About Local Treasure

Our mission is to make local shopping exciting, rewarding, and community-driven by helping small businesses turn loyalty into lasting customer relationships, all through one fun, shared platform.

Our Story

Local Treasure was born from a simple observation: in our increasingly digital world, we're losing touch with the physical places that make our communities unique. Small businesses struggle for visibility while residents and visitors alike miss out on incredible local experiences happening right under their noses.

What began as an idea during the height of COVID has grown into a full-fledged startup. Founder and CEO Alexina McQuilkin was inspired to create Local Treasure after seeing her favorite neighborhood restaurant shut its doors. That moment sparked a mission: to shine a spotlight on local businesses, helping them compete with bigger chains and share their unique stories with the community.

Today, Local Treasure serves as a digital compass for community discovery, helping people find authentic local experiences while providing small businesses with the visibility they deserve. We are currently in beta in 3 different Massachusetts communities and look forward to launching our full loyalty program soon. Every discovery made through our platform strengthens the fabric of local communities.

Meet the Founders

Passionate advocates for community connection and local business support

Alexina McQuilkin

Co-Founder & CEO

Alex founded Local Treasure with a passion for discovery and innovation, turning her vision into reality by creating a platform that brings people together through unique experiences. Her leadership and creativity have driven Local Treasure from concept to development, shaping it into what it is today.

Brandon Mills

Co-Founder & CTO

Brandon leads the tech at Local Treasure, building the platform from the ground up with a focus on scalability, performance, and innovation. He turns ideas into reliable, maintainable software, ensuring the product supports sustainable growth while staying secure, efficient, and aligned with the company's long-term mission and goals.

George Cobi

Co-Founder & CFO

George guides Local Treasure’s financial direction and growth, making sure every decision supports the company's long-term mission. With insight and precision, he creates strong business relationships and ensures smart, sustainable scaling, turning strategy into meaningful outcomes that help Local Treasure thrive and benefit local communities.

Our Company Goals

The core objectives that drive everything we do at Local Treasure

Strengthen Communities

Build stronger connections between neighbors and foster a sense of local pride and belonging.

Support Small Businesses

Increase visibility and foot traffic for independent shops, restaurants, and service providers.

Preserve Local Character

Help maintain the unique personality and charm that makes each neighborhood special.

Enable Discovery

Make it easy for people to find and experience the hidden gems in their own backyard.

Press & Media

News coverage and recognition of our mission to strengthen local communities

Hustle Baby Podcast

"Putting Local Businesses Back On the Map"

Entrepreneurship podcast hosted by Evan Walsh. Alexina and George share their experience with working on Local Treasure while still in school and the future for Local Treasure.

June 7th 2025

Babson GEM Report

"Passion Meets Persevance"

Alexina was featured in Babson College’s GEM Report and highlighted for women entrepreneurs showing resilience, adaptability and impact.

March 14th 2025

Today at Elon

"In the Shark Tank..."🦈

Alexina pitched Local Treasure in front of Daymond John from Shark Tank at the Pheonix Tank event.

September 30th 2023

Market Daily

"Massachusetts Teen Gamifies In-Store Shopping"

Alexina was highlighted for the early stages of developing Local Treasure while in high school.

January 18th 2022

For press inquiries and media kits, please contact:

info@localtreasure.com

Our Values

Authenticity

We celebrate genuine local experiences and honest community connections.

Inclusivity

Every business and community member deserves equal opportunity to participate and thrive.

Sustainability

Supporting local businesses creates resilient communities and sustainable economies.