Shirt Factory Center Stage: Recent Episodes
Jim Hoffer and Kim Schaller
Join former investigative reporter and owner Jim Hoffer and marketing maven Kim Schaller twice a month as they take you behind the scenes of small town, PA’s newest hot spot, The Lititz Shirt Factory. Listen as Jim and Kim talk to the crazy cast of characters that make up The Lititz Shirt Factory community directly from center stage -- from the architects and brewers that helped rebuild the Lititz Shirt Factory to the musicians and performers that will grace its stage.
When you hear the band name “Trash Juice” you probably aren’t thinking of a 5-piece hybrid jazz-rock-funk ensemble. Yet, that’s exactly what you’re going to get as Eric, Tyler, Austin, Baxter, and Reed.
On this episode of the Shirt Factory Center Stage, Jim and Kim talk to four of the five members of Trash Juice before their show at Lititz Shirt Factory. Learn how they met and why they chose that name, and what to expect when you come to see Trash Juice live in Lititz.
Links:Lititz Shirt Factory - Website
Trash Juice - Website
Trash Juice - Facebook
On this episode of the Shirt Factory Center Stage, Jim Hoffer sits down with singer and songwriter Carsie Blanton, who will be visiting the Lititz Shirt Factory on November 19. Carsie discusses the thoughts, feelings, and stories behind her intimate songwriting, how she’s handled the pandemic, and her love of New Orleans. It’s a captivating look at what makes Carsie such an amazing artist.
Links:Buy tickets to Carsie Blanton’s Nov. 19 show at Lititz Shirt Factory
Lititz Shirt Factory - Website
Carsie Blanton - Website
If you’ve ever been to a bar trivia night, you know how much fun it can be. If you haven’t, you really should. Luckily for you, the Lititz Shirt Factory has Trivia with Bill every Wednesday.
On this episode of the Shirt Factory Center Stage podcast, Kim and Jim sit down with Bill the trivia host, their most recent trivia-night teammates, and the two-time winners -- The Junior Mints to discuss what makes bar trivia at Lititz Shirt Factory so unique and fun. Bill also shares his insight into how people have been connecting as businesses open back up after COVID-19.
Links:Lititz Shirt Factory - Website
Rich Ruoff has been discovering musicians for decades. The owner of a music venue since 22 years old, Rich has had his ups and downs but the one constant has been music.
On this episode of Shirt Factory Center Stage, Jim and Kim sit down with Rich Ruoff, the owner of Lancaster’s staple spot Chameleon Club. This year, Rich is organizing his Lancaster Roots and Blues Festival, which hosts 80 artists across 10 stages and 7 venues.
Rich also touches on how he picks an artist and tells stories from the famous Chameleon Club, which saw the band Live, as well as musicians from the Allman Brothers.
Though there’s no guest on this week’s episode of the Shirt Factory Center Stage, that doesn’t mean there’s not a lot going on. This is a jam-packed episode with some important updates about the Lititz Shirt Factory, the podcast, and Jim and Kim themselves.
Listen as Kim and Jim share what’s coming soon at the Shirt Factory and the philosophy when booking acts. You’ll also hear some great stories about Elton John from Roy Claire, Kim seeing Alicia Keys live, and Jim going back up to New York City for a documentary about the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
Storytime with Roy Clair (2:50)
Jim and Kim tease a story that didn’t make last week’s episode. Roy Clair told a story of Elton John hiding out and recording in Lititz.
What’s coming up at the Lititz Shirt Factory (6:18)
Jim discusses what acts are coming to Lititz Shirt Factory in the coming weeks, including the Talbot Brothers. Jim explains how the Talbot Brothers were the first act booked at the Shirt Factory and shares a clip.
Philosophy when booking acts (13:24)
Kim and Jim break down the overall philosophy for booking guests, including the types of acts Jim is trying to get at the Shirt Factory.
Summer highlights (16:21)
Summer seems to be going by too fast but there have been plenty of highlights to go around this year. Jim and Kim share some of their highlights from this summer, from running a marathon to seeing Alicia Keys.
