Small Town Stories · 2026-07-30 · 37 min
Some businesses sell products. Others become part of the story people tell about where they live. When Jess Pasinetti opened Found and Forage in Kemptville, Ontario, she wasn't trying to build the biggest retail store. She was trying to make it easier for people to shop in a way that reflected their values. What started as one small town business has grown into a home for more than 40 local makers, creating space for creativity, connection, and community to flourish. Jess shares how her background in ethical fashion research shaped the vision behind Found and Forage, why she chose a business model that puts people before profit, and what it feels like to carry the hopes of dozens of creative businesses all at once. It's an honest conversation about responsibility, burnout, and building something that doesn't fit the traditional definition of success. Along the way, we talk about why local entrepreneurship is thriving in rural communities, how supporting local business creates ripple effects far beyond a single purchase, and why the future of main street business may depend on businesses that lead with generosity instead of competition.
Other episodes covering the same guests and topics, from across The B2B Podcast Index.
12: Rural Leadership Redefined | How a Small Town Girl Became Mayor58 / 10007: The Growth Conversation Every Small Town Is Having72 / 10006: The Hidden Reason That Keeps People Coming Back to Small Town Businesses37 / 10005: The Secret Behind a Small Town Business That Connects50 / 10004: The Small Town Business Lesson Hidden in Community38 / 100
