Next Generation of Lancaster

Faith, Family, and Foundations

This blog features Draven Michael Rodriguez, founder and CEO of Kravix Co., a Lancaster County general contracting company built on discipline, integrity, and long-term vision. Rooted in a family legacy of construction and entrepreneurship, Draven shares how early experiences shaped his commitment to building not just projects, but a lasting impact in the Lancaster community. In this Young Professional feature, he reflects on the challenges of launching a business, the values that guide his leadership, and what it means to be part of Lancaster’s next generation of builders.

Creativity Community, and Growth

For Mia Perella, digital marketing is more than content calendars and campaigns, it’s about storytelling, connection, and community impact. A Lancaster County native and Digital Marketing Coordinator at Kitchen Kettle Village, Mia’s journey is a full-circle story that began as a part-time retail associate and grew into a role she helped shape herself. Blending creativity with organization, and strategy with heart, Mia plays a key role in bringing the Village’s brand, events, and values to life, both online and in the Lancaster community she calls home.

Building the Fox Den

This blog features Ken and Tyler Fox — a father-and-son team and the founders of Fox Den Indoor Golf. What started as a garage idea has grown into a year-round space where technology, coaching, and community come together. Rooted in family and a shared love for the game, their work is focused on creating access, connection, and growth for golfers across Lancaster.

Stewarding a Family Legacy

For Will Koenig, taking the helm at Chesapeake Crab Connection wasn’t just a business decision—it was a family calling. Born and raised in Lancaster, PA, Will and his cousin Dustin have turned their long-standing personal connection to the local seafood icon into an opportunity to honor the past while shaping its future. From overhauling e-commerce systems to reviving beloved all-you-can-eat nights, their journey reflects the challenges, rewards, and lessons of carrying forward a legacy.

The Power of Consistency: A Personal Reflection

Jordan Tyson explores what it really means to be consistent—showing up when no one is watching, balancing motivation with discipline, and trusting God even when results aren’t visible. Through sports, professional life, and leadership with Next Gen of Lancaster, he reflects on how small, steady actions build real growth, long-term impact, and lasting success. This is a story about grit, faith, and the quiet power of doing the work day after day.

How Todd & Alex Found Their Path at Sahd Metal Recycling

In this joint Q&A, we spotlight Todd Kauffman and Alex Vazquez, two Lancaster Catholic graduates from the class of 2020 whose paths led them from Columbia, PA to meaningful careers at Sahd Metal Recycling. What began as summer jobs and post-high-school uncertainty during COVID quickly turned into opportunities for growth, leadership, and community impact. Through long days learning materials in the yard, stepping into new responsibilities, and building a strong online presence—including their well-known Dumpster Talk podcast—Todd and Alex share how they’ve evolved alongside a business deeply rooted in family, legacy, and relationships. Their combined story reflects grit, mentorship, and the power of the next generation shaping an industry from the inside out.

How RegenAll Is Turning Local Climate Action Into Community Strength

This blog features RegenAll, a Lancaster-based community benefit organization committed to identifying and implementing local climate solutions that strengthen the county’s resilience, economy, and future. Through data-driven planning, nonpartisan collaboration, and programs that empower both households and neighborhoods, RegenAll is working to create a community where climate action is accessible, practical, and beneficial for everyone. As they prepare for the 2025 Lancaster County Climate Summit—a full day of panels, workshops, and hands-on engagement—RegenAll aims to connect citizens, students, businesses, nonprofits, and local leaders with real opportunities to learn, contribute, and take meaningful action. Their message to the next generation is clear: the solutions we need already exist—and together, Lancaster can lead the way.

From the Ground Up: A Regenerative Approach to Modern Wellness

This blog features Nadine Clopton — an educator, systems thinker, and regenerative advocate who bridges the worlds of wellness, soil health, and community care. With a background in environmental policy, public health, and sustainable development, Nadine’s work centers on reconnection: between people and planet, food and soil, health and ecology. Through her role at the Rodale Institute and as co-founder of VendWell Provisions Co., she’s helping to reimagine how we nourish both ourselves and our world. Her story is one of curiosity, compassion, and commitment to transforming extractive systems into regenerative ones that honor reciprocity, resilience, and love for the Earth.

Reviving the Dream: A New Vision for Wellness, Food, and Freedom

This blog features Jordyn Ney — a passionate voice for nutrition, intentional living, and the revival of the American Dream through wellness. Jordyn believes that true freedom and fulfillment begin with what fuels us — real, nutrient-dense food that empowers both body and mind. Through her own transformation, she’s discovered that discipline, consistency, and intentional choices can reignite not just personal vitality but the collective strength of our communities. Her mission is bold yet beautifully simple: rebuild our food system, restore our energy, and remind people that they hold the power to create the lives they dream of.