September 11 (20:31)
Jim went back up to his old stomping grounds in New York as a part of a documentary focusing on journalism during the September 11th attack for its 20th anniversary.
Live episode (23:35)
If you want to see Jim and Kim taping an episode of the Shirt Factory Center Stage podcast, you’ll get your chance. They’ll be holding a live session with Rich Ruoff, the director of the Lancaster Roots and Blues festival and the Chameleon Club.
Links:Lititz Shirt Factory - Website
Roy and Skip Clair are Lititz. Not only have they grown up in the area and continue to call it home, they’ve formed one of the most successful sound companies in the world from this little town in Pennsylvania.
On this very special episode of Shirt Factory Center Stage, Jim and Kim sit down with the one and only Roy and Skip Clair. They talk about how Lititz has transformed over the years, the impact the Clair Brothers had on the sound industry, their critical roles within the business and the community, and even some pretty great name drops for you music lovers.
How Roy and Skip met (2:39)
Skip talks about how she met Roy on the grade school playground.
Their partnership in business and life (3:38)
Skip and Roy discuss how they’ve managed to work together, both in business and as a couple, including their roles in building up the company.
The beginning of the business success story (6:10)
Clair Brothers has reached outstanding global success but where did it all start? Roy believes it began with a Christmas gift as a child and really took off when their big break, Dionne Warwick, came calling.
Running the household (10:00)
While Roy was out on the road for work, Skip was back at home taking care of everything else. Skip explains what that was like and how she still got out on the road from time to time.
Sticking in Lititz (11:35)
Despite the advice of many major artists telling Roy and Skip they’d have to move the business to California or New York to truly make it big, they stuck with Lititz. Decades later, that proved to be a great decision. Roy explains how Lititz is actually a great location with a great work ethic.
Roy’s business philosophy (14:24)
Roy has clearly been a great businessman. He shares some of his philosophies on business and discipline.
Mayor of Lititz (17:59)
In addition to running the largest sound company in the world, Roy was the mayor of Lititz as well. He talks about how his roadies inspired his run for mayor and his primary goal of building a new community center. Skip also discusses her role in fundraising and as the director.
The Wilbur (23:22)
Roy explains why he moved to The Wilbur, including how it was the place of his first kiss with Skip.
What should get brought back? (26:48)
Lots of places have come and gone in Lititz. As long-time residents of the town, Roy and Skip talk about the different businesses they wished could return.
Retirement (28:14)
Roy says he’s finding retirement quite enjoyable and isn’t worried about the business
Links:Lititz Shirt Factory - Website
If you’ve been to the Lititz Shirt Factory, you might have been intrigued by some of the artwork around the building. That would be the work of local artist Alastair Blake Peters, who is wrapping up his residency at the building but not without talking to Jim and Kim on the Shirt Factory Center Stage podcast first.
Listen as Kim and Jim talk to Alastair about his vision for the Shirt Factory building when it was still holding antiques, his artwork, his process, and so much more. If you love art or were just curious about the person behind the paintings at the Lititz Shirt Factory, this episode is for you!
How Alastair helped craft the Shirt Factory (1:00)
Kim and Jim introduce Alastair to the show and discuss how his vision and network helped shape what the Shirt Factory has become now.
Alastair’s background (5:57)
Alastair gives a quick background on his experience, from his journey to art school to working for his father.
Does location impact art (9:38)
Alastair believes the artist’s location has a massive impact on the art they create. He shares how his art changed going from his basement to painting at the Shirt Factory.
Defining art (10:45)
Art can be difficult to describe but Alastair gives it a shot. He explains how his process evolves to create something unique
Painting sizes (12:11)
Alastair paints on some massive canvases to create his art. He shares his thoughts on why he has to limit the size of his paintings and why he’d want to go even larger, if possible.
Selling art (12:47)
While making art has its difficulties, selling it can be even tougher. Alastair discusses how he started selling his art and how he learned to properly price pieces after discussions with other artists and a gallery owner.
