Local Lens | Season 2, Episode 3: Laughter, Community & The Funniest Man in Martinsburg

Episode 5 | Inside the Kitchen with Chef Brown of James Rumsey

We’re back with another episode of Local Lens, and this one is all about food, mentorship, and community. We sat down with Chef Brown, culinary instructor at James Rumsey Technical Institute, to talk about his path into the culinary world, what it’s like teaching students with all levels of experience, and how hands-on programs like Chef Express and cooking competitions prepare students for real careers. If you’ve ever wondered what culinary education really looks like — or how local programs are making a big impact — this episode is a must-watch.

Local Lens Episode 4 | Building Varsity Travel with Tyler & Kim Tummolo

In this episode of Local Lens, we sit down with Tyler and Kim Tummolo, owners of Varsity Travel, to talk about what it really takes to grow a business together. We dive into Tyler’s journey into ownership, how Varsity Travel has been reinvigorated and modernized, and what the future holds for the brand. Kim shares her perspective on balancing family, business, and partnership, along with how their different strengths come together to make the business work. From leadership and community involvement to vision, growth, and keeping things fun along the way, this episode offers an honest look at building something meaningful — together.

Local Lens | Season 2, Episode 3: Laughter, Community & The Funniest Man in Martinsburg

We’re back with Local Lens – Season 2, Episode 3, and this one brings the laughs. 😄 In this episode, we sit down with Connor Williams, local stand-up comedian and founder of the United By Comedy Foundation, to talk about his journey into comedy, what it’s like building a comedy scene in the Eastern Panhandle, and how laughter can be a powerful tool for connection, healing, and community.   From bombing on stage to producing shows at venues like the Apollo Theatre, Connor shares what it takes to try something new in a place where it hasn’t really been done before — and why bringing people together, even for a night of laughs, matters now more than ever.   🎙️ Comedy 🤝 Community 😂 A whole lot of laughs

From Jobsite to Owner at 25 | Ben DeOms | Mountaineer Kitchens & Baths

Local Lens returns for Season 2, and in Episode 2 we sit down with Ben DeOms, owner of Mountaineer Kitchens & Baths. Ben shares how he worked his way up from jobsite labor at 16 to becoming the owner of one of the area’s most trusted remodeling companies by 25. We talk leadership, mentorship, earning respect, building a loyal team, and why doing the work yourself changes how you lead. A real conversation about growth, responsibility, and building something that lasts.

Sandeep Singh with Filthy Fizz

In the Season 2 premiere of Local Lens, we sit down with Sandeep, co-owner of Filthy Fizz, to talk about what it really takes to build something new from the ground up — especially when it doesn’t exist in your market yet.   Sandeep shares how a simple idea, a creative spouse, and a long line at a dirty soda shop turned into a fast-growing local brand. We dig into the risks of starting a trend-based business, why they gave away over 1,000 drinks before opening, and how community validation mattered more than a perfect business plan.   We also talk about building a brand with intention — from creative menu development and social media strategy to hiring and mentoring a young team that actually wants to be there. Sandeep explains why he sees himself more as a coach than a boss, how customer service beats competition, and why staying involved in the community is non-negotiable.   This episode is a real look at entrepreneurship: the wins, the supply-chain headaches, the lessons from past businesses, and the long-term vision for Filthy Fizz — including events, expansion, and potential franchising.   If you’re a business owner, creative, or anyone thinking about taking a risk on something new, this conversation is full of honest insight and practical perspective.