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

In this episode, host Jan Ziegler talks with Jeff Whitcomb, President of Communicators Group, about the evolution of marketing and the power of creativity. Jeff shares his journey from copywriting to leading teams, reflects on his time at Eastern Mountain Sports, and explores why human insight still matters in a world shaped by AI. A must-listen for anyone interested in branding, career growth, an...

In Episode 12 of It’s Freitag, host Jan Ziegler talks with Aubrey Saxton, founder of Saxy Chef, about how a spontaneous moment at a local farm stand turned into a thriving pie business. Aubrey shares her journey from seasonal baking to leading a small team that now produces over 40,000 pies a year. She dives into the realities of scaling a food business, learning to price sustainably, saying no to...

It’s Freitag is a podcast hosted by Jan Ziegler that dives into work, growth, and making the most of our weekends. In Episode 11, Jan sits down with Mark Bodin, President of Savings Bank of Walpole, to explore what it means to lead a community-first bank in a rapidly changing world. From putting relationships before profits to navigating tech disruption with purpose, this episode offers powerful i...

In this episode of It’s Freitag, Jan sits down with Keene legend Ted McGreer, owner of Ted’s Shoe & Sport, to celebrate 25 years of local business, community, and a whole lot of hustle. Ted reflects on his journey from ski bum to small business owner, sharing the ups, downs, and everything in between—from six bank rejections to building one of the city’s most beloved spots.

In this episode of It’s Freitag, Jan and Julie sit down to catch up on all things life, art, and community. Julie shares updates on recent visitors, reflects on the importance of showing up for others, and celebrates a big milestone—her recent promotion to President and CEO of the GMS. As always, their easygoing banter and honest insights bring warmth, laughter, and a refreshing sense of connectio...

In this episode of It's Freitag, the guest is Keith Marks, a passionate advocate for arts and culture. Keith shares his journey in the creative world, discussing how he built platforms to amplify artistic voices and foster community engagement. He talks about the importance of accessibility in the arts, the challenges and rewards of curating cultural experiences, and how storytelling plays a cruci...

In this episode, Jan Ziegler chats with Adam Berube, owner of three restaurants in Keene, NH. They discuss Adam’s journey from theater major to restaurateur, the challenges of running multiple businesses, and the evolving food scene in Keene. Plus, Adam shares insights on building strong teams, adapting to customer needs, and his favorite local spots.

In this episode of It’s Freitag!, host Jan Ziegler sits down with Becky Beaton, Executive Director of Hundred Nights. Becky shares her journey from a career in banking to leading a nonprofit focused on housing and food insecurity. They discuss the growing need for shelter beds, the challenges of affordable housing in New Hampshire, and the critical role of partnerships in supporting the community....

In this episode of It’s FriTag, host Jan Ziegler sits down with Tim Pipp, owner of Beeze Tees, to talk about his journey from screen printing in his college basement to building a thriving business with multiple ventures. Tim shares insights on entrepreneurship, growth through acquisitions, and the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining passion and balance. Plus, we dive into his unexp...

In this episode, Jan Ziegler sits down with Julianna Dodson, Executive Director of the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship. Julianna shares her journey from an accounting background to the nonprofit world, her experience living and working abroad, and her vision for fostering a regenerative economy in New Hampshire. They also discuss rural business challenges, the importance of community-dri...

In this episode of It's Freitag, Jan sits down with Jill Exel, a seasoned realtor with a background in marketing and design. Jill shares her journey into real estate, insights into the Monadnock region’s housing market, and advice for buyers, sellers, and even employers looking to support new hires with housing. Plus, she reveals some of her favorite local spots and what makes a perfect weekend. T...

On this episode of It’s Freitag, host Jan Ziegler chats with Brad Martin, Director of Sales and Operations at Worldwide Computer Solutions. Brad shares his journey from New Hampshire to the West Coast and back, offering insights into IT security, business growth, and the importance of proactive tech management. Plus, we dive into his love for fat-tire biking and how he enjoys the Monadnock region....

In the first episode of It's Freitag, host Jan Ziegler sits down with Caroline Tremblay, the creative mind behind Owl and Pen Writing. Caroline shares her journey from classroom teacher to writer, building a collective of freelance creatives in the Monadnock region. They discuss the art of storytelling for businesses, balancing work and life in New Hampshire, and her exciting plans for 2025! Don’t...