The Downtown Larned Podcast: Recent Episodes
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The Downtown Larned Podcast aims to cultivate vision for the future of Downtown Larned, Kansas. Challenged with both deteriorating buildings and population, this community is set for change. However, without intention, downtown will undoubtedly see change for the worse. On this podcast, we will interview community members to get a better understanding of downtown’s past and present, so that we can work towards a thriving future. ”Change is Inevitable. Growth is optional” - John C. Maxwell
This week we sit down with Sarah MacMahon to discuss her downtown boutique, Bin Shop'n boutique & Gifts. After graduating from Larned High School in 2020, Sarah decided to add to her family's business by opening a shop right here in downtown Larned. Best part of the store?... Everything is $3.99!!
Quote of the episode: “It’s the Era of Business and Fellowship” - Sarah
In 1996, the Spinas purchased a downtown building for their photography studio. Fast forward 27 years, and they now call that building home. This week, we sit down with Charles Spina to find out what it is like to live in downtown Larned. Tune in to hear more about the renovation process, and Charles’ 10 year city council experience.
This week we interview Katherine Roth with Off Broadway Boutique. Katherine is a full time entrepreneur, full time employee, and a full time mom. With both a physical and online presence, Katherine’s business contributes to our downtown in a vital way. Tune in to hear about the current challenges with commercial real estate in the shopping center of our town.
The Tabler family owned and operated a furniture store in downtown Larned for over fifty years. With first hand experience, Buddy compares today’s entrepreneurial environment to that of the past. In this episode, we discuss practical ways to spark local entrepreneurship for the future of our community.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/larneddowntown...
On April 25, 2023, downtown Larned was awarded a $750,000 grant on behalf of the Kansas Department of Commerce. With a minimum match of $250,000 from the city, our downtown has the opportunity to see a million dollar improvement by 2025. Tune in to learn more about the grant award and what it means for the (near) future of downtown.
What would you like to leave behind for future generations? Make your mark by completing the survey in the link below.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/larneddowntown?fbclid=IwAR2FvXc1FHjQ0uoO0mOte8r4szQr8tC4mJ2AASptW0SkjuZMQV61eH4K4q4
This week we had the pleasure of hosting Mrs. Erway’s 4th grade students on the podcast. How does a 4th grader view Downtown? Are they proud of where they are from? Are our students excited to move back to Larned? These kids gladly provide their unfiltered opinions for the community to hear. If we are shooting for a brighter future, it would only make sense to aim from our youth’s point of view.
Since we deprived you of an episode last week, we have decided to release one of our favorite recordings to date. Tune in this week to hear both Carlton Burt and Heather Helvie discuss the biggest project in town - The tri-level restoration of 414 Broadway. It is a project that is bursting with character as several balconies already beginning to take shape. With such a big project coming together, we take time to discuss the original intention behind the space, and what the future could look like at “The Back Door.” We have no doubt that you will be encouraged by Carlton and Heather’s optimism for our up and coming downtown. – Enjoy!
Every downtown has its staple businesses, and Office Products Incorporated is just that for downtown Larned. No matter the economic outlook, you can always count on Office Products Incorporated (OPI) to service your office supplies needs. This week, we interview Duane Fogo, a 24 year employee of OPI, to get his insight into our downtown and OPI’s history. From underground car dealerships, to multiple loft apartments, OPI’s location is one of the most historically diverse buildings in all of downtown. Tune in to learn more about one of the longest operating businesses on broadway today.
Meyer Deli: Downtown SuccessFrom 2005 – 2015, Donna May Meyer owned and operated one of Larned’s most successful restaurants, Meyer Deli at 902 Broadway. On this episode, we discuss what it takes to run a successful restaurant in Downtown Larned. Donna shares her experience as a business owner, and offers advice to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
After graduating from Larned High, Megan found her calling as CEO of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. In the last two years, Great Bend has accelerated their efforts towards the improvement of their downtown. With various organizations and governments working together, downtown Great Bend is seeing incredible success. Murals, facade programs, and downtown events have quickly changed their downtown’s culture. Why would an average person from Great Bend take a weekend trip over to Larned? Tune in to find out!
This week, we bring back Seth with the Santa Fe Trail Center Museum to uncover the histories of 6 downtown buildings. From bank robberies, to the “first” uber eats concept, these buildings have seen it all. Tune in to learn more about the current city hall location, and its original water wells. Current day buildings: Thrift Store, City Hall, Police Station, Vacant Antique Store, and Koch's Kustoms .
Tayleen Van Norden, the owner of Scraps Coffee Shop, shares her business beginnings in this week’s episode. After moving to Larned over 15 years ago, Tayleen saw potential in Larned and formed a business around her passions. This week, we learn more about her evolving business, and uncover pieces of her vision for downtown Larned.
Key points:
- Benchmark ourselves against other successful communities.
- Establish traditions and highlight our history.
- Don’t be afraid to adapt to changing business horizons.
Are we making it easy for entrepreneurs to start businesses in downtown Larned? With so many vacant buildings, one would assume that downtown building availability is at an all-time high! Unfortunately, vacant buildings don’t necessarily equate to available buildings. This week, Christina Frick shares the challenges she faced when trying to open her veterinary clinic in Downtown Larned. We also discuss the “PRIDE” organization, and how their non-profit efforts have helped shape Larned.
