Book Your Local Podcast Episode: https://tidycal.com/lparks/interview Podcast: https://www.imlocalpodcast.com Small Business Local Directory: https://www.mylocalhenry.com Local Magazine: https://www.wearehenry.com Purchase a Marketing Plan: https://www.wearehenry.com/wearehenrymylocal Dr. Rodney Clark from Creekside Christian School discusses the background and mission of the school, the Christian aspect of the education provided, the student body and curriculum, and the emphasis on fine arts and career preparation. He also mentions the upcoming tax voucher program to make Christian education more affordable for families. The school aims to actively participate in the community and teach students to be good citizens. Takeaways Creekside Christian School has been around for 50 years and offers education from K-3 through 12th grade. The school's mission is Christ-centered education, instilling Christian character, and promoting academic excellence. The curriculum includes Christian-based textbooks and supplemental materials, with a focus on biblical integration. The school emphasizes fine arts, STEM programs, and partnerships with businesses to provide real-world experiences and career opportunities for students. The upcoming tax voucher program will make Christian education more affordable for families. Creekside Christian School aims to be actively involved in the community and teach students to be good citizens. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Creekside Christian School 01:30 The Christian Aspect of Education at Creekside 04:04 The Student Body and Curriculum at Creekside 08:42 Emphasizing Fine Arts and Career Preparation at Creekside 12:09 The Impact of the Tax Voucher Program on Christian Education 19:21 Community Involvement and Citizenship at Creekside Book Your Local Podcast Episode: https://tidycal.com/lparks/interview Podcast: https://www.imlocalpodcast.com Small Business Local Directory: https://www.mylocalhenry.com Local Magazine: https://www.wearehenry.com Purchase a Marketing Plan: https://www.wearehenry.com/wearehenrymylocal

Our Website: https://www.imlocalpodcast.com

Find Local Businesses in Henry County GA: https://www.mylocalhenry.com

In this episode of the I'm Local podcast, host Lincoln Parks speaks with Patrick from 15th Street Pizza and Dave from Sweet Auburn BBQ about their collaboration to create a unique pizza that combines their culinary strengths. They discuss the challenges faced by independent restaurants, the importance of community support, and the innovative flavors that result from their partnership. The conversation highlights the significance of local businesses working together to thrive in a competitive environment.

Takeaways

Collaboration between local restaurants can strengthen community ties.

Independent restaurants are facing significant challenges due to rising costs.

Creating unique fusion dishes can attract a diverse customer base.

Community support is crucial for the survival of local eateries.

Innovative partnerships can lead to exciting new menu items.

Celebrating milestones, like 20 years in business, is important for local restaurants.

Engaging with the community helps restaurants build a loyal customer base.

Unique flavor combinations can set a restaurant apart from chains.

Local businesses can thrive by thinking outside the box.

The restaurant industry requires adaptability and creativity to succeed.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Collaboration: 15th Street Pizza and Sweet Auburn BBQ

02:48 The Importance of Community Support for Local Restaurants

06:06 Exploring Unique Flavors: The New Pizza Collaboration

Podcast Website: https://www.imlocalpodcast.com Local Directory: https://www.mylocalhenry.com Local Magazine: https://www.wearehenry.com In this episode of the I'm Local podcast, Lincoln Parks interviews Lori Harris, the marketing director of United Food Force, about the Cereal Box Challenge. The challenge aims to address food insecurity in Henry County by collecting cereal donations for those in need. Lori shares the history of the challenge, its impact on the community, and the importance of local support. The conversation highlights the ongoing issue of food insecurity, especially among children, and encourages community involvement to help those in need. Takeaways The Cereal Box Challenge was started to honor Jasna Granger's father. Food insecurity is a significant issue in Henry County, affecting many families. One box of cereal provides 10 servings and is easy to distribute. There are currently 1000 homeless children in the Henry County school system. Community support is crucial for the success of the Cereal Box Challenge.

United Food Force provides emergency food boxes to anyone in need.

Cereal has a long shelf life and does not require preparation, making it ideal for those in need. The challenge runs from October 1 to October 31, but donations are accepted year-round. Local businesses are stepping up to support the challenge by becoming drop-off locations. The podcast encourages listeners to get involved and donate cereal to help their community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to United Food Force and the Cereal Box Challenge

02:59 The Impact of the Cereal Box Challenge

05:53 Community Involvement and Support

09:01 Understanding Food Insecurity in Henry County

12:06 The Role of United Food Force

14:56 Call to Action for the Community

18:00 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

Our Website: https://www.imlocalpodcast.com

Find Local Businesses in Henry County GA: https://www.mylocalhenry.com

In this episode of the I'm Local podcast, Lincoln Parks speaks with Joseph Lodato, owner of Five Star Painting of McDonough. Joseph shares his journey from a long career in hospitality to the painting industry, emphasizing the importance of customer service and building relationships. He discusses the unique approach of his business, which focuses on educating customers and providing a consultative experience rather than just a transactional service. Joseph also offers insights into entrepreneurship, highlighting the need for self-motivation and adaptability in the face of challenges. The conversation wraps up with a nod to local businesses and the importance of community connections.

Takeaways

1. Joseph transitioned from a 33-year career in hospitality to painting.
2. Customer service is key in both hospitality and painting.
3. Educating customers leads to better decision-making.
4. Building long-term relationships is crucial for repeat business.
5. Five Star Painting focuses on consultation, not just painting.
6. Joseph emphasizes the importance of a clean and professional service.
7. Project managers are assigned to ensure effective communication.
8. Self-motivation is essential for entrepreneurs.
9. Adaptability is necessary in the face of unforeseen challenges.
10. Supporting local businesses fosters community connections.

