The Community Cast
The Community Cast

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.

109 - Legacy and Lumber with Clara Collins

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter talks with Clara Collins, Operations Manager at S.W. Collins Co. They explore the intricacies of managing a multi-generational company, the balance of tradition with innovation, and the critical role of community involvement, featuring a unique grant program that deepens local engagement. 

108 - Empowering Youth, Inspiring Futures with Michelle Anderson

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Michelle Anderson, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Maine. They discuss Michelle's journey, the role of volunteers and the importance of real-world learning experiences. Michelle shares the impact of Junior achievement on Maine's youth, highlighting the organization's commitment to education and workforce readiness.

107 - Cultivating Culture & Community with Lucy Ditzel

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Carissa Chipman talks with Lucy Ditzel, Chief People Officer at Atlantic Federal Credit Union. Together, they unpack the secrets to creating a workplace that buzzes with energy, driven by employee recognition, leadership development, and a commitment to community service. 

106 - Empowering the Future Generation of Leaders with Christina McAnuff

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Carissa Chipman talks with Christina McAnuff, Executive Director of the Olympia Snowe Women's Leadership Institute. Christina shares her inspiring transition from the advertising world in New York to leading the Olympia Snowe Women's Leadership Institute.   Learn about her dedication to fostering leadership, confidence, and aspirations among high school girls through innovative mentorship and educational programs.

105 - A Beacon of Hope for Animals In Need with Joan McBurnie

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Carissa Chipman talks with Joan McBurnie, Executive Director of Harvest Hills Animal Shelter. Starting as a volunteer dog walker, Joan now leads the shelter. She discusses key strategies and community support that have helped the shelter succeed. Joan shares a story about Bubba, a rescue that showcases their impact. The talk highlights the importance of animal adoption and the shelter's commitment to giving animals a second chance.

104 - Bridging Communities with Jennifer Packard

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Jennifer Packard, President of PK Realty Management & Investments. They discuss the company's commitment to community, current trends in real estate management, and Jennifer's collaborative leadership style. Also, discover the intriguing concept of 'hedonism without harm' as Jennifer shares insights on balancing pleasure with responsibility.

103 - From Bean to Dream: The Sweet Journey with Sarah Burns

Community Cast podcast

Join Carissa Chipman as she explores Sarah Burns' transformation from dreamer to co-owner of Chocolats Passion, Portland Maine's premier French chocolate shop. Discover the secrets behind their sustainable, fair-trade creations, from inspired beginnings to the crafting of unique, unforgettable flavors. Sarah shares the highs and lows of chocolate-making, community impact, and what's next for Chocolats Passion. Every piece has a story.

102 - Crafting Success: Marketing and Leadership Lessons with Ella Chandler

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Steve Cote interviews Ella Chandler, the Marketing Manager at Cheese Louise, an artisan grilled cheese food truck company. They discuss Ella's progression from handling social media to her current role as Marketing Manager, explore Cheese Louise's distinctive approach that focuses on putting people and the organization first, examine how taking on more responsibilities contributed to Ella's leadership development, and highlight the importance of sustainability in the company's expansion.

101 - Unlocking Leadership: A Dive into Fryeburg Academy with Joe Manning

Community Cast podcast

In this podcast, Steve Cote sits down with Joe Manning, Head of School at Fryeburg Academy in Western Maine. They discuss Joe's path to leadership, the insights he's gained, and the impact of the Raiders Family spirit. Learn about Joe's mentors, his approach to challenges, and his passion for education.

100 - Insights from a Six-Generation Family-Owned Business with Richard Hussey

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Richard Hussey, Vice President of Human Resources at Hussey Seating. They discuss what it truly means to be a six-generation family-owned business, how they encourage their employees to give back to their community, and how they foster leadership and growth within the company.

99 - Connecting Kids with Farming with Stephanie McDonough

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Stephanie McDonough, Founder and CEO Farmer of Farm to Table Kids.  They discuss how Steph had to re-launch her business after her son was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer, her passion for connecting kids with nature, and how she has built a community around farming.

98 - Finding Happiness Through Community with Nathan Golon

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Nathan Golon, cinematographer and co-founder of GoodFight Media. They discuss Nate's love for Maine, the importance of community and relationships, and how failure can lead to the best lessons.

97 - Creating a Brighter Future One Book at a Time With Chuck Wilcoxen and Hilary Harper-Wilcoxen

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Carissa Chipman interviews Chuck Wilcoxen, Founder & Mission Director of Team Long Run, and Hilary Harper-Wilcoxen, Executive Director of Team Long Run. They discuss why Team Long Run was founded, the importance of creating early readers and their hopes and dreams for child literacy.

