Ep.#135: Patti Tole, CARE Humane Society

Ep.#135: Patti Tole, CARE Humane Society

We sit down with Patty Tole from CARE Humane Society to unpack what the shelter actually does for Auburn, Opelika, and all of Lee County. We talk spay and neuter access, Trap Neuter Return for community cats, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps animals healthy, safe, and matched with the right homes.  • CARE Humane Society’s history, rebrand, and what CARE stands for  • Patty’s journey from volunteering to working across donor relations and community programs  • Misconceptions about shelters and who can use CARE’s services  • Low-cost spay and neuter voucher programs for Lee County residents  • Trap Neuter Return basics and why “return” helps prevent new cats moving in  • Daily shelter realities, including cleaning, play groups, fostering, and enrichment  • How to find adoptable pets and start the adoption process online  www.carehumane.org

Ep.#134: Kendyl White, Flipper Marketing

We talk with Kendyl White of Flipper Marketing about why promotional products can beat short-lived ads and how the right item turns your brand into something people keep. Kendall also shares her journey of building a local business through relationships, community, and a deeper sense of purpose.  • What a promotional product agency does and how Kendall acts as the connector between customer and vendor  • Unexpected branding ideas beyond pens and mugs, including custom mints and highly specific items  • Why promo products are a good investment when the item is useful and fits the audience  • Making branded merchandise feel personal to a business so it stands out and gets kept  • Starting over in a new town and growing through chambers, cold outreach, and community ties  • How Kendall competes with online promo sites through vendor access and buying group pricing  • Simple ways to shop by budget, get mock-ups, and avoid feeling overwhelmed by options  www.flippermarketingllc.com

Ep.#133: Will Leveille, Auburn Therapy Dogs

We meet Will Leveille from Auburn Therapy Dogs and learn how certified therapy dog teams bring real comfort to hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and more across East Alabama and West Georgia. Will also shares how his golden retriever, CJ, became a local favorite, wrote a children’s book, and helped shape a volunteer nonprofit built on service.  • what Auburn Therapy Dogs provides and where teams visit  • how Will and CJ get certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and scale from one team to about 30  • how far the group travels beyond Auburn and Opelika  • why CJ’s children’s book helps kids face travel fears and new experiences  • the key differences between therapy dogs, service dogs, and emotional support animals  • what it takes to run a nonprofit with volunteers and limited time  • why animal-assisted therapy research matters and how visits help mind and body  • how community groups can request visits and why scheduling early helps  AuburnTherapyDogs@gmail.com Instagram and Facebook

Ep.# 132: Katrina Blanchard, Monarch Estates Senior Living

We sit down with Katrina Blanchard from Monarch Estates in Auburn to break down what independent senior living really offers and how families can bring in the right support without losing autonomy. We also talk candidly about advocacy, misconceptions around care levels, and the real costs that catch families off guard.  • what Monarch Estates is and why the remodel and amenities matter  • Katrina’s path from New York into senior living sales in Auburn • how independent living differs from assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing  • what “aging in place” can mean in practice and why licensing affects moves  • advocating for loved ones when they cannot advocate for themselves  • pricing realities in the Auburn area and how a la carte services can lower costs  • how to tour Monarch Estates and ask better questions early  www.monarchestatessl.com 334-502-0977 1550 East University Dr. Auburn, AL

Ep.#131: Robyn Bridges, Auburn Opelika Tourism

We sit down with Robyn Bridges, President and CEO of Auburn Opelika Tourism, to unpack how tourism work quietly shapes what locals get to enjoy every day. We connect the visitor economy to better facilities, stronger small businesses, and the intentional relationship-building that brings major events to town. • destination management explained through recruiting conferences and sporting events  • visitor spending tied to jobs, local business growth, and city services  • pickleball and recreation facilities as examples of tourism-fueled expansion  • restaurants and retail supported by steady visitor traffic  • AOTourism.com as a planning tool with a comprehensive events calendar  • Robyn’s career journey from hotel marketing to tourism leadership  • common misconceptions about tourism being only for outsiders  • leadership lessons on curiosity, trust, and making people feel valued  • growth challenges around scalability, staffing, and budget  • big events as the result of years of intentional recruiting and relationships  www.aotourism.com