Valerie Sodano - Jericho Country Store

Co-hosts Drew Kinney and Travis Spencer welcome Valerie, owner of the Jericho Country Store, and discuss her path from running a bed and breakfast to buying Vermont’s oldest continuously operating country store (opened in 1807). Valerie describes what the store offers—deli sandwiches, grill items, creemees, gifts, groceries, beverages, beer and natural wines, and gas—and emphasizes her role as a steward for the community. They cover seasonality, competition with larger chains, staffing challenges, rising costs, and the complexities of managing aging gas pumps and tanks, including required training and upfront fuel purchases. Valerie shares updates she’s made to refresh and reorganize the historic space, notes the impact of the post office leaving in 2024, and outlines plans for more community events, catering, and prepared dinners.00:00 Show Welcome02:39 Finding Vermont08:15 Buying The Store13:48 Must Try Items24:34 Lessons Learned and Advice28:09 Avoiding Burnout28:41 Support Local Stores28:51 Guest Suggestions Wrap29:35 Final Thanks Outro