PODCAST

FXBG Neighbors Podcast

Dori Stewart

Fredericksburg Neighbors Podcast

business

All Episodes

13:08

EP #23 Building Community Through Books

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/06/08

Ever wondered how personal challenges can transform into meaningful business ventures? Andie Ayers' journey from elementary school teacher to bookstore owner will inspire you to find purpose in your own struggles. Andie's story begins with founding the Fairy Godmother Project, supporting families of children with cancer. After stepping away as executive director, she faced her own breast cancer diagnosis, which shifted her perspective on how people connect during difficult times. This experi...

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11:02

EP #24 Horse-Drawn Heritage: Inside Old Town...

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/06/08

Have you ever wondered about those elegant horse-drawn carriages that transport wedding parties and tourists through historic Fredericksburg? Christine Kovacs, owner of Olde Towne Carriages, pulls back the curtain on this charming yet demanding business in our latest episode. Christine reveals how her lifelong equestrian passion evolved into a unique carriage service that does far more than simple tours. From romantic anniversary rides through Fredericksburg's most beautiful streets to elabo...

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12:23

EP #19 From Marine Corps Veteran to Fitness Entrepreneur

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/06/08

From military service to fitness leadership, Christina Hudson's journey embodies discipline, community, and transformation. As owner of F45 Training Stafford, this 23-year Marine Corps veteran brings a revolutionary approach to fitness that extends far beyond physical results. The F45 difference lies in its 45-minute team-based sessions combining functional movements, circuit training, and interval work in an energetic, supportive environment. Christina dismantles the common misconception th...

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15:45

EP #22 From Scratch: The Journey of Galvin's...

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/06/08

From scratch-made bagels to a secret speakeasy with family roots dating back to Prohibition, Galvin's Delicatessen and Rivers End Speakeasy represent a culinary adventure unlike anything else in Fredericksburg. Meet Emma and Paul Stoddard, whose passion for authentic, handcrafted food led them to open this dual-concept establishment at 216 William Street. After nearly 18 years in the restaurant business, including co-ownership of the beloved Sunken Well Tavern, Paul brings seasoned expertise...

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14:40

EP #21 Rebuilding the Village: How GAD Youth Center...

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/06/08

What happens when childcare ends at age 12? For most families, it creates a critical supervision gap during the most challenging years of adolescence. Meet Arline Goss, the visionary behind GAD Youth Center, who's tackling this problem head-on in Spotsylvania County. After 22 years as a military spouse with 13 relocations, Arline witnessed firsthand how difficult transitions impact young people. Watching her children struggle with new schools, curriculum differences, and social challenges ta...

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8:11

EP #20 Beyond Styling: How Insure Beauty is Changing...

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/06/08

Natural hair gets the spotlight in this illuminating conversation with Marie Williams, founder of Insure Beauty salon in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marie shares her journey from a biracial child experimenting with hair techniques on dolls to a successful entrepreneur creating a sanctuary for chemical-free hair care. Her story resonates with authenticity as she describes feeling voiceless in the beauty world growing up, which ultimately fueled her passion for creating inclusive spaces. What ma...

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12:51

EP #18 Transparency in Construction: Why Pre-Planning...

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/05/25

What happens when a finance and economics graduate navigates the rocky job market of 2009-2010? For Brian Beck, it became the unexpected gateway into the world of construction that would eventually lead to founding FXBG Construction, a premier residential contractor in Fredericksburg. Brian's journey unfolds as a masterclass in building a business with integrity. From his early days working for someone flipping houses to establishing his own construction company with his wife as partner, Bri...

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8:53

EP #14 From Sweeping Floors to Leading Northern...

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/05/25

Craftsmanship meets community in this enlightening conversation with Steve Buchanan, co-founder and director of B&G Construction, one of Northern Virginia's premier remodeling companies. Steve's journey from sweeping construction site floors to managing complex residential and commercial projects reveals the authentic path of a passionate builder who combined forces with his business partner to create something extraordinary in the Fredericksburg area. What sets true professionals apart ...

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9:28

EP #12 Real Estate Reality Check

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/05/25

Ever wondered what it really takes to succeed in real estate beyond the glossy exterior? Kevin McGrath of Coldwell Banker Elite shatters the common misconception that realtors simply "buy sports cars at every closing" by revealing the 24/7 commitment behind the potential rewards. Having transitioned from the building supply industry at age 40, Kevin's journey proves it's never too late to reinvent your career path. His candid account of surviving—and unexpectedly thriving—during the 2007 hou...

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15:32

EP #16 The Art of Self-Care: How Collage Spa Creates...

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/05/25

The wellness journey can be challenging, especially when quality services require a long commute. Brian Lam, owner of Collage Spa, recognized this gap in Fredericksburg and created something extraordinary - a sanctuary where premium spa experiences typically found in major cities became accessible locally. When Brian moved from New York in 2010, he brought with him not just expertise in massage and skincare, but a vision for what self-care should feel like. "There were things I enjoyed that ...

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8:30

EP #15 The One-Stop Dental Shop Changing Stafford's...

