Yesterday, the Yokl trolley transformed into a classroom on wheels for 20 business students from Penn State Harrisburg. We visited four local businesses and heard directly from the owners about what it really takes to build something from the ground up. Between stops, we talked about something just as important—how to build your personal brand through strong, sincere communication.
Lesson #1: Entrepreneurship Takes Patience
Our first stop was Savory Café with owner, Heather Anderson. What she thought would be a three-month buildout took two years—but the dream never died. Heather shared how she uses daily “specials” to test out new dishes, only adding them to the menu once they’re proven hits. Her message? Be flexible, stay creative, and don’t let unexpected delays derail your vision.
Lesson #2: Pivot When You Must
At Knock Knock Boutique, Emily Drobnok told us her journey from teaching (which left her unfulfilled) to entrepreneurship. With some help from family and lots of thrifted fixture finds, she opened her first shop—and now owns three. Her advice: It’s okay to pivot. “All businesses,” she said, “are in the people business.” Relationships matter more than product lines.
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Lesson #3: Family and Learning Fuel Growth
At Hoageez, Linda Martin emphasized the joy of working alongside family. Her shop has been a local favorite for 12 years, built on teamwork and a love of learning. “Keep learning,” she told the students. “Always, in every way, and in everything you do.”
Lesson #4: Build Community, Not Just a Customer Base
Our final stop was Cubby’s Ice Cream Café, where new owner Jonathan Sartini talked about serving his neighbors with pride. His advice? Offer something unique, and focus on community. “If you serve the guy who lives around the corner,” he said, “you’ll build something that lasts.”
In Between the Stops: The Communication Blueprint
As we cruised from business to business, we talked about the five essential communication rules every future entrepreneur should master:
- Be Yourself. People can spot inauthenticity a mile away—let your personality lead.
- Ask Questions and Listen. Curiosity builds connection. Don’t be a Me-Monster!
- Master the Greeting. Eye contact, a genuine smile, and a firm handshake go a long way.
- Share Sincere Compliments. Kindness never goes out of style.
- Tangle Up with Others. Build meaningful relationships that will sustain you in life and business.
We’re so thankful to Heather, Emily, Linda, and Jonathan for pouring into these students and modeling what it means to lead with courage, creativity, and community. The future is brighter when we learn from those building it right in our own neighborhoods.