Running Toward Resilience: Finding Strength, Balance, and Purpose Through Movement

This blog features Maeve, a competitive ultrarunner for the 2025 ASICS Team Sound Mind Sound Body, endurance coach, and nutrition professional dedicated to helping others move with purpose and fuel with intention. Currently completing her master’s in Integrative Clinical Nutrition and Nutritional Biochemistry, Maeve combines science and empathy to guide athletes of all levels toward balance and sustainability. Her wellness journey—rooted in both personal healing and professional expertise—reflects a deep belief that movement and nutrition are not just disciplines but pathways to rediscovering strength, connection, and self-worth. Through coaching, advocacy, and her own story, Maeve invites others to find resilience in vulnerability and to view wellness as an ongoing practice of alignment between body, mind, and purpose.

Rooted in Awareness: How Wellness Begins Within

This blog features Brittany Orsini — a mom, teacher, and lifelong learner whose passion for wellness shines through her curiosity about the mind, body, and spirit connection. Rooted in both science and spirituality, Brittany’s approach to wellness is about real, everyday practices that help people—especially children—understand and care for themselves deeply. Her journey blends neuroscience, nervous system regulation, and heartfelt motherhood into a mission to help others live with awareness, balance, and love.

From Doing to Being

This blog dives into the heart of what it means to lead and live well. Featuring leadership coach Ruby Nolt, it explores her journey from burnout to balance and the lessons she’s learned about leading from a place of presence rather than pressure. Ruby shares how wellness isn’t about doing more—it’s about being more—and how small, intentional shifts can transform the way we lead, love, and live.

Rooted in Community

This blog explores why supporting local businesses isn’t just good for the economy—it’s essential for the heartbeat of our communities. From family-owned restaurants to neighborhood retailers, discover how choosing local helps sustain Lancaster’s identity, strengthen connections, and shape the future we all share.

A Legacy of Care

Charles F. “Chad” Snyder III has spent his life surrounded by the family business — literally. Growing up above his family’s funeral home, Chad never expected to follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. Today, as a third-generation funeral director and owner of the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes & Crematory, he continues a proud Lancaster legacy built on compassion, excellence, and community care.

In this Q&A, Chad shares his reflections on leadership, family, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Powering Growth

This feature highlights Lori Porreca, owner and President of A1 Energy, whose journey reflects vision, resilience, and the spirit of family entrepreneurship. Originally from Michigan and now a long-time Lancaster resident, Lori co-founded A1 Energy in 2005 with her son Jesse—eventually welcoming her husband and other sons into the business.

With an entrepreneurial drive and a heart for teaching, Lori has built A1 Energy on consistency, excellence, and a commitment to growth through small, intentional actions. Her leadership centers on mentorship, curiosity, and service to others—proving that great businesses aren’t just built on big ideas, but on steady purpose and the people who carry it forward.

Legacy in Motion

This feature spotlights Tom Garrity of Compass Point Consulting, a leader whose career has been deeply rooted in family businesses and legacy building. With decades of experience as president of two family-owned manufacturing companies, Tom has seen firsthand how communication, alignment, and shared vision can turn family enterprises into lasting community cornerstones.

Driven by curiosity, competitiveness, and a passion for helping others succeed, Tom has built a consulting firm focused on developing strong teams and sustainable processes. One of his proudest moments has been welcoming his daughter, Catherine, into the business—continuing a family legacy built on purpose and partnership. His story embodies what it means to lead with integrity, empower others, and prepare the next generation to carry the torch forward.

Driven by Passion

This feature highlights Michael Rowen, owner of Michael’s Motor Cars in Lancaster, whose path reflects passion, perseverance, and purpose. Growing up around his family’s business, Susquehanna Glass Co., Michael learned early the value of integrity and hard work. Turning his love for cars and people into a thriving European car repair service, he built his business on trust, craftsmanship, and community.

Guided by strong mentors and committed to paying that mentorship forward, Michael believes perseverance and ethical leadership are the cornerstones of success. His story reminds us that true achievement goes beyond business—it’s about relationships, learning, and leading with heart.

Leading with Values

This feature highlights Jeff Nicklaus, founder and owner of J&J Companies, whose career reflects resilience, adaptability, and family-driven leadership. From his early experience managing a family-run business to building J&J into a thriving enterprise, Jeff has led with integrity, treating people and partners like family. His journey includes bold decisions—like restructuring to meet market shifts—and inspiring the next generation, including his son-in-law, Bryan Haberstroh, to bring fresh ideas and innovation. Guided by the belief that relationships and doing right by others define true success, Jeff continues to shape a legacy rooted in values, growth, and community impact.

