In November 2019, Keith and Janeen Berg embarked on a new adventure by opening GoodyPop in York. Before the opening of GoodyPop, the downtown building was purchased and renovated by their son and daughter-in-law, Miles and Katie Berg. The renovation restored the building’s historic charm, including removing a lowered ceiling to reveal the original tin ceiling tiles, and exposing the brick walls by stripping away layers of plaster. Notably, the store features 1890s wooden apothecary fixtures from a drugstore that Janeen and Keith had once owned in Laurel, Nebraska. Then in 2022, Keith and Janeen sold the business to Miles and Katie.

In May 2024, just a week after graduating high school, Emory Conrad purchased GoodyPop from Miles and Katie. Emory’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from an early age, having participated in craft shows, bake sales, and garage sales. She began working at GoodyPop in the summer of 2020, balancing the job with numerous other activities throughout her high school years. Initially planning to pursue a business degree and study pastry arts, Emory’s path shifted when Katie and Miles decided to sell the business late December of 2023.

Emory saw this as a unique opportunity and was inspired to take on the challenge of ownership. With the guidance of her parents and advisors, she quickly developed a business plan, applied for scholarships, completed college applications, and navigated the complexities of financial meetings—all within the final two months of high school. Emory is passionate about staying involved in the York community and is excited to continue supporting the downtown area through GoodyPop. Her and her family have big plans for the future and are continuously bringing new ideas to the business, ensuring GoodyPop remains a vibrant and beloved part of York's downtown. 

At the heart of Emory Conrad's entrepreneurial journey is her unwavering faith in the Lord. From the very beginning of her path toward owning GoodyPop, Emory has placed her trust in God's guidance and provision. Her strong faith is not just a part of her life—it is the foundation upon which every decision is made, and every step is taken.

Emory has always believed that God’s plan for her life would unfold in His timing, and that belief has been a constant source of strength as she navigated the challenges of transitioning from high school to business ownership. Throughout the process of purchasing GoodyPop, Emory turned to prayer for wisdom, clarity, and direction. She knows that without the Lord's continual guidance, she would not have been able to accomplish what she has in such a short time.

From the moment she first heard that the business might be for sale, Emory prayed for God to reveal His will and open the doors she needed to walk through. She knew that this opportunity was a blessing but also knew that she couldn’t do it alone. Emory needed His help every step of the way—through the business plans, the scholarships, the college applications, and the financial meetings. Her faith provided her with the perseverance to continue even when the challenges seemed overwhelming. She often reflects on how God has shown His faithfulness in tangible ways, answering prayers and providing for her needs at just the right time.

For Emory, faith isn’t just a part of her personal life; it shapes the way she approaches her work and her vision for the future of GoodyPop. She is committed to running the business with integrity, compassion, and a heart for service—values that she believes come directly from her faith. Emory is not only focused on the success of her business but also on creating a positive, uplifting atmosphere in the community and supporting those around her in a way that honors God. She knows that God has called her to this path and is trusting Him to continue to lead me as I build GoodyPop into something that reflects His love and goodness. Emory’s deep-rooted faith continues to inspire her as she embarks on this exciting new chapter of her life, knowing that, with God’s guidance, anything is possible.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

    Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

Fear the Lord, you his godly people,

    for those who fear him will have all they need.

Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,

    but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. 

Psalm 34