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/05/25

Ever wonder what drives someone to become a dentist? For Dr. Andrew of Embrey Mill Dental Care, it started with a childhood fear of dental visits that evolved into a genuine passion for improving people's health and confidence through exceptional oral care. Dr. Andrew takes us behind the scenes of his thriving Stafford practice, where accessibility is a cornerstone of their philosophy. Accepting most insurance plans and offering a comprehensive range of services under one roof—from routine c...

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14:28

EP #17 Building Quality Kitchens in Stafford

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/05/25

From a hammer at age twelve to owning a thriving renovation business, Chris Romero's journey exemplifies what happens when passion meets craftsmanship. As owner of Kitchens For You, Chris brings decades of hands-on experience to every kitchen and bathroom renovation in Stafford and surrounding areas. Growing up in small-town Ohio, Chris discovered his calling early when his father, a Whirlpool retiree who took on weekend construction jobs, put tools in his hands. This early exposure blossome...

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9:57

EP #13 From Small Town to Estate Law: Bennie Wall's...

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/05/25

Attorney Bennie Wall cuts through legal complexity to make estate planning accessible and understandable for everyone. Drawing from his unique journey as the first in his family to attend college, Bennie shares how his small-town roots shaped his approach to law—prioritizing clear communication over complicated legal jargon. A common misconception Bennie encounters is that estate planning must be intimidating or that simple beneficiary designations are sufficient. He explains how these...

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18:39

EP #11 Mortgage Mastery: Navigating Home Loans with...

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/05/25

Julie Birt isn't just another mortgage officer—she's on a mission to transform how homebuyers experience the mortgage process in Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania. After 30+ years as a federal employee, Julie brings her lifelong passion for housing and construction to help locals navigate what's likely the biggest financial decision they'll ever make. "When you buy a house, that's one of the biggest purchases most people will experience in their life, and it's very daunting for some...

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10:27

EP #9 You're Still You, But Better: How Thistle...

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/05/09

Ever wondered what happens when military precision meets artistic vision in the world of beauty? Meet Aubry, the former Army nurse who now transforms lives through her boutique medical spa, Thistle Medical Aesthetics. Nestled in Stafford, Virginia, Thistle isn't your typical medical spa. Drawing from her unique background—caring for wounded soldiers at Walter Reed before studying at the Art Institute of Portland—Aubry has created something truly special: a warm, welcoming space where aesthet...

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15:24

EP #7 A Puerto Rican Flavor Adventure Awaits in...

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/05/09

Step into the vibrant world of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine as we sit down with Will and Maria Negron, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind Hit the Spot Kitchen in Fredericksburg. Their story goes far beyond typical restaurant ownership—they're self-proclaimed "food alchemists" transforming everyday ingredients into memorable culinary experiences through their takeout kitchen, food truck, catering services, and private chef experiences. The Negrons share how their business emerged from...

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13:11

EP #8 How Debra Balestreri Turned Her Ceramic Passion...

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/05/09

Creativity meets community at Corgi Clay Art Center, where ceramics transcends mere hobby status to become a transformative artistic journey. Founder Debra Balestreri brings over thirty years of artistic experience and formal training (BA and MFA in ceramics) to this Northern Stafford studio that's quickly becoming a cultural cornerstone. What began as Debra's response to a creative void in Stafford has blossomed into a multifaceted haven offering classes, workshops, gallery space, and artis...

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9:12

EP # 10 Beyond Insurance: Patricia Grant's...

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/05/09

Ever feel like insurance is just a costly necessity without real value? Patricia Grant, owner of Patricia Grant Agency Farmers Insurance, challenges this notion with warmth and wisdom in our latest conversation. Patricia's journey from receptionist at Chubb Insurance Company to agency owner spans decades of industry experience. What began as curiosity blossomed into genuine passion as she moved from the carrier side to running her own agency. Her expertise covers an impressive range - ...

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16:46

EP #4 Mud Boots, Not Stilettos: A Realtor's True Story

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/05/09

Mud boots, not stilettos. Community, not transactions. Meet Ginger Walker, whose journey into real estate defied convention from the start. When the 2008 housing market crashed, most aspiring agents ran for cover. Ginger saw an opportunity to learn the business from the ground up during the toughest economic climate imaginable. Fast-forward to today, and that foundation has created the Give Back Team at Coldwell Banker Elite - an all-female real estate group serving Fredericksburg and Staffo...

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14:10

EP #6 From Decks to Pools: A Local Craftsman's Journey

FXBG Neighbors Podcast ·

2025/05/09

Ever handed over thousands of dollars to a contractor only to be ghosted? You're not alone. Shane Heath, owner of Battlefield Decks and Patios, joins us to pull back the curtain on what he calls the "wild west" of contracting. "It blows me away sometimes that people will just hand over a check for thousands of dollars to somebody they've done zero research on," Shane reveals, sharing horror stories of abandoned projects and desperate homeowners. With generations of carpentry expertise flowin...

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FXBG Neighbors Podcast

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