When measuring a town’s health, paint is the thermometer. Though it may sound ridiculous, fading paint equates to a fading town. This week, artist Melanie Ryan discusses the possibilities of Larned’s walls. After conducting several successful projects in Great Bend, she is looking to artistically give back to her hometown of Larned. Tune in to hear how other communities have successfully reestablished art culture in their downtowns.
This week, we discuss the history of some of the oldest buildings in downtown Larned. Today, these three buildings house the respected “My Favorite Furnishings” furniture store, but what were their original purposes? Migration and depressions have led these buildings to host many businesses throughout the years. Learn more about the Jewish Dry goods store, Harness Shop, Post office, original Dillions location in this episode.
This week, Jim Vratil gives us a contractor's perspective of downtown. With his family being in the construction business for several generations, Jim has had the opportunity to be in or on every downtown building in Larned. Learn about the past renovations that he's completed, and some of the challenges we face for future projects. We have no doubt that Jim's soft heart for Larned will show you why our future is bright.
In this week’s episode, learn more on the City Council’s decisions with the future of our downtown. In the Febuary 6th2023 meeting, Landon was able to approach the council in support of continued investment to our downtown. This episode will recap the new “Downtown Concept” that would dramatically enhance the appearance of our downtown. In addition, the Council came to a decision in whether or not to support a new development in the vacant lots of Broadway. Exciting progress for our city!
In this episode, Carol Jenkner and Seth McFarland take us back to 1879 during the construction of 414 and 416 Broadway. It seems fitting to start with the histories behind these specific buildings, as one of them is currently taking on a major restoration. In this episode, you will gain appreciation for the history that is being salvaged brick by brick with the south Broadway project. Tune in to hear more about Larned’s multi-generational bakery, and it’s neighboring hat shop. (Head to our Facebook Page to See Pictures)
Join us this week as we talk with Chris and Jamie Froetschner with Carr Auction and Real Estate. From the history of their multigenerational business to the future of our downtown, this episode is packed with content. Catch up on the local real estate market, and get the back story behind the soon to be “Humble Pie” restaurant in downtown Larned.
This week, we talk with Larned's chief executive officer. Big titles bring big expectations, responsibilities, and dreams. Tune in this week as City Manager, Brad Eilts , walks us through his expectations, responsibilities, and dreams with downtown Larned.
Lea Ann Seiler with NetWork Kansas shares her outsiders perspective of Larned and our downtown. Being from the Jetmore area, Lea Ann appreciates downtown Larned both personally and professionally. Learn what smaller, surrounding communities appreciate about Larned, and how NetWork Kansas is changing generations.
This week we finish up our historical based conversation with Seth McFarland and the Santa Fe trail Center. Fast forward forty years after Larned’s origination, and downtown is booming. Luxury in Larned stimulated dozens of businesses across all industries.(Cigar Factory, Ice Factory, Carriage Factory, and a Business College!) Tune in to hear more on the cyclical trends in our local economy.
We are taking a step back in time with Episode #8. Seth Mcfarland, Director of the Santa Fe Trail Center, shares the origins of Larned and its Downtown. Learn how Henry Booth and the railroad came to form life in Larned. From timber, to locally sourced brick, join us as we talk through the origin of downtown Larned. Tune back in next week for the second half of our historical episode!
Join us this week for episode #7 with Alex Filbert on behalf of the Larned Area Chamber of Commerce. Alex takes us behind the scenes of the old chamber building, and what her days consist of being the chamber director. Alex shares both her challenges and goals for downtown Larned in the years to come. – Enjoy!
Spoiler: Stay tuned until the end of the episode for new and exciting downtown news! (At the time of recording this was a goal. As of today, it is a reality!)
The first 5 Episodes have been an overwhelming success for the Downtown Larned podcast. Tune into this weeks episode to not only find our biggest take aways so far, but to also hear what's coming in our future episodes. This week, we recenter our focus, and call forward those of you who want to make change happen.
In Episode #5, we host Jackie Ehlrich, the owner of Pawnee Valley Sport and Health Located in downtown Larned. After many years of being away, Jackie and her family recently made the decision to move back to Larned. In this episode, she reveals a fresh perspective of Larned, and some of the opportunity that comes with moving back to her hometown. Tune in to find out what the future holds for the old racquetball club building on this week’s episode!
https://www.facebook.com/PawneeValleySportandHealth
Episode #4 of the Downtown Larned Podcast is ready for your ears! This week, we host Suzan Haynes with My Favorite Furnishings. From the history of the business to the future of downtown Larned, we cover a broad range of subjects. Jarred even shares his story on surviving a 3-story free fall on an old elevator. Find out about all this and my Favorite Furnishing’s upcoming building improvements on this week’s episode of the downtown Larned podcast.
Episode #3 of the Downtown Larned Podcast is Here! This week, we wrap up our conversation with Larned Mayor, William Nusser. Our conversation focuses on the future of downtown Larned, and what opportunity William sees for our community.
Spoiler: Next week we host the one and only, Suzan Haynes, with My Favorite Furnishings.
Hope you’re ready for episode #2 on The Downtown Larned Podcast!! This week we host William the Mayor of Larned, Kansas. In this 1 of 2 part interview, William shares his initial “outsider” perspective of Larned. We discuss how he became ultimately became mayor, and what authority the city actually has in regard to downtown revitalization.
In this episode, Landon and Jarred introduce not only themselves, but their intentions behind the podcast as well. This episode sets the stage for the upcoming conversations surrounding the revitalization of downtown Larned.