Rome (17:11)
Alastair got the opportunity to live in Rome for a period during school that helped shape his art and even how he viewed mealtime.
5-year plan (18:34)
Though Alastair can’t completely picture where he and his art will be in five years, he knows he wants to dedicate more time painting in the studio. Alastair shares some thoughts about what’s important to him as an artist.
Positive and bright mindset (19:48)
Artists are often thought of as being dark, brooding types of people. Alastair is bucking that norm with his bright and positive mindset. He explains how he’s found that mindset and
Parental support (21:22)
Alastair credits his parents’ support and love as a foundation for his art career. It all started with an art class as a kid and grew from there.
Drugs and art (22:48)
Jim and Kim are convinced Alastair is stoned when creating his art, something he’s heard before. Alastair talks about his vices and one of the reasons he doesn’t do drugs.
What’s next (25:14)
Alastair talks about what he’s looking to do next now that his residency at Lititz Shirt Factory is over.
Links:Lititz Shirt Factory - Website
Lititz Shirt Factory - Facebook
Alastair Blake Peters - Website
One of the features at the Lititz Shirt Factory is Collusion Tap Works, which is located on the ground floor. One of the best independent craft brewers in the country, Collusion is a welcome addition to the Shirt Factory building.
Listen as hosts Jim Hoffer and Kim Schaller talk to Collusion Tap Works co-founder and master brewmaster Jared Barnes. Kim, Jim, and Jared talk about Collusion’s inclusion in the Lititz Shirt Factory building, the beers on tap, and the process and intricacies of brewing.
If you’ve ever wondered what makes Collusion brews so amazing or just want to learn more about brewing, this is the perfect episode for you.
Jared’s beer education (1:21)
Jared has some serious craft beer making chops. Having studied the art in Germany, New York, Florida, and in Delaware before eventually creating Collusion Tap Works.
Why return to Lititz? (2:24)
With a thorough background in brewing, Jared could have gone just about anywhere with Collusion’s second location. Instead, he chose a small town in the middle of Pennsylvania. He explains the choice to open up in Lititz
How does location impact tastes (3:53)
Though York and Lititz aren’t terribly far away, Jared has noticed a difference in customer tastes. He explains what he’s noticed between the two locations and how the demographics have altered the menu.
Philosophy of brewing (9:21)
Jared’s philosophy when brewing revolves around the integrity of the beer. That means doing it right and not putting out a mediocre product, no matter how popular it is at the moment.
Jared’s go-to beer (10:58)
Though he’s a master brewer, Jared isn’t pretentious about what he drinks. He shares what his go-to beer was when he was younger and what’s currently hanging out in his fridge at home, including what some might consider surprising choices.
Low-calorie beer (11:56)
Kim says she tends to look at the calorie count in the beers she chooses and wonders what Jared and Collusion have up their sleeves for those calorie-conscious drinkers.
The flubs (13:11)
While Collusion has tons of amazing brews, not all are going to be a hit with customers. Jared shares the beers he thought were going to be winners but ended up struggling.
The hardest beer to brew (14:03)
Jared talks about which beers can be harder to brew, both because of the time and taste.
The most fun beer to brew (14:46)
Jared shares the types of beers that he enjoys brewing the most.
Are brewers really just chemists? (16:11)
There’s so much that goes into brewing beer including the nuances in everything from the hops to the water. While Jared won’t go as far as to call himself a chemist, he recognizes there’s some science to the art form of brewing.
Naming a beer (18:12)
Collusion has great names and designs for their beers. Jared shares what goes into the process of naming a beer.
Taste test (21:31)
Jim, Kim, and Jared sit down with some of Collusion Tap Works’ beers. Jared gives a quick crash course on what goes into truly tasting a beer (color, clarity, flavor profiles, etc) while Kim and Jim share their thoughts on the beers presented.
Competitions (29:00)
With so many great beers on tap, does Collusion Tap Works enter any competitions? Jared gives his perspective on the difficulties of beer competitions and the awards he’s won.
