It’s Freitag! - Business and Life in the Monadnock Region

In this episode of It's Freitag, Liz LaRose, Executive Director of Monadnock United Way, sits down with Jan to talk about what it actually means to lead a nonprofit through a decade of change, and why the old model had to go. A communications professional turned fractional marketer turned nonprofit leader, Liz spent 13 years as a one-woman marketing engine for financial firms and nonprofits before...

In this episode of It's Freitag, Jay Kahn, Mayor of Keene, NH, sits down with Jan to talk about what it actually means to lead a small city, and why he chose to. The son of German immigrants and a first-generation college student from Chicago, Jay spent 28 years at Keene State College, served in the NH State Senate, and built his entire career around one idea: show up, fill the void, and serve. He...

In this episode of It's Freitag, Megan Gomarlo shares how she built Northern Lights Cheerleading from three mat strips in a community room into a nationally recognized program in Keene, NH. She talks about growing up in cheer, winning Monadnock's first-ever state championship alongside her mom, and what it takes to coach athletes from a small town onto the national stage — while making sure every...

In this episode of It's Freitag, Jan sits down with Wink Faulkner, founder of Red House Advisors, to talk about what four decades in business really teaches you. From Markham to Italy to the CEO seat, Wink shares why servant leadership works, why the fundamentals matter, and how helping others is the best business strategy of all.

Paul Finley, owner of Finley Construction, shares how he went from running a painting business to leading a 15+ person construction company in New Hampshire. In this episode, Paul talks about the systems, team culture, and client experience that made scaling possible — and the hard lessons learned along the way. A must-listen if you're in the trades or growing a service business.

In this episode of It’s Freitag Podcast, Jan Ziegler sits down with Jordan Cemorelis, founder of Max Aesthetics, to talk about her transition from pediatric ICU nurse to entrepreneur. From building a med spa rooted in clinical expertise to balancing business ownership with advanced medical training, Jordan shares an honest look at growth, risk, and creating a patient-centered approach to aesthetic...

Jan Ziegler sits down with Corinne Breton-Benfield, Executive Director of Stay Work Play NH, to talk about workforce challenges, young talent retention, and building a stronger future for New Hampshire. From addressing housing and childcare barriers to fostering collaboration across business, government, and community leaders, this episode explores how intentional action can shape a more sustainab...

Jan Ziegler sits down with Michelle DellaVita, Director of Leadership Monadnock at the Greater Monadnock Collaborative, to talk about regional leadership development, workforce retention, and building stronger community connections. From expanding leadership pipelines to fostering cross-sector collaboration, this episode dives into how intentional leadership strengthens the entire Monadnock Region...

In this episode of It's Freitag Podcast, host Jan Ziegler interviews Colleen Spear, founder of Spearpoint Strategies. Colleen shares her journey from sustainability student to business consultant, explaining how she helps companies scale and grow with purpose through systems and strategy. From the importance of networking to redefining consulting for small businesses, Colleen offers insights into...

In this episode of It’s Freitag Podcast, Jan Ziegler sits down with Joe Shawver, owner of The Square Books. They discuss Joe’s journey building a bookkeeping business rooted in trust, education, and long-term relationships. Tune in for valuable insights on understanding the story behind the numbers, helping business owners identify profitability, and growing a service-based business through referr...

In this episode of It’s Freitag, Jan Ziegler sits down with Emily Benson, Head of Employee Success at Bensonwood. They discuss Emily's journey growing up in her family’s construction business, the innovative apprenticeships she's creating to solve local workforce challenges, and her vision for the future of Keene. Tune in for valuable insights on workforce development, community leadership, and th...

In this episode of It’s Freitag, Jan Ziegler sits down with Todd Horner, Executive Director at the Southwest Region Planning Commission. They discuss Todd's journey from farming to leading regional planning, tackling challenges like affordable housing, transportation, and climate resilience across the Monadnock Region. Tune in for valuable insights on community planning and the future of small tow...

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Andy DeMeo, creator of Granite Goodness, to explore how optimism and progress-driven storytelling can reshape the way we see the world. Andy shares what inspired him to push back against the negativity bias in traditional media, the overlooked stories of progress in areas like health, equality, and sustainability, and how he’s applying this “progress jou...

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Collin and Tim Hart of Hart Brothers Tree Service to discuss their journey from wildland firefighters to business owners. They share how their experiences hiking the Appalachian Trail and fighting fires gave them the confidence to start a tree service, the importance of community trust in their growth, and how they balance equipment investments with main...

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with A.J. Kierstead, communications professional and outreach coordinator for the New Hampshire Insurance Department, to discuss balancing a career in public service with media, creative ambitions, and family life. A.J. shares his journey of navigating the evolving landscape of podcasting and media in New Hampshire, while also making time to stay connected to...

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Alana Fiero—Freitag Marketing team member and President of the Keene Young Professionals Network—to discuss building community, creating opportunities for young talent, and growing KYPN into a hub for leadership and local impact. Alana also shares her journey from corporate philanthropy to founding Taste of Keene during the pandemic.

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Jay Hayston—nonprofit changemaker, data-driven strategist, and CEO of Cedarcrest—to explore how compassionate leadership, bold decisions, and innovative care models are reshaping what’s possible for medically complex children and the teams who support them.

In this episode, Jan Ziegler chats with Barb Weisman—food equity advocate, endurance athlete, and Executive Director of the Community Kitchen—to explore how mission-driven leadership and creative collaboration can turn mobile pantries into future food trucks and tackle systemic hunger, all powered by personal passion and community roots.

In this episode, Jan Ziegler chats with Charles Oropallo—Marine Corps veteran, early internet pioneer, and founder of CharlesWorks—to explore how local trust can drive long-term success in a global industry. From building one of the first dial-up BBS systems in the 70s to running a transparent, community-rooted web business, Charles shares stories, lessons, and the value of aesthetics in a digital...

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Jeff Saari, a leadership coach and “business therapist” based in Keene, NH, to talk about burnout, authentic leadership, and building healthier companies from the inside out. From his early journey through depression and meditation retreats to becoming a trusted advisor for business owners and teams, Jeff shares powerful insights on workplace culture, co...

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Greg Curry, a nationally ranked Mortgage Loan Originator based in Keene, NH, to talk about career pivots, trust-based business, and thriving in a competitive market. From his background in hospitality to building a top 1% mortgage career, Greg shares candid insights on client relationships, today’s real estate landscape, and balancing high performance wi...

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Steve Fortier, Administrator of Rural Economic Development at NH’s Department of Business and Economic Affairs, to talk about collaboration over competition, workforce challenges, and the future of local economies. From his path through nonprofit leadership to supporting manufacturers in Keene, Steve shares practical insights on building stronger, more c...

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Mark DiPietro, Vice President of Marketing at Franklin Pierce University, to talk about the changing world of higher ed marketing—and how colleges can cut through the noise. From his transition from journalism to PR to university leadership, to the return of direct mail and building brand around what makes Franklin Pierce unique, Mark shares thoughtful i...

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Gina Burke, Executive Director of Monadnock DEIB Coalition, to talk about courageous leadership, rebuilding trust, and the challenges facing DEIB work today. From her shift from tech to community impact, to data-driven insights and partnerships with groups like Keene Pride, Gina shares an inspiring look at what it takes to lead with purpose.

In Episode 14 of It’s Freitag, host Jan Ziegler welcomes back Tim Pipp to talk about Talentshare—a new tool he and Jan co-created to help small business owners delegate with ease. They dive into real use cases, the power of a call-in task system, and why no one should try to do it all alone. Packed with practical insights and honest conversation, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to...