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Philosophy & Origin Story

 

Before the internet, business was done face-to-face and with a handshake. That belief - building trust and real relationships is what I'm all about, and it's the foundation of how I do business.

 

For nearly 20 years, I opened and operated restaurants for small business owners. Every customer connection, every successful dinner service, was built on trust. That experience taught me what truly drives success in small business: personal relationships, consistency, and heart

 

Why LiveWorkPlay Was Created

 

After years of being the decision-maker on advertising spend, I saw a big problem: most marketing opportunities were out of reach for small businesses I cared about to benefit. I wanted to create something beautiful, targeted, affordable, and built specifically for mom-and-pop businesses, something with the biggest reach but without the big-business price tag.

 

So in October 2016, I launched LiveWorkPlay Guides to Tampa Bay and Pennsylvania Small Business.​

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Mission Statement

 

Mission: To give small businesses the same voice and visibility as those with large marketing budgets, but in a more targeted way. It's all about leveling the playing field.

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What We Publish

 

LiveWorkPlay publishes both hardcover and digital guides that connect new residents and travelers with the best in shopping, dining, things to do, and professional services in:

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NEW! Live Work Play Coast to Coast - A National Small Business Directory

 

Tampa Bay, Florida

 

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

 

Central PA -Hershey/Harrisburg/West shore

 

South Central PA - Gettysburg/York

 

Lehigh Valley

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More than 200 small businesses have found value and affordability in our targeted, regional distribution.

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Our Distribution Model

 

We partner with realtors, builders, HOA communities, property managers, and hospitality hosts to place our guides directly into the hands of new residents, homeowners, and travelers. It's about being where people need trusted local insight the most.

 

10–12% of our guidebooks are placed in guest rooms across select hotels, Airbnb's, and Bed & Breakfasts in Pennsylvania - and over 831 Airbnb properties in Tampa Bay. Each guide’s distribution is customized by region, and I’m happy to share more about that when you reach out.

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Our Digital Reach

 

Our website attracts local, regional, national, and international visitors - with visitors from every major market in the U.S. 

Top traffic from Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, and New York, and cities like Philadelphia, Tampa, Orlando and Harrisburg.

 

Monthly reach updates are shared on my personal Facebook

And yes  - I'm still running all of this as a one-woman business.

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About Me

 

I was born on an Army base in Fort Ord, California, and raised in a military family that lived in Germany, France, and seven U.S. states. We eventually settled in Central Pennsylvania after my father retired and began working at the Mechanicsburg Navy Depot.

 

I have three sons, Matthew, Mark, and John - and three beautiful grandsons.

 

While it may seem random that I launched my business in Tampa Bay, the connection runs deep. I lived there for 17 years and have been visiting Tarpon Springs since childhood. My grandparents opened one of the oldest restaurants in Center City Philadelphia in 1920 - and it's still operating today!

 

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Still Rolling Up My Sleeves

 

As of May 2025, I continue to personally deliver thousands of guidebooks each year - to lodging, realtors, HOA communities and small businesses - with no employees. I've even delivered door-to-door to thousands of homes as a gift from their HOA.

 

That’s how I keep LiveWorkPlay affordable, efficient, and meaningful for small businesses.

 

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A Final Word

 

If there’s one thing I’ve proven, it’s that you can absolutely start a new chapter - even in your 50s. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and LiveWorkPlay

 

 Christine

Founder, LiveWorkPlay Guides