Chapters

00:00 Journey into Painting: From Hospitality to Home Improvement

06:02 Building Relationships: The Key to Customer Satisfaction

10:01 Entrepreneurial Insights: Motivation and Adaptability

11:53 Local Connections: Supporting Community Businesses

Website: https://www.mylocalhenry.com - Find Local Businesses in Henry County GA Podcast: https://www.imlocalpodcast.com Kirby G's is a restaurant in McDonough, Georgia that went through a renovation and reopened in December 2020. They are known for their burgers and have won several awards, including the World Burger Championship. However, their reopening was delayed by a garbage truck running into the back of the building, causing a 16-month shutdown. The restaurant has faced challenges with staffing and rising prices due to inflation and supply chain issues. They offer burger classes for customers to learn about the art of making burgers. Advice for new entrepreneurs includes having an operating agreement, being properly capitalized, and being prepared for changes. Takeaways Kirby G's is a popular restaurant in McDonough, Georgia known for their award-winning burgers. The restaurant faced a 16-month shutdown due to a garbage truck running into the building. They have experienced challenges with staffing and rising prices. Kirby G's offers burger classes for customers to learn about the art of making burgers. Advice for new entrepreneurs includes having an operating agreement, being properly capitalized, and being prepared for changes. Chapters 00:00 The Story of Kirby G's: From Renovation to Reopening 04:05 Challenges Faced During the Reopening of Kirby G's 06:49 The Art of Making Burgers: Kirby G's Burger Classes 09:23 Rising Prices and Staffing Issues at Kirby G's 12:04 Advice for New Entrepreneurs from Kirby G's 18:27 Outro

Niamh James of the Sassy Collection Creative Center shares her journey of starting a creative center and its impact on the community. The center offers a variety of classes, including Latin and Caribbean dance, jewelry making, tumbling, and empowerment seminars. Niamh's inspiration for starting the center came from her brother's drug problem and the need to create a positive space for families. The center also hosts family fun nights and private events. Niamh emphasizes the importance of creativity in finding oneself and overcoming challenges. She also discusses upcoming empowerment seminars on anti-bullying and navigating life after divorce. TakeAways The Sassy Collection Creative Center offers a variety of classes and events to empower and inspire the community. Creativity can be a powerful tool for relaxation, self-expression, and personal growth. The center provides a safe and supportive space for individuals of all ages, including those with special needs. Empowerment seminars address important topics such as anti-bullying and navigating life after divorce. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:58 The Sassy Collection Creative Center: Classes and Events 09:09 Inspiration and Motivation: Starting the Creative Center 13:00 Empowering Individuals: Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence 23:02 Upcoming Events: Empowerment Seminars and Family Fun Nights 26:05 Conclusion and Contact Information https://www.imlocalpodcast.com https://www.mylocalhenry.com

Gigi's House is a safe house that provides a home for girls who have been rescued from human trafficking. The organization aims to eradicate human trafficking and offers 18 months of safety, hope, growth, and healing to girls between the ages of 13 and 19. Gigi's House has been in existence since 2016 and has serviced 215 girls. They are currently expanding their facilities to accommodate more girls and provide additional services. The organization relies on donations, volunteers, and community partnerships to support their mission.

Takeaways

• Gigi's House is a safe house for girls rescued from human trafficking

• They provide 18 months of safety, hope, growth, and healing

• The organization relies on donations, volunteers, and community partnerships

• They are expanding their facilities to accommodate more girls and provide additional services

• 
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gigi's House

03:00 Providing Safety and Healing for Girls

10:13 Expanding to Accommodate More Girls

15:42 How to Support Gigi's House

25:30 The Reality of Sex Trafficking

27:09 Raising Awareness and Providing Training

Website: https://www.imlocalpodcast.com

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Summary

Patrick McHugh, owner of 15th Street Pizza, shares his journey of starting and growing his small business in Henry County. He discusses the challenges and successes he has experienced over the past 20 years, including moving locations and dealing with setbacks. Patrick emphasizes the importance of community and giving back, highlighting how his restaurant feeds children in need every Thanksgiving. He also talks about the benefits and challenges of working with family and shares his passion for scuba diving. Patrick's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to pursue their dreams, stay resilient, and not stress over things they can't control.

Takeaways

Starting and growing a small business requires resilience and the ability to adapt to challenges.

Being involved in the community and giving back is essential for long-term success.

Working with family can be challenging but also rewarding.

Pursuing personal passions outside of work can provide balance and fulfillment.

Don't stress over things you can't control and trust that everything happens for a reason.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Appreciation for Small Businesses

00:54 The History of 15th Street Pizza

04:12 Signature Dishes at 15th Street Pizza

05:38 The Impact of 15th Street Pizza in the Community

08:01 Persevering Through Difficult Times

09:24 Working with Family in the Business

10:52 Lessons Learned from Patrick's Father

13:20 Supporting Local Businesses in Henry County

14:47 Adjusting to a New Location and Building Awareness

18:04 Patrick's Passion for Scuba Diving

20:09 Creating Unique Pizza Recipes

22:08 Advice for Entrepreneurs: Pursue Your Dreams and Let Go of Control

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https://www.imlocalpodcast.com