How the Next Generation is Shaping the Future of Our Family Business

This blog features an inside look at how the next generation is shaping the future of family businesses. Drawing on the experience of Reese at Lapp Electric, a second-generation, family-owned company, it explores the balance between honoring a long-standing legacy and introducing fresh perspectives, energy, and ideas. From embracing new technologies to fostering innovation and purposeful growth, the piece shows how younger leaders are learning, listening, and gradually taking the reins to ensure that tradition and forward-thinking work hand in hand.

Get to know the minds behind the movement.

This blog features Nick Smucker, a New Holland native who launched his photography career straight out of high school. Forgoing college to start his own business, Nick has already built an impressive portfolio, serving as Lead Photographer for The Next Chapter, the fastest-growing basketball organization in the world, and as the personal photographer for former NBA player Lance Stephenson. His journey reflects dedication, vision, and a passion for capturing impactful imagery.

Get to know the minds behind the movement.

This blog features a Lancaster-based creative who was born in Guatemala and raised in Southern Lancaster County. Set to graduate from Millersville University in December 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy, he is also a first-generation college student. Alongside his studies, he has built more than six years of professional experience as a videographer and photographer, working across athletics, commercial real estate, weddings, fashion, and other creative industries, where he continues to deliver authentic, high-quality visuals.

Objects in Motion Stay in Motion.

This blog explores how genuine networking goes beyond handshakes and business cards – it’s about curiosity, courage, and authentic connection. Jordyn Ney shares her own journey from anxious conversations to building confidence, offering practical insights on mindset, momentum, and asking meaningful questions that turn awkward encounters into rewarding relationships.

Meet Caleb Olson, the 20-year-old visionary building the movement for Lancaster’s local music renaissance.

This blog features Caleb Olson, creative director, audio engineer, and founder of Montclair Breakfast, as well as President of the AMP Club at PCAD. Caleb shares his journey from stagehand and camera operator to building a music festival that gives local artists a platform to shine. He explains why Lancaster’s unique creative energy makes it the perfect home for The Citadels Sanctum Music Festival, what audiences can expect—from live sets and immersive visuals to local vendors—and the powerful behind-the-scenes moments that shaped it. With a vision to inspire and unite, Caleb hopes this festival sparks a movement that elevates Lancaster’s creative community and empowers the next generation of artists and changemakers.

Bushra infuses every dish with Moroccan culture, bold flavors, and a commitment to health and wellness.

This blog features Chef Bushra Fakier Boutaleb, chef-owner of Flavors of Morocco, whose cooking blends Moroccan tradition, bold spices, and a focus on health and wellness. She shares her journey from learning in her family’s kitchen to opening her own business in Lancaster, her love for culinary creativity, and her signature fusion of Moroccan and Indian flavors. The post also previews the Moroccan Lamb Shank Tagine she’ll serve at the event — a dish slow-cooked for over nine hours to achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection — and highlights her commitment to cultural education, local sourcing, and giving back to the community

Mentoring tomorrow’s chefs with dishes that spark curiosity, comfort, and connection.

This blog highlights Chef Fernando Garcia-Aguila, Executive Chef at Willow Valley Communities, and his journey from cooking for his younger brothers in Cuba to leading and mentoring in Lancaster’s culinary scene. He shares his love for food as a bridge between culture and connection, his signature Cuban comfort dish Ajiaco Criollo, and his dedication to using garlic as a foundational ingredient. The post also previews his event dish, Seafood Paella, blending Spanish tradition with Cuban heritage, and showcases his passion for mentoring the next generation of chefs.

Inspired by his grandmother Chella, Luis brings culture to the kitchen.

This blog spotlights Chef Luis Quiroz, founder of Chellas Arepa Kitchen, and his journey from childhood memories in his grandmother Chella’s kitchen to bringing bold, gluten-free Latin street food to Lancaster. He shares the inspiration behind his signature Lomo Arepa, the cultural importance of food, his love for cilantro, and his commitment to community and authenticity. The post also previews the Pork Pachangero he’ll serve at the event, a summer favorite infused with the rich flavor of panca pepper

From Lancaster to California and back, Rafe Hottenstein brings passion and respect for local, seasonal food to every dish

This blog features Chef Rafe Hottenstein of Josephines in Lancaster, sharing his culinary journey from his family’s restaurant to California and back, his passion for seasonal, local ingredients, his signature Lemon Pepper Barramundi, and a preview of the Chilled Lancaster County Sweet Corn Soup he’ll serve at the event.

Why Handwritten Thank You Notes Still Matter

This blog post was crafted as a personal reflection, written by KJ Myers and inspired by values passed down from his father, Kenny Myers. The piece explores the lasting impact of handwritten thank-you notes in a digital world.