VALLEY VIEW, PA — Arthur Deibler, entrepreneur and owner of Bullpen Fitness & Recreation, Prima Pizzeria, and Lucky Horse Tavern, is calling on small business owners to look beyond transactions and embrace their role as community builders. Deibler believes local businesses have the potential to become spaces where relationships are forged, neighbors connect, and communities grow stronger.
"Every business has an opportunity to create more than a product or a service," Deibler said. "It can become a place where people feel welcome, where conversations happen, and where people build connections they might not find anywhere else."
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses represent 99.9% of all U.S. businesses and employ nearly 46% of the nation's private workforce. Research also indicates that areas with thriving local businesses often see higher levels of civic engagement and neighborhood involvement. For Deibler, these statistics reinforce what he has observed throughout his career.
"When people have places they enjoy spending time in, they become more connected to where they live," he said. "That connection benefits everyone."
Each of Deibler's ventures serves a distinct purpose but is rooted in the same philosophy. Bullpen Fitness & Recreation aims to provide an approachable environment for people of all fitness levels. Prima Pizzeria offers a gathering spot for families and friends, while Lucky Horse Tavern provides a setting for relaxation and socializing. "I've always believed that atmosphere matters," Deibler explained. "People remember how a place makes them feel. If they feel respected and welcomed, they'll come back."
Deibler emphasizes that creating such environments hinges on consistency rather than grand ideas. "You don't need to reinvent your business every year," he said. "You need to show up every day, take care of people, and build trust over time." He also stresses the importance of business owners remaining visible and engaged in daily operations. "I like being present," he said. "Talking with customers and employees tells you much more than looking at numbers alone. Those conversations help you understand what people actually need."
His commitment to community extends beyond his businesses. Deibler volunteers at Hebron United Methodist Church in Millersburg, Pennsylvania, and believes community involvement is integral to being a local business owner. "I don't think leadership stops when you leave work," he said. "Being involved in your community gives you a better understanding of the people you're serving."
As customer expectations evolve, Deibler believes authenticity will become an even greater advantage for small businesses. "People have plenty of choices today," he said. "What they remember isn't just what they bought. They remember how they were treated and whether they felt like they belonged." Instead of focusing solely on growth, he encourages entrepreneurs to consider the long-term role their businesses can play in their hometowns. "If you build a place that people genuinely enjoy coming back to, you're doing more than running a business," Deibler said. "You're helping build the community around it."
