Maine and New Hampshire are special places to live and work.
Discover the charm of living and working in Maine and New Hampshire. Come along with Chalmers co-workers as they connect with local leaders and business owners who are making a positive impact in their communities.
Searching for practical tips on fostering community and spreading kindness through entrepreneurship? Get inspired and tune in now!
If you would like to be a guest or want to nominate a business owner to appear on our podcast, we'd love to hear from you.
139 - Navigating Generational Transitions with Tammy Buss
In this episode of The Community Cast, host Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Tammy Buss, founder of Blue Roots, to explore the world of family-owned businesses and succession planning. Tammy shares why she launched Blue Roots after decades in financial services, reflects on the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry, and explains how tools like Kolbe and Print help families understand each other during transitions. Plus, hear Tammy's perspective on creating workplace flexibility and balance—values that have shaped her leadership and company culture.
138 - Transformative Massage and Mindful Healing with Kendra Gobeil
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Kendra Gobeil, founder of Mainely Massage and Holistic Solutions in Windham, Maine. Kendra shares her journey from athlete to therapist, her passion for personalized wellness, and powerful client transformations—from avoiding surgery to healing chronic pain and swelling through massage and lymphatic therapy. This episode is a celebration of healing, growth, and the impact of holistic care.
137 - Behind the Lens of a Brand Photographer with Marissa Campbell
In this episode of The Community Cast, host chats with Marissa Campbell, brand photographer and founder of Marissa Elise Photography. From her unexpected journey from dietician to full-time creative entrepreneur, to building a vibrant studio and community in Southern Maine. Marissa shares how she helps entrepreneurs show up confidently and authentically in their businesses—and why her dream shoot involves cats and a global superstar.
136 - The Science of Skin and Self with Jenn Ross-Boshes
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Jenn Ross-Boshes, founder of Beauty Mark Co. in Portland, Maine. Jenn shares how she pivoted from a successful corporate career to pursue her passion for skincare. She discusses launching Beauty Mark in 2007, the science-backed brands she trusts, and how training with a dermal scientist transformed her approach. Jenn champions personalized skincare, "skin coaching," and a pro-aging philosophy rooted in confidence and wellness.
135 - Designing Spaces That Support Real Life with Stephanie Treantos
In this episode, Carissa Chipman sits down with professional organizer Stephanie Treantos, founder of Lemonaid Solutions, to talk transformation, organization, and the power of creating calm in the chaos. From the meaning behind her brand to her simple, intuitive systems—and how to start small when organizing feels overwhelming—it's a heartfelt conversation full of fresh perspective and practical tips.
134 - Held Together: Building Community Through Connection with Tenaya Britton and Mary Beth Golden
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Tenaya Britton and Mary Beth Golden, co-founders of Held Portland—a community initiative helping women connect through intentional gatherings. They share how Held was born from friendship and a shared desire to build meaningful connection, the power of storytelling, and how creating space for vulnerability is transforming lives in Portland and beyond.
133 - Preserving Craftsmanship with Philip Hussey
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Philip Hussey, CEO of Thomas Moser. Philip shares his journey from growing up in Kennebunk to leading a renowned furniture company. They discuss leadership, craftsmanship, and preserving the company's heritage. Philip reflects on customer experience, community engagement, and the future of Thomas Moser.
132 - Building a Customer-Centric Culture with John Isaacson
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews John Isaacson, CEO of Lee Auto Malls. John shares his journey from a summer job in the car business to leading one of Maine's largest auto retailers. They discuss leadership, innovation, and resilience during economic downturns. John reflects on mentoring, customer care, and the future of the auto industry, including electric vehicles and smart technology.
131 - Building Strength Through Connection with Lily Jocham
In this episode of The Community Cast, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Lily Jocham, owner of Reframe Fitness. Lily shares how her early experiences and background in mental health shaped her approach to fitness.
130 - Family First, Exceptional Service Always with Kara Pass
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Kara Pass, President and CEO of Market Street Trust Company. Kara shares her inspiring journey from working as a bank teller to leading a client-owned, shared family office.
129 - Building Confidence and Community with Ashley Tucci
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Ashley Tucci, owner of Aristelle, a lingerie boutique in Portland. Ashley shares her journey from a career in software and financial service sales to becoming a small business owner.
128 - From Bills to Buildings: Real Estate Insights with Matt Pouliot
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Matt Pouliot, founder and CEO of Pouliot Real Estate. Matt shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Augusta to becoming a successful real estate agent and founding his own company.
127 - Navigating Challenges and Rising with Confidence with Sally Helgesen
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Sally Helgesen, author of How Women Rise. Sally shares powerful insights on women's leadership and career advancement. She discusses how to build the right relationships, advocate for yourself, and position yourself for success.
126 - Revitalizing Freeport's Community with Tawni Whitney
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Tawni Whitney, Executive Director of the Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce. Tawni shares insights on community engagement, the challenges and successes of local businesses in Freeport, and how the Chamber supports economic growth.
125 - Fashion and Authenticity with Courtney Wyse
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Courtney Wyse, also known as @CocoWyse, a fashion influencer and blogger. Courtney shares her journey from rural Maine to becoming a successful influencer, her transition from nursing to fashion, and how she stays authentic to her followers. Tune in to hear about her daily life, the challenges she faces, and her tips for staying true to oneself in the world of social media.
