FXBG Neighbors Podcast

What happens when a reluctant influencer discovers her true passion lies in helping others shine online? Savannah Garth, founder of Poppy Rose Marketing, joins us to share her journey from accidental social media personality to the driving force behind a "small but mighty" marketing agency with heart.

Savannah pulls back the curtain on the most persistent marketing myths holding small businesses back. Forget goin...

Ever walked into a gym and felt completely lost or intimidated? You're not alone. Meet Courtney Dorsey, owner of Premier Athletics in Stafford, Virginia, who's changing how people approach fitness by combining supportive community with personalized strength training.

As a lifelong athlete standing 5'11", Courtney grew up in the "smaller is better" mentality that dominates women's fitness....

When a barbershop manages to create an extraordinary experience that touches lives across the community, it deserves recognition. Meet Anna and Craig Houlette, the passionate couple behind 77 Barbershop in Stafford, Virginia – a business that challenges misconceptions about what a barbershop can be.

Their journey began with what might have been a devastating start – opening their doors the same week Virginia shut down all ...

Golf has a reputation for exclusivity, but Augustine Golf Club is flipping that script. Tucked away in Stafford County, this hidden gem has been welcoming the public for nearly three decades, though many locals still mistakenly believe it's private. As General Manager Ron Leporati explains, "We are 100% open to the public. Our restaurant's open to the public, the golf course is open to the public, we give lessons to ...

Ever wondered how childhood observations shape our career paths? Michelle Fox, founder of The Bridge Studio, traces her entrepreneurial roots back to watching her parents transition from long DC commutes to running a home-based consultancy. That pivotal shift planted a seed: work could mean being present in your community while pursuing passion-driven projects.

Michelle's journey from art student to creative director ...

Ever wonder how a pandemic setback could transform into a delicious opportunity? Meet Jessica Wilkins, the force behind Biscuit Batch, who shares her fascinating journey from Navy gas turbine mechanic to comfort food entrepreneur on this episode of the Fredericksburg Neighbors Podcast.

Jessica's story defies expectations at every turn. After serving four years in the Navy performing SWAT-like operations at sea, she di...

Reading struggles in children often mask a surprisingly simple issue that goes undetected by standard eye exams. In this eye-opening conversation, Leah Stine of Vision Reading Academy shares the transformative approach that's helping children overcome reading difficulties by addressing eye muscle coordination problems rather than assuming learning disabilities.

Leah reveals how each eye contains seven muscles—meaning ...

Ever wondered what makes a local business thrive for nearly two decades? The secret lies in family values, exceptional service, and genuine community connection.

Meet Valerie McCawley from Peak Roofing Contractors, a family-owned business celebrating an impressive 19 years of service this November. What began as a brother-sister venture from a basement office has blossomed into a company with 37 employees, multiple locatio...

Ever wondered what happens when culinary artistry meets hometown dedication? Chef Brittany Flint welcomes us into her world of elevated dining experiences through CBF Catering, a Fredericksburg-based private chef service that's redefining local food culture.

Starting in the heart of her childhood home's kitchen, Brittany's culinary passion led her across state lines to the prestigious French Culinary Institu...

The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in Anne Flythe's veins. As the daughter of two Fredericksburg small business owners, she witnessed firsthand the challenges of building and maintaining a local brand. Now, as the founder of Elevate Creative, Anne is transforming how small businesses approach their digital presence—with authenticity, accessibility, and genuine care.

Fresh from graduating magna cum laude with a marke...

What happens when an art teacher with a decade of classroom experience follows her hidden dream? Meet Lindsey Marine, the creative force behind Whitby's, a charming home decor and lifestyle goods shop nestled in downtown Fredericksburg.

Lindsey's journey from educator to entrepreneur unfolds as she shares how leaving a beloved teaching career shortly after COVID led her to fulfill a long-held aspiration. Named af...

Martial arts enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs alike will find inspiration in my conversation with Gannon Lang, founder of Nexus American Jiu Jitsu in Fredericksburg. From humble beginnings as a soccer player seeking something new, Gannon's 11-year journey in Jiu Jitsu transformed into a thriving business with 200 members and over 300 five-star Google reviews in just two years.

Gannon dispels common misconception...

What happens when a philosophy major picks up a saw for the first time after college? For Nick Covert, it sparked a passion that grew into Dream Builders, a thriving 19-year business specializing in custom decks, screened porches, and sunrooms throughout Fredericksburg.

Nick's unexpected journey from academic to entrepreneur forms the heart of this engaging conversation. Unlike many in his field who grew up with tools...

Stepping into the world of wellness with authenticity and purpose, Jennifer Craig-Ford shares the compelling story behind Kül Contour Studio, a med spa nestled in the growing Spotsylvania Courthouse area. Her journey from California lawyer to Virginia wellness entrepreneur reveals how personal health challenges became the catalyst for a business focused on honest, supportive approaches to body contouring and self-care.

Jen...

Buying a home shouldn't feel like deciphering an ancient language, yet terms like "amortization," "debt-to-income ratio," and "loan-to-value" often leave potential buyers feeling overwhelmed and underprepared. That's exactly why Julie Birt from Mortgage Network Solutions is stepping in with a solution for the Fredericksburg community.

Julie joins us to announce her upcoming Mortgage ...

Tired of sifting through piles of unqualified resumes? Meet Kirstin Purcell, founder of Handshake in Heels, who's revolutionizing how businesses approach talent acquisition in Fredericksburg and beyond.

Kirstin joins the Fredericksburg Neighbors Podcast to shatter the biggest myth in recruiting: that posting a job online is enough to attract quality candidates. "The best candidates aren't actively looking—th...

Ever wondered what it takes to build a brand that truly stands out? Marie Linne von Berg, owner of Stratifi Creative, pulls back the curtain on effective brand building and website development in this engaging conversation.

Marie shares her unexpected path to entrepreneurship after graduating from VCU with degrees in creative and strategic advertising. When faced with a job offer that would relegate her passion to a "...

Mark Perry never imagined his journey would lead from military aviation to craft beer innovation, yet his Red Dragon Brewery has become a cornerstone of Fredericksburg's evolving cultural landscape. When Virginia changed its brewing laws in the early 2010s, Perry saw an opportunity not just for business, but to give something back to his hometown. Alongside partners with deep local connections, he transformed a warehouse into ...

Artistic passion meets professional integrity in this fascinating conversation with Cat Johnson, owner of Dark Horse Tattoos in Fredericksburg. With over 20 years of experience tattooing and 17 years running her own studio, Cat takes us behind the scenes of an industry often shrouded in misconceptions.

The journey begins with an unexpected spark of inspiration—an HBO movie watched by an 11-year-old Cat that featured a full...