Interests other than brewing (34:15)
Brewing and beer isn’t the only thing Jared likes to do. He shares some of his other interests outside of the brewery.
Links:Lititz Shirt Factory - Website
Lititz Shirt Factory - Facebook
Collusion Tap Works - Website
For the first time, Shirt Factory Center Stage has a musical guest on the podcast. Folk band Hinton, Bower, Jones joins hosts Jim Hoffer and Kim Schaller to discuss their upcoming show at the Lititz Shirt Factory on June 24th.
The guys of HBJ talk about a variety of great topics including the evolution of the local folk music scene, how they developed their harmonies over time, and how the coronavirus pandemic impacted them personally and as a band. This is a great look at one of the amazing artists coming to the stage at Lititz Shirt Factory and a behind-the-scenes look at some local music.
What can people expect when HBJ plays (1:56)
How would you feel about being transformed back to a simpler time of melody, harmony, and joy? That’s what Hinton, Bower, Jones promises to those that come to their show at the Lititz Shirt Factory.
Philadelphia’s folk music scene (2:50)
At one time, Philadelphia had a thriving folk music scene. However, in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, does it still exist in the same way. The guys of HBJ talk about what they’ve seen
Developing their chemistry (4:51)
Hinton, Bower, Jones are local folk music legends, but just how long did it take to develop that chemistry and harmonies together? HBJ tells Kim how the group came together and how they’ve developed their harmonic excellence.
How much did COVID help or hinder creativity? (8:04)
Thanks in part to the “find your pod” type of isolation during the coronavirus pandemic, the guys of HBJ found that they were able to dive further into their music together.
Commitment (9:56)
Jim wonders if the guys of Hinton, Bower, Jones have a sense of responsibility to the folk music scene due in part to their years of playing together.
What does live performance mean? (12:29)
HBJ is coming to the Lititz Shirt Factory on June 24. But what does live music really mean for the band, especially after the coronavirus pandemic? Each member of Hinton, Bower, Jones provides their insight and thoughts on the matter.
Music at a young age (15:33)
Jim asks the band if they have a specific memory or experience from childhood that set them down the path of being a live musician as a career.
Wrap up and a sample song (16:39)
Jim and Kim wrap up the episode by taking a closer look at the themes of the interview before playing the band’s cover of Peggy-O.
Links:Lititz Shirt Factory - Website
Lititz Shirt Factory - Facebook
Have you ever wondered what goes into the renovation of a historic building? Look no further than The Shirt Factory, originally built at the beginning of the century and renovated into what is now known as the Lititz Shirt Factory.
Join hosts Jim Hoffer and Kim Schaller as they talk to Hunter Johnson, CEO of the architectural firm TONO Group, about the soul of the building and what it took to make it new again. From the difficulties of renovating such an old building to the impact the coronavirus pandemic had on the process, this is a great sneak peak into what makes the Lititz Shirt Factory the Lititz Shirt Factory.
Introducing Hunter Johnson (1:05)
Jim and Kim introduce their first guest of the podcast, Hunter Johnson of the Tono Group. Jim explains why he chose the TONO Group to renovate the Shirt Factory building and Hunter shares his first thoughts about the project.
The soul of the building (4:18)
Hunter saw an “old soul” when he first walked into the Shirt Factory building prior to renovating it. He talks about the delicate balance of bringing out that soul but also not ruining it by doing too much.
What did Hunter find (6:12)
Whenever an older building is renovated, there are always things that will be found -- hidden gems and obstacles. When renovating the Shirt Factory building, Hunter and the TONO Group found plenty of difficulties, including quite an expensive one with the elevator.
Why choose the Shirt Factory (8:05)
With an impressive client list and portfolio of work, Jim wants to know why the TONO Group chose the Shirt Factory project in the first place. Hunter explains the choice to work with Jim and the Lititz Shirt Factory.
