the community. The BCE also collaborates with the Chamber to offer support and encourage businesses to eventually become Chamber members. The BCE aims to assist businesses in navigating the challenges of starting and growing a business, regardless of Chamber membership. The partnership between the BCE and Bluffton University provides additional resources for entrepreneurs in the community. The BCE serves as a valuable resource for businesses in the Bluffton area, offering support and guidance for success.

15. 

    12 Mar 2024

    E1- What Does The Chamber of Commerce Do with Jim Enneking - Executive Director

    Learn about the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and why you should join the Chamber.

16. 

    11 Mar 2024

    Local Voices (Bluffton)- Full Trailer

    Introduction to Local Voices Bluffton.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

80

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.