124 - HR Strategies for Business Success with Kim Anania
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Kim Anania, President and CEO of KMA Human Resources Consulting. Kim discusses the inspiration behind her women-owned HR consulting firm and the services KMA offers. She also talks about her passion for community involvement and her involvement in various community organizations. Additionally, Kim highlights the most common HR pitfalls businesses face and how KMA HR helps mitigate them.
123 - The Landscape of Success with Patrick Gilligan
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Patrick Gilligan, the owner of Gilligan's Gardens. Patrick shares his journey from sales to starting a landscaping business, his focus on landscaping and arborist work, and how he has built a thriving business based on word-of-mouth referrals. Tune in to hear about his passion for maple syrup production, love for skiing, and even his unexpected hobby of Irish dancing!
122 - The Art of Philanthropy and Fundraising with Diane Lebson
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Diane Lebson, CEO & Co-Founder of Evergreen Philanthropic Solutions. Diane discusses the significance of relationship-building in fundraising, guiding clients in philanthropy, and engaging the next generation. She also offers valuable advice on finding the right board to join and ensuring you do so for the right reasons. Additionally, Diane shares insights from her book, "For a Good Cause," which is a practical guide to giving joyfully.
121 - Empowering Women in the Lumber Industry with Sara Belletete
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Sara Belletete, VP of Branch Development and 4th generation family member of Belletetes, Inc. She discusses the company's history, their community initiatives, and the importance of family values in their operations. Sara also talks about paving the way for women in a male-dominated industry, the unique challenges she has encountered, and the importance of succession planning. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and giving back to the community.
120 - Supporting Small Businesses with Big Ideas with Julie Spugnardi
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Julie Spugnardi, Co-Owner of Bootstrap Marketing. Julie shares her journey from growing up in Lewiston to launching a business during the pandemic. They talk about navigating work-life balance, building a resilient business, and the power of community. Julie also offers advice on staying curious, embracing change, and finding success by helping others.
119 - Innovation, Sustainability and Community Impact with Ben Davis
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Ben Davis, Co-Founder of OpBox. Ben shares his journey from sailor to entrepreneur, overcoming early production challenges, the development of the eco-friendly EDURA Building System and discusses OpBox's community impact through local partnerships and sustainable design solutions.
118 - From Spanish Teacher to Tech CEO with Matt McGrath
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Matt McGrath, President and CEO of Systems Engineering. Matt shares his journey from teaching to tech leadership, what it means to prioritize client relationships and how Systems Engineering helps businesses create a culture of security to mitigate human errors and evolving threats.
117 - Cans from Campers: A Mission to End Hunger with Dottie Reed
In this episode Carissa Chipman interviews Dottie Reed of Camp Pemigewassett. They discuss the "Cans from Campers" initiative, a food drive designed to combat summertime food insecurity. Dottie shares the origins, impact, and national recognition of the program, encouraging other camps to participate. For more info, visit cansfromcampers.com.
116 - Empowering Community Wellness with Jamie Racine
In this episode, Carissa Chipman chats with Jamie Racine, founder and executive director of The Integrated Life. They discuss TIL's commitment to diverse mental health needs, including outreach services and a domestic violence workshop. Jamie highlights the importance of trauma-informed care for better client outcomes and shares her pride in her staff's professional growth, teamwork, and their creative ideas to improve the agency and client services.
115 - Revolutionizing Clean Energy and Community Impact with Phil Coupe
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter chats with Phil Coupe, co-founder of Revision Energy. Phil shares his journey from journalism to launching Revision Energy, emphasizing aligning career and values. He discusses the affordability and benefits of solar energy. Phil also talks about Revision Energy's community initiatives under their Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) program.
114 - What Is Happening and How Did We Get Here? with Linda Varrell
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter chats with Linda Varrell, Founder and President of Broadreach Public Relations LLC. Discover Linda's journey from banking to PR and learn how Broadreach focuses on building, protecting, and preserving clients' reputational capital. They discuss effective crisis management strategies, their commitment to giving back and the benefits of implementing an Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
113 - Overcoming Challenges and Building Empathy with Bruce King
In this episode, Carissa Chipman chats with Bruce King, Executive Director of Maine Boys to Men. Bruce shares his inspiring journey from incarceration to working in youth development and becoming Executive Director. He discusses the importance of developing empathetic boys and men and highlights how Maine Boys to Men collaborates with schools to foster supportive environments for youth.
112 - Values and Vision in Wealth Management with Helen Andreoli
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter chats with Helen Andreoli, Founding Partner and President of Great Diamond Partners. They discuss the core principles of Great Diamond Partners, the importance of proactive client education and personalized financial planning services and how consumers are seeking purpose-driven organizations. Lastly, Helen shares insights on balancing professional and personal life, with a focus on family priorities and making a positive impact.
111 - Clean Innovations with Emily Machesney
In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter chats with Emily Machesney, Human Resources Manager at Pratt Abbott. They discuss how Pratt Abbott provides first-time job opportunities for young Mainers, enhancing the customer experience through technology, and supporting the community through initiatives like "Coats for Kids" and providing laundry services to a summer camp in Maine.
110 - The Retro Roadtripper: Discovering New England with Joshua Hrehovcik
In this episode, Carissa Chipman talks with Joshua Hrehovcik, photographer and writer of The Retro Roadtripper. Joshua talks about what started as taking photographers to entice family from New Jersey to visit Maine has turned into nine books, his favorite hidden gems in Maine and New Hampshire and his playful "feud" with Patrick Dempsey.