Bad juju (11:41)
Having renovated so many older buildings, Hunter has felt some special vibes -- both good and bad -- when entering a building project.
The interest in music and architecture (13:49)
As Kim points out, Jim and Hunter have quite a lot in common -- a love of live music and architecture. Hunter talks about how his musical background and architecture go hand-in-hand.
Other projects (16:01)
Hunter details some of the other projects the TONO Group is currently working on and how the COVID-19 pandemic created some issues over the last year.
Finding inspiration (19:08)
Hunter shares some of the people that have inspired him throughout his life.
Obstacle running (22:13
Hunter talks about his love of obstacle running, including the World’s Toughest Mudder that is 24 hours long.
Favorite Collusion beer (23:43)
After a mudder run, a cold beer is thoroughly encouraged. Hunter gives his current favorite Collusion brew.
Links:Lititz Shirt Factory - Website
Lititz Shirt Factory - Facebook
TONO Group - Website
In the very first episode of Shirt Factory Center Stage, hosts Jim Hoffer and Kim Schaller take you on a behind-the-scenes discussion of the newest hotspot in central Pennsylvania -- the Lititz Shirt Factory. Kim and Jim share their backgrounds and insights while Jim explains why he decided to open an art space and concert venue in his hometown.
It’s an excellent look at two highly accomplished and fun professionals and a taste of what’s to come at the Lititz Shirt Factory.
Introductions
Jim Hoffer’s career (1:38)
Jim is the quintessential American story -- Boy grows up and leaves his small town, makes a career and name for himself in the big city, and then returns to that small town to do big things. We start Jim’s story with his career in television journalism, including his decision to be an investigative journalist instead of an anchor.
Jim’s Emmy-winning story (4:43)
Jim shares the tale of how he broke the biggest story of his career. It all started with a decision to stake out a naval base with nuclear submarines and turned into an Emmy-winning report. As Jim notes, it was both scary and exciting as hell.
Why leave it all behind? (8:04)
With multiple awards to his name and the respect of his peers in a large market, Jim could have done nearly anything he wanted within his career. Instead, some personal tragedies saw him ride off into the sunset for his next chapter.
Kim Schaffer in Hershey (9:49)
Kim’s career ascent made it all the way to the sweetest place on Earth -- Hershey, PA. She became the first woman to become Chief Marketing Officer of Hershey Entertainment and Resorts. Kim shares what the job involved, her experience in the role, imposter syndrome, and helping other women throughout her career.
NASA (13:59)
Despite having an excellent job in Hershey, Kim couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work with NASA. She details the projects she got to work on and what it was like hanging out with astronauts.
Retirement (15:51)
After a long career in marketing, Kim decided to hang it up and retire. She explains her decision to move on from her marketing career.
Jim and Kim meet (16:49)
Though they haven’t known each other long, it was a quick friendship. Jim and Kim talk about how they met and some of the things they share in common.
What is the Lititz Shirt Factory? (17:45)
Jim discusses what the Shirt Factory meant to him before purchasing it, what vision he has for the building, and how he chose the name.
The impact of COVID on Jim’s plans (21:14)
Like most businesses, the coronavirus pandemic forced a change and delay of plans for the Lititz Shirt Factory.
Collusion Brewery (22:02)
Though delayed due to COVID-19, Collusion Brewery has officially opened a location inside the Lititz Shirt Factory. Jim and Kim talk about the wonderful products they’ll be serving to the crowds.
Future episodes (23:02)
Jim and Kim tease the next few episodes. Master brewers from Collusion and the architects responsible for refurbishing the Shirt Factory.
Links:Lititz Shirt Factory - Website
Lititz Shirt Factory - Facebook
Join hosts Jim Hoffer and Kim Schaller as they take you behind the scenes at Shirt Factory Center Stage. From the architects and master brewers that have helped to rebuild and reimagine The Lititz Shirt Factory to the musicians and performers that will grace its stage, Shirt Factory Center Stage is your bi-weekly spot for the history and latest information coming out of Lititz and beyond.