Description

Save the date for our next Spotlight program "Unconventional Journeys in Entrepreneurship"! 

The Spotlight program features quarterly events that provide an opportunity for industry leaders and entrepreneurs in NEPA to meet, discuss and identify potential partnerships. Each event features a fifteen-minute presentation from an entrepreneur with regional ties, as well as shorter spotlights featuring local entrepreneurs, students, and non-profits. Spotlight is a Wilkes-Barre Connect program coordinated by the Diamond City Partnership and sponsored by Penn State Wilkes-Barre, through the Invent Penn State initiative.

Joe is an Executive Sponsor at Throughline, leading delivery efforts across multiple teams within the Digital Experience and Transformation portfolio. Current clients include U.S. Department of Energy, Fannie Mae, Army Corps of Engineers, Northrup Grumman, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Joe utilizes an enterprise design thinking approach to drive visual storytelling, innovative problem solving, and execution of strategic visions to produce valuable impact within the client space. Previous to Throughline, Joe served as COO of ENX2 Marketing, Executive Director of Wilkes-Barre Connect, Chief of Staff for Senator Yudichak, and Research Analyst for The Institute.  Joe currently resides in Harveys Lake PA, with his wife Lindsay Griffin-Boylan (Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber President & CEO) and is a proud father of Madeline (Freshman at the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design at Drexel University). Joe holds a BS in Business with a concentration in Marketing and Management from Penn State University.

Joshua Mason is an accomplished entrepreneur, serving as the Founder/Owner of Fame Strength with three thriving locations. A Temple University graduate in Sports Management with a minor in Exercise Science, Joshua's entrepreneurial journey began in 2011, transforming a humble basement startup into a prominent fitness brand. With 13 years in business and 15 employees, Fame Strength stands as the first of its kind in the area. A passionate educator certified in Elementary Education from King's College, Joshua dedicated five years to teaching and served as a School Board Director for two years. As a first-generation college graduate, he is committed to education and community leadership.

Joshua's impact extends beyond business, exemplified by the establishment of a scholarship fund in 2017, providing over $20k in support to local athletes. In response to the challenges of COVID-19, he organized a virtual 5k, raising $10k for a local CEO. Having trained thousands, including Division 1 athletes, All-Americans, and professionals, Joshua Mason is a dynamic force in both the fitness industry and the community, embodying a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, education advocacy, and philanthropy. 

As the Manager & Director of Marketing at NEPA'rogi, a cherished family business, I've had the privilege of combining my passion for marketing with the love for our traditional craft. Having to manage the flow of production, meet the demand, and make sure things are aligned. NEPA'rogi, deeply rooted in our family's lives, specializes in crafting authentic and delicious pierogi recipes passed down through generations. In my role, I've orchestrated innovative marketing and business strategies that honor our heritage while passing down traditions to new audiences. Being a part of the leadership team to evolve the business consistently and efficiently.

Simultaneously, as the Marketing & Brand Manager at Grassroots Development, I've embraced the opportunity to contribute to a cause-driven organization dedicated to empowering communities. Through strategic marketing initiatives, I've helped amplify the heart of Businesses and Non-profit Organizations, while making meaningful connections. Both roles have enriched my entrepreneur journey, allowing me to blend creativity with purpose while making a tangible impact in the industries I deeply care about. I'm committed to driving meaningful change through storytelling, innovation, and authentic engagement, leveraging each opportunity to create lasting impressions.

Jennifer Micciche is the owner of Designs by Olivia Grey. Designs by Olivia Grey is a veteran owned all natural soy candle and wellness candle company based in Pittston. They have been in business since 2016 and proudly stock the areas largest selection of all natural soy candles, wax melts, reed and car diffusers and so much more. They are also the areas first fully customizable candle bar. Their candle bar allows you to completely customize your very own candle. From the vessel to the scent. Everything is designed by you. 

Jennifer Micciche graduated The University of Scranton in 2009 with a bachelor's in Criminal Justice and forensic science. She then attended Loyola University Chicago where she also earned her Master's in Criminal Justice in 2011. In 2013 she joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and served until 2020. 

Simultaneously, In 2019, a few years already into the business, Jennifer went back to school at the University of Hartford and earned her second masters, a Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in project and operations management. In 2020, Jennifer opened her first store in Clarks Summit, Pa. In three years, they outgrew their space and opened their newer and bigger location in Pittston, Pa in September of 2023.  Jennifer is married to her husband and business partner Matt Micciche, has 2 beautiful dogs, and 7 nieces. 

About Wilkes-Barre Connect: The Wilkes-Barre Connect program helps businesses grow in NEPA. Powered by the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business & Industry, Connect features partnerships among the Small Business Development Center at Wilkes University, the Diamond City Partnership, the Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development at Wilkes University, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Family Business Alliance at Wilkes University, and the Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Wilkes University. Wilkes-Barre Connect is housed in Wilkes-Barre’s T.H.I.N.K Center, a space made possible by the Invent Penn State initiative. For more information about the Wilkes-Barre Connect Program please visit http://www.wilkesbarreconnect.org/