There’s something special about small towns. The familiar faces, the local shops that know your name, the way people wave as they drive by, all of it creates a sense of belonging that’s hard to find anywhere else. I’ve lived in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania most of my life, and I’ve seen firsthand how small businesses can breathe life into a community. When local businesses grow, the town grows with them. And when we reinvest our time, money, and energy back into our hometowns, we build something that matters far beyond the walls of any one shop or office.
Where It All Began
When my husband Dave and I started MarDav Enterprises back in 2001, our goal wasn’t just to fix up houses. We wanted to make a difference in the community that raised us. Hummelstown has that small-town charm that makes you want to protect it, and we wanted to be part of its story. At first, we didn’t think of ourselves as community builders. We were just trying to make a living doing something we loved. But over time, we realized that every property we restored and every family that moved into one of our homes added to the town’s heartbeat.
That’s the beauty of small business. It doesn’t just serve customers, it strengthens connections.
The Power of Reinvestment
When you run a local business, the money you earn doesn’t just disappear into a corporate office somewhere. It stays right here. We buy supplies from nearby hardware stores, hire local tradespeople, and use local services whenever we can. That money circulates through the community, helping other families and other businesses grow.
The same principle applies to every local business in town. The café on Main Street, the barber, the antique shop, the yoga studio, they all play a role in keeping the town thriving. When residents choose to support these places instead of big box stores or online chains, it creates a cycle of growth that benefits everyone.
I’ve seen what happens when small towns lose that connection. Empty storefronts make streets feel quiet, and younger generations start looking elsewhere for opportunity. But I’ve also seen what happens when people rally behind their local businesses. Suddenly the town feels alive again. There’s a sense of excitement and pride that spreads from one neighbor to the next.
The Emotional Side of Local Business
Running a small business is personal. Our clients aren’t strangers, they’re our neighbors, our kids’ teachers, the people we see at church or at the grocery store. When we take on a renovation project, we’re not just improving a property; we’re investing in someone’s future and in our community’s future.
I remember one project where an old home sat vacant for years. People had written it off as beyond repair. But we saw its potential. When we finished the restoration, the neighbors stopped by just to say how happy they were to see the house come back to life. Some even shared stories of the families who used to live there. That kind of connection is what keeps us motivated. It’s not about flipping houses, it’s about restoring pride.
Building Community Beyond Business
Over the years, I’ve realized that being part of a small-town business community comes with a responsibility to give back. I’ve always believed that leadership means more than financial success. It means showing up. Whether it’s volunteering with St. Ann Byzantine Helping Hands, supporting youth sports programs, or helping organize local fundraisers, every small action matters.
When local business owners get involved in their communities, it creates momentum. People feel supported and encouraged. Kids grow up seeing examples of what it means to take pride in where you live and work. That kind of influence can shape generations.
Small Towns, Big Lessons
Owning a business in a small town has taught me lessons I could never learn in a big city. I’ve learned that relationships matter more than transactions. Word-of-mouth is stronger than any advertisement, and trust is the most valuable currency there is.
I’ve also learned that growth doesn’t always mean expansion. Sometimes it means deepening your roots. It’s about improving the quality of your work, the way you treat your employees, and the impact you have on your community. Small businesses may not always make national headlines, but they’re the backbone of America’s towns. They create jobs, support families, and give people reasons to stay and invest in their hometowns.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As a mom, I want my kids to see that success isn’t just about profit, it’s about purpose. I want them to understand that where you live and work can be a source of pride. They’ve watched Dave and me pour our time and hearts into MarDav Enterprises, and I hope it shows them that you don’t have to leave your hometown to build something meaningful. You can build it right where you are.
I also encourage them to support local businesses whenever possible. Whether it’s buying from a local boutique or eating at a neighborhood restaurant, those choices make a difference. Supporting local isn’t just about spending money, it’s about investing in people’s dreams.
The Future of Small-Town Pride
Looking ahead, I believe small-town pride is making a comeback. More people are realizing that a strong local economy starts with supporting local entrepreneurs. There’s a growing appreciation for authenticity, craftsmanship, and community connection.
For our part, we plan to keep reinvesting in Central Pennsylvania. There’s still so much potential in the properties and neighborhoods around us. Each project we take on is another chance to strengthen the town we love.
Community Is Everything
Small businesses are the heartbeat of small towns. They bring people together, keep local economies strong, and give communities their character. Reviving small-town pride isn’t just about restoring buildings or opening shops, it’s about restoring hope, connection, and belonging.
When we choose to invest in our hometowns, we’re saying that they matter. We’re saying that community is worth building and preserving. For me, that’s what MarDav Enterprises has always been about. It’s not just a business. It’s a way to give back to the place that gave so much to me.