96 - The Evolution of Grocery Stores with Hillary Dacko-Roy

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Hillary Dacko-Roy, Director of Retail Operations at Hannaford. They talk about diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, meeting the needs of both consumers and employees and what leadership means to her.

95 - Workforce Accountability with Jessica Estes

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Jessica Estes, President of The Boulos Company.  They discuss the competition in commercial real estate, learning what drives your employees and cultivating your network.

94 - Creating Marketing Solutions with Paula Mahony

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Paula Mahony, President and Chief Strategist of Words@Work, Inc.  They discuss Paula's journey to the marketing industry, her strategies for public speaking and how she is inspired by her co-workers, her children and her new grandbaby.

93 - Following a Passion for Baking with Nancy Ames

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Carissa Chipman interviews Nancy Ames, owner of Sullivan House Bakery in Gorham, Maine. They discuss Nancy's career path from insurance to baking, the meaning behind "Sullivan House" and how she has used her passion to create a community hub.

92 - Raising the Roof on Communication with Peter Horch

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Peter Horch, President and CEO of Horch Roofing. They discuss how strong communication sets Horch Roofing apart from its competitors, how they use their core values to set employee expectations and why they are passionate about the next generation of trade careers.

91 - Fostering a Culture of Leadership with Erin Plummer

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Erin Plummer, Chief Marketing Officer at Hancock Lumber. They discuss the strong values embedded in Hancock Lumber, the challenges the lumber industry is facing in Maine, and the role culture and leadership plays in the company.  

90 - Celebrating Your Important Life Moments with Lilly Mullen

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Lilly Mullen, President of Springer's Jewelers. They discuss how Springer's inspires and nurtures leaders, their human sustainability initiative and how they've built the company around their employees' wants and needs.

89 - Small Improvements Add Up with Jenn Lever

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Jenn Lever, President of Baxter Brewing.  They discuss how the brewery scene has exploded in Maine, the importance of open communication in the workplace and how to empower your employees to be creative.

88 - Helping Clients Thrive Online with Becky McKinnell

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Carissa Chipman interviews Becky McKinnell, Founder and CEO of iBec Creative and Wildwood Oyster Co. They discuss Becky's road to entrepreneurship, the culture at iBec that has made them a three-time Best Places to Work in Maine recipient, and how she used her background in e-commerce to create a successful handbag line.

87 - Doing Things Differently with Deirdre Wadsworth

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Deirdre Wadsworth, President of Hardypond Construction.  They discuss what it's like being a female in a male dominant industry, the importance of picking your team of trusted advisors and how Hardypond supports causes that matter most to both the company and their employees.

86 - The Compounding Effect of Financial Wellness with Nate Moody

Community Cast podcast

In this 86th episode, Ethan Johnson interviews Nate Moody, Retirement Plan Advisor and Director of Business Development & Marketing at Lebel & Harriman Retirement Advisors in Falmouth, Maine.

They discuss Nate’s passion for financial literacy, the benefit of working with local advisors and the impact you can make when you are passionate about a cause.

85 - Small Town Roots with Bill Chalmers

Community Cast podcast

In this very special episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews her father, Bill Chalmers, 3rd generation owner of Chalmers Insurance. They discuss Chalmers’ multi-generational rich heritage in giving back to local communities, what he loved most about working for the family business, and how to turn problems into opportunities.

84 - Know Your Seafood with Luke Holden

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Luke Holden, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Luke's Lobster, a family-owned Maine seafood business. They discuss how the pandemic strengthened their business, how to create community wherever you go, and what it means to build a sustainable seafood organization.

83 - Building Relationships with Larry Shaw

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Larry Shaw, recently retired CEO of MMG Insurance. They discuss Larry's career journey, advice that inspired him along the way, and what he plans to do in retirement.

82 - A Balance of Beauty and Wellness with Marissa Elliott

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Marissa Elliott, Owner of Lucinda's Day Spa and Hair Studio in Cumberland, Maine. They discuss Marissa's journey to spa ownership, her leadership style, and how the spa gives back to its local community.

81 - Creating Leaders with Mara Moorhead

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Mara Moorhead, CEO of Girl Scouts of Maine (GSME). They discuss how Mara's values underpin her non-linear career path, why Girl Scouts is a premiere leadership development program, and how Girl Scouts nationwide positively impact communities.

80 - Learning From a Local with Jaimie Crawford

Community Cast podcast

In this episode, Steve Cote interviews Jaimie Crawford, a freelance marketing manager and owner of Pressed, and the PR representative for the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce in North Conway, New Hampshire. They discuss Jaimie's love of the Mount Washington Valley area; the importance of mentors and guides in both business and travel; and what one teacher said that changed her life.